New York, New York, the most exciting, dynamic and cosmopolitan city in the world. A hub for business and finance, culture, entertainment, gastronomy and home to iconic Central Park. Some of the world’s greatest museums, art galleries and alternative art scene are concentrated there, as are musicians and music lovers, gathering in concert halls, jazz clubs, performing arts and world-renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and… Read more »
Local: New York
Indisputably, there are no better views of Manhattan than from above. And a helicopter tour is perfectly suited for that. We had our breathtaking experience with HelyNY and it was simply exhilarating. The takeoff usually happens at Pier 6 in downtown right by FDR expressway. There are fifteen and thirty-minute flights, and we found the shorter trip just right. It flew over the most iconic… Read more »
The Highline has become a must do in New York City. This unique public venue, now officially declared a park, was developed over an elevated railway line and has become an inspiration for other metropolises in the world to build similar structures. We find it delightful to walk amongst NYC’s unique architecture with river views, in the beloved and trendsetting neighborhood of the Meatpacking District.… Read more »
New York has so much to offer that we usually miss interesting and fun things to do in the city besides the usual activities. Why not experience New York from another perspective? Try kayaking or paddling on the Hudson River, an open-air activity perfect for sunny days. It is great to see the city from another angle and get some exercise while enjoying the views.… Read more »
You already know about the Met and the MOMA (the sculpture garden is a must see), of course, but do not miss other great art options. The Neue Galerie with its Austrian and German collections has become quite popular after Women in Gold (watch the film before your trip) since the museum holds some famous Gustave Klimt`s works. The Met Breuer was recently acquired from… Read more »
Everybody knows how cherished Central Park is, but do not miss Bryant Park with its fantastic National Library and lively atmosphere. It is the largest park in Midtown and a sought-after relaxing and entertaining venue for locals. All year around you will find all sorts of activities like games for children and adults, Broadway inspired performances and a rich cultural program, browse the park’s site… Read more »
Located in one of New York City´s greatest public places, the Greenmarket at Union Square is a typical New Yorker venue for buying fresh organic products and experiencing a local market. It has been a lively market for decades and has grown substantially in recent years, as people seek choices of healthier and fresher food. At the market you can find a wide variety of… Read more »
Lincoln Center is world famous and home to award winning presentations of opera, classical music and ballet. People are usually not aware of their excellent jazz program, however, held at a separate building by Columbus Circle, called Jazz at Lincoln Center. The quality of presentations is outstanding, counting not only on world acclaimed artists but also on performances from renowned New York’s Julliard School. There… Read more »
It is one of New York´s quintessential neighborhoods and draws a crowd looking for a typically local experience: Gospel. There are plenty of tours available (perhaps too many nowadays), but going around by yourself is much more interesting to get closer to locals and their own experience. Well-known Baptist churches are Canaan and Abyssinian, but due to the current popularity, they can get quite crowded.… Read more »
A typical New York Italian hotspot in Greenwich Village. Trendy setting, classical décor, fashionable people and simply amazing food. If you have to choose one single place to spend your dollars on a nice dinner, this is the one, and it shall be a night to remember for the superb quality of the food. Start with what we deem to be the best carpaccio ever… Read more »
Chocoholics be warned and enter with care: you will love this fun place by Mr Chocolate in Soho. The shop resembles a scene from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 movie based on Roald Dahl’s classic book. Customers can see the chocolates being produced, choose a chocolate blend to make your own custom chocolate bar, buy attractive gift boxes or consume products on… Read more »
Along with Carnegie’s Deli, we always held a soft spot for Katz and its super traditional delicatessen atmosphere and delicious food. We were shocked to learn that Carnegie Deli has just closed down, but were relieved that Katz is alive and kicking. With its typical dishes like the pastrami sandwich and pickled cucumbers, savory bagels and dogs, to the mouth-watering cheesecakes, Katz is the type… Read more »
This cool restaurant in Tribeca is a perfect New York spot. Serving authentic Italian food in a vibrant atmosphere, Locanda Verde draws a stylish crowd. High ceilings and a chic industrial flair add to the allure. We have been there many times and never regretted the great crostini and focaccia, or the arugula and octopus salad as starters, all divine. For main course you cannot… Read more »
A must in NYC, this Greenwich Village classic has the same owner as Morandi, Pastis and Balthazar, names whose reputation leaves little else to be said. Opened in 1937, Minetta Tavern has had renowned habitués such as Ernest Hemingway and Ezra Pound. To this day, the atmosphere is vibrant, with a New York City flair and bustling bar where customers anxiously await to be seated.… Read more »
This East Village restaurant was, for a long time, the talk of the town. Located at the fancy Bowery Hotel, Gemma is actually a bit noisy, but has good reasonably priced food and an extensive typically Italian menu. In our last visit, the Fritto Misto appetizer was slightly oily but still very tasty, and the carciofi salad and tuna were delicious. In general the pasta… Read more »
This Spanish tapas bar and its brother restaurant next door have been a New York hit for a while now. Lines do not cease, so please do not go without making prior reservations. Start with drinks and delicious appetizers served to share at the tiny and dark Bar Jamon. We simply loved the cheese plates, the authentic “jamón ibérico” and the outstanding wine selection. Later… Read more »
A laid back, cool and hip Italian in Greenwich Village. Always busy, always crowded, takes no reservations, so be patient and you will be rewarded with savory Italian dishes. Try to get a table outside if the weather is nice, it is great for people watching. The menu is a little concise but well supplemented with a list of specials. The vitello tonnato is excellent,… Read more »
Inexpensive option for excellent Mediterranean food in a nice setting, super handy if you need to have a proper meal in between shopping or sightseeing. There are three different branches in town and we quite like the one very well located in Midtown. Most dishes are made with the highest quality olive oil, and the fixed price menus are worthwhile. Do not pass on the… Read more »
In Midtown and hidden backdoors in the middle of the Le Parker Meridien hotel, this tiny laid-back joint serves the best burger in town! Nobody really knew about it until some years ago, and although nowadays it has become quite popular, it is still excellent. Forget about any fancy gourmet bistro artisanal versions of burgers that has become the current vogue, here we are talking about the best… Read more »
With branches in many different cities of the world, and originally twinned to the famous Venetian hotel and restaurant, Cipriani in Soho is a “see and be seen” kind of place. The local Soho crowd, chic uptowners, midtown business people, Wall Street financiers, virtually everybody goes to Cipriani Soho at some point. On sunny days try to get a table outside under its recognizable bright… Read more »
