The Master Plan NYC

I'll help you organize & plan your NYC trip. All you have to do is choose which Manolo's to pack and sip your cosmo. My tips, secrets and sparkles will leave no room for FOMO. Come hang with me. Let's create live long memories on these famous avenues.

Welcome To New York City!

November 8th will now be know as the 'International Day of The Master Plan NYC'!

Birgit, The Master Plan NYC
The day we finally could go back to the city we all love so much. And guess who was on the first plane out? Just guess! 
 
Yes!!! Me! It was me!
 
Me and some other crazy people who couldn’t wait to travel to NYC (although some were even crazier & had NYC only as a stop).
That probably was the easiest guess you ever had to take ;). I was so so lucky when boarding that plane. 
 
I couldn’t believe it had only be 90 minutes since landing. I stopped taking pictures from the downtown skyline to take it all in. Telling myself there was no point. Pictures taken from the taxi backseat never turn out great.
 
I was overwhelmed with excitement. Sharing it with everyone I met on the way. The airport security guard even mirrored my excitement while going trough the list of standard questions. Picked up my luggage, did not have to wait, and walked out. 
 
Belgians, NY missed you! 
 
There in Newark arrival hall was Patrick, best tour guide in NYC, welcoming back the first tourists after 20 months. We all had sparkles in our eyes. Happy to see old NY friends. Excited to meet new ones. We all forget our troubles from the last 20 months and shared stories, selfies, Waffles&Dinges and questions for the upcoming days. Interviews with Björn Soenens on how excited we were to be back.
 
Back with the first plane. Still can’t believe it. 
 
All of that in just 90 minutes. I couldn’t help myself. Took my phone and started snapping pictures again. Who cared if they were sharp or not. My excitement got the better off me.
 
During my trip I made a lot of pictures. No. Really a lot. Some really great, some really crappy ;). But looking through my lens I saw how the City had evolved after lockdown. Here  are a few of the things that caught my eye…

Masks & Proof of Vaccination

Before you had ESTA. These days you add ‘Proof of Vaccination’ accompanied with a picture ID to your list. They’ll ask for it when you want to wine & dine inside and for all major attractions. Make life easy and get it all out while you are waiting in line. People will thank you for it. 
 
Masks are mandatory on the subway. Not a bad thing in some cases ;). Sometimes it was confusing if wearing masks was mandatory or not. On top they make a difference between fully vaccinated and not. 
So I used my own rule, if the staff was wearing a mask, I would wear mine. And in crowds. Taking it only off to take pictures. But don’t do that in the Harry Potter store. There you have to wear it at all times. Or be fast like me and take the picture when nobody is watching…
 
Rules are changing all the time. Make sure you check with your local government when packing your bags. 

Smell weed everyday...

Like many of us, NYC looked for a new way to make money during the pandemic. Marijuana got legalized (read this article for the less black & white option). This means that the-day-Carrie-got-dumbed-on-a-post-it will no longer be changed in the-day-Carrie-almost-got-arrested-for-smoking-pot. 
 
I felt like walking around Amsterdam in some area’s. Joints were sold openly on Times Square and the odor caught my noise more than once. Maybe that’s why masks are required in some places…

Empty streets or crowded avenues

I thought it was going to be even more quiet. It was a like traveling in January/ February. Not too many tourists, but some die hards! Last years’ empty avenues were now filled with taxi’s and town cars again. Drivers yelling at traffic police. The honking when someone blocks the crossroad. Street vendors making coffee (and selling me so not ready to eat bananas when I was extremely hungry). The buzz and the fuzz is back Baby! 
 
Everything and everyone who makes New York New York was there. Except for the huge amounts of tourists. Which is great for picture taking and waiting in line (read: not waiting in line). But enough people to make it feel alive. People watching! Can we take a minute to appreciate NYC people watching? 
 
‘I love your pants! Oh, that color looks great on you! What a vibe you have there!’
 
If you need a confident boost, just walk around and compliments will reach you. They always make my heart jump and give an electric shifter. Cause who doesn’t love a compliment? 
 
As great as they are to receive, they are even greater to give. Tell how much you love her hat. I’m sure when you see her glow, you’ll glow too. 

She's waking up

The City That Never Sleeps is still snoozing. Can you blame her? She’s been buzzy for decades and after chilling for 20 months she is still hitting snooze. 
 
