NYC 101
A stylish, practical primer for planning your next New York trip. Curated for couples, families, and food-lovers alike.
Before You Book: Set the Vibe, Then the Calendar
The best trips start before you ever hit “book.” Here’s how to time it right, choose the right length, and pick a hotel that actually fits the way you want to experience the city.
When to Go:
New York hits different depending on the season. Here's how to match your travel energy to the calendar.
Best months by vibe (in order):
Fall (mid-September–November): Peak fashion, golden-hour walks, and a city that feels like a movie set. Our favorite time for couples and food lovers.
December: Holiday magic everywhere. Window displays, tree lightings, cold-weather cocktails, and a city fully dressed up. Amazing for kids.
Spring (April–early June): Blooming parks, café sidewalks, crisp mornings, and light jackets. A romantic, photogenic time to visit.
Summer (July–August): Best for last-minute deals and slower mornings. Plan for A/C breaks and rooftop dinners.
School break watchouts / weather notes:
Spring break (March/April), summer (late June–August), and holiday weeks (Thanksgiving–New Year’s) mean higher crowds and prices.
Winters can be freezing, summers can be sweaty — but both can still be wonderful with the right pacing and plans.
Big Event Calendar:
Met Gala (May): Impossible to attend, but a fun energy spike on the Upper East Side.
Fashion Weeks (Feb + Sept): Hotels book early, restaurants get buzzy.
UNGA (Sept): Midtown traffic gets wild. Avoid staying near the UN.
NYC Marathon (November): Hotel rates spike, but it’s a great spectator event.
How Long to Stay:–There’s no wrong amount of time, but how long you stay does change how the city feels.
3–4 days: A long weekend done right. Best for first-timers, couples, or parents sneaking away. Stick to 2–3 neighborhoods max, and don’t pack your days full. 5–7 days: Enough time to explore like a local. Add in deeper cuts (a Brooklyn day, an extra museum, more time to wander).
More than 7? Yes, please. This is when the city starts to feel like yours.
Short on time? Skip this, not that:
You don’t need to go to the top of the Empire State Building or spend a full day at the Statue of Liberty (in fact, we probably don’t recommend these even if you’re long on time). Do take a walk on the High Line, dip into a well-curated museum, and make time for a truly great meal.
If it feels like a chore, skip it. The magic is in the in-between.
Where to Stay –Your hotel sets the tone for your whole trip. Here’s our shortlist, sliced a couple of ways.
By vibe:
Romantic: The Greenwich Hotel (Old-world charm, fireplaces, and that pool), Nine Orchard (Grown-up elegance with edge), The Ludlow (Floor-to-ceiling windows, sexy bathtubs)Family: The Peninsula (pool + connecting suites), The Langham (midtown ease), or a spacious stay downtown at Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s (Parisian elegance)
Foodie: The Ned NoMad (revived), Public (close to everything), or The Bowery (chic, central, cool)
Boutique: The Marlton (small rooms, big charm), The Walker (cozy but luxe), or Crosby Street Hotel (stylish without being try-hard)
By neighborhood:
West Village: Charming, walkable, great for couples
Upper East Side: Museum access, quieter pace, ideal with kids
Tribeca / SoHo: Food lovers’ dream
Midtown East: Convenient for business or Broadway, but not our top pick for vibe
Lower East Side: Edgier, cool dining, great for second or third-time visitors
Quick shout out to booking with a travel advisor, aka, us:
Daily breakfast, room upgrades, spa or F&B credits, early check-in/late checkout.
No strings attachedVIP treatment without chasing concierge emails
Access to suites and perks not always available online.
Getting Around NYC: Confidence Is the Real Carry-On. Once you’re here, how you move matters. Walking, subways, Ubers, even ferries – New York gives you options. This section is about knowing when to use what, and how to navigate like someone who knows.
The Best Way to Move Around
Subway Basics
Best for: fast trips between neighborhoods (especially downtown–uptown), rainy days, or rush hour. Not great for crosstown treks.
When to avoid: super late at night (just grab a car), hauling multiple kids + strollers, or when you’re only going 10 blocks.
