I’ve always been curious. There isn’t a moment when I’m not wondering why people are drawn to certain fashions, music, art and I think that is what called me to writing at a young age. Journals, short-lived blogs, school newspapers, I’ve always been documenting the world around me. My work allows me to question and observe how people express themselves, and few places are as expressive as New York City.

Originally from California, I lived in London for a year to complete my masters in journalism before moving to NYC and have lived here ever since. As someone who grew up amongst several cultures at once – the Bay Area is a fusion of Black, Latinx, Asian communities with grassroots activism and art at its core – I knew the next city I’d call  home would need to be creatively charged and constantly evolving. New York City never fails to deliver. When I’m not trying out new eats or looking for a good thrift find, I like to map out my next travel plans.

Michella covers all things beauty at Vogue and Allure, and also writes on fashion, music, and pop culture for i-D, WWD, Barron’s, and 10 Magazine.

Michella Ore

 recreational weed became legal in late 2021– under the current law, adults 21 years of age and older can legally possess up to three ounces of weed for personal use. Other than that, club drugs like cocaine and ketamine are still illegal despite widespread usage.


If you’re going to partake, always source from a friend or someone you trust. In recent months, the city has seen a spike in drugs cut with Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that dilutes the drug making it more profitable. Fentanyl can lead to fatal overdoses and isn’t something to play around with, so if you’re unsure of the quality or source, just skip it.

United States

New York City 

The Lowdown on Drugs in New York City

Whatever your budget, you can find comfortable accommodation in 

 from anywhere between $60 and $200 a night. If you can’t crash at a friend’s or take over a sublet from a mutual, airbnbs are a great option. While you’ll want to be sure to double check your listing to make sure location and setup are legit (street view on Google Maps seldom fails), you’ll get that experience of what it’s really like to live in the city.

As for what part of the city you should stay, mood is key. If you’re looking for an area that has a good blend of shopping, social media-friendly restaurants and is only a few steps away from Central Park, stay in Manhattan. You will find landmarks like the Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall along with upscale restaurants serving ramen and lobster that are worth the splurge. Bonus perk: it’s only a 25 min train ride to LES where you’ll find galleries outside of the Chelsea circuit, grassroots independent bakeries and an assortment of creatives working throughout fashion, music and contemporary art.

If you want to be in an area that feels more community-minded with a youthful flair, try the East Village, which is home to Tompkins Square Park, artists, and the university crowd. Across the bridge lies Bed Stuy, a neighborhood known for its rich history of Black and Brown culture, delicious food fusions and eclectic music scene that spans electronic music to genre-defining hip hop.

Where to Find Good Accommodation in New York

One of the best things about living in New York City is deciding to step outside with zero plans and seeing where the day takes you. With countless places to eat, shop and people watch, it’s fairly easy being spontaneous solo.

When it comes to traveling alone, as long as you have a good map system (cue Google or Citimapper), you should be set, just be sure to stay alert. You always want to keep your eyes open since things can move fast but in the evening it’s particularly important to be aware of your surroundings and know your route back home. Here’s a scenario: it’s pretty late and your train is delayed or just didn’t show up and you’re unfamiliar with the station. Not all stations have attendants and when it’s past midnight, many can start to clear out. I wouldn’t advise asking strangers for directions at this time. If you’ve been waiting alone and don’t feel particularly safe, consider grabbing an Uber.

For women traveling solo, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. Carry some pepper spray (which costs $9.99 at the local Target) for peace of mind.

Intersectional Solo Travel in New York City 

For the most part, the police shouldn’t bother you. There isn’t a military presence on the streets, the police you’ll encounter will likely be tied to the state department (NYPD). The city, like the rest of America, has a history of police brutality and racial profiling that has been called out on national level. While travellers are not likely to be targeted, people of color who are visiting should still be mindful. You have the right to silence in NYC if questioned, many suggest avoiding talking back as this can escalate the situation. The ACLU has put together a handy guide covering rights when engaging with law enforcement which you can access 

Police in New York: What's The Stance?

