1. Meatpacking District

The meatpacking district is one of my favorite places in the city. This area has some of the best shops, restaurants, and rooftops for nights out. There’s just something about walking the cobblestone streets and being right on the Hudson River that makes you feel like true New Yorker. It is also home to the Chelsea Market and Diane Von Furstenberg’s store/home.

 

2. The Highline

The Highline is located in the meatpacking district. It is a 1.45-mile-long urban park that was formerly used as the railroad from 1934 until 1960, when the southern section was demolished. It over looks the streets of Manhattan and the Hudson River.

 

3. Hudson River

The Hudson River encompasses both sides of the island. I am partial to the west side more than the east. This quickly became my favorite place to run or to sit and take in everything about this amazing city.

 

4. The West Village

The West Village is full of character. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the celebs in the area. Stay here too long and you just might fall in love with the charm and style of this part of Manhattan.

 

5. Bleeker St

This is one of my favorite streets in the West Village. Bleeker is full of adorable buildings, fun shops, and home to the original Magnolia Bakery (which is located on Bleeker and 11^th St.).

 

6. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, located right in the heart of the NYU campus, is one of the most beautiful places to see. It’s known for the incredible Washington Square Arch and the fountain.

 

7. Soho

Soho is my favorite place to shop in the city. Some might say 5^th avenue, but not me.  The streets of SoHo are home to unique boutiques, trendy chain stores, such as Zara and Top Shop, and upscale chains, like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

 

8. Bethesda Fountain

This Fountain is found near Loeb’s boating house in Central Park. Although Central Park has tons of beautiful places, this fountain is by far my favorite. Maybe it’s all the beautiful features or maybe it’s the ducks and rowboats in the background. Either way, it’s absolutely stunning. For you Gossip Girl lovers, this is where Chuck and Blair tied the knot.

 

9. Bryant Park

This park is a hidden gem. I believe it gets overlooked when it comes to “must see places in the city.”  In the winter the park serves as an ice-skating rink and in the summer it serves as grounds for lawn movies. The lawn is overlooked by the New York Library. It’s also known for the Le Carrousel and The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain.

 

10. Top of the Empire State Building

As a little girl, I dreamed of moving to New York City and doing an internship in fashion. I grew up in a very small town in Alabama. When I dreamed of NYC, I dreamt of seeing all the lights at night, being on a rooftop and looking across all of Manhattan. I wish more than anything someone could have got a picture of my face the first time my eyes glanced across that skyline, 102 floors up on the top of the Empire State Building. I was amazed. It was everything I thought it would be. That, my friends, is how I fell in love with the city.

X, ej