New York Luxury City Guide: There's so much to explore in New York, it’s no wonder that it has been dubbed the “city that never sleeps.” From each neighborhood of Manhattan, to the surrounding boroughs, there is something for every luxury lover to enjoy, whether it's dining at the latest celebrity chef restaurant or shopping in the nation's chicest shops.
As one of the nation's oldest and most populated cities, New York provides a connection to America's European ancestry, founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Since those early years, New York has continued to grow, not only as a financial epicenter, but also as a cultural haven for the arts, from literary contributions to the famous Theater District and museums that are found throughout.
City Scene:
Manhattan's Upper East Side is a haven for the nation's wealthy as well as home to some of the most celebrated people in American history, from the Rockefellers to Woody Allen and even some presidents. While in the land of old money, you can stroll along Millionaire's Row, part of 5th Avenue that is adjacent to Central Park. Duck into the Guggenheim Museum or some of the chic boutiques on upper Madison Avenue, including Prada or Ralph Lauren, or grab a bite to eat at Café Boulud from French chef Daniel Boulud or Café Evergreen, which provides a 5-course Chinese meal for hungry people with a refined taste.
TriBeCa is one of New York’s most affluent new neighborhoods. Named for “Triangle Below Canal Street”, the area used to be home to light manufacturing and textile production and has since been converted into condominiums and apartments selling for upwards of $1 million. Many celebrities make their home in this newly opened area and can be found dining in the high-end restaurants, Chanterelle, Montrachet and Bouley. At night, the area comes to life, so get in on the action by heading to the Knitting Factory NY for a live show or grab a drink at the Brandy Library. Stay at the boutique luxury Greenwich Hotel, owned by Hollywood icon and New York native Robert DeNiro.
Must See's & Do's:
New York is not short on attractions, with an active tourism economy and locals that like to get out of their brownstones, there is always something going on in the city.
If the tall buildings that make up the city's skyline starts to close in on you, get a breath of fresh air in Central Park. Once in the green area, visit the Central Park Zoo with the kids, or ride the carousel. You can also take a walking tour of the park, thanks to The Park Conservancy. Spend time in Central Park's Conservatory Garden and then head indoors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the city's most famous attractions. For a real treat, dine at The Boathouse Restaurant, one of the park's most iconic spots, right on the lake.
When you're ready to return to city life, you'll want to head to Midtown East, home of Grand Central Station and shopper's haven, 5th Avenue. On this stretch of 5th Avenue, you'll find luxury department stores Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as Tiffany's. In Midtown West, you can visit some of the city's best-known attractions, including: Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and nearby Broadway's Theater District. Also not to be missed is New York's iconic 21 Club, where the nation's movers and shakers have been eating since the Prohibition.
Wining and Dining:
Gramercy Park's quiet and unassuming neighborhood is home to an outstanding collection of restaurants. Eleven Madison Park's art deco décor is an excellent accompaniment to Chef Daniel Humm's updated French cuisine. The restaurants in Gramercy Park offer a range of cuisines from around the world, from spicy Mexican and Thai to the soothing Mediterranean.
Greenwich Village has long been an artistic haven and now boasts colorful nightlife as well. Some of the latest and trendiest restaurants New York has to offer can be found here, including Top Chef winner Harold Dieterle's restaurant, Perilla. Also in the Village is Cafe Reggio, a hangout of legendary writers Jack Kerouac and William Burrough, and Terra Blues, a more upscale jazz bar than some of those in the notorious Arts District.
For the VIP:
New York city may be known for its easy public transportation that is anything but luxurious. But to help you get around and experience the city in style, like the celebrities and socialites that call Manhattan home, here are some of the best luxe services New York has to offer:
Abigail Michaels Concierge provides luxury hotel services for daily life. A mere phone call and you can stop worrying about the little things and concentrate on enjoying the Big Apple.
Instead of riding on a tour bus, take a personalized tour with V.I.P. Tours of New York. Their customized tours help visitors get to know the city as well as any New Yorker and provide one-of-a-kind experiences and private visits as well.
The JustLuxe City Guides have been created for you, our discerning readers, to highlight the most sophisticated, the most popular and the most elegant locations in every destination.
Our local concierge continuously strives to ensure we feature the best of the best in luxury services, dining, hotels and more. Every city offers new things to enjoy, cultures to immerse yourself in and sights to see. We have sought out the best places to see, be seen or just be.
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