Some store opening hours have been pushed back to 11.00 AM and close a bit earlier from time to time. But no worries! You’ll still have more than enough time to do all your shopping ;). 
Times Square welcoming back the world!

I couldn't help but wonder...

…will she have the same energy?
 
Oh yes, she has!
 
Even better, cause we haven’t experienced it for so long. On top everyone is so happy to get back to normal life and to welcome tourists. The excitement is real! 
 
That explains all the question marks and use of superlatives in this blog post. I will not take it down, cause I hope you can feel it too. 
 
All the new attractions to see! To explore! You’ll be in wow! Trust me! Hudson Yards (hadn’t been there yet), Little Island, Penn Station, Summit One Vanderbilt… oh my loves you are in for some treats! 

Let me know in the comments what you can’t wait to explore! 

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo, 

B

PS: Keep an eye on my blog, cause I’ll be sharing all the fun stuff, all the glamour and all the ins & outs of my trip soon! Can’t wait? Me neither! Check out my stories highlight on IG: NYC 2021. 

PS 2: Keep your one dollar bills and your change in your pocket. I’m sure you make their day when you help a homeless guy buy his breakfast. Cause unfortunately there are more homeless people who have a real though time. 

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

Freebie: 3-day itinerary Shop Till You Drop

'Shopping for labels, shopping for love Manolo and Louis, it's all I'm thinking of Shopping for labels, shopping for love Manolo and Louis, it's all I'm thinking of'

Fergie
Labels & Love honey.
 
Labels & LOOOVVVVE.
 
I can’t promise you the love, but if you follow the itinerary I created for you, you’ll find the labels. Oh yes off course! It contains NYC highlights too! Cause that’s why we are here, no? Just for the labels? I want tell. Pinky promise.
 
Whether you are here for the NYC highlights or the Label highlights. You are welcome! 

Confession time

The first time I visited NYC I was overwhelmed with all those shopping opportunities. Literally stores all over. ALL OVER! I’ve bought more than I needed. More than I remember. (For my defense…that trip was years ago!)
 
But two things I do remember. A fake fur body warmer. I still have it. All those years later and I still wear it! Best purchase ever. And it was a bargain (I live for bargains). Cost per wear is the lowest from all my wardrobe pieces.
 
The second piece I got was a Louis Vuitton scarf. A real investment piece. This one too was worn a lot. Was indeed…Till I accidentally put it in the dryer… I might have cried…I might have cried…I definitely cried.
 
Let me tell you one thing. Don’t do crazy stuff like me…Don’t buy French or any European brands in NYC (if you are European). They are off course way more expensive there than let’s say Paris.
Buy American brands. Buy local designers. Buy items you’ll love now and in 10 years from now! (Hello fake fur body warmer.)
 
What can I say? #shoplocal was not a thing back then. 

Make it your own

I hope you have fun adding stores to my itinerary. It contains great shopping locations. Up to you to add your favorite stores. (Tip: use Google Maps to see what’s in the neighborhood) 

When you start planning, don’t forget to plan your lunches & dinners (some tips here)! And if you are anything like me, you might want to read this very practical post too ;). 

3-Day Itinerary Shop Till You Drop

Let me know in the comments which store is on your list! 

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo, 

B

PS: Can’t wait to travel to NYC, but not a planning addict like me? No worries, I’ll make your personalized itinerary! 

 
It will contain all the things YOU want to do and a tons of extra’s and insights from me. What to do. When to see it. Where to eat. What to drink. You only have to decide who you’ll take with you on the trip ;). 
 
Reach out and I’ll dive right in! 

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

5 Tips to choose your hotel in NYC

'I don't like the idea that one hotel could be better than another. In any city, I try to find a hotel that has the identity of that place - Claridge's in London, the Danieli or Cipriani in Venice. In New York, I stay at the Mercer Hotel; it is so much in the character of SoHo.'

Jean Nouvel
Which hotel would you recommend?
 
It’s one of the most asked questions when planning a NYC trip.
Choosing a hotel is not like mathematics. There is more than one correct answer. There are literally hundreds! And just like colors, not everyone likes pink (I know! I’m baffled too!), the opinion about hotel rooms is very personal. 
 
So here are 5 tips to help you find the perfect hotel according your wishes! 

Tip 1: Location, location, location!

This one tip counts for 3!
 
