Double Decker Bus Tour: Our first trip together was to New York City, and Chris showed me around on a Double Decker Bus Tour. It was such a fun way to see the city for the first time—plus, we got a package that included a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

https://topviewtix.com/new-york/hop-on-hop-off-pass

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/new-york/new-york-bus-tours

Take in a Broadway Show: One of our recent favorites was the musical Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is a great, big Broadway extravaganza that explodes with life and energy.

https://www.broadway.com/shows/tickets/

Eataly NYC: An Italian market-place and dining destination. Its a place where people can eat, shop, and learn about Italian food and culture.

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-flatiron

Tin Building by Jean-Georges: The Tin Building by Jean-Georges is a sprawling culinary destination located in lower Manhattan’s historic Seaport. Set under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge and designed by Roman and Williams, the two-story building offers an unexpected array of culinary experiences designed to delight and engage the senses–including multiple restaurants with open kitchens, innovative retail concepts, and an impeccably stocked central market with locally sourced seafood, meats, cheeses, seasonal produce, chef-grade pantry staples, and rare ingredients.

https://www.jean-georges.com/restaurants/united-states/new-york/tin-building

The High Line: Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors—all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

https://www.thehighline.org/

The Frick Collection Museum: It's a highly regarded art museum housed in a stunning Gilded Age mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The museum is known for its exceptional collection of Old Master paintings, European sculpture, and decorative arts, all displayed in a residential setting.

https://www.frick.org/

The Russian Tea Room: The Russian Tea Room is famous for its history as a cultural and social hub in New York City, its distinctive decor, and its association with celebrities and artists. Founded in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet, it quickly became a gathering place for Russian émigrés and a magnet for the city's artistic and intellectual elite.

https://russiantearoomnyc.com/

MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art. We’re committed to sharing the most thought-provoking modern and contemporary art.

https://www.moma.org/

The Chelsea Market: Iconic culinary destination Chelsea Market has become an internationally-renowned brand and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today.

https://www.chelseamarket.com/

Breakfast Places near the hotels, church and reception venue that we liked

Slate Cafe: Slate Cafe is a bustling cafe and coffee bar has great food, staff and a cute decor.

https://www.slatecafe.com/

Bread & Butter: Bread & Butter, located at 303 5th ave, a very short walk from the hotels, church and reception venue, offers a delightful cuisine for breakfast and brunch. This casual yet vibrant spot provides a variety of options, from smoothies and juices to coffee and tea, as well as mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches and wraps. With a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, Bread & Butter is perfect for groups, families, or even a quick solo meal. Their menu showcases fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a go-to spot for a satisfying meal any time of the day. We usually go there for breakfast and coffee in the morning and it's a great place to grab a pre-made sandwich to take for your picnic in Central Park.

The Plaza: The Palm Court is The Plaza’s iconic dining venue, serving afternoon tea and an evening service complimented by an elegant bar and craft cocktail program.

https://www.theplazany.com/dining/

If you are looking for something special and you have extra time for breakfast.

Have Breakfast at Tiffany's: Introducing the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, a charmingly elegant café located within The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store. Inspired by the iconic Tiffany’s heritage, we offer three signature culinary experiences for elevated daytime dining. Reservations are required.

Chris's love for NYC started with falling in love with the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. He always dreamed of becoming Holly Golightly! LOL

https://www.blueboxcafenyc.com/

Favorite Places to get cocktails

Bathtub Gin: A transportive experience. A flashback to the Roaring Twenties with a modern twist. A chance to check yourself at the door and try out something new.

Enter through a hidden door and find yourself in a 1920’s-inspired speakeasy where the past and present converge. Live jazz and burlesque give way to a DJ who keeps the energy going late into the night. Classic cocktails get revisited with new flavor profiles, while a chef-driven dinner menu tantalizes the palette. Each night at Bathtub Gin is an unexpected adventure – a chance to indulge, to let your senses transport you, to live in the moment and forget the rest. This is a celebration of life at its finest.

https://www.bathtubginnyc.com/

The Ritz-Carlton New York Nomad - The Lobby Lounge: The Lobby Lounge is an elegant setting to savor delicious pastries, coffee or tea in the morning followed by hand-crafted cocktails in the evening.

