QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

Known as the “Big Apple” or the "City That Never Sleeps", New York is a city of superlatives. The city comprises five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. With over 8.2 million residents within an area of 322 square miles, New York City is the most densely populated city in the United States. New York is not only America's biggest city; it’s also the most exciting. New York is the business and cultural capital. Essentially, it is the nation's trendsetter.

GO THERE FOR

Shopping - Even with all the attractions and events in New York, nothing beats a day of shopping at the finest stores in the city. Plan a stroll down Fifth Avenue or through SoHo, and be sure to explore famous designer boutiques and art galleries.

The Food - In the city that never sleeps there is plenty of time for dining and an unlimited variety of options to choose from. Everything from sushi and dim sum to hot dogs and donuts are available in New York City. You can find a large selection of some of the finest dining with flavors from all around the world in New York.

Touring - Visitors may tour New York simply by walking or in a double-decker bus. There is also a variety of walking tours of specific neighborhoods, as well as self-guided walking tours of historic sites in Manhattan. Brief helicopter tours offer a dramatic view of the Manhattan skyline, as do scenic cruises of New York Harbor. In addition there are many site specific tours including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City and the studios of the NBC television network.


DON'T MISS

New York is famous around the world for its glittering nightclubs. Whether you want to listen to classical music, see a ballet, or experience the nightlife in the numerous clubs -you will be satisfied with all the city has to offer. From lounges and martini bars to jazz clubs and disco nightclubs, New York City has something to offer everyone after dark. Comedy clubs, improvisational theatre and singles lounges are key New York attractions.

American Museum Of Natural History
Central Park West at W. 79th Street
No child—or adult for that matter—who has strolled under the enormous blue whale has ever forgotten this cavernous museum on the Upper West Side. It's still best known for its dinosaur skeletons, but other perennial favorites include the stuffed animals, so carefully preserved that they appear ready to walk out of the dioramas and prowl down the corridors. Don't miss the hall of African mammals with its centerpiece herd of elephants. Temporary exhibits sometimes include live creatures, such as lizards and snakes.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
You could spend weeks here admiring the diverse collections. Among the highlights is the European painting gallery packed with masterpieces, a trove of Egyptian art and artifacts, an impressive selection of Greek and Roman statuary, American paintings and sculpture from colonial times through the present day and prehistoric artifacts from all over the globe. Our suggestion is to pick two or three small sections you'd like to see and then return another day for a few more. Or browse some of the less crowded, but no less stunning collections. These include the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, or the small but well-curated galleries of modern works. The museum's Costume Institute displays portions of its extensive collection of clothing from around the world in themed exhibits twice a year. Also make time to sit and people-watch in the American Wing Café, overlooking a fountain. If you're looking to meet someone we suggest the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden (closed in winter), accessed by the southwest elevators on the first floor. The garden features amazing views of Central Park, hosts sculpture exhibits, and serves up simple drinks such as beer and wine. The Met is perennially popular, although crowds thin on Friday and Saturday nights as the museum stays open until 9:00p.m. Closed most Mondays.

Museum Of Modern Art
11 W. 53rd Street
The world's preeminent museum for modern art reopened in November 2004 on its original site in a new building designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi. The new structure extensively expanded its gallery space and added a soaring, light-filled atrium 110 feet high. The walls themselves are designed to create the appearance of floating in space. Of course the most important feature is the art. The masterpieces in the permanent collection are some of the most significant pieces of art in the world. There are also seasonal collections that feature artists such as Matisse.


BASICS

Quintessentially USA
353 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA
Telephone: +1 212 206 6633
Email: askqusa@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +1
Area Code: 212
Emergency Services: 911
Directory Enquiries: 411
Electricity: 120V/ US flat blade plug
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 0.63 GBP; 1 GBP = 1.58 USD (Subject to change)
Time: EST (UTC -5), Second Sunday March – First Sunday November EDT (UTC -4)
John F. Kennedy International Airport
(718) 244-4444
www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk
Newark Liberty International Airport
(973) 961-6000
www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty
LaGuardia Airport
(718) 533-3400
www.panynj.gov/airports/laguardia


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport…
JFK Airport - 15 miles from Manhattan this 40 to 60 minute trip. Taxi fare costs USD 45 plus tolls (about USD 4) and tip.

For USD 5, the AirTrain JFK takes you to the Long Island Rail Road, J/Z subways at Jamaica Station, and the A subway at the Howard Beach station. From here it's a 60 to 75 minute ride to midtown. A MetroCard, used for subways and buses, costs USD 2 per ride and is available at the airport and subway stations.

Newark Airport - Taxi fare for the 45 to 60 minute trip costs USD 40 - USD 60, plus tip and tolls (about USD 10).

The Olympia Newark Airport Express goes to Grand Central Station and Port Authority. The trip takes 45 to 60 minutes and is USD 14 one way and USD 22 round trip. Super-shuttle charges USD 17 - USD 19 to Manhattan. An Airlink shared-ride van is USD 15 to Midtown. The AirTrain leaves from the gate level and connects to the Rail Link Station, where you can access trains to NYC's Penn Station (one way on NJ Transit is USD 14 and takes 30 minutes; one way on Amtrak is USD 28 and takes 23 minutes).

LaGuardia - Taxi fare for the eight-mile, 30 to 45 minute trip costs USD 30 - USD 65. It costs USD 22 - USD 35 for groups, plus tolls (USD 4.50) and tip.

The M60 public bus, which stops at the terminal, goes to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, among other stops. SuperShuttle charges USD 15- USD 17 to Manhattan. For the 40 to 60 minute ride, New York Airport Service Express Bus charges USD 12 one way, USD 21 round trip between LaGuardia and Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority and Penn Station. An Airlink shared van is USD 13 to midtown.

New York City has two main rail stations, Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station. Grand Central is on the East Side, in Midtown, and Penn Station is on the West Side, just below Midtown. Both are served by numerous bus and subway lines. Metro-North Commuter Railroad, which goes to NYC suburbs in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, serves Grand Central. Penn Station serves Long Island Railroad (LIRR), Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and PATH (Port Authority Trans Hudson).