Trust me it’s that important! It’s like real estate. The better the location, the higher the demand…the higher the price. Luckily for you, NYC offer hotels at all price levels. And when you look a bit further, you’ll find great location and great price! 
 
Firstly, let’s talk areas.
Planning a trip in which 90% is spend in the Financial District, I would not recommend a hotel in the Bronx :). You figured that out already? Didn’t you? 
 
Before you choose a hotel, make a rough program to see where you’ll spend most of your time. (You can read a few trips on planning here and here.) Are you planning a daily run around J.K. Onassis Reservoir the Upper East Side or the Upper West Side is your area to look for a hotel.
 
On top, the hotel area is the area you’ll explore the most. Walking around for morning coffee. Discovering little hidden gems near your hotel. I stay in a different area each time I visit. This helps me to really get to know each neighborhood better. 
 
First timers look for a hotel in Midtown. Many major sightseeing locations are just a few blocks away. But keep in mind so are many tourists ;). 
 
Got something better in store for you! Look a bit further than just Manhattan. Like say…Long Island City! Don’t run away! I’ll explain. 
 
Location, location, location. Not just the area of the hotel. But also the few blocks around the hotel. If it’s located near a subway stop, you are in business! It takes you anywhere. Anytime. So no need the spend all your money on a Manhattan hotel. Just put some on the OMNY card and use the rest for cocktails at 230 5th! You are welcome ;)! 
 
The subway is just down the street at the Paper Factory Hotel and takes you to Midtown in 10 minutes. 
 
Tip: use Google Maps to see if there are any subway stops near your hotel. 
 
The Paper Factory Hotel, 7-06 36th St, Long Island City

Tip 4: Budget

I’ll admit! This girl dreams of staying at the Mandarin Oriental, but till I win the lottery I have to ask myself the same question as you…

What do you want to spend?
 
We have to talk numbers when booking hotels. And that number is different for everyone. So no judging here. Personally I prefer extra spending money so I don’t go for highend hotels. Instead I look for a hotel with a great deal. I always tell myself: ‘you will only be there to sleep. Spend your money wisely’. 
 
I’m not good with spending money wisely! Spending money. Yes. Spending it wisely. No.
 
So I need some help from a friend. In this case, my friend is called Connections!
 
‘A travel agency? Why? You can book online!’ I hear your thinking! But trust me on this. You will be as addicted as I am! 
 
Cause honey, haven’t you learned anything from Covid? Low cost agencies (and flights) turn out high cost in many cases. You don’t want to read all the horror stories of people loosing all their travel money after booking online or with a low cost agency. No, you don’t have to agree with me. But if you are living in the Belgian area, trust me Connections is your go to! #notsponsored #reallylovethem
 
Great deals! Best service! Amazing advice! Great staff! You can thank me later!
 
Not living in the area? Do check their site for some hotel inspiration. 
 
A budget hotel I love is BW Bowery Hanbee. The rooms are rather big, at least for NYC standards ;). Great location. No correction. Amazing location!! Near a subway. And most importantly just a few blocks from all time favorites like Pietro Nolita and Sézane ;)….
You do want to have breakfast elsewhere…you can’t have it all for this money. 
 
Sites like Booking.com and Agoda will give you the option to explore hotels based on the money you want to spend. A great filter to limit the choices. But before you book through those kind of sites, make sure to check the hotel itself. It might give you more value for the same money! Read: upgrade it is! 
 
Check out my Pinterest board for some hotel inspiration. 
 
Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, NYC
BW Bowery Hanbee, 231 Grand Street, NYC 

Tip 5: Reviews vs Recommendations

I don’t know about you. But reviews stress me out! Big time! All these people having different opinions about the same place! Arhgh! Who to believe? 
Had the reviewer a bad day when writing it? Or was the concierge going through a really bad break up? Or was the stay really hell? I’ll never know! 
 
The other day I met someone who was madly in love with the Jane Hotel.
I hated my stay there! Really! Never ever again*. Smallest rooms ever, bad heating that could not be controlled, lots of noise. She on the other hand goes there every time. It’s her all time favorite. 
Reviews really depend on what you as a traveller value & need and how the specific hotel answers those. Please keep that in mind when reading the opinions of online strangers having a bad Monday cause they are no longer in NYC ;). 
 
*FYI, this hotel was booked based after a Google search…I still had a few things to learn back then. 
 
