New York City has been the center of American ambition since before it was the center of anything else. Founded by the Dutch as a small trading post at the tip of Manhattan in the 17th century, it grew into the most populous and consequential city in the Western Hemisphere – a place that has always attracted people who came specifically because they believed something extraordinary was possible here.
That energy is still the most striking thing about New York. Manhattan moves at a pace that is genuinely unlike anywhere else – the density of culture, food, music, and human ambition packed into a narrow island that somehow never feels like it’s running out of room. Central Park sits at the center of it all, 840 acres of green that manages to feel like a genuine escape even with the skyline visible above the treeline.
Brooklyn has become a destination in its own right – a borough of neighborhoods each with its own distinct character, from the brownstone elegance of Brooklyn Heights to the creative energy of Williamsburg and the dining scene that has made it one of the most interesting places to eat in the country. Harlem carries the weight of Black music and culture, and Queens quietly holds some of the most interesting spots in the entire city.
The food scene across all five boroughs is staggering in its range – from Michelin-starred tasting menus in Manhattan to the vibrant food of Queens and the trendy aesthetic of Brooklyn. This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that make New York City the most rewarding urban trip in America.
Stay
1 Hotel Central Park My stay at 1 Hotel Central Park - with its lush modern eco centric design - redefined my expectations of luxury hotels in New York 
The Hoxton, Williamsburg The rooms at Hoxton Williamsburg are cozy - no doubt about it. But, perfectly sized for a short stay. 
The Time New York – JDV by Hyatt The Time New York – JDV by Hyatt is a modern boutique hotel near Times Square, combining artful design with easy access to Broadway and city landmarksExperiences
“Spike Lee: Creative Sources” Retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum Viewing the "Spike Lee: Creative Sources Retrospective" at the Brooklyn Museum was truly water on my creative artistic soul
“The Book of HOV” Retrospective at the Brooklyn Library Walking through and experiencing the "The Book of HOV" exhibition at the Brooklyn Library was a brilliant testimony to what happens when you fully embody the creative force of Art. 
200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries: The Exhibition by Louis Vuitton After viewing Virgil Abloh's retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum, it was time to move deeper into the world of Louis Vuitton
American Museum of Natural History Explore the mysteries of the universe and embark on an adventure through time and space at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Bathhouse Williamsburg Spending a few hours at Bathhouse Williamsburg was a beautiful time of self reflection, reset and relaxation, in the heart of Brooklyn, New York
Cocktail Magique at Company XIV Cocktail Magique at Company XIV was a unique burlesque experience, offering fun teases and treats, in Brooklyn, New York
Duane Park Duane Park is home to the best dinner + visually decadent burlesque show I've experienced in New York. 
Empire State Building After so many years of visiting New York, it was time for the one thing left on my to do list: visit the Empire State Building.
New York Botanical Garden Walking the grounds of the New York Botanical Garden was a visual and sensual journey that allowed me to see a different aspect of New York City
Ornithology Jazz Club Enjoying drinks and jazz at Ornithology Jazz Club was a lovely nightcap to an lovely evening in Brooklyn, New York
Room 623 Room 623 served as a hidden gem in Harlem, where jazz lovers could immerse themselves in late-night sessions in the heart of New York City.
SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt provides a multi-sensory experience with an unforgettable perspective of the New York City skyline.
The Brooklyn Museum The Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn features diverse collections from ancient to contemporary art alongside special exhibitions in a landmark Beaux-Arts building.
The Frick Collection at Frick Madison Viewing the Frick Collection at Frick Madison, during the "Barkley L. Hendricks: Portraits at the Frick" exhibition, offered a contrast between past and current artistic mastery
The Jazz Club at Aman New York The Jazz Club at Aman New York offers an intimate atmosphere for live performances, creating a luxurious escape in the heart of the city.
Eat
{petite} maman – Moynihan Station {petite} maman at Moynihan Station is a French-inspired café and breakfast spot, offering classic fare in a convent, to-go setting
Centurion New York Towering over the Manhattan skyline, the Centurion New York showcases a menu of contemporary cuisine, expertly led by Chef Daniel Boulud
Clay Harlem Blending modern elegance with Harlem’s rich cultural vibe, dining at Clay feels both refined and deeply rooted in New York City
Clover Club Relaxing with a light snack and cocktail at the Clover Club was a wonderful stop during my museum filled afternoon in Brooklyn, New York Cocktail Magique at Company XIV Cocktail Magique at Company XIV was a unique burlesque experience, offering fun teases and treats, in Brooklyn, New York Duane Park Duane Park is home to the best dinner + visually decadent burlesque show I've experienced in New York. 
Gordon Ramsey Fish and Chips No, Gordon Ramsey does not cook the menu at his namesake Fish and Chips spot off of Times Square. But, it is actually really good. 
H&H Bagels Stopping at H&H Bagel at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station was the perfect spot to get a quick New York bagel before my train ride to Baltimore
Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park With its inviting atmosphere and beautifully designed space, Jams restaurant at 1 Hotel Central Park provides a perfect backdrop to enjoy a delicious cocktail and meal in Manhattan.
K’Far Brooklyn, Bar & Cafe K'Far Brooklyn Bar & Cafe is a cozy Brooklyn café and bar offering Israeli-inspired dishes, coffee, and cocktails
Keens Steakhouse My dinner at Keens Steakhouse was a lovely visit to a storied institution in Midtown Manhattan
Laser Wolf Located at the penthouse level at The Hoxton Williamsburg, Laser Wolf was a lovely place to cap off a magical evening. 
Maialino The now closed Maialino was a perfect place to meet a dear friend for a delicious Italian meal and conversation in Union Square, New York
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao Dining at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao offers the best Chinese soup dumplings I've had the pleasure of devouring - in Flushing, New York
Per Se Overlooking Central Park, Per Se in New York offers a luxurious culinary experience with artfully presented dishes that blend French technique with seasonal ingredients.
Sarabeth’s – Central Park South A light lunch at Sarabeth's in Central Park hit the spot for a light afternoon snack in Manhattan, New York. 
Sushi Suite 1001 at Hotel 3232 A unique 17 course omakase sushi experience, in a hotel suite at Hotel 32.
Sweet Chick Brooklyn Lunch at Sweet Chick in Brooklyn gave me one of the best chicken and waffles combo I've had in New York
Vinnie’s Pizzaria The perfect conclusion to a great weekend in New York? Slices of delicious NY style pizza from a Brooklyn neighborhood institution. 
