New York isn’t a city—it’s a feeling. It’s the hum of conversations over candlelit dinners, the flicker of neon signs reflected on wet pavement, the scent of roasted chestnuts mixing with expensive perfume in the winter air. It’s a place that belongs to no one and everyone at once. The trick to loving New York isn’t just about seeing it, it’s about feeling it—finding those little pockets of magic that make you want to tuck yourself into its rhythm and stay a while.

So, whether you’re here for a weekend or forever, here’s your Le Joy insider’s guide to where to stay, eat, and frolic in the city that never sleeps.

Where to Stay: Dreamy Stays with Character

The Bowery Hotel (East Village, for the artsy soul)
Step into The Bowery and suddenly, you’re in a different era—think velvet armchairs, dim lighting, and a cocktail list that whispers old Hollywood. The lobby alone is the kind of place where you could sit for hours, sipping a Negroni, eavesdropping on conversations in hushed tones. Bonus points if it’s raining outside—the moody ambiance is chef’s kiss.

Nine Orchard (Lower East Side, for the effortlessly chic)
A former bank turned design-forward boutique hotel, Nine Orchard is for those who appreciate the understated luxury of soft linens, a curated minibar, and a playlist that always seems to get it right. Have a martini at Corner Bar downstairs, or better yet, ask for a seat at Upstairs at Nine—the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’re in on a very good secret.

Crosby Street Hotel (Soho, for the cool & colorful)
If Wes Anderson designed a hotel, it might look like Crosby Street—quirky patterns, eclectic furniture, and an energy that feels equal parts refined and playful. It’s tucked on a quiet cobblestone street in Soho, perfect for sneaking away from the city’s buzz while still being in the heart of it all.

Where to Eat: A Love Letter to New York’s Food Scene

New York’s dining scene is a mood, an experience, a main character energy moment waiting to happen. You could spend years eating your way through the city, but here’s where to start:

Breakfast & Brunch

Buvette (West Village) – A tiny French café where the croissants are buttery perfection and the ambiance feels like a stolen morning in Paris. Order the steamed eggs and let yourself linger.

Russ & Daughters Café (Lower East Side) – Bagels, lox, caviar, and an old-school charm that makes you feel like you’re part of New York’s history.

La Cabra (East Village) – If you’re serious about coffee, this Danish bakery will ruin you for all other lattes. Get the cardamom bun and thank me later.

Lunch & Afternoon Bites

Via Carota (West Village) – The kind of Italian food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Get the cacio e pepe and a glass of Barolo and consider the rest of your day sorted.

King (Soho) – A sun-drenched spot where the menu changes daily, but the pasta is always perfect and the wine list always impeccable.

Sadelle’s (Soho) – A brunch institution where the bagels are stacked like works of art and the smoked salmon is legendary.

Dinner & Late Night Magic

Altro Paradiso (Hudson Square) – For when you want something elegant but effortless—think perfect pastas, simple yet stunning flavors, and a dining room that glows at golden hour.

Lucien (East Village) – A French bistro where the waiters wear bow ties, the steak frites taste like Paris, and the people-watching is better than a movie.

Lilia (Brooklyn) – If you can get a reservation, you’re golden. If not, the sheep’s milk ricotta on toasted bread is still worth waiting for at the bar.

The Art of Savoring the City

Because the best way to experience New York isn’t by checking off tourist spots—it’s by wandering, getting lost, and letting the city surprise you.

The MET Rooftop – Go for the art, stay for the views, and sip a cocktail while watching the sunset over Central Park.

McNally Jackson Books (Soho) – A bookstore that feels like a hug, where you’ll find poetry, art books, and maybe even a new favorite novel.

Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – The kind of place that makes you want to order a Manhattan and listen to jazz while wearing something fabulous.

DUMBO at Golden Hour – Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge just as the sun is setting, then head to Cecconi’s for a spritz with a view of the skyline.

A Broadway Show, But Make It Spontaneous – Skip the big musicals and find a smaller, indie show. Something unexpected, something intimate. Let it move you.

Lose Yourself in the City

New York isn’t a checklist, it’s a feeling. It’s in the way the air smells different after a late-night rain. It’s in the serendipity of finding a jazz band playing in Washington Square Park. It’s in the strangers who become part of your day, even just for a moment.

So, let the city happen to you. Wake up early for a coffee at a tiny café, sit at a bar alone and strike up a conversation, take a long walk without looking at your phone.

And if you need a soundtrack for your trip? Start with a little Billie Holiday, a little LCD Soundsystem, and just the right amount of Sinatra.