The city is a melting pot of flavors with distinct cultural hubs and districts brimming with culinary fusions. To cover the basics, tap water is definitely drinkable but probably not the tastiest. Most people either filter it or hydrate with a bottle of Essentia (the city’s unofficial water of choice).

There are plenty of cafes to charge up at, some offering up a little history with your latte. Caffé Reggio in Greenwich Village, a small, festive shop serving a range of sweet pastries and rich drinks just so happens to have the oldest espresso machine in New York City. It’s also credited for serving the first cappuccino in the United States back in 1927.

Another cafe worth stopping by is Fiat Cafe in Nolita, an intimate Italian eatery with French flair offering breakfast, dinner and lunch. Here you can pair your Rigatoni with a crisp glass of Aperol Spritz while getting prime people-watching views.

For drinks, pay Dr. Clark a visit. This little hideout in Chinatown doesn’t just create Hokkaido-style eats that are the talk of the city, they also make delicious cocktails – fans of drinks on the sweeter side with berry notes should add their Negroni Derivado to their list – while also offering a range of shochu shots alongside wines and beer. This place also makes for a great start to an evening out, which usually don’t kick off until around 10pm.

Looking for a cheap and quick meal? Tasty Dumplings in Chinatown offers five juicy dumplings for $2 cash (heads up: if you’re going to check out the incredibly rich and flavorful food in Chinatown, prepare to pay cash as most places don’t accept cards). For delicious noodles under $10, check out Midtown’s Udon St. Marks’ spicy cumin lamb noodles, Xian Famous Foods (there’s a few locations spotted across the city but the one on Bayard always delivers). Or maybe an aromatic plate of Chicken Tikka Masala is a priority? Bombay Chowk on the Upper East Side is a must.

If you’re craving asaro and fried beef in a tongue-zapping locust bean sauce, head to Brooklyn’s Buka. And for the special occasion, treat yourself to a culinary experience at Wayan, Soho’s trendy Indo-French restaurant that serves a mean steamed bass and fruit custard that will keep you smiling to the last mouthful.

The takeaway is that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a delicious meal in NYC.

Where to Eat and Drink in New York City

New Yorkers have seen it all and most wouldn’t pause for a second take. That said, a few things can be inconvenient or downright bothersome. Lines could be their own cultural monument here and we take them very seriously. Whether you’re waiting for a chance to grab Dominique Ansel’s famous cronut or to be seated for your inaugural performance on Broadway, patiently wait your turn. Trying to skip the line may seem simple, but it’s a sure fire way to piss off a sea of New Yorkers in an instant.

Other than that, just be kind and you’ll be set. People in this city have gotten a bad rep for coming across as rude or testy but more often than not, it’s just that they have somewhere they need to be. If you’re lost or unsure, chances are they’ll be willing to offer help – just make sure it’s not in front of the turnstile.

New York City: The Cultural Codes and Etiquette

. People are constantly on the move, this is a city of hustlers, a place where people come to level up, settling isn’t an option. You’ll quickly realize that there’s always going to be a lot more to do than you have time in the day for. And that’s cool, NYC was meant to be explored more than once.


Located at the tip of New York state, more people call this city home than any other city in America. There’s an energy in the air you won’t find anywhere else. A defiant boldness where artists, tastemakers, and corporate sharks come to live their truth, create their own community and demand respect on their own terms.


If you’re looking for the best time to visit, Spring or Fall is your best bet. As the city begins to thaw out from the winter, NYC starts to kick into high gear; concerts, outdoor markets and beach days are back on and there’s no better time to join in with the fun. Once September rolls around, most of the humidity from the summer has burned off but you’re still left with a month of sunny days and comfortably balmy nights.

To make sure you’re making the most out of your trip, try to map out five things you want to hit. It’s a number that will keep you grounded while offering room for flexibility.

New York City: A Local's Guide

 is home to countless neighborhoods with their own unique twist. There isn’t a 

, it’s more a matter of what vibe you’re seeking out, but there are some highlights everyone should check out.

