The best place to remember why you love Manhattan takes you above the city while keeping you rooted in urban life. Walk through a field of wildflowers as cabs zoom along the street beneath you. Read more.
The best museum to spend the day in boasts unparalleled holdings in 20th- and 21st-century art, the Sette MoMA restaurant, a plush movie theater and the MoMA Design Store. Read more.
The Modern has views of MoMa’s sculpture garden, and the menu is all French-inflected suave goodness, but the real allure here is its sense of civilized escape.
Loyalists love the 45-minute standard spin class (sign up early for Nick or Laurie on weekends) but I like the SoulBand class where resistance bands sculpt the upper body. -Ying Chu, Beauty Director
“If you’re willing to spend some bucks, I love the St. Regis. They don’t make them like this anymore.” – Anthony Bourdain
Try the super traditional yakitori—it’s made the way it should be. The flavors are intense and you will walk out of there with a big smile on your face! -Candice Kumai, Top Chef
A holy food emporium! Go for our favorites; Amy's Bread, 9th Street Espresso, Sarabeths and Fat Witch Bakery!
Enter through Cipriani on the balcony at Grand Central & you'll feel as if you have entered a bygone era. Drinks are expensive ($15 martini) but the atmosphere is worth it. Reserve a table in advance.
Cure your carb cravings while overlooking Columbus Circle. Just try not to drool over the models slash waiters. Read more.
This Parisian-style park is an oasis in Midtown with something for everybody, from morning yoga to rides on Le Carrousel to 'wichcraft sandwiches to Citi Pond skating in winter to films in the summer.
From late October until the end of February, Bryant Park opens a no-charge skating rink. Don’t get too excited: The admission may be free, but you gotta pay $13 to rent skates (or BYO). Read more.
Get here fast because the museum is moving downtown to the Meatpacking District. Their new six-story, 195,000-square-foot building will be designed by Renzo Piano and cost $680 million. Read more.
50,000 square feet of Italian food. Be prepared to be stuck here for hours (if not days) if you have any sort of love of food. Heaven on earth, as far as I'm concerned.
This may be the most extensive selection of Italian wine in America. Here you will find Super Tuscans to Prosecco and everything in between. NB the entrance is outside Eataly from 23rd St.
There’s nothing like a rooftop bar to make you feel like a New Yorker. La Birreria (001 212 937 8910) is a new brewery on the roof of the Eataly building, chef Mario Batali’s Italian food emporium.
Its décor is a step above the neighboring places, and the Peking Duck is crispy, savory and delicious. Save some dollars and bring your own wine, its BYOB.
Fun Fact: Derek Jeter was the final Yankee to bat at the old Yankee Stadium AND the first Yankee to bat at the new Yankee Stadium.
Beware: they only take same-day reservations, and the lunch crowd must wait five to 30 minutes in the front room. Complex $13 Ramen concoctions include the popular Akamaru and the Shiromaru. Read more.
From soap, earrings and watches to oysters, ice cream and bicycles, the Flea is an ode to the city’s dedicated craftsmen. In a word: it makes you happy.
Unfamiliar with the city and hiding out from fans, Charlie Chaplin once stayed here in 1916 because he didn’t know of any other hotel where you could dine. Read more.
French-leaning small plates can be cobbled together to compose an excellent & affordable meal here. Try the classic croque madame ($10) or the brandade ($9), a pot of featherlight whipped salt cod. Read more.
The best place to see museum-quality gallery shows has perfected this high-end form. Shows such as “Picasso and Marie-Thérèse: L’Amour Fou” prove you don’t have to be MoMA to stage a blockbuster. Read more.
Feel like a kid again as you’re dwarfed by the T-Rex and the Blue Whale or just surrounded magically by butterflies. It’s entertaining and educational. Use the side entrance to cut the line.
The Birdhaus Bao is juicy and delicious, made with all-natural fried chicken brined overnight. The Chairman Bao, most popular, is served with cilantro, Haus Relish and Taiwanese red sugar. Read more.
