No matter what time of the year you visit you are sure to find cool events, great shopping, and amazing food in New York City. The diverse culture of New York is a huge part of what makes the cuisine so amazing. From Italian to the Caribbean, Cuban, Thai and, of course, delicious soul food, you can always find something that you will love in this city.
Now while you eat your way through New York City, you should also check out some of these experiences you’ll no doubt enjoy.
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Little Italy
Grab a slice of Prince St. Pizza while your tour and shop in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York. The cobblestone streets and the smell of Italian food in the air are perfect for walking through this area. Great clothing stores on Mulberry Street and some of the best bars in New York draw large tourist crowds to here. Don’t forget about the annual Feast of San Gennaro which happens in September.
Central Park
With more than 40 million+ visitors a year, Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. Hop on a Citi bike and take a ride through the park. It’s a great date idea or even just an awesome outdoor adventure. After you work up an appetite from pedaling through the park head over to Spice for an amazing Thai food dining experience. I definitely recommend the Maekong Aged Pork Chop, and if you go during lunch hours entrees come with a free appetizer.
NY African Restaurant Week
MIST Harlem will host this event mid-October for foodies to take a culinary trip around Africa. The line-up for the festival includes over 25 restaurants and food vendors, emerging chefs, live cooking demos, music performances, exhibitors/vendors of fashion, beauty, and art and much more. This is where you can certainly find out what region makes the best Jollof Rice.
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Times Square
This is the most visited New Year’s destination in America which also makes it the most congested. Go shopping, see the billboards, and snap some awesome pics through the city. I also recommend stopping for a big Texas-sized drink and some sticky wings from Dallas B.B.Q’s that will hit the spot after your day excursion through Time Square.
Broadway
If you are a theatre buff, then Broadway will be your destination. Amazing shows are performed in theatres here all year round. A great eatery to check out either before or after your show is Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. Try the chicken salt-seasoned cauliflower, it will hit every note of your taste buds.
Boozy Brunch in Harlem
Sunday Funday is definitely a thing! I mean who doesn’t love the idea of paying a flat price for bottomless drinks. Aside from the rich cultural history of this New York borough there is a place where you can start your week or end the weekend (however you want to phrase it) with great music, bottomless drinks and most importantly positive vibes, Angel of Harlem offers brunch with your choice of bottomless mimosas, sangria or rum punch. They fill up fast so I’d suggest making a reservation early in the week or be prepared to wait.
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Apollo Theatre
Check out a show at the infamous Apollo Theatre. Best known for the cheers and sometimes boo’s of the crowd from the long-running hit show Showtime At The Apollo this historic gem is still standing and entertaining audiences through music, live podcast and more. Either before or after you visit the Apollo stop by the Queen Of Soul Food restaurant Sylvia’s, they are known for having some of the best-fried chicken in the city.
American Museum of Natural History
If you’re visiting the Upper West Side of the city check out the American Museum of Natural History. The Hall of African Mammals is an awesome exhibit to check out that both children and adults can enjoy and see the elephants and lions. While on the Upper West Side you have to go and experience breakfast or brunch at Jacob’s Pickles. Beer, Biscuits, and Pickles is their slogan and the portion sizes are HUGE! Secretly, I love the shrimp and grits here too.
New York Fashion Week
The September issue is the most important publication for any fashion magazine and this is also when New York host Fashion Week. Check out some shows, concerts, cool events and shop till you drop but don’t forget to be on point with your own personal style as you hit the streets. Keeping with the theme of fashion check out Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar for some cocktails and bar bites.
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Brooklyn Bridge
One of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States, the Brooklyn Bridge stands 5,989 feet long and is a must when visiting New York. Whether you bike, walk or take a taxi across it, this is such a cool experience and great photo opp. Once you get across the bridge make your way over to Pearls, one of the best Caribbean restaurants in the city. I recommend the bake & shark, the flavors are amazing and will have you coming back for more.
Afropunk Fest
This amazing festival combining music, art, and culture is huge and grows bigger and bigger each year. While the festival has reached popularity in other cities such as Atlanta, Paris, London, and Johannesburg there is nothing like the Afropunk Fest in Brooklyn, NY. While jamming to Tyler The Creator, Janelle Monae or any of the other musical acts be sure to check out the food vendors there. Each year the list grows and the food gets better and better.