Destination Debrief: New York City

Image courtesy of Soho Grand Hotel

Every New Yorker has their own New York. There is something here for everyone. As such, it’s impossible to curate an exhaustive guide to all the city has to offer. Plus, the city is always changing and evolving, which is part of what makes it so special. 

New York City comprises five boroughs: the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn. Especially if you’re a first-time traveler to the city, you’ll likely spend most of your time in the latter two, which is why the below guide focuses solely on them. But again, this is by no means a complete list (not even close) of everything worth seeing and doing in the global metropolis. Prepare to be surprised, allow room for spontaneity and whatever you do, don’t stop walking in the middle of the sidewalk.

Read on for a mere taste of the best of NYC. For a more tailored itinerary and personalized recommendations, connect with Fora. We'll design a vacation that makes the most sense for you. In the meantime, here’s a little inspiration to spark your wanderlust.

Need to know

Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (the last of which is technically New Jersey, but we’ll let it slide)

Transportation: Walk if you can. Otherwise, take the subway. If you’re not feeling the subway, taxis and Ubers/Lyfts abound. Download the Curb app to order a yellow cab. (And if you’re feeling adventurous, try renting a Citi Bike.) Renting a car is something you could do, but we don’t recommend it (most New Yorkers don’t even own a car).

Best time to visit: Late spring — May and early June — is a beautiful time of year, when everything is starting to bloom, the mood is happy and the weather is just right. October is another sweet spot for weather — it’s pervasively cozy. The holidays are magical, if a bit nippy. Summer is fun, too, but can get rather hot, humid and sticky.

Ideal length of stay: You can have a memorable long weekend in the city, and an equally memorable weeklong sojourn. It depends on what you want to see and do. Anywhere from three to six nights is perfect. 

Dress code: It’s New York. You do you. Don your most eclectic thrifted ensemble and comfortable shoes, or opt for a sophisticated get-together à la Sex and the City. Individuality is the name of the game. However, if New Yorkers had a dress code, it would be black. 

Manhattan

Manhattan’s endless energy excites. There’s always something new to discover, something novel to explore. The borough’s numerous neighborhoods each have a distinct personality. It’s impossible to see it all, and that’s the point.  

Image courtesy of Crosby Street Hotel

Where to stay in Manhattan

Crosby Street Hotel, The Whitby Hotel & Warren Street Hotel: This Firmdale trifecta brings Kit Kemp’s posh, playful British design to SoHo, Midtown and TriBeCa. Fora Reserve perks include $100 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Roxy Hotel New York: A cool downtown haunt with the best taste in music and a subterranean jazz bar. Fora Reserve perks include $50 food / beverage credit, a waived amenity fee, breakfast daily & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

ModernHaus SoHo: A playful modernist stay filled with art from renowned artists. Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

The Ned NoMad: An exclusive Art Deco stay / private members’ club with a handsome, stylish aesthetic. Fora Reserve perks include $100 hotel credit for at least two nights, a welcome amenity, $70 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Soho Grand Hotel: Playful, modern and trendy, with a legendary retro diner to boot. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $50 food / beverage credit, waived daily amenity fee, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel: An elegant New York City icon on the Upper East Side, home to the equally iconic (and art-filled) Café Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar. Fora’s Rosewood Elite perks include $100 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily & an upgrade whenever possible. 

The Standard East Village: Cheeky and hip, a beloved mainstay in NYC’s ever-cool and edgy East Village. Fora’s VIP Standard Secret Agent perks for at least two nights include $100 food / beverage credit, an upgrade & extended check in/out whenever possible.

Image courtesy of the Standard, East Village

Nine Orchard: A converted downtown bank with a stellar culinary program courtesy of Ignacio Mattos.

The Greenwich Hotel: Discreet and luxurious, with a popular Italian hotspot and one of the city’s best spas. Fora’s partner perks include $100 hotel credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Hotel Chelsea: A funky, eclectic NYC icon with the legendary Spanish restaurant, El Quijote. Jack Kerouac, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and other New York luminaries have lived here throughout the building’s storied history. Hotel Chelsea is owned by the same hotel group as The Greenwich, and Chelsea is basically the cool, rock-and-roll little sister. 

Hotel 50 Bowery: A stylish Lower Manhattan stay with an approachable price point. Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include $75 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.

