8 Things To Do for a TRUE New York City Experience!

I just returned from a recent trip to New York City. I visit multiple times a year and don’t often play tourist, but this time, I visited with a friend who had never been and wanted to give him the REAL NYC experience. We stayed at the Park Hyatt as well as the Baccarat. I will briefly go into why I love both of these properties below, but first, I wanted to point out some of the highlights that I consider the REAL New York City Experience that you should plan to hit on your next NYC trip.

1. If you’re taking the red eye or arriving early morning, I advise my clients to try and check into their hotel but if it’s between 7am-11am, go explore the live taping of the Today Show! Go to the corner of Rockefeller and 49th street. Make a sign, meet Al, and have some fun. Don’t forget to tell your mom to watch! If you don’t do this the day you arrive, plan to do it another day, it’s fun!

2. Go see a Broadway Show! If you go to the TKTS Center (Times Square), on the day of the show, starting at 3pm you can access tickets discounted for that evening and it will be the best price for any of the shows. However, if it’s a big headliner show don’t expect them to be here, I recommend booking in advance. They do have shows like Kinky Boots, Chicago, School of Rock, The Book of Mormon and many more.

3. Be sure to see a comedy show! Every time I’m in NYC, I always have to see a comedy… it’s just how I think of the city. I honestly just find people on the side of the street selling tickets for cheap tickets. The most you should pay is about $15 per person. Don’t forget to negotiate them down. Once you get to the show, they will require you to buy 2 drinks. My favorites are Broadway Comedy and Greenwich Comedy.

4. Walk around Central Park and grab a sandwich from the food hall across the street at the bottom of the Plaza (it’s massive and has every option). Get your food to go and sit in the park! During the winter, they have ice skating!

5. Take a walk on 5th Avenue and shop, or at least window shop! Stop into the One Central Park for a drink…

6. Be sure to go to a rooftop for drinks… my personal favorites are The Upstairs at the Kimberly, Viceroy, Bowery 50 but I’ve heard these are also great… Roof at Park South, Broken Shaker, 1 Rooftop Bar Brooklyn Heights.

7. Eat New York Pizza and get Cheesecake. If you’re a big pizza lover like myself, take the 3 hour pizza tour: Scott’s Pizza Tour (make sure you let Scott know Addie with Jetset & Travel Referred you!)

8. Go to Greenwich Village and have lunch at Eataly… sit at the pasta bar and watch them make pasta in front of you… it’s just as good as being in Italy-I promise. Also: make sure to get a cannoli before you leave.

(of course you can do the very touristy things like the statue of liberty, Time Square, Empire State building, etc but they are all filled with tourists and the above list is just my preference to make for a really fun weekend in the city).

Park Hyatt New York- Luxury in the Heart of Midtown

It might possible be the best spa in the City. The views from the 25th floor are breathtaking and the purple, moody Gem tones make for a beautiful relaxing oasis. This couple’s room has a gorgeous marble tub, made especially for this spa from Italy. They also have an indoor pool on the same level. The Fitness Studio has state of the art equipment and a Peloton.

The guest rooms are not your standard tiny room so common in NYC. They are very spacious, with modern decor and have plenty of room to relax. Guest rooms are incredibly comfortable, with plus robes that make it hard to leave the room.
You really can’t beat the location and the amazing staff that will go above and beyond for you.
The food is spectacular, including a French Pressed coffee for breakfast and don’t forget about the $700 breakfast for 2 that includes a bottle of Dom and your choice of eggs Florentine or Beef Saygu.

Book with me and receive:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Full Breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests (available in The Living Room or in-room dining)
$100 USD Hotel credit to be utilized during stay,
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
For bookings in Park Executive Suites and above, guests additionally receive Round Trip Sedan transfers between JFK, LGA, EWR and Park Hyatt New York
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Baccarat New York – Parisian Style Luxury in Manhattan

The minute you check into this hotel, you’re greeted with champagne and you’re able to relax in the adjacent living room. At every turn, guests are delighted by the 17 gorgeous chandeliers that sparkle throughout the gorgeous Baccarat.

The Spa is an intimate oasis, featuring La Mer products and a 55 foot marble swimming pool… absolutely drool worthy.
The Bar is known as one of the best in NYC, and I have to agree. It’s filled with mirrors, artwork, a gorgeous vaulted ceiling and a glittering red chandelier. Be sure to get champagne served in a Baccarat crystal glass.