48 Hours In… New York, New York
Travel columnist Julia Hanley-Gordon heads back to her home city to give us 48 hours of the Big Apple
New York is my hometown, so, in this edition, I’m going to give you tips from staple visits to hidden gems. I’ll share the coolest tourist spots and things the locals love. This might be the city that never sleeps, but stick to this plan and you will definitely need a nap!
Eat
Lombardi's
32 Spring St,10012
My favourite pizza in New York. Lombardi’s in Little Italy has served coal-fired, thin-crust Neapolitan pizza since 1905. Their pizza is served by the pie and they make great salads, too. It’s the perfect place to sit and have lunch after shopping in Soho all morning. If you are sat in the back you will be walked through the kitchen to your table.
Artichoke Pizza
Multiple locations
If you are looking for a traditional slice of pizza and something a little different, then Artichoke is the place to go. Open from 11am until late (i.e. on your way home from partying all night) you can try their namesake Artichoke slice which has a strong thick crunchy base topped with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip topping. Or you could try their crab slice, vodka sauce slice or just your classic margarita slice (what New Yorkers call a ‘plain cheese’).
Katz Deli
205 E Houston St, 10002
A New York staple since 1888, this no-frills deli serves HUGE sandwiches. They give you a ticket on entry before your turn at the counter. They add the cost to your tickets and you pay by the door when you leave. It’s old school, but don't lose the ticket! Make sure you order the pastrami sandwich with their two kinds of pickles (gherkins).
Beauty and Essex
146 Essex St, 10002
Not to be confused with Essex in England, this is a street in the Lower East Side that has what looks like a pawn shop but once you walk through the shop it opens into an incredibly special restaurant and lounge, serving creative American food and cocktails. This could be your special dinner in New York or a great start to a big night out.
Breakfast
The best (and cheapest) breakfast you can have in New York is from the closest corner deli to where you are staying. They’ll make an egg sandwich. You can have eggs any way you like, with cheese, sausage or bacon, but I recommend having it in a bagel. They are so satisfying. I know you’re thinking you’ve had something like this before, but I promise you it’s different from a deli in New York.
Drink
Public Hotel
215 Chrystie St, 10002
Public rooftop has been a cool spot for a few years now and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to change anytime soon. It has incredible views from the large rooftop, while inside is a sparkly nightclub that has all different types of DJs playing every night.
Leave Rochelle Out Of It
205 Chrystie St, 10002
Named after a girl that both owners dated, this super cool dive bar specialises in whiskey. They make great cocktails and have ice cold beer too, so there is something for everyone. And that’s good because it attracts a really mixed crowd, perfect for people watching or making new friends.
McSorley's Old Ale House
15 E 7th St,10003
This is one of the oldest Irish bars in the city and not much has changed since it opened. They only serve two kinds of ale (light or dark) and there is sawdust on the floor. There is a real old-time atmosphere.
Shop
The best place to go shopping is on Broadway (where it meets Houston Street down to Canal Street). Every shop you can think of, at all price points. The Soho area is so beautiful, with lots of shops on the side streets, too. You can do some sightseeing while picking up a few treats.
Sights
Highline
Chelsea entrance 20th St and 10th Ave
If you haven’t heard, the Highline is this old train track that was derelict for years and it’s been developed into a park. I suggest starting in the Meat Packing District ,which is a cool warehouse area perfect for instagramming photos of your trip to New York. You will find both tourist and New Yorkers enjoying the walk and the view.
South Street Seaport
89 South St, 10038
This area is really beautiful and often overlooked when visiting New York. There’s shopping and dining and it’s also next to the East River so you can take in the view of Brooklyn. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and take in the view from the other side, too.
Stay
Hotel on Rivington
107 Rivington St,10002
This chic hotel offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and the most comfortable beds you’ll find in a hotel. Depending on what side of the building you are on will dictate your view but I think any view from this hotel makes you absorb New York’s energy and excitement.
The Highline hotel
180 10th Ave, 10011
Located in a great area for first time visitors, the Highline is in Midtown with an accessible location. The hotel is uber cool and very high-end without being stuffy. Even if you don’t stay here it’s worth stopping in to see its beautiful brick building and have a drink in its courtyard.
Fly
Virgin Atlantic or Norwegian Air
The best time to fly to New York is Sept and October as flights are cheaper and that is a great time of year to visit. My favourite airline is Virgin Atlantic but if you are on a budget and travelling only with a carry-on then look no further than Norwegian Air where you can get a return flight for as low as £300.