Quintessentially Driven offers a luxurious fleet of chauffeur driven Jaguar XJ cars which offer internet access and are ‘Carbon Neutral’. Available both by the hour or for specified longer distance journeys, and including all airport transfers, our service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If, however, you prefer to do all the driving yourself, our Prestige Self Drive Cars will ensure you take to the road in true style, giving you the chance to drive some of the most amazing luxury and sports cars around.
www.quintessentiallydriven.com/US/index.html
+1 646 607 5754


WHEN TO GO

Summer (average high 82˚F/27.7˚C) sends New York residents and visitors outdoors to enjoy film festivals, music, public parks and beaches. For baseball lovers, the season continues, while tennis fans head to the U.S. Open in Queens. Summer also is time for annual celebrations. The Museum Mile Festival features nine museums along Fifth Avenue, for a mile-long festivity of free access and entertainment. Many of New York's finest restaurants offer discounted three-course lunches and dinners through Labor Day as an extension of NYC Restaurant Week.
In fall (average high 64˚F/17.6˚C, cooling throughout), the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera host their opening nights, while the New York Film Festival features the films of national and international directors. Later in the season, visitors and locals enjoy The ING New York City Marathon, The New York Comedy Festival, the New York Chocolate Show, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Winter (average high 40˚F/4.8˚C, with lows below freezing) in New York brings traditional holiday celebrations, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center, the world's largest menorah on Central Park South and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The City is host to several winter shows including the National Boat Show, Winter Antiques Show, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Fashion-lovers can enjoy the release of new collections at Fashion Week.
Springtime (average high 60˚F/15.8˚C, warming throughout) in New York City marks the return of the Yankees and Mets, as well as the start of the minor league baseball season. Public parks and botanical gardens in every borough welcome visitors for flower shows. A variety of parades celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Greek Independence Day and Cuban Day, make their way through the city streets in spring.

Public Holidays and Dates of Interest:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Third Monday in January – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
12th February – Lincoln’s Birthday
20th January – Inauguration Day (Every Four Years – Next 2013)
Third Monday February – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
17th March – St. Patrick’s Day
Last Monday May – Memorial Day
4th July – Independence Day
First Monday September – Labor Day
11th September – Patriot Day
Variable – Rosh Hashanah
Variable – Yom Kippur
Second Monday October – Columbus Day
31st October - Halloween
Tuesday after first Monday November – Election Day
11th November – Veterans’ Day
Fourth Thursday November – Thanksgiving Day
25th December – Christmas
31st December – New Year’s Eve


WHERE TO STAY

Downtown

60 Thompson (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
60 Thompson Street

60 Thompson is a trendy boutique hotel located in the heart of SoHo, one of New York's trendiest and most fashionable neighborhoods, you are just steps from numerous boutiques, art galleries, and fine restaurants.

The Greenwich Hotel
377 Greenwich Street

There are 88 rooms, of which no two are alike. The hotel has thirteen suites. Some feature saunas others have working fireplaces. The furnishings have been drawn from a wide range of cultural influences. The hotel is adorned in hand-loomed Tibetan rugs, Moroccan tiles, hand-made Italian terracotta floors and reclaimed pine, oak, chestnut and hemlock wood details throughout.

Trump SoHo (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
246 Spring Street

The Trump SoHo fits neatly into the gentrified SoHo scene. The décor features a dark wood and stone two-story lobby, and fine leather headboards. 391 rooms are spread over 46 stories, and offer views of the bustling Big Apple. The hotel features, a spa, outdoor pool and cocktail terrace, salon, and library all cater to the hip, business-savvy crowd.

The Smyth (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
85 West Broadway

TriBeCa, the fashionable home of actors, musicians, and athletes, welcomed the stylish, elegant, Smyth TriBeCa in 2009. Contrasting a bold and simple design with the most luxurious of amenities, the hotel has earned a place amongst TriBeCa's hottest attractions. With its prime location, the hotel is a great home-base for exploring restaurants, unique buildings, and vibrant cafés as SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown are just a short walk away.

The Mercer Hotel
147 Mercer Street

The Mercer is SoHo's foremost luxury hotel. It offers guest rooms on six floors of a landmark building in one of New York's most exclusive neighborhoods. Noted for its elegant Romanesque revival architecture, you'll experience authentic loft living in this chic area of Manhattan.

SoHo House (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
29 9th Avenue

A spin-off of its sister establishment in London, this members-only club and hotel opened in April 2003 to enormous buzz. Particular attention was paid to its private events and glamorous roof-deck swimming pool. The space has a bar and restaurant, as well as a drawing room, screening room and spa. For non-members, the hotel's guest bedrooms offer access to all the perks.

 

Midtown

The London NYC (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
151 West 54th Street

The London NYC, is a re-interpreted sense of luxury for the modern traveler. It features design by David Collins, Chef Gordon Ramsay’s first US restaurant and bathrooms by luxury bath purveyor, Waterworks.

The Plaza (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South

Recently reopened after a 3-year renovation program rumored to have cost around $80 million, The Plaza has returned with  a facelift that would delight any fashionista. The rooms have every amenity imaginable, from flat screen TVs to almost obscenely comfortable, oversized beds. The public spaces now have a soaring, sweeping grandeur that turns this into the Sex and the City crowd’s fantasy. Yet the traditional attention to detail hasn’t been forgotten, the famous white-gloved butler service offered on each floor is handled to perfection, and the Oak Room & Bar once again stake their claim to New York’s most iconic place for lunch or a cocktail, thanks to the excellent menu that includes such selections as NY strip steak and lobster bisque.

The St Regis
2 East 55th Street at 5th Avenue

The St. Regis features several valued amenities, including a 24-hour multilingual butler service and state-of-the-art video/audio systems. This is a perfect location for important social and corporate gatherings.

