Destination Guide
New York
If you make it here, you've made it.
Destination Guide New York
How I See NYC
It’s the center of the universe. People come here to fall in love, make their dreams a reality, work hard, play harder. And there isn’t anything New York doesn’t have for them as long as they’re willing to look for it – that’s where I come in. I am here to help guests explore like a local and provide behind the scenes access to all things New York City. Welcome to New York, we’ve been waiting for you.
When In New York, You Must
EAT
Time Out Market
55 Water St
DRINK
Niche Niche
43 Macdougal St
SEE
Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus Circle
DO
Glowbar
147 Duane St
Know Before You Go
Other boroughs are just a train ride away. Check out rooftop bars like LEAF Bar & Lounge in Queens and Rooftop Reds in Brooklyn. Download a subway app to learn how to get around town.
Talk Like a Local
Learn the slang from the streets.
Upstreaming
/ˌəpˈstrēm/ verb
When you see someone waiting for a cab and run up ahead of them to steal it.
Hey, that's my cab. He just upstreamed me.
Neighborhoods to Explore
When you meet someone for the first time in New York, one of the first questions they’ll ask is “Where do you live?” The many neighborhoods of NYC are like badges of honor that you wear proudly. Each area has its own distinct vibe and personality.
1. Lower East Side (LES)
Whether it’s a speakeasy, dive bar or rooftop lounge, you’re headed to this area to party like a rockstar.
2. Williamsburg
This hipster-chic Brooklyn neighborhood is full of great dining, live music, trendy boutiques, and street art.
3. Flatiron
Fuel your body with an array of fitness studios from “Fhitting Room” to “Swerve” and everything a fit-nut needs.
4. TriBeCa
Whether you're grabbing foodie bites, taking a stroll like a local, or hopping the boats for a tourist selfie with Lady Liberty, this downtown neighborhood is the perfect way to spend a day.
Ultimate Access to NYC
La Noxe
315 7th Avenue
What’s more quintessentially New York than a speakeasy hidden inside a subway station? You’ll find La Noxe tucked within the 28th street station serving coffee to commuters during the day and inventive cocktails at night.
Amanda Wolin / Insider
Having trouble making a reservation? La Noxe only books to 80% capacity nightly, leaving room for walk-ins.
FORWARD__Space
24 Spring St
Anchored in dance, music, wellness and sweat, each 50-minute class takes place in a club-like setting with sick beats, flashing lights and easy to follow choreography.
Amanda Wolin / Insider
Refuel at The Butcher's Daughter, a "vegetable slaughterhouse" a few blocks away offering organic vegetarian fare and juices.
HaSalon
735 10th Ave
Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani reimagined his Tel Aviv flagship for New Yorkers, and it promises plenty of fun. The party starts after 10PM when the lights are dimmed, the music shifts to Israeli and American pop, and diners jump up on chairs and tables to dance.
Amanda Wolin / Insider
HaSalon has two seatings per evening so if you’re after the party atmosphere, book the 8PM reservation well in advance as these are difficult to come by.
Artechouse
439 W 15th St
Dedicated to showcasing works by groundbreaking artists who work with new technology, ARTECHOUSE provides an innovative platform for experiential, genre-bending, one-of-a-kind multimedia art exhibitions.
Amanda Wolin / Insider
Discover emerging artists, music, drag, comedy & more at Chelsea Music Hall, one of the newest venues in NYC, located directly above Artechouse in Chelsea Market. Follow @chelseamusichall on Instagram for upcoming performances.
Elsewhere
599 Johnson Ave
Elsewhere is a live music venue, nightclub and arts space in Brooklyn built to celebrate creativity and instigate multi-disciplinary experimentation.
Amanda Wolin / Insider
Check out the summer rooftop for killer DJ sets, pop-ups, and movie screenings.
Either / Or
DETOX
Shape House
34 W 17th St
The first and only urban sweat lodge, where ancient tradition and modern wellness meet to burn calories, deepen sleep, improve skin and lift moods.
RETOX
House of Yes
2 Wyckoff Ave
Weird. Wild. Wonderful. A performance fueled night club and creative venue programmed with eclectic events and fabulous dance parties.
Packing List
Hit the streets with these city essentials
1. Sunglasses
Whether you’re blocking the sun or inconspicuously people watching.
2. Bomber Jacket
Keep cool when it’s cool out.
3. Portable Charger
The last thing you want in the city is to lose any kind of power!
4. Airpods
Getting tangled in your headphone wires isn’t a cute look for anyone.
Spotted In New York
Here’s Why NYC Is The Perfect Lover
The fearless photographer Karsten Staiger would do anything for his love of New York City - even climb a skyscraper.
Lady Aiko Brings NYC Street Art Indoors
Follow the process to the grand presentation of iconic street artist Lady Aiko's mural inspired by old, gritty and beautiful New York.
Your Insider Guide to NYC Fashion Week
Do fashion week right with W New York Insider Amanda Wolin’s top picks of the best place to eat, shop and party this NYFW.
Nathan Alexander of BODA SKINS on designing the perfect leather jacket
The fashion mastermind behind the customizable and ever-stylish UK leather jacket brand tells all.
W New York - Times Square
Experience the heart of the city on your doorstep.
W New York - Union Square
Fresh farm produce and downtown vibes at your fingertips.
W Hoboken
A waterfront vista, just right across the bridge.
The Highline
Between 10th Ave and 11th Ave, from Gansevoort St up to W 30th St
Built on top of an old NY central railroad, The Highline is a 1.45 mile aerial greenway running down the lower west side of Manhattan.
Chelsea Gallery District
20th St to 28th St, between 10th Ave and 11th Ave
Take a walk around Chelsea and pop into the hundred of art galleries in the neighborhood to take in the best new artists and contemporary shows of the moment.
Generation Records
210 Thompson St
For 17 years, Generation Records has been NYC’s best source for new and used vinyl and CDs, 45s, DVDs, posters and t-shirts.
The Strand
828 Broadway
The Strand has more miles of books than the length of the city. You could browse forever.
Tokio 7
83 East 7th St
This unique high-end consignment shop features labels like Chanel and Prada along with local designers and funky vintage merch and accessories.
Community 54
54 Clinton St
Community 54 is a neighborhood lifestyle boutique inspired by creative nostalgia and vintage street wear.
Foxgrove
43 West 29th St, 4th floor
Mix it up and tap into your talent at this private DJ school and recording studio for a totally creative experience.
Vanderbilt Urbanspace
Inside The Helmsley Building at 230 Park
Set behind Grand Central Terminal, you’d never know that inside the sleek corridor on Vanderbilt there is an amusement park of a food hall to make all your foodie dreams come true.
The Marshal
628 Tenth Ave
Seasonal ingredients, natural preparation, and a commitment to excellence ensure that this farm-to-table hotspot will be an experience to remember.
Totto Ramen
464 West 51st
Take a trip to Japan without having to walk more than a few block, this savory ramen spot has got the locals talking.
Insider Tour