Tap to pay with your phone or card (OMNY), no need for a MetroCard anymore.
Keep right on the stairs + platforms, nothing will piss off a NYer more.
Uber vs. Taxi vs. Walking
Uber: easiest for families, late nights, or when you're headed somewhere obscure (like Brooklyn restaurants or hotel drop-offs).
Taxis: can be cheaper in traffic, especially short rides downtown. Hail with your hand or use the Curb app.
Walking: truly the best way to experience NYC. The energy, the storefronts, the overheard conversations, their half (most of?) the point.
Family-Specific Notes
Strollers: Most umbrella strollers fit through subway turnstiles, but platforms aren’t always elevator-friendly
Rush hour = no thank you. Plan for slower mornings and mid-afternoon transitions
Car time: Sometimes a car is the break you all need, just know that traffic can double your ETA
Insider Navigation Tips
Apps to Download
Citymapper: Better than Google Maps for NYC. The details in this app are astonishing. It tells you exactly which subway entrance, platform, and transfer path to take
Uber or Lyft: Cars when you need them
Curb: For yellow taxis (great for short rides)
Resy + Google Maps Saved Lists: Keep all your restaurant plans organized and on the map
What “10 Blocks” Really Means
One NYC “avenue” block = 2–3 minutes walkingTen “street” blocks = ~10 minutes walkingLocals say things like “it’s just 15 blocks,” you can translate that to 15 minutes, minimum
Bottlenecks to Avoid
Times Square: Skip unless you really want a photo. Transit chaos, street performers, and very little joy.
Midtown during UNGA or parade weekends: Traffic apocalypse.
Weekend subway closures: Check the MTA app if you’re relying on specific trains (especially the L, G, or F). Also trains are known to swap local and express tracks on the weekend, listen for announcements.
How to Build a Seamless Itinerary: The Three Secrets to Planning Right. There’s a reason our trips feel different. We plan every itinerary using the same three filters:
Pacing: how your days flow
Pairing: what goes well together (neighborhoods, experiences, hotel+dinner combos)
Packing: the vibe and purpose behind the trip (romantic, foodie, family, etc.)
Build around these three and your trip will feel stylish, relaxed, and unforgettable vs overscheduled or underwhelming.
Pacing: The Luxury Secret
The best itineraries don’t feel like itineraries. They feel like flow.
2–3 core experiences per day = the sweet spot. Any more, and you’re just rushing from place to place. One cultural stop, one neighborhood stroll, one great meal and call it a day.
Mix active + relaxed, indoor + outdoor. Walk Central Park, then cozy into a museum café. Shop SoHo, then read in Washington Square. Think cadence, not checklist.
Leave room to wander. The unplanned moments (a charming café, a neighborhood bookstore, a window display that stops you) can be the thing that make the trip most memorable.
Sample Day – Foodie Vibe
Morning: Coffee + walk through Chelsea Market, and then a High Line stroll
Afternoon: Independent shopping in SoHo or Nolita
Evening: Dinner at Via Carota and then martinis at The Nines
Sample Day – Family Vibe
Morning: Central Park playground + zoo
Lunch: Burger Joint or pizza near Columbus Circle
Afternoon: American Museum of Natural History
Evening: Casual dinner at The Smith + sweet treat stop (Milk Bar, Van Leeuwen)
Sample Day – Romantic Vibe
Morning: Lazy breakfast in bed + walk through the Village
Lunch: Champagne lunch at Buvette
Afternoon: Whitney Museum or facials at Rescue Spa
Evening: Rooftop drinks at sunset, and then dinner at Le Coucou
Pairing: What Goes With What–You’ll have a smoother, more beautiful trip if you build your day by neighborhood, not by attraction.
Instead of: “Let’s see the Met, then go to Brooklyn, then dinner downtown.” Try: “Let’s do a UES day. Start with a museum, then a walk, then lunch; then rest and stay downtown for dinner.”
