Roger has successfully returned from across the pond. He had an absolutely amazing time meeting everyone in London and is now packing his bags for New York. That’s right, the next stop for MozCon 2025 is NYC!
📍 New York – Thursday, November 6 at Convene 360 Madison Avenue — snag your ticket
🪄 Need help getting approval? We’ve got you! Learn how to convince your boss to send you to MozCon 2025!
🍿 And if you weren’t able to attend our London conference (or you’re just curious about what you missed), be sure to check our roundup post for a recap of all the action.
With another stamp in our passports, we’re looking forward to another amazing event in the Big Apple! Of course, no MozCon trip would be complete without a bit of adventure, so (with some help from a few friends) I’ve put together a list of some excellent candidates for food, exploration, and fun.
What made the list
Although New York is technically half the size of London in terms of area, it has a similar-sized population — 7.9 million to London’s 7.5 million. This means (spoiler alert) it can sometimes be a bit harder to get around. For that reason, I’ve included walking times for any activity or location within a 30-minute walk of the MozCon venue. For anything on the list without a walk time, you may want to consider taking the subway or catching a cab.
We’re excited to host our MozCon New York attendees at Convene 360 Madison in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood. This conveniently located venue is right around the corner from Grand Central Station and is within walking distance of plenty of great food and fun activities.
Quintessential tourist stops
I couldn’t very well put together a list of activities in New York without including some of the most iconic tourist stops. Whether you’re coming in from out of town or you’re a native New Yorker with an itch to be a tourist in your own city, here are a few suggestions to get into that New York state of mind.
See the lights of Times Square
Walk time: 10 minutes
Filled with bright lights, digital billboards, shopping, dining, and more, Times Square is something any visitor to New York should see at least once. In addition to various art installations, they also offer a nightly visual display called Midnight Moment. During this 3-minute window, over 92 digital displays synchronize to feature art from around the world.
Stroll through Central Park
Walk time: 15 minutes to the corner of 5th Avenue & 59th Street
While the entirety of Central Park is huge, spanning a whopping 843 acres, you can always pop over for a quick picnic or stroll. The MozCon venue will be closest to the south end of the park, which features the Central Park Zoo, The Pond, and plenty of sculptures to admire. Or, if you have a bit more time, you can walk the 2.5-mile length of the park.
Catch a Broadway show
Walk time: Varies by theater
If you have the time and can snag tickets, consider seeing a Broadway (or off-Broadway) production. Nothing says “New York” like dinner and a show.
Helpful hint! “One of my favorite things to tell visiting guests is about last-minute discount tickets on Broadway. Very often, they have single seats for less than half price, so this is mostly geared towards single travelers or those who don’t mind not sitting together.” — Kolleen Shallcross
You can see what’s available via todaytix.com.
Left: Rockefeller Center | Top right: Times Square | Bottom right: Central Park
See the view from the Empire State Building
Walk time: 15 minutes
As the first building in the world to have over 100 floors, the Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in the US. With a reservation, you can visit the famous observation decks and take in a 360-degree view of the city. Just be sure to book in advance and check their hours.
Experience the hustle and bustle of Grand Central
Walk time: 7 minutes
The Grand Central Terminal offers history, architecture, and more, all in one place. You can take a tour or wander the shops of the main concourse. Be sure to look up and admire the ceiling, which features 12 gold-leaf constellations and 2,500 LED illuminated stars.
Ice skate at the Rockefeller Center
Walk time: 5 minutes
Although the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree won’t be up just yet, you can still go ice skating on the iconic rink in front of the 30 Rockefeller Center and check out the bronzed statue of Prometheus. Or you can head to the top of the building to take in the view. And keep your eyes peeled, as this is also where Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and other late-night staples are filmed.
The New York City skyline at sunset.
Grab a bite around the corner
Here are a few recommendations for lunch, dinner, snacks – you name it! All within walking distance of the MozCon venue.
Tony DiNapoli’s
Family-style Italian
Walk time: 10 minutes | Address: 147 W 43rd St
Suggested by: Kolleen Shallcross | Owner | Shallcross Marketing
From Kolleen: “For dining in the theatre district, Tony DiNapoli’s is priced right for families and big parties. The food is great, and the waiters occasionally sing a tune.”
