The bright lights and big city are calling, because you're headed to The Big Apple. Believe me, I understand your feels. Even though I moved away from NYC three years ago, I still have that wanderlust drawing me back to visit every so often. When I do, I want to make the most of my time, because no matter how long you're there, there's never enough time to do everything you want. So, instead of going out to a bar (like you could do at home), you should take advantage of your trip with things to do in NYC without drinking.
There are a ton of iconic landmarks and hidden gems to explore. New York City is also the backdrop to so many movies and shows, that you have to relive the footsteps of some of your favorite characters while you're there. You could channel your inner Sex and the City girl squad by dressing up in your cutest tulle skirt and pumps, and visiting the filming locations.
You could have a beer anytime, but you can only get delicious cookies that are bigger than your hand while roaming around the Upper West Side. Maybe you live in NYC, and your squad's just looking for something different to do on the weekend. Whatever your reasoning may be, if you're not looking to drink, you can add these 12 things to your to-do list instead.
If you're a Sex and the City fan, you might know that Carrie's Upper East Side apartment isn't on the Upper East Side after all. The brownstone exterior you see in the show is actually a little further south in Manhattan in the quaint West Village.
Right around the corner is a Magnolia Bakery where you and your friends can grab a box of cupcakes and take a pic of you enjoying your sweets in front of Carrie's place. How sweet is that?
If you haven't had a giant cookie from Levain Bakery in the Upper West Side, you haven't truly lived. Grab a chocolate chip, double chocolate peanut butter, or oatmeal raisin cookie, and snack as you walk around Central Park.
If you're a major Gossip Girl fan, I'm sure there are a few shooting locations that are on your must-see list while you're in NYC. There are actually so many locations that it might be easier to take a Gossip Girl tour to make sure you cover it all. Just don't forget to caption all of your bestie snaps with, "XOXO, Gossip Girl."
Any New Yorker knows that Milk Bar is a must for when you're craving something so sweet and delicious. (My go-to is a slice of crack pie — yum!) If you're looking for a sweet time, take a Milk Bar class where you can decorate cakes like their iconic birthday cake and truffles.
Pretend you're Eloise or Kevin McCallister from Home Alone, and stop by the Plaza Hotel. You and your squad can dress up in your Sunday best for a little afternoon tea. Caption your tea drinking selfie with, "Spending quali-tea time with the girls."
I don't know about you, but when I think of NYC, I think of good food and great sights. Combine the two by having a picnic in Central Park atop one of the rocks. That way, after enjoying a yummy lunch spread, you can kick back and relax with gorgeous views of the skyline.
New York has a ton of great museums you need to add to your bucket list, but if you could only pick one, you know that Serena and Blair would tell you to head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have a very Gossip Girl-inspired day by savoring coffee and snacks on the steps, just like S and B. Then, stroll on inside to take a look at the gorgeous art.
Any foodie will tell you that Smorgasburg in Brooklyn on the weekends is the place to be. You can grab an Instagrammable bite to eat along with shopping for vintage gems. In the summer, you can shop around in the sun in Williamsburg and Prospect Park, and in the winter, they move the market inside.
Seeing the #views from the top of the Empire State Building is awesome, but the Roosevelt Island tram gives you a different perspective of the city. All you need is a subway card. Stop by Dylan's Candy Bar before you hop on for some sweets. Then, enjoy the sights from the tram as you travel to the other side.
The High Line is another great place for fun sights of the city. There's also a ton of great spots to go shopping and grab a bite to eat. I personally really love getting a slice from Artichoke's Pizza whenever I'm nearby. (It's truly out of this world.)
If DIY is your jam, get crafty at a CraftJam class. They offer classes for cool and whimsy projects that you can take home and showcase in your apartment. You could even make embroidery wall art.
For anyone who had dreams of joining the circus, now is the time to check that off your bucket list by taking a flying trapeze class from The Trapeze School New York. Learn how to fly like you're Zendaya in The Greatest Showman. (Now, if only Zac Efron was there to serenade me. That would be the dream.)
