A Girl’s Guide to NYC: Where to Eat, Wander, and Feel Like the Main Character

Ah, New York. There’s something about this place that just captivates you. It makes you feel alive. Maybe it’s the way the morning light hits the glass buildings, or how the city never seems to be on pause. Each corner I’ve ventured to definitely felt cinematic, every iced coffee I held felt like a prop in my own romcom movie, and every street I walked on hummed with energy that made me appreciate life even more.

If you’re a solo traveller (like I was when I went!), or someone who’s just a fan of taking photos, or you might even already be a New Yorker that’s just looking to fall in love with NYC all over again, this guide is basically your personal script.

Save this for your next trip: where to eat, wander, and feel like the main character in your own NYC story.

Morning: Start with Coffee and Intention

Every NYC morning needs to begin with caffeine and people-watching. At least, that’s what I did. The secret is to look past the popular places and head somewhere with character instead.

Maman (SoHo or Tribeca)

Maman feels like a Parisian cottage hidden within the chaos of Downtown Manhattan especially with its French-country interiors and cute blue floral mugs. I recommend their lavender latte and nutty chocolate chip cookie. I don’t even like cookies but this one, I devoured. Impossible to not feel cute here.

Ludlow Coffee Supply (Lower East Side)

As far as indie goes, Ludlow takes the trophy. It’s edgy and cool and has the perfect lighting for a soft morning selfie! I’ll always be an Americano girlie but I actually went for the oat flat white and I was surprised by how energising it was.

GWT Tip: Bring a book or your journal. I found myself writing down my future trips whilst in NYC.

Late Morning: Wander Without Google Maps

New York has rewarded me for being the wanderer that I am. I urge you to be the same. Walk. A lot. If you can, resist the urge to plan every stop because every single corner in NYC will surprise you. A lot of the areas in the city are made for aimless exploring.

SoHo

I loooooved SoHo! The architecture alone made me take a hundred photos! Not to mention how gorgeous the boutique windows look like – straight out of a magazine cover. I popped into Sézane for some quick shopping and bagged a few French inspired outfits. If you’re into designer apparel, you might have heard of The RealReal which is an online marketplace for designer items. They actually have a consignment shop in SoHo that might be worth checking out.

West Village

If SoHo is too sleek and modern for you, West Village will wow you with its dreamy and effortlessly chic vibe. I got lost amongst the tree-line streets and brownstones. I suggest literally just sitting on the steps of Perry Street and wandering to Bleecker Street for some boutique browsing.

GWT Tip: The corner of Grove and Bedford (Carrie Bradshaw’s stoop from Sex and the City!) is here.

Lunch: Eat Where the Locals Actually Go

NYC has no shortage of food options, but the secret is avoiding the tourist traps and heading where locals actually linger. If you’re like me who skips breakfast and has early lunch (not quite brunch) instead, here are the top three places that are tried, tested, and loved.

Jack’s Wife Freda

This place is a classic. With its Mediterranean inspired dishes, it’s not quite possible to not find something you will like. It’s casual but debonair. I had the green shakshuka and Greek feta salad. Divine. I think it’s the perfect solo lunch spot because the energy feels friendly and unpretentious.

Bubby’s (Tribeca or Meatpacking)

My friends took me here for my birthday lunch! So, this one is a little special to me and so very close to my heart. (Shout out to Carli, Debbie, and Christina!) It’s pure comfort-meets-classic-New-York. I had the fried chicken with pancakes, cheese grits breakfast, and a lot of biscuits that tasted like a hug. God, I could cry right now. They even sent me off with a huge slice of brownie for the road, completely on the house. Thank you, Bubby’s!

Two Hands (Tribeca or Nolita)

Another café that always hits. Great for solo dining, healthy but satisfying plates, and smoothies that are way too pretty not to photograph. I recommend their house burger and avocado toast with pickled chillies on top.

GWT Tip: If you want something cheap but iconic, just grab a classic New York slice at Prince Street Pizza or a bagel from Russ & Daughters. You can’t go wrong.

Afternoon: Your Main Character Walk

Here’s where you’ll be living your New York movie moment. I plugged my AirPods into my ears and strutted along these iconic locations. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Central Park

There’s just no way around it. Central Park is still the place for a main character stroll. I would start your walk at The Mall, walk up to Bethesda Terrace, and spend some time by the fountain. You could bring your own snack and sit on a bench somewhere (I don’t recommend this because they can be a little unclean and I’m a germaphobe!) but I simply went on a walk here, took some pictures, and moved on.

