It is considered the most exciting city in the world and in many ways it is. Its energy is unique, its pulse alive day and night and the experiences it offers are inexhaustible. The well-known writer Elwin Brooks White had very aptly said about the city where he was born: “New York not only emits a non-stop electricity, but is itself a non-stop spectacle.” And although his phrase was formulated almost a century ago, his words still faithfully reflect the spirit of the American metropolis, whose spectacular appearance is constantly changing, but whose heart remains the same, always open to diverse trends and innovations.
It’s this multi-faceted, cosmopolitan character and the irresistible sense of being at the center of the world that makes the Big Apple so enticing at any time of the year – after all, with so many unique attractions, diverse activities, unique experiences and diverse neighborhoods, not all a lifetime’s journeys are not enough to cover what one has to offer. The selections below, which include solid values and notable new arrivals, from the works of Matisse at MOMA to the martinis of Bemelmans Bar, are a good base from which to explore what appeals most to the city that fully embodies the motto “Dream big ».
- 7 Top Museum and Gallery visits
Undoubtedly, this is the city with some of the most impressive in terms of size and value of exhibits, cultural institutions worldwide. The MET alone is enough to awe even if you’ve visited the biggest European museums in London, Paris and Berlin. By putting the following postures into your program, you will be transported from the past and history to the future and more advanced trends.
1. MET: Even if you’ve visited the biggest European museums in London, Paris and Berlin, the MET will leave you in awe. It is the most important cultural institution on the so-called “Museum Mile” that runs along the eastern edge of Central Park, and its nearly half a million exhibits cover an incredible range of collections, from Greco-Roman to Islamic art, from medieval to modern times, from armor to photos. His exceptional periodical exhibitions are also a magnet, at this time “Vertigo of color” which explores the roots of favism stands out, as well as the 160 works that make up “Manet/Degas”, the exhibition which explores the relationship between the two great Frenchmen impressionists.
2. Tenement Museum: A time capsule that takes you back to the mid-19th century, when the Lower East Side was a rundown shantytown where immigrant families took refuge. The lively, detailed narrative delves into the true stories of people who lived on the same square footage now occupied by the museum, which realistically represents homes of that era.
3. 9/11 Memorial & Museum: A proud teller of its own story, New York City and the 9/11 Memorial Museum revive the events that shocked us all and changed the world forever in the fall of 2001, emphasizing that their reverberations are felt even today. The emotional walk around the fountain-memorial with the names of the victims in relief will become one of the strongest memories of your trip.
4. Whitney Museum of American Art: This great cultural institution covers a very specific period, focusing on the great modernist artists who shaped the American art scene, at a time when America itself was reshaping the world. In addition to a hearty collection of works by Edward Hopper, at the Whitney you’ll admire iconic depictions of the Brooklyn Bridge, the subway, boxing matches and a signature portrait of Andy Warhol.
5. MoMA: At the Museum of Modern Art, on the other hand, big names in European painting such as Picasso, Mondrian and Matisse compete with their American counterparts such as Pollock, Rauschenberg and Twombly. Six floors showcase some of modern art’s greatest moments, but don’t miss the museum’s basement store – MoMA Design Store – so renowned for its quality wares that it’s opened a branch in Japan, while The Modern restaurant with both Michelin stars you will enjoy a meal of claims overlooking the garden of sculptures.
6. The Guggenheim: Always relevant and exciting, the Guggy as its fanatical friends call it, provides a global view of contemporary art, impressing with exponents of abstract expressionism such as De Kooning and Pollock or a host of iconic expressionist works by Ray and Miro. With each modern art movement playing a significant role in the evolution of the collection, one could devote an entire day to the permanent exhibits alone, but keep an eye out for current exhibitions, such as the tribute to Korean art of the 1960s-1970s on display this season.
7. American Museum of Natural History: The only awe-inspiring rival to the MET in terms of size, it occupies 4 whole blocks across from Central Park, impressing young and old alike. Most visitors head straight for the dinosaur room where the T-Rex skeleton is on display, but the Natural History Museum has plenty of other surprises in store, from a giant canoe made from a single cedar log to the largest meteorite on display in a museum and a dazzling collection of gems in the Hall of Gems.
Extra tip: Although New York’s museums can keep you busy for days, weather permitting, don’t miss the fall colors in the city’s green lungs. Relaxing in Central Park is a favorite of the locals, while the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with its Japanese garden is particularly charming, worth the half-hour subway ride from Manhattan. Also a unique experience is the High Line, an innovative way to revive a 2.4 km old railway line in western Manhattan as a walking space, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a great view of the city.
- 7 Top Food Recommendations
Choosing just which category of restaurant or cuisine to try can prove to be a headache in one of the most important culinary capitals of the world. A choice that becomes even more difficult with new restaurants opening all the time and the established ones renewing their menu every fall. The new season welcomes the new ventures of great chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Andrew Carmellini and Marcus Samuelsson, Asian cuisine is experiencing a major renaissance, the brunch culture holds up well and the following suggestions guarantee gastronomic delights.
