New to The Big Apple and not sure where to begin your explorations? A local guide gives us tips on the best spots to check out for museum exhibitions, phenomenal food and local haunts.
One of America’s most recognisable cities, New York is a cosmopolitan melting pot that offers a range of experiences for visitors. If you’re keen on discovering the city yourself, here are some insider tips on how to experience The Big Apple like a local.
EAT
Clinton Street Baking Company on the Lower East Side is famous for its all-day breakfast. Order the sugar cured bacon, the blueberry pancakes and the fried chicken and waffles – I guarantee that the food will certainly not disappoint! For an afternoon pick-me-up, I like Devocion in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for its Colombian coffee and beautiful interior. I also frequent Tartinery at Hudson Eats, a modern, upscale spot with views of the Hudson River. And for an evening out, I recommend Gallow Green and The Crown. Both are great rooftop establishments.
STAY
The New York outpost of the Ace Hotel has individually designed rooms equipped with modern amenities, as well as a branch of Stumptown Coffee Roasters on the ground floor. It’s also a quick subway ride away from top tourist spots, including Times Square and the Empire State Building. I also recommend The High Line Hotel, a boutique establishment that mixes Gothic architecture with modern technology while retaining an oldschool charm. SoHo’s Crosby Street Hotel is another great spot that has a private garden for guests to enjoy.
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EXPLORE
During the day, spend some time in Central Park, where you can run, visit the Central Park Zoo, bike, picnic on the grass, watch a live concert and even ice-skate during the winter. The
Metropolitan Museum of Art is also a wonderful place to spend the afternoon; here, you can catch the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibition, which runs until 5 September 2022.
TIPS
There’s no better way to get around New York than riding the subway. The city is also excellent for walking, which is a great way to familiarise yourself with the different neighbourhoods. Tipping is a must – between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Finally, skip the chain restaurants in favour of local haunts and neighbourhood joints. Just remember to bring cash.
View other useful insider’s guides.
Illustration by Lee Xin Li
Singapore Airlines flies to New York twice daily, including direct to Newark Liberty International Airport. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
This article was originally published in the August 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine
