New York City has been one of Taylor’s greatest muses, from the iconic skyline that inspired “Welcome to New York” to her West Village days memorialized in “Cornelia Street”. It’s where she redefined herself as an artist and the city’s impact is also echoed in her latest studio album through songs like “Elizabeth Taylor” and “Wi$h Li$t”. While we might not be seeing her take the stage for Life of a Showgirl anytime soon, that doesn’t mean the magic is in limbo. For Swifties looking to fill that Taylor-shaped void, we’ve rounded up a list of plans that will make you explore NYC through Tay Tay’s eyes.
Table Of Contents
- Visit Economy Candy for Squashies
- Be part of an intimate tribute to Taylor Swift by candlelight
- Get lost upstate at one of these small towns
- Grab dinner at Monkey Bar with your bestie
- Hear Taylor's hits performed by Broadway stars
- Explore Coney Island the Taylor way
- Stop by Electric Lady Studios
- Shake it off at a pop-inspired dance party
- Have fun at a Taylor Swift Drag Brunch
- Walk Cornelia Street
Visit Economy Candy for Squashies
We’re starting our roundup of plans for Taylor Swift fans with a sweet one. Also known as Taylor’s go-to sweets, Squashies are soft and chewy treats that are imported from the UK. You can get them at Economy Candy, a historic Lower East Side place that serves over 2,500 types of candy, often frequented by Miss Americana herself.
đ 108 Rivington St
Be part of an intimate tribute to Taylor Swift by candlelight
Another great plan for Taylor Swift fans is experiencing her chart-topping pop anthems while thousands of flickering candles bathe a historic venue in golden light. Taking place at St Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, this Candlelight tribute is an intimate, romantic experience that reimagines Swift’s greatest hits in a completely unexpected way.
đ St Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, 157 Montague Str
Get lost upstate at one of these small towns
While singing in the car, of course. Inspired by “All Too Well”, you can gather up the squad and take a quick road trip upstate for a weekend getaway. Some of our favorite spots include America’s Coolest Small Town aka Owego, Little Falls that earned the title as one of the most hospitable Upstate towns this past summer, or Liverpool where you can visit the Salt Museum.
Grab dinner at Monkey Bar with your bestie
Taylor Swift enjoyed dinner with her close friend Selena Gomez at the Monkey Bar only a few months ago so why not do the same with your BFF? Known for its monkey-themed decor and retro murals, this iconic NYC restaurant has been a filming spot for Sex and the City and Madmen.
Although you can’t have breakfast at midnight, you can have Akami Tartare, or a juicy USDA prime steak, topped with an Old Fashioned, one of Tay Tay’s go-to drinks. If your bank account forbids you from going this pricey, Emilio Ballato is a safer option, specializing in Italian classics.
đ”Monkey Bar: Hotel ElysĂ©e, 60 E 54th St
đEmilio Ballato: 55 E Houston StÂ
Hear Taylor’s hits performed by Broadway stars
Broadway Sings reimagines chart-topping hits by famous pop stars through the Broadway lens and this season, they’re also looking to Taylor’s songwriting. Featuring singers from some of the most successful musicals, including Hamilton, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, and Merrily We Roll Along, as well as a 14-piece orchestra, the show brings you completely reinterpreted arrangements and it has added more dates at The Cutting Room.
đThe Cutting Room, 44 E 32nd St
Explore Coney Island the Taylor way
In her 2020 album Evermore, Taylor had a whole song dedicated to this iconic entertainment area. To her, this place symbolized nostalgia, missed opportunities and lost love so it might be the perfect place for a solo date to reflect back on your past relationships. Or you could always hop on one of Luna Park’s insane rides and have a blast!
Stop by Electric Lady Studios
Jimi Hendrix, Patti Smith, David Bowie and more legends have taped in the iconic Electric Lady Studios since the ’70s, and so has Taylor. Parts of her Lover, Folklore and Midnights albums were recorded there and although you can’t get in, snapping a few photos outside still does the trick.
đ52 W 8th St
Shake it off at a pop-inspired dance party
This next one goes to both Swifties and pop girlies that enjoy a bar with games, VIP bottle service and good vibes. Pop Party & Play Night is coming to Treadwell on select dates November through January, featuring songs by Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and more iconic popstars. It’s a chance to dance, play, and unwind with your besties.
đ Treadwell Park, 1125 1st Ave
Have fun at a Taylor Swift Drag Brunch
It feels like the perfect day to dress up and go to a Taylor Swift drag brunch! In true showgirl style, one of the best plans for Taylor Swift fans is seeing some of the city’s most renowned queens dancing in their garters and fishnets, and lip-syncing to iconic Tay Tay hits at spots like Stella34, Rise Bar in Hell’s Kitchen, City Winery, and more.
Walk Cornelia Street
Finally, no true Swiftie visit is complete without a stroll down Cornelia Street in the West Village. It’s where her townhouse was located between 2016 and 2017 but most importantly, her same-titled song spoke about all the memories that took place on that street. And to really unleash the romantic in you, grab a latte from CafĂ© Reggio or Stumptown Coffee nearby.