NYC + 4 Days + 3 Nights.
Taste of New York. The City that Never Sleeps.
Word to the wise. Eat light because there are so many amazing restaurants to experience. On your next trip go back and enjoy your favorites. Here are a few love and go back to time and time again.
Day 1: Greenwich Village SOHO. The streets vibrate with energy as people appear to be on a mission heading somewhere. You're a tourist, so take your time to take it all in. It boggles the mind just how many wonderful and unique boutiques there are from tea shops to a plethora of perfumeries and candle shops, clothing stores and so much more.
Stroll, Shop & People Watch.
Breakfast @ Balthazar
Although you can go anytime of day, my goal is to get you into all my favs, so stick to the plan! Sit at the bar or a table, sip a glass of Veuve Clicquot, a mimosa or a Bellini, and a croissant or ... whatever appeals.
Lunch @ Joes Shanghai I told you not to overeat! You must try the Soup Dumplings. The streets are dirty and a bit smelly, but the food is worth the journey. It's our son Chase's favorites. It's always first on his list upon arrival to the big City.
After lunch grab and espresso or take in a neighborhood art gallery.
Now it's probably not feasible but you can try to go back to your hotel for a change of clothes and to check into your hotel if you are not staying in the Village, before you head out, but next on your list....
Dinner @ Chinese Tuxedo. (Thankfully we went before the Kardashian's and got too popular.) The night we went I felt like I was walking into the abyss. It was a rainy dark night, no one on the streets, the alley was dim. I was so intrigued. It was as if I was on a movie set and cameras were rolling in the background. It was a bit eerie. Nope. No cameras, no crew, just me alone walking in the rain. I ran to catch up and busted through the doors that opened to an elegant restaurant, Chinese Tuxedo won't disappoint.
Now that I've taken you through the streets of SOHO, Greenwich Village, Downtown and Chinatown it's time to grab a cab and get some sleep. A bath is a good idea and a morning massage or steam if you can fit it in. All highly recommended because in NEW YORK, it's not like LA, in NY everyone WALKS.
Day 2: RISE & SHINE! It's time to visit the Upper East + Mid Town + West Side
So much to cover. I'll just throw it all out there. Pull out your iPhone, boot up your Google Map and duck into the nearest cafe. I encourage trying somewhere more unique than a Starbuck's like my go to Maison Kayser, although there is a Starbuck's conveniently located on every corner. So if you did settle in at a Starbuck's, and now have your Triple Venti Soy No Foam Latte in hand, chart your path for the day and, let's go. There is simply no time to waste and so much to see and do. (Take a moment to click above for a good story about Obnoxious Starbuck's Orders.)
Madison Avenue the Rodeo Drive of NYC boasts all the luxurious and high end shops from clothing to stationary, restaurants and cafes, and my favorite hotel the St. Regis. Our family spent a few wonderful times over the year's as the kids were growing up sometimes with just the four of us, and other times with the grandparents. It is a magnificent hotel ideally situated off 5th Avenue just above Midtown and below Central Park. At Thanksgiving and Christmas time there is no better place.
Barney's New York - is one of the best as far as a flagship store and one of the best Barney's stores located at 660 Madison Avenue. Read about the downsizing due the exorbitant rent hike in The Real Deal.
Dylan's Candy Bar - great for kids, but hey, we all like candy and it's a sight to see. Dylan is the daughter of in infamous Ralph Lauren. On Third Avenue near Bloomingdales.
Is it time for lunch, yet? Before or after, visit or window shop the elegant stores like Ralph Lauren, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and many others located on Madison Ave? If you haven't eaten by now you must be hungry. Up next: Nello.
Nello on Madison Avenue - My husband and I discovered this jewel over 20 years ago when we had no idea is a was so well known. It's a bit pricey, but it's very good. Everyone from the Mafia to Putin dines there, maybe one and the same. After I wrote this I went to grab a link and discovered this awful story. An interesting read. $47,000 for a dinner of 6! That is outrageous. I do recall the last time were were there it wasn't as great as our first time 25 years ago.
Lunch @ Serafina on 61st and Madison, although there are many located throughout the City. Pizza, pasta and a vibrant Italian environment where the locals and tourists go alike.
I love a good indoor museum, but Central Park and the stunning architecture throughout the various neighborhoods is my outdoor museum. I can never get enough of the shops, the flats, the Brownstone's and pre war apartments with detailed wrought iron balusters and exquisite facades, the people standing on the street, from the corner grocery store shopkeeper to the children walking to school with their parent's or nannies. And the fashion. New Yorker's really know how to dress. Even if you weren't born with the attractive gene, you'd be surprised the confidence a good coat an armour can instill.