Four Seasons
57 E 57th Street

The Four Seasons New York is a five star hotel and the first designed by I.M. Pei on the continent. Known worldwide for its architecture and design, the hotel has established itself as a landmark building in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

Uptown

Mandarin Oriental (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
80 Columbus Avenue

The Mandarin Oriental features rooms situated dozens of floors above the city, with sweeping, grandiose panoramic views of Central Park and the Hudson River. Each room offers something really extraordinary, but this is no surprise as everything about the hotel is sensational. Every attention is paid to a guest’s requirements. The concierge and waiting staff have almost supernatural powers of discernment, and it goes without saying that every aspect of a stay here is remarkable. The accommodation features all the expected mod-cons such as deep-soak baths, iPod docks, huge flat-screen TVs and sprawling beds.

The Surrey (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
20 East 76th Street

The Surrey is a leading luxury hotel in New York. Located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the hotel offers 190 guest salons and suites, many with fireplaces, private terraces and small kitchens. The Surrey also features a spa with private suits and fully customizable treatments, along with Café Boulud.  Just off the lobby, Cafe Boulud serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; the hotel also provides this Michelin-starred restaurant service to their in-room dining and Bar Pleiades.

WHERE TO EAT

Buddakan
75 Ninth Avenue at 16th Street

The second of the mega-restaurants to be opened by Stephen Starr, Buddakan features Chinese-fusion cuisine. The space is huge (at over 17,000 square feet), and is decorated in the sleek style of ancient Chinese banquet halls. The upstairs area is first come first served and features only the appetizer, noodle and rice sections of the menu. Buddakan is perfect for group dining or for club goers looking to get a quick bite before heading out for the evening.

The Stanton Social
99 Stanton St btwn Orchard and Ludlow Streets

The soaring main dining room makes an impression with its high tin ceiling, soft rounded banquettes and small back balcony framed by the restaurant's wine selection. The fun factor is high on the menu of experimental, multi-ethnic plates. Tender Kobe beef sliders, sweet chunky lobster rolls and mango-studded red snapper tacos look almost too cute to eat. For less-traditional fare, try the French onion soup dumplings. Their liquid soup centre bursts in the mouth.

Beauty and Essex
146 Essex Street

The team behind The Stanton Social present a new restaurant, bar, & lounge in the heart of the lower east side. The atmosphere of the space is both grand and intimate, moody and effervescent. Various rooms for lounging and dining unfold on two floors, like a large turn-of-the-century townhouse. The cuisine, much like at the Stanton Social, is multi-ethnic in inspiration, casually elegant, and designed for sharing at the table among friends and family. Where the Stanton Social’s menu is Chef Chris Santos' take on cocktail party classics and street foods from across the globe, Beauty & Essex is rooted in a bold bistro direction focusing on the reinvention of modern family style dining that is both whimsical and sophisticated.

L’Artusi
228 West 10^th Street (between Bleecker and Hudson)

This Italian restaurant features rustic cuisine, a crudo bar, specialty cheese program, private dining room, and a walk-in wine cellar, L’Artusi offers guests a variety of dining options and a warm, friendly vibe. The 110 seat restaurant features two floors of comfortable banquette seating, extended traditional bar, cheese bar and a chef's counter over-looking the open kitchen.

The Lion
62 West 9^th Street

For much of the past decade, John DeLucie has been New York City’s most sought-after chef. As founding chef and partner of The Waverly Inn, DeLucie and his Italian-American take on classic cuisine attracted both the celebrity crowd and serious food fans, who were wowed by his original and eye-opening offerings. The Lion, DeLucie’s newest and most ambitious venture has only solidified his stature as both a serious chef, and a culinary light that attracts the brightest of the glitterati. A standout menu includes traditional Italian-inspired dishes all brought to the table in perfect presentation.

The Modern
9 West 53^rd Street

Located at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Modern is a fine dining restaurant serving Chef Gabriel Kreuther’s Alsatian-inspired, French American cuisine with warm hospitality in a spectacular setting. The Modern’s Bar Room offers guests a more casual, cosmopolitan experience. The extensive wine list includes over 900 international selections; also offered is an exciting array of cocktails. Set in one of the world’s leading art institutions, design plays a major role in every aspect of the dining experience.

Balthazar
80 Spring Street
This is quite possibly restaurateur Keith McNally’s best known restaurant. Balthazar has been the king of the brasserie in New York since opening its doors in 1997. The iconic Plateaux de Fruits de Mer and a bottle of your favorite bubbly will certainly induce relaxation. There is no finer way to admire all that is chic and beautiful in New York. A table at brunch is one of the most sought after reservations in the city. Go and enjoy the delicious breads and enormous lattes.

Il Mulino
86 West 3rd Street
It doesn’t get any more old world than this Greenwich Village Italian eatery. The classic cuisine is ushered in by professional tuxedoed waiters upon arrival and continues consistently throughout the meal.

Blue Hill
75 Washington Place
Dan Barber’s Greenwich Village outpost is the epitome of seasonal New American cuisine. Located in the ground floor of a former speakeasy and offering impeccable service, the experience will create lifelong memories.

Market Table
54 Carmine Street
The geniuses behind Little Owl, Joey Campanaro and Gabriel Stulman, team up again in this rustic West Village spot. Joining the team is a Mermaid Inn vet, Chef Michael Price, simply conceived seafood dishes provide the highlights on the New American menu.

Scarpetta
355 W 14th Street

Scarpetta brings expressive Southern Italian cuisine to the Meatpacking District.  Created by star chef Scott Conant, Scarpetta is set in a spacious, airy surrounding that emanates a more relaxed atmosphere than Uptown offerings. Scarpetta offers an authentic menu that is complemented with an extensive wine list.

The Standard Grill
848 Washington Street

Situated below the trendy Standard Hotel, the Standard Grill is a popular restaurant serving meals throughout the day. The chef at the Standard Dan Silverman has created an “American Bistro” menu to suit a range of currently trendy tastes. This sprawling establishment has sidewalk tables for the café set and bar tables, as well as a separate dining room.

