The best things to do in Manhattan
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Just off 5th Avenue, The Met is a world-renowned museum that houses more than 2 million works of art from around the world. A neo-classical, late 19th-century institute, the building itself is a piece of art.
Highlights of its vast collections include the head of the god Amun from 1327 BC, French artist Jacques Louis David’s neoclassical depiction of The Death of Socrates, the Dancing Celestial Deity from 12th-century India, and Picasso’s portrait of American novelist Gertrude Stein.
Empire State Building
One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world and standing 1,250 feet tall, the Empire State Building is hard to miss in Manhattan. Dominating Midtown, park your rental car at 39 West 32nd Street garage (10001) to reach the skyscraper on foot within two minutes. Take the elevator to the top for the most spectacular panoramic views of NYC.
Central Park
From West 55th Street, you’re right by the south entrance of Central Park. The green lungs of New York City, this outdoor haven is just over six miles long and two-and-a-half miles wide, stretching all the way from Midtown Manhattan to Harlem. It’s an urban oasis in the big city, with plenty of winding paths and attractions like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture and Belvedere Castle.
The best Manhattan restaurants
Ilili (10001)
Indulge on traditional Lebanese food on Fifth Avenue at Ilili. This restaurant is always busy, thanks to its huge popularity. Take your pick from grilled octopus to homemade hummus, and even sample some authentic dandelion greens. We recommend their most popular dish, the baba ghannouj, made from roasted eggplant and fresh tahini.
Jongro BBQ (10001)
If you’re passing through Koreatown and are attracted by the smokey scent of barbequed meats, it’s likely coming from Jongro BBQ. Lit up down a densely packed street, Jongro serves authentic Korean dishes filled with mouthwatering cuts of meat, all smoked to sticky perfection.
The Breslin (10001)
The Breslin takes the label of British gastropub to new heights and is a place that will delight meat-lovers while browsing the menu. Cult favorites are the juicy lamb burger served on a fresh white roll and the crispy pig’s ear accompanied with a sweet melon salad.
Where to stay in Manhattan
Four Seasons Hotel (10022)
Situated in the elegant Midtown, Four Seasons deserves each of its five stars. It’s close to Central Park and impresses guests with its marble floors and towering ceilings held up by giant pillars. Each room offers fantastic views of Manhattan and the park, and plush, white furnishings for a modern design.
Refinery Hotel (10018)
This well-preserved Gothic skyscraper retains much of its original charm with high ceilings, hardwood floors and well-chosen décor. Guests are greeted in the lobby by the sound of live music from Winnie’s Jazz Bar, and the rooftop bar plays host to an array of talented DJs.
Mandarin Oriental (10023)
The Mandarin Oriental focuses on infusing typically Asian accents with retro interiors, with the lobby and rooms including touches of fresh orchids and Art Deco furnishings. The Sky Lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic views of Manhattan. There’s also a hotel spa covering two floors of the hotel, so guests can treat themselves to a few days of complete leisure
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