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/nycro-the-ritz-carlton-new-york-nomad/dining/

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Portrait Bar: Distinct in spirit yet each exceptional, our restaurants and bars are eminent additions to the city’s culinary scene, and diverse spots for our guests’ refreshment desires.

https://www.thefifthavenuehotel.com/restaurants-bars/

Champers Social Club: In a lovingly restored historic cast-iron and brick store front, Champers is a reflection of the vibrant street, the storied neighborhood, and the curated and considered design aesthetic of the brand. Uniquely beautiful, casually refined, and infinitely photographable, the space is complimentary to the cultured and well-heeled crowd. Join us for a stylish time.

https://www.champerssocialclub.com/

The Campbell Bar: The Campbell provides three unique experiences: The Campbell Bar, the timeless office thoughtfully curated with updated quartzite accents, bold brass finishes and custom wood, mohair and leather furnishings in rich hunter green, midnight blue and red tones; The Campbell Palm Court, an indoor oasis and lounge surrounded by towering palm trees with a view into the main terminal; and The Campbell Terrace, a sweeping outdoor covered veranda complete with a full bar.

https://www.thecampbellnyc.com/about/

Dinner

Cecconi's: Located inside The Ned Nomad: Situated on the first floor, the modern-day classic Italian restaurant serves hand-made pasta, pizza, seafood, and dishes from Northern Italy.

https://www.thened.com/nomad/restaurants/cecconis

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, Cafe Carmellini: The design of Café Carmellini weds the landmark building’s original neoclassical architecture with maximalist style, channeling Old New York elegance and sophistication. Café Carmellini offers a welcoming kitchen, an intimate bar, an extraordinary dining room featuring two grand sculptural trees and a carefully curated art collection, and balconies offering tete-a tete dining experiences with a view of the action.

https://www.cafecarmellini.com/about/

Champers Social Club: In a lovingly restored historic cast-iron and brick store front, Champers is a reflection of the vibrant street, the storied neighborhood, and the curated and considered design aesthetic of the brand. Uniquely beautiful, casually refined, and infinitely photographable, the space is complimentary to the cultured and well-heeled crowd. Join us for a stylish time.

https://www.champerssocialclub.com/

Allora: Allora Ristorante is a classic Italian-American restaurant and bar located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy the robust and delicious collection of entrées — many of which are prepared tableside, like the Bistecca di Manzo à la Diane or the flambéed desserts. And pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail or select a wine from the vast array of labels and vintages.

https://www.alloraristorantenyc.com/

The Hotel Chelsea: El Quijote. A century-old Spanish restaurant and cocktail lounge with an iconic, and slightly irreverent, past.

https://hotelchelsea.com/dining-and-bar/el-quijote

Central Park

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre: is a great place to have a picnic lunch in the terrace gardens or take a rest on the hand build rustic twig benches. The benches are made out of real tree branches.

https://cityparksfoundation.org/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/

The Belvedere Castle: is a romantic folly in Central Park. It contains exhibit rooms, an observation deck, and since 1919 has housed Central Park’s official weather station.

https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/belvedere-castle

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: Located in the heart of Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is found at the north end of the long, tree-lined promenade known as the Mall and overlooks the Ramble and the lake. The Terrace is a popular destination for relaxing, people-watching, and admiring the architecture and the scenery. It is one of our favorite places in Central Park and it is where we are taking our wedding pictures.

https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/bethesda-terrace

Strawberry Fields: is a memorial to the British rock musician and peace activist John Lennon (1940–1980). The memorial consists of a five-acre landscape near the West 72nd Street entrance and includes the Imagine mosaic, where many come to pay tribute to Lennon. The memorial’s name is a reference to the 1967 song Lennon wrote and performed with the Beatles, “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/strawberry-fields

Central Park Boathouse: Central Park Boathouse, an iconic New York City landmark that’s more than just a historic venue—it’s a living legacy where memories are made to order. Here, the charm of the past meets the pulse of the present, creating a unique blend of tradition and modernity that’s as fresh, exciting, and timeless as the city around us. Have lunch, dinner or a cocktail and enjoy the lake. Or rent a boat and have a romantic paddle around the lake.

https://centralparkboathouse.com

Last is Rob's favorite way to see all of Central Park: Rent a bike and explore.

https://bikerentalcentralpark.com/

Photos