From the bright lights of Times Square and Broadway to the grandeur of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, the famous imagery of New York City is as alluring as it is unavoidable. But NYC is about so much more than the icons you might find on a postcard or a magazine cover.
Fully immersing yourself into the Big Apple means exploring a pulsating world of unmatched dining, astounding architecture, fine arts, and endless character. Cliched as it may sound, the spectacle of New York can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience so make the most of your time in this sparkling metropolis and find out why they call it The City That Never Sleeps.
Where to Stay
With its wide streets and historic buildings, the area of Midtown around Central Park is the grand setting for some of New York’s finest hotels. Facing the southeast corner of the famous park, the Sherry Netherland is perfectly located. Opened in 1927, the historic hotel’s lavish marble lobby and frescoed ceilings immediately welcome guests into a world of art deco luxury, and its beautiful rooms offer sublime views of the skyline and Central Park.
A short walk south along the bustle of 5th Avenue lies The Peninsula New York, where its opulence is clear from the moment you lay eyes on it. From the ornate Beaux-Arts exterior to the elegant dual staircases inside the lobby, entering The Peninsula has an A-lister feel about it. With its exceptional rooms, perfect midtown location, outstanding spa facilities, and enchanting rooftop bar, this is one of the city’s more glamorous stays.
Sitting just two blocks south of The Peninsula, the Baccarat brings a touch of French flair to the buzz of Midtown. Alongside its glitzy lobby and sumptuously designed rooms and suites, the lively Grand Salon and Bar serves some of NYC’s most expertly crafted cocktails.
Down amid the low rooftops and animated bars of Soho is where you’ll find the Soho Grand Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel on West Broadway that’s just moments from NYC’s hippest spots. Rooms are smart and comfortable while their dining and nightlife options are so good that you may not want to leave. The Grand Bar and Lounge is pure NYC sophistication while Gilligan’s is a bright and airy outdoor space perfect for summer.
Where to Eat
Home to a global smorgasbord of cultures and nationalities, New York’s food scene is impressive and wildly varied. But if you want the best the city has to offer then head to Le Bernardin, a magnificent seafood restaurant located in the heart of Midtown on 7th Avenue. Holder of three Michelin stars and helmed by chef and co-owner Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin tasting menus are superb and feature immaculately prepared samples of langoustine, Maine Lobster, and monkfish.
For something more reflective of New York’s global make-up, journey down to the trendy Lower East Side. So good are the Japanese-inspired creations found at Ivan Ramen that it’s best to book ahead as the intimate interior can get crowded. Should you be successful, make sure to order the fiery spicy red chili ramen or the triple pork triple garlic mazemen.
Hidden away in the back of the Meatpacking District’s Chelsea Market lies one of New York’s best-kept secrets. Dripping with flavor and authenticity, the tacos and quesadillas served up by Los Tacos No1 are as good as any you might find in Los Angeles.
But no trip to the Big Apple would be complete without pizza and, over in Brooklyn, Lucali serves up some of the best. Opened in 2006 by Mark Iacono, these pies are some of the finest in the city and are full of rich flavor topped by generous helpings of fresh basil. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, arrive before 5, and put your name on the list to grab a seat at this highly regarded joint.
Where to Play
While the Empire State Building may be more famous, if you want to get the most epic introduction to the landscape of New York then start at the Rockefeller Center on 50th Street. Take the elevator to the Top of the Rock, an observation deck 850ft high for New York’s greatest panoramic view. With the soaring spires of the Empire State Building and One World Trade to the south and the green expanse of Central Park to the north, make sure to visit at sunset for the most magical experience.
If you happen to be here on a rainy day, there’s no better place to take refuge than the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Containing over 2 million unique works, the Met is one of New York’s biggest tourist draws and features art by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Goya. Book ahead in advance to skip any lines.
Built on an old elevated rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is perfect for a sunny day and allows visitors to stroll along a leafy green walkway above the hum of the city. Beginning in the Meatpacking District, the 1.45-mile-long High Line is a unique way of seeing a city we think we already know and has inspired other cities to begin similar projects.
Finish with a trip to arguably the most famous symbol of New York. Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best way to experience the epic structure is to book a visit and get up close. Also, check out the excellent new Statue of Liberty Museum if you have time.
Getting There & Getting Around
Occupying a large chunk of south Queens and lying around 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs. LaGuardia Airport is just ten miles across town in Queens, although traffic would have you thinking across town is around the world.
But travel from JAX into Laguardia is made all the more easier when you are met by a chauffeured car from Jax Black Car Transportation. Whether it’s straight to a hotel, meeting, event, or restaurant, Jax Black Car’s fleet of luxury vehicles offers the quickest and most comfortable way to move around The City That Never Sleeps.
