▷ The 55 Best Things to Do in NYC Right Now 2021 • [UPDATE]

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November 25, 2021

▷ The 55 Best Things to Do in NYC Right Now 2021 • [UPDATE]

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There’s always plenty to see and do in New York, even after more than 20 visits it definitely doesn’t get boring. There is always so much to discover! In my guide I have listed all the events, attractions, tours and insider spots for you to visit right now.

Get inspired by cool things to do in NYC, have fun with my fun Things to Do and experience real thrills with the most extraordinary spots I’m going to introduce you to here.

You’ll find the best New York attractions like Summit One Vanderbilt and Little Island, as well as extraordinary spots, really great restaurants in New York, and I’ll tell you my favorite bars from Manhattan to Brooklyn where I would hang out right now.

So if you’re looking for the best things to do in New York right now, you’ll find it here!

These Are My TOP 55 Things to Do in NYC Right Now

How many of my spots have you already seen or have on your itinerary for New York? Feel free to write it in the comments!

01

Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Building
in
Midtown Manhattan

The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck coming to the city will be located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building. This one will be called “The Summit”. This deck will be the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
02

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in NYC

Other Events
in
Upper West Side

The Thanksgiving Day Parade is probably the most famous parade in the world and looks back on a long tradition: It has been around since 1924 and every year more than 3.5 million people come to see it. The route begins west of Central Park at 77th Street and passes Columbus Circle, where you have a great view of the parade. If the parade turns onto 6th Avenue, the best view is from 59th to 38th Street.
03

Visit Photoville in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Other Art & Culture
in
Dumbo

Photoville is back and your Instagram or whatever social media platform you use is about to get meta. NYC hosts a bounty of beautiful photography exhibitions. It takes place in Brooklyn Bridge Park with more than 600 artists, 75 exhibitions, talks, screenings, seminars and hands-on workshops for budding shutterbugs.
04

See the Seaport Tree and new art gallery at The Seaport

Building
in
Financial District

The South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan is located where Fulton Street meets the East River. But with the proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge and areas like Wall Street in beautiful Lower Manhattan, it is the charm of the many old commercial buildings from the old days that make the South Street Seaport in New York City so special.
05

Christmas Spectacular and the Radio City Rockettes (starting November 5th)

Broadway Show
in
Midtown Manhattan

Radio City Music Hall is a distinguished concert and event hall located on Sixth Avenue and can be recognized from a distance by its striking exterior lighting. Throughout the year, concerts and events take place here such as the popular Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. It is the most famous Christmas Show you can watch in New York!
06

See New York’s Newest Park: Little Island

Other Attraction
in
Meatpacking District

Photo credit Michael Grimm

Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
07

Enjoy the Empire State Building Sunrise Experience

Other Tours
in
Midtown Manhattan

Experience New York City awakening on top of the Empire State Building. This unforgettable VIP experience at sunrise is an absolute must for every visitor to New York City and one of the newest tours we have tested. As we all know, the morning hour has gold in its mouth, which is why we met at the Empire State Building at 5:30 am to marvel at the magical moment of the sunrise from the 86th floor.
08

Governors Island

Other Attraction
in
Outside of New York City

When the weather is beautiful in New York City and you want to escape for a moment from the noise, the hustle and bustle, then a trip to Governors Island is something to consider. The Governors Island Ferry will take you across the East River for $2 with the Governors Island Ferry until the end of September.

And the best? Since 2021 Governors Island is open all year round!
09

The Dead Rabbit: Have a Drink in one of the best bars in town!

Bar
in
Financial District

Our Highlight

Have you ever thought about how to take the Irish Pub into the 21st century? Go check out the Dead Rabbit bar and find out. This modern Irish pub and restaurant, which opened in 2013, is one of our favorite bars of all times. As soon as you enter the bar, you are transported into another world. There is nothing ultra-modern here, but everything is stylishly trimmed to old. From the original cash register, old punch glasses for the drinks to the wooden floors covered with sawdust.