This is the real thing. A place for Gotham insiders. Gold leaf ceilings and enchanting murals by Madeline author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Arrive by 8pm and take a small table near the piano.
Besides the Shake Shack and the lines of people, check out the dog run, the views of the Flatiron, the featured art, the fountain and the Calexico Cart.
Tony Bourdain-approved burgers and shakes (try the black & white). This location, in Madison Square Park, is my fave but be prepared to wait in line 1 hour+, especially on nice days around lunch.
See and be seen when you’re dining al fresco at this SoHo staple. Just don’t be surprised if your secret convo ends up on Page Six - or on gossipgirl.net. Read more.
Awesome ramen (topped with pork belly, pork shoulder and poached egg) and succulent pork buns, which you can still get Fri-Sat from midnight-2am if you come down with the late-night munchies.
Fun-loving soft serve with creative toppings like the Salty Pimp: vanilla, dulce de leche, salt, and a chocolate dip.
Texas-style barbecue... in New York City? Believe it. Dry rub brisket, spare ribs, game hen, corn pudding, sweet potato mash, and even Lone Star Beer, with a side of live American roots music.
Stop here and get some new gear for your kitchen - Tony did! As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
One of the nicest playgrounds in the city. If your wee one is adventurous, the yellow slide is fast and fun – for Mom & Dad too. No dogs allowed.
If you haven't been the the Maison Ladurée in Paris, this is a must. If you have been, this is still a must. At $2.75 per macaron, feel free to splurge. We recommend the salted caramel.
Bringing friendly competition to a whole new level is SPiN, the Flatiron ping pong bar that just launched a social networking site exclusively for table tennis enthusiasts. Read more.
This amazing center will re-kindle your love affair with photography – the exhibits are amazing and the classes are amazing. Come on Friday Nights for Free Admission.
Wish you could hand-pick your clothes from the runway? You can at this shop whose owners have brought the catwalk to shoppers over the last decade. Plus, snack on the candy that’s always on hand.
Winner of Best Fish and Chips in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! Get the mushy peas as a side - far more delicious than the name would suggest.
"A fully functional aircraft carrier ship + submarine + planes (Concorde, helicopters, Space Shuttle, etc.) – what’s not to love? Don't miss the yearly screening of Top Gun on the flight deck."
Every single ingredient that goes into creating the sensational cuisine is handpicked from the finest markets. An around-the-clock crowd pleaser is Colicchio's famous veal-riccotta meatballs.
Manhattan meets Shanghai in this stunning rooftop bar. This is the place to impress out-of-towners or that special someone. Drinks are EXPENSIVE…$24 a pop! But it’s worth it.
Tiny restaurant, so expect long lines. However, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious ramen broth. Try the Chicken Ramen and the Char Su Pork Ramen, which is blowtorch charred right in front of you.
The original location and the best. The lobster roll is what you're here to eat, but there's also crab, shrimp, clam chowder, etc. 8 seats and no restroom - plan accordingly. Also in UES, UWS, FiDi...
On a clear sunny day you can see ALL of Manhattan...it hands down has the best view of the city! It's expensive, but well worth it for the photo ops and the futuristic elevator ride!
Look out for luminaries of the financial, film, and TV industries at this casual Italian restaurant. The most popular dishes are "My Grandmothers' Ravioli" and the slow-cooked lamb sandwich, both $16. Read more.
Just steps from the Boom Boom Room, a 4-ft.-deep rooftop pool welcomes the scantily-clad, while AstroTurf pads well-heeled feet. Tip: Forgot your suit? Buy a bikini at the vending machines.
New location in Flatiron for the LES classic and best speakeasy in NYC. To get in you have to be a member or go with a member. Fish House Punch still my fave!! Ask the barman for the specials.
On Wednesdays it's a "Suggested Donation" day which includes everything but a camel ride. So take a personal day and spend it exploring the wild wonders of the Animal Kingdom.