Lavo
39 East 58th Street

Originally opened in Las Vegas, the Lavo brand has recently opened a restaurant night-club hybrid in New York. Lavo incorporates Southern Italian cuisine and has been growing reputation for multi-leveled seafood platters and their Meatball ever since opening. After dinner, Lavo offers a dance music themed, high-energy nightclub.

DBGB
299 Bowery

DBGB Kitchen and Bar is Chef Daniel Boulud's downtown location where the French brasserie is married with the American tavern. On offer are fourteen varieties of house-made sausages from the Merguez to the Vermont and over twenty varieties of seasonal beers. The interiors take their cue from the Bowery's history as New York's industrial neighborhoods. DBGB’s interior features include floor to ceiling shelving stocked with the restaurant's tools and tableware, and allows guests to overlook a partially open kitchen.

Abe & Arthur’s
409 W 14^th Street

Abe & Arthur's is a Contemporary American Bistro.  Featuring traditional American cuisine, Abe & Arthur’s is a place equally suited for after-work drinks or destination cocktails. The bi-level dining room is appointed with smoky mirrored walls, bland linen-covered lampshades, and rows of steel girders painted gray to create a contemporary interpretation of New York chic.

Daniel
60 East 65^th Street

Daniel is another restaurant created by star chef, Daniel Boulud. Daniel features contemporary, seasonal French cuisine in a setting that combines striking neoclassical architecture with elegant modern furnishings. The sophisticated bar and lounge are a welcoming spot for before and after dinner drinks.

db Bistro
55 West 44^th Street

DB Bistro Moderne is four-star chef Daniel Boulud’s modern French-American bistro where the traditions of French cuisine meet the flavors of the American market. The menu reflects the changing seasons and a focus on the simplicity of fine ingredients. DB promises dining that is easy-going and delicious, in a contemporary setting. Located in midtown, at the crossroads of fashion and theater, this is a popular destination for pre- and post-theatre dining.

A Voce
Time Warner and Madison
10 Columbus Circle # 3

Italian restaurant A Voce is located in two locations, with one on the edge of chic Madison Square Park and the other in the Time Warner Center. The emphasis is on grown-up, delicious Italian cookery set against a back drop of Italian style and organic East Coast elements.

The Hurricane Club
360 Park Avenue South

The Hurricane Club offers Polynesian dining for customers. The Hurricane Club provides an abstraction of Polynesian cuisine in a ‘decisively inauthentic menu.’ The Hurricane Club’s cocktail menu also matches the tiki-style with colorful, predominantly rum based drinks.

Bagatelle
409 W 13^th Street

Inspired by the South of France, Bagatelle is a bistro in the Meatpacking district. Bagatelle serves contemporary French cuisine by Executive Chef Nicolas Cantrel and provides classic, elegant service. Bagatelle serves as the perfect backdrop for an intimate party up to a larger celebration of up to 150 guests.

Oceana
1221 Avenue of the Americas.

Drawing on nearly two decades of success at its former location, the new Oceana offers bold American seafood in a modern and elegant space. Executive Chef Ben Pollinger has created a menu that houses bold flavors and innovative compositions. Attention is paid to each element of the meal, with house-made breads, condiments, and smoke cured fish created and presented under his direction.

BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Lavo NYC
39 E 58th Street

The Tao Group brings their famed Las Vegas nightlife and dining concept to New York City with the launch of LAVO New York.  LAVO Nightclub is designed with a multi-layered, voyeuristic approach, ideal for both after dinner entertaining and late night revelry. Tassel adorned curtains at the entrance open to reveal an expansive herringbone tiled space outfitted with custom designed metal railings, wood tufted panels and rich leathers.  The raised VIP area features plush banquettes, sofas and armchairs. According to Tepperberg, “Every great club has a disco ball.”  In accordance with their impeccable attention to detail, LAVO’s own 3D LED disco ball chandelier was custom designed by ICrave to provide optimal light refraction. This glittering disco ball illuminates the sunken dance floor, the focal point of the room.  A raised DJ booth that can also be used for performances is visible from any area in the club. An exclusively designed Martin Audio showcase system has been installed to provide unparallel sound resonating.

SL (Simyone Lounge)
409 West 14^th Street

SL (an acronym for Simyone Lounge) is a perfect complement to Abe & Arthur's, the swanky Meatpacking eatery beneath which it is located. The space, split between two equally chic yet distinct areas, is designed to attract and accommodate a variety of patrons’ needs. If you want to sip a specialty cocktail in a relatively relaxed setting, stick to the front where exposed stone walls and Edison-style light bulbs are meant to showcase the building's history. If you have your party pants on, head to the high-energy back room where the walls are lined with segmented mirrors and patrons can dance to music supplied by a live DJ beneath the reflective ceiling. Enjoy a vast array of delicious cocktails that will keep you running back to the bar for more. You absolutely must try one of the many types of champagne on stock at SL Lounge. SL is a 2,200-square-foot boutique nightclub, whose two-part interior is thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the rich historical foundation on which it rests.

Studio XXI (21)
59 West 21^st Street

Debuted December 2010, Studio XXI is modeled after a classic recording studio and will unify distinctive elements - sound proof auralex on the walls and ceiling, a DJ booth with performance and recording capabilities and a custom backlit bar displaying an illuminated equalizer- with the opulence and sophistication of New York City’s upscale nightlife.  Studio XXI will offer patrons a multi-faceted venue where they can enjoy an exclusive yet comfortable atmosphere. Spearheaded by Mickey Dread and Redd Stylez with Stephan Seguin controlling the velvet ropes this place is guaranteed to be as exclusive as it is beautiful.  The venue also features custom prints by street modern pop artist Alec Monopoly including two Monopoly man prints, one spinning turn tables and the other playing a keyboard and a one of kind Michael Jackson print.The cocktail waitress uniforms were designed by Unk & Wil, two native New Yorkers with fans including Lady Gaga, who are known for their style of uptown class meets downtown flare with a vintage flare.

