The best things to do in Manhattan
American Museum of Natural History (10024)
With more than 34 million specimens spread across 26 connected buildings, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the largest of its kind.
Bordering Central Park on 81st Street West and Columbus Street (10024), dive into the natural world with exhibitions on dinosaurs, mammoths, ocean life and North American forests.
For something out of this world, head to the attached Rose Center for Earth and Space and get a sense of the depth of the universe.
Belvedere Castle (10024)
Built in 1869, Belvedere Castle still stands in the heart of Central Park and is open to the public. It’s free to enter and you’ll get some great views over the park from the outdoor pavilion and at the top of its winding staircase.
The building houses one of the park’s main visitor centers – featuring natural history artifacts, microscopes and information about birdwatching activities. Parking is available at the AMNH from 8am to 11pm.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (10023)
Just off Broadway, the Lincoln Center is a glass-fronted collection of buildings hosting performances from the worlds of opera, ballet, theater, film and music.
Check what’s on to enjoy live entertainment or head over to explore the current visual arts and exhibitions on display from local and international artists.
The best Manhattan restaurants
Keens Steakhouse (10018)
Tuck into some legendary mutton chops, prime Porterhouse or a king’s cut rib of beef at this historic steakhouse. Opened in 1885, it’s located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on 36th West Street, its wood panel and dark décor reflecting its history. Start with some fresh seafood with Rockefeller and Lincoln’s oysters before the main meaty event.
Norma’s (10019)
Sit down for the best brunch in New York at Norma’s – within Le Parker Meridien Hotel on 56th Street West, just south of Central Park. Famous for its $2,000 lobster frittata (it includes 10 ounces of Sevruga caviar), the rest of the menu is more competitively priced.
Traditional breakfast staples are elevated to the next level, like eggs Benedict with artichoke and porcini-truffle sauce, and mango-papaya brown butter cinnamon crepes.
Kochi (10036)
Kochi – translating as ‘skewer’ from Korean – perfectly describes the elegant cuisine served up at this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen on 10th Avenue (10036).
The seven-course Korean tasting menu includes the likes of saengseon-gui (binchotan-grilled Mackerel) and charcoal grilled beef ribeye patties. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Where to Stay in Manhattan
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Central Park (10019)
Conveniently located between Lincoln Square and Hell’s Kitchen on 56th Street West is this Central Park hotel by Marriot. Sit out on the terrace and enjoy your complimentary breakfast, work up a sweat in the 24-hour fitness center and relax in the modern guest rooms.
It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day shopping on New York’s famous streets. Nearby paid private or public parking is also available to guests.
The Carlyle (10021)
This luxury hotel is a five-minute drive across Central Park to the Upper East Side on Madison Avenue and 76th Street.
Set in a 1930s Beaux Arts building, the Carlyle blends traditional charm and style (original fireplaces and wooden finishes) with modern conveniences such as a spa, sauna and wifi. For that old-school New York atmosphere, listen to some live jazz in the onsite Café Carlyle.
Mandarin Oriental (10023)
Sandwiched between the Upper West Side and Midtown, Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle has rooms offering magnificent views over Central Park as it spans floors 35 to 54 of the building.
Traditional American Art Deco blends with Asian style for a colorful and characterful décor. There’s parking, a pool and private access to the adjoining shops at Columbus Circle for added convenience.
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