One of the best things about staying in New York City for a longer period was that I could allow myself the luxury of just being. No itineraries, no must-dos and absolutely no stress. In the morning, I would decide on a neighborhood to explore, and after having breakfast at my favorite cafe around the corner, I would take the metro or just walk, if it wasn’t too far.
One of my favorite areas in the city is West Village. On Christopher Street, there’s a Swedish candy shop called Sockerbit, which I always stop by to get my fix of salty licorice and hard candy. Swedes and Danes have quite similar taste in candy, so based on the selection of candy, Sockerbit might as well be Danish.
Homesick Swedes can also buy O’Boy instant chocolate milk (Danes don’t really get that one) and other Swedish specialties, such as pärlsocker (nib sugar), which they will sprinkle on top of their home made kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).
Meatpacking District is only a short walk from West Village. I know some might say it’s so touristy, it’s like a hipster version of Times Square, but I still adore the edgy, industrial buildings and the cobbled streets.
From Meatpacking District I would proceed to The Standard Hotel, from where I would walk up to The High Line, which is one of the nicest parks in the city. The park runs along an elevated old rail line track all the way from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, so remember to wear comfortable shoes, if you plan to walk the full length of the park. Usually I just stop at the 10th Avenue Square and Overlook, which is a great place to sit down and people-watch (and of course eat my bag of Swedish candy).
Sockerbit, 89 Christopher St, West Village, New York