Avenue
116 10^th Avenue

Serious drinking and serious eating rarely come together in perfect harmony. Your craving for tuna tartare while listening to soul music will definitely be satisfied.  Avenue is your sexy tri-level lounge where you can snack on Kobe beef sliders, down a few martinis, and get your bounce on all at the same time!

The Box
189 Chrystie Street

The Box is an intimate restaurant and theater, with two bars and a stage. A flexible design and top-notch sound system allow us to present all types of live entertainment: bands, shows, parties, private functions, and special events. The Box will bring the excitement and energy of those concert saloons and burlesque halls back to the neighborhood. Not for the stiff, fragile, conservative, or faint of heart!

1 Oak
453 West 17 Street

1 Oak takes New York City nightlife to a whole new level. The door is tough to get through, but once inside, expect an A-list crowd dancing to the hottest tracks all night long.  Gold leaf etchings from Darwin's Origin of Species line the black ceiling and walls, curvy leather banquettes wrap around the room, light fixtures are fashioned from recycled bicycle tires, and walls are upholstered in ostrich leather, making for a club space that is just as sexy as the crowd partying inside. This is definitely a scene; expect bottle popping and celebrity sightings all night long.

The Griffin
50 Gansevoort Avenue

If you're starting to get an itch for an old-school Meatpacking district night, you have a new place to get things started. Griffin has an opulent loungey décor featuring enormous unmarked doors, a beautifully oversized chandelier, the inconspicuous VIP balcony, and their gorgeous deep blue velvet banquettes. Try a strong Manhattan, crafted by the Milk & Honey/Little Branch vets running the bar.

Juliet Supper Club
539 W 21st Street

Welcome to the explosive, Technicolor world of Juliet, a new mind-bender of a restaurant and lounge. Everything in the smallish space is reflective and mirrored, from the disco-ball-tiled floor and walls, to the geometric reflective ceiling and mirror-covered columns. Around midnight, the night will gradually sink into late night and you might find yourself in a warped disco cocoon where bottle service is thriving, booths are filled with packs of ferocious fashionistas and the raised VIP lounge turns into a wild, spontaneous dance rumpus.

Greenhouse
150 Varick Street

You can party for a good cause at Greenhouse. Greenhouse is a first in the eco-friendly club scene in NYC. A lush green oasis is what you will find upon walking in environmentally conscious hotspot. From the sustainable bamboo walls to the uniforms- this eco-friendly night club has set a new bar for the industry. The thumping sound system, 100 % wind power generated, plays a mix of hot club music late into the night.

Kiss And Fly
409 West 13th Street

Owner Graziano, known for cutting-edge club design, applied his artistic touch to this opulent space whose name is borrowed from a nickname given to a certain French airport's departures lounge. The theme is carried throughout, with Europe's top DJs providing the hottest dance tracks from across ‘the pond’.

Tenjune
26 Little West 12^th Street

Diddy has graced the D.J. booth; Janet Jackson, the private VIP bathroom. It's not easy to get past the doorman and into this lounge, from Eugene Remm of Level V and Mark Birnbaum. Located beneath the luxury steakhouse STK, the small horseshoe-shaped dance floor is surrounded by two tiers of tables and a D.J.-performance stage. A leather bar, marble accents, zebra-print tables, and a velvet-rich Purple Room give nearby Double Seven a run for its money.

Marquee
289 Tenth Avenue

It is models and bottles galore at this West Chelsea lounge. The upstairs celeb-friendly VIP area is the place to be. No matter where you wind up, ‘money talks’, so be ready to ‘shell out some serious cash’ for a seat. It is suggested that you should keep a strong female to male ratio.

M2 UltraLounge
530 West 28 Street

One of Miami's hottest nightclubs comes to New York, revitalizing the former Crobar space in Chelsea. Co-owned and operated by Eric Milon along with Mark Baker, Mansion New York melds the best of Miami and New York under one roof. Bucking the trend of small lounges, Mansion boasts enough space to accommodate 2,100 revelers, all partying to a DJ-driven soundtrack of current hits within the lavishly appointed club.

Cielo
18 Little West 12 Street

Definitely a fixture in the MPD. ‘House music all night long’ is what you’ll be served at Cielo. Resident DJs spin the hottest in classic house music, so be prepared to burn some calories. Cielo is a small lounge that also offers a sexy outdoor garden where you can get some fresh air.

XIX
19 Kenmare Street

Introducing XIX, a new lounge deep underneath Nolita Italian date spot Travertine, is now open for select guests. Like all the best dens of iniquity, the numerically named XIX is completely hidden from passersby. Yet once you discover the unmarked door and descend the steep staircase, you’ll be surrounded by a dim, candlelit, and plush little chamber decked with lipstick-red leather couches ringing the room and a series of 1,000-pound slabs of etched marble hanging on the walls. Since no food is served here we’d advise focusing your attention instead on the wine and the DJ.

Tzigan
55 Gansevoort Street

Introducing Tzigan, an of-course-it’s-in-the-Meatpacking-District lounge absolutely smothered in gold and attitude, open now for private parties in the basement of Villa Pacri. Look left, and a gold couch is surrounded by gold chairs and tables, under a gold wall and dimly lit by golden lamps. Look right, and another corner drips with silver on the walls and silver on the chairs. Make your scene at the black marble bar in the center of the action. If you think you may be back, you can always rent a locker for $500 a month for your cognac.

Theatre Bar
114 Franklin Street

There are certain things you’ve come to expect from your bartender. A little snappy patter, an ironic mustache worn without irony, the ability to ignite 100-proof liquor in midair. But sometimes the night calls for a place where the bartenders are bona fide acrobats, singers, actors, jugglers and pyrotechnists, who can not only ignite liquor in midair, but spell out your date’s first name with the flames. That place is Theater Bar in Tribeca. You’ll know you are in the right place when you enter what feels like a vintage upscale vaudeville circus, with red velvet curtains, exposed brick and a tin roof, all surrounding an elevated center bar/stage. The actors in this theater are the ones making your drinks. It’s best to approach with a wide-open mind, take a step back and let the spectacle come to you as the (possibly topless) bartender spins, dips, flips and sets aflame whatever concoction goes with the show. Libations secured, you’ll retreat to one of the long couches lining the walls and literally drink the show. And when it’s time to get some perspective on the evening head up to the DJ booth and VIP balcony, where you can admire the flames from a higher, more elevated perspective.