The Lowell: Family-owned chic elegance on the Upper West Side, with wood-burning fireplaces and an impressive art collection. Fora’s partner perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Barrière Fouquet’s New York: Feminine, discreet, luxe Parisian chic takes TriBeCa. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $100 hotel credit, $50 daily breakfast credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Mercer: Effortlessly cool, where savvy locals go for a staycation. Fora’s exclusive partner perks include $50 hotel credit for Deluxe Studios and above, $30 daily breakfast credit, a welcome amenity, complimentary minibar, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Virgin Hotels New York: A fun, vibrant and youthful newcomer to the NYC scene, with a pervasive sense of play. Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Bowery Hotel: Cozy and timeless, with a moody lobby and old-school charm. The East Village staple is in the heart of the action, steps from NoHo, SoHo and the Lower East Side.

What to do in Manhattan

The Whitney Museum of American Art

As in any great city, you’ll never run out of things to do in New York — especially in Manhattan. Even better, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re into museums, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum (housed in two tenement buildings) is an intimate, non-touristy option that tells the ongoing story of immigration in New York. The Whitney Museum of American Art, in the Meatpacking District, is a work of art in itself, as is the Guggenheim, in the Upper East Side. Reserve at least half a day for the Met, especially if it’s your first time in NYC. Other fun art galleries and museums include Gagosian (there are several locations), the American Museum of Natural History (check out their current exhibition on the history of jewelry in hip-hop), the Frick Collection (for Old Masters and European sculpture) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

In New York, everyone walks everywhere. Luckily, there are beautiful routes on which to do so. Walk the Highline, on the city’s west side. Start at Hudson Yards and work your way down to Little Island, a zen green oasis. Another fun route: Riverside Park, also on the west side. Start around 60th Street, and head up to 70th to hit Pier i Cafe for coffee or fries. There are delightful pockets of green sprinkled throughout the borough. SoHo’s Elizabeth Street Garden and Greenwich’s Jefferson Market Garden are two particularly lovely options.

The West Village is also prime for wandering, shopping and people watching. Pop into the homewares shop Lahn for bespoke and funky objects (neon ashtrays, incense, cool candlesticks). Three Lives & Company is a friendly neighborhood bookshop with the best, most soothing jazz playlist. Bleecker Street is always abuzz. There are numerous shops to explore, among them Sarah Jessica Parker’s eponymous shoe store, where she’s been known to service clients herself. Then walk east and south, to NoHo, where Ulla Johnson, John Varvatos (located in the old CBGB) and goop beckon.

Manhattan’s entertainment scene is among the best in the world. Pop into the Comedy Cellar if you can — you never know who’s going to show up. A Broadway show is timeless and classic. The Blue Note Jazz Club is a legendary music venue that hosts artists of numerous genres, especially those in the R&B and, of course, jazz spaces. The talent at the New York City Ballet is the best of the best, as is that at the Met Opera.

Head to the waterfront South Street Seaport, in the Financial District (FiDi), for ice skating in the winter, pop-ups in the summer and good vibes, food and views year round. (Bryant Park is also a magical winter ice-skating locale.) Another year-round delight is the Union Square Greenmarket, where fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, honey, breads, treats, sauerkraut and more are on glorious display. Mid-summer to early fall tends to be the sweet spot.

Where to eat in Manhattan

The dining room and roasted market chicken at Hearth (images courtesy of Lee Elkins)

It’s almost comical to attempt to list all the places that merit a visit in this food-obsessed borough. But a few special spots stand out. If you’re in the Village, grab dinner at La Lanterna di Vittorio before a show at the aforementioned Comedy Cellar. Brunch at Buvette will make you feel as if you were whisked away to Paris. Other West Village staples include I Sodi and Via Carota for unfussy Italian that’s worth the wait, Don Angie for playful American-Italian (also worth the wait), Semma for Michelin-Starred Indian and St. Jardim for natural wine and a small but chef-driven menu — in a small and lively space. Save room for delightfully stretchy gelato at Pamina, which uses the best ingredients sourced either from Italy or the nearby greenmarket.

Over in the East Village, Hearth serves up a meticulously, greenmarket-sourced menu in a cozy and stylish setting (and the staff are the absolute best). 7th Street Burger and Superiority Burger are excellent no-frills spots for a tasty and unexpectedly elevated meal. Afterward, head to tropical cocktail bar Paradise Lost. Gluten-free and vegetarian diners will appreciate Tiger Lily Kitchen for Asian-inspired nourishment, as well as Divya’s Kitchen, for Ayurvedic Indian. A bit south, in NoHo, the modern Mexican haunt ATLA is also not to be missed.

