NEW YORK GUIDE
top things to do, see & eat
When I first moved to New York the plan was to stay a year, I knew after a month that wouldn't be the case. I instantly fell in love with this city and all it has to offer. At the beginning I did all the things one "has to" do - the Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, Central Park, 5th Avenue shopping.. I'll touch base on a few of those here but my main goal with this little guide was to tell you about my favorite little hidden gems where mostly locals hang... Come along!
I love this city
Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock.
Most people have the Empire state building on the list which results in long waiting lines, especially during the holidays. I prefer Top of the Rock, not only are the lines usually shorter but you get a great view of both Central Park and downtown!
Central Park
Take advantage of any jetlag and hit the park early in the morning, not only will you avoid all the tourists that later invade the park but before 9 am (9.00) dogs are allowed to run around without a leash - perfect if you are a dog lover like me! Do as the locals and grab a coffee to go as you walk around, and remember the further north you walk the less people.
Broadway
I love, love, love a good Broadway show and I have two great hacks for you if you are a bit flexible on time and what to see. Some musicals such as Book of Mormons and Aladdin has ticket lotteries 2 hrs before each show! Just show up, put your name in and wait for the to (hopefully) call your name. If you win you get to buy (up to 2) tickets for only around 10-30 bucks each! View all lotteries HERE. The second hack is the same day discounted tickets that you can by at TKTS, most people know of the red stairs on Times Square but down in South Seaport is another office, usually with less or no line at all!
The traditional sights
Tenement Museum
If you only visit one museum when you are in town it should be the Tenement Museum. In 1998 they stumbled upon this building that was abandoned almsot 100 years ago, a unique time capsule of a very different Manhattan life. Located at 97 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side the five-story brick tenement building was home to an estimated 7,000 people, from over 20 nations, between 1863 and 1935. You must book a tour to visit (easy to do on the website) and they are around an hours long. They are all great, and I know because I've been to them all!
Museum of the City of New York
Located by the park on the Upper East Side this Museum will tell you everything about the actual city. The grid, the history, the founders, the people... Tons of interesting and fun facts about this magical city!
International Center of Photography
At ICP you can view some amazing photography exhibitions! You don't have to be a photography lover to enjoy a visit here and the museum is rather small so it doesn't need to take up much of your time!
my favorite museums
Egg Shop
Are you an egg lover and don't mind a long line? Then you have to come here! Eggs in different forms, fresh and fun. Allergy friendly, of course. This small little place on the Lower East Side takes no reservations and usually have a long line during weekends, but it's worth it.
BRUNCH
Jack's Wife Freda
I'm addicted to their vegetarian gluten free halloumi brunch dish but honestly everything on the menu is good and fresh. Located both on Lafayette and Carmine Street, and none of them take reservations. Don't forget to check out their cute sugar packages, very instagram friendly.
Bluestone Lane Cafe
One of my favorite brunch places, several locations around the city but the West Village ones are my go-to's. Great Australian coffee, yummy avocado toast (available on GF bread), fresh granola bowls and the best banana bread ever made!
I love to eat, and with me being celiac and my man lactose free you'll find mostly allergy friendly restaurants here below but don't worry - we are picky foodies and would never recommend something that isn't super duper yummy!
Chipotle
If you are not an american resident you probably haven't been here, let's change that! Chipotle is a fast food Mexican food place that you can find all over the city. Bowls, salads, burritos & tacos made to order exactly as you want it. The guacamole is extra and a must!
LUNCH
Nga Trang One
The rudest service and the best vietnamese food! Located in China town and can be a bit hard to find but it's so worth it! Everything is good (GF crispy springrolls!) and so cheap! A favorite place!
Ellary's Greens
Eating healthy, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian food that's delicious is easy at Ellary's Greens. 3-4 small dishes per person, a perfect place to go family-style. And don't leave without trying their dairy free chocolate mousse! It's made from avocado with a coconut whip on top - yum!