The scores of Hasidic Jewish salesmen at B&H have the biggest inventory and the best prices in town. It's like Epcot Center for the bargain shopper. Closed on Shabbos, open on Christmas! - IFC Staff
By far the BEST place to have breakfast in New York. This tiny jaunt has a line around the corner and out the back door for Sunday Brunch. You can also inquire about their cooking classes! - Nikki
Beware: Some museums are more reputable than others. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City? Pretty reputable. The Flagstaff Groundhog & Jackalope Hall of Fame? Less so. Read more.
Golf? Check. Ice skating? Check. Rock climbing? Check. Pool? Check. This massive gym is a must-do. In fact, the only thing wrong with Chelsea Piers is that it will ruin every other gym for you.
It's all meatballs here, rolled into shape, featuring beef, spicy pork and chicken. Most popular is a bowl of beef meatballs with the classic tomato sauce and a slice of focaccia ($7). Read more.
Choose from over 100 menu options at one of NYC's best spots for cheap Chinese cuisine. Try duck congee for 4.50 & wonton soup for $3.75. Read more.
Get the Roast Beef sandwich special with mozzarella, gravy and sundried tomatoes (Thursday or Saturday only). It's the sandwich that was featured in 'The Sandwich' episode on "30 Rock."
"Central Park takes up roughly 843 acres of land. To give you an idea, that’s roughly 16 billion NY apartments." - Conan O'Brien
brussels sprouts are quite nice, cheese plate is good and giant, meatballs are a-okay, after all that margherita's the way to go for pizza
Chelsea is positively pulsing with excitement, creativity and energy. And there’s no better place to experience the world’s contemporary art scene than Pace Gallery.
This classic eatery hasn't been around for 100 years for no reason - the smoked fish, latkes, and friendly waitstaff are legendary. But beware - you'll never settle for subpar lox ever again!
Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford gets her on-the-go snacks from Organic Ave. “They will deliver coconut water (which Rutherford claims is ‘nature’s Pedialite) or green juice.”
Torrisi Lunch is a Hobson's choice between chicken parm and turkey; we say, go turkey. For dinner, arrive around 6pm, they'll give you a time to return to dine later that evening. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
To access the pool, you could splurge and spend a night here. Then you could go for a swim and take in the spectacular views over the Hudson River.
CNN Eatocracy: It's one of the New York's most beloved restaurants -- and for good reason with its luxurious yet homey atmosphere. Everything's seasonal and you really can't go wrong.
Order the Iced Spanish Latte or Iced Mocha when it gets warm out (or in the winter if you drink iced coffee year-round)! They secretly make a mean grilled cheese as well.
Great selection of organic products and great selection of sugar derivatives for people with diabetes. I did a dinner and made desserts using Stevia. -Ed Cotton, Top Chef
We love these workouts. Try a private class to really get your body in shape for summer.
Mario Batali forever changed the Italian dining scene with his legendary spin on authentic Italian cuisine when he opened Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca.
A relatively small jazz club featuring breathtaking views and amazing performers in a beautiful and intimate setting. The food is overshadowed by the music!
Chunky sweaters, tweed blazers and striped turtlenecks are perfect for winter in the city.
Their rice pudding is made daily in their super high-tech kitchen. Try the original flavor which is always good, or mix it up with their unconventional flavors and toppings.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world: 23,771 seats, 90 luxury suites, 12 elevators, 6 escalators, 6 TV studios, 20 broadcast booths, 16 camera positions, 1 love of the game!
A very light crust that's just a bit too crumbly for our tastes, but not bad. The filling has a natural pale looking color and tastes like what we are looking for: light, eggy, and not too sweet. Read more.
Michael Psilakis cools off at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory in where they serve up a scoop of Butter Pecan Ice Cream on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Find more tips at FN Local. Read more.
A local's favorite, a perfect rest stop for a tourist. A New York delight! Don't forget to grab some fresh fruit at this original Dean & DeLuca location.
Executives dream of ringing the closing bell here, but it's a little more complicated than they might imagine. Which button do you press to conclude the trading day: green, orange, or red? Read more.
Get there early to take in the heavenly views of Manhattan while sipping on your favorite cocktail. Eventually, the masses will arrive and you’ll be fighting to keep your spot.
