New York is a fantastic place for a city break - there really is something for everyone. And, as with every great city, it’s perpetually evolving and developing. I’ve visited several times, and each stay was a bit different. If you’re visiting New York for the first time, you’ll want to see some of the must-see places – such as the going up the Empire State Building, strolling around Central Park or taking the ferry across to Liberty Island – but I’ve pulled together a few things to do that are definitely worth doing, to get a fuller flavour of this frenetic city. Given that you're flying quite a distance, I'd suggest at least a 5-night stay with 4 full days to explore.
Where to stay? As you’d expect, there’s a huge range of accommodation, the majority in midtown where you’ll be well located for many of the main sights. I prefer to stay in areas that are a bit out of the centre of Manhattan – where there’s a more villagey feel. On my last visit I stayed at the Gansevoort in the Meatpacking district. And there are some lovely, independent boutique hotels in trendy SoHo if you don’t want to stay at a hotel from one of the large hotel chains.
What to do? Here are a few of my suggestions for things to do over and above the standard visitor attractions.
Visit the Guggenheim. There are loads of museums and galleries in New York. And whilst I really like MOMO and the Met, I have to say that my favourite has to be the Guggenheim. It has some fabulous art - works by Picasso and the largest collection of Kandinskys in the USA - but what sets this place apart is its architecture. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it's arguably the only New York Museum that shows art inside a work of art. What makes the building a global icon is its stunning interior rotunda and oculus. There, along its ascending ramps, you’ll find their world-class collection, as well a full slate of temporary shows. I highly recommend a visit here, even if you’re not a massive modern art fan.
Walk the High Line. Chelsea's above-ground park and garden set on old train tracks offers a natural respite and 1.4 miles of car-free walking space set between the daring skyscrapers of Manhattan's west side. It's an innovative reclaimed space that inspires no matter how many times you've walked along it. The High Line runs from Gansevoort to 34th St. and is open all year round. Along the trail you’ll find a surprising mixture of art, nature, and design - including good views of the Empire State Building.
Experience Summit One Vanderbilt. Get yourself down to Grand Central, follow the signs to Summit One, and prepare yourself for a heart-pounding immersive experience at the top of the 67-floor, 1401-foot-high skyscraper. It has a totally mirrored infinity room called "Air" that reflects the sky and city views over and over, making you feel like you're walking in the sky or on another plane of existence. There are absolutely breathtaking views of the city, and although the ticket’s not cheap, I really enjoyed my visit here when I was last in New York - even though it was a rainy day, the views were still spectacular. It’s probably not worth paying extra to go to the very top of the building – the views are good enough from the main viewing floor.
Explore the Meatpacking District. This area has come a long way from its slaughterhouse origins and has been transformed into a trendy destination filled with clubs, stylish restaurants and several of the City’s more attractive hotels. Lining the neighbourhood’s historic cobblestone streets are upmarket boutiques and salons, plus the recently-relocated Whitney Museum of American Art. You can start your walk along the High Line from here (see notes above). The area has a really pleasant village vibe – I stayed here at the Gansevoort Hotel on my last visit. Pop into Chelsea Market – originally a Nabisco factory where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced – it's one of New York’s most notable food halls and where you’ll also find some interesting boutiques.
Have brunch in a deli. You could head for Katz’s - which claims to be New York’s oldest deli and was the venue for the iconic scene in When Harry Met Sally. Mind you, it’s a bit out of things in the middle of nowhere, so I’d suggest you head to 2nd Avenue Deli instead. There are actually two locations (neither of them on 2nd Avenue) – one in Midtown, and another on the Upper East Side on 1st Avenue. This is the place to come for authentic Jewish deli food and a bustling atmosphere. A New York deli is no longer a cheap option, and 2nd Avenue Deli is no exception – expect to pay nearly $30 for a pastrami sandwich, but I’d recommend you share a sandwich and add in a couple of sides. You’ll automatically get a dish of delicious pickles for free.
Go shopping in SoHo. Manhattan’s Soho neighbourhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the area’s historic cast iron facades make it one of the most distinctive areas in New York. Stop in at Fanelli Café, a neighbourhood stalwart that’s been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food. Then wander east a couple of blocks to Nolita, a tiny neighbourhood packed with cafes, bars and boutiques.
Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. A true feat of 19th century engineering and arguably the one walk every local and visitor must take. The 1.3-mile-long bridge was the world's largest suspension bridge when it opened in 1883 it has remained an iconic landmark of the city ever since. The Brooklyn side of the bridge ends in gorgeous Dumbo, where you can explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, gaze at Lady Liberty, visit the Brooklyn Flea on Sundays. FYI - DUMBO stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”.
Eat on the Lower East Side. Go for a meal in one of the many restaurants in New York’s Chinatown – there are loads of them packed into the narrow blocks around Canal Street and the Manhattan Bridge —where you can eat tasty, inexpensive meals in atmospheric surroundings. And then hop in a cab or stroll to Little Italy and pick up some delicious cannoli for dessert at the famous Caffé Palermo. Not ones to hide their light under a bushel, they claim to serve the best cannolis on Planet Earth!
I hope that's been helpful. Do get in touch if you'd like to plan a few days away in the Big Apple.
Comments