My tip: Check out our article about the best bars in Manhattan!
10

Broadway Under The Stars

Broadway Show
in
Hell’s Kitchen

This holiday season, Broadway and the Shops at Columbus Circle are gifting us with another round of Broadway Under The Stars. For you, that means free Broadway performances in one of the most magical settings. Broadway Under The Stars is a five-week series of FREE indoor Broadway performances and will take place on the second floor of the Time Warner Center.

So why is it called Broadway Under The Stars? “Under the stars” refers to the 12 massive stars hanging from the 100-foot ceiling at Time Warner Center. They are the largest specialty crafted display of illuminated color in the world. The 14-foot stars are one of the most beautiful Christmas lights in NYC and draw thousands of visitors to their spectacular light show.Broadway Under The Stars typically takes on Mondays, starting early November and ending in early December. The exact dates for Broadway Under The Stars have not been announced yet. The performances start at 5 pm sharp and include interviews with the Broadway stars. They will perform 2-3 songs per show, depending on how many shows are featured that day.
11

Definitely a fun thing to do in NYC right now: The Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Tour

Bus Tour
in
Dyker Heights

Our Highlight

This tour through the Christmas Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn is one of the most popular and most booked tours at Christmas time in New York. In front of the Row NYC Hotel (45th Street and 8th Avenue) you will be picked up by a bus and drive over one of New York’s bridges to Brooklyn – you will have a wonderful view of the New York skyline. Once in Dyker Heights, you will be guided by a guide through the main streets with the most beautiful Christmas lights.

The next stop is the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO (about 25 minutes) – the tour ends at Bryant Park Winter Village with the famous ice skating rink. The Dyker Heights tour is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit!

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This is our COMPLETE GUIDE that includes 25+ neighborhood guides for every part of the city with New York’s newest attractions like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Edge Hudson Yards & Little Island, our best-of lists, budget tips and the best things to do and see!

Check out our preview here.

Our Travel Guide is also available at

12

See the famous Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (NOW through January 9, 2022)

Museum
in
Upper West Side

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the more popular museums in NYC. If the name sounds recognizable it’s because the museum was the center of attention in the movie, Night at the Museum featuring Ben Stiller. Regardless of it’s Hollywood fame, the Natural History Museum is a huge institution that features numerous exhibits. This is a great place for families with kids so they can learn about the world’s geography, plants, different animal species and many other things.

The American Museum of Natural History is located in the Upper West Side in Manhattan and is the largest natural history museum in the world.

What can you see there right now? The Origami Holiday Tree!
13

One of the coolest things to do in NYC right now: The Edge City Climb!

Building
in
Hudson Yards

Our Highlight

The Hudson Yards observation deck called Edge is New York’s newest and highest open observation deck. It opened in March 2020 and we were there – the view from up here is just sensational, and through the glass floor you can see over 100 floors straight down.

And if that thrill isn’t enough for you, now you can do the Edge City Climb in NYC!
14

Have A Drink In A Rooftop Bar

Bar
in
Hell’s Kitchen

Our Highlight

The bar Dear Irving on Hudson is a real insider tip. Located very close to Times Square, you can look down on Manhattan’s “urban canyons” from here and be relatively undisturbed. The bar is small and cozy and not yet as crowded as many others in the neighborhood. The cocktail menu is not that big, but the cocktails are really good.

My tip: The Dear Irvine on Hudson is part of my list of the best rooftop bars in NYC.
15

Experience Central Park in the Fall

Park
in
Midtown Manhattan

Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.
16

Manhattan Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

Cruise
in
Chelsea

Our Highlight

Make yourself comfortable on the old yacht from the 1920s and get into the Christmas mood during the Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise. This boat tour at Christmas time is one of my absolute favourites. It starts from Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers) on a beautifully decorated yacht. On the way through New York Harbor and the Hudson River, breathtaking views of the New York skyline, the One World Trade Center, Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Statue of Liberty are guaranteed.
17

Classic Harbor Line: Architecture Yacht Cruise

Cruise
in
Chelsea

Our Highlight

The architecture boat tour takes you around Manhattan in 2.5 hours. On a 30 meter long wooden ship in the style of the 1920s you can relax and learn a lot of interesting facts about the many small and large buildings of the city. The tour is super-relaxing and the price includes a drink (vino, soft drinks) and small snacks.
18

