Locals' Picks #1 - Tips and advice from NYC locals - Ayelen Scapuzzi
Local's Picks features exclusive insights and recs from NYC locals, showcasing their favorite spots, hidden gems in the city plus personal stories.
One of the main ideas behind The Tiny Apple was bringing back a blog's spirit. When I first started to blog about New York City I was super spontaneous, talking about my experiences and my discoveries. But we all know that Google, algorithms and SEO kinda ruined that and I see Substack as some way to get back to the golden era of blogs.
Today, I'm introducing a new tag - Local's Picks. Sometimes I feel biased talking about the Big Apple and I truly believe every person here has some unique perspective about this place. There are so many things to do and see, and this is not a "one man's job."
I love to rely on tips, recs and advice from locals when I travel - and I also appreciate that in my own city. Bringing other people's perspectives is a win-win: I can learn a lot, and you can learn as well.
For this first edition, I invited my dear friend Ayelen Scapuzzi. She not only happens to be my friend, a fellow content creator, and an immigrant (she is originally from Argentina), but she is also my business partner on New Yorker at Heart, our NYC lifestyle brand - make sure to check our products on Instagram.
Ayelen has been living in NYC since 2019 and she is one of the most talented and responsible content creators I know. She always chasing things to do, she is creative and dedicated - make sure to check her page. Ayelen creates content primarily in Spanish - but I don't think that not speaking the language will prevent you to take advantage of her amazing tips.
Without further ado, let's check Ayelen's picks!
What are your top 3 favorite restaurants in NYC and why?
There are so many great spots! Without overthinking it, I'd recommend Raf's for its charm and cozy vibes (plus, they have great pastries), Estela for their unique menu, and Balthazar, a true classic in New York. And if I can cheat a little, Taquería Ramírez for their authentic tacos and salsas, a genuine Mexican place.
And a place for drinks?
I just love Bar Pisellino for a casual Aperol spritz on a warm evening. For a more upscale experience, Nubeluz is my latest obsession with its signature cocktails and the most amazing city views.
Favorite spot for a sweet treat?
At the moment, Tin Building, Sweet Rehab and Little Cupcake.
Can you share a hidden gem in NYC that tourists often miss? Or a place that is underrated?
The Jersey City waterfront and Hoboken in New Jersey, for sure. Many native New Yorkers, as well as tourists, hesitate to cross the Hudson River, and I think that’s a mistake. The skyline view of Manhattan from the Pier A Park in Hoboken is unmatched.
What's your go-to spot for a perfect weekend brunch?
My go-to spot would be Jack's Wife Freda. They have a big menu, good food, and multiple spacious locations where getting a table isn't that difficult. Making brunch reservations in NYC can feel like a competitive sport! Some great spots are nearly impossible to book unless you're willing to wait for days or even weeks.
What's the piece of clothing or accessory that it's your must-have while living in NYC?
A cute tote bag (like New Yorker at Heart ones) to carry essentials for long city days, very comfortable shoes otherwise you won’t enjoy a thing, a portable phone charger, and trendy clothing items like jackets, sneakers, jewelry or anything that fits your style to elevate a basic outfit on the fly (since NYC always has surprises in store). And I can’t forget a quality winter jacket!
What are your favorite activities or places to visit in NYC during each season?
During the summer, I love sailing and all sorts of water activities, but especially relaxing on a sailboat or yacht with a cocktail in hand. In wintertime I really enjoy ice skating and just going for a walk while snow falls, there’s nothing like it. Exploring coffee shops on my list is another favorite winter activity. Springtime brings the cherry blossoms and magnolia blooms and I just run around trying to catch them all. I usually do my annual visit to both New York and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens at this time. Fall, with its perfect weather, is ideal for walks and exploring the city. I make a point to visit Central Park more frequently during this season to see the changing colors of the foliage.
Which NYC park do you love the most and why?
Bryant Park, without a doubt. Right in the heart of Manhattan, with Empire State views and numerous free events and activities year-round. But also for other reasons. It was named after a great poet, William Cullen Bryant, and the area originally served as a reservoir site that supplied fresh water from Upstate New York, which was crucial for the city's early development. Also, it’s a testament of how private-public partnerships can transform urban spaces and enhance the quality of life for city residents and visitors alike, with the revitalization in the 1980s and 1990s driven by the involvement of private enterprise.
Do you have any favorite local shops or boutiques that you recommend?
Not a favorite, but any museum gift shop is worth a visit for its unique collections of curated items. I also enjoy exploring cute shops in various neighborhoods like the West Village, West Broadway in SoHo, Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, or West St. in Greenpoint.
“…going the extra mile and crossing a bridge, taking a longer subway ride (or, my favorite, jumping on the NYC Ferry) is very rewarding, and I encourage everyone to do that, in every direction different from the place they usually stay at.”
What’s your favorite cultural experience in the city (museum, gallery, theater, etc.)?
Doing a MET tour with an expert is something I highly recommend—it's one of the best cultural experiences I’ve had in the City. Having someone interpret centuries of history at one of the world's greatest museums in a way that connects everything and makes it all understandable is really worth it. By the way, I have someone I can recommend—feel free to contact me!
On the other hand, contrary to what some might expect, I really enjoy the regular free or pay-what-you-wish nights at museums. With live music, a bar serving drinks, and a crowd, these nights create a relaxed atmosphere where I find myself experiencing art in a different, less formal way, if that makes sense. It's a great way to start a date night, in my opinion. MoMA, the Morgan Library Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum are all good options.
