The Big Apple. The Capital of the World. The City So Nice They Named It Twice. Whatever you call it, there’s no denying that New York is one of the most influential cities in the world, irrefutably shaping the face of culture, fashion and art over time.
The City itself is possibly the most iconic thing about NYC: think of Manhattan, and you think hot-dogs, Central Park, the Friends theme tune and brownstone walk-ups. This week it’s NYFW, and troves of oh-so-stylish fashionistas will flock to this metropolis to soak up the fashion – with a good help of New York-y culture on the side. If you’re jet-setting across the pond and want an authentic NYC experience, we’ve got the definitive guide of super iconic Manhattan hot-spots that you definitely need to see – pretzel in hand, obviously.
To Stay In A Manhattan Institution: The Plaza
Located in Midtown Manhattan, this 20-storey hotel overlooking Central Park has been officially recognised as a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. With Fifth Avenue stretching out below, the Plaza Hotel is instantly identifiable by its grand exterior (and location shots in several world-famous films) and is the perfect place to lounge in luxury.
For A Traditional Hot-Dog: Katz’s Delicatessen
Possibly the most famous deli in America, Katz’s Delicatessen has been serving drool-worthy American treats since 1888. Known for their pastrami sandwiches in particular, the hot-dogs here are not to be missed – they sell 4000 sauerkraut-topped frankfurters a week.
To Experience NYC Life: Central Park
Whilst it probably needs no introduction, Central Park is the most visited urban park in the entire of the USA; it is one of the most popular filming locations in the world, and has roughly 40 million visitors each year. Whether you hit the ice-rink, take a leisurely lap around the boating lake or simply sit on a bench and people-watch, Central Park is a must on your NYC to-do list.
Must-Visit New York Destinations (That Aren’t the Statue of Liberty)
French-Japanese fusion pastries and kittens; Alice in Wonderland inspired evenings; and original speakeasies from the roaring twenties. Discover some of our must-see kooky and quirky New York attractions here.
To Soak Up The Culture: Guggenheim Museum
Sat imposingly on the corner of Fifth Avenue, the Guggenheim Museum is a piece of art in its own right – you certainly won’t miss the unique cylindrical building in your yellow taxi. Housing works by Leger, Klee, Metzinger – to name but a few – if you take in one museum in New York, it should be the Guggenheim…
For An Iconic Meal Out: The Rainbow Room
On the 65th floor of the Comcast Building at the Rockefeller Plaza, the Rainbow Room was opened in 1935 and has become a Manhattan icon. With French-inspired interiors and landmark status, the Rainbow Room is often featured in popular culture – it’s a favourite muse of Woody Allen, Hall and Oates, and the sitcom writers of Friends, Will & Grace and Seinfeld.
For The Most Stylish Cocktails: 21 Club
Formerly a speakeasy, the 21 Club (or simply ‘21’, to those in the know) is a bar-lounge serving traditional cocktails: green apple Martinis, Sidecars and (of course) Manhattans are drinks of choice here.
To Shop – New York Style: Bloomingdale’s
If you go to New York and don’t come home with a Little Brown Bag, did you really go to New York? Department store of dreams, Bloomingdale’s is a haunt for serial shoppers everywhere. Oh Bloomies, we love you…