"The energy and culture in there is like no other. On any day during the summer you can walk through many blocks and witness some sidewalk BBQs, a block party, some old Dominican dudes playing dominoes in front of the bodega." - 

Over in Brooklyn, Bed Stuy is known for top-notch eateries, thrift-finds and community landmarks like Prospect Park. BLK MKT Vintage located on Marcus Garvey Blvd is a gem where you’ll find pieces of Black American culture – vintage beauty like afro picks from the 70s in pristine condition, records, collector tees, and literature spanning poetry and prose – at even rarer prices. If you prefer a slower pace where you can spend the day catching up with friends over soul food and good coffee while taking a piece of NY culture home, Bed Stuy is where it’s at.


Home to a range of burgeoning designers, creatives of all ages and fine-dining on a creative budget, LES still maintains the edge of the city that has been largely priced out. It’s a little grimy mixed with glitz and an all-round good time. For those on the hunt for a coveted JPG (Jean Paul Gaultier) mesh tee or those in search of vintage Vivienne Westwood treasures, stop by James Veloria. Fabulous and friendly, they’ll make sure you leave looking and feeling impeccably stylish.

It used to be the center of punk; today it continues to attract youth from all over looking for good food, cheap tasty drinks and fashionable fits on a budget. For a mix of trendy and classic pieces like collegiate sweaters and quality denim, check out L Train Vintage on 1st Ave. Once you’re done shopping, take a break at KoKo Wings just down the street. It’s built up a solid reputation across Manhattan for a menu of tasty Korean cheap eats and beer that won’t break the bank.

Basically the downtown of Manhattan, here you’ll find your mix of luxury and high street fashion, fine dining and hip cafes all in the company of a fashionable set of tastemakers. Centrally located, it’s easy to get anywhere in the city from this neighborhood which is why it’s active 24/7. Grab a coffee and walk through the streets eyeing new designer drops on display before picking up lunch at Ruby’s (just be ready to wait a little, this Aussie fast-food joint is always packed). Once you’re done exploring the area, pop over to Chinatown or the Lower East Side, both just blocks away.

A Guide to The Best Neighbourhoods in New York City 

First things first, getting to and from the airport. There are a few options from rideshares like Uber and Lyft, to taking the train. For the cheapest option, go for the AirTrain, which costs $7.75 ($1 for a new Metrocard, the official transit ticket of NYC) and connects the terminals at JFK to the MTA. From there you can catch a train into the city for $2.75 one way.

Once you’re settled, walking is always the best way to get where you’re headed. If you’re not in a rush and the distance is doable, it’s often more scenic than waiting underground for the trains, and offers flexibility when it comes to last minute changes – sitting in an uber stuck in traffic, not so much.

That said, the MTA will get you where you need to go for a $5.50 round trip if you know where to look. Before riding the subway, you’ll want to make sure you have the My MTA app downloaded – it has schedules and live updates across subway, bus and rail. Google Maps is decent for general, all-round travel but this app will catch if your train is running on different tracks for the weekend (happens more frequently than you’d think). For spring and summer travel, the ferry is a fast (and surprisingly chill) way to see the Statue of Liberty up close, get to the beach or cross over to Jersey. For schedules and tickets (one way will cost you $2.75), download the NYC Ferry app.

If you’re looking for speed but something more sustainable, biking is a great alternative. Citibike is probably the most popular choice ($3.50/trip or $15/day) and you can access bikes that are charged up and ready to go throughout the city through apps like Lyft. These bike rentals don’t come with helmets so you’ll want to make sure you’re alert, especially when riding in particularly busy areas like Soho or Williamsburg.

What's The Deal on Transport in New York?

Los Angeles is a cultural melting pot by nature so we have food from all over the world. Our Korean food is by far the best you’ll find anywhere in the country. We have an amazing Thai town, fantastic Israeli food and our city loves mixing all types of cuisine. This city’s food is just like its style; comfortable, laid back and open minded. There’s something for everyone ranging from the health nuts to adventurous eaters looking for a hole in the wall at 10PM.

