My lovely friend Olivia is embarking on her next adventure - moving back to Melbourne after three and a half exciting years in London - and while she flies out tomorrow, in true Olivia-style she won’t be back home for a few months yet. Exciting adventures await her on her scenic route home via Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, US and Canada and so, to help her enjoy the best of the best while abroad I dedicate this post to her:

All The Things Olivia Must Do In New York City

Olivia, baby girl, please stick with the cronuts and bagels and stay out of trouble. Please.

Five Pretty Things Olivia Should See & Fun Things Olivia Should Do -

1. The High Line and Chelsea Market - 2.33 km long and pretty all the way through, you’re going to love The High Line. And while you’re in the area, take a stroll through Chelsea Market. But save your cash for the food you’re about to consume...

2. Coney Island - I know you want to go to Coney Island - and I fully support this - but here’s the recommendation I’m going to make that you’re not going to like: go on the Cyclone. It’s old, it’s rickety but it’s an institution - try to enjoy it! Go through the haunted house, ‘Spook O Rama’ if you have the time too. Also, grab a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous - famous for hot dogs, you can’t not get one.

3. Rent a boat on The Lake - it’s cutesy and fun. Rent a boat on The Lake in Central Park and take in the scene from the vantage point of an adorable paddle boat.

5. The Natural History Museum - Dinosaurs. Need I say more? But while you’re there make sure you go to the Space Show: Dark Universe and have your mind blown. It’s a film experience and it’s narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson - you’ll love it.

Ten Tasty Things Olivia Should Eat: 

6. Burgers - To say I ate a few burgers in New York is to put it mildly. The scales told the true story. Most were good, some were great and one was epic. To save you the calories, you are encouraged to take a bite at these gems -

• Shake Shack - Obviously great burgers but head to Madison Square Park for a burger with a view of the Flatiron.

One Expensive Thing Olivia Must Make Sacrifices to Experience:

Two Galleries Olivia Won’t Want to Visit but Should:

My darling Olivia, I know art is not your thing but I will tell you to go nonetheless and I’ve laid out the reasons I think might be able to entice you below:

One View Olivia Should Take In If She Can Get Passed Her Vertigo:

Three Cocktail Bars Olivia Should Duck Into:

One Important Monument Olivia Should Visit:

So, this is my ultimate New York list. Of course there is so much more that you can do Olivia - including (but not limited to) musicals, live music, shopping, picnicking and about a million other galleries and museums - but these are my top picks. I had some seriously great times in New York doing (and eating) all of these things and I know you will too. Have the best time ever! 

XX