10 spots to hit on your first trip to New York

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The Mall and Literary Walk

 The Mall and Literary WalkNew York, United StatesCentral Park is a must visit spot on your New York itinerary, but instead of hitting the usual suspects such as the Strawberry Fields, try the Mall and Literary Walk instead. It serves as the gathering spot for the park’s pedestrian visitors, street performers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers.

Columbus Circle

 Columbus CircleNew York, United StatesColumbus Circle is as local as Manhattan gets while still being within a short distance to main tourist areas. Green juices at Equinox will get you recharged after the high end shopping. The Juilliard and the Met are nearby. Just a short walk up north, Tucker Square Greenmarket sets up stalls with farmers from the New York area selling their honey, jams, vegetable and fruit every Thursday and Saturday. #local #farmersmarket

Riverside Park

 Riverside ParkNew York, United StatesA four mile trail running alongside the Hudson River stretches from 72nd to 158th Street on Manhattan’s western side. It’s a great spot to come relax in the afternoon while people-watching and waiting for sun to set against the backdrop of the Jersey City skyline. #park #hiking #trail #waterfront

Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe

 Bluestone Lane Collective CafeNew York, United StatesThis Australian coffee shop has several locations throughout the city, including this West Village favorite. Come for the excellent roast and linger for hours, marveling at the light coming in from the floor-to-top windows and people-watching on the busy Greenwich Avenue. #coffee

La Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels

 La Compagnie des Vins SurnaturelsNew York, United StatesA cozy spot to get tucked away during cold rainy days, La Compagnie offers laid-back city vibes and an impressive wine list in the middle of SoHo. If you’re feeling lucky, try playing the La Compagnie wine game, where a bottle of wine can be yours if you name the label and vintage after a blind tasting. #winebar #food #casual #open-late

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

 Tasty Hand-Pulled NoodlesNew York, United StatesManhattan’s Chinatown (particularly around Bowery/Centre St) is a world of its own. Asian Street markets, traditional herbal medicine shops and Buddhist temples abound. A bare-boned hole-in-the-wall spot called Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles serves some of the best noodle soup outside of China. Cash only. #cheap-eats #open-late

Main Street Park

 Main Street ParkNew York, United StatesFor a New York view as iconic as Times Square, visit Main Street Park in DUMBO. Washington Street will take you to a perfectly lined up view of the Manhattan Bridge, and the nearby shops and restaurants will satisfy your cravings for art and good food. The Archway under the bridge is a public cobblestone gathering space that serves beer, wine, and mean hot dogs (seasonal hours).

Bushwick Inlet Park

 Bushwick Inlet ParkBrooklyn, United StatesFor stunning views of Manhattan skyline from the eastern side, head to Bushwick Inlet Park. The green space is a prime spot to watch the sunset, but it doesn’t draw as big of a crowd as the neighboring park in DUMBO. Bonus: old warehouses refurbished into shopping and restaurant spaces at the Greenpoint Terminal. Stop by Ovenly bakery for almond croissants that outdo its Parisian rivals.

The Bushwick Collective

 The Bushwick CollectiveBrooklyn, United StatesThe Bushwick Collective is a cool way to get a different vibe of the city. Located in Bushwick, a Brooklyn neighborhood still going through the gentrification process, the collective started by a Bushwick local Joseph Ficalora as a way of dealing with violence. It offers stunning street art on every corner from some of the world’s most famous artists, including JR and Beau Stanton. Bonus: stop by the nearby Roberta’s Pizza for a fingerlicking-good margherita. #streetart #food #local #free

Z NYC Hotel

 Z NYC HotelQueens, United StatesAlthough the rooftop at the Z NYC hotel in Long Island City Is located in the industrial part of the city, it offers uncommon views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro bridge. #skyline #rooftop #views