They say New York is the city that never sleeps—and we’re pleased to confirm that its signature energy is very much alive. With spring in full swing, this is the place to see and be seen—whether you’re strutting the sidewalks, gliding down the West Side Highway in a Blacklane, or holding court at the corner table of the city’s latest hotspot. With that in mind, we’ve curated a guide to the essential stops in what many still hail as the greatest city in the world. Blame it on Carrie Bradshaw; we don’t make the rules.
What to See
The Whitney
If you’re in the mood for a dose of culture, the Whitney Museum is a must—where cutting-edge American art meets a polished downtown backdrop (even the stairwells are Instagram gold). Currently on view: “Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” an exhibition that weaves together intimate portraits of everyday Black Americans with images of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor.
Cannes Cinema at Fouquet’s New York
Tucked inside Fouquet’s New York, the Cannes Cinema is one of the city’s best-kept secrets—previously reserved for fashion’s inner circle, and now open to the public. The hotel debuted its “Cozy Classics” series late last year, offering guests a dinner-and-a-show experience that starts at the Brasserie or Titsou Bar upstairs and ends with a curated film screening of their choosing. These special showings, now regularly listed on Resy, bring a touch of cinematic glamour to your night out.
Pebble Bar at The Rink
The Rockefeller Center renaissance is in full swing, and the latest opening is raising the bar—literally. Pebble Bar at the Rink is a 125-seat venue from the creators of Jac’s on Bond, Ray’s, and the original Pebble Bar. Located right by the famous ice skating rink, this new outpost serves up the signature cocktails and warm hospitality the group is known for. Designed by Gachot Studios, the space channels the charm of European cafés, complete with bocce and relaxed lounge-style seating.
Where to Eat
The Corner Store
Taylor Swift was absolutely right: The Corner Store, nestled in the heart of Soho, is every bit worth the hype. Brought to life by Catch Hospitality Group, the restaurant features a menu that reimagines American comfort food, from Five Cheese Pizza Rolls to a Wagyu French Dip that feel both familiar and entirely new. Martini lovers in particular will appreciate the bar’s standout cocktail lineup. Every drink feels as thoughtfully crafted as the space itself, which nails that perfect mix of old-school glamour and downtown cool, with plush vintage-inspired booths and the cheeky charm of Oli, the bar’s signature martini man. The only challenge? Scoring a reservation—this one’s already a scene.
Coqodaq
From the brains that launched the renowned Korean steakhouse Cote, Coqodaq is likely the most stylish fried chicken spot in existence. Think: nuggets topped with luxurious caviar and truffles, and crispy thighs and wings bathed in indulgent soy-garlic and gochujang glazes. All this is served in a sleek Flatiron venue, complete with designer soaps and sinks at the entrance—because here, eating with your hands is not only welcomed, it’s encouraged.
Crazy Pizza
The newest celebrity haunt in Soho is Crazy Pizza, thanks in large part to Heidi Klum, a partner in the restaurant. A-list names like Anne Hathaway, Irina Shayk, and Klum’s Project Runway co-star Christian Siriano have all been spotted here. The venue blends pizzeria and nightclub vibes, complete with live DJ sets. Don’t miss the “Spinning Chefs” tossing dough into the air, or the quirky portraits of stars indulging in pizza, created by artist Arianna Margulis (a.k.a. @butlikemaybe), adorning the walls.
Where to Drink
The Portrait Bar
Housed in the elegant Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Portrait Bar is the ideal date night spot. Cozy up by the fireplace with cocktails and bar snacks and see who you can recognize on the walls, and if you feel like continuing the conversation over dinner, try making a reservation at Café Carmellini down the hall. Both the menu and the setting are a master class in sophisticated luxury.
People’s
For a night that feels equal parts timeless and thrillingly new, make your way to People’s—a new cocktail lounge in Greenwich Village, already drawing the likes of Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson. Set in a century-old townhouse, the three-room space channels the spirit of New York’s avante-garde past with a distinctly modern edge. Founded by Emmet McDermott and Margot Hauer-King, it delivers candlelit intimacy, a stylish, in-the-know crowd, and a late-night menu curated by the Michelin-starred team behind Raf’s and Musket Room. It’s less a scene, more a salon—no photos allowed.
Chez Margaux
With a hint of Parisian decadence and a nod to London’s old-world charm, Chez Margaux is the newest address redefining New York’s burgeoning private club scene. Located in the former Spice Market space in the Meatpacking District, this velvet-clad sanctuary fuses high design with top-tier hospitality. Spanning 12,000 square feet of layered, maximalist glamour, with de Gournay walls and red lacquered ceilings, every room tells a story. Jean-Georges Vongerichten leads the culinary program with a menu of his signature dishes, alongside elevated takes on everything from sashimi to a midnight omelet. The only thing harder than getting in is leaving.
Miu Miu 55mm Buckle-Embellished Slingblack Pumps
Where to Stay
The Twenty Two
For those unfamiliar, the beloved London institution in Mayfair has officially made its East Coast debut—fittingly landing on East 16th Street during New York Fashion Week this past February. The star-studded launch party, attended by Hailey and Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and other A-listers, set the tone for what’s already becoming downtown Manhattan’s go-to destination. The Twenty Two offers 77 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a fully equipped gym, and the Middle Eastern restaurant Café Zaffri. But beyond the buzz, the space offers a serene escape from the city’s relentless pace. A nod to its roots, the building once housed the Margaret Louisa Home, a historic refuge for single working women. Today, its legacy lives on through curated artwork by female artists and a library stocked with literature from prolific women writers.
The Standard, High Line
The Standard, High Line remains an iconic downtown destination not only for its striking architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and prime Meatpacking District location, but also for its standout F&B—most notably at The Standard Grill and The Standard Biergarten—and its clever programming. From Not Your Standard Bingo every Sunday night starting at 10 P.M. to late-night dancing at BOOM, this place has little bit of everything, all under one stylish roof.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Renowned for its legendary service and timeless elegance, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers expansive accommodations with sweeping views of the skyline. After check-in, unwind in the 6,800-square-foot spa and fitness center, sip cocktails at the rooftop bar Nubeluz, or indulge in a serene bubble bath in your suite—complete with luxe Diptyque amenities for that extra touch of indulgence. And when relaxation works up your appetite, cap off your stay with a DJ brunch at Zaytinya, where a mezze menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés delivers a delicious finale.
Rimowa Cabin
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
Harper Perennial Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink by Véronique Hyland
Beauty Picks
Youth to the People Superfood Peptide Eye Cream
The perfect eye cream for the city that requires all your energy. Relieve those tired eyes with this fast-absorbing cream that’s packed with aloe to soothe and peptides to plump.
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
Long live second (or third or fourth) day hair. Give your roots a spritz of Ouai’s Super Dry Shampoo and you won’t ever need to stop back at your hotel. Key ingredients like rice starch and volcanic minerals work to detoxify strands and cleanse the hair so it will appear stronger and healthier between washes.
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Fragrance
If you make it off the island of Manhattan to the land of hipsters and a never-running G train, you’ll find yourself in Brooklyn. This fragrance, inspired by the borough’s jazz club scene, has woodsy notes of smooth cocktails and smoking cigars. To answer the question of the most notorious BK resident, “Where Brooklyn at?” Bottled, in this fragrance.