Grand Banks
Looks like the sunset is going to be spectacular? Head down to Grand Banks and enjoy champagne & oysters on a sail boat located on pier 25.
Dinner
Wildair Food and Wine
An offshoot of Contra (also a very good restaurant), this American restaurant serves sophisticated American fare in simple digs. Come with an open mind to try new interesting food and flavors.
Murray's Cheese
Love cheese in any shape or form? Then this little West Village restaurant (same owner as the awesome cheese shop two doors down) is for you! Raclette, fondue or mac-n-cheese!
Pizza Slice
In the corner of Bleecker/7th ave you an get some of the best pizza slices New York has to offer, but honestly, after a long night out any pizza slice is yummy and the perfect company on the way home after a long night of dancing!
LATE NIGHT
Shake Shack vs 5 guys
I say Shake Shake, my man says 5 guys. Which one has the best fast food burger is still undecided in our house but the fact is - they both beat McD by faaaaar!!!
Spotted Pig
Open until 2 am this is the perfect place for a late night post-too-many-cocktails-burger! Lines can be 2-3 hours long during the day but at night you can walk right in. I prefer sitting by the bar as I eat my juicy burger and the best shoestring-fries every!
Sleep No More
A one of it's kind, interactive theatre based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth with inspiration taken from the noir films of Alfred Hitchcock and the 1696 Paisley witch trials. Sounds weird but it's amazing!
Drunk Shakespeare
The stage is set in a hidden library with over fifteen thousand books. Five professional New York actors meet as members of "The Drunk Shakespeare Society". One of them has at least 5 shots of whiskey and then they overconfidently attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensues while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track.
OTher Fun things to do
Erin McKenna Bakery
You don't have to have food allergies to absolutely love this place! A bakery with gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, vegan and even some sugar free doughnuts and breads! I know, it sound like it would taste like cardboard but it doesn't! Promise!
Pala Pizza
This amazing pizza place on the Lower East Side is great for both normal and celiac people. Separate utensils and boards for the GF dough makes it safe for even a very sensitive person. Truffle pizza anyone?
Lili's 57
All the different gluten free asian food you can imagen! Crispy sesame chicken, dumplings, tempura shrimp - nom, nom, nom!
Wild
Cute little restaurant in the West Village with a 100% gluten free menu! Pizza, ravioli, gnocchi, desserts... Open all day!
Noglu
I was over the moon when this french restaurant opened up a bakery in New York. The most delicate pastries, delicious cakes and bread! I won't take responsibility for how much weight you will gain from eating here...
My Gluten free New York
When I first moved to New York the plan was to stay a year, I knew after a month that wouldn't be the case. I fell instantly in love with this city and all it has to offer. At the beginning I did all the things one "has to" do - the Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, Central Park, 5th Avenue shopping.. I'll touch base on a few of those here but my main goal with this little guide was to tell you about my favorite little hidden gems where mostly locals hang... Come along!
new york guide
things to do, see & eat
i love this city
Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock.
Most people have the Empire state building on the list which results in long waiting lines, especially during the holidays. I prefer Top of the Rock, not only are the lines usually shorter but you get a great view of both Central Park and downtown!
Central Park
Take advantage of any jetlag and hit the park early in the morning, not only will you avoid all the tourists that later invade the park but before 9 am (9.00) dogs are allowed to run around without a leash - perfect if you are a dog love like me! Do as the locals and grab a coffee to go as you walk around, and remember the further north you walk the less people.
Broadway
I love, love, love a good Broadway show and I have two great hacks for you if you are a bit flexible on time and what to see. Some musicals such as Book of Mormons and Aladdin has ticket lotteries 2 hrs before each show! Just show up, put your name in and wait for the to (hopefully) call your name. If you win you get to buy (up to 2) tickets for only around 10-30 bucks each! View all lotteries HERE. The second hack is the same day discounted tickets that you can by at TKTS, most people know of the red stairs on Times Square but down in South Seaport is another office, usually with less or no line at all!
