One of my most beloved places in the US is New York City. Today I have decided to share with you my favorite things to see and do in the Big Apple. I hope you enjoy them.
Kicking off the day with a Cappuccino or a Latte is the best way to start your engine in NYC. There are several spots in NYC but I like their NoHo location. This small company probably provides the best coffee experience you can get in the United States. Many of the top chefs in the U.S. have their coffee roasted by La Colombe. There is truly no better way to experience coffee to start or end your day than at this nicely designed caffeine joint.
Chelsea Market and Eataly
These two food markets are simply amazing. Eating, shopping and walking your way through these food markets in Chelsea and Flatiron District, I guarantee you will be a few pounds heavier and your wallet a bit lighter but the experience is worth every penny. It’s a great place to pick up some gifts before you head to a dinner party. It’s a must do thing in NYC for locals and tourists from around the world. Oh, did I forget to tell you that Eataly has a super cool rooftop beer garden called Birreria? Don’t forget to make a reservation.
One my favorite lunch spots have been Café Select at 212 Lafayette Street in SOHO. As a Swiss living in America some of the menu items remind me of my home country but it’s not the Rivella or Ovomaltine why I am going there. The crowd is young and trendy and the food casual and unpretentious. I usually go for a Croque Monsieur or the juicy burger and a beer or some wine. The décor is kind of Swiss vintage so I have always lots of stories to tell my American friends as I grew up with these legendary objects or posters on the wall. Cool Vibe and great location.
This elevated railroad park is the most beautiful thing in urban park architecture you can imagine. This green, organic, rustic, metal monster who is like a snake lying above the streets of grey Manhattan is a must go. Everyday all the time it’s a place to relax and enjoy the views and see how people are simply happily living in New York or taking a break from business or shopping. New Yorkers love to see their tax dollars invested in things like that.
You might wonder how the Roosevelt Island Tram came to New York. After all we are in NYC and not in the Alps. It’s a great way for more than 2 Million New Yorkers to commute to Manhattan and back home. The views are breathtaking for the price of a Metro Card Swipe. I recommend exploring the wonders and history of Roosevelt Island while you are there.
Go and rent one of those blue Citi Bikes and take a ride. New York has great bike routes. Just grab a bike and start biking wherever it leads you. One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday is ride over the Brooklyn Bridge when there are few commuters. When you bike from Manhattan to Brooklyn you must have a slice of Pizza at Grimaldi’s in Dumbo. Now the best is yet to come. Simply the View! The view on the way back to Manhattan is amazing. Not just the skyline but also the structure of the bridge built by John Augustus Roebling is worth taking a selfie with your best friend.
Art, Architecture and Drinks
There is no place as NYC for Art Lovers. Must see things are the Whitney, Guggenheim, MoMA, MoMAPS1 and of course then hundreds of galleries in the Chelsea Neighborhood. If you happen to be in NYC in spring you should visit the art shows such as the Armory, Pulse or Volta. If you want to see amazing contemporary art and mingle with artists, curators and collectors Frieze Contemporary Art Show is a must do. The setting on an Island is a relaxed environment just minutes away from Manhattan. If you love great architecture, it’s New York City too. Curbed just announced their 12th Annual Curbed Awards of the best of New York City’s new architecture. Whether you are a local, on a business trip or a tourist, plan one day just to see and experience the latest in art and architecture. Once you are done with the day just hang out in Chelsea and have drinks in one the cool and hip hangouts which opened recently there.
Amazing Experiences 
2 Responses to 24 hours with Tom in New York City
sounds great ! Thanks Tom
Thanks, Tom! I was not aware of the cafe/restaurants you recommend….and I am a native NYer. I will have to expand my NY horizon.