New York City, New York (Courtney Gerlich)

Hands down our favorite hotel is the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho - We love the location right in the heart of Soho which is bustling with great restaurants, bars and boutiques right outside your doorstep.

— Courtney Gerlich

More about your oliver guide: Courtney Gerlich
Trip type: Adult, City
Activity level: easy
Ideal length of trip: 4 DAYS IS GREAT

to & from

We fly non-stop on Alaska from Seattle to Newark and arrange for a car to pick us up outside baggage claim. There are tons of car companies to choose from so do a quick Google search and just pick one that suites you.

Where to Stay

Hands down our favorite hotel is the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho - We love the location right in the heart of Soho which is bustling with great restaurants, bars and boutiques right outside your doorstep. The rooms have really high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows giving you the feeling of lots of space which isn't always the norm in New York. Each room also has a unique style of decor which makes each stay fun and new.
We've also stayed at The New York EDITION located in the Flatiron District. It's the complete opposite in style and feel but very cool and modern - minimalism at it's finest. Not to mention their signature scent is to die for. The location is convenient to a lot which is a big plus.

Where to Eat and Drink

Momofuku Noodle Bar - We have lunch here every time we're in town. The shrimp buns are my go to - 2 to an order and I don't share
Katz's Delicatessen - This NYC deli opened in 1888 and serves mouth watering sandwiches that you almost have to unlock your jaw to get your mouth around. Go with the pastrami and get ready for a serious dose of deliciousness.
Chop't - A great lunch option when you're on the go and don't want to do a big sit-down meal. Not to mention you can make it light and save those calories for happy hour and dinner later.
Russ & Daughters - Classic NYC bagels, lox and cream cheese
Eataly - Mario Batali's amazing Italian food emporium. Walk around, get a coffee, shop the imported goods, enjoy!
Boqueria - Delicious Spanish tapas that are perfect for a pre-dinner bite (especially when you have a late dinner ahead of you). Order the Padron peppers and garlic shrimp (get a side of bread to sop up what's left in the pan)
Raoul's - Such a great locals spot
Cosme - Supposedly President Obama's favorite spot in NYC, it's no wonder why. Everything about this place is "cool" from the decor to the insane food. The brown butter lobster and duck carnitas will leave you wanting to go back.
Le Bernardin - With 3 Michelin stars and being ranked 24 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, you can order anything on the menu and expect to be blown away. Set your alarm 2 months in advance to call and get reservations.
Milos Fish is flown in twice daily and set up like a Mediterranean market where you get to "shop" for your dinner. The stuffed calamari and grilled sea bream are delicious. Don't skip the loukoumades for dessert!
Estela - Multiple chefs recommended this place to us and for good reason. Highlights include the beef tartare with crispy sunchokes, the Burrata with salsa verde and charred bread, the fried black rice with squid and romesco and the panna cotta with vinegar and honey.
Carbone - So nondescript from the outside and incredible on the inside. You walk in feeling like you just got into a secret club. Don't miss the artichoke hearts for a starter and the angel hair AOP is light and packed with flavor.
Navy - If I lived in NYC I would be a regular here. The staff is so welcoming and amazing and the food is cozy and satisfying. The crudo, crispy sweet potatoes and pork & beans are standouts.

What to Do

Museums - So many to choose from - classics like The Met and the Guggenheim or the new Whitney building in the Meatpacking District.
Walk the High Line - A 1.45 mile walk/park situated above the streets on an old elevated rail line spanning from the Meatpacking District north to West 34th Street.
9/11 Memorial & Museum - Breathtaking and so thoughtfully designed. Bound to make an impact on you no matter what.
Broadway - Hamilton is well worth the price tag and hype
The Chelsea Market - Great for an afternoon snack or full on meal. There are lots of shops and stalls to peruse. The shrimp rolls at The Lobster Place are quite tasty.
Shopping, shopping, shopping! - Soho for smaller, unique boutiques and Midtown for your bigger department stores (don't miss the window displays if you're there during the holidays)
Rockefeller Center - What's more iconic than the ice skating rink and Christmas tree during the holidays?!
Times Square at night - The lights, the crowds, the energy...NYC at it's best! Take a stroll through after dinner to burn off some calories.
Holiday drinks (eggnog) at Rolfs - It's like Christmas threw up in there...amazing!

inside scoop

Avoid the crowds and long lines and go to Empire State building at night. The views are just as spectacular and you’ll have the place to yourself.

skip it

Bike peddler taxis…talk about scam of the century! We made the mistake of getting in one after seeing Hamilton and after just 10 minutes and not getting a straight answer from our driver we finally put two and two together and realized he was charging $6 a MINUTE!!!