Eat Tapas and feel like being in Spain at Tia Pol

Spanish Restaurant
in
Chelsea

The Tia Pol is totally inconspicuous from the outside, but it has it all! We became aware of it by chance, because we had some time and desire to eat something small before our boat tour. The spot became famous for its sangria from the barrel (!), it is much much better than it sounds! The tapas are fancy, typically Spanish and you are definitely among New Yorkers here. Wonderful!
19

Visit the Museum of Ice Cream

Museum
in
SoHo

The Museum of Ice Cream is located in SoHo and features 13 all-new interactive art installations across 25,000 square feet over 3 floors. Besides multi-sensory installations, it boasts the biggest sprinkle pool to date. With exhibits like these, the Museum of Ice Cream NYC is not a traditional museum. It’s more of an experience and is great for kids. Photo opportunities are everywhere and each installation is set for the perfect Instagram photo. The Museum of Ice Cream aims to connect, create moments of joy and stimulate your imagination.
20

Christmas Lights Tour of New York City (starting November 22nd)

Other Shopping
in
Midtown Manhattan

With the holiday season unofficially underway, this tour is for you. Explore NYC and check out the amazing decorations and Christmas lights on your very own private tour. It also comes with a free Christmas drink as well!
21

Go ice-skating!

Christmas Market
in
Midtown Manhattan

Our Highlight

Starting in October (and running through March), it is time once again for the best winter market in New York City to open its doors. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat.

Standing here among the skyscrapers and even seeing the Empire State Building is really quite special. Therefore this had to be on my list of the best things to do in nyc right now.
22

Empire Outlets Staten Island

Outlet
in
Staten Island

Empire Outlets is located on Staten Island and is NYC’s first shopping outlet.

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list! Also available here:

23

The Nutcracker

Other Events
in
Upper East Side

The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets and enjoys great popularity among visitors and locals. A true holiday tradition!
24

Stroll along Broadway

Other Attraction
in
SoHo

Broadway is probably the most famous street in New York City and SoHo’s main shopping street. It is not only the longest shopping street, but also a commercial heart of the city.
25

Learn more about the secrets of Grand Central Terminal

Walking Tour
in
Midtown Manhattan

The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour not only shows you the most important parts of New York’s famous train station, but focuses on the secrets and special features that only a New York guide would know. Did you know that there is a hidden tennis court in Grand Central Terminal? Or that the painting of the ceiling is mirror-inverted? You will learn much more on this exciting walking tour in NYC!
26

See a Broadway Show

Broadway Show
in
Theatre District

Especially in the off-season you can often get great bargains for one of the Broadway shows in New York. We have already seen many of the really worthwhile musicals and can only recommend the experience. Every dollar is well invested – it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening!

So check out our Complete Guide to Broadway Shows in NYC
27

Enjoy a mule wine at the Union Square Holiday Market

Christmas Market
in
Gramercy

Union Square is proud to host over 25 years of holiday markets and this year will be no exception. The market’s layout was initially modeled after European Christmas markets and despite some changes since its original inception, the Union Square Holiday Market still mirrors its cousins across the Atlantic pretty closely. It is one of the largest Christmas markets in New York and a holiday tradition for any visitor.

ENJOY A MULLED WINE HERE – IT’S A GERMAN STAPLE!

There’s no way you will leave this holiday market without a full belly and a happy smile.

My tip: These are the best Christmas markets in NYC.
28

One of my favourite fun things to do in NYC right now: The Ready Rooftop

Rooftop Bar
in
East Village

The Ready Rooftop is one of the hottest rooftops in New York for the cold season. The interior will warm your heart with palm trees, bright colors, tacos and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.

