They say New York is the city that never sleeps, and as the home of 8 million people and 8 million things to do, it is no wonder this metropolis has gotten such a restless reputation. While New Yorkers are sometimes labeled as jaded and evoking an air of attitude and urgency, it may simply be a symptom of plotting their next move along their busy social agendas.
Though situated on a small island, the city of New York hosts an infinite plethora of possibilities to suit the desires of any personality type, providing the best luxuries the world has to offer. New York pulses with energy and boasts some of the world’s best shopping, dining, night life, and cultural experiences to satisfy both the native New Yorker as well as the sophisticated tourist.
While visiting this hub of fashion, glamour and incontrovertible charm, it is important to have an approach in mind when taking on the city with gusto and style. In an effort to assuage such planning, I, an indigenous Upper East-sider, have laid out a New York survival guide of my top 10 recommendations to those with impeccable taste but a little less experience in the Big Apple.
10 Hotel Gansevoort
While staying in New York, make it a priority to reside in a remarkable hotel in a chic neighborhood. Hotel Gansevoort, located in the trendy Meat Packing District downtown, has become a major staple in social networking and gallivanting, so actually rooming here can only build your credibility and New York know-how. This luxury hotel, with breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views of New York City and the Hudson River, provides guests with sophisticated accommodations in a minimalist style. The Gansevoort, as it is commonly referred, includes a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar and lounge, Plunge, which becomes wildly popular in the summer for the young and stylish. In addition, it is home of the acclaimed restaurant downstairs, Ono, which offers both indoor and outdoor garden seating. The Gansevoort is a major summer attraction because of their expansive outdoor spaces, and attracts a bevy of young and chic coeds who are drawn to the beautiful people and fancy cocktails.
18 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY USA 10014
Tel: +1. 212.206.6700
Website: www.hotelgansevoort.com
9 1 Oak
Attending a posh nightclub is always the perfect solution to staying up in the city that never sleeps. 1 Oak is the crème de la crème of New York City nightclubs, frequented by celebrities, fashionistas, models, bankers and socialites. The golden décor underneath oak lined ceilings is a marvel of lavishness and style, attracting a beautiful crowd and a fabulous party.
453 W. 17th Street
New York, NY, USA 10011
Tel: +1. 212.242.1111
Website: www.1oaknyc.com
8 Time Warner Center
Located at Columbus Circle in the heart of Manhattan, the Time Warner Center is relatively new to the New York skyline. This architectural masterpiece creates a new cultural center delivering an experience where people can dine, shop, live, work and be entertained in an alluring and aesthetic space. High praise goes to the exquisite restaurant inside, Per Se, with dreamy views of Central Park and an intimate and luxurious dining atmosphere. A visit to the Time Warner Center is an overall feast for the senses and proves to be a smart choice when looking for a stimulating and unique activity.
60 Columbus Circle,
New York, NY, USA 10019
Tel: +1.212.823.6300
Website: www.timewarner.com/corp
7 Merkato 55
Weekend brunch in New York has become a tradition as important on the social calendar as any Friday or Saturday night soiree. The latest trend in brunch is the new hot restaurant, Merkato 55, located where else but the ultra chic Meat Packing District. Merkato 55 poses to be more of a continuation of Friday night partying than a typical breakfast spot, where the champagne and vodka flow like it were night club. The glitterati flock to this party over brunch, where anybody who’s anybody can be seen dancing on tables and mingling over the oddly fabulous marriage of eggs benedict and vodka cocktails.
55 Gansevoort Street,
New York, NY, USA 10014
Tel: +1.212.255.8555
Website: www.merkato55nyc.com
6 Pastis
For a more traditional brunch experience with less debauchery but equal hype and recognition, the highly rated social institution, Pastis, is the French bistro go-to. Pastis is known in New York for their sumptuous spreads and frequent celebrity sightings. Located across from Hotel Gansevoort, Pastis upholds its reputation for an amazing brunch as well as delectable dinners. Do not be intimidated by a possible wait, as Pastis is a very popular destination for downtown dining; however, a table is well worth it.
9 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY, USA 10014
Tel: +1.212.929.4844
Website: www.pastisny.com
5 Bergdorf Goodman
Equally as imperative as choosing the right hotel to rest your weary eyes is choosing the right location to exhaust yourself shopping. Manhattan is a virtual Mecca for high end retail and tempts even the thriftiest shopper into spending their next month’s rent on designer labels. The one and only, Bergdorf Goodman, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a luxury goods department store carrying world renowned fashion for men and women and premier designers from Armani to Alexander McQueen, Burberry to Bulgari, Dolce to Dior, Valentino to Versace, and everything in between. Anyone with flawless taste and a flare for fashion will find themselves in seventh heaven at Bergdorf’s, just make sure to allow for plenty of time and plenty of spending money!
754 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY, USA 10019
Tel: +1.212.753.7300
Website: www.bergdorfgoodman.com
4 The Museum of Modern Art
Referred to as MoMA, the Museum of Modern art in midtown Manhattan is a spectacular stop over for art lovers. With an exceptionally impressive collection, anyone who appreciates modern art will find themselves in very special surroundings. MoMA possesses some of the best examples of work by blue chip artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and Dalí. The pieces featured on permanent display are rivaled by no other institution who exhibits the same artists. And although the price of entry leans toward the expensive side, a visit to the Museum of Modern Art is highly recommended and will make for a truly positive and inspirational viewing experience.
11 W. 53rd Street
New York, NY, USA 10019
Tel: +1.212.708.9400
Website: www.moma.org
3 The Gramercy Park Hotel
The Gramercy Park Hotel is the perfect example of modern chic. It is a phenomenal alternative to the traditional high-end boutique design hotels, as it brings a bohemian and artistic vibe to its ambiance, with the help of artist, Julian Schnabel. The exclusive, Rose Bar, located inside, has become a very fashionable scene for sipping cocktails, people watching and admiring the edgy sophistication that is in keeping with the rest of the hotel. The luxurious accommodations and adjacency to the charming Gramercy Park make this hotel a very smart pick for the New York traveler.
2 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY, USA 10010
Tel: +1.212.920.3300
Website: www.gramercyparkhotel.com
2 Central Park
Located in the heart of Manhattan and stretching 2.5 miles from 59th Street north to 110th Street, Central Park is the ultimate New York experience. This magnificent park is a magnet for New Yorkers and tourists from around the world who are looking for a peaceful retreat from the bustling city around them. Occupying 843 acres, the park boasts countless attractions, including: The Central Park Zoo, extensive walking paths, two ice-skating rinks, gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a 106 acre reservoir with an encircling running track, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, as well as expansive fields for picnicking and sunbathing like the extremely popular summer spot, Sheep’s Meadow. Central Park is the perfect escape from the surrounding sky scrapers and traffic, allowing for peace and quiet in an otherwise sleepless city.
59th Street – 110th Street
(between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West),
New York, NY, USA
Website: www.centralpark.com
1 The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Bordering Central Park on 5th Avenue, on the stretch known as “Museum Mile,” is the world famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, known to most simply as the Met. The Met is an institution synonymous with New York City and is a cultural landmark that cannot be dismissed when visiting town. The Met houses art dating as far back as art history records and spans all the way to contemporary art with pieces from Damien Hirst’s most recent portfolio. This art institution maintains spacious and opulent galleries and globally significant artwork in every medium, period and style. Thus, the Met remains the ultimate cultural icon in New York City’s rich history and promising future and an absolute must-see when visiting the Big Apple.
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY, USA 10028
Tel: +1.212.535.7710
Website: www.metmuseum.org
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