Noodles with ginger and scallion, roast pig or duck, shrimp wontons, flowering chives. Cheap, fast, actually great — and open till 4 a.m.
Models know all the beauty essentials, and where to buy them. Sephora is a great place to stock up on model must-haves. Chanel Iman heads there for her favorite item: Rosebud Lip Salve.
Luxurious in true Trump Style, try this hotel's spa, also known as NYC's only hammam offering luxury spa services.
The best literary hot spot boasts a warm atmosphere, well-curated selection and convivial café. It also has the city’s first Espresso Book Machine, which prints a growing number of texts on demand. Read more.
I love the Asia Society that’s right near the Explorers Club. They have very impressive exhibits. I’m very involved in Asian art overall so I just love the building. -Lorie Karnath, Explorers Club Read more.
Great views from the top of the Conrad across the river to NJ. Strong drinks and prosecco with popsicles - perfect for hot summer days.
Ask for the secret chocolate bourbon they have been brewing up. You'll never look back after that.
One of our favorite NY things to do is have cocktails after work on the roof of the Metropolitan, and take in the best views of Central Park. Open through late fall. Closed on Mondays.
Veniero’s Café, with its stamped copper ceilings, Italian marble floors, and stained glass ceilings, is an old world style Italian café.
An infinity pool in Manhattan? That’s what members will enjoy – along with impeccable service, comfortable lounge chairs and awesome views.
Best tennis spot on east side. Semi-private lessons are great ways to learn the basics!
Marcus Samuelsson's hotly anticipated Harlem global soul food joint is luring the food lovers and critics from across the city uptown. It's totally worth the trip. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Come here for breakfast or lunch or a quick coffee and a tart. We like the Walnut Apricot Jam Scone and a hot chocolate.
This iconic office building hosts regular, long-term exhibitions by major contemporary artists in its lobby, thanks to the largess of collector and real-estate mogul Aby Rosen. (via ARTINFO)
The pool gets overly crowded because it’s not that big. However, it is clean, not overly chlorinated and has great lap hours.
Justin Timberlake’s place lives up to the hype with delicious baby back ribs and mac n’ cheese – even if it’s on the pricey side. It’s usually crowded, so you might as well wait at the bar.
One of the most peaceful and tranquil museums in NYC – you’ll swear you heard the chanting of monks. The medieval tapestries and architecture is divine.
Pool, Darts, Skee Ball. Feels like a Chuck E. Cheese's for drinking co-eds. Happy Hour from 4-7pm Everyday! $3-$6 Drafts and Well Cocktails.
Well deserving of its three Michelin stars, you'll be hard-pressed to find any sushi that can top Masa's. While it's extremely expensive, you're paying for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Our top spot for iced coffee. The New Orleans iced coffee is just perfection.
Really great NYC diner that treats you extremely well. Go for the Red Flame Omelette – ask for a side of grits, they know how to cook them.
Great ambiance and amazing staff. You can stop in for a delicious coffee or Gelato or have a posh meal – the Crab Salad is delicious as are ALL of the desserts.
This couturier teamed up with Great Gatsby costume designer Catherine Martin to create the glitzy gowns & accessories for the film; see those costumes & behind-the-scenes video, at an exhibit at here. Read more.
Sweat is rarely sexy, unless we’re talking about watching shirtless St. Judes boys work out. Come to work out . . . but stay for the show. Read more.
N bought B a heart necklace here—but this sparkly Fifth Avenue store has always been there for B, and I can't say the same for N. Stop by for breakfast. BYO glazed cruller. (I Will Always Love You) Read more.
The best year-round market brings together 150 local vendors carrying all manner of vintage, handmade and antique wares. The Flea will move to its winter location on November 26.
A casual cafe menu gives way to a dead-seriously formal tasting version in the dining room itself, well worth riding through to dessert.
The brunch menu ventures into playful fare like the most popular dish, "eggs in a nest," two eggs served any style over parmesan toast. The mimosas, bloody Marys and sunflower martinis are also good. Read more.