Bunker Club
24 Ninth Avenue

Feast your eyes on The Bunker, the long-under-construction down-below dance room built in a circa-1840 subterranean vault, and helmed by the guy behind Warren 77 and The Beatrice Inn. After years of reinforcing walls, building brick bars, laying down checkered dance floors and making sure the mirrored disco ball was placed just so, you are cordially invited to walk up to the iron gate sandwiched between Ara Wine Bar and Bill’s Burger. There’s a long bar, a few scattered tables and couches…and that checkered dance floor. Your mission will be to start in the loungey bar area with a shot and a beer, make your way to the dance floor, lose track of time, fall in love with an Eastern European hand model, fall out of love, fall back in love, head back to the loungey area, plant yourself on a couch, lose track of time again in the dim haze of a fading evening of night moves and eventually ascend when it’s time.

XIX
19 Kenmere Street

The fall of Rome was quite a party. Wine flowed like water, indulgent feasts lasted all day, and there’s a reason it’s still called the Roman orgy. Well, it’s only been 1,500 years, but we have a feeling Rome is finally ready to fall again...Introducing XIX, a new lounge deep underneath Nolita Italian date spot Travertine, now open for select guests. Like all the best dens of iniquity, the numerically named XIX is completely hidden from passersby. Yet once you suss out the unmarked door and descend the steep staircase, you’ll be surrounded by a dim, candlelit, plush little chamber decked with lipstick-red leather couches ringing the room and a series of 1,000-pound slabs of etched marble hanging on the walls. Each slab tells part of the story of a young Roman warrior, scorned by his love, who plunges into combat to prove himself to her. Since no food is served here we’d advise focusing your attention instead on the wine, the DJ and finding the hidden room behind the red velvet curtain at the DJ booth.

Rosebar
Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave at 21st Street

Artist Julian Schnabel and owner Ian Schrager have transformed the Gramercy Park Hotel’s once-frumpy bar into a chic environment with a palatial, Spanish air. On the red-and-white tile floor, you can spy on stylish editors catching up between Fashion Weeks and young media assistants occupying tasseled, namesake-colored velvet chairs while quaffing beers from flutes under a small museum’s worth of artworks. You’ll observe a similar set of riches at play on the oak-leaf-shaped shelves that tower over each bar and are stocked with aged scotches and exotic liquors such as cachaça and pisco.

RDV
409 West 13 Street

RDV (short for Rendezvous), is a hidden subterranean playground tucked away below French restaurant La Bagatelle, The decor is filled with all the gleaming wood floors, tailored animal pelts, oriental rugs, and claw-footed leather armchairs required for finer living. The music is awesome with some of NYC's hottest DJs spinning hip-hop, classics, and rock.

Apotheke
9 Doyer Street

Located on a unique, crescent-shaped street in the heart of Chinatown, Apotheke is a cool new cocktail den offering a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. It is more of a bar meets theater complete with top-notch specialty cocktails infused with herbs and fruits never before seen in the U.S. The presentation of the cocktail here is just as dramatic as the cocktail itself.

Above Allen
The Thompson LES Hotel Rooftop
190 Allen Street

Above Allen is the new rooftop lounge at the top of The Thompson LES Hotel. Its retractable roof allows for open enjoyment on Summer nights, but also protection on rainy Winter evenings. It has a beautiful view of the city and you can order food from Shang (the restaurant in the hotel) while you watch the sunset.

GoldBar
389 Broome Street

This lounge, from the owners of Cain and a former GM at Lotus, is indeed lined from the purest gold. Gold skulls are embedded in and line the walls, while gold chains separate the bar from the banquettes in the back. The bathroom areas and the D.J. booth are decorated with murals by a graffiti artist, Vinnie. The running theme of the cocktails is honey—it's gold. GoldBar is a posh trendy little hotspot to people watch, listen to good music, and get your dance on!

subMercer
147 Mercer Street

If you make it past the doormen located around the corner from the Mercer Hotel, you'll pass through an interior hallway and into a freight elevator. The interior space still features those Pizza Hut-red brick walls with low, exposed ceiling leading to three separate lounges with red vinyl banquettes, circular cocktail tables and red flickering votives.

The Eldridge
247 Eldridge Street

As one of the most exclusive new nightlife venues in New York City, The Eldridge has been playing host to the A-list since it first opened in 2008. A tight door policy and just 13 tables ensure the ultimate levels of exclusivity and privacy, while glamorous interiors feature such luxurious touches as a wall of Armand de Brignac champagne bottles, gold-fleck floors, and long leather banquettes. Cocktails come courtesy of the renowned Charlotte Voisey.

Southside
1 Cleveland Place

Bar Martignetti’s new basement lounge Southside is a refreshing down to earth hotspot in Nolita. With its sexy black tiled walls and palm trees galore, this lounge delivers a neighborhood vibe with a very fashionista crowd. The music is spun by some of NYCs finest DJs and the cocktails never disappoint.

Butter (Monday Night Party)
415 Lafayette Street

Owners Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano host the ‘cooler than thou’ crowd to mix and mingle at this downtown hotspot, where the Monday night party has long been the place to party on a Monday. Located in Manhattan's famed Greenwich Village, Butter offers a luxurious drinking atmosphere complete with cedar-planked walls and plush seats. There is also an elegant restaurant upstairs, serving Executive Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli's traditional American fare.

WHERE TO SHOP

Even with all the attractions and events in New York, nothing beats a day of shopping at the finest stores in the city. Plan a stroll down Fifth Avenue or through SoHo, and be sure to explore famous designer boutiques and art galleries.

Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street
Bloomingdale’s is a leader in style and service and a unique shopping experience. They offer assistance in more than 35 languages and a visitor’s centre for travelers. It is open seven days.

