The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. Gotham. New York City goes by so many names—and has so many eclectic neighborhoods. It’s tough to do the Empire City in a day (particularly when you’d rather have a week!). But if you want to do it in style, here’s how.
Day 1
1 p.m.
Arrive at The Peninsula, New York. Top Digs: Book the Peninsula Suite. Like New York, this suite combines both classic and modern with crystal lamps, a grand piano, iPod docking station and a black Jacuzzi tub. Luxury travel advisors can contact Sales Manager Denise Fernandez ([email protected]; 212-903-3973).
2 p.m.
Time to hit the streets for a little retail therapy. The Peninsula is situated right off 5th Avenue and its peerless luxury shopping. Think Classics: Ferragamo, Bergdorf-Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue (the original, of course!).
4 p.m.
Après shopping, let’s head downtown for cocktail hour to the brand-new Trump SoHo New York. Its intimate lounge, Kastel, offers an extensive wine list among other potent potables. Note:The scene after 10 p.m. is guest-list only. Stay Tuned: We hear the hotel’s seasonal Bar d’Eau on the seventh floor opens in June. Luxury travel advisors can contact Travel Industry Sales Manager Galit Schwarz ([email protected]) with VIP-related inquiries.
5:30 p.m.
If your plans include theater or a performance (and we hope they do), an early dinner is best. Try your luck snagging one of the most sought-after dining experiences in town: a spot at the 12-seat Momofuku Ko. Owned by sizzling chef sensation David Chang, this ultra-hip part Asian, part French restaurant in the East Village can only be booked through an online reservation system, and only a week in advance. Hundreds of hopeful “hungries” log on to its website each day to try and claim a coveted dining seat. The catch? No options. You eat what is prepared for you—but we are told every bite is worth it. And if you aren’t one of the chosen few, you will not be disappointed with Chang’s other East Village restaurants—Noodle Bar and Ssäm Bar.
8 p.m.
We love the new look at Lincoln Center, which has been undergoing extensive renovations since 2006. Tip: Check out the new lighting and choreography of the Revson Fountain in the main plaza. Whether it’s dance, opera or music that excites you, Lincoln Center has a diverse menu. Performance times vary but we recommend getting to the theaters a half hour to 15 minutes prior to curtain to avoid long queues.
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| Trump Soho One-Bedroom Suites have varied views, from the Hudson River to the Empire State Building. |
11 p.m.
You’re in New York, so sleep can wait. Before heading back to your suite, take in a bit of old New York by making your way to Grand Central Terminal, where, tucked away, is Campbell Apartment, an old apartment, once owned by mogul John W. Campbell, turned chic bar. This place drips old Manhattan. Sartorial Note: Proper attire is required—no sneakers, T-shirts, sweatshirts or shorts allowed.
Day 2
11:30 a.m.
Sleep in. Skip breakfast. The meal you are looking for is brunch, a New York staple. We hear that Blue Ribbon Bakery serves your classic weekend brunch with all the favorites from poached eggs to French toast, and some unusual items like the fried catfish sandwich. Note: Blue Ribbon Bakery brunch is only available on weekends.
1 p.m.
New York City has a vibrant art and cultural scene, with literally hundreds of museums to choose from. You could hit the traditional museums on Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, but we recommend checking out galleries a little less explored. Head down to the Lower East Side where a host of modern art galleries dot the narrow streets. Start with Gallery Satori, which showcases paintings, photographs, sculpture and new media designed by emerging and mid-career artists. From Gallery Satori on Stanton Street, it is easy to stumble upon a host of other galleries in the area.
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| The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal was the former office and salon of 1920s mogul John W. Campbell. |