Below Houston Street, Chinese Tuxedo is a moody, sexy spot for Asian fusion. Thai Diner is legendary for a reason, as is the pizza at SoHo’s Rubirosa. Dhamaka, in Essex Market, is exceedingly popular for Indian street food from the uber-talented team behind Semma. After dinner, grab a masterful cocktail at Attaboy and Subject, both in the Lower East Side. In TriBeCa, the Greenwich Hotel’s Locanda Verde attracts savvy locals and travelers alike (get the sheep’s milk ricotta). 

In Flatiron and Midtown, get the marinated short ribs and ribeye at miss KOREA BBQ. If you’re after a classic steakhouse moment, you can’t go wrong with Keens. Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern is an NYC mainstay, and his newer Italian hit Ci Siamo will quickly become one. Go to Cosme for vibey and elevated Mexican helmed by Enrique Olvera. Rockefeller Plaza’s Pebble Bar is a handsome spot for a nightcap, while Blue Dog is perfect for a locally sourced meal. Further uptown, Tiki Chick is a fun and playful tiki bar with an equally fun and playful menu of casual snacks and bites.

Brooklyn

The vibe in Brooklyn — at least in most of its neighborhoods — is, on balance, chiller than Manhattan. It’s eclectic, quirky, cool and, yes, hipster — all at once.

Image courtesy of the William Vale

Where to stay in Brooklyn

The William Vale: A hipster haunt in Williamsburg with an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar and a restaurant by Andrew Carmellini. Fora’s exclusive partner perks include $20 daily breakfast credit and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: An eco-conscious stay with a soothing natural aesthetic. Book with Fora to snag $100 food / beverage credit, $25 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Hoxton, Williamsburg: Effortlessly cool and trendy, with a fun and ever-trendy rooftop restaurant, Laser Wolf. 

Hotel Indigo Williamsburg: Cozy, contemporary and perfectly located. Fora’s IHG Lifestyle perks include $50 hotel credit, welcome amenities, an upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn: A youthful downtown stay with an industrial-chic bent. There’s always something fun going on here, from DJ nights and happy hours to artist residencies and pop-up chef-driven meals.

Wythe Hotel: A masterfully converted factory with local art and a chic French restaurant, Le Crocodile. Also don’t miss the hotel’s Bar Blondeau, where seafood, natural wine and beautiful mocktails are enjoyed with views of the Manhattan skyline.

What to do in Brooklyn

PORTA & Big Night (images courtesy of Bella Braconi)

Brooklyn’s vintage game is strong. L Train Vintage is a solid option. There are several locations, but go to the one off of Morgan Avenue if you can. Other People’s Clothes is fun and vibrant, Awoke Vintage is ideal for high-end finds and Dobbin’s St. Vintage Co-op is great for eclectic and tasteful home décor.

Wander along Atlantic Avenue, specifically between Bond and Hoyt Streets, and peruse its collection of charming boutiques. A few favorites include PORTA, for a beautifully curated tablescape and home; Assembly Line, for the chicest furniture and lighting; Consignment Brooklyn, for luxe secondhand clothing; and Layla, for artisanal jewelry, clothing, bedding and home gems. Antique lovers will delight in Horseman Antiques, while minimalists will appreciate the elegant subtlety of The Primary Essentials. Go to Outline for a well-curated clothing selection, and Michele Varian for additional interior design inspiration. 

Another excellent shopping location is Franklin Street in Greenpoint. Pop in and out of the area's boutiques and refuel at its numerous coffee shops. Million Goods offers the best of both words — it’s an effortlessly cool boutique and café. You’ll love the upscale kitchen boutique Big Night to fulfill all your cookery design dreams. 

Domino Park, Brooklyn (images courtesy of Bella Braconi)

For an outdoor nature moment, Prospect Park is your best bet. Walk through the park en route to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The waterfront Domino Park is another great outdoor space, populated with walkways, fountains, playgrounds and sports areas (for games like bocce and beach volleyball). Also consider stopping by WNYC Transmitter Park. Grab a drink at the nearby Radio Star, or tacos at Taqueria Ramirez. Take a walk through Fort Greene Park (especially on Saturday morning, for the farmers’ market — be sure to grab a dosa from Brooklyn Curry Project).

