Plan Your Trip with Olivia: Manhattan (NYC)

Beyond excited for my first "Plan Your Trip with Olivia" post!

This week's destination is none other than New York City. I originally wrote this post on my blog for those interested in attending the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in September 2017. I decided to do a similar version of that post here by removing anything related to horses.

Now, if you aren't a horse person but still enjoy new experiences (and don't mind spending a few bucks here and there), this is a truly special event to check out. Tickets go on sale later this summer, keep an eye the show's website.

NOW! On to the exciting part.

I was in Manhattan for a few days last September (for this same event), and took the opportunity to try out many hotels, restaurants, bars and activities. This post is mostly my personal recommendations on what to do, where to eat and where to stay. I am obviously not a New-Yorker.... so if you have any recommendations of your own, please head down to the comments section and give us your insider tips!

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Where to stay

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JW Marriot Essex House New York

This luxurious hotel is conveniently located next to Central Park and is affiliated to the horse show. Book your stay by going through the CPHS website (select Essex House Hotel Reservation). Rooms start at $500 USD per night.

Refinery Hotel

A luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District within walking distance of legendary shopping on Fifth Avenue. Make sure to stop by the Refinery rooftop and Parker & Quinn restaurants during your stay. Rooms start at $400 USD per night.

Arlo NoMad

This modern/eclectic hotel is located North of Madison Square Park, just a short walk from the Empire State Building. You are guaranteed a comfortable stay. Rooms start at $305 USD per night.

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Ace Midtown

This hipster/retro hotel is located between the Empire State and Flatiron buildings. Rates are reasonable (for the city), but keep in mind it is because it offers very few amenities. Rooms start at $299 USD per night.

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

You HAVE to consider this Hyatt located on the New Jersey side. You can get to Manhattan in less than ten minutes, the hotel has many amenities and most of its rooms have the water+city view. Rooms start at $285 USD per night.

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Airbnb

If you want to skip the hotels, check out Airbnb. If you take your time and do a lot of research on this website, you could find decent homes or apartments under $250 USD per night for your stay.

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What to do

Take a Helicopter Tour

See New York’s breathtaking views and iconic landmarks on a helicopter flight. Choose from a variety of tours here. Prices start at $200 USD.

Take a Boat Tour

New York offers many options when it comes to cruises. Day Cruise, Evening Cruise, Cruise with a meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), etc. You can browse the choices here. Prices vary from $18.99 USD to over $100 USD.

Movie/Tv Tour

New York is famous for appearing in many movies and shows. Take a tour specific to your favourite film or series and get a taste of the behind the scenes. You can choose from many tours, such as: Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Sopranos, Glee, Real Housewives of NYC, Mad Men, etc. Check it out here. Prices start at $40 USD.

Other Tours

If a TV/Movie tour isn’t your thing, you can choose from many other tours (I mean, it is New York City after all!). Literary, Art and Music Tours, Historical and Heritage Tours, Architecture Tours, you name it. Do your research and I guarantee you will find something you will like.

Horseback Riding in Central Park

You can go riding in Central Park for a 1 or 2 hour tour. More info here. Prices from $163 USD per person.

Must-see Museums

Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), you decide what price you pay if you buy your ticket at the counter, tickets online are $25 USD or $12 USD/Students
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), $25 USD or $14 USD/Students
American Museum of Natural History, prices from $22 USD
Whitney Museum of American Art, $25 USD or $18 USD/Students, free under 18
9/11 Memorial & Museum, free
Museum of the American Gangster, $20 USD or $12 USD/Students
Museum of Sex, must be 18+, from $17,50 USD

Other Must-do’s

The Empire State Building observatories (102nd and 86th floors), from $34 USD
The One World Observatory (102nd floor), from $17 USD
Top of the Rock Observatory (70th floor), from $34 USD - You can buy a pass for this and MoMa and save 7$
Madame Tussauds, from $29 USD

Consider buying the New York PASS

You have two options, the C3 which lets you choose 3 attractions of your choice for $76 USD, or the CityPASS who has 6 attractions (3 are non-optional and 3 are optional) for $122 USD.

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Where to eat and drink

The list of restaurants and bars in Manhattan is obviously never-ending so here you can find a (very) short list of my personal favourites. I have to say that I did do a lot of research before visiting these places and absolutely loved them!!

TAO Uptown– This 19th century stable for the Vanderbilt family is now a majestic Asian “temple” serving amazing food and drinks in a very unique environment. Make sure to call for a dinner reservation or you will not have a table!

Sugar Factory (Meatpacking District) – I strongly recommend making a stop here after dinner for some mouthwatering desserts and incredible (also very IG worthy) drinks. Although I have never had a full meal at the Sugar Factory, they do serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night food.

by CHLOE. (3 locations in Manhattan) – You MUST have lunch here at least once during your stay. The decor is refreshing and cute, and you don’t know how good VEGAN food can be until you eat at by CHLOE.

St. Cloud Social (Knickerbocker Hotel) – Drink on this rooftop bar with a view on Times Square.

The Press Lounge (Kimpton Ink48 Hotel) – Enjoy the city’s skyline from this sleek rooftop lounge on the western edge of Hell’s Kitchen.

Le Bain (Standard, High Line) – A cool kids hot spot with good drinks and one-of-a-kind views of the Manhattan skyline and Jersey City. Be sure to be there before 4pm to secure a chair or couch. ![IMG_1344.JPG]

Thank you for reading. Please leave me your comments below!