Taylor Swift songs are riddled with details about people she loves and the places she’s been. New York City has become a prominent theme in her music, going as far as opening her iconic pop album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) with “Welcome to New York.” From song lyrics to music videos to pap walks, here is how to spend a day in New York City (Taylor’s Version).
Cornelia Street
Since Taylor Swift released her 2019-hit “Cornelia Street,” the spot has become a must for Swift’s fans who visit the city. The song details the beginning of a relationship that took place while Swift rented 23 Cornelia Street, and the ties the street has to the romance as she describes walking down the street with her lover. Stop by the apartment to fully immerse yourself in the love-filled track’s story.
Tribeca
No longer renting an apartment on Cornelia Street, Swift stays at her apartment in Tribeca while in the city. The Tribeca/SoHo area is where the singer usually frequents. Most of her favorite restaurants and stops are within walking distance of her apartment.
Housing Works Bookstore
In 2021, Swift took her craft to the next level when she released the 10-minute version of her fan favorite song “All Too Well.” Accompanying it was a short film starring Sadie Sink, Dylan O’Brien and Swift herself. The film ends with Swift’s character in a bookstore reading a novel to an audience. This scene takes place in the Housing Works Bookstore, a cozy bookstore that is only a 20-minute walk from Swift’s Tribeca apartment.
Central Park
In the summer of 2014, months after moving to the city, Swift frequented Central Park. A couple years prior, in 2012, the singer was also seen visiting the Central Park Zoo. Fans of Swift visiting the city should make sure to stop by iconic Central Park to get the full experience of a New Yorker, listening to Swift’s New York songs, of course.
High Line
Another New York reference is in “cardigan,” when Swift sings, “heartbeat on the High Line, once in twenty lifetimes,” about reflecting on love found young. The High Line is an elevated railway that was turned into a public area full of greenery and art. Stop here to enjoy the culture of New York and maybe even people watch to find the youthful love that inspired “cardigan.”
Lovers of Today
In “Delicate,” off of Swift’s reputation, she sings, “dive bar on the east side.” Many fans have speculated that Lovers of Today is the dive bar in question as employees spotted the singer at the bar. The dive bar is particularly interesting because it’s referenced across various albums as Swift also mentions it in “Cornelia Street” off of her album Lover and “invisible string” off of Grammy-winning album folklore. Fans should visit Lovers of Today to fully immerse themselves in what must be a very important place to the singer.
The Bowery Hotel
A more obscure reference—only massive fans of the artist know that her former boyfriend, actor Joe Alwyn, used the pseudonym “William Bowery” when writing and producing for Swift’s albums folklore, evermore and Midnights. When explaining his choice behind the pseudonym, Alwyn stated that he took inspiration from The Bowery Hotel in New York.
Electric Lady Studios
Possibly Swift’s most frequented spot in New York City, Electric Lady Studios is where Swift records music with songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff. Since 2023, the singer has been seen countless times entering and leaving the studio. Many fans believe she has spent most of her recent time re-recording the albums she does not yet own as she releases her series of “Taylor’s Version.” Electric Lady Studios is probably one of the singer’s most treasured spots in New York City as she has devoted her life to her music.
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