New York City is the kind of place that gets under your skin + seeps it’s way into your heart — well, it definitely has for me in this lifetime. The city pulses with a ceaseless rush of energy + inspiration; from the buzzy coffee bars that fuel your morning pre that early workout or run before the city awakes, the iconic hotels + their lobbies where — if the walls could talk — would tell of fashion, history + pop culture’s entwinement, scandals, + Carlyle-level-secrets, not forgetting the later-night dinners that somehow transform into the stories you’ll remind yourself of as you head into the years of earlier + earlier dinners in years to come. Having lived there in my 20s, I can most certainly say this remarkable + unparalleled city shaped parts of me in countless ways. Despite the fact that I’m now firmly + happily in my cosier, quieter era of life in my countryside home in Ireland with my husband + our dog, I will never be able to resist its magnetic pull drawing me back year after year to see loved ones + get that little city fix. No matter where life takes me, where we go, or what personal era of a mood I’m in, New York will always feel a little like home in one way or another. Below is my curated edit of places + experiences inspired by my love for chic spots, great new finds, + a touch of that classically elusive NYC magic that always leaves me wanting that little bit more..
The HSF NEW YORK CITY Edit
COFFEE / MATCHA CULTURE
MatchaBar (East Village) If matcha is your ritual, this is the OG in NYC. MatchaBar crafts vibrant, energizing matcha drinks with a modern, hip edge — think bold, bright flavors served in an effortlessly cool space // Bluestone Lane (Multiple Locations)
An Australian-inspired café known for its smooth, perfectly balanced coffee + bright, healthy vibes. Their matcha latte is silky and fresh — ideal for a chic, feel-good caffeine fix anywhere you are in the city // Fellini (West Village) There’s a dreamy, old-world Italian charm to Fellini. Tucked away in the West Village, it feels like a warm neighborhood hangout — perfect for people-watching as you sip a beautifully crafted cortado and let the city’s rhythm float by // Sant Ambroeus (SoHo + Madison Avenue) For pure New York people-watching at its finest, Sant Ambroeus is my go-to. Both the SoHo + Madison Avenue spots serve silky, rich espresso in spaces that feel refined yet relaxed — like stepping into a sweet slice of Italy right in the heart of Manhattan. The people-watching here is truly next level // In The Green (West Village)
This cozy botanical café offers matcha lattes with a botanical twist, often paired with floral-infused pastries. A serene oasis perfect for those who want their matcha experience to feel like a mini retreat right in the city // Café Kitsuné (West Village) Café Kitsuné is as chic as it gets — impossibly stylish design, impeccable pastries, + a playlist that instantly lifts your mood, rain or shine. A must-visit for a legit matcha or one of their signature fox-adorned pastries // Lafayette (SoHo) Lafayette is a love letter to New York from those chic, airy Parisian cafés that can never quite be replicated — yet this place comes pretty close. Bright, bustling, + boasting one of the best croissant selections in town, it’s perfect for a quick coffee to go or a dreamy brunch escape anytime // Thea Bakery (Fort Greene, Brooklyn) A minimalist gem from the team behind Theodora, Miss Ada, + Nili, Thea Bakery offers a thoughtfully curated menu of sweet + savory delights. Their tahini banana bread with chocolate ganache is a standout, as is the guava ricotta danish. For lunch, the falafel sandwiches are noteworthy, + their sourdough loaves are perfect for takeaway. A must-visit for those seeking artisanal baked goods in a serene setting // Arva (Midtown) Located in the ultra-luxe Aman hotel, Arva offers a calm, refined café experience with elevated pastries, fresh juices, + impeccable interiors. Think Thea’s grown-up, zen cousin — a haven in the city.
