Welcome to New York: how to holiday like Taylor Swift in the Big Apple, from Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar and Robert de Niro’s Greenwich Hotel, to brunch at Sarabeth’s and sweet treats at Milk Bar
Taylor Swift may be a country girl at heart, but she certainly has a soft spot for the big city too.
But her connection to the city extends well beyond musical inspiration. Swift returns to the city often to attend events, talk shows and collect awards. She received her honorary doctorate degree from New York University in 2022, and was also the city’s tourism ambassador back in 2014.
But while a celebrity’s experience of the Big Apple – with its limos, A-list invites and ever-present paparazzi – might not compare to ours, when it comes to restaurants, most are open to all.
Yep, the vibrant foodie capital of the US is famous for its world-class eateries and Michelin-starred chefs, so here’s how to eat your way around NYC like Taylor Swift.
1. Stay at Robert de Niro’s Greenwich Hotel
2. Granola breakfasts at Smile to Go
The 33-year-old “Style” singer stops to grab Greek yogurt with fruit and home-made granola at this Howard Street cafe, according to Glamour.
3. Stroll in Central Park
A trip to New York is not complete without visiting Central Park, a 340-hectare plot of land that boasts an endless array of activities and green space.
Swift has been spotted roaming the outdoors on dates and for interviews, but don’t be surprised if she’s wearing heels as her stylish footwear of choice, as British media reported – though we wouldn’t recommend replicating her outfit if you’re making a full day of walking out of it.
4. Date night at Zuma
Boasting a global cult following with outposts in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and more, Zuma offers a modern take on Izakaya-style cuisine.
5. GNOs at The Waverly Inn
Back when Swift’s A-list “squad” was in full force, the “Bad Blood” star would always be out and about in the city with her gals and The Waverly Inn was a regular bolt-hole for GNOs.
In 2016, she was seen at the high-end restaurant with Lorde, Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevingne and Jack Antonoff following her split from Tom Hiddleston, per E! Online. The American comfort food spot is said to have an exclusive appeal with its cosy pub room, according to American media.
6. Reuben at The Polo Bar
If it’s designed by Ralph Lauren, you best believe the interiors are going to be spot on.
The Polo Bar has become a popular stop for many celebs in the big city, with Taylor Swift and pals Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Ashley Avignone and Martha Hunt being among its clientele, per Glamour. Guests can book a private dining experience (which is probably what Swift would do) or eat in the main dining hall where American classics are served by stylish staff dressed in head-to-toe attire from the fashion designer. Swift recommends Lauren’s favourite, the “heavenly” Reuben, she told Glamour.
7. Brunch at Sarabeth’s
Sarabeth’s is notorious for attracting a daily beeline of keen brunch-goers, but it may be well worth it if you can catch a glimpse of T-Swift during the wait.
The “Love Story” record-breaker has dined at the Tribeca joint with ex-bestie Kloss, as per Delish.
8. Bookstore shopping at McNally Jackson
Based on her poetic songwriting abilities, it’s not surprising to hear that Swift is a bookworm with a discerning taste in novels.
Fellow literature lovers can head to McNally Jackson, an independent bookstore spread across four locations in New York, to take home a new batch of monthly reads.
9. Biscuits at Milk Bar
Swift told Glamour that she spent her 25th birthday at Milk Bar, a famous bakery serving OTT treats made by chef-founder Christina Tosi.
“It is a magical place and you will want to eat everything there. I can’t help you with that, because no one is immune,” chimed in Swift, clearly a dessert fanatic.
In her interview, Swift suggested getting its cereal milk soft-serve ice cream, blueberry and cream cookies, Karlie’s Kookies to be healthier, and its famous Birthday Cake.
10. Indulge in Shake Shack
Even health-conscious celebs like Swift can’t resist Shake Shack!
The “Look What You Made Me Do” singer told Glamour that the first time she hung out with Lorde, they met up in Gramercy and dined at a Shake Shack near her hotel. “I hadn’t moved to New York yet, and I’m pretty sure that burger and shake combo sold me on the idea,” she said.
She added, comically, “Then we nearly got eaten alive by crazed squirrels who were after our fries.”
Shake Shack, now an international burger chain, reportedly opened its first branch in New York as a tiny hot dog stand in Madison Square Park before it exploded in popularity.
- The ‘Bad Blood’ singer is a long-time lover of the city that never sleeps, renting a famous Cornelia Street flat and gaining her honorary doctorate degree from NYU
- Swift stayed at Greenwich Hotel with former flame Harry Styles, dines at Zuma with current BF Joe Alwyn and used to hang out at The Polo Bar with Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Martha Hunt