everydaycities
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new york

New York City: the name itself has such a magnetic quality that you simply cannot stay away from this place for too long. Fitzgerald found “wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world” here. And the delicate balance of mystery and beauty hold true to the varied boroughs of the city today. Something about New York makes it seem untouchable; humbling you through its grandiosity and rigour in a way that no other place can. A city of many personalities that can offer something unique no matter the season, year, or purpose of travel. Words can never truly represent this city more accurately than drawing your own personal story and experiences that keep you coming back for more.


population

8 .5 mil

currency

USD

distance from JFK airport to downtown

26km

average summer temp

84F

ideal travel time

5 days


arlo hotel

Hotel

 

Opening in 2016, it's no surprise that Arlo won Fodor's Best New Hotel Award for that same year. Upon entry, the pleasant yet subtle smell of sandalwood and vetiver welcomes you to the lobby, which instantly feels like your own trendy living room in the city. The curated bar, lounge and eating areas, are among the array of communal gathering spaces encouraging guests to spend time together rather than alone in their rooms. It's fitting then, that each guest room is micro-sized; thoughtfully designed to maximize space and storage without compromising comfort. You'd think a bed occupying the entire width of the room would be a limitation, but it just works here.

Area / Hudson Yards 

Vibe / The epitome of smart and sophisticated New York with refined details.

 

buvette

Cafe

 

In a city where dining options are over-saturated, this spot manages to return to basics by perfecting the balance of classically good food and wine. Though very well-known by the neighbourhood, the quaint gastrothèque serving quintessential French fare in West Village still manages to feel like a hidden gem that you've discovered all on your own. Open from 8AM until 2AM the next day, the place is constantly buzzing with lively New Yorkers having an early morning scrambled eggs gravlax or a late afternoon croque monsieur. Chef Jody Williams tells a story with her timeless European dishes and meticulously curated wine list, and with each visit it becomes quite effortless to fall in love here.

Area / West Village

Vibe / Vivacious and lively gastrothèque serving a slice of Paris in Manhattan.

the highline

Public Space

 

It should be noted that finding respite on the busy streets of Manhattan is a rarity, which makes the High Line an ideal retreat to gallivant along  without ever having to press a sidewalk crossing. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro architects, this innovative, linear public park was intended to revitalize an extensive elevated transit rail line. Walking the city is made easy here, where you can meander past public steps, markets, and gardens from Hell's Kitchen to the Whitney Museum. Promising views of the city and bountiful greenery have quickly become a quintessential part of the city's urban form, where the public can meander in unscripted ways. 

Area / Meat Packing > Hudson Rail Yards

Vibe / Elevated train line makeover into an elongated public square.

lower east side

Neighbourhood

 

New York is a composition of cultured pockets and varied urban atmospheres, which is why visiting it is akin to being in twenty places at once. This juxtaposition is even more amplified in LES, which has over the years become a mecca for New York's underground creative culture both new and old. It is easy to spend an entire day here wandering through pocketed galleries or museums, touring the many unique shops, or sampling its vivid restaurant scene. For your dose of the latest art currency, a visit to the New Museum of Contemporary Art is always encouraged, followed by a sweet treat at Morgenstern's Ice Creamery around the corner.

Area / Lower East Side

Vibe / Trendy yet gritty exuding uncanny charm at the heart of urban cool.

de maria

Restaurant & Cafe

 

This day to night New York establishment in the heart of Nolita has rapidly become a desirable eating destination in the city for busy city-dwellers. The sun-drenched space is equal parts funky and minimal, while the kitchen dishes out healthyish takes on New American fare seven days a week. An entirely female-led restaurant with inventive and seasonal dishes are plated and served with precision and grace in pretty pastel coloured ceramics. Whether its a slow and lazy breakfast or a quick power lunch, a meal here will not only leave you feeling satiated but strong and empowered too. 