Monkey Bar
American cocktail bar
Walk time: 12 minutes | Address: 60 E 54th St
Suggested by: Catherine Lux | Head of SEO | Assembly Global
From Catherine: “If there’s one thing you have to treat yourself to in New York, it’s dinner at Monkey Bar. I first visited this iconic restaurant in December 2017, and it’s a restaurant I now have to visit every time I go to NYC. Founded in 1936 and located on the Upper East Side, tucked away on a street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue, it is undoubtedly the epitome of old-school New York. Think leather banquettes, dark and moody lighting, well-heeled New Yorkers, and a steak that will make your mouth water long after you’ve left (although their fish options are also delicious!). They also have an excellent cocktail menu — I recommend the White Yuzu or the Monkey Bar Martini! Just don’t tell anyone about it — it’s a local secret…”
Arlo Midtown
Cocktail bar
Walk time: 25 minutes | Address: 351 W 38th St
Suggested by: Jonas Sickler | Sr. Market Insights Analyst, Search and Gen AI | Terakeet
From Jonas: “If you love exotic cocktails and want to experience the quintessential NYC vibe, make reservations at the rooftop bar at Arlo Midtown. If that’s full, you can still grab drinks at the bar inside, or their incredible restaurant, Altair.”
Stop at a New York deli
Walk time: Varied
Suggested by: Jon Robinson | VP SEO & Podcast Host | CAMG, Jon & Marc
From Jon: “When is it ok to visit NYC and NOT go to a deli? Never. As a native New Yorker, now that Carnegie Deli is closed, there are three options for quality deli in the city:”
1. Sarge’s Deli | 548 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
“Small with limited seating, but by far the best option.”
2. Second Avenue Deli | 162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
“Go to the real one on E. 33rd. This is a photo I took of the platter with salami, turkey, corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, tongue, and chopped liver. It’s also Kosher.”
3. Katz Deli 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
“Want the tourist experience? Bring cash, your best screaming voice, and don’t lose your ticket, or the bouncer at the front won’t let you leave.”
Heads up! This location is a bit farther away. You may want to consider taking the subway or a cab.
Fun fact! This is the deli from that scene in When Harry Met Sally.
Don’t miss the SEO event of the year
Get actionable strategies to improve your SEO skills, only at MozCon New York
Hail a cab for a longer evening out
These dining recommendations are a bit farther away, but they sound so amazing, I had to include them!
Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza
Pizza, Italian
Address: 106 W Houston St
Suggested by: Catherine Lux | Head of SEO | Assembly Global
From Catherine: “A few years ago, I was desperate to try a good slice of New York pizza. I’d been to Joe’s, I’d been to Juliana’s, and I’d been to Artichoke. I posted on socials, and that’s when a New York native told me about Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza in SoHo. It’s now my tradition to visit Arturo’s on my very first night in NYC. As soon as I land, it’s the first place I go. The pizzas are huge and delicious, freshly cooked to order, and there’s live music most nights. You’ll rarely find tourists in here — they’re all at Joe’s — and instead you’ll be surrounded by New Yorkers dining with their families, friends, or just grabbing a solo bite after work. Even my mum, the fussiest eater in the world, declared it the best pizza she has ever had.”
Little Ruby’s Cafe
Burgers, pasta, salads
Address: Multiple locations
Suggested by: Catherine Lux | Head of SEO | Assembly Global
From Catherine: “I stumbled upon Little Ruby’s quite by chance, when I was searching for somewhere in NYC, close to Marie’s Crisis Cafe (IYKYK) in the West Village. Step in, Little Ruby. My savior on that cold December evening. What we discovered was a local’s hidden gem — an airy and calming interior, friendly wait staff, and the best salad I have ever eaten in my entire life. Get the Crispy Rice Bowl and thank me later.”
Fun fact! Little Ruby’s was started to bring the feel of Australian cafe culture to NYC.
St. Dymphna’s
Irish pub
Address: 117 Avenue A
Suggested by: Owain Lloyd-Williams | Independent SEO Consultant
From Owain: “If you’re wandering around the East Village and fancy a brief respite, stop off at St. Dymphna’s.
