NYC Perfect Pairings (aka: the PP)
Perfect Pairings—also known as the PP. Behind a bus mic, PP sounds funny—but potty humor aside, this tool is the glue. Perfect Pairings is pursuing more than one activity in the same geographic location. If on your mind Rockefeller Center, MoMA, Famous 5th Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Bryant Park, Times Square—perfectly pair your landmark. If Landmarks could date romantically, these extras are what you want in a partner—thoughtful, real, and full of surprises.
Why
It happens. The Landmark doesn’t meet your expectations due to weather, crowds, or—dare I say—overhyped? Before muttering, “New York is a (fill in the blank),” build your safety net. When landmarks hit the mark—GO FURTHER. Perfect Pairings (PPs) are how I plan and move around the city, and likewise, it’s how you can maximize your visit.
Let’s imagine
You are heading to the MoMA to see the most famous Campbell’s Soup cans—Andy Warhol, conveniently close to my acupuncturist. Because we are heading in the same direction, let’s explore Sutton Place and Turtle Bay neighborhoods by way of magnetic Midtown East.
Neighborhood spotlight
Our zone is East River to 5th Ave, from 59th Street down to 42nd Street. Neighborhoods are basically puzzle pieces, often loosely defined depending on the source.
Magic time
My mantra “It’s not for nothing“ acknowledges all your walking steps, your landmark visit, my acupuncturist appointment. Pull from what inspires you.
🎥 Movie: The Oscars are coming on March 2 and The Brutalist is nominated. Specifically, I spotted this Brutalist-style architecture at 90 Third Avenue with its massive waffled concrete exterior. For more NYC Brutalist buildings, check out this list.
🥯 Bagel: Family-owned, hand-rolled, and boiled—✔️✔️✔️Head to Ess-a-Bagel (51st St & 3rd Ave). My favorite schmear is Whitefish salad. After years of noticing how many New Yorkers carry bagels with more than just butter, sold!
🚡 Under $5 Activity: Roosevelt Island Tram for the price of a subway ride. Grab an aerial view over the East River from 59th St & 2nd Ave to Roosevelt Island. Hop from one island to another for a skyline, waterfront, quiet trifecta.
Vibe
Sutton Place and Turtle Bay (closest to the East River) are neighborhoody debunking the idea of all hustle, no home. Sutton Place (near the Roosevelt Island Tram) feels English and upscale—think antiques, fine jewelry, classic interiors. By the time you reach Turtle Bay, streets are aligned with more cornerstone cheese shops, butchers, dry cleaners, and camera shop we hope never closes. Many restaurants spotted along 1st & 2nd Avenues. Menus are guidebooks to your stomach & heart, driven by an all-or-nothing spirit.
Additionally, walk along the East Midtown Waterfront Esplanade—the pedestrian-friendly walkway offers bench spots overlooking the waterfront (Sutton Place Park). Red sign of Silvercup Studios (Succession, Sex and the City, The Sopranos) are visible across the river in Long Island City.
Photo ops
📍 Chrysler Building (ahhh, my fav skyscraper—near or far!) at 2nd Ave & 43rd St
📍 Roosevelt Island Tram views—Manhattan skyline & Queensboro Bridge (by adding a full moon—the power of this perfect pairing!)
Contact me
Building Perfect Pairings around your Landmarks is slightly my obsession. Let me help make the most of your New York minutes because your interests—you guessed it, they are not for nothing. More info, click HERE