The rooftop bar is located at the Moxy NYC East Village hotel, which for me is one of the most beautiful hotels in Manhattan. The bar has a roof that can be opened in good weather like the Eataly Flatiron rooftop. So it’s a stylish outdoor terrace in the summer and a covered lounge in the cold season (until March) with the theme “Holiday Palms”.
29

Eat At The Time Out Market

Food Market
in
Dumbo

If you’re looking for a new place to eat right now in New York, check out The Time Out Market. Here you’ll find a diverse roster of bars and restaurants that are complemented by unique cultural experiences. Visiting this market will allow you to taste all of the classic New York dishes, from tasty pizza to hot pastrami sandwiches and much more. In fact, you’ll even find NYC’s best Thai food here as well.
30

Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards

Other Events
in
Hudson Yards

Starting at the end of November, you can enjoy a spectacular light show at Hudson Yards titled “Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards”. It’s one of the newest Christmas light displays in New York City. Shine Bright is an indoor-outdoor light and music installation featuring more than 2 million white lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, The Edge and Vessel. Every day at 5 pm, “the moments” invite spectators to get dazzled by a visual spectacle that is synchronized to festive music.
31

Feel the New York of the 1920s at Brandy Library

Bar
in
Tribeca

Our Highlight

Even if the name suggests otherwise: the Brandy Library has a huge selection of even very rare whiskeys in its program, which will make the heart of every whiskey fan beat faster. More than 1,000 bottles are used as decoration, especially in the evening it looks like a library of high-proof drinks. What we found very exciting are their events where you can learn more about Bourbons, Cognacs etc. Conclusion: Super-atmospheric and a real highlight!
32

Explore Hudson Yards …

Mall
in
Hudson Yards

Another great way to spend time in New York is by exploring Hudson Yards. This area is a 28-acre real estate development in the Hudson Yards and Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan. This area is home to many high-end condos and world-class shopping, fine dining, and other activities. You’re also close enough to the harbor that you can see the shipping yards and other sights. If you’re up for it, this is also a great location to go on a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s happenings.
33

… or the nearby High Line with a local guide!

Walking Tour
in
Chelsea

Our Highlight

Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

34

A free thing to do in NYC right now: The High Line Winter Tour

Walking Tour
in
West Village

The High Line Park takes you along the old tracks of the elevated railway to the Meatpacking District. Thanks to the initiative “Friends of the High Line” the park exists at all, because originally the construction was supposed to be torn down. And the best thing? They offer free tours!
35

No! We are never too old for Jane’s Carousel!

Other Attraction
in
Dumbo

In the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge Park there is a beautiful carousel for young and old all year round. From there you can also enjoy the great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
36

Enjoy the atmosphere during a NBA game!

Sports Tickets
in
Chelsea

Our Highlight

The NBA is in its second month. Check out either the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets at either the Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center, respectively.
37

Do this Romantic Cruise Aboard a Classic Motor Yacht

Cruise
in
Chelsea

Our Highlight

This Holiday Jazz Cruise aboard a 1920’s style luxury yacht is one of my absolute favorite tours in New York. The ship has a wonderful charm and cannot be compared to the big sightseeing ships. Holiday Jazz Cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.
38

Roosevelt Island Tramway

Other Tours
in
Midtown Manhattan

This is one of the NYC attractions that you definitely shouldn’t miss! All you need is a subway ticket to take the cable car across the East River at heights of over 200ft. The views from the cable car are amazing and equally as impressive from Roosevelt Island!
39

cloudM New York Bowery

Rooftop Bar
in
Lower East Side

Our Highlight

For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
40

Fools Gold NYC

Bar
in
Lower East Side

Our Highlight

One of the best bars in New York, also known for good burgers. The bar is an absolute MUST-SEE! The burgers are really sensational and they offer really good local beers.
41

Try the pizza from one of our favorite spots

Italian Restaurant
in
Chelsea

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza was founded in 2008 and serves big slices with creamy toppings.
42

Get back the summer feeling at Brooklyn Crab in Red Hook

Sea Food Restaurant
in
Red Hook

Our Highlight

Brooklyn Crab is a real insider spot, which you can reach within 20 minutes from Manhattan on the IKEA Ferry. The seafood is sensational, you can sit indoors or outdoors and if you stay long enough you can enjoy the sunset over the Statue of Liberty.
43

Check out the latest Exhibitions at MoMA

Museum
in
Midtown Manhattan

Our Highlight

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was founded in 1929 and was the first museum that completely focused its collection on modern art. The huge museum went through an impressive renovation and reopened in 2004 by architect, Yoshio Taniguchi. Then in MoMa went through another round of renovations and reopened in October of 2019. It is definitely one of the most impressive museums in NYC. It’s one of the largest and most influential museums with its collection of modern art.
44