A delightful to have pancakes and discuss mean tweets, just don’t let Kelly see you on your phone.
Little coffee house serving delicious, smokey and memorable brews. Great place to hang out with your laptop and enjoy a cup and a yummy pastry.
Delicious and reinvented homemade ice cream – try the Wasabi, Ginger or Corn flavors. They also make amazing custom ice cream cakes.
This tri-level venue brings in must-see acts, from Lady Gaga toThe Gossip. Tip: Stake out a spot at the back of the main floor's bar; you'll get perfect views of the stage and easy-access to beer.
An old-school and thoroughly enjoyable steakhouse in a bank vault. Try the Bobby Van’s Filet Oscar or the Famous 12oz Burger (go South of the Border).
Check out this great space in NYC. Mark, Adam and the entire 1 Oak family know how to do it big and show The Situation a great time! - Mike (The Situation), Jersey Shore
One Louis Vuitton Friend of the House recommends the cappuccino that’s made like in the old days. Find out who at the LV Amble site. Read more.
No question, it's the best barbecue in the city. The best part is the casual & playful atmosphere: beer served in mason jars, buffet style line-up & huge communal tables. Read more.
The best store to blow your paycheck in stocks covetable finds from around the world—both luxury threads and more affordable goods like indie mags, CDs and hip accessories. Read more.
Go for the mac and cheese, the cobb salad, the fried chicken and waffles and the people watching at this unquestionably hip and greatly located restaurant.
Play Toss the Boss (Sat 2–5pm, Sun 2–7pm): the bartender will flip a coin for each round; call it right and your drinks are on the house. Read more.
Bringing Paris to NYC. Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch on the weekends, or pop in to the bakery for some Caramel Sale macaroons or an almond croissant! Oui! Oui!
This cute and usually crowded eatery serves up Cuban and Mexican dishes to perfection. Grab a beer with the famous grilled corn. Simply delicious.
Marie Robinson is the secret of every in-the-know Bergdorf Blonde in Manhattan.
Winner of Best Candy Store in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! Get the original Swedish Fish!
Don't let the homey atmosphere fool you; make a reservation at least a week in advance. Popular lunch items include include the turkey sandwich, cheeseburger, and the whole wheat pizzas. Read more.
A sports bar owned by a sport's star. It just doesn't get better than that. Read more.
Like nowhere else in Manhattan. Grab a bucket of PBRs, ping pong paddles and enjoy the sweet jazz music.
This Grand Central favorite tops the Village Voice's Top 10 Oyster Bar list. The atmosphere alone is worth the price, with enormous arched ceilings spanning above the restaurant. Read more.
If it's not too busy, The Dory is a cool place to pop in for oysters and cocktails. For a special occasion, ask about the chef's table tasting in the kitchen. [Eater 38 Member]
Dunk a delicious chocolate chip cookie into the pure, thick and smooth, liquefied chocolate.
A great place for a lazy Sunday brunch – go for the Omelette d’Alsace or the Frittata Provencal, or maybe the Apple Pancake or the Tarte Flambee – everything is delicious.
Catch a game at the home of the Brooklyn Nets or see your favorite performer in concert. Food selection is top notch - we love to get the brisket sandwich from Fatty Cue BBQ!
Le Grand Brunch, the Sat. affair with magnums of Champagne, pretty girls dancing on tables, & a tab best skipped out on, is back under the name Beaumarchais. Nicolas Cantrel is still the head chef. Read more.
A glitzy, two-floor restaurant with fine dining influences, an innovative cocktail menu, and creative, refined desserts.
Scarpetta, Scott Contant's seasonally-inspired Italian restaurant, serves delicious dishes like Creamy Polenta, Duck & Foie Gras Ravioli and his signature Spaghetti.
This trendy Mexican hotspot is the EMM Group's latest addition to their restaurant empire. Tacos are a bit on the small side, but pack a ton of flavor. Come here mainly for the scene.
Simple Greek food done right. Don't come here without trying the fresh fish by the pound. We recommend the Tsipoura, Lavraki, and Fagri.