LUNCH + BRUNCH
Café Gitane (SoHo) Credited with pioneering the now-ubiquitous avocado toast, Café Gitane is the OG + exudes a breezy, bohemian spirit right in the heart of SoHo. A seamless blend of French + Moroccan influences makes it perfect for a relaxed brunch + prime people-watching — truly a downtown classic // Fish Cheeks (East Village) For punchy, flavor-packed meals, Fish Cheeks is a must-visit. Their Thai seafood is legendary (+ even though I don’t drink, the margaritas are chef’s kiss). My local cousin treats Sunday night here like a ritual, + I get it — it really is that good // La Mercerie (SoHo) Inside Roman + Williams Guild, La Mercerie is a bright, French-inspired café that elevates lunch to an art form. Beautiful space, artful plating, + the scent of fresh blooms create a serene mid-day haven amid SoHo’s fabulous energy // Le Bilboquet (Upper East Side) For a true Upper East Side scene, Le Bilboquet hits all the right notes. Bistro charm meets stylish clientele, and if weather permits, grab an outdoor table + indulge in their famed Cajun chicken — a personal favorite // Atla (NoHo) Atla embodies that cool downtown vibe with fresh, modern Mexican fare served in a minimalist setting. Pop in for a healthy, nourishing lunch or an early, delightful dinner. Light, bright, + reliably delicious every time // Bonberi (West Village + SoHo) Step into a wellness sanctuary at Bonberi, where smoothies, plant-based bowls + nutrient-rich ingredients take center stage. Health-minded + effortlessly chic — the perfect recharge spot for body + soul // Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo, West Village + Chelsea) A beloved brunch + lunch institution, Jack’s Wife Freda serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. Their signature green shakshuka is a literal delight and a crowd favorite // Lafayette (SoHo) Lafayette gracefully masters lunch, coffee + pastries alike. Fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, + a sunny ambiance make it a welcoming spot, no matter the time of day or season // The Butcher’s Daughter (Williamsburg + Nolita) Green juices, veggie-centric bowls + a coastal California aesthetic define The Butcher’s Daughter. It’s the perfect spot to recharge midday and emerge energized + ready to conquer the city // Gemma at The Bowery Hotel (East Village) A tried + true downtown classic, Gemma pairs rustic Italian fare with The Bowery Hotel’s cozy, bohemian vibe. Ideal for a relaxing weekend brunch or a spirited lunch as you watch the world go by — honestly, great anytime.
HOTELS TO FALL INTO BED + IN LOVE WITH
The Lowell (Upper East Side) Sumptuous + radiating boutique energy, The Lowell is the epitome of quiet luxury and easily one of my personal favorites. Even if you’re not staying, lingering in the elegant lobby or enjoying breakfast in the Pembroke Room — or a light dinner and cocktails at Jacques — is an indulgence that feels utterly worthwhile // The Mercer (SoHo) Minimalist chic in the heart of SoHo, The Mercer is a timeless classic that sets the perfect stylish stage. Sip a cocktail at the bar, indulge in some prime people-watching, + let the vibrant downtown energy inspire your next move // 11 Howard (SoHo) Sleek Scandinavian design with subtle hints of surprise, 11 Howard offers a serene refuge from the city’s buzz. Whether you’re staying overnight or just popping in, the communal lounge spaces are perfect for catching your breath + soaking in understated luxury // The Mark (Upper East Side) A modern classic on the Upper East Side, The Mark charms with playful sophistication — from its striped lobby floors to the elegant bar. Ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail or simply admiring its stunning architecture // The Carlyle (Upper East Side) Few hotels embody NYC heritage like The Carlyle, my personal favorite for its deep-rooted charm. Here, old New York society mingles effortlessly with contemporary style. A cocktail at Bemelmans Bar, surrounded by its whimsical murals, is an absolute must // The Aman New York (Midtown) Nestled in the city’s heart, The Aman redefines urban tranquility. Its world-class spa offers a serene escape from Manhattan’s energy, while jazz nights deliver a chic soundtrack for soaking in that unmistakable NYC vibe // The Waldorf Astoria (Upper East Side) Iconic doesn’t begin to cover it. I was fortunate to stay at The Waldorf during its final nights before a $2 billion transformation but whether in its classic or reinvented form, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a place where history lives through presidents, legendary performers, + timeless glamour. What happens at the Waldorf, stays at the Waldorf // The Ludlow Hotel (Lower East Side) A stylish downtown retreat with a raw, industrial-chic vibe + luxurious accents. The Ludlow is beloved for its rooftop bar with sweeping city views, cozy rooms with vintage-inspired decor, + a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere that captures the edgy spirit of the Lower East Side. Perfect for those seeking a blend of cool + comfort in one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
THE STORES
