Autumn is the best time to visit New York, the weather is mild but bright and the city has calmed down after the summer craziness. As this was my second trip to NYC, I had already ticked off most of the must-see sights and so we were able to indulge, seeking out aspects of the city that most interested us, including food, cocktails, nail bars, coffee shops, art and design. Following recommendations helped us find our way around while also discovering hidden gems, here’s what we found:
Sleep
Sherry Netherland – a palace of style and sophistication, located on the corner of Central Park amongst the gorgeous designer outlets of 5th Avenue, this hotel defines luxury and offers sensational views of the impressive city skyline.
Giraffe Hotel – a cute and quirky boutique hotel: a cosy place to stay with a relaxing lounge to hang out in and have breakfast. Stylish enough to earn a place in the Sex and the City film (one of the suites was used for Big’s office!)
Eat
The Breslin – this super cool restaurant and bar is located inside the Ace Hotel, and is fun even just for a drink. Try the cocktails, indulge in a British classic dish and have your photo taken in the retro booth… a memorable haunt.
The Burger Joint at Meridien Parker – inside a posh hotel behind a red velvet curtain is a humble burger joint… offering perhaps the best burgers in town for just six dollars. Only in New York would you find such a crazy juxtaposition, and such insanely good burgers.
Prospect – if you are travelling into Brooklyn, this trendy eatery is well worth a try… offering indulgent dishes and cool drinks with a jazzy soundtrack.
The Modern at Moma – a magical Michelin star restaurant adjoining the brilliant modern art museum. Indulge in beautiful food and exceptional cooking. The lunch menu is particularly reasonable.
Drink
Employees Only – a secret bar near Bleecker Street with divine cocktails… sit at the bar for people watching and to pick up tricks of the mixology trade. E.O won best cocktail bar a few years ago, a well deserved accolade.
Death & Co – a moody prohibition cocktail bar serving up exquisite cocktails and great bar food.
Blue Bottle – the best coffee in Brooklyn, creamy, smooth, divine.
Black Book – our favourite coffee shop in Williamsburg, oodles of character and charm and great coffee too.
Shop
I must admit our shopping was not as successful as we had hoped, both prepared to break the bank if we couldn’t resist NY steals…
Dylan’s Candy Store – the ultimate sweet shop
Victoria’s Secrets – for pretty underwear
Mast Brothers – a chocolate empire… wondrously big bars of dark chocolate in a variety of flavours, packaged up in patterned paper.
We found the most intriguing boutiques in Williamsburg, Brooklyn… visit on a Saturday morning for the weekend buzz when the independent shops and vintage stores are all open and ready to bargain with you.
See
High Line – a transformed railway track allows keen walkers to see the city while wandering down a lovely new path.
9/11 Memorial – a poignant memorial of America’s traumatic attack is realised on the site. Two thunderous waterfalls mark the loss.
The Met Warhol Exhibition tells the tale of this famous pop artist while also illustrating his influence on contemporary artists.
Guggenheim – Picasso Black & White – the current show at the great Guggenheim, a monochrome treat for Picasso fans.
Sex and the City Tour – the girlies’ guide to New York… follow in the four fashionistas’ footsteps, travelling by coach to their most familiar hang-outs.
Spiderman musical on Broadway – the most extravagant show in town… though damned by the critics, no-one can deny that it has the wow factor.
A gig at Le Poisson Rouge – we were lucky enough to catch British band Michahu and the Shapes at this hip Bleecker Street venue. Join the students at Le Poisson Rouge where there is always an intriguing band to discover.
No city moves faster than New York, so any write-up feels instantly out of date… at least if you are visiting soon, you will have a few thoroughly modern tips to get you started.