THE TRADITIONAL SIGHTS
Tenement Museum
If you only visit one museum when you are in town it should be the Tenement Museum. In 1998 they stumble on this house that was abandoned almsot 100 years ago, a unique time capsule of a very different Manhattan life. Located at 97 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side the five-story brick tenement building was home to an estimated 7,000 people, from over 20 nations, between 1863 and 1935. You must book a tour to visit (easy to do on the website) and they are around an hours long. They are all great, and I know because I've been to them all!
Museum of the City of New York
Located by the park on the Upper East Side this Museum will tell you everything about the actual city. The grid, the history, the founders, the people... Tons of interesting and funny facts about this magical city!
International Center of Photography
At ICP you can view some amazing photography exhibitions! You don't have to be a photography lover to enjoy a visit here and the museum is rather small so it doesn't need to take up much of your time!
MY FAVORITE MUSEUMS
Bluestone Lane Cafe
One of my favorite brunch places, several locations around the city but the West Village ones are my go-to's. Great Australian coffee, yummy avocado toast (available on GF bread), fresh granola bowls and the best banana bread every made!
Egg Shop
Are you a egg lover and don't mind a long line? Then you have to come here! Eggs in different forms, fresh and fun. Allergy friendly, of course. This small little place on the Lower East Side take no reservations and usually have a long line during weekends, but it's worth it.
Jack's Wife Freda
I'm addicted to their vegetarian gluten free halloumi brunch dish but honestly everything on the menu is good and fresh. Located both on Layette and Carmine Street, and non of them take reservations. Don't forget to check out their cute sugar packages, very instagram friendly.
BRUNCH
Lunch
Ellary's Green
Eating healthy, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian food that delicious is easy at Ellary's Green. 3-4 small dishes per person, a perfect place to go family-style. And don't leave without trying their dairy free chocolate mousse! It's made from avocado with a coconut whip on top - yum!
Chipotle
If you are not an american resident you probably haven't been here, let's change that! Chipotle is a fast food Mexican food place that you can find all over the city. Bowls, salads, burritos & tacos made to order exactly as you want it. The guacamole is extra and a must!
dinner
Grand Banks
Looks like the sunset is going to spectacular? Head down to Grand Banks and enjoy champagne & oysters on a sail boat located on pier 25.
Nga Trang 1
The rudest service and the best vietnamese food! Located in China town and can be a bit hard to find but it's so worth it! Everything is good (GF crispy springrolls!) and so cheap! A favorite place!
Murray's Cheese
Love cheese in any shape or form? Then this little west village restaurant (same owner as the awesome cheese shop two doors down) is for you! Raclette, fondue or mac-n-cheese!
Sleep No More
A one of it's kind, interactive theatre based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth with inspiration taken from the noir films of Alfred Hitchcock and the 1696 Paisley witch trials. Sounds weird but it's amazing!
Drunk Shakespeare
The stage is set in a hidden library with over fifteen thousand books. Five professional New York actors meet as members of "The Drunk Shakespeare Society". One of them has at least 5 shots of whiskey and then they overconfidently attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensues while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track.
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO
Erin McKenna Bakery
You don't have to have food allergies to absolutely love this place! A bakery with gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, vegan and even some sugar free doughnuts and breads! I know, it doesn't sound like it would taste like cardboard but it doesn't! Promise!
Pala Pizza
This amazing pizza place on the Lower East Side is great for both normal and celiac people. Separate utensils and boards for the GF dough makes it safe for even a very sensitive person. Truffle pizza anyone?
Lili's 57
All the different gluten free asian food you can imagen! Crispy sesame chicken, dumplings, tempura shrimp - nom, nom, nom!
Wild
Cute little restaurant in the West Village with a 100% gluten free menu! Pizza, ravioli, gnocchi, desserts... Open all day!
Noglu
I was over the moon when this french restaurant opened up a bakery in New York. The most delicate pastries, delicious cakes and bread! I won't take responsibility for how much weight you will gain from eating here...