From bustling crowds in mid-town, to hidden gems in the village, there is plenty to indulge in during the off-the-clock hours. Wherever you are, New York City is always on, and the volume cranked all the way up.
Sleep: With a full stable of indulgently and eclectic luxury accommodation, the Thompson hotels have all your bases covered in any area of the city. And for those seeking something with more voyeuristic tendencies, The Standard is your port of call.
Shop: NYC is synonymous with shopping, and while the usual suspects in midtown will serve you well (H&M, Zara and the see-it-to-believe-it size of the flagship Uniqlo), the crowds can sometimes make the shopping experience less than pleasant. If you’re in search of fewer lines, head to the formerly carnivorous Meatpacking District, where designer stores are cropping up faster than you can say “gentrification”. Opening Ceremony also provides a fantastic array of designer threads on the quieter end of Soho, and if you’re heading that way, why not pay a visit to the fabulous Prada Store, amongst the many other visually striking stores, where no attention to detail has been mislaid.
Snack: Bakeries are all the rage, for now at least. Dominique Ansel is the one stop sweet shop for all things delicious (and the man himself is often in residence), while Momofuku Milk Bar has gained cult-like status with their signature ‘Crack Pie.’
See: The stretch of Museum Mile is overwhelming in choice for anyone with only days (or hours to spare). So with limited time and never ending lines, it would be wise to skip the big ones, and head straight to the Lower East side to get your culture hit at The New Museum, where new ideas and art are embraced in a box shaped visual feast
Stroll: Central Park is perfect for a morning stroll with a beautiful and quintessential New York City backdrop. Alternatively, The Highline – formerly abandoned and elevated railway tracks, recently turned public park- offers a truly unique view of the city.
Savor: Novelty food is all the rage and nothing says novelty like a joint dedicated entirely to mac ‘n’ cheese. Head to S’mac to try combinations you never knew existed. For the brunch inclined, Peels offers mid-morning feeds with a twist of Southern hospitality. And if there’s one thing New York City does without competition, it’s bagels. For the very best, head to Russ & Daughters.
Sip: For after hours, 6 on 6 Columbus rooftop bar is all sleek designs with stunning and unobstructed views from way up high. And if it’s an old world speakeasy you’re after, Employees Only engages in that unique NYC-style humble arrogance, with an entrance that seems to have been misplaced.