Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [An Insider's Guide To NYC](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/136) ![An Insider's Guide To NYC](https://media.slman.com/lty037mEaV2cr5l9UCG7e7ZarLc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Finsider-guide-nyc-thumb.png) CLAY BANKS; FILIP MISHEVSKI/ UNSPLASH [Culture](/index%2Ephp/culture) / 06 October 2021 # An Insider's Guide To NYC Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK, is a man you can count on for travel recommendations. With the US set to start taking British visitors again next month, we asked Nicky to share his tips for a long weekend in New York City. From his favourite hotels and restaurants to the hidden gems you need to know about, here’s what to add to your itinerary when the time comes… CLAY BANKS; FILIP MISHEVSKI/ UNSPLASH ## WHERE TO STAY [ ![1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge](https://media.slman.com/TXdfhjSMSAULR6jKI19yIcTVtfk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fbrooklynbridgeroom2.jpg) ](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge) 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge ### Highline Hotel Originally built as student housing, the Highline Hotel is a peaceful sanctuary in Chelsea. I love using one of the complimentary Shinola bicycles to ride along the Hudson River Greenway and finishing the evening with a cocktail in the front garden. Visit [TheHighlineHotel.com](https://thehighlinehotel.com/) ### Kimpton Hotel Eventi Kimpton Hotel Eventi is another strong Chelsea option. Because Kimpton is the sociable and playful brand within the InterContinental group, there’s a secret password that unlocks free goodies and upgrades in every hotel, as well as wine nights to join and other fun quirks. Visit [HotelEventi.com](https://www.hoteleventi.com/) ### 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge It’s all about Brooklyn for me these days. Right on the waterfront by the Brooklyn Bridge, this is a beautiful property built with sustainability in mind. While modern and artistic, it’s also designed to blend into the surrounding nature. The result is some amazing scenery – and a rooftop bar with spectacular views. Visit [MrAndMrsSmith.com](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge) [ ![1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge](https://media.slman.com/YRJ9MEtRgw6YpHanqnbCvC6mKWA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fbrooklynbridgelobby.jpg) ](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge) 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge [ ![1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge](https://media.slman.com/XplaSQuy8FkD3ugkb8dOCQVVWkA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fbrooklynhotelfood.jpg) ](https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge) 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge ### Hotel 50 Bowery This is a fantastic spot with very reasonable rates. Even the basic rooms are not as small as in some mid-range NYC hotels and I love the location right by Chinatown, the Lower East Side and the Manhattan Bridge. There’s solid space for remote working in the hotel and a fun rooftop bar. It’s a Hyatt property so you can also earn and burn Hyatt points during your stay. Visit [Hyatt.com](https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/new-york/jdv-50-bowery/lgajd) ## WHERE TO EAT [ ![Russ & Daughters](https://media.slman.com/6j5ktpTYFZmLFY1irlKT2c_pzrs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Frussanddaughterscafe1.jpg) ](https://www.russanddaughterscafe.com/) Russ & Daughters ### Russ & Daughters Russ & Daughters Café on Orchard Street serves up traditional Jewish fare. I can’t resist the lox and cream cheese bagel. Visit [RussAndDaughtersCafe.com](https://www.russanddaughterscafe.com/) ### Taverna Kyclades I always try and swing by this place in the East Village on 1st Avenue for incredible Greek food in a relaxed low-key atmosphere. Order the grilled octopus – you won’t regret it. Visit [TavernaKyclades.com](https://www.tavernakyclades.com/) [ ![Tavern On The Green](https://media.slman.com/neDGeL-ohMQJKs1I7fmBSfBvZsk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Ftavernonthegreennew.jpg) ](https://www.tavernonthegreen.com/) Tavern On The Green ### Tavern On The Green If you’ve got the weather to dine al fresco, there’s no better place to do it than Central Park’s iconic Tavern on the Green. Sitting outside, looking up at the stars, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Manhattan. Visit [TavernOnTheGreen.com](https://www.tavernonthegreen.com/) ### Lilia If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, it’s worth the trip to Williamsburg to dine in the renovated auto body-shop that is Lilia. It does some of the very best Italian food in NYC, and that’s saying something. Visit[ LiliaNewYork.com](https://www.lilianewyork.com/) ## WHERE TO GO OUT [ ![Cecconi's Dumbo](https://media.slman.com/19ir7NhUYecFX1syu4dND_UMfMw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fcecconisnyc.jpg) ](https://www.cecconisdumbo.com/) Cecconi's