Located across the street from Tompkins Square Park, this no-thrills Irish pub has an array of drinks and classic pub grub and is great for a brief drop in or if you’re settling in for a longer evening. Expect music late into the night.
It may not be fancy or necessarily hip, but it’s certainly good fun. It also has the esteem of being immortalized in a song by Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst in one of his many songs documenting New York life.”
Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant
American
Address: 4 Clinton St
Suggested by: Rowan Allen Case | Owner & CEO | Lavender Menace Talent Management
From Rowan: “There might be a line, but it will be worth every moment you spend waiting. (Or better yet, book a reservation on Resy in advance.) The pancakes? Divine. The eggs? Heavenly. The breakfast bevvies? Fantastic. It’s cozy, it’s Instagrammable, it’s probably the best brunch I’ve ever had. A fantastic reason to visit the Lower East Side, which is a neighborhood well worth exploring on its own.”
Time Out Market
Various cuisines
Address: 55 Water Street
Suggested by: Sara Taher | SEO Analyst | CBC.ca
From Sara: “I highly recommend the Time Out Market. It is amazing, and the vibes and food are very cool. You’ll find plenty of different cuisines, handmade pasta, and New York cheesecake — you are in New York after all, right? You’ll enjoy exploring the different food stalls; go there on an empty stomach. There are also burgers and Arabic food—an incredible variety of food that tastes great. I would definitely visit it again if I ever visit NYC!”
Pete’s Tavern
Italian American
Address: 129 E 18th St
Suggested by: Chloe Dickenson | Travel writer | I’m Just A Girl
From Chloe: “Pete’s Tavern, located in the prestigious Gramercy Park neighborhood in Manhattan, is one of my top food spots in New York City. The menu boasts quintessential Italian-American classics, such as homemade meatballs, truffle mac and cheese, New York strip steak, eggplant parmigiana, and much more. My favourite dishes, however, include the mushroom risotto arancini, the chicken parmigiana, and the penne alla vodka. Not only is the food at Pete’s truly delicious, but the staff are amongst the friendliest that I’ve experienced in New York City.”
Fun fact! Pete’s Tavern is the oldest, continuously operating restaurant in New York City!
A peek at the beautiful brownstones in Greenwich Village.
Take a walking food tour of Greenwich Village
Tour length: Approximately 3 hours
Suggested by: Chloe Dickenson | Travel writer | I’m Just A Girl
From Chloe: “Take a walking food tour around one of the city’s most prestigious foodie neighborhoods – Greenwich Village.
There are dozens of companies offering food tours in NYC, but my personal favourite provider is Secret Food Tours, with their Greenwich Village Food Tour being my number one choice. Over the course of three hours, you’ll visit five different foodie locations, plus an additional “secret” food stop that isn’t announced until you’re actually on the tour.
The food stops that you visit may vary slightly depending on the day/season and availability, but almost all tours include a stop at Mamoun’s Falafel for the tastiest falafel sandwich I’ve ever had, Bagels on the Square for a hearty cream cheese and scallion bagel, Molly’s Cupcakes for the dinkiest sweet treats, Two Boots Pizza for a fun and flavourful NY slice, and Chip City for a decadent chocolate chip cookie, plus a mystery food stop somewhere along the way.
The tours only ever host up to 12 people at a time, so it never feels too crowded, and the expert tour guides not only provide plenty of information about the food, but they also boast a plethora of knowledge when it comes to Greenwich Village itself.”
Sail the open seas (well, harbor, actually)
Multiple people have recommended taking a ferry to see the city at sunset or after dark. I’ll definitely be adding this to my list of activities.
Staten Island Ferry
Cost: Free
Suggested by: Steven de Brueys | SEO Director | WTF SEO
From Steven: “This can seem like a typical pick for visiting New York, but it’s still one of my top spots for scenic views, especially if you plan to go at sundown.
Not only can you get great views, but it’s also a relaxing ride to get away from the typical hustle and bustle of the beautiful, chaotic city. I usually make this a quick trip. Once I’m off the ferry, I sometimes walk around to the nearest outdoor bar/restaurant for a drink and a meal, and then head back onto the ferry to the city.
