"New York doesn't just have everything — it has the best version of everything."
New York City is the most reviewed destination in the TastesOf archive, and it earns that distinction. The city has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city outside Tokyo and Paris, more world-class museums than most countries, and a hotel landscape that ranges from historic grand dames to the most design-forward properties in the world. It is also, simply, the most alive city on earth.
The key to New York is neighbourhoods. Manhattan is the obvious starting point, but the city's most interesting dining, art, and culture has migrated to Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. A great New York trip moves between boroughs — dinner in the West Village, breakfast in Williamsburg, a museum in the Upper East Side, a jazz club back downtown.
"The Brooklyn Bridge at dawn — before the crowds, with the skyline emerging from the morning haze."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
The Restaurant Scene
New York has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city outside Tokyo and Paris. From Le Bernardin's seafood to Eleven Madison Park's plant-based tasting menu to the city's extraordinary ramen, pizza, and dim sum — eating in New York is a full-time occupation. The outer boroughs are as rewarding as Manhattan.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is one of the world's great museums — 5,000 years of human creativity across 17 curatorial departments. The Egyptian Temple of Dendur, the European paintings galleries, and the rooftop sculpture garden are the highlights. Allow a full day.
The High Line
A 2.3-kilometre elevated park built on a disused freight railway line through the West Side. The planting is extraordinary, the views of the Hudson and the city skyline are superb, and the art installations change seasonally. The best urban park in America.
Brooklyn Bridge at Dawn
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at first light — before the tourist crush, with the Manhattan skyline emerging from the morning haze — is one of the great New York experiences. Cross to DUMBO for coffee and the best view of the bridge from below.
Jazz in the West Village
The West Village is the spiritual home of New York jazz. The Village Vanguard has been presenting the world's finest jazz musicians since 1935; a Monday night set with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is a New York institution.
Central Park in Autumn
Central Park in October — when the trees turn gold and red against the Manhattan skyline — is one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the world. Rent a rowboat on the Lake, walk the Ramble, and have lunch at the Loeb Boathouse.
Where to Stay
The Mark
LuxuryThe finest hotel on the Upper East Side — steps from the Met, Central Park, and Madison Avenue. The Jacques Garcia-designed interiors are extraordinary, and the service is among the best in the city.
The Carlyle
IconicA New York institution since 1930. The Bemelmans Bar — with its Ludwig Bemelmans murals — is one of the great hotel bars in the world. Café Carlyle hosts some of the finest cabaret in the city.
Aman New York
Ultra-LuxuryOccupying the Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, Aman New York brings the brand's signature serenity to the world's most energetic city. The spa is the finest in Manhattan.
The Verdict
The world's most complete city — eat everywhere, explore every borough, and never stop moving.