MY NYC BUCKET LIST
Before I start talking about my NYC bucket list I need to mention how much my partner Isabelle was missed last weekend. We had planned this trip for months and were so excited to meet up, get inspired and write about all the hotspots in NYC. Unfortunately, she got in a bad car accident on her way to the Brussels airport. Her car was totaled and she is still suffering from bruised ribs and a whiplash.
I am so thankful Isabelle is alive. Slowly but surely she is feeling better. I am also grateful for my friend Cheri who jumped on a plane within a few hours notice so I wouldn’t have to spend the weekend by myself.
I still remember the first time I went to New York. I was 15 years old and went with a group of Belgian friends. Everything in that city was magical to me. The people in all shapes and colors, The Brooklyn bridge, The Twin Towers, The Guggenheim museum, The Museum of Modern Art, even the yellow taxi’s made me feel as if I was stepping into a movie. Experiencing the hustle and bustle of many amazing places at a young age definitely shaped me. I can only feel respect for parents who traveled and gave me the freedom to travel, even though my adventures weren’t always at the safest places on earth.
“Experiences, not things” is what has always mattered most in their life!
Over the years I have come to discover my favorite things to do in The Big Apple.
As much as I love shopping in Paris, it’s not top of my priority list in New York City. It is the happening place for so many other things, that there is barely any time left to spend in the stores.
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Since my first run in Central Park last March, it’s been the number one on my bucket list of things to do in NYC. When I left this past weekend, I put on my running clothes and upon arrival in the Big Apple, I dropped my suitcase off at the condo and went straight to Central Park for a relaxing run.
On way to NY in my running clothes. Wearing my favorite Lululemon jacket and Anne Zellien livelovelaugh necklace.
Run to Central Park with the Empire State Building cheering us on!
A little stretch at the Jacky Onassis Reservoir in Central Park wearing my Lululemon workout pants and Fabletics tank.
Taking it all in with my beautiful friend Cheri.
After-run adrenaline!
- In the past I have always stayed in hotels when visiting New York. I love the Dream hotel in Meatpacking district and last year my hubby and I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. Both hotels were amazing for different reasons. This time Isabelle booked a little condo in Soho with Airbnb. It had an urban feel, decorated in all white and black. The location on 236, Mulberry Street was absolutely perfect. Just a stone’s throw away from Bleecker Street. This once bohemian street is now home to New York’s most chic shops and restaurants.
The Waldorf Astoria is a beautiful hotel to stay at in NYC, but I still preferred our little Airbnb condo in Soho.
Black and White – The New York City essentials.
Double trouble on way to lunch in Nolita.
Chefs Club building in Soho, right across from our condo.
- When in NYC, forget about a simple breakfast… brunch is the way to go! My all time favorite is BXL Zoute in the Flatiron District. You will eat the best Belgian Waffles and Belgian beer, but there are many other delicious options on the menu. The passionate owner Klaas, who started the restaurant three years ago, will let you sample all kinds of Belgian specialties.
- Last but not least, we visited the newly opened One World Trade Center. What an amazing experience to be in the highest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere during sunset! I would recommend buying your tickets online to avoid long waiting times.
Watching the sun go down from the 94th floor – breathtaking.
Taking time to remember the victims of 9/11.
The World Trade Center Memorial is located at the former location of the Twin Towers.
Last walk in the NYC streets before heading to the airport. Wearing Zara denim , Zara sweater, Jerome Dreyfuss booties and Saint Laurent Cabas.