Thinking about planning a trip to New York? We are rounding the corner of living here for a year, and if you get the chance, I think November is one of the best times to visit the city. It’s chilly, but not the bitter January cold. The leaves are truly gorgeous, there is so much glitter with the Christmas decor coming out, and I truly think this time of year is peak New York.

I am asked every day for my favorite restaurants, drink spots and best things to do in the city, so here is my ideal fall day in New York City. I would give this to a friend if they wanted a perfect Fall day in Manhattan!

A Perfect Fall Day in New York City

We live in the Upper East Side, so you’ll have to forgive me if I am partial to our neighborhood. I love going to SoHo, West Village, Flatiron, and UWS, but the Upper East Side is so special – especially at this time of year!

Morning

Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Bel Ami on 70th, Angelina Paris, Laduree, or Ralphs Coffee. Ralphs is more iconic, so I would lean that way if you only had one day! But you can’t go wrong with any of these spots.

After your coffee (and perusing Ralph Lauren if you went there!), walk over to Central Park for a morning stroll. Morning in my opinion is the best time to see Central Park because it’s less busy. Bring your camera! As a photographer, I love this canon camera. But if you need a fun camera for a trip, grab this one from Sony! I am telling you, you will use it for the rest of your life. It’s amazing.

Head to brunch at some of out favorites: The Dutch in SoHo, Buvette in West Village, The Mark Cafe, Maman, or Sarabeths.

Once you are ready to go, head to 5th ave for the best shopping. I love popping in Mango, Zara, Saks, Bergdorf Goodmans (especially during the holidays!), and just window shopping all the luxury stores. They all decorate for Christmas outside, so it’s just magical!

Pop over to the gorgeous houses on the Upper East Side that are pulling out their Christmas decor for a true New Yorker experience. I love these streets: East 73rd between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave, 78th between 2nd Ave and Park Ave, and get some photos on the Park Avenue medians that have put up Christmas trees!

Afternoon

Once you’ve had enough shopping + walking and you’re ready to refuel, head to lunch at either Café Sabarsky on the Upper East Side, Sant Ambroeus Madison, The Plaza Hotel or The Whitby Bar for high tea, or La Pecora Bianca for really good Italian. All of these places are an easy walk or quick taxi from all the 5th ave shopping.

After lunch, it’s time for a matinee. There’s just something about the sun going down earlier that makes me want to see show! It’s the perfect mix of cozy and fancy. The Rockettes, The Nutcracker, Wicked, Hamilton (Leslie Odom Jr is back until November 26th!), the Opera, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Tom Felton is Draco on stage currently!) Moulin Rouge…. okay, okay you get the point. So many great options!

Depending on when your show gets out, if you have some time before dinner, go do something a little more touristy like Rockefeller Center or Times Square since they’re close by.

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Evening

Okay, get your notes app out!

For Dinner, I really need to make an entire separate blog post on all the best restaurants in NYC, because there are so many different vibes to choose from. But if you only have a few days in the city and want to make the most of it, here are my favorites. The Nines (jazz dinner), Temple Court at the Beekman, Beauty and Essex (iconic. we sat downstairs and loved it, but the upstairs is so cool too), Mamo, Do Not Disturb in West Village, One if by Land, Two if by Sea (fancy), Chelsea Living Room, or The Polo Bar (if you can get in lol).

Could say the same about after dinner drinks! I have SO many great spots, I need to make another blog about this. My favorites are Bemelman’s bar at the Carlyle Hotel, Apotheke Nomad (speakeasy with AMAZING drinks + food and such a cool vibe), Monkey Bar, Nubeluz (rooftop of the Ritz with best city views) and Dear Irving Gimercy. Each one of these places has amazing mocktails too!

And that’s my best day in the Fall in New York City!

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A few NYC travel FAQ’s

Taxi is easier to call than you think. Literally just hold your hand up while you watch for one, and you’ll get one in no time. They are generally cheaper than Uber and require less planning.

Pay attention, walk fast, and walk on the right hand side! 🙂

No one cares, so take all the photos! Here is some disposable cameras we love to use.

Pack lots of layers and a good coat! It’s cold, but the worst part is the wind. I love these thermal lined base layer.

New Yorkers are very into the full length coats that honestly look like sleeping bags, but they keep you warm! Here’s a great option from amazon, and another one from Quince. And for a dressy lunch or dinner coat, here’s one I love from Reformation!

A cold weather hack, wear this heated vest under your jacket!

You might also like:

Montauk Travel Guide

All the rest of my Holiday Blog posts!

How We Traveled To Europe With A Baby

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