Alice and Olivia
80 W. 40th St., nr. Sixth Ave
The black-and-white interior is filled with glamorous flourishes like a black crystal chandelier and 16-foot-tall dressing rooms hidden by elegant black silk curtains. The clothes, ranging from pinstriped pants and striped wool cuffed shorts to black cropped jackets and a black chiffon dress, are all sophisticated enough for the office and sleek enough for a night out.

Van Cleef
744 Fifth Avenue.
The elegant designs are versatile, and many of the pieces can be worn several ways. Their brooches transform into pendants, earrings have detachable drops and bracelets can be strung together to become necklaces.

FAO Schwarz
767 Fifth Avenue at 58th Street
This is the world's most famous toy store. Come out and play on at this fun-filled playground for children of all ages. This is a unique location for corporate parties and events and catering is permitted. Capacity: 120 sit-down, 1,200 reception.

Macy's New York, Inc.
151 West 34th Street
This is the world's largest department store. You will find fashion, home furnishings, a post office, complimentary personal shopping and a multilingual visitor’s centre.

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue
Saks is one of the world's best luxury retailers and is known for its designer collections, handbags, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics and home furnishings, as well as exemplary fashion expertise and client service. The department store is also known for its three restaurants.

Lord & Taylor
424 Fifth Avenue
America's oldest retailer, Lord & Taylor, has remained a favorite store for generations of shoppers. Unapologetically classic, you will find many surprises in its landmark building. Its legendary windows on Fifth Avenue are among New York City's cherished treasures.

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Ave. near 56th Street
In the disco era, Henri Bendel was the epicenter of modish New York. These days the shop stays cool with favorites like Earl Jeans and Shoshanna dresses, as well as styles from designers like Sophia Kokosalaki. Visit the Tiffany’s Closet boutique for vintage handbags and jewellery.

Hermès
691 Madison Avenue
Enter the Hermès flagship and smell the French leather luxury. This shop is four floors connected by a spiral staircase. There is also a complementary men’s store across the street.

Chanel Boutique
15 East 57th Street
This midtown shop has become a symbol of New York luxury since its opening in the mid-1960s. A half-century later, women of all ages continue to flock to this multi-storey flagship.

Louis Vuitton
1 E 57th Street
Since 1896, Louis Vuitton and its legendary gold monogram have been synonymous with luxury and timeless elegance. The Fifth Avenue Louis Vuitton boutique is the largest in the world.

Prada
841 Madison Avenue
Italian designer Miuccia Prada repeatedly delivers the must-have styles and accessories. Savor the wallets, handbags, and luggage at the Madison Avenue boutique. The leather detailing is impeccable, much to the chagrin of every Canal Street knock-off vendor.

Tiffany & Co.
727 Fifth Ave. at 57th Street
The most democratic of the big jewellery houses, Tiffany’s welcomes shoppers who come by town cars, taxis and tour buses. Snap up key rings, money clips and cuff links, or invest in beautifully-made men's watches, kitchenware or their classic 6-prong diamond engagement ring.

Barney’s
660 Madison Avenue

Barney’s stocks the latest and exclusive brands of the world, and is one of the few locations in the world to stock Goyard luggage (the elder rival to Louis Vuitton). Barney’s provides both men and women’s clothing and accessories.

Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th Avenue

Set along 5^th Avenue and across the road from the iconic Apple shop, Bergdorf Goodman’s is the premiere shopping location in New York. Unlike other retailers that have expanded into different regions, Bergdorf’s has remained exclusive to New York. Featuring the latest designer collections in an intimate and creative surrounding this is the shopping destination for class and refinement.

Dior Homme
17 East 57th Street

Situated in midtown next to Chanel, this avant-garde retail destination is a must for men interested in fashion. Dior Homme is designed for a younger, rock star demographic with slim fitting designs in a monochromatic manner. Although the shop attendants have a reputation of being cold and stoic, they are willing to assist you if you have any inquiries.

Ina
21 Prince Street

Ina consignment shops are invaluable for those wanting barely worn designer clothing at reasonable prices. Hermes, Chanel, Lanvin, Gucci are only a few of the designer clothes on offer to customers. Stock is updated daily and there are a variety of locations catering to both men and women.

Me & Ro
241 Elizabeth Street

Me&Ro is a jewelry shop featuring designs made and produced in New York. The shop is situated in the trendy SoHo district.

Jeffrey
449 West 14th Street

Jeffrey is found in the Meatpacking District and carries a selective list of designers. Not only are the brands edgy and highly desirable, but the products chosen within the label are the best designs. Jeffrey has a reputation for stocking a wide range of shoes and an increasing men’s department.

Bergdorf Goodman Men
754 5th Avenue

As with the women’s shop, Bergdorf Goodman Men’s is an exceptional location for the latest in fashion. The department store’s environment can be described as intimate and well-planned and features masculine décor to create a friendly, unintimidating mood.

Matthew Williamson
415 West 14th Street

Following stints at Marni and Emilio Pucci, in 1997, the Matthew Williamson launched his own label. The store sports none of the sparse architectural elements or subdued earth tones of meatpacking-district neighbors as it features fiber optic lights, techno music and a wall covered with synthetic plants. This theme complements Williamson’s design language of confident and colorful clothing.

Barney Co-Op in SoHo
116 Wooster Street

Along with the midtown glamour of the flagship store, Barneys also provides a more youthful and trendy experience in SoHo. The Barney Co-Op in SoHo feature edgy, funkier styles and accessories for men and women.

Kirna Zabête
96 Greene Street

Kirna Zabête is a dual-floor boutique that has been a downtown style draw since its opening in 1999. Kirna Zabête carries a well-edited collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories from avant-garde designers like Balenciaga, Tuleh and Derek Lam.

ABC Carpet & Home
888 Broadway # 4

Even though all the goods contained within are luxurious and artistic, ABC Carpet & Home's six-floor Manhattan flagship retains a certain warehouse aesthetic. It's easy to get your bearings by consulting the staff or the floor descriptions posted by the elevators, or calling the concierge and scheduling an appointment with a sales associate.