When it comes to LA's stable dish... If you ask most people, they’ll tell you it’s avocado toast. Personally, I think it’s our sushi. I may be biased because it’s my favorite food but we just have so many amazing Japanese restaurants here. It’s not necessarily a specific dish but I’d say that anywhere you’re staying in Los Angeles will have access to an amazing local hole in the wall sushi spot.

My tip for anyone visiting would be to find someone who knows the city well. There’s such an inaccurate perception that Los Angeles is Hollywood and a three block radius surrounding La Cienega. Venture out to the east side, there’s a whole world that people don’t know as much about. It’s such a big city and it’s hard to take it all in at once. I’d nix all the touristy activities and try to peel more of the layers back to discover the beautiful cultural melting pot that this city is.

You're about to enter one of the most diverse food cities ever. It’s a massive melting pot of cultures and ethnicities from every continent. You can really find great renditions of any food type. We do need more African food though, we've got some good Ethiopian but room for growth there for sure...

Staple dish? One word, TACOS. It's all about the quality of the meat and the SALSA at the end of the day.

Despite its reputation as a city of salads—which it certainly is, thanks to the plentiful bounty from the Central Valley, local farms, and fresh produce—Los Angeles, too, is a city with roots in hamburgers, diners, and donuts; nearby Downey is home of the oldest McDonald’s restaurant; travel in any neighbourhood and you’re guaranteed to encounter four donut shops at one corner competing for whose is fresher; diners like Norm’s, Pann’s Coffee Shop, House of Pies, The Pantry, and Nick’s Café are iconic. At these joints, your wallet can relax, you will find it hard to spend over $15 for a decent amount of food. Of course, four excellent street tacos might set you back just $5.

The sheer size, density, and people of various backgrounds make Los Angeles arguably the most exciting food city in the United States. Night Markets in the San Gabriel Valley highlight the immense Chinese, Cantonese, and Taiwanese diaspora. Sushi gained international notoriety here, with the first modern sushi-ya in Little Tokyo in 1966 (prepare to spend a hefty amount). Northern and southern Thai immigrants have shared their piquant culinary heritage in the dining rooms of Thai Town. Koreatown’s legions of restaurants specialising in 

 rival or maybe eclipse those in Seoul. Guelaguetza’s 

 is a complex symphony on a plate, and La Cevichería on Pico respects the fish dish, serving up Mexican, Guatemalan, and Peruvian interpretations. Read any restaurant review by the late, great Jonathan Gold.

New Yorkers may complain about the flavour of Los Angeles’ tap water, but other than that, it’s perfectly potable. Because the state of California is in historic drought, and Los Angeles is in a chaparral (Mediterranean) climate, it’s less common for restaurants to serve water unsolicitedly; oftentimes you may have to request it. If you’re into the funky flavours of natural wine, Los Angeles has witnessed a boom in the booze. Stores like DomaineLA, Voodoo, Psychic, and Silverlake Wine are prime to visit.

to discover the best places to eat and drink.

Liam Casey

Los Angeles 

Where to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles

is fairly safe as long as you’re paying close attention to your surroundings. People are out at all hours which means there’s a good chance you won’t be entirely alone but some parts of the city tend to be more populated than others (Soho vs. Bushwick, BK). If you’re new to the city or visiting, it’s better to travel in a group until you feel familiar/safe with your route.

When it comes to general laws, sidewalk drinking is not legal (but you’ll see many skirting it by placing their bottles in a paper bag). Jaywalking is technically illegal but you’ll be hard pressed to find any New Yorkers waiting for the light to turn green before they cross the street.

To minimize chances of getting pickpocketed, make sure you keep your belongings sealed in the front of your jacket or in a bag that is always visible (side pockets can get particularly tricky when you’re in a tight space). If you’re listening to music, keep your volume turned down so that you can listen for updates – whether the train’s hit an unexpected delay or it’s time to switch cars. And for women, while cat-calling might not be as aggressive as it once was, it’s still especially important for any person who is feminine-presenting to be mindful of their surroundings. If you’re unsure or feel uncomfortable, it’s always best to move to a place where you do feel safe – don’t worry about drawing attention or offending anyone; move first, question later.