1. Four Twenty Five: The day-opening restaurant’s name is its Park Avenue address, a new 47-story tower designed by Norman Foster. This new project aims to replace the area’s iconic restaurant and celebrity magnet, Four Seasons, which closed in 2019. Filled with artwork, with an evocatively designed bar and a luxurious dining room above, Four Twenty Five opts for gray-burgundy tons for the decor and chef Jonathan Benno as head chef. Its highly anticipated menu features American, Italian and Asian flavors and techniques.
2. Ilis: After a stint with various pop-up projects, Copenhagen’s Noma founder Mads Refslund brings his Scandinavian culinary approach to his new restaurant Ilis, which means “fire and ice” in Danish. In a former Brooklyn warehouse, old carts are being transformed into fresh produce and seafood counters, which will be moved between tables for diners to choose from raw or wood-fired, while organic buffalo and venison will be the only meat-eating options. in the menu.
3. The Odeon: In the ever-changing trends that characterize Manhattan, the Odeon is the rare case of a timeless constant. Here, Martinis, fresh oysters and the ultimate dish of a classic brasserie – steak with french fries – take center stage. After all, this type of restaurant has represented the Odeon for decades, reaching for perfection, with the bonus that the Cosmopolitan cocktail was discovered here.
4. Gemma: The Bowery Hotel trattoria offers seasonal comfort food in a relaxed, slightly rustic atmosphere dominated by wood and yellow hues. Open from the morning, popular for pizzas and homemade pasta at lunchtime, it transforms into a charming setting in the evening when the lights dim and classic Italian specialties are added to the menu. However, it is also highly appreciated by late-night New Yorkers for rich burgers and egg sandwiches after midnight.
5. Laser Wolf: From Philadelphia to Brooklyn, and indeed on the roof of the Hoxton Hotel, Laser Wolf, one of Manhattan’s best meat-eating restaurants, has landed. The view of the city’s vast skyline is spectacular, and so are the charcoal-grilled kebabs. In addition to the excellent filets and delicious chicken, the tuna skewers with harissa sauce and the fried green tomatoes stand out.
6. Carbone: Don’t dwell on the fact that Bieber and Rihanna dine here. Consider the fact that Carbone in the Greenwich Village area is the leading exponent of the revival of Italian cuisine that dominated the New York culinary scene in the middle of the last century. The period decor has a touch of theatrics and proves to be the right setting for the irresistible polpette, the luscious meatballs in a red sauce you won’t believe its deliciousness, or the spicy rigatoni with vodka and the veal with parmesan.
7. Atoboy: Korean cuisine may be all the rage right now, but the couple behind the successful Atoboy are keeping a low profile as they explore the modern face of their homeland’s gastronomy. Their approach puts traditional banchan small plates at the heart of an affordable set menu, and the result is totally justified, as you’d be hard-pressed to find another place in New York that offers such flavorful combinations as these with Japanese yeast, kombucha, seaweed and sweet Asian radishes.
Extra tip: If your travel budget is tight, there are great casual eateries and chains for neighborhood, casual dining that’s hearty and affordable. Look for Italian Lodi, Rubirosa and Forsythia, Chinese dumplings from Pinvh Chinese and The Handpulled Noodle, fresh bagels from Leon’s Bagels and Katz’s Deli’s legendary pastrami sandwiches you’ll recognize from the famous dinner scene in the movie ‘When Harry meet Sally.”
- 6 Top Shopping Destinations
From Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to Sarah Jessica Parker in the series “Sex and the City”, New York and shopping go hand in hand. From iconic 5th Avenue department stores to trendy boutiques, every shopping stop proves you’re in the mecca of shopping. Reach deep into your pocket and enjoy.
1. The Real Real: An excellent proof of why shopping in New York is always an exciting experience. This is a veritable treasure chest, filled with pre-owned but in very good condition original pieces from well-known designers. Here, you won’t find cluttered piles of clothes, but a space reminiscent of a stylish department store. Whatever your style, know that vintage pieces from some of the Big Apple’s chic wardrobes end up here, whether it’s in the SoHo store or the Brooklyn branch.
2. What Goes Around Comes Around: WGACA has been a pioneer in buying and selling the finest vintage and second hand luxury goods since the early 90’s. Every fashionista’s favorite store is now an institution, with a dedicated team that travels the world in search of classic accessories, jewelry and clothing from names such as Hermès, Dior, Chanel and Gucci. In their now two stores in SoHo you will see first hand what treasures they have discovered.
3. SoHo: The stores above are just two of the many reasons that make SoHo an exciting shop-til-you-drop destination. Start on Mercer Street where you’ll find the world’s only Khaite store since opening, where designer Cate Holstein has wowed the fashion world with her fresh, relaxed take on classic pieces like cashmere knits. Pair them with the perfect pair of jeans you’re sure to discover at Everlane’s unparalleled selection of designs, then head to where SoHo meets the Lower East Side for the city’s hottest boutiques. These have recently been joined by the much updated Rowing Blazers and Tombolo, each giving their own take on retro style: the former with charming, preppy ensembles and the latter with unisex bold designs, often with nautical motifs.