Describe your ideal day in NYC from morning to night.
This is a tough one because it really depends on my mood. What I enjoy almost as much as the adventure itself is planning it, considering various factors. My perfect summer day in NYC starts with a big breakfast at home -either pancakes or bagels from my local shop-, then I plan my outfit and gather all the essentials for a full day out (that’s how New Yorkers do it—you don’t return home unless absolutely necessary, so everything from your jacket to your reusable water bottle to your lipstick for later is packed in your tote bag). I choose a neighborhood to explore and aim to get a table for lunch at a spot that's been on my list for a while. Next, I might hop on a ferry to Brooklyn, Governors Island, or Queens to meet friends at a park with skyline views, where we can enjoy a picnic and chat for hours. To wrap up the day, we might head to a local brewery for a beer.
Is there a particular neighborhood you think everyone should explore?
I consider myself a ‘professional tourist’ in NYC, so I’d say explore them all! However, for those with limited time, especially visitors, I recommend Williamsburg in Brooklyn. I love its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer, with beautiful parks perfect for picnics, unique shops and many restaurants, bars and rooftop options. In Manhattan I’d say NoLiTa, for the same reasons (shops, food, drinks and local vibes).
Chances are you’ll explore enough of Manhattan’s neighborhoods—visitors and locals alike—but going the extra mile and crossing a bridge, taking a longer subway ride (or, my favorite, jumping on the NYC Ferry) is very rewarding, and I encourage everyone to do that, in every direction different from the place they usually stay at.
Do you have any memorable stories or experiences that highlight why you love NYC?
I have plenty of stories, but one comes to mind right away. It’s a long one, but it perfectly describes how this city is ready to give you what you ask for.
It was a very cold winter day, and I was in a bit of a bad mood. So at 6 PM, I took off my pajamas, put on the warmest coat I have, grabbed my phone, headphones, and keys, and ran to catch the train to Grand Central.
I arrived in Manhattan without a plan. I started walking down 5th Avenue when it occurred to me that this outing could be a solo date with New York. Valentine’s Day was just around the corner, after all. I put on a playlist that matched my mood and started walking aimlessly, looking for love signs around me.
After several blocks, I reached Madison Square Park. There was the rustic Christmas Tree they usually put up there at that time of the year, and I stopped to take some pictures. That’s when I noticed a couple a few steps away, kissing like in a Hollywood movie with the Empire State Building in the background. I walked away so as not to interrupt the romantic scene. “Love Me Like You Do” was playing, purely by chance.
A few blocks later, almost reaching Washington Square Park, a guy was walking towards me and seemed ready to bump into me. I grudgingly took out one of my earbuds and heard him saying, “I said I think you are beautiful.’ I was in shock for a second and then sincerely replied, “Thank you!” I put my earbud back in, and almost immediately took it out again, turned around, and shouted, “I mean it, thank you!” The guy turned around, smiled, and kept walking. So did I. “A Thousand Years” continued playing on my playlist, and I realized that the second “thank you” was directed at NYC because the date was going great.
The walk continued through West Village, where I found many empty tables on the street, filled with lit candles, and it continued on an empty subway I took from West 4th to Rockefeller Center. I walked among the Christmas lights on 6th Avenue, saw the Saks light show without filming or taking photos, and returned to 5th Avenue to head back home. At that moment, I was listening to “If the World Was Ending,” my favorite song at the time.
Suddenly, I came across a box full of beach hats with tags, unused. I chose three colors and left the rest, realizing that a day earlier I had decided not to buy a similar one at a brand store to save those dollars. I smiled big.
I reached Bryant Park; I had some time before the next train. I bought a hot chocolate at the Christmas in New York stand, with the ice rink on one side, the Christmas tree a meter away, and the public library lit up at 10 PM on the other, allowing me to enjoy the ceiling of the Rose Reading Room from a distance.
Minutes later, I arrived at a nearly empty Grand Central. No suited-up people rushing or tourists taking photos and blocking the way. I looked at the time on the iconic clock in the main hall and came across a rather unique sight: a couple dressed in vintage style, like in a Hollywood movie, passionately kissing. I took a picture of them and ran to catch the train. While going over the picture I just took, I saw a guy in the background of the photo kneeling in front of a girl, like he was about to declare his eternal love. Possibly he was just looking for a good angle for the photo, the equivalent of a love declaration in selfie times, I guess. I was almost home and “Yellow” by Coldplay was playing.
What's the advice you would give to someone moving to the city that you wish you knew sooner?
There’s a New York City for everyone. What makes this city great, and different from everywhere else, is the millions of people living across five extensive boroughs. While that can be overwhelming, try to find “your New York City.” Do it your way: find your people, get to know your neighbors, pick your favorite local restaurant, try new things to learn about yourself, and don’t be afraid to talk with strangers or use social media to connect (that’s how I met most—if not all—of my friends in the city!). If you have an open mind and you’re willing to make it home, NYC will do the rest.
But I feel there's something else I should add, to take the pressure off. Sinatra once said, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere," but I don't agree with that. You can try and make it anywhere, but it can be fantastic to make it here, if you choose so. There’s a world out there too, you know.
Also, do your research and budget accordingly. I knew that one, and I hope everyone moving here does too.
And that's all! I hope you guys enjoyed these tips - and stories - as much as I did! Please let me know if you have any suggestions of questions for our next round! Thank you so much, Ayelen, for being my first featured guest :)