Area / Nolita

Vibe / Vibrant and funky female-united cafe run by women, for anyone and everyone.

world trade center hub

Architecture

 

Many changes to the public realm have occurred in the last few years at the WTC site, however it's the transportation hub that demands your attention. The sublime steel structure, also referred to as the oculus for its eye-shaped atrium, is a convincing symbol of freedom and prosperity for the city of New York. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the arched canopies extend outward creating the dramatic and grandiose effect of a widespread wingspan on the exterior. The inside, which straddles the identity of a subway hub and shopping mall, is a shield of safety and an ideal place for observing New Yorkers as they move through the city.  

Area / Financial District

Vibe / A centrepiece of transportation, housed in a protective and soaring atrium.

whitney museum of american art

Museum

 

This innocuous building is one of New York's newest Renzo Piano designed projects at the centre of the Meat Packing District and ultimately, marks the southern entrance to the High Line. Many of the art museums in the city can be daunting and become over-saturated with visitors, however the scale of the Whitney doesn't demand your entire day for a visit, making the experience of the art and architecture alike quite relaxing. A visit to the Whitney ends at the rooftop vista with unparalleled views of Manhattan, but be sure to follow with a stroll along the High Line and into the Chelsea Market for lunch. 

Area / Meat Packing District

Vibe / Ship-like architecture and refined lines in the heart of cobblestone Manhattan.

prune

Restaurant

 

As chef and writer, Gabrielle Hamilton, wrote in her memoir Blood, Bones, and Butter, 'Prune' was the nickname her mother gave her as a young girl. Naturally, she would go on to name her restaurant of 18 years just that. Prune is ambitious and creative in its delivery of eclectic new-American dishes as well as Italian and French classics. However, its highly regarded reputation is earned from being a well-rounded and timeless restaurant that feels just as relevant now as it did upon opening. A restaurant essential in the East Village, the food and warm service is nothing short of comforting and innovative. For a dining experience that is quaint, memorable and impervious to the newest trend, Prune fires on all cylinders.

Area / East Village

Vibe / No frills classic and charming bistro, with a local neighbourhood atmosphere.

mimi

Restaurant

 

An excellent meal is next to guaranteed at this quaint establishment on Sullivan Street in Greenwich Village. At a time when the ambiance of many grand restaurants is all the rage, and the food is often overlooked, Mimi is evidence that returning to the vibe of a small and intimate eatery with highly focused cooking works exquisitely. She has it all - mood, sophisticated and exquisite French food, impeccable drinks and service. A standout dish through their always-changing menu is the perfectly sweet and salty boudin noir. It is a must to finish with the baba au rum, a classic dessert that is unapologetically doused in fresh whipped chantilly cream. You'll be feeling wonderfully tipsy from the amount of rum in that slice of goodness alone.

Area / SoHo

Vibe / Romantic and contemporary bistro that feels unequivocally like Paris in SoHo.

public hotel

Hotel

 

The Lower East Side has for a long while felt a little void of boutique resting accommodations, until Ian Schrager's project popped up on the corner of Bowery and Houston. The building, designed by prolific architects Herzog and de Meuron, is first experienced through Japanese maples and magnolia trees gracefully residing in the hotel courtyard providing for a serene outdoor experience. The rooms, complete with minimal built-in bed furniture, are comfortably chic and the rooftop lounge offers a stunning view of the city. Satisfying design details aside, the hotel's whole mantra is luxury for all, meaning affordable rates all year round.  

Area / Lower East Side

Vibe / Hip and happening design hotel with atmospheric spaces and luxurious details.

 

other recommendations

 

The Nolitan  -  Hotel

Happy Bones  -  Cafe

Nolita  -  Neighbourhood

Four Freedoms ParkArchitecture

Wildair  -  Restaurant

Estela  -  Restaurant

Two Hands  -  Cafe & Restaurant

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream  -  Ice Creamery

Lincoln Center  -  Public Space & Theatre

West Village  -  Neighbourhood