Words: Gentleman's Journal
Some cities have villages, others have districts, and a few even have acronyms. New York has all three. Each area has its own vibe and its own tribes. Locals may stay and play in their zones, but as a visitor you can be promiscuous, flirting with old favourites and sampling less familiar places.
Whatever you’re looking for, here are five areas of Manhattan to discover or re-visit this spring.
NOMAD… FOR FUN
From 23rd to 30th, the streets north of Madison Square are the perfect place for first timers to step out in New York. The name was invented by The New York Times in 1999, but the district has been a hub for shopping, theatres and entertainment since the 19th century.
Like London’s Shoreditch, the emergence of tech offices means trendy bars and restaurants have popped up too. New hotels opening this spring include The SLS, The Paul and New York Edition.
WEST CHELSEA… FOR ARTS
Best known for its modern art galleries, which took over ex-industrial units in the 1990s, Chelsea covers the western side of Manhattan from 14th to 30th. There are at least 350 galleries in West Chelsea, a short stroll along the High Line aerial park to the Meatpacking District.
Gansevoort Street is the location for the new Whitney Museum of Modern Art, opening May 1. Designed by Renzo Piano, the nine-storey building will have over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space, a restaurant run by Danny Meyer, and a giant plaza.
WEST VILLAGE… FOR CAKES
With New York’s largest Historic District, West Village is a great place to see traditional 19th century buildings. Streets were laid out in relation to the Hudson in the 18th century, before the rest of the city was built on a neat grid, making it the only place in New York where you can legitimately get lost.
Home to the Magnolia Bakery (its cupcakes featured in Sex and the City), West Village is getting another famous sweet spot when Cronut-creator Dominique Ansel opens his second café here. Unlike his SoHo site, Dominique Ansel Kitchen (137 Seventh Avenue South) will focus on eat-in desserts.
GREENWICH VILLAGE… FOR BARS
In the 1950s Greenwich Village was the birthplace of Beatnik, a hangout for writers like Truman Capote, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. The presence of students from New York University ensures The Village is still a relaxed place for a night out.
Countless small restaurants and bars between Washington and Union Squares open onto sidewalks as weather gets warmer. New venues include The Up & Up (116, MacDougal Street) for low-key cocktails, and Sol (127 MacDougal Street), a Spanish sushi bar.
MIDTOWN… FOR GLITZ
(Photograph: Keith Sherwood)
If the person you are travelling with likes sparkles, and you can’t face a trip to Tiffany’s, The Baccarat (53rd Street near MoMA) is probably the next best thing. Designed by Gilles & Boissier, this first hotel from the French crystal makers has fabulous chandeliers and a marble swimming pool.
Ralph Lauren’s first New York restaurant, The Polo Bar (55th Street), has a preppy vibe, with leather chairs, portraits of horses, and cosy wood panelling. The classic American menu includes burgers and steaks from the fashion designer’s Colorado ranch, served by waiters in grey flannel trousers.
By Julia Hunt
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