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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 is a fan of The Polo Bar and Sarabeth’s in New York City. Photos: @thepolobar, @sarabethsnyc/Instagram; @EmpireStateBldg/Twitter

Taylor Swift may be a country girl at heart, but she certainly has a soft spot for the big city too.

From dropping references to NYC in her song lyrics (including a dedicated ballad, “Welcome to New York”), to renting that US$45,000-a-month house on Cornelia Street she then made famous on her Lover album, it’s clear the singer has an ongoing love affair with the city that never sleeps.
Singer Taylor Swift attends a premiere for the short film All Too Well at AMC Lincoln Square in November 2021, in New York City, US. Photo: AP

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.

Taylor Swift delivers the commencement address to New York University graduates in May 2022, in New York. Photo: AFP

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

The Greenwich Hotel is partially owned by veteran actor Robert De Niro. Photo: Greenwich Hotel/Facebook
Before she got her West Village flat on Cornelia Street, Swift would often stay at hotels like the ultra-lavish Greenwich Hotel, co-owned by Hollywood big-shot Robert De Niro. In 2012, she was spotted on numerous occasions leaving the Tribeca property with former love Harry Styles, per British media. Suites can go up to US$3,000 a night, and we expect only the best for America’s sweetheart.

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2. Granola breakfasts at Smile to Go

Smile to Go has an outdoor terrace in New York. Photo: @thesmilenyc/Instagram

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

Taylor Swift in Central Park, in 2014. Photo: @swiftnyc/Instagram

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

Zuma boasts a collection of restaurants across the globe. Photo: Zuma New York/Facebook

Boasting a global cult following with outposts in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and more, Zuma offers a modern take on Izakaya-style cuisine.

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn arrive at Zuma in October 2019, in New York City. Photo: GC Images
The Madison Avenue resto is a regular haunt for Swift and her current boyfriend Joe Alwyn, who have been photographed leaving the place multiple times, including by the likes of Glamour.

5. GNOs at The Waverly Inn

The Waverly Inn in New York. Photo: @wildwestvillage/Instagram

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.

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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

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar in New York City. Photo: @thepolobar/Instagram

If it’s designed by Ralph Lauren, you best believe the interiors are going to be spot on.

Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid. Photo: @taylorswift/Instagram

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 in New York City serves brunch. Photo: @sarabethsnyc/Instagram

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.

Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss at Sarabeth’s in New York, in 2014. Photo: @OnThisTAY/Twitter

The “Love Story” record-breaker has dined at the Tribeca joint with ex-bestie Kloss, as per Delish.

8. Bookstore shopping at McNally Jackson

McNally Jackson is a popular bookstore in New York City. Photo: @mcnallyjackson/Instagram

Based on her poetic songwriting abilities, it’s not surprising to hear that Swift is a bookworm with a discerning taste in novels.

Taylor Swift leaving McNally Jackson bookstore in New York. Photo: @OnThisTAY/Twitter

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.

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9. Biscuits at Milk Bar

A colourful biscuit from Milk Bar. Photo: @milkbarstore/Instagram

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.

Taylor Swift is a fan of Milk Bar. Photo: @taylorswift/Instagram

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

Shake Shack is one of the world’s biggest burger chains. Photo: @shakeshack/Instagram

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.

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  • 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