The High Line

If you want a different perspective, stroll The High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It’s like walking above the city with art, gardens, and skyline views all around you. Peer the elevated park weaves through art installations and skyline views where you can grab an ice cream or coffee from one of the many carts dotted around the area.

Greenwich Village

If the two options above feel too crowded for you, Greenwich Village will satisfy your walking needs. The streets here are much more calm and are lined with old record stores, cute indie bookshops, and speakeasies. The oldest espresso bar in NYC, Caffe Reggio, is also here!

Golden Hour: Rooftops and City Glow

If there’s one thing I love, it’s golden hours. May it be sunrise or sunset. I personally prefer sunsets because I like to take my time getting up from bed. During this hour, the buildings turn gold, the air softens and gets crisp. For a moment, New York feels like it’s holding its breath in the prettiest way.

The Ready Rooftop (East Village)

One of my favourite rooftops in NYC. This place has a relaxed, colourful vibe that feels like a friend’s rooftop house party, complete with city views and good energy all around. If you’re a solo traveller, it’s the perfect spot to strike up a conversation and just enjoy a drink or two without feeling out of place.

Harriet’s Rooftop (Brooklyn Heights)

Now, this is the place to go to for jaw-dropping skyline views. The rooftop itself is located at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. It boasts a stunning view of lower Manhattan and it will make you gasp every single time.

Public Hotel Rooftop (Lower East Side)

Finally, if you want to feel like a main character, this trendy rooftop is the ultimate spot for a cityscape background made for beautiful golden hour pictures. This is the place.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t drink, order a mocktail or soda water and lime. Nothing beats sipping on something cold whilst admiring insane views.

Dinner: Eat Like the It-Girl You Are

Dinner in New York can be anything you want it to be, may it be candlelit and elegant or casual but full of memories. The best part is, it always comes with good food, better people-watching, and a touch of magic.

L’Artusi (West Village)

For solo fine dining or a romantic evening with yourself, L’Artusi is pure perfection. House-made pasta, sumptuous meats, and flowing wine with an intimate vibe that feels indulgent without being intimidating. I had the roasted chicken, and I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.

Cecconi’s Dumbo (Brooklyn)

Cecconi’s is located right on the waterfront, decorated with fairy lights and the Manhattan skyline as the background. It’s giving the ultimate Pinterest board aesthetic, to be honest. I opted for the Prosciutto San Daniele, Arugula, and Burrata pizza.

Gelso & Grand (Little Italy)

Gelso & Grand is a friendly place that serves the most delectable food. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Piccata and wow, it was so earthy and heartwarming. The chicken alone is reason enough to make the trip. Sit outside if you can.

Oiji Mi (Flatiron)

For something different, I recommend dining at this Korean spot. It feels elegant and design-forward. I had the wagyu accompanied by a creamy potato gratin and fresh jicama. The experience was truly luxurious without compromising the taste and flavour of the food.

If you want to keep it simple and are in the mood for something casual but delicious, grab a falafel wrap from Taim or dumplings from Vanessa’s Dumpling House. I absolutely swear by them!

Evening: Feel the Magic of the City That Never Sleeps

Everyone thinks they need to do a night out when in NYC. But the truth is, once the sun sets in New York, the city glows in a way that makes you want to just observe and appreciate. You don’t need to hit a club or down one too many drinks. The best NYC nights are the ones where you just take it all in.

Brooklyn Bridge at Night

Walk it just after sunset or during. The skyline lights up and the breeze off the water will make it feel so cinematic! Honestly, the first time I did this, it was one of those “wow, I’m really here” moments.

Dumbo

When you reach the other side, head into Dumbo. Grab a cone from OddFellows Ice Cream, sit by the water, and look back at Manhattan. It’s romantic, even if it’s just you and your thoughts.

Write Your Own New York Story

New York isn’t a city you just visit, it’s a city you feel. You can eat at a Michelin-star restaurant or grab a $2 pizza and both experiences will still give you the same nostalgic feeling when you look back at it. You can walk for hours along 5th Avenue or just sit on the Met Steps and somehow still feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

I fell in love with the rhythm of New York and I’m sure you will, too.

Rachel

Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and the resident beauty advisor at Girls Who Travel. A true ocean lover with a soft spot for flowers, films, and storytelling, she also has a growing collection of medium-sized tattoos. When she’s not immersed in her next adventure, Rachel shares stories from her travels along with practical tips and insights to help other women make the most of their journeys.