Famously known as the city that never sleeps, there is no shortage of what to see and do in New York. The small island of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs constitute one of the world’s epicenters of business, fashion, food, art and culture. Whether on a short business trip, a quick getaway or a family vacation, here are some bites of the Big Apple for you to enjoy!
Meatpacking District
Sandwiched between Chelsea and West Village lies the Meatpacking District. This vibrant neighborhood has evolved throughout the 20th century from nightlife central and gritty butchering, meatpacking factories to designer boutiques and beautiful skyline views. The Meatpacking District has become a focal point of stylish restaurants, fashion boutiques, booming businesses and nightclubs. Even with its European cobblestoned streets and historical architecture, the trendy area manages to retain its industrial spirit.
High Line
Inspired by the Promenade Plantée in Paris, the High Line was an abandoned elevated freight line that was transformed into a greenway linear “park in the sky” during the early 2000s. Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea and all the way up to Hudson Yards (34th Street), its three redesigned segments officially opened in 2009, 2011 and 2014, respectively. It has become an iconic site worldwide for its combination of landscape architecture, ecology and urban design, and has contributed to increasing real estate value in the area. As if that weren’t enough, its stunning skyline views towards New Jersey and its reflection on the Hudson River make the High Line one of the best spots to catch spectacular sunsets.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Marking the southernmost entrance to the High Line is the Whitney Museum of American Art. Founded by art collector and sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum was originally located in Upper East Side from 1966 to 2014 and in 2015 moved to an impressive 8-story building in Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District. Focusing on American contemporary art from the 20th and 21st century, it currently showcases more than 600 works by more than 400 artists.
Brooklyn
To the east of the island of Manhattan lies Brooklyn, the most populous of the five boroughs of the City of New York. Originally a 17th century Dutch settlement named “Breukelen”, 21st century Brooklyn has transformed into a trend-setting destination for postmodern art, live music and diverse cuisine. Most of its neighborhoods remain as ethnic enclaves, offering glimpses and tastes of cultural diversity, as well as historical architecture and urban design. From avant-garde architecture and hipster bars in Williamsburg to brownstones and cobblestoned streets in DUMBO, Brooklyn offers a rich variety of experiences and sights of iconic New York landmarks.
Williamsburg
Historically characterized as a shipbuilding, manufacturing and industrial zone during the 19th and 20th centuries, Williamsburg has quickly grown to become the most densely populated neighborhoods in New York and the United States. Synonymous with hipster culture, it has become a hotspot for trendy bars and restaurants. Its convenient location on the northeastern shore of Brooklyn offers beautiful waterfront views and favorable connections to Manhattan through the L subway line and the iconic Williamsburg Bridge.
DUMBO
Lodged between the Brooklyn Bridge and Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass is DUMBO, the city’s 90th historical district and the nest of 25% of NYC-based tech firms. A former manufacturing zone, DUMBO has evolved as a hub for technological startups and as a prominent and colorful art district, with a significant number of for-profit and not-for-profit galleries, street art and murals. Abandoned warehouses have been repurposed as luxurious lofts with one of the best city views and the cobblestoned streets retain the neighborhood’s charm and aesthetic, making DUMBO one of New York’s most coveted residential areas.
Trendy restaurants and bars in New York
Also referred to as a “melting pot”, it is no surprise that New York offers a wide array of culinary experiences that merge culture and flavor. The area of Tribeca is dotted with French-American fusions that pack a whole lot of flavor and flair.
Frenchette
Opened in 1997 and named after the 1978 David Johansen song Frenchette, it has positioned itself as a trendy and remarkable hybrid of a French brasserie and an American steakhouse. Its Art Deco interiors, exceptional service, and tasty and unpretentious dishes alleviate the fact that getting unreserved seating is as unlikely as getting a reservation.
Arcade Bakery
Arcade Bakery is so much more than a bakery in the lobby of an office building; with abundant seating and relaxed atmosphere, it is the home to the very best croissant in New York. You can also enjoy tasty pizza, fresh breads and sandwiches, and delicious desserts and pastries.
The Odeon
The Odeon is a cafeteria that became the favorite hangout of New York’s glamorous and famous in the 1980s, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Diane Von Furstenberg. Serving French-American food and one of the first restaurants to ever serve Cosmopolitans, The Odeon is credited as being responsible for transforming the area of Tribeca into a popular hotspot.
AIRE Ancient Baths New York
Right in the center of Tribeca and tucked inside a repurposed 19th century textile factory is AIRE Ancient Baths, an underground grotto of calm and relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown New York. Indulge your senses and unwind your body and mind in the luxurious experiences AIRE offers, such as Himalayan Salt and Wine baths, and baths at various extreme temperatures in the tradition of the ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman civilizations.
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