5 Awesome things to do in NYC

New York; noisy, colorful, vibrant and bursting with culture. It's the original city that never sleeps, its inhabitants never stop dreaming and the spirit of unity will never dissipate from the hearts of New Yorkers.

So, you've bought the flights and now you're in hot pursuit of something a little different. Ta-dah. You've arrived. Fancy something a little different perhaps? Kerchiiiing well - you're in luck, let me enlighten you.. 

1. Make your Instagram friends envy with..

..this. What a view! Dang you're right, it is covetable. Grab your camera and navigate your way to the iconic Washington Street (here) in pursuit of the money shot. 

It's hard to convey how beautiful a suspended bridge is, but trust me when you stand in front of this sight you'll soon know why! 

Tip: If you want to make a trip out of it, rent a bike & cycle over the Brooklyn Bridge in pursuit of this view. Google Map the distance between Manhattan Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge, trust me when I say it isn't out of your way and is 100% worth doing. 

2. Visit & devour the only Nutella Bar in NYC

You'll find this baby slap bang in the middle of Eataly, the biggest Italian marketplace in the world (here). So you're thinking, uhh Sarah-Louise, it's New York....not Rome. Yes, you're correct. Should you still visit? Heck yes.

Eataly is essentially the most fantastic paradise for any Italian food lover quite literally bringing every aspect of authentic Italian cuisine to NYC.

You'll find wine, cheese, pasta, pizza, bread, fish, coffee, meat, fruit and a plethora of others. Oh, did I mention the gelato is heavenly?

Tip: Sample the wine, order a pizza, guzzle some more chianti and finally grab a crepe to go (smothered in Nutella). As you exit you'll notice the iconic Flat Iron building, soak it up - you're in NYC! Then dander to Madison Square Park, perch yourself on a bench and enjoy the urban oasis. 

3. Live like a local 

Washington Square park. Ah. This gem is tucked away behind NYU, every time we visit I imagine this as a true snippet of paradise for students, locals and tourists alike.

Tip: Scoot to La Colombe or Stumptown for a fantastic coffee; abstain from the temptation of sitting in, solely order to go and trot to the park. Stroll past the myriad of avant-garde artists, hearty musicians and dashing doggies. Soak up the modicum of youth implanted in the park, it almost hangs in the air and boy is it truly electric at the height of summer.

4. Made in Brooklyn by chocolate lovers, for chocolate lovers..

Two years ago we stepped into Mast Brothers in Brooklyn (here), the archetypal no nonsense cacao bean to chocolate bar factory. In truth, I'll never forget the feeling of wandering the streets quite literally following the lingering and all too inviting scent of chocolate. 

Each and every bar is made in this one store in Brooklyn, the paper wrappers are also folded here by the very same staff who serve you. It's a pretty awesome concept and in my eyes truly defines authentic shopping from a manufacturer to consumer.

Tip: If you fancy, perhaps cycle the Brooklyn Bridge and then peddle hard and fast to Mast Brothers with chocolate as your incentive! When you're ready, nip over to Toby's Estate nearby and grab an iced americano. Sit outside on the long wooden bench, enjoy your coffee and I dare you to not devour the entire bar in one sitting.

5. Sod the top of the rock, you MUST see..

B-l-i-s-s. Yes, that's what they call it! Gosh this breathtaking spot is found at the very top of the Met Museum (here), an absolute must see in its own right but this view just seals an already fabulous deal.

Unlike other viewpoints, you'll find the rooftop gardens rather bizarre. There's a bustling martini bar, the ground is clad with soft grass and everyone is simply lounging around with a glass of prosecco in hand to toast to the sensational concrete jungle that lies sprawled out for all to view and simply, enjoy.

And as a wise porky pig once said, that's all folks! We're super excited to be heading back to what's oh so obviously our favourite city in the world, although it isn't until the latter part of the year I look forward to bombarding you with the best brunch spots, restaurants and hotel reviews. Until then..