Sample Pairings That Work:
Central Park + UES Museum Day. The Met, a walk, lunch at Via Quadronno, Ladurée, then late afternoon downtown
SoHo Shopping + Nolita Café Hopping Khaite + Reformation, lunch at Café Gitane or Ruby’s, and then curated vintage + afternoon wine
Brooklyn Day Start in DUMBO, walk across the bridge, and then dinner in Chinatown or LES
Hudson River Chill DayWhitney Museum, then Little Island, drinks at The Standard, and an early dinner on the West Side
What to skip: Crisscrossing the city five times in one day. You’ll lose the vibe and your patience.
Packing: What’s the Purpose of the Trip?–Packing isn’t just what’s in your suitcase, it’s what your trip is for.
Are you here for romance, reconnection, recovery, or just really good pasta? Let that shape how you plan your days.
Romantic Weekend: Late mornings, spa time, slow dinnersFamily Trip: Morning anchor activities, mid-afternoon breaks, easy diningFoodie Adventure: Book dinners first, then build days around themSolo Reset: One café, one museum, one beautiful meal = perfect day
Pro tip: Every day should have one anchor moment, everything else can flex.
Want personalized recs for your trip? Our paid subscribers get access to full City Notes guides + 1:1 hotel & dining support.
Dining in NYC: Reservation Rules + Rec Strategy–New York is one of the best food cities in the world, but eating well here takes strategy. The key is knowing when to book, what to mix, and how to flex once you’re here.
When and How to Book
Reservation windows:
Hot spots (like Carbone, 4 Charles, Polo Bar): 30 days out, usually at midnight
Neighborhood gems (like L’Artusi, I Sodi): 14 days out, or via Resy Notify
Casual favorites (like Thai Diner, Westville): Walk-ins or week-of booking
Apps to use:
Resy: For buzzy restaurants, notifications, and insider access
OpenTable: For classic favorites and Midtown dining
Tock: For tasting menus and pre-paid reservations
Our inbox: If you’re working with us, we’ll help with concierge-level access
Family dining tip: Book earlier seatings (5–6:30pm) for restaurants that aren’t “kid-focused” but are kid-welcoming. Outdoor seating, casual service, and quick kitchen pacing go a long way.
Date night timing: If you want a buzzy spot at 8pm on a weekend, book ahead or plan to eat at the bar. (Which is often more fun anyway.)
Pro tip: Many restaurants drop new tables the day-of around 10–11am. Check back if you missed your shot.
What to Mix - A great trip blends high and low, just like the city itself.
Michelin stars + martinis at the bar. Pizza slices + pasta tasting menus. Market snacks + long, wine-soaked lunches.
Don’t just eat fancy, eat iconically. That means bagels, corner pizza, Levain cookies, and your dream dinner reservation, all in the same trip.
Pro tip: Plan for one “big” meal per day. Let everything else work around it.
Foodie Flex Tips
Even with no reservations, you can still eat incredibly well. Here’s how:
Go early or late: 5pm dinners or 9:30pm seatings often mean walk-in success.
Eat at the bar: Many top restaurants (like Lilia, Frenchette, or The Odeon) serve full menus at the bar.
Weekday wins: Tuesday or Wednesday nights are often easier to book, quieter, and more local-feeling.
Dine near where you’re staying or playing: Midtown dinner after a day in Brooklyn? Not fun.
NYC with Kids: That Feels Good for Grownups, Too.Yes, New York can be chaotic. But it can also be magic with kids (if you plan it right). This section is all about smart pacing, age-appropriate picks, and moments that feel good for the whole family (not just the tiny ones).
What Works by Age
Toddlers (1–4):
Carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park or Central Park
Playgrounds with views: Pier 25, Heckscher, Domino Park
Museums with open space: The American Museum of Natural History, Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Coffee + stroller walks in leafy neighborhoods for your sanity
Little Kids (5–8):
LEGO Store, Museum of Ice Cream, ferry rides, scooter zones
Quick-service food wins: pizza, ramen, burgers, and breakfast-for-dinner
Interactive museums: MoMath, Color Factory, Hall of Science if you're willing to trek
Tweens + Teens:
Walk the High Line, shop SoHo, grab milkshakes and dumplings
Broadway shows, sneaker shopping, cool hotel pools (Peninsula, The William Vale, Gansevoort)
Let them help choose one “adult” restaurant to feel like part of the plan
Pro tip: If your kid has a stroller-nap sweet spot or can handle a late night, plan around that window. Otherwise, hit the playground first thing and anchor your day around lunch.