Museums:
For a more interactive experience, the Spy Museum is for you. I have always wanted to be in the FBI or a CIA agent for as long as I could remember and still do. When I was in my 20's I met a gal who asked me to work with her on a stake out. I really did it. It was a computer scam. I loved it. It could be boring but I was on a real live stake out! You may be asking why I went off tangent, but here's why. My favorite museum is the SPY MUSEUM across from my daughter's office, Hearst. Yep, Hearst Publications, Communications, as in William Randolph. Anyway, the International Spy Museum is the best.
If you prefer modern art you will love the Museum of Modern Art, I know I did.
And of course, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is extremely large, but don't be intimidated just go in and enjoy what you have time for and return next trip to see more. Also, did you know... the ticket to entry at the Met is a suggested price, you can pay what you want to pay. (Just how big is big? The main building is one of the world's largest art galleries, at about 2,000,000 square feet (190,000 m2) in area. The Met is the most popular art museum in the United States with more than 5 million visitors each year.
In the late afternoon head back to your hotel. Grab a shower, a nap, a massage or a facial. Maybe even a workout. Exhale Spa or the one in your hotel. Okay so I said a nap, but maybe there is just not time for that with all the places you have to see and be.
The King Cole Bar @ the St Regis is a good spot for a pre dinner drink. And there is no better place to listen to a bit of jazz and enjoy an after dinner drink than at the infamous Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, another hotel that takes me down memory lane. It really should not be missed, it is not only beautiful but iconic. Check out the documentary my daughter's friend produced... Always At The Carlyle.
Dinner .... SO many to choose from. Let's give you four; you choose.
1. Avra
2. August
3. Daniel
4. Hakkasan
S A
T U R
D A Y ... Saturday
For me, I really love getting up early and walking the streets when the only other people up are the street cleaners. Remember it is Saturday so no one is going to work or school, so get out for an early morning walk and witness NY asleep. Of course you will see a few yellow cabs bringing home those late night party people.
I love the peaceful time during my morning neighborhood strolls, whether I am taking in the architectural masterpieces of the pre war apartments on the Upper East, or enjoying the shopkeepers opening up for the day in SOHO or Greenwich Village, or all there is to see throughout Central Park, or wherever I might be based that trip. I typically book a SoulCycle class, grab a coffee afterwards and catch up on emails at a local coffee shop before the other's rise. New York may never sleep, but neither does Real Estate.
Shower, shampoo and shine as it is time to get back out there. More walking, shopping and eating. Head to The High Line to enjoy a long walk above the City with magnificent views and inspiring architecture then make your way first stop... Chelsea Market. I'd describe it as a farmer's market with unique gift stores and high end street food, really high end. Last time I was in town we went to the Oyster Bar and had a Lobster Roll. Brought me back to Nantucket in my mind.
I can't even begin to tell you all the wonderful places to taste test at Chelsea Market, a feast for the senses.
Restoration Hardware Flagship store is another must see, with a barista bar on one floor and a restaurant on the top, and a whole lot of beauty in between. Located in the Flatiron District, with over 90,000 square feet dispersed over 6 floors it is a real masterpiece, both the interior and exterior.
Continue on, by cab, Uber or on foot to The Bee Hive aka the Vessel at Hudson Yards. Even if you don't climb to the top it's awe inspiring how tall and beautiful the sculpture is.
If you're heading to a play on or off Broadway. I love the idea of dining in a brownstone like at Bar Centrale - if not there try Brasserie Ruhlmann at Rockefeller Plaza. We were just there for a wedding party, and the appetizers were excellent.
I am not a smoker, but I have to say I just love those brownstones, as previously mentioned. Lexington Bar & Books is a favorite. But another fun spot is sipping hot chocolate at Serendipity. Right out of the pages of the movie Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Now if you are going in the winter time you must add skating in Central Park or Rockefeller Plaza to your itinerary.
And on the 4th day spend the afternoon visiting ABC Carpet and Home the flagship store on Broadway, walk the other design shops as you make your way to Eataly in the Flatiron District. After winding your way through the various kiosks and food stations book a table on the rooftop at Serra.
Oh, how do I love New York?!! Enjoy!
XOXO Debbi
PS If somehow you find yourself with more time on your hands, The Whitney is wonderful, as is the roof top restaurant at the Whitney located on Gansevoort Street. And of course, One World Trade Center, the Memorial is pretty magnificent. But bring a handkerchief and Kleenex as you won't leave with dry eyes.
Reservations Required -- The Observatory at One World Trade Center
The Oculus is pretty impressive, check out the story.
Note: Make reservations ahead of time for most everything so you can fit it all in during this whirlwind adventure.
