Katy M. 
Moving to Manhattan? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Manhattan Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- MARC179 (179 W Broadway, New York): This restaurant-slash-passion project by renowned chef Marc Murphy is open just three days a month. The $75 four-course menu changes monthly, so you can expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and an updated wine list.
- JP Morgan Chase (270 Park Avenue, New York): JPMorgan Chase’s construction of a new 60-story global headquarters in Midtown East reflects the company’s loyal commitment to New York City.
- Taste of Times Square: Get a taste of Midtown with over 25 restaurants dishing out Mexican, Caribbean, Argentinian, Italian, Indian, and American cuisine. As one of NYC’s longest-running food festivals, it’s a must for any foodie.
- Harlem Week: This annual festival celebrates Harlem’s vibrant heritage and diversity, in particular the African, Caribbean, and Hispanic histories of the area. Enjoy live music, dance performances, local cuisine, and panel discussions.
- Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St): The forefront of American modern and contemporary art, with works by Warhol, Hopper, and O’Keeffe. Round the visit off with a walk along the High Line.
- The Django (The Roxy Hotel): A Paris-inspired, cavelike jazz venue and cocktail bar hidden beneath the Roxy Hotel. The experience is pure cinematic magic, like stepping straight into that iconic Goodfellas restaurant scene with Henry and Karen.
- Empire State Building (20 W 34th St, New York): The Empire State Building was the first building in the world with more than 100 floors. It’s famous for its Art Deco architecture, height, and observation decks, which attract around four million visitors annually.
- Chelsea Flea Market (29 W 25th St): Revived by the team behind Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, this market is a treasure trove for antique lovers—but be prepared to dig deep. Hidden gems await those who persevere.
- VeganHood (2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York): Living by the motto “Veganized, Not Compromised,” VeganHood is rumored to serve the city’s best vegan fried chicken. Give it a try and see if all the hype is legit.
- Tavern on the Green (W 67th St, New York): Sometimes snubbed by New Yorkers for being clichéd, Tavern on the Green is charming nevertheless. Set in a romantic garden, it serves a hearty, rustic menu shaped by local, seasonal ingredients. Heads up: it’s about to become a bit less leafy due to the removal of a historic 160-year-old tree.
- West Side Festival: This free-admission event is a celebration of arts and culture on the West Side of Manhattan. Enjoy artmaking, workshops, dancing, live music, family-friendly activities, poetry readings, and access to museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions.
- Ollin (339 E 108th St, New York): This pint-sized Mexican joint blew up on TikTok, and for good reason. The funky decor is Instagram-ready, and the menu, though small, hits the spot with tacos, chilaquiles, and tortas.
- The New York Times Company (620 8th Ave, New York): This 52-story skyscraper in Times Square serves as the headquarters for The New York Times and is ranked among the top 150 buildings in the U.S.
- Gotham Comedy Club (208 W 23rd St): The spot for stand-up in NYC, featuring top headliners and rising stars. The intimate setting makes each joke feel like it’s just for you.
- Taste of Tribeca: An outdoor food festival and public school fundraiser where you can sample dishes from 60 plus Tribeca restaurants.
- Chelsea Living Room (243 W 14th St): This supper club, which promises a “bygone era of elegance”, is your dream lottery-winning Manhattan home realized: think cozy fireplace, a grand piano, chandeliers, and just a touch of animal print.
- Blackstone (345 Park Ave, New York): Blackstone, an alternative investment company, is expanding its Midtown office, making it one of the largest recent office leases in New York City. The space will grow from 750,000 square feet to just over 1 million square feet.
- Calvin Klein (205 W 39th St, New York): Located in the Garment District, Calvin Klein’s headquarters is more than just an office – the 39th Street space also holds archives of every single Calvin Klein design ever made.
- Nothing Really Matters (210 W 50th St, New York): Claiming to be “the greatest cocktail bar in the universe,” this speakeasy is hidden in a subway station beneath the old Duane Reade at 50th and Broadway. You’ll have to check it out to see if it lives up to that title.
- Konban (311 W 17th St): Konban specializes in tonkatsu—pork cutlets that are marinated, dried, breaded, and deep-fried, taking over two days to perfect. With izakaya style and a secret zen rock garden, it’s no surprise this TikTok-approved spot is a must-reserve.
