Where to next? NYC with Margherita Ragg

No matter where you travel in the world, there is usually one special place that you never tire of visiting. Whether its one of the main cities like London, Paris, NYC or Milan, or it´s a hidden gem off the beaten track.

In this exclusive “Where to next?” blog series, we talk to some of the biggest travel influencers in the industry, as they give us expert insights into their favorite parts of the world – shining a light on beautiful destinations through the eyes of some of the world’s most well-traveled people.

It’s time to take out your travel bucket list and start filling it up!

Discover NYC with Margherita Ragg

Here we’re joined by Margherita Ragg, owner of The Crowded Planet, a nature and travel blog brimming with inspiration for adventure lovers! Margherita and her husband Nick are lovers of adventure travel and hiking – but despite traveling to all four corners of the world, Milan native Margherita can’t get enough of New York City – the city that never sleeps.

If you plan on visiting NYC, read on as Margherita gives some great off-the-beaten-track tips.

What did you do before you began traveling, and what drew you to eventually travel full-time?

Travelling has always been my dream, ever since I was given a book of flags from all over the world for my fifth birthday. I didn’t do much traveling during my childhood and teens, but ever since I moved to London in my early 20s, traveling has been part of my life. I went on my first extended trip in 2009/2010, and I’ve been traveling full time since 2015 – until Covid.

I’ve done all sorts of jobs before starting The Crowded Planet – I worked in retail and hospitality for a long time while I was at university in London, then worked as a therapist with children with autism, and then I became an ESL teacher.

What do you love most about NYC?

New York City is a very special place for me. It was the first place I visited outside of Europe after I received my first paycheck at the age of 21. I love how varied the city is, and how much it has to offer in terms of things to see and do. Even after so many visits, I can always find new places to explore – including quirky sights, neighborhoods, new restaurants and bars.

You know the old saying ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’? I think the same saying should apply to New York City! It truly has something to offer for everyone, it’s impossible to get tired!

Margherita Ragg in her special place – in the middle of the hustle and bustle of NYC

What should more people know about this city?

I think most visitors should realise that there are in fact five boroughs in NYC – not just Manhattan! Most first-time visitors only stick to Manhattan, and maybe quickly visit Brooklyn after walking the bridge.

The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island all offer cool things to see and do – for example, I really like Astoria and Long Island City, both in Queens. Both neighborhoods have really cool shops, independent restaurants, craft breweries and a lot more to explore, and very few tourists!

What is your favorite thing to do here?

Call me cliche, but I just love walking around New York City. I love seeing how neighborhoods change once you cross those invisible boundaries, and there’s no better way to see that than wandering around on foot!

I also always say that a perfect trip to NYC should include both a sunny and a rainy day. When it’s sunny, there’s no better place to be in town than Central Park. I always recommend people to walk all the way up, crossing all the park, past the reservoir until you reach the Ravine, a place where you can truly find wild nature in the city. On a rainy day, it’s the perfect time to visit one of NYC’s great museums. My favorite is the Cloisters, a section of the Met focusing on Medieval art, including a rebuilt medieval cloister!

Image credit: centralpark.com

If you had just 24 hours in NYC, what would you do?

I would start with brunch, possibly somewhere in Harlem. Then I would walk all the way through Central Park and then to the Vessel, which I haven’t seen yet! Then I would walk the High Line to Chelsea Market for a snack, and finally, I would head to Long Island City or Bushwick for some craft beer.

Before heading back to my accommodation I would also grab a NY slice – there’s no better place than Williamsburg or Bushwick for that!

Image credit: Williamsburg Pizza NYC

Where is your favorite place to eat in the city?

My favourite place is Very Fresh Noodles in Chelsea Market! I dream of their biang biang noodles every day!

Image credit: Chelsea Market

Do you have any quirky or off-the-beaten-track spots that you’d urge people to visit?

There are two cool places near Downtown I like – one is Mmuseumm, a tiny museum located in a freight elevator, with rotating exhibitions of seemingly random objects arranged according to different themes. Another one if the Elevated Acre, a ‘secret garden’ between the Downtown skyscrapers that you access with a hidden escalator. The first time I went there, I walked around for 10 minutes looking for it!

Image credit: Atlas Obscura

FAQs – Reasons to Visit NYC

What’s the best time of year to visit New York City?

New York City is a year-round destination, but the most popular times to visit are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their best. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings festive charm, holiday markets, and lower hotel prices, though temperatures can drop below freezing. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and better deals, late winter and early spring (excluding holidays) are often a sweet spot.

How easy is it to get around NYC without a car?

Very easy. New York City has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world, with subways, buses, ferries, and commuter trains connecting all five boroughs. The subway runs 24/7 and is usually the fastest way to get around. Walking is also one of the best ways to explore neighborhoods, while rideshares and taxis are widely available if you need them. Renting a car is generally unnecessary, and often inconvenient, within the city.

Is New York City expensive for visitors?

NYC has a reputation for being pricey, but costs can vary widely depending on how you travel. Accommodation and Broadway shows can be expensive, especially in peak seasons, but there are plenty of ways to balance your budget. Free attractions like Central Park, iconic neighborhoods, galleries, and viewpoints, along with affordable eats such as food trucks, delis, and classic pizza spots, make it possible to enjoy the city without overspending. Planning ahead and mixing splurges with low-cost experiences goes a long way.

Ready to see New York City from a whole new perspective?

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