Brunello Cucinelli
379 Bleecker Street

Although Brunello Cucinelli is famous for his cashmere designs he has expanded his brand into complete luxury sportswear lines for men and women. The shop is outfitted with raw-wood farm tables and light colors to convey a summer-home aesthetic.

Ralph Lauren Mansion
867 Madison Avenue

Occupying an entire block of the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue, Ralph Lauren’s empire is hard to miss. Calling this shop would be an insult; it is more of a destination with every label in the Ralph Lauren repertoire strewn across the various levels of the mansion.

Markets

The Greenmarket at Union Square
Union Square at 17th Street
Farmers from as far away as Vermont arrive at this outdoor market. Four times weekly, they tote in the freshest of produce and an ample selection of flowers. Stop by on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
Opened in 1997, this long brick building is much more than a glorified food court. Food, flowers, and kitchen supplies occupy the ground-level space. Offices for companies such as Oxygen make up the upper floors. Neighborhood office workers mingle with those in search of gourmet ingredients.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
Featuring up to 170 vendors each weekend, Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is located on W. 39th St. between 9th & 10th Ave. Designers, artists, celebs, tourists and locals shop the market by the thousands as they did at its Chelsea predecessor, The Annex. Antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, furniture, decorative arts, jewellery, and more are available here.

Limelight Marketplace
This indoor marketplace is housed in the landmark 19th-century church that once housed the neo-gothic Limelight nightclub. There are with 35 upscale boutiques and restaurants within, with shops including Hunter Boots, Cupcake stop and Alexander West. It is located at 6^th Avenue and 20^th Street and is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 10pm; and Sundays at 11am – 8pm.

Eataly
Eataly is a large, upscale and energetic marketplace which it gives the opportunity to taste and take home the products of the absolute best Italian producers and chefs from every region, all under one roof. It is located at 200 5^th Avenue and has entrances on 5^th Avenue and 23^rd Street and is open daily from 11am until 11pm.

 

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Julien Farel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
605 Madison Avenue
The Julien Farel salon has become synonymous with luxury, high-end style, and first-class treatment. Expect European sophistication and Feng Shui design at this chic salon in Midtown, along with unparalleled services and a commitment to quality service. The talented staff is among the best in the city for cutting-edge hairstyles, flawless makeup and relaxing manicures and pedicures. With deluxe products from brands like Phyto, YSL and Roger & Gallet, sumptuous surroundings and exclusivity, Julien Farel has garnered quite a celebrity following, including bold-faced names like Salma Hayek and Ivanka Trump.

Trump SoHo Spa
246 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

The Spa at Trump SoHo offers a peaceful setting to reenergize and rejuvenate. The space is expansive with treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges and over 11,000 square-feet on two floors. Three private spa suites with en suite treatment rooms or saunas open later this year. The entire experience is exquisitely enhanced by the Turkish décor and separate hammams for men and women; the only luxury spa in New York City that incorporates this Middle Eastern bathing tradition.

Surrey Spa
20 East 76th Street

Enter an intimate world where need informs service, where each moment is carefully crafted to benefit your well-being and peace of mind, where a new level of gracious service ensures your privacy and tranquility. Personalized treatments are the signature of the Surrey Spa. They give careful consideration to all aspects of your treatment. Spa experts will work closely with you to meet your needs and customize your experience. The staff is dedicated to creating a personalized experience just for you.

Great Jones Spa
29 Great Jones Street

Every inch of the sanctuary is a reflection of their mission statement: their passion is to inspire health and happiness through wholeness and balance. They have lovingly created a haven for your comfort, to inspire optimal wellness from the inside-out. Everyone that steps inside the doors quickly learns that health and beauty are inextricably linked.

John Allens
95 Trinity Place, 46 East 46th Street, 611 Fifth Avenue, 418 Washington Street.

At John Allan’s, men are the focus, not an afterthought. Since 1988, John Allan has provided men with more than just great services and products; he has introduced them to a lifestyle and philosophy that has men caring more about their appearance and their personal well-being. John Allan has always understood that each man has his own individual reality, especially when it comes to a commitment to maintain or improve his appearance.

Cutler Salon
115 East 57th Street

Australian stylist Rodney Cutler earned his chops at Bumble and Bumble before opening his 57th Street salon. This location is the face of a whole enterprise that involves styling magazine shoots, collaborating with fashion designers to create their runway looks, and educating budding stylists. Located inside the Galleria, the L-shaped space is windowless, mirror-partitioned, and perpetually busy yet allowing for relaxation. Stylists pay attention to detail, sculpting cuts that work harmoniously with the hair’s natural movement, and producing the soft effect of a razor cut using scissors alone.

Mandarin Oriental Spa
80 Columbus Circle

This multi award winning spa is a five-star spa offering holistic renewal in a setting of complete tranquility. Facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 75-foot naturally lit indoor lap pool. Bamboo, stone and gold leaf set the tone for an unforgettable Manhattan spa experience that focuses on the rebalance of the individual, and leaves them with an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

CLAY
25 West 14th Street

CLAY embraces integrated wellness and a mind, body and soul philosophy. Personal Training, Pilates, Group Fitness Classes, Spa Therapies and Nutritional Guidance Programs are united allowing members to design a lifestyle program that serves their goals and visions. The entire CLAY team is committed to anticipating needs and exceeding expectations.

WHAT TO SEE

An energetic visitor could keep busy for weeks in Manhattan alone. A good place to start is Battery Park, where the Dutch explorers first settled. It offers spectacular views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, which is accessible by boats leaving from the park. The American Museum of Immigration at the base of the statue traces the history of the men and women who sailed into the harbor for a new future. Ellis Island processed more than 12 million European immigrants before it was shut in 1954. It is once again open to the public and drawing visitors from around the country and the globe.

A natural sightseeing transition might be a trip to the New York City Hall, the oldest in the nation still housing the city's governmental functions. Back in 1802, a d