Being able to get this reprieve on the water is a great way for me to unwind after a very long day. Overall, it’s a pretty quick trip (about an hour round trip), so it does not distract much from any other plans you would make while in town. I highly recommend making this detour to anyone visiting the city!”
Take in a view of the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO.
NYC Ferry
Cost: $4.50 one way
Suggested by: Natalia Lehmann | SVP Operations | three&six
From Natalia: “Two years ago, I was planning our company retreat to New York City. The itinerary had all the usual landmarks — the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park — the kind of things you check off a list. But the moment that stood out most wasn’t on any must-see guide. It was a $4.50 city ferry ride from Brooklyn to Midtown.
I’d obsessively planned the timing — and it paid off. We caught the ferry just as the sunset began, and as we made our way up the East River, the light hit just right, with the skyline looking absolutely unreal. That ride ended up being one of the top highlights of the retreat.”
Suggested by: Rowan Allen Case | Owner & CEO | Lavender Menace Talent Management
From Rowan: “[Take the ferry to DUMBO and] explore the art galleries and boutiques in the area. If you’re a photography person, you’ll get fantastic shots of Manhattan across the river and the Brooklyn Bridge, and it’s an opportunity to walk back into the city across it, if you’re up for it. The trip on the ferry is gorgeous, quick, and cheap, and DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) delivers on its artist-in-residence promise.”
Be entertained
If you’re looking to catch a show, hear some music, or have a laugh, there are plenty of options throughout the city. Here are just a few suggestions:
The New York Neo-Futurists — Infinite Wrench
Suggested by: Rowan Allen Case | Owner & CEO | Lavender Menace Talent Management
From Rowan: “If you’ve never heard of the Neo-Futurists, you’re in for a treat. This is performance art at its finest and most chaotic: 30 plays performed in 60 minutes, from 30 seconds to several minutes long, with a roll of the die deciding how many plays will be scrapped and rewritten before the next night’s show. What you’re in for: audience participation, hilarity, being moved, getting sweaty, loud noises, raunchy themes. Probably not for the little ones! Viewer discretion is advised.”
Feel the music at a NYC jazz club
Suggested by: Sophie Roberts | Managing Director | Koozai
From Sophie: “Smalls Jazz Club is tiny and perfect. It’s a basement club in Greenwich Village where you’re basically sitting on top of the musicians. No pretense, just incredible jazz in this cramped little space that feels like you’ve stumbled onto something special.
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center is up on one of the upper floors of Lincoln Center. They do two meal sittings and the Southern food is brilliant – proper crispy chicken, collard greens, all that good stuff. The music was fantastic at both places, but this one’s got a bit more of an upscale vibe if you want to treat yourself.”
Do it for the gram
Spruce up your Instagram timeline or make your LinkedIn connections jealous with incredible pics from these photo ops around the city.
New York Public Library
Walk time: 6 minutes
Suggested by: Ana Perez | SEO Manager | anaperezbotella.com
From Ana: “Start with a visit to the New York Public Library, not necessarily to read, but just to admire the building. The architecture is stunning and well worth a stop.”
Fun fact! The flagship location of the NYPL is right down the street from the MozCon venue! It offers free audio tours and incredible architecture and art throughout. It also features the famous lion statues out front and has been included in many blockbuster films such as Ghostbusters (1984), Spider-Man (2002), and 13 Going on 30 (2004).
The interior of the New York Public Library.
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Walk time: 10 minutes
Suggested by: Ana Perez | SEO Manager | anaperezbotella.com
From Ana: “If you have time, take the Radio City Music Hall tour. It includes a behind-the-scenes look and even features a moment with the Rockettes. Or if you’re lucky, catching a concert there would be amazing too.”
Fun fact! Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Shows kick off (See what I did there?) on November 6th.
Washington Square Park Arch and Fountain
Suggested by: Rowan Allen Case | Owner & CEO | Lavender Menace Talent Management
From Rowan: “If you’ve got a spare afternoon and the weather is good, hop a train over to Washington Square Park! It’s a marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. There’s a fountain, and an arch. Great place for photos, both touristy and polished! Close to NYU campus, too, if that’s your jam. Feels like you’re right in the middle of the action of the city without the claustrophobia of Times Square.”
