New York has become something of a tradition for me. I first visited the city back in 2011 with my parents, wide-eyed and overwhelmed in the best possible way. I finally returned with my husband (then boyfriend) in 2015 to share with him my love and awe for this city. Since then, I’ve come back almost every year—sometimes even twice—except during the pandemic years, when I was living in Singapore and could only dream about it from afar.
This trip was extra special: not only did it fall into my birthday week (on purpose, of course), it also marked my tenth time in New York—if I don’t count that very first visit with my parents. Ten trips in ten years, and still, the city never feels the same twice. That’s what keeps pulling me back: the perfect mix of familiar comfort and brand-new discoveries, whether it’s a hotel that instantly becomes a favorite, a restaurant that feels like an instant classic, or simply the energy of walking through the streets.
Over the years, I’ve learned that New York is best enjoyed with balance: a beautiful hotel to recharge and indulge in after long days exploring Manhattan, great food and cocktails to savor, and a little shopping for treasures you won’t find elsewhere—certainly not in San Francisco. Beyond that, New York is endlessly inspiring. It’s busy, loud, and chaotic, yet also peaceful in its own way: there’s something grounding about walking the streets or sitting on a bench, feeling like you’re part of something bigger.
In this travel diary, I’m sharing my highlights from this trip—where we stayed, ate, and shopped—along with a few personal favorites I keep returning to again and again.
Where We Stayed: The Ned NoMad
I often collaborate with hotels, but since this trip fell during my birthday week, I just wanted to take a break and enjoy New York. That’s why we chose a special place: The Ned NoMad. Formerly the NoMad Hotel, it’s now part of the Soho House group – which means it has its own members’ club. As a guest, you can access some of the Members Only areas, which was super convenient when we needed to get some work done on the go or just enjoy a cocktail to jazz music in the evening without leaving the hotel.
What made the stay extra special were the little details that make a visit feel complete: our room on the 12th floor was charmingly decorated, and at check-in, a perfectly chilled bottle of French Sancerre awaited – a thoughtful birthday surprise. On top of that, really soft towels and premium Cowshed toiletries (four different shampoos and shower gels – something for every mood).
The hotel’s gym deserves a special mention too—it’s genuinely exceptional. Spacious, beautifully designed, and fully equipped, it almost makes you look forward to working out (which says a lot when you’re in New York with endless distractions outside). It felt more like a private fitness club than a typical hotel gym.
Normally, we try a new hotel on every New York trip. But this time? I already thought as we left: I’m definitely coming back here.
Where We Ate: My NYC Food Highlights
One of the reasons I’ll never tire of New York is the food. Every trip comes with a mix of new finds and old favorites, and this time was no exception. Here are a few spots that stood out:
Dante & Dante West Village – Always a must on my list. The main reason? Their Martini and Negroni Happy Hour—$10 cocktails, six different martinis, and it’s almost impossible not to try them all. Daniel loves their chocolate Negroni, which they serve during Negroni Hour at their other location ($15), so we like to mix it up. Of course, we also enjoy something from their menu when we’re there, and this time we even had brunch at the original location—just because we love the ambiance so much. I’m honestly glad this place doesn’t exist where I live; otherwise, my wallet would be in real trouble.
La Pecora Bianca – A stylish, light-filled spot that works equally well for lunch or dinner. With multiple locations across the city, you’re bound to stumble across one. Think elevated Italian comfort food, chic interiors, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer. I was actually recommended this spot by a colleague in 2024, and it didn’t disappoint. I always go for their Vodka Rigatoni—with extra burrata, of course.
Boucherie – A new find for this trip, but already an instant favorite that I’ll definitely visit next time. Walking in is like stepping into Paris without leaving New York: high ceilings, art nouveau details, and a menu that covers everything from steak frites to excellent cocktails. Their cocktail selection is just as impressive as the food.
Refinery Rooftop – I love rooftops in New York, and Refinery remains one of my favorites. We actually stayed at the Refinery Hotel before (I think it was back in 2018), but it’s always great to return. It’s the kind of place you go for the view but end up staying for the atmosphere—perfect for golden-hour drinks before heading out into the night.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar – This spot is all about simplicity done right: freshly made hand rolls served directly to you at the counter. I could eat here at any time of the day or night, and the one-hour wait? Totally worth it. Casual, quick, and absolutely delicious—a completely different vibe from the sit-down restaurants above, but just as essential.
Shukette – A restaurant I’ve been wanting to try for years, and finally, this trip it happened. The moment you step inside, you can feel the vibrant energy of a modern Mediterranean eatery. Fresh, flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, well-executed flavors. I can see why this place has been on my radar for so long—it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Shopping: NYC Finds
No trip to New York is complete without a little shopping. This time, I kept it focused on a few favorites:
Buck Mason – Minimalist, well-cut basics that are as timeless as they are wearable. They actually have a location in San Francisco too, but the New York store still has that classic coastal-chic vibe I love. I picked up the shirt I’m wearing in the photos below during this trip, and as always, they make the experience extra enjoyable—offering a little wine or whiskey if you linger in the store. It’s exactly the kind of place where you want to take your time and savor the moment.
Maria Tash – For jewelry with an edge. If you’ve ever thought about adding a piercing or investing in a piece that feels uniquely yours, this is the spot. Their selection is gorgeous, and the staff always make the experience feel personal and curated.
Cuts – Daniel’s go-to. This modern lifestyle brand blends minimalist design with athleisure vibes, offering versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from work to weekend. He always makes a stop here.
The Frankie Shop – One of my absolute favorites for pieces you rarely find anywhere else. With almost no locations outside New York (albeit I have been to their Paris shop too!), it’s a treasure trove of unique, minimalist fashion. Every visit feels like discovering something new and perfectly curated—just the kind of spot I can’t resist.
SoHo & Beyond – Wandering through West Village, Chelsea and SoHo is always part of my New York ritual. Somehow, I always stumble upon something unexpected—small boutiques, vintage finds, or even pop-ups that feel like little treasures. It’s one of the city’s best surprises, and it keeps the shopping experience feeling fresh every time.
New York, I love you.
Ten years and ten trips later, New York still manages to surprise me. That’s the beauty of this city: it never stands still, but it also never loses its essence. There are restaurants I return to on every visit, shops I make a point to stop by, and hotels that feel like new discoveries waiting to happen.
If you’re planning your own New York getaway, I’d recommend starting with a hotel you’ll love coming back to, filling your days with great food and a few indulgent shopping stops, and leaving space to simply wander. Because often, the best New York moments are the ones you don’t plan.
And if you’d like to book your own trip, you’ll find my hotel and outfit picks linked throughout this post. Here’s to the next ten trips.
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