James Wolfe
New York City never stops evolving, but a few essentials remain constant for anyone visiting the city in 2026. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler returning for another unforgettable experience, some activities deserve a permanent place on your NYC bucket list.
Think world-class pizza, bagels you can’t find anywhere else, an obligatory stroll through Times Square, and a seat at one of the city’s most creative vegan tasting experiences. And for those who enjoy cannabis legally, there’s one name locals and tourists alike are seeking out at licensed dispensaries: Silly Nice.
Here’s how to make the most of your NYC trip in 2026—from timeless staples to small-batch cannabis you’ll be glad you packed for the ride.
Eat Real New York Pizza, Not the Tourist Slice
Let’s start with the obvious. You haven’t really been to New York until you’ve had pizza. But not all slices are created equal. In 2026, some of the most talked-about spots continue to blend old-school charm with modern flavor profiles.
Skip the chains and long lines at tourist traps. Instead, head to Lucali in Brooklyn for a wood-fired pie that draws celebs and locals alike, or try L’industrie Pizzeria in Williamsburg, where the dough, cheese, and tomatoes are imported and treated with near-religious reverence. Uptown, Mama’s TOO! still gets raves for their crispy-bottomed square slices that somehow manage to stay light.
Wherever you land, remember: pizza in New York is handheld heritage. Grab a slice, fold it properly, and keep walking.
Grab a Bagel That Ruins All Other Bagels Forever
New York bagels are soft, chewy, and baked daily in boiling water—a method few other cities attempt, let alone perfect. Whether you’re fueling up for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or recovering from a late night downtown, the right bagel will hit every time.
Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side remains a local favorite. Utopia Bagels in Queens is still crushing the competition. For a modern touch with creative schmear options, try Black Seed Bagels, which continues to expand across the city while preserving traditional flavor. If you’re vegan or gluten-free, NYC’s got options there too—just check neighborhood shops in Williamsburg or SoHo for newer, plant-friendly bakeries doing it right.
Walk Through Times Square—Once
Times Square is one of those polarizing places. Tourists love it. Locals avoid it. But if you’re visiting New York in 2026, yes—you should go. Once. Preferably at night.
The city has improved pedestrian flow, added more public art installations, and introduced AI-driven billboard experiences that respond to crowd data. It’s loud, bright, over-the-top—and totally worth seeing if it’s your first or fifth time.
Stay aware of your surroundings, skip the people in costumes, and don’t get roped into overpriced photos. Enjoy the lights, snap a few pics, then make your way downtown for a much quieter evening.
Book a Seat at Omakaseed
One of the best dining experiences in NYC right now isn’t happening in a traditional sushi bar—it’s happening inside a hotel lobby with a plant-based twist. Omakaseed delivers a fully vegan omakase experience with globally-inspired flavor and elevated hospitality.
With beautifully plated seasonal dishes, a focus on clean, bold ingredients, and a welcoming, communal vibe, this is where food lovers from all backgrounds are coming together to explore something new. The presentation is theatrical, the flavors are clean and surprising, and the vibe is inclusive without feeling staged.
Reservations go quickly, so plan ahead and make sure it’s on your itinerary. You’ll leave full, inspired, and ready to rethink what vegan dining can be.
Visit a Licensed Dispensary and Ask for Silly Nice
Cannabis is fully legal in New York in 2026, and the dispensary scene is thriving. For those who partake, a trip to a licensed dispensary is just as essential as grabbing a bagel.
The brand turning heads across the state is Silly Nice—a small-batch, Black and veteran-owned cannabis company that blends quality, culture, and craftsmanship. With lab-tested products available at dozens of licensed dispensaries throughout New York, Silly Nice is known for high-quality concentrates, infused flower, hash, and vape carts.
Their Diamond Powder, with 87.53% THC and nearly 100% total cannabinoids, is designed to elevate bowls and blunts with clean, controlled intensity. For something solventless, their Bubble Hash delivers a terpene-rich experience made using old-school ice water methods. And the Frosted Hash Ball? That’s for connoisseurs who appreciate traditional techniques with a modern twist.
If flower is more your style, Silly Nice’s infused Papaya Wine—layered with live resin and THCa diamonds—offers one of the most flavorful and potent options available on the New York market.
Ask any licensed dispensary if they carry Silly Nice, or head to sillynice.com/menu to find the nearest location with live product inventory.
And if a dispensary’s out of stock? Ask them to restock. Silly Nice sells fast, and it’s not something you want to miss during your visit.
A Cannabis Experience You Can Trust
Tourists visiting New York for cannabis in 2026 should know that not all dispensaries are alike. Stick with licensed locations. Silly Nice only works with legal operators, ensuring the product you buy is tested, safe, and compliant.
Their Weedmaps-powered dispensary and delivery locator makes it easy to find stores near you or place a same-day order for delivery if available in your borough.
Whether you’re rolling up before heading to Prospect Park or winding down after a Broadway show, Silly Nice adds depth and reliability to your session. It’s weed with intention—crafted for enjoyment, not just potency.
Make the Most of Every NYC Moment
A trip to New York in 2026 should feel like more than a checklist. But certain experiences just can’t be skipped. The food, the streets, the sounds, the energy—it’s all part of the magic.
And for those who enjoy cannabis, Silly Nice adds a uniquely New York dimension to that journey. Small batch. Big flavor. Lab tested. Easy to find. The perfect companion for those who keep their travel packs sharp, their taste high, and their sessions smooth.