City Hall Park
Suggested by: Sarah Sal | LinkedIn Ads Specialist | Hootsuite
From Sarah: “I remembered a squirrel once climbing up my leg to ask for a snack while walking through City Hall Park. The park itself, with its unique charm, sits beside New York City Hall,
City Hall Park, by the way, is tucked beside NYC’s seriously underrated City Hall building. The architecture? Chef’s kiss. And it’s so conveniently located, within walking distance of several major attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Chinatown.”
City Hall Park offers a great afternoon escape.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Suggested by: Ana Perez | SEO Manager | anaperezbotella.com
From Ana: “In the evening, I highly recommend walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and arriving in DUMBO. The views are incredible, and it’s a great place to take a break and soak in the city. On some Sundays, there’s a market under the bridge that’s fun to check out.”
Ride a bike along the Hudson River
Suggested by: Cassandra Parisi | CEO | Parisi Designs
From Cassandra: “If you find yourself with a little free time between conference sessions and you’re craving a fun, fresh way to experience NYC (and don’t mind working up a light sweat!), renting a bike and cruising along the waterfront is pure magic. Back in the day, you had to hunt down a rental shop tucked somewhere in the city “walls”, but now it’s as easy as grabbing a Citi Bike. You can rent by the hour or the day, and even choose between a regular bike or an e-bike if you want a little extra boost.
I recommend starting near Chelsea Piers so you can soak in the ride along the Hudson River. Along the way, you’ll pass sunny piers, sailboats gliding by, and maybe even a street performer adding a bit of soundtrack to your journey. Grab some street food, snap a skyline selfie, and just let the city work its magic. You’ll head back to your meetings feeling recharged, light on endorphins, and just a little proud of sneaking in some real NYC adventure.”
Learn on the go
If you have read any of my past MozCon adventure posts or you know me personally, you know I love museums and learning. So, of course, I had to include a section in this post! And I was more than delighted to receive multiple suggestions for great options, as well.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Walk time: 15 minutes
MoMA offers an impressive collection with pieces from as far back as the 1880s. You can see Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and more. And if you want to incorporate a bit of marketing history into your adventure, they will have an exhibit on called Pirouette: Turning Points in Design featuring works made with found object “…from Post-Its to Spanx — that embodied experiments with new materials, technologies, and concepts; offered unconventional solutions to conventional problems; and had a deep impact both on design and the world at large.”
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Suggested by: Ana Perez | SEO Manager | anaperezbotella.com
From Ana: “The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is a must, even if you’re not a huge art fan. The pieces there are iconic and unforgettable. After that, head to Central Park to relax. especially if you’ve passed through the MoMA or Met gift shops, which are fun stops on their own.”
American Museum of Natural History
Suggested by: Ana Perez | SEO Manager | anaperezbotella.com
From Ana: “Another top museum is the American Museum of Natural History, honestly, the best I’ve ever been to. Try to go during off-peak hours if you can.”
Fun fact! The AMNH features Apex, a stegosaurus fossil thought to be the largest and most complete of its kind discovered to date.
Museum of Ice Cream
Suggested by: Kolleen Shallcross | Owner | Shallcross Marketing
Tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream include unlimited ice cream treats, Instagrammable photo opportunities, and interactive learning experiences.
Brooklyn Museum
Suggested by: Kolleen Shallcross | Owner | Shallcross Marketing
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States, at over 200 years old. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, it offers a great way to spend a day. Some highlights to consider seeing include The Dinner Party – a feminist art piece featuring 39 place settings commemorating important women from history with the names of an additional 999 women inscribed on the floor tiles, and the Monet and Venice exhibit, which features more than 100 works from Monet – the largest New York museum show dedicated to Monet in 25 years.
Will we see you in November?
Phew! What a list! Thank you to everyone who submitted their suggestions. I hope you are all as excited about MozCon New York as I am!
This expertly curated event will include incredible talks, fantastic networking opportunities, and a plethora of memories to take home with you. Not only will you walk away with actionable insights but you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city that never sleeps.
I can’t wait to hear about everything you get to experience! And be sure to say “hi!” if you see me at a museum or strolling through the park. Get your tickets now.