New York is one of my favorite places to visit. I love that it is only a couple hours away by train, fast paced, a melting pot of people and cultures, and how there is always something fun to do and explore. Whenever I go to New York I get so inspired by the hustle. I used to live in Brooklyn so that borough will always have my heart but for this particular trip I stayed in Manhattan and I wanted to share some of my favorite highlights from my trip.
Where I Stayed: Moxy Hotel Chelsea
I stayed at the Moxy hotel in the flower district in Chelsea which was a short walk from Penn Station. I was surrounded by gorgeous flowers every time I left my hotel. The Moxy was very clean, convenient and the perfect size for me and my quick trip. It also had an amazing rooftop with great cocktails, a cute bar and workspace on the second level and a nice restaurant right next door that made great espresso martinis. They also will bring fresh flowers to your room everyday if requested.
Fashion Bliss at The Met
I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art specifically for the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit. I saw beautiful garments and accessories spanning four centuries from iconic designers such as Dior, Alexander McQueen, Marni, Dries Van Noten, Maison Margiela, Gucci and so many more. It was a fashion lover’s playground I had to stop myself from taking pictures of everything. Everything was so stunning and works of art. The exhibit ended September 2, 2024.
Broadway Magic: Hell’s Kitchen
No trip to NYC is complete without a Broadway show, and this time I saw Hell’s Kitchen. A recommendation from a friend led me to this musical, which dives into Alicia Keys’ teenage years in Hell’s Kitchen. Co-created by Keys herself, the show seamlessly blends her lyrics and music with a captivating story. The energy on stage was electric—no wonder two of the actresses have Tony Awards. Running until May 2025, Hell’s Kitchen is a Broadway must-see, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Art in the Clouds: “Air” at Summit One Vanderbilt
I also explored the “AIR” art installation at Summit One Vanderbilt, the tallest skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Created by Kenzo Digital, “AIR” offers an ethereal experience. From the eventful elevator ride with strobe lights to the immersive, mirrored room with city views, it was like floating through “AIR”. The highlight was a room filled with metallic silver balloons—a playful and surreal experience. Plus, I was excited to see Yayoi Kusama’s artwork displayed—her distinctive style is always fun.
A Ramen Love Affair: Ichiran
I ate at a few places while I was in New York but I couldn’t end this blog post without sharing my visit to Ichiran, my go-to ramen spot. After discovering it in Tokyo, I was thrilled to find it in New York. I have yet to find a better bowl of ramen.
From vibrant streets to captivating art and delicious eats, my 48 hours in NYC were filled with inspiration and joy. What are some of your go to things to do when in New York let me know in the comments.