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 oasis at the heart of the city.
Must-Do: Shopping. Get your retail fix in Midtown, home to some of New York’s most iconic shops and department stores. Browse designer collections at Bloomingdales, find high-street fashion brands at Macy’s Herald Square, and treat yourself to a pair of denim from Levi’s in Fifth Avenue. A trip to Midtown calls for a visit to the iconic Times Square, too, where bright lights from the LCD screens and billboards illuminate the streets and yellow cabs dart across the city.
Eat: : Rise, shine, and enjoy a breakfast bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels where moreish options include The Koch, filled with hot pastrami, egg, and cream cheese. 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 from John’s of Bleecker Street. Opened in 1927, this rustic pizzeria serves up seriously good pizzas such as 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”.