Buy some local art at Chelsea Market

Food Market
in
Meatpacking District

Our Highlight

The first address for the gourmets among you, is the Chelsea Market. The building that was once a biscuit factory and the place where the famous Oreo biscuits were invented. Today you will find bakeries, wine merchants, greengrocers, a fish shop, sushi bars, a butcher’s shop with steak restaurant and much more.
45

Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum with a guide

Walking Tour
in
The Battery

Our Highlight

Enjoy a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You will have reserved access to the ferry to get to the statue and then you can explore these 2 major attractions with a 4 hour guided tour.
46

Rubin Museum of Arts

Museum
in
Chelsea

For three decades, New Yorkers Shelley and Donald Rubin have been collecting Buddhist art, mandalas and meditation images here. The exhibitions of contemporary Asian artists are very impressive.
47

Have a fantastic lunch at 12 Chairs in Soho

Café
in
SoHo

The name of the 12 Chair comes from the beginnings of the once small café, which only had 12 seats. Here you will find delicacies from Israel with a successful mix to the Russian cuisine. Sounds confusing, but it is super delicious. Very popular both for brunch and dinner.
48

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Museum
in
Financial District

Our Highlight

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
49

Fette Sau

BBQ
in
Williamsburg

Our Highlight

If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in NYC, look no further than Fette Sau in Williamsburg. With a wide array of different meats and cuts you can choose from, as well as delicious sides, this is definitely not a place to miss if you’re a meat-lover. The concept differs from many restaurants. You place an order at the counter and pay according to the weight of your plate. This gives Fette Sau a very relaxed vibe. What’s better than BBQ and a nice tall glass of beer?
50

Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

Walking Tour
in
Midtown Manhattan

Our Highlight

The Stage Door tour is great for everyone who is interested in theatre and the entertaining arts. Find out everything about the Rockettes and their history as well as a lot of behind the scenes information about the Radio City Music Hall.
51

Domino Park

Park
in
Williamsburg

This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.
52

Magnolia Bakery

Café
in
West Village

The classic! Carrie and her girls have eaten delicious cupcakes here. An absolute must-do for Sex and the City fans and all those who can’t resist the sweet treat.
53

Still one of the coolest things to do in NYC right now: Speakeasy Bar Attaboy!

Bar
in
Lower East Side

One of the bar’s specialties is the bartenders: since there is no cocktail menu, you just say what you feel like and in which direction you want the cocktail to go and your personal cocktail will be mixed. The bar is not cheap, but worth every cent – otherwise it wouldn’t have made it into the TOP 20 of the best bars in the world.
54

One of my favorite fun things to do in NYC right now: the Comedy Celler

Other Art & Culture
in
Greenwich Village

The Comedy Cellar is a Manhattan comedy club where many of New York’s top comedians perform. It was founded in 1982 by the then stand-up comedian and the current TV writer and producer, Bill Grundfest. A show consists of five to seven comics, each lasting about 20 minutes. The club isn’t just exclusive to two New Yorkers. Notable comedians have also performed here such as Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari.

On the weekends, it can get pretty busy. A visit to the Comedy Cellar is an insider tip for anyone who wants to feel like a true New Yorker and is one of the best things to do in Greenwich Village.
55

Taste the probably best sushi in NYC: Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya

Japanese Restaurant
in
Lower East Side

Our Highlight

Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern and a traditional sushi bar with a fine dining experience. This spot is all about bonding together at a fun place to drink with delicious food selections. From small plate options to family-style platters, Blue Ribbon has got you covered. The location of this Lower East Side restaurant is also beautiful and convenient if you want to jump right into the East Village.

My tip: These are the best sushi restaurants in NYC.
56

Start your day at The Mercer Kitchen (and maybe meet Jay-Z?)

American Restaurant
in
SoHo

Our Highlight

The Mercer Kitchen is a restaurant located in SoHo and can be found right next to The Mercer Hotel. We recommend coming here for breakfast and lunch while you’re visiting SoHo.