Okay, so I was super stoked to hit up New York City in November. I’d always heard it’s magical that time of year, with the crisp air and the holidays just around the corner. So, I started planning, like, weeks in advance. First things first, I booked my flight and a cozy little Airbnb in the Lower East Side – I wanted that authentic, non-touristy vibe, you know?
Getting Ready
I packed a bunch of layers, because, let me tell you, November in NYC can be chilly. I’m talking sweaters, scarves, a good coat, and definitely some comfy walking shoes. I knew I’d be doing a TON of exploring on foot.
Hitting the Ground Running
Once I landed and dropped my stuff off, it was straight to exploring! I’m a huge foodie, so I started with a mission: find the best damn bagel in the city. I wandered around the East Village, popping into different delis and bakeries. Finally, I found this tiny little place, “Ess-a-Bagel”, with a line out the door – always a good sign. And let me tell you, that everything bagel with scallion cream cheese was heavenly.
Exploring the Classics
- Central Park: Seriously, this place is HUGE. I rented a bike and just cruised around, taking in the fall colors. It was unbelievably beautiful.
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: A must! The views of the Manhattan skyline are just breathtaking.
- Times Square: Yeah, it’s touristy, but you gotta do it. The energy is insane, especially at night with all the lights.
- Museums: I’m a big art nerd, so I hit up the MoMA and the Met. Both were incredible, but be warned, you could spend days in each one.
Finding Hidden Gems
I also wanted to get off the beaten path a bit. So, I did some digging online and found a few cool spots:
- The Tenement Museum: Super interesting, it gives you a glimpse into the lives of immigrant families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Greenwich Village: I just loved wandering around the streets here, soaking up the bohemian vibes and checking out the cute shops and cafes.
- High Line: such a cool and unique experience.
Embracing the November Vibes
One of the best things about visiting in November was the pre-holiday atmosphere. The city was starting to get decked out in lights, and there was a real buzz in the air. I even stumbled upon the Thanksgiving Day Parade preparations – seeing those giant balloons being inflated was pretty wild.
And I went to watch the lighting of the tree at the Rockerfeller Center.
Eating My Way Through the City
Besides bagels, I made it my mission to try as much amazing food as possible. I had some incredible pizza in Little Italy, devoured some delicious dumplings in Chinatown, and even splurged on a fancy dinner in the West Village. Honestly, my stomach was very happy.
Saying Goodbye (For Now)
By the end of my trip, my feet were aching, but my heart was full. New York City in November completely lived up to the hype. It was the perfect mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and that special pre-holiday magic. I can’t wait to go back!