The Jane Hotel, 113 Jane Street, NYC 

What is your favorite NYC hotel? Let me know in the comments!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo, 

B

PS: What about Airbnb? Well…renting on short term (under 30 days) is rather complicated and not 100% legal in NYC. So make sure everything is legit before you book. There are plenty of Craigslist memes to prove the questaionably off rental ads.…  

You are warned, but if you like traveling on the edge. You go honey! 

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

IN A RUSH? PIN IT FOR LATER!

3-Day Itinerary: The Best of Everything for first timers (freebie!)

“The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald
First time traveling to NYC?
 
Don’t know where to start? 
 
This itinerary is for you!
 
Three days* in the city is not nearly enough to cover it all. BUTTTTT it’s an amazing start! (*nor is 3 years, but I’m going slightly crazy here…)

The Best of Everything for first timers

You’ll cover 3 of the biggest parts the city has to offer and then some extra’s ;). Download the itinerary and use it to plan your amazing trip. It gives you a great idea of the things to do and then it’s up to you to personalize it to your wishes.

Oh and see! Lucky you! I even have a free template to help you with that part too ;). (Find it here)

Your 3-day itinerary is here!

I hope you love it! Reach out if you have any questions. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when planning your trip! I want to join the excitement. 

3-Day Itinerary: The Best of Everything for First Timers

Better be prepared...

Before you dive in, read these 2 blog posts (or all…) on how to plan your perfect day; don’t-miss-anything and 5-steps-to-organize.

Which day is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo, 

B

PS: Can’t wait to travel to NYC, but not a planning addict like me? No worries, I’ll make your personalized itinerary! 

It will contain all the things YOU want to do and a tons of extra’s and insights from me. What to do. When to see it. Where to eat. What to drink. You only have to decide who you’ll take with you on the trip ;). 
 

in a rush? pin it for later!

3-Day Itinerary: The Best of Everything for first timers

in a rush? pin it for later!

3-Day Itinerary: The Best of Everything for first timers

5 tips for dining & wining in NYC

"Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start."

Anthony Bourdain

There are more than 27 000 restaurants in NYC. 

More than 27 000!! 

Let that sink in for a moment. You can eat 3 times a day for more than 24 years at a different restaurant. I don’t think any of us is that hungry. But just so you know…no excuses for going hangry in the city. 
 
So how not to go hangry in a city that never sleeps where you can always eat…5 tips for you!

TIP 1: Check the ABC rating

The Health Department makes it rather easy to find good restaurants. Or at least hygienic ones ;). Every restaurant is obliged to display their rating in their front window or more correct: ‘where they can easily be seen by people passing by‘. The rating is A, B or C. A being amazingly, first in class while C stands for catastrophically bad and waiting to either upgrade or go out of business. 
 
At least once a year every restaurant gets an unannounced inspection (food handling & temperature, personal hygiene and vermin control are all being checked). Okay, it will not tell you if the chef masters his cooking, but you can be sure whether or not find a cockroach in your salad. That’s a good start, want you say?
 
Wanna be even more prepared? The ABCeats site includes all 27 000+ restaurants and their grading. You can search on location and neighborhood. The perfect planner friend if you ask me. Happy scrolling! 

Tip 2: Become best friends with your concierge

In the Hudson, we had the best concierge! Like ever! Talk to him/ her. Ask for under the radar tips, weekend must do’s, latest news, where to go and what to drink. A good concierge will tell you the insides of the neighborhood. And more!
 
Store employees, bar tenders, that beautiful girl with a Felix coffee…they all know where to go. A compliment and a big smile might get you the best kept secret from a local New Yorker. Places you otherwise might skip or not even find. Trust me. You’ll thank me later! 
 

Tip 3: Reservation for 2 please!

Imagine the disapointment of dressing up for dinner at Buddakan only to find out they are fully booked! The horror! 
 
I make sure to make dinner reservations at OpenTable or Resy.
 
Both sites include reviews too. I don’t know about you, but I find reviews hard to read. Some will say it’s heaven. While others claim it’s hell. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. I’m a Libra after all…
 
Don’t forget that some places only open up reservations 1 month in advance. Set your timers and make sure you are ready!
 
It took me 2 attempts to get a reservation so I could star in my own version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Only to discover it was overhyped completely… Hopefully the renewed Blue Box Cafe will conquer my heart after all. (Reopening foreseen in 2022).