4. Hudson Yards: Those who love shopping in different stores under one roof will appreciate Hudson Yards in western Manhattan, which soon after its opening emerged as the best mega mall in the city. The fancy storefronts that line the row house the biggest international names in luxury goods, but also New York brands like Theory and Kate Spade.
5. Fifth Avenue: The ultimate shopping experience stretches from Greenwich Village to Harlem, for almost 10 kilometers. 5th Avenue embodies that very luxury shopping vibe you’ve seen in movies, especially the stretch between 50th and 60th Streets, above Rockefeller Center to just below Central Park. Here you will find the famous Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, all the Italian fashion houses and of course Tiffany.
6. Canal Street Market: Located near Chinatown, you can easily spend a whole day at this market, which includes a food market and a craft market. Over 15 standard merchants feature Italian jewelry, fashion accessories, authentic American leather and vintage fashion. When your empty stomach grumbles, head to the tempting food stalls that change regularly for exotic flavors from every corner of the earth, from Filipino tacos to Peruvian ceviche.
Extra tip: For a doubly enjoyable shopping experience, plan a stroll through the food markets, which combine buzzing atmosphere, fresh and often rare produce from around the world and the chance to try them on the spot. At Essex Market, one of six public markets with a two-century history, you’ll find everything from traditional Dominican dishes to an ice cream factory, while a similar variety of flavors characterizes Chelsea Market with over 30 choices for great American dishes such as Maine lobster at Lobster Place and exuberant donuts at Doughnuttery.
- 5 Top Accommodation Suggestions
Even in the metropolis that never sleeps, you’ll need a comfortable, well-kept room when its frenetic pace wears you down. Ultra-luxurious or – as much as possible by New York standards – budget, with an emphasis on modern design or showing off their well-polished history, hotels like the ones below add value to your trip and are often an experience in themselves.
1. The Carlyle: An Upper East Side legend whose impeccable service, discretion and 92 sparkling suites have been appreciated by such famous names as Sofia Coppola and George Clooney for nearly a century. Its sophisticated atmosphere was apparently also appreciated by the JFL president who secretly met Marilyn Monroe here. If the prices of the remaining 100 rooms seem prohibitive, you can try the equally legendary Martinis served by the Bemelmans bar accompanied by live music.
2. Aman New York: Just two blocks south of Central Park – and thus in the heart of the city – Aman is the most significant addition to the New York hotel map in recent years. It is also one of the most expensive, but its amazing facilities justify the prices. The building where it is housed, an exquisite example of Beaux Arts architecture, formerly housed the Museum of Modern Art and now houses only 83 suites, particularly spacious by New York standards. All of them exude an air of oriental peace and, in addition to elegant luxury, have a fireplace, something unique in a city hotel. Two spas with a Moroccan hammam and a 20-meter swimming pool occupy 3 floors, there is a bar on the roof-garden and in the basement the authentic experience of a speakeasy Jazz Club awaits you.
3. The Ned NoMad: In another Beaux Arts building, just like London’s Ned, New York’s equivalent hotel in trendy NoMaD (North of Madison Square), doubles as a stylish hideaway from the frenetic pace of the city and an exclusive members only club. Giving a modern interpretation to the Art Deco style, it embraces rich tapestries, marble floors and the warmth of wood, particularly in the 167 rooms with exposed beams, plum screens and Victorian-style freestanding baths. The bar impresses with its modern decor and the Little Ned restaurant, which looks like a diner from the 20s, serves classic American flavors in their best version.
4. Moxy Hotels: With 6 hotels in New York, this chain is a budget-friendly option without lacking in style and comfort. Once home to hippies and punks, Moxy Lower East Side is ideal for exploring an area brimming with creative energy. A little further north, the Moxy East Village with contemporary double or family rooms, features the lively Cathédrale restaurant serving French cuisine under a dazzling sculpture ceiling, while in the heart of the city the Moxy Times Square offers stunning views from its massive rooftop bar.
5. Hotel Chelsea: The long-awaited return of the legend finally came this year and the iconic The Chelsea reopened after 12 years, the doors once frequented by Andy Warhol, Dylan Thomas, Sid Vicious among many more artists, alternative and unconventional rock stars. Its 155 rooms and suites are now spacious, bright, with animal-print designs, stained glass windows and the same wrought-iron balconies from which Patti Smith gazed down West 23rd Street. The bohemian atmosphere is revived in the daily crowded restaurant El Quijote with Basque cuisine, while under the chandeliers and near the piano of the Lobby Bar a solarium has been added to everyone’s surprise. Sip a cocktail here and you might find yourself next to one of the permanent residents of the few apartments left from the old Chelsea Hotel. The stories they will have to tell you about old customers and New York itself, will certainly be unique.
