By New York Food Travel Post Updated 16 September 2023
I have been to New York several times and love it every single time. Every visit deepens my love for the incredible city—the busyness, skyscrapers, bustling streets, and the undeniable energy that permeates every corner. Let’s not mention the streets of Manhattan give me childhood memories of Gossip Girl. The busyness, and the food. Everything! It’s a jungle with class!
I recently had a layover in New York, and I was determined to make every moment count by indulging my sweet tooth and savouring the diverse flavours the city had to offer.
About New York
New York is a melting pot of cultures, wonderfully reflected in its culinary scene. From classic New York cheesecakes to exotic international dishes, the city has something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about what the city offers, this blog post will tempt your taste buds and inspire your next gastronomic adventure in the city that never sleeps.
I visited New York for three days for my birthday in 2018 and was surprised at how much I got done solo. New York can and still is an incredible city to visit. Below are 6 things you must do in New York City!
Entry requirements for New York
Entry requirements for New York and the United States vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
British citizens can typically visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) but must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You can book your visa here.
Before you travel to the United States, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning, so please set alerts or watch the Gov.UK website.
The things I ate in New York
New York’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city. One of my favourite cuisines is Asian food, so I headed down to Chinatown to satisfy my cravings. Here are a few gems I had the pleasure of dining at, and you should too:
🧧Shu Jiao Fu Zhou – I had the famous peanut butter noodles with pork chive dumplings 🥟. The delicate flavours and variety of dumplings were a true treat.
🧧Yi Ji Shi Mo – Here, we had the steamed rice rolls with prawns topped with soya sauce, and oh my, these were to die for. I’m dreaming about them now 😍
🧧 Kam Hing Coffee Shop – We had an original sponge cake. It was warm, soft and delicious 🤤
🧧 Supreme Restaurant – I had the famous mouth-watering soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). I learnt to eat one, which I may show you 😜
🧧Alimama Tea – To satisfy my sweet cravings, I ate the black sesame dounut and matcha green puffs 🍵 (they weren’t my favourite).
Top 6 Things to Do in New York City
The first time I travelled to New York in 2018, my friends were tied up with work, so I explored the city solo and loved it. I booked tours via Get Your Guide and had a fantastic time. You can also get yourself a City pass, which will allow you to do a lot of the activities below here.
Fast forward to 2023, I was able to enjoy with a friend. Below is a collaboration of what I did in 2018 and 2023!
1. Empire State Building
My initial destination was the Empire State Building, a true architectural marvel. This towering structure boasts a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands tall at 1,454 feet. My primary goal was to capture a few snapshots from the top, and I must say I was thoroughly impressed by the city’s breathtaking beauty as seen from this iconic vantage point!
2. Visit Brooklyn Bridge
Next on my itinerary was a visit to the Brooklyn Bridge, an absolute must for anyone seeking those picture-perfect Instagram moments in New York City. I did this in 2018 but didn’t get the time to do this in 2023.
Fun Facts: The Brooklyn Bridge is a remarkable hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge, serving as a vital link between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its iconic design and historical significance make it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.
3. Take a Ferry to The Statue of Liberty.
While I was on the ferry, I had the opportunity to learn a fascinating piece of New York City’s history. I discovered that the city is divided into five administrative boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx. What’s remarkable is that all these five boroughs were consolidated into one city in 1898, shaping the vibrant and diverse metropolis we know today. You can book the tour here.
4. Head over to Grand Central
Ah, Grand Central Station! It changed from when I went in 2018 and was much more significant when I visited in 2023. It never fails to transport me back to those XoXo days when I could binge-watch Gossip Girl without care. And speaking of iconic spots, you must take a moment to perch yourself on the Met steps while in New York.
You see, only true Gossip Girl fans will genuinely understand the significance of this recommendation.
5. Tour Central Park
The next day, I woke up early to head to Central Park for a stroll and some ice cream. Central Park is the fifth-largest park in New York City. Central Park is the fifth-largest park in the city and is a sprawling wonderland that beckons both locals and tourists alike. Its 843 acres are a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces in the midst of modernity.
6. Visit Times Square
You can’t go to New York without visiting Times Square. It’s located in Manhattan and is known for being a vibrant hub for commercial and entertainment activity.
During the day, you can explore its shops, restaurants, and attractions more relaxedly. In the evening, the square transforms into a mesmerising spectacle of colours and lights, with its electronic billboards and signs illuminating the area. I would suggest visiting both.
Other resources for New York
- My Instagram page has detailed reels and specifics on visiting New York.
- The restaurants that I enjoyed and ate at are here.
- I went on a solo trip, so check out my post on travelling solo confidently – here.
- Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for New York
- I have data that allows me to use my phone freely in the US, but if you require data, I suggest using Airlo, an e-sim card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
What do you think?