What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of New York? The Skyline? The lifestyle? Food? When I think of the city, these are the things that pop into my mind but having lived in the city for two weeks I can assure you the city has more to offer. It’s been a while since I came back and I am sorry this post took me so long.

If you have been followig my travel posts for a while, you’d know I love travelling like a local and don’t really enjoy all the tourist-y places and activities. For this post I have compiled all favorite things to do in the city, like a local which means there is no Times Square, Central Park or Rockafellar Centre. Okay here we go!

• A walk in the West Village: This was definitely one of my favorite things to do in he city. If like me, you enjoy walking around different neighborhoods you cannot miss west Village. The thought of cherry blossoms, a weather perfect for light jacket and some iced coffee in hand just walking soaking in the facades, or probably working from a cute cafe. And while you’re there don’t forget to check out the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. building.

• A chilled evening in the Washington Square Park: Don’t kill me but I honestly found Central Park to be overrated. Or it can also be the fact that the park is so huge and I didn’t even cover it all. Whatever, its just that Washington Square Park is so lively! They have small area for dogs to play, some street artist playing drums/ guitar, bubble artists and really shady spots to chill in. Grab a book or just watch people (not creepily) its gonna be a good time.

• Coffee at Stumptowns: You know I love coffee. You know I have had coffee at almost every cafe. So believe me when I say this, you cannot miss out on this! This coffee will change your life. Okay, not exactly change your life but their coffee is hands down the best I’ve had in all of New York.

• Stroll and drinks in SoHo: SoHo somehow gives me the Sex and The City vibes. It is filled with stores from branded to vintage and bars from cute to well cuter. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink or two with your friends or just randomly stroll down in.

• Pet the Alpacas at Bronx Zoo: The first thing I googled as soon as my visa got approved was where to find giraffes in New York. I don’t think you know this but I have been weirdly obsessed with giraffes for more than 3 years now. I know it is a weird obsession. But what I wasn’t prepared for was a pen with alpacas. Bronx zoo has a small children’s zoo where we can pet and feed animals like Alpacas, sheep, goats, hens etc. You might not be obsessed with giraffes but visit for the alpacas.

• Grab some pizza or gyro: Okay so I had no idea what a gyro was until my sister recommended me to try one. It tastes similar to shawarma, is affordable, easily available and so filling! Also, if you don’t have $1 pizza on your to-do list what are you even going for? I didn’t understand the hype until I had my first slice on my second day in the city and there was no looking back. Sitting here writing this pots all I want now is a slice.

• Matcha Ice cream in KoreaTown: I had absolutely no idea about the existence of KoreaTown before I randomly came across it while checking out the maps. So fascinating yet so welcoming. I didn’t spot many tourists here but that made it even better. Get yourself a Matcha Ice cream from Sweet Churros and just strut down the lanes enjoying some authentic Korean cuisine and shops.

So that was all for this post, hope you find this helpful