Tip 4: Google Maps

I know I repeat myself. But Google Maps really is your go-to when planning your trip.
 
It shows all restaurants in your neighborhood with 1 click. You might discover a hidden gem one block down that becomes your own favorite lunch place. Use it both at home when planning your trip. Or in NYC when standing on the corner of we-need-food-now and google-maps-to-the-rescue. 
 
Fancy the latest it-dessert? open Insta to see which places offer the most grammable food. The waiting line you get for free ;). But some really are worth the wait!

Tip 5: Eat at (your) hotel

Here in Belgium we don’t really have that eat-at-a-hotel-culture. But I always adapt it in NYC.
 
Many hotels have delicious menu’s with renovating chefs to attract guests. I think it’s the perfect way to enjoy fancy hotels without paying for an expensive room. 
 
Check my post on luxurious hotel experiences without paying for an expensive room. 

What’s your favorite restaurant? Let me know in the comments below!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo, 

B

PS: I’ll make a complete post with my favorites. But here are a few to satisfy your hunger 😉

Breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Brunch at Pastis, Lunch at Rosemary’s, Dinner at Bar Pitti and cocktails at Ophelia. 
 
Looking for more ideas? Have a look at my Pinterest board on NYC restaurants. Don’t forget to follow me when you are there! 
 

5 Tips to rock your paperwork!

5 tips to make sure you have your paperwork in order before leaving to NYC. Discover what to do before leaving to NYC.

Birgit, The Master Plan NYC
This is definitely not the sexiest part of the trip planning, but it’s rather essential. Cause no ESTA means no shopping on 5th! 
 
Just to be crystal clear, I’m no expert so in case of any doubt please check with your travel agent or even better your local government. Like it or not, different nationalities have different rules…
 
That being said there are a few things you have to organize before Spreading the News! 

Tip 1: ID check!

Wherever you are traveling from, make sure you have a valid passport. It needs to be valid till the end of your trip. 
 
It’s not necessary, but sometimes you’re better safe than sorry. If my passport contains stamps from non USA friends I make sure to request a new one before traveling. Just to avoid difficult questions at the borders.
 
I don’t know how my Bestie does it, but she always has the nicest CBP (Customs & Border Protection) Officer. It does have something to do with her flirting skills. I’m sure of that ;)!
 
Me on the other hand, I think the Automated Passport Control (APC) Machines are friendlier :). Anyway take it serious, don’t make jokes. Cause they will take it serious too. 

Tip 2: ESTA check!

As soon as you have your passport, you can request your ESTA. This document will make you answer the most awkward questions from time, but it’s serious business. 
 
You can request it here for $14 (prices might change). Note that some sites will charge you way more and are not legit. Don’t be fooled!
 
Your ESTA is valid for 2 years. 

Tip 3: Hotel-Info-for-Mom check!

Call me old fashion, but I always make a ‘fridge-note’ for my mom. Flight & Hotel details on 1 page. Just in case you max out your VISA and she needs to send you money ;). 

Tip 4: Money check!

Now that I get your attention about credit cards, don’t forget to check if you can use it in the USA.
 
Most cards will need to be activated for the US. This one, according to me, is the most crucial one ;). If you haven’t got a credit card, this might be the right opportunity to get one. A debet card doesn’t work as good as they do in Belgium (not sure about other countries).
On top, withdrawing money from an ATM machine will cost you money…Money you can use for coffee to go and a bagel on the site. 
 
I will always combine credit with cash. Tipping, small purchases, street artists,… I do prefer to pay those cash instead of by credit card. BUT corona will probably change this. I’ll always bring some cash so I can get it at the best exchange rate.
 
You can bring up to $ 10 000 cash into the States (just in case you want to buy a lot of gum :)). I’ve never exchanged euro’s in NYC and I don’t want to scare you. But be aware. Watch out exchanging money. Especially at Times Square, cause it might cost you more money than you exchange. Don’t loose time or money and exchange at home or at a trustworthy bank. 

Tip 5: Covid-19 Regulations check!

I’m writing this post during Covid-19. We can’t foresee what this pandemic will cause regarding regulations. I’m rather sure this will influence how we travel to the USA. Make sure to check with your local government before leaving. 

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

xoxo,

B

PS Tip: Note I’m not a specialist. Best to check your local government or CBP for the latest regulations. 