- Paul’s Cocktail Lounge (2 6th Ave, New York): Paul Sevigny, brother of Chloe and a legend in New York nightlife, runs this Tribeca cocktail lounge with a reputation for its notoriously tough door.
- Jack’s Wife Freda (116 8th Ave): This all-day café is Instagram brunch heaven—think ambient lighting, farmhouse-style decor, and bentwood Vienna chairs. Celebrity spotting is common here.
- Lavitta’s Creole (218 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York): Chef Jimmy Thomas brings a 1940s barbershop back to life as a Creole restaurant. Schooled in Creole cooking by his mom and grandmother, Jimmy serves up crawfish cakes, wild shrimp po’ boys, and beignets. With just 32 seats, it’s all about that intimate dining experience.
- Fifth Avenue – Fifth Avenue is known around the world as a luxury shopping destination. This is the epicenter of the highest-end retail in Manhattan. It stretches all the way up to the Upper East Side and eventually becomes Museum Row!
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (45 E 42nd St, New York): Take your sightseeing to new heights with three levels of immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Far from your average observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was born out of the Instagram age.
- Comedy Cellar – One of the best comedy clubs in the country, the Comedy Cellar has hosted legendary comedians from around the world.
- GhostbustersFirehouse Company (14 N Moore St, New York): The iconic “Ghostbusters Fire Station,” is a fully functional firehouse and home to NYC’s Hook & Ladder Company 8. A must-see for any Ghostbuster fan.
- Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave): More than just a food hall, Chelsea Market has become one of NYC’s top attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. Now owned by Google, it remains a landmark destination for food, retail, and culture. Chelsea Market’s N’Between Bar, a vinyl-driven, Japanese-inspired listening bar tucked away inside the venue, has become a favorite for locals.
- Apollo Theater (253 W 125th St, New York): This legendary venue has been the launchpad for some of the greatest Black talent since 1914. From James Brown to Lauryn Hill, the Apollo is the heartbeat of Harlem’s rich musical legacy.
- Le Rock (45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York): Indulge your inner Parisian at this classic French brasserie in a grand Art Deco setting—think seafood platters, pâtés, and plenty of au poivre sauce to go around.
- New York University – Founded in 1831, this private research university is a staple of the neighborhood and contributes to the youthful, progressive vibe in so many ways. Over the years, the university has hosted a plethora of famous and significant celebrities, lawyers, and businesspeople. NYU is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world.
- Eulalie (239 W Broadway, New York): A throwback to old-fashioned hospitality. Reservations at this French restaurant are handwritten, cell phones are tucked away, flash photography is a no-no, and best of all, servers won’t rush you out after 90 minutes.
- The Grill (Seagram Building, 99 E 52nd St, New York): A fine dining steakhouse where tuxedo-clad servers roll out black truffle pasta, rib eye, and champagne cocktails on a silver-domed trolley.
- Broadway: You can’t live in, or visit New York City and not experience Broadway. It’s both a profession and a place—a theater genre presented in 41 theaters (mostly in Midtown) and a major boulevard stretching the length of Manhattan. Be prepared to fall in love with New York all over again.
- Tribeca Festival: Held each summer around Tribeca, this festival celebrates storytelling in all forms: film, episodic content, talks, music, games, art, and immersive experiences. It was co-founded by Robert De Niro following 9/11 to ignite the economic and cultural revitalization of Lower Manhattan.
- Artechouse NYC (439 W 15th St): A gallery from the future that blends art, technology, and science to present everything from abstract digital art compositions to interactive installations. Recent exhibitions have explored Afro-surrealism and artificial imagination.
- Bethel Gospel Assembly (2-26 E 120th St, New York): This gospel service is filled with worship, singing, dancing, and pure joy. Everyone’s welcome, and the energy is infectious.
- Somewhere Nowhere NYC (Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel): A swanky two-level lounge with an open-air rooftop pool, jazz Wednesdays, and winter igloos. The drinks are pricey, but the view—430 feet above Manhattan—makes them worth every penny.
- BIG Salsa Festival New York: Memorial Day Weekend gets even hotter with this salsa and bachata festival held at the New York Hilton Midtown. Come for the technique boot camps, stay for the fun.
- Ginny’s Supper Club (310 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): Tucked beneath The Red Rooster, Ginny’s brings the spirit of 1920s speakeasies back to life. Stop by for a lively gospel brunch on Sundays or catch a live performance happening nearly every night.
