LIFESTYLE An Unexpected Time in New York City

A city like New York needs no introduction. But its cultural and culinary diversity warrant a forensic inspection – don’t waste a New York minute.

5 min

Travel in time, space and spice as you traverse the city's grid. Indulge yourself by feeding not just the body, but mind and soul as well; from borough to borough, you can jump continents and decades through NYC’s rich tapestry of legacies. New York, New York. So nice, you’ve got to say it – and visit – at least twice. Anything can happen in this city (and that’s not just a figure of speech, so leave room for a little serendipity), but we do have a few suggestions...

New York City

Soak it all up

Forget time, space, where you’ve been, who you are. In New York, you can be born anew. Go for a soak or steam at the fabled Russian and Turkish Baths on the Lower East Side, a bonafide NYC institution since 1892. Sweat it out, and go for the oak leaf “platza” if you can handle it. 

For a robust self-care menu, treat yourself to a day (or more) at the Equinox Hotel + Spa. Known for its focus on wellness, the Spa offers an array of tantalising (and tech-oriented) treatments, from immersive massages to cryotherapy. The experience is designed to boost your health and overall performance. 

  • The Russian and Turkish Baths,  268 East 10th St, New York, NY 10009
  • The Equinox Hotel and Spa, 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001,

Visual appeal

New York is one of the best art cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean only the Met or the Whitney (though of course we recommend those as well). To indulge an inclination for a little more New York City grit, The Brant Foundation on the Lower East Side celebrates all things Basquiat and serves up his vibrant, primitivist works with a side of downtown 80s energy.

Ready to make a quick river crossing? Hop over to Queens for a serene visit to the Noguchi Museum and Garden. Here, you can absorb the sculptural splendor of renowned American artist Isamu Noguchi.

  • The Brant Foundation, 421 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10009
  • The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Queens, NY 11106

The Brant Foundation, New York City

Eat like a king...or czar

If you’re looking to get lost in a meal, treat yourself to the slightly underground, red-tinged Russian Tea Room. You’ll feast on caviar and blini – and sample from the longest list of infused vodkas you’ve ever seen.

For a taste of authentic New York, Chinatown is a must. We heartily nudge you in the direction of a meal at Nom Wah Tea Parlour, a vintage dim sum restaurant that’s been up and running since 1920. Live like a local and make it a Sunday brunch stop – nothing better to soothe any rough edges remaining from Saturday night. 

And what would a trip to Gotham be without a steak? We’ll serve you one, but with a twist. Try the Waverly Inn, an upscale and historic NYC destination, and its famous steak tartare. This modern-day brasserie is cosily implanted on picture-perfect Bank Street in the West Village.

  • The Russian Tea Room, 150 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
  • The Nom Wah Tea Parlor, 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
  • The Waverly Inn, 16 Bank St, New York, NY 10014

Far-flung souvenirs

Forget that I<3 NY merch, there are plenty of other more original ways to commemorate your time in the Big Apple. For fans of design (perhaps even, for yourself), make a trip to the MoMa Design store, with several locations dotting the island of Manhattan. You’ll find iconic books, prints, objects and more, all celebrating the beauty of function and form. 

If you’re seeking more nuanced inspiration, Pearl River Mart is your answer. A fixture of the city since the 70s, Pearl River Mart is a place to wander and explore an eclectic collection of Asian goods for the home and beyond.

And if you do happen to make it to MoMA (the museum or its flagship shop), carve out some time to stop in at our 5th Avenue TAG Heuer boutique, just around the corner.

  • MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
  • Pearl River Mart, 452 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
  • TAG Heuer, 685 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

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