Family Travel Tips
Where to Stay:
Look for connecting rooms, suites, or multi-bedroom setupsHotels with early check-in / late checkout perks make transitions easier
Favorites: The Langham (huge rooms), Peninsula (indoor pool), Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s (family suites, walkable fun)
What to Pack:
Compact stroller, snacks, water bottles, layers
Something fun for hotel downtime: sticker books, card games, bath bombs
A “just in case” dinner outfit for parents, too, in case the night takes a turn toward cocktails
The Power of the In-Between Moment: Some of the best trip memories come from quiet pauses, not big-ticket stops. A spontaneous cookie run. A sidewalk stoop rest. A cozy bookstore. A view from a ferry seat.
Pro tip: Try for one big thing per day. Let the rest be flexible. And if a meltdown hits? A taxi and a treat can fix almost anything.
What to Pack: By Season + Style–You’ve already packed your vibe (see Section 3). Now let’s talk about what to actually bring. New York is a fashion city and a walking city. The goal is to feel stylish, mobile, and weather-proof at the same time.
Spring & Fall–These are New York’s most perfect seasons. But the weather can swing 20° in a day.
Layers: A trench, a knit, and a scarf that works day-to-night
Shoes: Walkable loafers or sneakers you’d wear to brunch
Day bag: Crossbody or mini tote that fits sunglasses, snacks, and a fold-up umbrella
Evenings: Add a statement jacket or bold lip. Most places are casual-chic, not formal
What not to bring: Fussy heels. If you can’t walk five blocks in them, they’ll sit in your suitcase.
Summer–It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s still fabulous. As long as you’re dressed for it.
Breathable fabrics: Linen, cotton, gauze
Two-looks-in-one dresses: Easy to dress up or down
Chic flat sandals or platform sneakers: No one wears flip-flops
SPF + water bottle + portable fan (yes, really)
Hair strategy: Claw clip, hat, or air-dry texture
Pro tip: Plan to stop in restaurants for an A/C. Museums also make great heat breaks. And a late-afternoon cold brew is practically a medical necessity.
Winter–Cold here hits differently. It’s the wind. It’s the slush. It’s the glam coats over thermals.
Wool or down coat: Bonus if it makes you feel hot while you’re freezing
Water-resistant boots: Sleek enough for indoors, tough enough for snowbanks
Layers under layers: Heattech under sweaters, tights under wide-leg trousers
Gloves, hat, scarf: You’ll want all three
Moisturizer + lip balm: You’ll want that too
Style tip: New Yorkers wear all black or full statement. Rarely in between.
Local Style vs. Tourist Traps–Here’s what people who live here actually wear:
Neutral sneakers, leather jackets, trench coats, oversized blazers
Gold hoops, black sunglasses, tote bags from bookstores or bakeries
Leggings only if they’re styled up (not yoga-outfit casual)
No cargo shorts. Ever.
No branded city merch while you're still in the city
No giant backpacks in crowded restaurants
Packing rule: Bring one outfit you’d wear on a great date, one you’d wear to a long lunch, and one you can run errands in, then remix the rest.
NYC Moments to Build In: The City Is the Itinerary–You don’t need to see everything. You just need a few perfect moments — the kind that catch you by surprise and stay with you long after your flight home. These are the ones we always try to build in.
Rooftop aperitifs at golden hour
There’s nothing like sipping a spritz or martini as the skyline glows. Whether it’s a buzzy rooftop or a tucked-away terrace, plan for one golden hour with a view.
Favorites: The Nines, Nubeluz, Westlight, The Roof at Public
A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Go in the morning before it’s packed. Bring coffee. Watch the city shift as you move toward it or away from it. It’s cliché for a reason — and it’s free.
A bookstore, a cookie, and a bench
Some of the best moments are the quiet ones: flipping through a novel at McNally Jackson, grabbing a cookie from Levain or Chip, and watching the city swirl around you from a shaded park bench.