Free Download: My itinerary template!

Today brings a little gift for you!
 
My itinerary template for you to download and use when you plan your trip. 
 
The Master Plan NYC Itinerary will bring all the info you need on a one page. No stress to find an address or to remember your dinner reservation. All info for the day will be there with plenty of time to wander. That is if you follow my perfect day planning tips :). 

A little reminder: - plan around location and avoid unnecessary travel time - check important info online (opening hours do change rather regularly) - leave time to wonder & wander

#themasterplannyc

Don’t forget to tag me when posting your itinerary #themasterplannyc

Free Download

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

B

PS: Check my more detailed post on planning here!  

5 Steps to organize your Not-Missing-Out-Anything-In-NYC-Itinerary

Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

Ibn Battuta

You’ve made your bucket list and filtered it down to about 5 highlights a day. Now let’s get them organized and get your itinerary flowing.

Step 1: get them on the map!

I’m a visual person and I think you might too. So print below empty NYC map and start organizing your highlights on it. 
 
For now it doesn’t have to be exactly. But the first step is to organize your highlights by area. This will limit your travel time and will give you more time to wander and enjoy all the city has to offer. 
 
For example,
Rockefeller, St Patricks Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall are all in the same few blocks. So is Saks btw :).
Group them at the same time and this will give you time to have a cocktail at Waldorf Astoria and enjoy the old glory the city has to offer. 

Step 2: opening hours!

It’s a contradiction, but in the city that never sleeps there still exist opening hours. Best to check the official site for the most up to date opening hours.
 
Check if there is a pay-what-you-want day. Several musea have 1 day or afternoon when you can pay what you want. Try to go that day ;). 
 
Next check the exact address on the site and prepare how to get there. Many sites will tell you which subway to take. 

Step 3: open Google Maps!

Find the exact location. 1071 5th Avenue doesn’t tell you a thing, does it? It’s the Guggenheim. But if I tell you 5th between 88th & 89th, you immediately know it’s on the Upper East Side. Look for the nearest subway station to find out which line to take. 
 
Extra tip:
Use your Subway app or Google Maps to calculate the travel time. This will help you to be on time. I’ll admit…NYC is the only place where I seem to be able to be on time ;). 

Step 4: fill the gaps!

You know the highlight, the location and the opening hours. Now it’s time to plan around it.
 
Again, Google Maps is your best friend here. Zoom in and find stores, restaurants, must see’s near your highlight. It’s the easiest way to find everything in the area. Would be a shame if you miss a great place just because you had no idea it was around the corner. 
 
Planning a little Insta shoot at the Flat Iron Building around lunch? You will find a Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, but even better an Eataly around the corner. Don’t let hangry spoil your visit is my motto ;). 
 
You might think I’m obsessed, but really Google Maps is my best friend while planning a NYC trip :). It’s the whole city at your fingertips.

Step 5: write it all down!

You now have all the information you need. So time to fill in your itinerary by day. You can choose my template here.
 
And don’t forget. Planning is part of the fun. Put on some music and enjoy!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

B

PS: Looking for some extra items to fill your itinerary? The book NYC Guide for Instagrammers from Silvie Bonne is a great book. It gives you little gems for every highlight. Oh, and the photography is a gem on itself!

Start your Not-Missing-Out-Anything-In-NYC-Itinerary

Have you made your bucket list? (If not you can read about it here.)
 
I don’t know how yours looks like, but mine is rather endless ;). Unfortunately your time isn’t. I hate to brake the news. Trust me as a Libra I understand. But making the perfect itinerary means making choices…
 
It’s better to limit your list of must sees on your itinerary and to fully enjoy them. Than to overplan your days and run around to make sure you can check everything off without time to wonder & wander. 
 
That was the hard news, let’s move on to the good!

I'm here to help you make these choices so you can have the perfect trip!

Are you ready?
 
Take your bucket list and choose 3 to 5 main highlights per day you are in NYC. That’s the idea you are working towards. I suggest to choose 2 main attractions a day. 1 in the morning and 1 for the afternoon.
 
It’s the city that never sleeps so you wont either :). You can choose 1 attraction for the evening too!
 
Wanna go wild? Add 1 for the night and dance away!
 
Making choices is not limiting your options! It will help you to structure your day and leaves you time to explore. 
 
No worries, you can always add a highlight as a back up!

