As someone who grew up in New York City, one could even say that bagels run in my blood. Although New York is rapidly changing, especially Manhattan, the Lower East Side still has many of the best places to sample Jewish food in New York. This guide to the Lower East Side is set up as a self-guided walking tour of the best Jewish bakeries and restaurants in the LES (if not Manhattan).
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The Unisphere: The story behind the most famous attraction in Queens
As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I can tell you that the Unisphere is a point of pride for many New Yorkers. This post will discuss the history of the Unisphere along with some insider tips for your visit to this famous Queens attraction.
…A food guide to Arthur Avenue: New York’s real Little Italy in the Bronx
It’s funny how long it can take to visit places that are right on your doorstep. My dad and I ventured to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx recently. This charming slice of Italy is one of the last bastions of true Italian culture in New York at its finest (far better than Little Italy in Manhattan!) and one of the only places where I’d argue that you’d hear Italian spoken on the streets of New York City.
We spent a day going shop-to-shop chatting with the owners and collecting ingredient-by-ingredient for the best pasta that I’ve had on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. I hope this guide to this Little Italy in the Bronx inspires you to visit. I include practical information to visit Arthur Avenue without a food tour, where to buy the best Italian ingredients along Arthur Avenue, and most importantly where to eat in Arthur Avenue. I’ve formatted this as a DIY food tour of Arthur Avenue. Buon Appetito!
…12 beautiful churches and religious buildings in NYC by a New Yorker
Like many major cities, New York has houses of worship and churches for every religion and denomination. Strolling through the city, you can appreciate the architectural beauty – regardless of your religious beliefs or spirituality. Spend a day exploring these historic buildings, or spend a few minutes visiting if you pass one in your travels.
Two of the churches on this list were instrumental in aid efforts following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, standing amidst the rubble to provide help and hope to New Yorkers during one of the city’s most challenging times.
All the houses of worship in New York showcased here have incredible historic significance within the city, distinctive architecture, and captivating stories if you dig deep. From the famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral with its iconic pipe organ to the historic Bialystoker Synagogue, these NYC churches and houses of worship are all unique – and distinctly New York.
New York in Miniature: Why you must see the Panorama of New York City
Ever since I was a child, the Panorama of New York City has been one of my favorite spots of New York. This accurate scaled-down miniature version of New York City housed in the Queens Museum of Art is one of my favorite secret spots to bring visitors to. Keep reading for more information about this amazing version of New York in miniature!
…17 best places to shop in New York on a budget by a New Yorker
Shopping in New York is truly a classic activity. As someone who is pretty budget-conscious, but who loves a nice statement piece, I went big when I visited my parents recently. I went to a lot of my favorite places to shop in New York as well as some new places that I hadn’t yet been to.
I’ve tried to only discuss limit this post about the best budget shopping in New York City to places that have quality items for a reasonable price, e.g. designer clothes/shoes for 50-70% off retail and stores that simply carry good quality without charging you insane amounts. I also include secondhand shopping, which is a passion of mine. I also include some money-saving tips!
…Insider Tips for NYC on a Budget by a New Yorker
I’m born and raised in NYC. This post is for anyone who wants to visit New York on a budget ($10 or less) with insider tips by a native New Yorker. Some things on here are meant to be crowd-pleasers, but this is meant to show you off the beaten path New York.
I’ll cover getting to NYC on a budget, public transit in NYC, where to stay in NYC on a budget, and CHEAP things to do in NYC. Find out the best things to do in New York City on a budget like a local.
…Your insider guide to New York’s Chinatown by a native New Yorker
When friends and acquaintances find out that I was born and raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown and that I still live here, they always ask, “What would you recommend in Chinatown?” (First, always, to not block the sidewalk, as Chinatown streets are busy and narrow!) As a local, I waver on giving my actual recommendation, for fear of people packing my favorite hole-in-the-wall. But there are too many good things in Chinatown for me to keep my favorite places a secret. This guide to NYC’s Chinatown includes insider tips for visiting Chinatown, must-knows, and my favorite places to eat in Chinatown.
…Best brunch in NYC: Your insider guide to 8 great brunch places in lower Manhattan
In New York City, brunch isn’t just a meal — it’s a way of life. Come the weekend, New Yorkers will line up around the block for a chance to eat at the newest brunch place in New York. I’ll be the first to admit that I am the most indecisive person when it comes to brunch.
With so many options in so many neighborhoods, how on earth do you decide where to go? Today, I’ll be sharing a post by Margaret, a fellow New Yorker, about her favorite brunch places in lower Manhattan.
…The best museums in New York not to miss by a native New Yorker
One of the best things about New York City is the wealth of museums. From the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art to the one-of-a-kind Intrepid Air & Space Museum, whether you’re into art, history, or science, it’s all nestled within this 23-square-mile expanse of land. If you’re staying in Manhattan, you could easily spend days visiting museums and still not see them all. A subway ride into Brooklyn or Queens yields even more fun and adventure. This insider guide to the best museums in New York City will show you the best of culture, art, and history in New York City!
Keep in mind: Many of the Manhattan museums on this list are a short subway ride or even walking distance from each other. Nonetheless, you’ll find many great museums in the other boroughs of New York. Crossing into Queens and Brooklyn means a longer subway ride or an Uber over the historic Brooklyn Bridge or 59th Street Bridge. You may want to plan to spend a whole day exploring the sights in these boroughs, each with their own distinct neighborhoods.
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