One Week in NewYorkCity in 2025: What I Loved, What I Ate, and What You Shouldn’t Miss

 

If you're planning your first visit (or even your fifth), here’s an honest look at what I did, what I ate, and what I’d absolutely do again.

Starting High: The Observation Decks

If you’ve never been to New York, you might not realize how tall and sprawling it all is—until you get up high.

Top of the Rock was our first stop, and I’m so glad we went right when it opened. No crowds, clear skies, and an unbeatable view of Central Park on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. That balance alone made it my favorite deck overall.

We also visited the Empire State Building, because how can you not? The King Kong exhibit was a fun surprise, and going all the way to the newly renovated 102nd floor was worth the splurge. It’s a classic for a reason.

One World Observatory had an entirely different energy. More solemn, more modern.Standing at the top of the Freedom Tower, with sweeping views of the harbor and skyline, felt meaningful after walking through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum earlier that afternoon.

We didn’t skip The Edge either. With its sky-high glass platform jutting out over Hudson Yards, this was definitely the thrill ride of the bunch.

Exploring NYC’s Iconic Landmarks

Grand Central Terminal is one of those places I had seen in dozens of movies, but being there in person was even more magical. The ceiling mural alone is stunning, and I loved just watching the waves of people rushing through.

The New York Public Library next door was unexpectedly majestic. It feels more like a cathedral of books than a place to just check out a novel. Bryant Park behind it was a perfect break spot.

Of course, Times Square was a sensory overload, as expected. We didn’t stay long—just enough to grab a few pictures and feel the buzz. At night, though, it sparkles like nowhere else.

And walking across the Brooklyn Bridge just after sunrise? Easily one of my favorite memories. We started from the Manhattan side and watched the city light up as we crossed into Brooklyn.

We also saw the Vessel up close. And the High Line, a reimagined elevated rail line turned into a linear park, felt like NYC’s version of a secret garden.

Neighborhoods

We stayed in Midtown Manhattan, which made getting around super convenient. But I truly fell for the charm of NYC in its neighborhoods.

DUMBO: That shot of the Manhattan Bridge between red-brick buildings is even better in person. We had lunch on the rooftop at Time Out Market and watched the ferries zip by.
Brooklyn Heights & Cobble Hill: Quiet, tree-lined, and full of brownstone charm. We wandered aimlessly and ended up at Brooklyn Farmacy, sipping sundaes in an old-school soda shop.
Williamsburg: Trendy and creative. Coffee at Devoción, a stop at Artists & Fleas, and a giant slice from Joe’s Pizza. It’s everything I imagined Brooklyn to be.
SoHo, West Village, and East Village/LES: I grouped these loosely together in my mind, but each has its vibe.
Downtown Manhattan (FiDi): We explored Wall Street and watched business types blur by in their tailored suits. Not much soul here, but interesting to see.
Queens (Astoria & LIC): Totally underrated and dinner in Astoria was chef’s kiss. Taverna Kyclades made me feel like I was on vacation in Greece.

Museums

I’m not usually a museum person, but I really loved the ones we chose.

MoMA blew me away. Seeing Van Gogh’s Starry Night in person was surreal, and the whole place had this effortless coolness about it.
The Met was overwhelming in the best way. We didn’t even attempt to do it all—just picked a few wings and wandered. The rooftop garden was a bonus.
Whitney Museum of American Art was smaller but really well curated. And the views from the top were amazing after our walk down the High Line.

Food

Joe’s Pizza is the real deal. I went twice (once in Brooklyn, once in West Village). The plain slice is all you need.
Carmine’s was perfect for our group dinner—massive portions, chaotic energy, and the kind of Italian food that feels like home cooking.
Lucali was a pilgrimage. We waited outside in Cobble Hill for a while, but the pizza was every bit as good as they say.
Colonie was one of my favorite meals of the whole trip. Elevated, local, and cozy.
Brooklyn Farmacy hit every nostalgic nerve with its sundaes and soda floats.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown was charming and delicious. Their dumplings were pillowy and perfect.
Vanessa’s Dumpling House is the no-frills alternative—amazing for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Cafe Mogador and Radegast Hall in Williamsburg were great for brunch and casual beer garden vibes, respectively.
We also had a meal at Balthazar in SoHo—classic French fare, impeccable service, and a place that makes you feel like someone important.

How I Got Around NYC

Google Maps was my go-to for everything. It showed me real-time subway routes, walking directions, and even how long restaurant waits might be. You can save all must-see spots as pins, so you can always know what isnearby. I have spent hours creating this this google map list. You can get it here for $5 only in the link below:
https://payhip.com/b/9U4MA
I mainly used the subway for longer distances—just tap your phone with OMNY, no MetroCard needed. Walking was perfect for exploring neighborhoods like SoHo, the West Village, and DUMBO. When I was tired or running late, I grabbed a quick Uber or Lyft.