Choose around 3 main highlights per full day you are in the city. And 1 to 2 for evenings & nights.

Make google maps your new bff

You might already want to open Google Maps and see what else is in the neighborhood of your chosen highlight. Look for restaurants, bar, shops,…so you can explore the area completely.

The next post will help you even more on organizing your chosen highlights.

Below list gives you the more classic options the city has to offer. 
 
Ready? Now go plan!
 
Let me know in the comments what’s on your list!

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

B

PS: need some inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board NYC To Do here. Looking for more off the beaten track, check out NYC Secrets here.

5 tips to prepare a perfect day in NYC

Preparation is key to success. And in this case: part of the fun! With these 5 tips you are able to plan the perfect day in the City!

I love preparing my NYC trips. All the reading, scrolling through pictures, visualizing myself in the city. It’s half of the fun!
 
With these 5 tips you will understand me completely. 

Tip 1: Prepare by area

This is where I totally went wrong during my first visit. Uptown, downtown, East-Side, West-Side. I saw it all on one day. Saw all & nothing, cause I lost precious hours in subways & taxi’s. Time I could have spend wondering & wandering! My planning was all over the place! As a result we lost precious time traveling. But on top… I never got an overview of the city.
 
Don’t be like first-time-me!
 
Be like 10th-time-me!
 
Organize your day around a highlight and use Google Maps to discover what else there is to see.
Taking the kids to the American Museum of Natural History? Google Maps will show you there is an Alice’s Tea Cup near (way better lunch idea than the basement at the museum ;)) and a playground in Central Park so they can run wild after the museum. 
 
The city is so big you might get lost in the possibilities. But an online map will make it look like a village ;). You will feel like a local by navigating it online ;). Zoom in and discover stores, restaurants and little gems. 

Tip 2: Prepare by a specific time of day

This is rather straightforward, but sometimes you might get overexcited and forget the most obvious. 
Traveling from Europe? You’ll wake up early so get some extra activities in the morning.
Prepped a late night dinner & show? Go for late brunch the next day.
 
It’s the city that never sleeps! You can do whatever you want when you want and where you want. Well almost ;). 
Cause off course a Holy Harlem tour with BE NY will only happen on a Sunday. 
 
So make sure you take tickets for shows, tours, special activities into consideration. These will be a main factor in your planning. 

Tip 3: Prepare around a highlight

You want to get the most out of a day at the MET? Visit it on a Friday or Saturday for late night opening. 
 
Make sure you check the most up to date opening hours online to make sure you are not standing before a closed door. Even in a city that never sleeps some locations do have a closing day. So it would be a pity if you forget to check them. 
 
Note that travel guides and blog posts, yes even mine, might not always be 100% up to date. What can I say? The city changes in a blink of an eye. Always best to check the official site to have the most up to date information. 

Tip 4: Don't be too ambitious

I know this might be hard. At least if you are a prep addict like me ;). I’m always afraid to miss out. But If you take the time to go around the corner and walk a block you might find a little hidden secret which is way better than the list of things you found on Pinterest. 
 
Cause don’t forget another Pinterest cliché…not all who wander are lost ;).

Tip 5: Don't underestimate travel time

You are on holiday so no need to take the subway to the Financial District when all traders are running to be at their desk before the Stock Exchange opens. I know, I know. The good ones like Mr Big have their own driver and will not be seen on the subway ;). But my point is: rush hour adds time to your travel time. 
 
So does rain. I swear, one drop of rain and every taxi and Uber is taken. Not just rain.
In a hurry? Trying to be on time? No taxi to be seen for blocks! It’s like the universe is teaching me a lesson. Be on time! You did not had time to check out those 2 last shops ;). 
 
Oh well, you can always call the restaurant and hope they will hold your table till you get there ;). 
 
Google Maps is your best friend here. You will find the correct location of your interest and how long it will take to get there. By taxi, subway or foot. Remember use intersections. 156 64th Street is way harder to fine than Alice’s Tea Cup at 64th Street & Lexington. 
 
NYC Subway is a great app to help you navigate the subway. It will show you which Subways to use and how long your journey will take. Including walking time between stations (if needed). You will travel like a local. just don’t forget to take it to the right direction ;). 
What are you waiting for? 
Start planning your next trip!
 
You want some extra help? Download my free itinerary template. 

Always in an Empire State of Mind,

B

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