In the electric “City That Never Sleeps,” moments of r-n-r help refuel for the next high-sensory adventure. Moments of calm can be found people-watching on a shaded bench in Central Park, in the alfresco Reading Room of Bryant Park or on the Staten Island ferry (equally filled with tourists and commuters) as it glides past the the Statue of Liberty — the majestic emblem of this multicultural hub, with the distinctive New York City skyline soaring over her shoulder.
Whether you arrive via plane, train, or automobile, the sprawling city is fairly easy to navigate with a little research and perhaps assistance from friendly locals. Those lucky enough to fly into the recently enhanced LaGuardia Airport will see how an $8-billion investment has transformed this busy site into a sleek, efficient epicenter full of alluring shops and eateries.
Finding Dreamy Digs
Lodging options in the Big Apple abound, with luxurious Manhattan staples like The Plaza having welcomed visitors to its grand site on the edge of Central Park for more than a century now. While you can (and should, at some point) pick up a quintessentially New York on-the-go breakfast from nearby Liberty Bagels, best enjoyed inside the park’s 843-acre swath of autumnal splendor, you can also savor brunch inside park-side institutions like Sarabeth’s (think smoked salmon benedicts and popovers served with local greens), Tavern on the Green, or Central Park Boathouse. As the weather turns chillier, La Grande Boucherie is the ideal neighboring brasserie in which to indulge in tasty French fare, or simply grab a drink at the bar amid an elegant Art Nouveau backdrop.
Other pampering hotel options that place you near the park, as well as can’t-miss sites like the MoMA and Rockefeller Center, include the Park Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, and The Pierre, A Taj Hotel. Whenever possible, inquire about rooms with park views so as to catch glimpses of the rapidly-changing foliage in all her fall glory. Certain hotels are offering timely packages this fall, like Le Petit Prince Family Package found at Sofitel New York. And at the Garment District’s Refinery Hotel, the &Juliet Girls’ Night Out Package complements the high-energy Broadway sensation currently playing just an eight-minute walk away at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. (We can’t recommend this production enough!) In our opinion, being a part of the Broadway buzz proves one of the most memorable and enlightening parts of any NYC visit.
Staying at the storied Lotte New York Palace, located directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, proves a particularly special HQ as we roll into the festive season ahead. (Its Madison Avenue address is a prime spot from which to stroll to a show at Carnegie Hall or one of countless nearby theater venues, too.) The grand hotel, which gets spectacularly decked for the holidays, features a portion of the historic Villard Houses, built in the 1880s and arranged in a U-shape around a central courtyard. The property also includes a 51-story skyscraper, completed in 1980.
Soak in the building’s exquisite interior during a slow breakfast over coffee and the morning paper at the Villard Restaurant. In the evening, get transported to the opulent Gilded Age – or an episode of “Gossip Girl” – inside the two-story Renaissance-style Gold Room. Beneath dramatic gilt ceilings, sip a martini as you feast on oysters, tuna tartare, caviar and, lobster rolls.
Eating Your Way Across Town
The culinary tour continues. In the midst of Midtown buzz, sit-down lunches and leisurely afternoon tea can be enjoyed in style at Bergdorf Goodman’s seventh-floor restaurant or at Blue Box Cafe, located inside Tiffany’s 5th Avenue flagship store. Here, the brand’s iconic robin’s egg-hued jewelry boxes cascade down from the mirrored ceiling like waterfalls.
Dining options seem to never end in this city, regardless of which neighborhood you land in or what genre you crave — whether you’re in the mood for Greek at Pylos, Middle Eastern at Kubeh, or Italian at Via Carota, favored (for good reason) by some local celebs. In fact, 71-starred restaurants appeared on Michelin’s 2023 guide to New York City, including established haunts like Eleven Madison Park and newer additions like Torrisi Bar and Restaurant. And in this hygge-fueled season of seeking out cozy and romantic vibes, we strongly recommend tucking into Greenwich Village’s Osteria 57, where fresh seafood dishes and warm, hospitable service steal the show.
Soaking in the Sights
Sightseeing wonders in New York City seemingly can evoke every emotion in one day — especially if your multi-faceted itinerary spans from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Tenement Museum to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Bridge and 1.45-mile-long High Line walkway. To get a bird’s-eye view of it all, ride up to the tip-top of One World Observatory, where dinner comes along with dazzling panoramic views from the highest point in the city.
Perhaps you’ll stock up on the latest fall and winter fashion trends in chic SoHo boutiques while in town, pausing at the Parisian-style wicker chairs of La Pecora Bianca for a refreshing drink and snack before carrying on. And film and TV lovers will delight in visiting some of their favorite on-screen haunts with On Location Tours’ offerings, like the latest Friends-themed option that honors the 30th anniversary of the beloved sitcom.
No matter how many steps you clock, meals you devour, and sights you savor, New York City promises to leave plenty of riches for you to discover the next time you return.