New York City, New York
New York, New York. A kaleidoscopic city full of energy, entertainment, and culinary excellence. From Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food, iconic architecture to incredible museums, and high-end boutiques to hip flea markets, the Big Apple is renowned for its remarkable cultural diversity. And, when you need a pause from the concrete jungle, you can take a relaxing stroll around Central Park, a vast green sanctuary at the heart of the city.
Must-Do: Shopping. Visit Midtown, Manhattan, the heart of New York’s retail scene and home to some of the city’s most famous shops and department stores. Browse designer collections at Bloomingdale’s, find high-street fashion brands at Macy’s Herald Square (one of the world’s largest department stores), and spoil the kids in your life at FAO Schwarz. For some city culture, be sure to check out the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown, too. Founded in 1929, this institution houses a collection of about 200,000 artworks, including Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
Eat: Rise, shine, and enjoy a breakfast bagel at Tompkins Square Bagels. The Koch, filled with hot pastrami, egg, and cream cheese, is a popular choice. For lunch, stop by Shanghai 21 in Chinatown for delicious Shanghainese cuisine, such as seafood pan-fried noodles. And for dinner, it’s got to be a coal-fired pizza at John’s of Bleecker Street. Opened in 1929, this rustic pizzeria serves up seriously good pizzas, including The John’s Bianca Special, with mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and fresh basil.
Day-Trip: For a slower tempo, head over to Long Beach on Long Island. Just a 50-minute train ride from Manhattan, this clean stretch of sand is known for its iconic boardwalk, surf scene, ice cream shops, cafes, and restaurants. A beach day pass is required to access the beach; but it’s well worth it to visit this “City by the Sea.”
