The New York of May
There was a time (exactly ten years ago) when I had never been to New York. Just read about my New York virgin adventure and how it all came to be. In the meantime, I have made up for lost time (I've lost count of how many times I've been) and after three months in the Netherlands, I always start to itch again. New York is my favorite getaway. So if I can give you a little nudge: go. TUI really has a great offer (from €599 including flight and two nights in a boutique hotel, that's really an insane deal) and I'll guide you on where to go.
1. New York for dummies
If you've never been to New York, you really have to go to the Theatre District. Just to feel the ‘real’ New York as we know it from movies. The skyscrapers, the lights, Broadway... Walking down a street and knowing that only the best dancers, singers, and actors perform there. Bette Midler on the left, Michael Moore on the right. This is where it all happens.
Moreover, it's wonderful to wake up in the heart of the city. You'll undoubtedly be awakened by sirens that make you feel like you're in Ghostbusters. Walk to Central Park, buy a nice juice from one of the many carts along the way, and rent a little boat in Central Park. Not expensive, no line, and so good for your Instagram. And don't forget the M7M store on Broadway. I once had M&M's customized there, and that is, ahem, the most viewed video on Amayzine ever...
2. New York for advanced
After a day or two, you've probably had your fill of midtown. You are now officially a New Yorker and ready to head down. My favorite 'I want to live there later' neighborhood is Greenwich. Yes, where Carrie lived and where Sarah Jessica Parker also lives. If possible, I eat at Morandi on Waverly Place. A great Italian (with a terrace) where only locals go. But also Daniel Day Lewis and Chelsea Clinton. For lunch, I like to go to Saint Ambroeus, a local spot where you might see Johannes Huebl playing backgammon next to you. If you're wandering around there, stop by Casa, the magazine store with the largest selection of magazines in the world. Name it, and they have it, and if not, they'll order it. I got this tip from Sarah Jessica Parker's manager. Yes, I mention it very casually as if it's the most normal thing in the world. It's tiny, but they have everything. At least our kind of magazines. And they play beautiful classical music, which makes it a surreal experience. Diane von Furstenberg buys her magazines there every day, so who knows, you might run into her.
3. Soho
A second love where a bit more happens than in Greenwich. Here you have all the big boutiques from Chanel, Dior, and all the rest (and Victoria's Secret, of course), but also the cutest lunch spots and restaurants. Jack's Wife Freda, The Butcher's Daughter, Cipriani's downtown, and even Laduree has a great courtyard and is really a nice place to have breakfast. The last tip not to be shared is Beauty And Essex for a better overall experience of going out and dining.
4. New York for the very advanced
Grab a bike (really easy, and when I say it, it really is easy) and ride through the city. Cycle past Meatpacking District (once hip, then very much on the decline, and now recovering with many nice restaurants) where you are really cool if you eat at Hector's Cafe & Diner, just behind the Standard Hotel. The Milk Studios (where many shoots for leading magazines take place) are nearby, and there's a good chance you'll see a top photographer or model eating here. They all don't want to be seen all the time in the ‘cool’ places. Then just bike over to Brooklyn. Take the Brooklyn Bridge (stay far right because those New Yorkers will knock you off your socks), because everyone else is going faster than you anyway, and stop at the top for a selfie with eternal value. Got hungry? Go to Roberta's for a pizza. Not very fancy, but super hip. I know culinary journalists who have Roberta's high on their checklist.
5. Another tip
Have a drink in the bar of the Bowery Hotel, the place where creative New York comes together. With dogs. Very cozy with Mary-Kate Olsen on the left and Naomi Campbell on the right. Maybe the room is just a bit too pricey for you, but a drink should be doable.
6. Another tip II
Wine is quite expensive in New York. Have a cocktail. Much more festive and for the same price.
7. Another tip III
Near Soho is China Town. There you can eat deliciously for less than ten euros. Maybe not a place where you linger all afternoon, but hey, then you have time to go to The Net. Or to the Guggenheim. Or to shop.
8. Another tip IV
I am available for hire as a guide...
Feeling inspired? I'm going to make you happy with the TUI offer . And know that if you go, I will be incredibly jealous of you. Provided you seriously consider point 8...
Amayzine x TUI readers' trip to New York
Book by December 31, 2017, and go 4 days to New York with 2 nights from €599. You will stay in boutique hotel Hotel Arlo NoMad. From the Arlo NoMad hotel, you will find yourself at all the hotspots of New York City in no time. After a long day, take one last look at the city from the 31st floor of rooftop bar The Heights.
What do you get?
· Return flight Amsterdam – New York
· Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
· Overnight stay in hotel Arlo Nomad****
· Free excursion to Empire State Building (worth €33 per person)
· Free travel guide ‘Time to momo New York’ per booking
