WILL DEFINITELY HAPPEN: You will stroll though Central Park. The enormous lungs of NYC are simply stunning. People watching and nature at its best: an interesting, and eclectic mix of exercise fanatics, 9 to 5’ers and tourists. There is always something happening in the park, a free concert, a dance troupe or just something that’s downright jaw dropping. Personally, I go to feed the squirrels, and stay to people watch.
WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN: You will try a New York hot Dog . Go ahead eat your hot dog but I recommend while in NYC go to David Chang’s Momofuku- the Shrimp Buns and the Spicy Miso Ramen are to die for!
PROBABLY WON’T HAPPEN: You’ll visit Brooklyn. But, you should seriously avoid tourist traps like the ferry to Elis Island unless you really have the urge to walk up all those steps inside the Statue of Liberty. The BEST view of The City is from Brooklyn, plus Brooklyn has some kick-ass cuisine. Try the Arepas at Caracas Arepa Bar in Brooklyn. I have Local Knowledge in Brooklyn and this place is up there with some of the best Argentinian in NYC!
DEFINITELY WON’T HAPPEN: You will stay in one of the most expensive hotel suites in the world- the Presidential Suite at The Trump Tower comes with its own driver and butler too! If you’re going to NYC with some cash then at least eat downstairs from the suite at the 3-Michelin Starred ‘Jean Georges’ (if you can get in-SEE MICHELIN STAR section for this). Try the Oeufs au Caviar-one of our top 3-Michelin Star dishes.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NYC:
- Central Park. As described above, a stroll in the lungs of NYC is essential. Always something new and exciting to discover.
- Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge. The great appeal of the Brooklyn Bridge is that the view is all around you: Look up to see the famous steel-cable suspension grid, look down at the water of the New York harbor and, as you amble away from Manhattan, turn back to see the skyline views expand as you get closer to Brooklyn. The scene just gets better once you arrive at the Brooklyn Promenade, where you can stroll the waterfront with lower Manhattan. Plus Brooklyn is a foodie’s paradise with a wonderfully culturally diverse array of restaurants, cafes, bars and dives!
- Visit MoMa (Museum of Modern Art). Beautiful architecture and artworks from Andy Warhol and Van Gogh.
- Rockefeller Center. The media hub of NYC. Shopping and great restaurant. Grab a coffee and a pasterie from Bouchon Bakery are wander around the area, the top of The Rock offers spectacular views of the city. In winter time there is even an ice skating rink. Very cool!
- Statue of Liberty (no need to catch the Ellis Island ferry and walk up all those steps). I say, avoid the crowds and save your energy and see the Statue of Liberty from a Sail boat sipping Champagne!
- Roof top bar and night out in the city. Le Bain rooftop bar at The Standard
is the ideal rooftop bar. The views from the Standard so the unique vistas take in both the elevated park and the Hudson River, with midtown Manhattan and New Jersey twinkling in the distance. - Shopping on 5th Avenue. Department stores Bergdorf Goodman’s and Saks are 2 of the best department stores in the world. You will find anything your heart desires and more! These department stores are fun for window-shoppers too.
- Foodie day. Eat your way through a day in New York. The City is not only famous for hot dogs! The Cronut was invented here by Chef Dominique Ansel at his bakery check that out along with other delicious New York delicacies like a mile-high deli sandwich from Katz’s Deli. New York is a varied and exciting world of food to eat your way through.
- Grand Central Station. Arguably one of the most beautiful stations in the world. It is certainly the most famous station and great place for a selfie.
- See a show on Broadway. I have to get this off my chest: Broadway sucks! I have visited New York many times over the last 32 years. Its now too ‘Disney-fied’. The bright lights have always been there but now it feels cheap. I have fond memories of seeing ‘Cats’ years ago and there shows like ‘The Lion King’, that are running. If you’re going to see a show, what a great memory to see in on Broadway in NYC, but you have been warned.
Where to EAT for a totally unforgettable culinary experience: Per Se – Keller’s NYC answer to The French Laundry – located in trendy Columbus Circle and overlooking Central Park – perfect spot for a power lunch or lavish dinner. This is one of the only 3 Michelin Star restaurants in the world where you can walk in without a booking and have a cocktail and a few dishes on the outside tables. However, be sure to book well in advance if you want to actually be seated in the dining room and have the prix fixe menu. While there order ‘Oysters and Pearls’ with a glass of bubbly- Keller’s signature dish is a decadent dish and one of my favorite dishes I have ever eaten.
Where to STAY for a first-timer to New York– 6 Columbus A Sixty Hotel: Ideal location for a first-timer to NYC, walk-ability 10 out of 10, situated right on Columbus Circle and wont break the budget. 6 Columbus is within 2 minutes walk from Central Park and walking distance to 3 of the top (3 Michelin Star) restaurants in the USA. This boutique hotel has a cozy roof bar and sushi in-house … you won’t want to leave but if you do you can literally walk anywhere you need for a quick NYC stop-over of mini va-cay. A hop and skip across the park and you will find all world-class boutiques and famous New York department stores, your little shop-a-holic heart desires!