If you’re into art, the Brooklyn Museum is a must. If you’re into making art, get lost in a project at Happy Medium’s charming Art Café, where you’ll “order” your own art project to work on. Go to Choplet to learn how to craft beautiful pottery.

Brooklyn is also a great place for a ferry ride. Take it from Williamsburg to DUMBO (down under Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Before boarding, sample as much as you can at Smorgasburg, an open-air food market. When in DUMBO, walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park into Brooklyn Heights. Check out Salter House for clothing and clogs, then walk down Court Street, where there are tons of local shops. (Pro tip: Stop for a drink and a pizza at Franks Wine Bar.) Consider ferrying or city biking to Red Hook, where the new BonBon warehouse store, filled with the Swedish candy company’s sweet masterpieces, awaits. Grab a frozen key lime pie on a stick from Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie before walking to Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier for an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty.

Finally, for top-tier music and the best vibes, head straight to either Bushwick’s Ornithology Jazz Club or to Williamsburg’s Nightmoves for cocktails and dancing. While technically in Queens, Nowadays is walkable from Bushwick in Brooklyn and is a must for the house aficionado. 

Where to eat in Brooklyn

Image courtesy of Laser Wolf & The Hoxton, Williamsburg

Brooklyn’s culinary game rivals Manhattan’s. Laser Wolf, on the Hoxton rooftop, serves delicious Israeli cuisine with the best city views. For additional Middle Eastern food, go to the sleek Sofreh, Eyval or Sawa, all trendy, vibey and tasteful, with chic minimalist decor. All three serve great cocktails and even better Persian-inspired — or, in Sawa’s case, Lebanese — menus. Save Miss Ada for a Levantine lunch or brunch.

Missy Robbins is a master of pasta and seasonal veg, and her thrilling restaurant trifecta — Lilia, Misi and Misipasta — showcase her undeniable talent. (At Misipasta, you can buy her legendary handmade pastas and sauces, plus market fare, fresh bread and housemade gelato.) 

Natural wine abounds. The Michelin-Starred Four Horsemen is a low-key neighborhood spot with exquisite food and wine. Prepare to be blown away. (And if the brothy beans or celery salad are on the menu when you go, get them.) Place des Fêtes is also excellent, perfect for well-sourced seafood and vegetables paired with a glass of biodynamic bubbly. Savor shared plates and beautiful libations at the zero-waste Rhodora Wine Bar, from the team behind the equally fantastic June, another wine bar with a tight, masterful menu. You can’t go wrong with Cherry on Top, where there’s always something fun going on. If you’re into beer, try the craft brews at the women-owned TALEA Beer Co. If you’re more of a cocktail person, Fresh Kills Bar is for you. They make everything that goes into their intricate drinks in house.

Rhythm Zero & The Four Horsemen (images courtesy of Bella Braconi)

One of the best parts about Brooklyn’s dining is that amazing food and drink comes wrapped in unassuming (but nonetheless stylish) neighborhoody packages. Dinner Party is one such example. It’s rustic and charming, and the set Mediterranean / Californian menu changes each week. The Noble is another lovely gem, as is the sustainably minded Cecily. April Bloomfield’s Sailor and the Wythe’s Le Crocodile are elevated local bistros. Five Leaves and Fradei are other hip bistors worth checking out. And Rolo’s, while technically located in Queens, is perhaps the perfect restaurant. Gramercy Tavern alums churn out unfussy, incredible food (you must get the wood-fired polenta bread) in a bustling atmosphere with the best vibes and warm service. Save room for dessert. (The team also recently launched a late night food & bar space called Hellbender.)

And then there’s the pizza. L’Industrie is ever-popular and more than deserving of its long lines, as is Speedy Romeo, where wood-fired pies take center stage. Fini Pizza is another solid option. Roberta’s is famous and attractively gritty, if a little overrated at this point — although we still pay honor because it’s the restaurant that basically put Bushwick on the map. (Alternatively, consider trying their tasting-menu-only spot Blanca.) In New York fashion, it’s never wrong to grab a slice from a local hole-in-the-wall joint, either. 

Radio Bakery, from the Rolo’s team, is magical. Get there early before everything sells out (because it will certainly sell out). Rhythm Zero is great for a quick coffee or matcha or pastry. Grab a burger at the waterfront Red Hook Tavern, or a cocktail and taco at the breezy Colonia Verde. Speaking of tacos, the ones at Oxomoco — with vegetarians and meat-lovers alike — cannot be beat.

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream NYC getaway.