New York Travel Diary

Although I visited New York during the Halloween weekend I decided I still wanted to share all the photos with you. Most of these are posted on my Instagram- @sydhoff3 but I had a few people asking what was my favourite parts of New York and links to certain things I did.

New York is absolutely magical. I visited once before with my family when I was fourteen, but going back with my boyfriend and being older was 100x better. I remember the first time I visited I felt so comfortable in the city and truly fell in love with New York. This time around it was exactly the same feeling, if not more.

Central Park is hands down my favourite place. I really wish Toronto had something like this, because its beyond magical how you can go from the busy city streets, to a calm gorgeous park within a few steps. The more you venture into the park, the nicer it gets. 

We ended up at The Central Park Boathouse which is beautiful and is featured in many popular movies and tv shows. It ended up being the most beautiful day out, so we sat on the patio and had a few drinks. It was hilarious to look out over the water and watch everyone attempt to row boats. We were very close to going rowing as well, but decided against it with time. That is something I would probably do when I go back.

Shawn and I arrived the day before Halloween and Times Square had a pop up pumpkin patch right in the middle of everything. It was truly the coolest thing I've ever seen. 

We ended up staying at the W Hotel Times Square for two nights and then switched to The EDITION New York for the last night. W Times Square was a great hotel, but being right in the middle of Times Square was a bit much and overwhelming. A bit too touristy for me haha

The first night we went on the most magical twilight cruise around New York. We drank huge glasses of red wine and saw the most breathtaking views. I recommend the twilight cruise hands down. The link to the boat cruise is (here). We ended up purchasing our tickets from guys in Times Square, but if you go down by the pier you will see all the boat cruises and you can buy a ticket there as well.

Another really cool experience was walking along the Highline. We tried to start on one side and ended in the meatpacking district.

The meatpacking district was another one of my favourite areas and we ended up eating at STK in the area. I recommend ordering a bunch of different appetizers and wine of course!!

 The next location that was my absolute favourite was SOHO. Wandering around and shopping was so much fun and we ended up eating at Jack's Wife Freda. On a busy Saturday we luckily snagged a spot on the patio. Definitely a bliss moment sipping on a latte and eating the most delicious brunch.

The last night we switched hotels and stayed at The EDITION New York, right across from the Madison Square Park in the Flat Iron District. Yet another area I fell in love with. 

I highly suggest Eataly in that area. Ate the best pizza ever!! We were going to head to the Nutella bar after, but unfortunately it closed before we could make it.

Had so much fun eating Shake Shack in Madison Square Park right across from our hotel. It was my first time experiencing Shake Shack, and it was freaking phenomenal.

 On Halloween night we partied it up at 230 Fifth Avenue Rooftop bar, which shows the most amazing view of the city.

The last couple of hours on our last day we grabbed some candy at Dylan's Candy Bar, sat in the park and watched dogs play at the dog park. Bliss.

New York was amazing, and if you haven't been...you better go.

-Sydney Hoffman