Dumbo [ ![Death & Co](https://media.slman.com/XlV8P0EO0X3ldJJrEtOdBhQCnvQ=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fcaveofwondersdeathandco.jpg) ](https://www.deathandcompany.com/) Death & Co ### Cecconi's Dumbo Grab a table outside at Cecconi's in Dumbo for amazing views of the NYC skyline while sipping a negroni. Visit [CecconisDumbo.com](https://www.cecconisdumbo.com/) ### Death & Co Death & Co is a must-visit. A speakeasy bar with just a few tables, it can be hard to get in but is worth the wait; their cocktail list is long and super creative. They literally wrote the book that helped define the craft cocktail movement. Visit [DeathAndCompany.com](https://www.deathandcompany.com/) ### Apothéke This speakeasy in Chinatown serve incredible cocktails with the occasional live music performance. Visit [ApothekeMixology.com](https://www.apothekemixology.com/) [ ![Maison Premiere](https://media.slman.com/OKqKfwnJEziQMsGOJPhhZhptytY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fmaisonpremeirenyc.jpg) ](https://maisonpremiere.com/) Maison Premiere ### Maison Premiere Maison Premiere in Williamsburg is the go-to spot for oysters and absinthe – quite the combo. Visit [MaisonPremiere.com](http://maisonpremiere.com/) ### The Campbell Tucked away above Grand Central, this hidden gem of a lounge is the restored private office of American financier John W. Campbell. Order John Campbell’s Martini and get lost in the history. Visit [TheCampbellNYC.com](https://www.thecampbellnyc.com/) ### WHERE TO SHOP [ ![Saturdays NYC](https://media.slman.com/43_m5B7rOGpufPkd5cfKDZbTTrA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fsaturdays.jpg) ](https://www.saturdaysnyc.com/) Saturdays NYC ### Saturdays NYC Saturdays NYC has its flagship store on Crosby Street in Soho. You can shop its stuff online, but I always find awesome items in store that you don’t see anywhere else. At the back of the store, there’s an outdoor terrace where you can drink a top-notch coffee from the in-house café. Visit [SaturdaysNYC.com](https://www.saturdaysnyc.com/) ### Strand Book Store A trip to NYC isn’t complete without a visit to Strand Book Store. Founded in 1927, this reader’s paradise carries over 2.5m new and used books. Make sure to explore the rare book room on the third floor. Visit [StrandBooks.com](https://www.strandbooks.com/) ### John Varvatos I always try to stop by John Varvatos on Bowery at the former home of legendary punk music club CBGB. The store still hosts rock gigs, known as Bowery Live. Shop the clothing collection as well as vintage and contemporary vinyl records for sample listening and purchase. Visit [JohnVarvatos.com](https://www.johnvarvatos.com/) ## WHAT TO DO ![Soho, NYC](https://media.slman.com/XiE2KRDZ4tcDH7lHps3kOCUofY8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fsohonyccredfilip-mishevskiunsplash.jpg) Soho, NYC FILIP MISHEVSKI/ UNSPLASH ### Soho SoHo is my favourite neighbourhood for lazy strolling on cobbled streets and weekend shopping. Look out for If, one of Soho’s first fashion boutiques and a favourite of artists like Warhol and Basquiat. Don’t miss Schott NYC for the best leather jackets. ### Metropolitan Museum of Art You can’t beat a day at The Met. Not just for what’s on display, but also for the building itself and its Central Park location. After losing yourself in the art collection, I like to walk through the park to the Loeb Boathouse and grab a drink with a view of the rowboats. Visit [MetMuseum.org](https://www.metmuseum.org/) [ ![The Metropolitan Museum of New York](https://media.slman.com/ZhXZ--8UKOH6ygm2gQbRQ3d-DzE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fthemetcredmartinolssonunsplash.jpg) ](https://www.metmuseum.org/) The Metropolitan Museum of New York MARTIN OLSSON/ UNSPLASH [ ![Hudson Yards](https://media.slman.com/15iI5h5mzhw3MHRC6LR5zdE9lqA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F10%2Fhudsonsqcredclaybanksunsplash.jpg) ](https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/) Hudson Yards CLAY BANKS/ UNSPLASH ### Hudson Yards See the city from new heights at The Edge at Hudson Yards. This new development is full of interesting things to see, do and taste. The Shed is an amazing moveable structure that functions as a gallery, performing arts space and much more. There are also loads of high-end luxury brands like Dior and Fendi, alongside more affordable options such as Uniqlo and Zara. A great food scene includes the first New York outpost for world-famous chef José Andrés. Visit [HudsonYardsNewYork.com](https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/) ### Elizabeth Street Garden Elizabeth Street Garden is tucked away in Nolita amid many delicious restaurants and bakeries, independent flagship stores and unique small businesses. It’s a peaceful reprieve from the bustle that overflows from Soho to Nolita, and it’s home to both big and small community moments – Selkie just hosted its fashion week show here. 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