Book a private Shop Gotham tour for your trip! Perfect for everything from Sweet Sixteens to Bachelorette Parties, you can’t go wrong with our exclusive all-day discounts, insider shopping tips, and guided access to NYC’s hippest neighborhoods. Book now!

Spotted: the ultimate complement to your Shop Gotham tour while in NYC. What is it? The Gossip Girl Sites Tour, a fabulous celebration of everything that makes Gossip Girl New York’s most fashionable show. See over 40 hip locations that have been used in the filming of Gossip Girl, while traveling on a luxury coach bus. Visit the chic hotel that has been home to the Bass and Van der Woodsen families (a GG staple in countless scenes),  the Fifth Avenue palace Blair Waldorf calls home, the Upper East Side mansion where the Bass/Van der Woodsen wedding took place, and so much more! It’s the perfect place to debut those looks you scored on your Shop Gotham tour. Book now !

The summer may be coming to a close, but outside it is still definitely hot hot hot!! When visitng NYC, you must spend some time outdoors at our world-famous Central Park. It’s accessible, offers tons of different sights, and is absolutely gorgeous. Grab a map and explore these great places: One is The Pool, between West 100 to 103rd streets, a body of water shaded by weeping willows and a collection of other pretty trees and nature. Similarly, The Pond (below) in the southeast corner of the park is an extremely attractive area, beautiful and shielded from Manhattan street noise by trees and rocks.

The Ramble (below) is a famous part of the park running from 73rd to 79th streets in the middle section, an entirely man-made sprawl designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and carved out of natural hillside. Feel free to lose yourself in this 38-acre expanse of pathways, cliffs, and streams—both figuratively and literally! It can be easy to get lost here, so remember that map!

If you won’t be visiting until the leaves fall and that cold weather returns, a trip to Wollman Memorial Skating Rink on East 62nd street is a must, offering a spacious ice-skating area, a great view of the famed Duck Pond, and plenty of time for handholding and couples skating. Winter admission is affordable, running $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for children. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and snacks at nearby concession stands.

There are so many neigborhoods in the city, you can’t seem ‘em all…but you sure can try! Get guided exclusive access to our hip, downtown neighborhoods through our Shop Gotham tours, and cap off the day by heading uptown and exploring the Central Park spots mentioned in this post!

Morning: Head downtown and grab some breakfast at some of Soho’s best–but affordable!–spots. Try the lovely Spring Street Natural Restaurant (62 Spring St., corner of Lafayette) for fresh, delicious options or grab some charming homemade goodies and coffee at Once Upon a Tart (135 Sullivan St.)

Late Morning: Your Soho/Nolita Shop Gotham tour kicks off nearby. For two hours you will have exclusive guided access to the area’s hottest shops–and you get to use your Shop Gotham insider discounts all day! Book here.

Afternoon/Evening: While Soho is renowned for its fabulous shopping finds, that certainly isn’t the only activity available in this NYC neighborhood! Head over to Lucky Strike (59 Grand, btwn Wooster & W. B’way), the city’s hottest bowling alley, frequented by celebs and locals seeking a good time alike–no reservations required. Great for groups, this spot also serves up yummy food throughout the day along with DJed music and a bar.

You can also check out “HERE,” a unique, cutting-edge art space producing comedies, dance shows, music pieces, and much, much more. If you’re interested in an unforgettable, authentically NY experience, view the event calendar here.

After all this exploration you’ll have certainly worked up an appetite. Here are a few great downtown suggestions:

• For casual Asian “comfort food” try Soho gem Mooncake Foods (28 Watts St., nr Thompson St.). This friendly spot offers super-affordable salads, sandwiches, and great snacks like wontons and chicken wings.
• For delicious Thai food in a stylish and unique setting, try Peep (177 Prince St.).  A very trendy dinner spot, Peep (pictured below) also offers amazing multi-course lunch deals for under $10!

• For fresh, reliable Mediterranean options, try Snack (105 Thompson St., nr Prince St.). This popular lunch spot has great sandwiches and salads, and if it’s hot out don’t miss their killer mint lemonade!

Be sure to book your Shop Gotham tour in advance and your tour guide will be happy to point you in the right direction toward any of these amazing NYC hotspots! Enjoy!

NYC is a hotbed of culinary gems; don’t be afraid to branch out and explore the many delicious ethnic offerings throughout the city! There’s famous Indian food in Jackson Heights, authentic Italian in downtown Manhattan’s Little Italy, or delectable soul food in Harlem, a neighborhood that’s come a long, long way. Try the widely celebrated, family-operated Sylvia’s on 328 Lenox Ave (between 126th and 127th streets).

A bold piece of jewelry can be the perfect way to spice up the basic, light pieces we so enjoy during the summer. As an NYC teen reporting to you from the streets of Manhattan, I can say that big statement necklaces are the perfect way to accent your outfits right now. Instantly transform a simple summer dress into an evening stunner with ribbon pieces like this one from J Crew (left), which comes in pink and black, and this beauty from Made Her Think:

Bib necklaces are also an awesome way to add some flair to a simple tank/blazer combo or your favorite Little Black Dress. Check out this one from BR (top) or, if you’re feeling daring, this Top Shop beaded piece:

All of these styles and many more can be found in the chic boutiques of NYC. Let our Shop Gotham tours take you there and get exclusive deals on this amazing trend. Book now!