Central Park in any season
Snow. Blossoms. Bright leaves. Summer picnics. There is always a reason to pass through Central Park. Pick your path: literary walks, playgrounds, the Reservoir, the Ramble. Just don’t skip it.
The “accidental perfect” meal
The one you didn’t plan. The corner bar you wandered into. The slice you grabbed while tipsy. The café where you lingered because the lighting was just right. That meal might not make the guidebooks, but it will make the memory.
One day that unfolds slowly
No agenda. No big goals. Just a neighborhood and a few loose ideas. These are the days that turn into stories, the days you remember even when the rest blurs together.
Final Notes: Stylish, Effortless, Exactly Your Pace
If this guide sparked ideas for your next NYC trip, a neighborhood you want to explore, a meal you want to savor, a slower way to move through the city–we’d love to help you make it real.
We built It Girls Collective for women who love to plan great trips, and who want the experience to feel as good as the destination.
Whether you're planning for your family, your partner, your best friend, or just yourself, we’re here when you want it to feel easier, smarter, and more you.
What We Do for NYC Trips (and all over our trips):
Tailored hotel & itinerary planning: We help you choose the hotel that fits your energy. Whether it’s romantic, family-friendly, foodie, or all of the above, and plan your time in a way that feels effortless.
Dining access & reservation strategy: From buzzy spots to local gems, we’ll guide you through what’s actually worth booking, and how to get the table. Through our network, we also unlock VIP bookings you won’t find online.
Seamless pacing, mapped to real life: We build your trip around the Three P’s: pacing, pairing, and packing. That means you won’t feel rushed or scattered. You’ll feel like you’re in the city, not just running around it.
Extras when you book hotels through us: Think: complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, $100 dining or spa credits, and early check-in/late checkout perks, at no added cost to you. (These are the good kind of strings — the velvet-rope ones.)
Whether you’re planning for your partner, your family, your friends, or yourself, we’re here to help you get it right.
Inquire here to plan your NYC trip with us.
P.S. Want a Peek Inside a Real Itinerary?
Check out a sample 4-day trip designed for a foodie couple staying downtown:
Sample 4-Day NYC Itinerary
For a Foodie Couple Staying Downtown (SoHo / LES / Tribeca)
DAY 1 – Arrival + Neighborhood Flow
Vibe: Unwind, walk, taste, stay close
Hotel check-in: The Greenwich, Nine Orchard, or Crosby Street
Afternoon: Slow stroll through SoHo. Shop at Khaite, Sézane, McNally Jackson
Nightcap: Cozy speakeasy like Attaboy or walk along the Hudson
DAY 2 – Culture + Classic Bites
Vibe: A little uptown elegance, a lot of food
Morning: Subway or car uptown, explore The Met or Frick Madison
Lunch: Via Quadronno or Sant Ambroeus
Afternoon: Walk through Central Park, taxi downtownDinner: Carbone, I Sodi, or Rezdôra (booked early or with concierge help)
Dessert: Stop at Eileen’s Special Cheesecake or gelato in Nolita
DAY 3 – Brooklyn Adventure + Golden Hour Glam
Vibe: Creative energy + rooftop romance
Morning: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo photo momentBrunch/lunch: Vinegar Hill House, Rule of Thirds, or Café Gitane
Afternoon: Browse art galleries in Williamsburg, pop into Sincerely, Tommy
Return to Manhattan: Taxi or ferry back
Golden hour: Drinks at Nubeluz or The Roof at PUBLICDinner: Le Coucou, Musket Room, or Frenchette
Optional: Late-night jazz at Bemelmans or hotel bar wind-down
DAY 4 – Lazy Morning + One Last Bite
Vibe: No rush, one more wow
Breakfast: Pastries and coffee at Supermoon or Dominique Ansel
Walk: West Village, buy something small (a book, a ring, a memory)
Lunch: Balthazar, Pastis, or a long-table lunch at Il Buco Alimentari
Afternoon: Departures with full hearts (and maybe a cookie for the plane)
Full NYC guide coming soon…
— Bryce & Julia
It Girls Collective