New York City, NY

Guidebook: Introduction

Welcome To New York!

New York City is considered one of the greatest cities in the world for good reason. With a constantly evolving selection of new activities, experiences and restaurants, you could visit the Big Apple a thousand times and still not experience everything that it has to offer. One of the newest (and one of our favorite) experiences in the city is the one and only One World Observatory. With 360-degree views of the city, the observatory offers a spectacular sight that is equally as beautiful during both day and night. It is most assuredly a “can’t miss.”

An experience as similarly unmatched is the food and beverage scene in NYC. With thousands and thousands of phenomenal dining choices, it is difficult to choose just one! But, luckily, if you are a frequent traveler to New York, you can try a new and sensational restaurant every time you visit. Choose from an array of savory Italian wines while enjoying complimentary appetizers at La Masseria, an Italian restaurant situated within walking distance of all Broadway theaters. Enjoy a trendy night out in the Meatpacking District at Buddakan and savor tastes from several shared modern Asian platters matched with the restaurant’s signature cocktails. Perhaps sip on champagne from Baccarat crystal at the luxurious new Baccarat Hotel’s bar, Les Boissons. Or stimulate your palate at any of the top-notch restaurants run by renowned and celebrity chefs Jean-George, Mario Battali, Iron Chef’s Masaharu Morimoto, or Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio.

From housing the classic Metropolitan Art Museum to the modern and contemporary Guggenheim Museum, the city is also a mecca for art lovers. While these museums, including the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), are forever popular and offer some of the best and most extensive art collections in the world, try checking out some of the smaller, off-the-beaten path museums that the city has to offer. The Morgan Library offers a more intimate atmosphere with exhibitions including J. P. Morgan’s impressive and beautiful library. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Chelsea has an enormous permanent collection of thousands of textiles and items of clothing, including 4,000 pairs of shoes and 15,000 accessories. Additionally, the Whitney Museum’s new location in the Meatpacking District (right next to the High Line) boasts an architecturally beautiful design while displaying only the finest of modern art.

All four seasons offer unique and exciting events and experiences in the big city! The spring and summer are full of outdoor festivals and concerts, open rooftop bars, and events like the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, Summer Concert Series in the Park, and the U.S. Open. New York during the fall and winter seasons sparkles with holiday spirit. New York is one of the greatest places to be during the holiday season with events like Fashion Week, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, and the dozens of scattered holiday markets throughout the city. During the winter, New York is sheathed in snow and couples and families have the opportunity to go skating or sledding in the park!

Five unique things that New York has to offer that you may have otherwise missed!

• The High Line is the city’s most unique public park, running along a historic cargo rail line elevated above the city’s streets on Manhattan’s West Side. As it is often crowded on the weekends, we recommend walking along the Line during the week if you are able to do so!
• NBC’s Studio Tour at 30 Rock is a fun and exciting behind the scenes tour for all ages. Let an NBC page give you a glimpse at the off-stage goings on of Jimmy Fallon or The Daily Show!
• Check out some of NYC’s famous Speakeasies! Although most are difficult to gain entry to, new speakeasies and “secret” bars are constantly popping up all over the city. A few notable ones include Please Don’t Tell, Apotheke, and Bathtub Gin.
  *Enjoy the Tenement Museum Tours: Visit the homes and learn the interesting history of immigrants who traveled to New York from around the world. Hear their stories and see remarkable artifacts.
• Wander through the city on one of the many famous walking food tours. These tours provide you with an informative and savory approach to life in the big city.