A love letter to New York

Published

25 July, 2023

Edited

7 March, 2024

Jordan Elrod
Jordan is our Global Travel Partner Team Manager and is based in Los Angeles.
It’s hard to say without sounding cliché, but New York has the reputation of being the best city in the world for a reason. I’ve never experienced another place like it in my many years of traveling. The energy and vibrancy is unparalleled and the city offers both locals and visitors alike an utterly unique feast for all the senses.

I arrived in Manhattan to start college at NYU as a wide-eyed teen from Texas and quickly became enamored with the magic of the city that would become my home for the next 12 years.

The diversity of its people, industries, cuisine, culture and neighborhoods means no matter who you are, New York has something for you.

The best memories I have are from days and nights when I went with the flow of the city and the opportunities it presented rather than sticking to a strict plan. So get tickets to cheer on the Yankees with the required beer and hot dog or stroll through the iconic halls of the MET taking in the masterpieces, but also leave yourself open to the unknown the city will offer. Wander down those windy streets of West Village, get lost in the maze of Brooklyn neighborhoods as you bike down the river paths, you won’t be sorry that you let some of your experience go to chance.

That being said, I am a firm believer that to love New York you must first know where to go. So, let me be your guide! Whether it is your first time or you are a local on a staycation, check out my list of favorite spots to get the most out of the City that Never Sleeps.


What not to miss

Visit the many galleries

Chelsea is a well-known place when it comes to gallery touring, from Gagosian Gallery to David Zwirner. It’s a perfect activity if you have a few hours to spare since they are all concentrated on a few blocks. You can also group this with a walk on New York's High Line to experience New York in another way.


Want to mix it up? Head to Tribeca to discover some newer galleries. Bortolami, Andrew Kreps, Canada; all of these are great options. Grab lunch in nearby Chinatown after your visit.

See a Broadway show

It might seem cliché but go to Broadway! After such a hard time during covid it’s great to see the theater back in full force. From fun and unique productions like Titanique to classics like Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, it’s the perfect time to see a show.

Take a stroll through the parks

New York is all about its parks. Park life is city living and it’s one of the best parts about being there. The energy is palpable especially once the nights get longer and air gets warmer.

Central Park is the most famous, but venture to Prospect Park. It’s by the same architect as Central and hosts summer concert series. Pack a picnic or head to one of the many restaurants in Prospect Heights.

Where to eat & drink

Cadence

Break out hit Cadence has taken the village by storm with chef Shenarri Freeman securing a James Beard 2022 semi-finalist nomination and rave review from the esteemed Pete Wells of the NYTimes. Who would have thought vegan soul food could work, but hey she does it! A charming space with even more charming and comforting food.

Via Carota

Via Carota in the West Village quietly became the spot to see and be seen. Dine on truly delicious, unfussy Italian trattoria hits. It’s one of my favorites anytime I’m in town. I’m partial to their Vongole, Polpette, Pappardelle with boar ragu, grilled artichokes, and of course, their extensive Amari menu.

Bonnie’s

Bonnie’s in Williamsburg is the new venture from the chef of the delicious Win Son. Tuck in here for inventive Cantonese American delights in a cool groovy setting. Tinned dace dip, x.o. cheung fun, fuyu cacio e pepe mein, yeung yu sang choi bao (whole fish), the entire menu is a hit. Top it off with chow nai sundae!

Bemelmans Bar

For a New York classic, take the 6 uptown to Bemelmans Bar to enjoy one of the best cocktails in the city. Surrounded by the famous painted murals and infamous live jazz, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. My go-to is a dirty gin martini.

Where to stay

Spring Street Pearl

Soho, Manhattan


An airy abode oozing with sophistication, three-bedroom Spring Street Pearl sits in the heart of Soho. Step inside and you’ll find an immaculately presented interior bathed in natural light from the many generously-sized windows, illuminating a perfectly-polished mother-of-pearl floor. Spacious and sociable, the open-plan layout keeps everyone together.


Discover Spring Street Pearl

Warren Street

Tribeca, Manhattan


Breathtaking views of the Hudson River and that iconic New York skyline fill every one of the picture windows in this elegant, three-bedroomed home. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the Statue of Liberty stands proud, the sun's evening rays glinting on her golden torch. Experience the best of New York living here, with an interior filled with bespoke art, one-off furnishings, and custom touches.


Discover Warren Street

Your perfect stay in New York

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