The Ritz Carlton in NYC is a true luxury experience. If you snag an outer room, you'll be treated to stunning views of Central Park. The interior rooms are incredibly quiet if you prefer peace and tranquility. Rooms at the end of the hallways are the largest and most spacious. The closets and bathrooms are generously sized as well. For an over-the-top experience, book one of the suites - they're bigger than most Manhattan apartments!

 

The hotel's gym facilities are top-notch, with a full weight room and a separate studio offering video-led workouts.

 

The lobby lounge is a fantastic spot to grab a drink or meet up with friends in a lively, upscale setting. Don't miss the delicious chicken soup and salmon dishes during your stay.

 

While not an inexpensive hotel, you can sometimes find reasonable rates for a week or two that make it worth the splurge to experience the Ritz's impeccable service and amenities.

Afternoon tea is one of my favorite indulgences, and I've been fortunate to experience it in renowned places around the world. While the Palm Court at the Balmoral in Edinburgh remains my top pick, the Grand Salon at the Baccarat Hotel in NYC comes in a very close second.

 

This was a special splurge, but the afternoon tea was beyond delicious, made even more enjoyable by the beautiful live music (note: call ahead to confirm music during your booking, as it doesn't occur daily).

 

I've also visited the Baccarat's bar during happy hour, and their charcuterie board paired with a glass of wine is the perfect accompaniment for an opulent evening of people-watching in lavish surroundings. One thing to keep in mind – if you're not a hotel guest, there's usually a line to access the bar, and the doormen are quite particular about granting entry to this exclusive experience.

New York has endless activities for visitors, but some standout experiences not to miss include a horse and carriage ride through Central Park. Don't write it off as a tourist trap - the drivers provide an informative guided tour, pointing out movie filming locations and iconic spots like Strawberry Fields (be prepared to wait in line for a photo op at the "Imagine" mosaic).

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In winter, lace up your skates at the park's ice rink or see the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go for a spin on the Rockefeller skating rink. The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is a can't-miss for families.

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Whenever you visit, catch a Broadway show - ask your hotel concierge for tickets to favorites like The Lion King or Aladdin if traveling with kids (but adults love them too!).

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Soak in iconic NYC views with a Circle Line cruise around Manhattan or a cheaper ferry ride to Hoboken. Stop by Wall Street to see the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues.

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For outdoor fun, rent a rowboat and cruise the lake in Central Park in summer. Or get active at the expansive Chelsea Piers sports complex along the waterfront.

Tucked into a cozy townhouse on 81st Street between 5th and Madison Avenues, this classic Italian restaurant feels like you've been invited into someone's private home for an incredible meal.

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From the intimate, old-world vibe to the outstanding wine list and impeccable service, everything transports you to the heart of Italy. The waitstaff treats you like family, and the simple yet delicious cuisine tastes as if it was lovingly prepared in a Nonna's kitchen.

 

While the experience comes at a price, it's worth every penny for a special occasion like an anniversary. This was one of my all-time favorite meals in Manhattan - the kind of place I'd dine at every weekend if I were a local.

 

A famous former colleague recommended it to me, so you never know who you might bump into while savoring this incredible Italian fare. It's an unassuming gem that transports you worlds away from the NYC bustle. Oh, and the limoncello is a must try. 

Perched on the top floor of the new Ritz Carlton in NoMad, the swanky Nubeluz rooftop bar and lounge is an exclusive hot spot, completely separate from the hotel.

 

Scoring a reservation here is no easy feat, as it draws a "dress to impress" crowd looking to sip creative craft cocktails with jaw-dropping city views.

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While the small outdoor patios were closed during my January visit, they looked primed to be incredible vantage points come summer. Even indoors, the elevated, tiered layout ensures no bad seats - I lucked out with a window table providing incredible skyline vistas (though I wouldn't suggest this if you are afraid of heights).

 

The bar scene seemed like the place to be for a lively night out.As more of a wine person, I had to make an exception for Nublu's artistic, photogenic cocktails that tasted as good as they looked.

 

Just be prepared for the luxury experience to come with luxury prices - this is one place where you'll be grateful if someone else is picking up the tab! But the views and atmosphere make it worth the splurge.

For one of the best cappuccinos in the city with a smile-inducing latte art design, head to Electric Lemon on the top floor of the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards.

 

On a cold, blustery day, there's nothing like cozying up with their perfect coffee and taking in the epic views from the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Hudson River. It's an incredible vantage point to watch the sunset.

 

While you're in this neighborhood, you can admire the striking architecture of the Vessel up close (though it's temporarily closed to visitors) and snap some pics in front of this famed piece.

 

The Shops at Hudson Yards itself is an indoor version of Rodeo Drive, offering a respite from the elements while browsing the same luxury brands you'd find on 5th Avenue, but in a less chaotic, crowded environment.