11. Explore the foodie scene

Samosa app at Bengal Tiger in NYC

“The Melting Pot” has always been home to one of America’s most diverse culinary scenes. If you can’t find it in NY, you can’t find it anywhere. The melting pot character of the city has brought so many different cuisines to the city. Pasta, bagels, diners, the best pizza, Mediterranean, authentic Irish Pubs, street foods, Asian fare, New American, vegetarian & vegan – you name it – the city offers an unending supply of diverse food to indulge in. You could literally eat your way through the city on your trip and do nothing else and leave having a great time.

In Manhattan, you will find Chinatown, Little Italy, and Koreatown all offer an abundance of ethnic options. NY style cheesecake, bagels, pastrami, Italian ice, pizza, are some of the most popular foods which originated in the city. Here’s some more unique dishes you may not know originated in the city.

The Indian scene continues to expand in the city, with a recent Forbes article claiming NY may be home to the world’s best Indian food. One of my favorite recent discoveries was Bengal Tiger, a great local Indian restaurant conveniently located in Mid-Town. As a big fan of Indian food, I was pleased with the food & ambiance.

12. Enjoy the country’s most extravagant Christmas traditions

Giant Christmas ornaments in NYC near Radio City

Although it’s crazy busy and expensive to visit during the month of December, it’s something every Christmas fanatic needs to do at least once. The Big Apple has become one of the top Christmas destination cities in the US, thanks in part to the heavy media influence. The cold weather, ice rinks, and many holiday attractions don’t hurt either.

If you are a big Home Alone 2 fan, you might want to follow in Kevin’s footsteps and stay at the upscale Plaza hotel, “New York’s most exciting hotel experience.” They now offer a special Home Alone 2 package which includes a large cheese pizza, a 16 scoop sundae, and a limo ride to famous movie sites. If I had the spare cash, this would definitely be on my bucket list.

Besides the world-famous Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink, there are holiday theater productions, most notably the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Several Nutcracker productions, Christmas markets, Macy’s and Sak Fifth Avenue holiday window displays, and various special events make this a really exciting time to visit. To add to the ambiance, most storefronts are decked out with pretty garland and lights. Many restaurants, notably Rolf’s, transform into a winter wonderland. Add in all the regular winter attractions mentioned in this article, and you will never run out of interesting things to do this time of year!

I really loved visiting the city at Christmas. It was on my bucket list for years and I was extremely impressed despite the crowds (wow I was not expecting so many people!). You can check out my holiday guide for the full scoop.

Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in NYC
The iconic tree at Rockefeller!
Radio City Music Hall in NYC
Iconic Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes.

13. Take a walk through Grand Central Station

The famous clock at Grand Central station

Grand Central Station is much more than a transportation hub. It’s also an architectural masterpiece. Since opening in 1913, friends and family members have used the station as a meeting place. “Meet me under the clock” became a popular city expression. The four-faced clock is said to be worth 10-20 million bucks! Today visitors from all over the world come to marvel at the beauty of one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

Be on the lookout for seasonal events, particularly the Taste of Grand Central. Movie fans may remember seeing the station in various films and TV shows including Armageddon and Men in Black. I remember it most from one of my favorite 90’s cult classics, Hackers.

14. Take a tour of the New York Public Library

NY Public Library

Free tours of this beautiful Beaux Arts style building are offered Monday-Saturday at 10am and 2pm. Even if you do not have the time for a full tour, it’s worth taking a quick self tour of this gorgeous gem. The architecture and the beautiful murals are mesmerizing.

Movie buffs will likely recognize the famous building from the Ghostbusters opening scene. Also, the famous scene with the ghostly apparition in the library was filmed in the Main Reading Room. I came here mainly to check another famous movie filming site off my ever growing list, but really I was more impressed with the amazing murals and architecture.

To top it off, the gift shop is amazing. Seriously, it is hard to pull yourself out of here without buying anything!

Pretty mural at the New York Public Library
One of many incredible murals
  • Location: 476 5th Avenue
  • What to do nearby: Grand Central Station, Bryant Park

15. Warm up with a bowl from the Soupman that inspired Seinfeld

Delicious Broccoli Cheese soup at the Original Soupman

I love Seinfeld: it’s one of my favorite 90’s sitcoms. The popular Soup Man episode was inspired by a real life soup hotspot in Midtown Manhattan. The Soupman, famous for the catchphrase “no soup for you,” was inspired by real life owner Ali Yeganeh.

The Original Soupman opened in 1984 and still continues to receive much traffic. Today, you can order the soups online as well pick them up in the grocery store. However, Seinfeld fans still flock over to the Original Soupman to take in the 90’s nostalgia. I love soup during the cold winter season and I love 90’s TV so this was on my bucket list.

A variety of soups are offered daily, the most delicious being the Broccoli Cheese. The soups are so good that the New York Times once called them, “Art, Not Soup.” Whether or not you are a Seinfeld fan, it’s worth making the trek over to enjoy a warm bowl of great soup on a cold winter’s day.

  • Location: 259 W. 55th Street
  • Note: There is no seating inside the restaurant
  • What to do nearby: Gershwin Theater, Carnegie Hall, 9/11 Tribute Museum