John Derian (East Village) Stepping into John Derian feels like entering a whimsical world of artful decoupage, hand-crafted treasures + dreamy home accents. Every piece is quietly poetic — soulful, storied, + unlike anything else. A must for design lovers craving something beautiful, thoughtful + lasting // Goop (Nolita) Gwyneth Paltrow’s clean-living sanctuary in boutique form. This bright, modern space is stocked with curated items to elevate body, mind + home — from clean beauty to wellness tech, supplements + sensual essentials for the bedroom. If you’re craving a holistic NYC edit, read my HSF Wellness Guide: New York City Edition // McNally Jackson Books (SoHo)A cozy literary retreat with a fiercely independent spirit. Meticulously curated shelves, a café for wandering thoughts + the kind of bookstore where an hour quickly becomes an afternoon. Pure joy for bookworms like me // Gohar (SoHo) A temple of elevated tableware where surrealism meets function. Founded by the Gohar sisters, this store turns dining into art. Think: egg candlesticks, hand-stitched linens, oyster forks — playful, elegant + steeped in tradition. Divine for entertainers or anyone seeking something truly unique // Khaite (SoHo) Catherine Holstein’s cult-favorite label reimagines American sportswear through sculptural silhouettes, plush textures + a cool, pared-back palette. The boutique itself is architectural perfection — part gallery, part sanctuary. It’s a personal favourite not just for the clothing, but for its immersive aesthetic direction. Heaven for any aesthete // Toteme (SoHo) Minimalism meets modern femininity. Toteme’s Swedish design language translates beautifully in this sleek SoHo space — think structured coats, fluid tailoring + an effortless palette of neutrals. Everything feels intentional, timeless + ready to be lived in // Desert Vintage (Lower East Side) A beautifully curated vintage store where every garment feels like it carries a story. Romantic, rare + exquisitely styled — Desert Vintage is for those who appreciate slow fashion, craftsmanship + the poetry of the past. A hidden LES gem // Kallmeyer (Lower East Side)An empowering boutique-meets-studio by designer Daniella Kallmeyer, known for tailoring that celebrates strength, sensuality + the female form. Pieces feel bold yet grounded — clean lines, tactile fabrics, with a downtown soul. Quiet confidence in clothing form // Outline (Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn) Cool, refined, + under-the-radar. Outline is a boutique with a sharp eye for contemporary fashion — spotlighting emerging designers, directional silhouettes + refined simplicity. A Brooklyn fave for those in the know // The Row (Upper East Side) The epitome of understated luxury. Founded by Mary-Kate + Ashley Olsen, The Row’s Madison Avenue flagship is serene, sculptural + gallery-like — a slow fashion haven where everything whispers rather than shouts. The tailoring, the textures, the quiet power. Obsession-level elegance // Strand Bookstore (Union Square) A true New York institution with “18 miles of books” for every reader, collector + curious soul. Expect rare finds, literary gems + a buzzing maze of discovery. The kind of place you return to again + again, always leaving with something unexpected // Bergdorf Goodman (Uptown) The crown jewel of Fifth Avenue + perhaps all departments ever — dripping in glamour, elegance + history. Bergdorf’s is where fashion dreams begin + often come true. Come for the designer collections, stay for the atmosphere, the personal styling, the stories. If you love retail as theatre, watch Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s — a cult classic // The Consistency Project (Brooklyn, LES pop-ups) A sustainability-forward concept store offering reworked vintage, upcycled classics + community-rooted shopping. Every piece is part of a larger story — of intention, care + conscious consumerism. One for the true modern treasure hunters // Strolling Madison Avenue (East 57th to East 86th) This iconic stretch is a mecca for luxury fashion lovers. Think flagship stores, iconic maisons + timeless window shopping moments. It’s uptown magic — chic, polished + very NYC // Atelier Jolie (Nolita) Angelina Jolie’s creative collective for sustainable fashion + radical reinvention. A living atelier space where you’ll find thoughtful design, ethical production + pieces that honour craftsmanship. It’s more than fashion — it’s a movement // Guest In Residence (Nolita) Gigi Hadid’s label dedicated to elevated knitwear. Think cozy essentials with a fashion-forward twist — cashmere hoodies, tailored joggers, sculptural basics. Luxuriously lived-in. A go-to for everyday refinement // The Clean Market (Nolita) Half wellness hub, half holistic boutique. Stocked with clean beauty, functional supplements, eco-luxe skincare + adaptogens. Your one-stop shop for modern wellness — curated, conscious + deeply nourishing // General Wandering (SoHo + Nolita) Winding cobblestone streets, cast-iron facades + a steady hum of style. Get lost in downtown’s creative energy: boutique-hop, café-crawl, discover hidden ateliers + soak in the pulse of it all. There’s magic in the meandering.
EXPERIENCES
Walk the Perimeter of Central Park There’s something grounding about walking the full outer loop of Central Park. You’ll pass locals walking dogs, poets under trees, + the subtle hum of the city softens. It’s meditative + magical in its own right //A Classic West Village Stroll (West Village) Start on Bleecker Street, soaking up its vibrant energy and boutique charm. Wander down to Bedford Street, NYC’s narrowest, for a picturesque pause among historic townhouses. Meander onto Hudson Street for a taste of lively restaurants + cool architecture. Swing by Christopher Street to feel the pulse of LGBTQ+ history and culture. Finally, drift through the quiet, leafy calm of Grove and Charles Streets, where cobblestones + elegant townhouses capture the true West Village spirit // Run the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (Central Park) Possibly one of the most scenic runs in Manhattan — early morning especially — the light hits the water just right, the skyline glows, + the energy is pure New York vitality // The Met (Upper East Side) A timeless icon. Lose yourself in the winding corridors of art, history, + beauty. From Ancient Egypt to European masters — it’s awe, every time. Don’t miss the rooftop garden if the weather’s good // The Whitney Museum (Meat Packing) Contemporary American art with views over the Hudson. Smartly curated, ever-evolving + always inspiring. The building itself is a work of modern design minimalism // MoMA (MidTown) A pilgrimage for modern art lovers. Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, Matisse — the works that shaped the 20th century. Go early, and let yourself linger // Explore the High Line (West Side) An urban garden in the sky. This elevated park weaves through buildings + art installations, offering a dreamy stroll that’s part green space, part cultural gem // Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO This is a must. Cross on foot at golden hour if you can. Once in DUMBO, roam the cobbled streets, peek in design stores, + grab a slice at Fini — a pizza spot that’s practically a religion // The Class (TriBecca) Not your average workout. Think cathartic movement meets spiritual release. Loud music, deep breathwork + collective energy. It’s weird in the best possible way — trust the process. You can also clickthrough here to my full wellness guide to NYC // Fotografiska (Gramercy Park) Housed in a beautiful historic building in the Flatiron, this modern photography museum feels fresh, raw + emotionally stirring. The exhibitions are always on the pulse // The Angelika Film Center (NoHo) A downtown staple for indie films + documentaries. The vibe is intellectual, artsy, + deeply New York. Ideal for a rainy afternoon or solo evening // McNally Jackson Bookstore (SoHo) Beautifully curated with a soul. Whether you're seeking fiction, design, poetry or philosophy, McNally has that unpretentious charm that makes you want to stay awhile // Strand Bookstore (East Village) 18 miles of books, + somehow never enough time. It’s a NYC literary institution — chaotic, layered, iconic. Head upstairs for rare finds + collector’s editions // Donald Judd Foundation (SoHo) An architectural time capsule of Judd’s minimalist mind. Located in the cast-iron heart of SoHo, this is where Donald Judd lived + worked — a sanctuary of considered space + objects // Dia Chelsea (Chelsea) A cavernous, calming art space that feels more Marfa than Manhattan. Focused on minimalist + conceptual work, it’s perfect for a slow afternoon of quiet reflection // The Brant Foundation (East Village) A stunning converted space that often features the likes of Warhol, Basquiat + contemporary icons. It’s appointment-only, but absolutely worth booking — especially for fans of Warhol’s legacy // Comedy Night, a Show at Madison Square Garden, or Live Music at Webster Hall (Various Locations) Balance the art with some laughter or high-octane energy. Catch an iconic performer at MSG (a true NYC bucket-list experience), stumble into an unforgettable stand-up set in the West Village, or see who’s playing at Webster Hall — the legendary music venue that’s hosted everyone from emerging indie stars to global icons. Its gilded, gritty energy is quintessential New York nightlife // David Zwirner Gallery (Chelsea) – One of the city’s most influential contemporary galleries, regularly showing world-class artists in architecturally striking spaces // The Earth Room (SoHo) – A permanent installation by Walter De Maria: 250 cubic yards of soil in a pristine white room. Poetic + surreal // The Frick Collection (Upper East Side) Old-world elegance in the heart of Manhattan. The Frick is housed in a stunning Fifth Avenue mansion — once the private home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick — and feels like stepping into a European daydream. Masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, + Turner are displayed in wood-paneled salons, alongside velvet sofas, floral arrangements, + that rare, hushed kind of beauty. Less crowded than The Met, more intimate than MoMA — it’s museum magic with a side of high-society fantasy // The Guggenheim (Upper East Side) More than just a museum — the Guggenheim is a modern architectural icon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, swirling skyward like a sculptural work of art itself. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of modern + contemporary masterpieces, perfectly matched by the building’s graceful spiral ramp. Whether you’re here for Kandinsky, Picasso, or the latest exhibition, it’s a total sensory experience — where art meets design in the most elegant, effortless way.
DINNER DESTINATIONS
Raf’s (NoHo) If you’re searching for a spot that merges trendy with timeless, Raf’s is all that + more. With its sleek yet warm interior + a menu that’s worth every bite (truly, don’t skip the baked eggs), it’s a must. The talk of the town since opening in 2023 — so chic, so divine. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner // Torrisi (SoHo) Part of the new wave of can’t-miss Manhattan restaurants, Torrisi serves thoughtful Italian-American dishes in a lively dining room brimming with that unmistakable NY energy. Every morsel nods to the city’s rich Italian heritage. It’s electric — + celeb sightings are practically a guarantee // The Corner Store (SoHo) A cozy gem with a fresh twist on comfort food, The Corner Store is where local vibes meet classic, elevated fare. Between the warm staff + welcoming design, it feels like a home away from home — but make it stylish. Think Gwyneth-approved without trying too hard // Monkey Bar (Midtown) Born in 1936, Monkey Bar is the ultimate old-school New York institution. If you were once a Mad Men fan, you’ll recognize its storied interiors. Martinis, plush banquettes + that iconic monkey mural — it’s pure retro NYC glam + a major vibe // Sartiano’s at The Mercer Hotel (SoHo) Looking for a scene? Sartiano’s inside The Mercer is one of the city's buzziest hot spots. Intimate, candlelit, + flooded with fashion insiders, it feels like being handed a VIP card to downtown cool // American Bar (West Village) A “new classic,” American Bar offers playful but polished takes on American staples — cheeseburgers, crab cakes, club sandwiches — all done just right. It’s that rare combo of laid-back + luxe that makes every night feel like a Friday // Le Coucou (Chinatown) A jewel box of a restaurant inside 11 Howard Hotel, Le Coucou is Daniel Rose’s modern ode to French cuisine. Expect white tablecloths, chandeliers, + duck à l’orange with a twist. It’s elegance wrapped in romance // Elio’s (Upper East Side) An Upper East Side institution beloved for generations, Elio’s is where locals gather for time-honored Italian, familiar faces, + serious pasta. Sit at the bar or cozy up in the back — it’s part Scorsese film, part Paltrow family Sunday tradition // Pastis (Meatpacking District) Keith McNally’s iconic brasserie is still the best spot for steak frites + serious people-watching. Since its reboot, Pastisremains a magnet for Manhattan cool. Come for the French onion soup, stay for the SATC vibes // The Polo Bar (Midtown) Ralph Lauren’s gilded tribute to classic Americana — dark wood, leather booths, + the kind of old-school charm that feels editorial. A go-to for NY Fashion Week insiders + power players alike. Order a burger + a Manhattan + just be // The Odeon (Tribeca) A true downtown icon, The Odeon is where NYC cool has gathered since the ‘80s — think Warhol, Basquiat, and the kind of late-night chatter that shaped a generation. The red neon sign is legendary, the steak tartare iconic, + the vibe eternal. Come for the French bistro classics, stay for the cinematic nostalgia // Café Zaffri (NoHo) From the dream team behind Raf’s + The Musket Room comes Café Zaffri — or Zaff’s, if you know. This sun-drenched, intimate spot is a love letter to Levantine cuisine, served through an elevated, downtown lens. Expect fragrant spices, silky labneh, slow-roasted meats + just the right kind of chic. It’s one of those rare places that feels quietly cool without ever trying. If Raf’s is your French-Italian best friend, Café Zaffri is her elegant, worldly cousin — soulful, radiant + unforgettable // Theodora (Fort Greene, Brooklyn) A charming neighborhood spot where Mediterranean flavors meet modern comfort. Theodora serves vibrant, thoughtfully crafted dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients + rustic traditions. Its warm, inviting ambiance + energy make it perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends. Don’t miss their wood-fired vegetables + fresh house-made breads — a true Brooklyn favorite that effortlessly blends simplicity with sophistication.
