New York is one of the most fun cities in the US. With endless amounts of things to do, it can be hard to decide how to plan out the perfect NYC getaway.
Here is a quick New Yorker’s guide to New York with suggestions for your next trip to the Big Apple!
NYC Nightlife
Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Room (officially known as Top of the Standard) – The rooftop lounge on the 18th floor of the Standard High Line Hotel is host to all the coolest after parties from the Met Gala to Cinema Society premieres. Madonna also shot her music video, “Bitch, I’m Madonna” here. The views and stunning another worldly interior from noted designers Roman and Williams are what keeps celebrities, and chic New Yorkers, coming over and over again. Sunset is the ideal time to visit where you can sit back and watch the sun go down on the Hudson River. The club stays open till late, but note, after 10 pm the guest list is private and recommendations are highly recommended.
Mr Purple
For the ultimate night out on the trendy Lower East Side make sure Mr. Purple, a rooftop lounge with split indoor and outdoor space (+ a pool!) is on your itinerary. Located atop the Ludlow Hotel, and run by The Gerber Group, the service is as extraordinary as the art popping décor. Keep your eyes open too, major stars like Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted here. Reservations recommended for late night.
Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel
This sometimes spooky rooftop cocktail lounge, Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel is housed at the home of the ghostly (meant in the most complimentary way possible!) immersive theater experience known as Sleep No More.
Here the vibe changes seasonally so whether you visit the ski chalet in the winter months and curl up by the fire or come when the flowers are in bloom in spring, you’re going to have a time to remember.
The best though is that there’s no need to be on a list and the vibe in keeping with the setting is super chill.
La Piscine at Hotel Americano
La Piscine at Hotel Americano is great if you’re visiting in the summer be sure to bring your suntan lotion and swimsuit to lounge by the Chelsea hotspot’s pool. Coming at night? Put on a dress and take the elevator to the 9th floor where you can sip on cocktails from expert mixologists and take in a beautiful view of the Empire State Building.
The Blond
The Blond is a swanky lounge within the 11 Howard Hotel has given new life to Soho nightlife. The intimate space is best for late-night revelry where you’ll likely be trying to get a drink alongside a designer, actor and model or two.
Jimmy at the James
Jimmy at the James is a sophisticated rooftop bar with spectacular outdoor views like no other of One World Observatory. The ideal place for sunset cocktails, and to take a dip in the pool, should you be so inclined!
Things to Do In New York
High Line
The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Along your walk from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street lookout for interesting art activations and homegrown art installations in the windows of NYC residents living along the way.
Recently posters and art mocking Trump have been a favorite of the dwellers in the liberal neighborhood with even Katy Perry taking notice and posting to Instagram. Best to go early morning or late in the evenings to avoid crowds. Be sure to step into the High Line Hotel for a coffee or drink in the lovely courtyard.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a sprawling indoor urban food court with a scattering of small shops. In the mood for Cambodian, Japanese, Italian, German, American or Mexican…you get the picture, they’ve got something for you! Also home to the Lobster Place where year-round you can eat the freshest catches including, yes, lobster.
Whitney Museum
The Renzo Piano designed building opened in May 2015 making its mark on downtown Manhattan and exciting art patrons from around the world. Located at the base of the High Line, the 50,000 square foot space houses an impressive collection of American art with the museum’s signature exhibition its biennial survey of contemporary art, which has always kept the focus on the present, in the spirit of museum founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.
Major holdings of work include pieces from Alexander Calder, Mabel Dwight, Jasper Johns, Glenn Ligon, Brice Marden, Reginald Marsh, Agnes Martin, Georgia O’Keeffe, Claes Oldenburg, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Lorna Simpson and David Wojnarowicz.
Chelsea Galleries
Chelsea Galleries is home to largest collection of galleries in New York by far lays along W. 15th and W. 35th streets between 10th and 11th avenues where you can gallery hop into hundreds of amazing spots that have something for every taste. The most acclaimed include Gagosian, David Zwirner, Pace, Mary Boone, Milk Studios, Metro Pictures, Petzel, Andrea Rosen and Tanya Bonakdar.
Other Places We Love To Visit In New York City
One World Observatory, Little Italy, Federal Hall, Washington Square Park, South Street Seaport, New Museum, Statue of Liberty, East Village and ice skating at the Standard High Line. There are infinite adventures to explore!
Where To Eat In New York
- Le Coucou – The New York Times named this the number one new restaurant opening in New York for 2016 and one bite into the delicious French fare will confirm they are right.
- Gemma The restaurant at the Bowery Hotel is a cool mainstay of the East Village where celebs and locals go for Italian eats. Reservations are only accepted for guests of the hotel.
- Clocktower Three beautiful distinct dining rooms, a pool room and a separate gold bar make this an easy place to spend an evening dining on a meal from an acclaimed British Michelin-starred chef.
- Chalk Point Kitchen Market to table a lovely restaurant where guests can go downstairs before or after for a drink at the charming Handy Liquor Bar.
- Le District head here for all things French at Brookefield Place where you can sit down at culinary-specific stations for what you most crave between trips to Paris.
- Union Fare An industrial-style restaurant and gastro hall that is the ultimate Union Square lunchtime cafeteria and after-work drink spot.
- Locanda Verde The always hot Tribeca restaurant owned by Robert DeNiro and attached to the Greenwich Hotel is always a good idea!
- Nix This is the only Michelin star vegetarian restaurant not only in NY, but in the United States.
- Narcissa at the Standard East Cool spacious setting, beautiful courtyard and amazing food. Simple as that!
- Sugarfish “Trust Me” you’ll want to eat sushi here, and when you do, order just that! (Trust me.)
- Motorino Everyone has their favorite pizza place, this is mine, and Rachael Ray’s.
- DO Edible cookie dough in mind-blowing flavors!!!
- Luke’s Lobster Multiple locations, best lobster roll in the city.
Where to Stay In New York
New York pops up with new hotels faster than you can try them all. With lots of variety in style, budget and location its hard to know which one to pick. We have rounded up a New York Hotels guide to all the different neighbourhoods, with pros and cons of each and hotels for every budget to help you find the best quality accommodation for you!
Read our Complete Guide to The Neighborhoods Of New York & Where To Stay
A few of our favourites include:
- Mandarin Oriental New York
- The Broome
- The Mercer
- The Marlton Hotel
- Royalton Park Avenue
- Find the best price on hotels in New York City, New York
- Sign up to AirBnB with this link and receive a US $35 off your first booking
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit New York. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.
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Read More About New York
- Why Gansevoort Park Ave Is My favorite NYC Hotel
- 6 Budget Friendly Experiences To Have In New York
- A First Timers Guide To New York
- A New Yorkers Guide To New York
- 7 Unconventional Things To Do In New York
- Locals Tips For New York City
We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers of GlitterandMud.com
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Allison says
This post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I’m headed to NYC in less than a week! Thanks for sharing these great places.
We Are Travel Girls says
Glad this post is useful Allison! Vanessa has shared some great tips, I need to go back to NYC myself! XO, Becky