A Tourist in My Own City

The ultimate NYC staycation guide: where to stay, what to sip, and the chicest shoes to wander in.

Feb 10, 2025

Welcome back to guest check! If you missed last week’s Valentine’s Day edit, we covered romantic tables, thoughtful gifts, and I hosted my February giveaway. Thank you all so much for entering! To my new subscribers, welcome 👋🏽 I promise it’s fun over here. If you missed out, don’t worry — I host a giveaway every month.

Be sure to catch up on Love at First Subscribe if you haven’t yet. It’s the perfect way to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit.

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Laila Elnaggar

Feb 3

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This week, we’re chatting about being a tourist in your own city, the best coffee shops in NYC for work (& chill hangouts), and the chicest shoes for wandering. As always, grab your coffee (or martini) and let’s dive in.

NYC, But Make It a Vacation

Last week, I stayed at the 1 Hotel Central Park with the iconic Estée Lauder. It was my first staycation in NYC, and those two nights reminded me why I live in the best city in the world. It’s easy to take where we live for granted, but sitting in my room, overlooking Central Park, and playing tourist in my own city felt so healing. If you’re local, I highly recommend treating yourself to a staycation at least once — it’s the ultimate form of self-care.

If you’re looking to spoil yourself or have family in town visiting, here are my favorite hotels to stay in NYC:

Whether it’s the photo-worthy bathrooms (hint hint: Fouquet’s and The Ludlow), their lavishness and proximity to Central Park (1 Hotel and The Mark), or simply being absolutely iconic (The Plaza), these hotels are the epitome of New York City in my opinion and absolutely worth the splurge.

Hotel lobbies make for great co-working spaces — comfortable seating, good food, and a lively atmosphere. It’s one of my favorites for work and relaxation. But if you’re after a different vibe, let’s talk about the best coffee shops in NYC.

P.S. I’m putting together the ultimate guide for everything you need to see, eat, and do in NYC. I’m so excited to share it with you all soon! More details to come, but I wanted to get it on your radar. In the meantime, my DMs are open if you want to chat recs 💌

The Best Coffee Shops In NYC

One of my most asked questions is, “Laila, what are some good coffee shops to work at?” If anyone knows coffee shops better than I do, it’s my sister — the one and only @avotoastcoldbrew. If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere with strong Wi-Fi and perfect brews, these are the spots you’ll want to check out:

To Work

GEM Home: Cozy, communal space. If you’re in the mood for a mid-work bite, try the Focaccia sandwich. Laptop-friendly M-F.
Stone Street Café: Lots of outlets and tables, plus cool art all around.
The Mandarin: Calming atmosphere with tons of natural light — perfect for staying focused.
Partners Coffee: If you just need a reliable table and outlet, this is your spot.
Georgie’s: Huge space with lots of seating, great for spreading out.

To Hang

Do Not Feed Alligators: Turns into a wine bar at night — a go-to spot for after-work hangs.
Le Gaz: Famous for their Vietnamese Iced Coffee. A must-try!
Rhythm Zero: Comfy lounge vibes, ideal for conversation.
Paper Coffee: Dimly lit, cozy café tucked away in a hotel lobby.
La Cabra: Best pastries in town. The croissant and cardamom bun are everything (I can attest).

These Boots? Made for Walking…and Turning Heads

After fueling up at some of the best coffee spots in town, it’s time to step out in style. Whether you’re heading to a meeting or strolling through the city, the right pair of shoes can truly make all the difference. Here are my top picks:

What’s Happening This Week

(2/10-2/16)

At the end of each newsletter, I’ll share a curated list of the best events happening in New York City that I think you’ll love. If you check any of them out, let me know!

That’s all for this week! If you made it this far, thank you for being here! Your support means the world to me. Leave a comment below with your thoughts and let me know what you’d like to see next week.