New York Itinerary – How to Spend 3 Days in New York City with Your Friends

Travel Guide

The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the capital of the world – No matter how you’ve heard it called, there’s no denying that New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet. I had an AMAZING time in New York this last weekend at HGTV's Block Party, where I got the opportunity to be on the "Sweet Home Collaboration," Panel. I returned to Seattle inspired, loved, blessed, and with so many content ideas to share with you guys, so stay tuned! Currently, however, I'm sharing my 3-Day New York itinerary, a few recommendations from locals, and my favorite places I went to! I visited New York City earlier this year with my mom and sister, you can check out my NYC Travel Guide: 10 Things to Do + Where to Eat.

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Where to Stay in NYC

The Standard Highline Christina and I stayed at The Standard Highline in NYC. Not only is it located in awesome area (Greenwich Village), there are plenty of bar and restaurant options on-site of the Standard. While it is true that their rooftop bar, Le Bain, is open till 3:30 am, you really do not hear the music unless you are in the upper levels –– so be sure to ask for 10th floor and below! I would recommend staying with a view of the Hudson River rather than the city!

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How to Get Free Hotel Stays!

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Where to Stay in New York City - The Standard Highline NYC

Traveling outfit: Long Sleeve Crop Tee (size down) // Glitter Sneakers // 29" Lugguage // Backpack // Lack of Color Hat

New York Itinerary – How to Spend 3 Days in New York City with Your Friends

Day 1: SoHo

Designer boutiques, fancy chain stores, and high-end art galleries make trendy SoHo a top shopping destination, especially for out-of-towners. NYC is littered with fantastic brunch spots.

Brunch Options in SoHo:
- Maman (SoHo location), which is a cute little French-American brunch and bakery spot.
- Egg Shop: go for their signature egg salad and soft avocado toast. Very instagrammable.

Next, we moved into shopping in Soho--make sure to walk Broadway and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the area. Night: We started with drinks at Le Bain rooftop bar for drinks before sunset. Headed to dinner. If you feel like going out check out bar/clubs recommendations below.

Day 2: Greenwich Village

We chose a neat brunch spot near our hotel called Buvette. Another great option is The Butcher's Daughter: 581 Hudson. After brunch, walk the High Line, which is one of New York City’s hidden gems. You can see it from our hotel! It’s a beautiful green park made from the remains of an old elevated rail line that runs from the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street. Along the way, you’ll pass through the artsy neighborhood of Chelsea. If your timing works out and you're hungry, head to the Chelsea Market, and check out 'Very Fresh Noodles' (best noodles!!) or 'Los Tacos' (famous tacos). Continue shopping and take pictures at The Vessel at Hudson Yards. Alternatively, head to the Flatiron district, one of my favorite areas in New York. Take pictures in front of the famous Flat Iron building and sit and rest in Madison Square to people watch.

Start at a rooftop bar like The Fleur Room the we went to a show at The Box. (read below for description).

Day 3: Brooklyn

On the last day, it's always fun to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and grab brunch in that area. Make reservations as they fill up quickly! We LOVE Sunday in Brooklyn for brunch. After, walk around at DUMBO and get the iconic shot of Manhattan Bridge from the cobblestone intersection on Water Street.

Finish with dinner at Pilot, which is a seasonal floating oyster bar! It was so fun, with delicious food. We stayed from early evening until sunset and had a blast!

Short List of Bars/Nightlife

The Box: Please don’t take your parents here. An underground NYC night club. Unique & exclusive club features nightly shows that combine music, theater, burlesque & erotica. Thr shows were crazy but we had so much here! Doors open at 11pm and shows start around 1am.
Le Bain: This is a rooftop bar at The Standard Hotel. It has great DJ's, a pool, with a dance floor over sections of the pool.
Fleur Room Cocktails with a stunning view of the Empire State Building (it just never gets old!). I think I read somewhere it's now the tallest rooftop bar in NYC which is pretty rad. Why it's cool: floor to ceiling windows, you're basically level with the H&M tower, they have awesome DJs at night coupled with a really sexy dark vibe-- and during the day it's classy and dainty. Yummy cocktails and probably the best Cosmo I've ever had in the city thus far.
Paul's Cocktail Lounge: This is in the Roxy Hotel and derives its an inspiration from a Latin Palm Beach-inspired design. It's great for late-night dancing and drinks.
The NoMad Bar: Great food with a classic, library-esc atmosphere.