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Most of us have had the dream about traveling to NYC. Maybe it’s because you were a Sex and the City fan and wanted to find love like Carrie, or maybe it’s because you know that NYC is the place that never sleeps. Either way, NYC has something for just about everyone.

If you are more of a European traveler (I have to say that I am myself…) then head over to my blog about traveling Italy.

I have been fortunate enough to travel to NYC several times throughout my 20 short years and I can tell you, without a doubt, that if you travel to the right places, your trip will be amazing.

I can also tell you that if you travel to the wrong places, you’re trip can be the worst trip you’ve ever been on…

Now, I don’t know about you all, but if I was going to spend the money to travel to the city that never sleeps (NYC), I damn sure want to make sure that its a good trip.

But maybe that’s just me… 😉

Please note, even though I have been to NYC several times in my life, there is much of NYC that I have yet to see and there may be places that I have yet to go to that may also be the best of NYC!

Best Hotel of NYC:

Every time I travel to NYC I stay at the beautiful Omni at Berkshire Place. The Omni is located on 52 street right between Madison Ave and 5th Ave. The hotel is nestled right in the heart of Manhattan around the corner from ultimate shopping, St. Patricks Cathedral, Central Park and much more.

The rooms at the Omni are a good size and very clean. The staff is approachable and very pleasant to work with. However, early check in is not a guarantee. Early check-in occurs on a first come first serve basis and they can’t guarantee that your room will be ready at a certain time. This can be unfortunate for those of us who get into the city early in the morning. However, both times that I have stayed at the Omni they have gotten us checked in before lunch time and the most recent trip they got us in around 10.

The Omni has many amenities and they are as well kept as the hotel rooms. The gym (HA! Going to the gym on vacation? No thanks.) was clean and quiet with updated equipment, water, apples and a great selection of weights to use. Not only is there a gym but there is also a Terrace for guest to use to their pleasing that is clean, has very comfortable patio furniture and several tables in case you want to eat. Of course- with this you run the risk of other patrons not cleaning up their mess or being rude when using the terrace not guaranteeing a good experience for others.

Yes, I know. How rude.

Now to the one thing I can’t stand about the Omni…

Bob’s Steakhouse.

Bob’s steakhouse is OK at best. Now, please note that I have only been there for breakfast and was charged $77 for food that was subpar.

French toast and pancakes. $77.

To tell you the truth I was so annoyed that I didn’t feel the need to go back and try their dinner and lunch menu. Not when I know of several other restaurants that are far better and cheaper.

Best Food of NYC:

I will fight anyone who tries to tell me that Fig and Olive is not the best restaurant in NYC.

Seriously, fight me.

Fig and Olive is absolutely amazing. And is conveniently located right across from the Omni. Fig and Olive has a amazing selection of Mediterranean food that has large portions. I can assure you that everything made by Fig and Olive is delicious.

When I was there I had a sampling of Crostini’s, which I can assure you, each one was amazing. I also had the Croquette tasting and for a main course I had the Truffle Risotto with chicken added and it was by far enough for me to share with another person. The Rose’ Sangria was delicious but not as delicious at the Peach Sangria. Especially if you enjoy

sweet fruity drinks. Finally, for dessert I made the excellent decision to get the Bruleed Cheesecake.

Let me just say- there is a reason I go to the gym and it is because I want to enjoy desserts like that. And yes,  I contemplated getting another one just to bring home with me…

Lucky for all of you, there are three locations for the Fig and Olive in NYC as well as locations in Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, and Newport Beach. Unfortunately, I will have to travel in order to get to Fig and Olive but hopefully you guys won’t have to! 🙂

The Best Attractions of NYC:

Now this can be very difficult for some people but I would highly recommend going to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The information and the beautiful memorial they set up for those killed and injured in that horrific event is a must see.

If you are looking for something to do in NYC I will always recommend going to a Broadway play. The best of the best in theatre are there and no matter what play you see I am sure you will have an awesome time! I have been fortunate enough to see The Book of Mormon on broadway and I would highly recommend it! If you are looking for something a little less crass, Les Miserables is also a fantastic show to see in NYC.

Finally, I would recommend going to Liberty Island and touring the Statue of Liberty. Yes, this is a very touristy thing to do, but one must do this at least once in their life. If you haven’t gone to the Statue of Liberty, has one really seen NYC? Same goes for the Observatories in the Empire State Building. Although, I would highly recommend NOT going to the 102nd floor. It is NOT worth the extra $20 per person. The views are no different, it is tight and pictures don’t turn out well due to the windows.

Walking Central Park is a must and if you are a fan of Good Morning America, I would recommend trying to see one of their concerts (Bebe Rexha was the live performer when I was there) or heading over to Rockefeller Plaza.

I hope you guys find these tips helpful to navigating the best of NYC. Traveling to NYC can be the trip of a lifetime when you see and experience all it has to offer! I will worn you, it may take several trips to NYC to see everything there is to offer, however, I think it is something we are all willing to undertake!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! You can email me at brooke@babblingwithbrooke.com or head over to my Contact Me Page.

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