City Guides
NEW YORK
Photographed by Yoye Text by BERTA CARRERAS
New York demands time — not in excess, but in intention. For this reason, we have conceived a five-day guide designed to explore the city with rhythm, discernment and aesthetic curiosity.
Over the course of five carefully curated days, we will move through its most magnetic neighbourhoods — from the architectural theatre of Midtown to the cultivated calm of Gramercy, from the industrial pulse of Chelsea and Meatpacking to the layered narratives of SoHo, Chinatown and Brooklyn. Each day unfolds as a dialogue between fashion, art, gastronomy and urban culture, revealing a city that is constantly rewriting itself.
This is not an exhaustive itinerary, but a considered one. A guide created for those who travel not simply to see, but to feel the energy of a place — to sit where the creative community gathers, to dine where the present moment tastes its boldest, and to wander streets that have shaped global style.
Five days in New York. Five chapters of a city that never repeats itself.
Day 1: Midtown
No matter where in the world you land in New York from, you’ll immediately feel like you’re stepping onto a stage you already know. This is the city of dreams, the city that never sleeps, the city of endless skyscrapers and the Big Apple, where so many movies and TV shows are set that it feels familiar even before you set foot in it.
For your first morning in the city, there’s an essential ritual: head to Lodi, right in the heart of Rockefeller Center. The venue, with its warm wood interior and crystal bulb lighting, exudes the inviting elegance of Italian aperitivo culture and the Art Deco spirit of its surroundings.
Here, the perfect recipe for beating jet lag is simple yet masterful: soft-boiled eggs and a creamy cappuccino. A light, comforting breakfast that eases your landing into Manhattan’s frenetic pace.
After having breakfast at Lodi and starting to recover from your hours of flying, your first stop should be one of New York’s most iconic landmarks: Rockefeller Center. This complex, a symbol of the city and its history, rises at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and at its very top is the Top of the Rock observation deck, where you’ll feel like you’re inside a postcard as you take in the city’s most iconic view: the Empire State Building. You’ll be surrounded by a 360° skyline that seems to lift you above the horizon. With terraces facing all four cardinal directions: east, west, north, and south.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, the VIP Rock Pass is your key to unlocking special corners. With it, you can enjoy a guided tour of both Rockefeller Center and the observation deck, as well as access to one of the hidden rooftop gardens. You won’t have to wait in line, as it includes fast-track entry and priority elevator access. You’ll also get to experience the adrenaline rush of the Skylift and the private experience of The Beam, which recreates the iconic image of workers sitting on a beam during the building’s construction. To top off the visit, a champagne toast is offered in The Weather Room—cheers!
The time has come to return to dry land and continue the morning with a second breakfast—or rather, a feast—at Le Rock. The restaurant, also located in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza, stands out for its esthetic that combines green-toned sofas with the warmth of wooden chairs and tables, while the white walls with decorative hinges evoke the refined European design of the mid-20th century.
On the menu, Le Rock offers a varied culinary selection. On one hand, seafood sets the tone with options such as shrimp, oysters, snow crab, lobster cocktail, squid, and sardines, evoking fresh, light flavors. On the other hand, the French tradition is present in dishes such as ratatouille, duck, and the classic onion soup.
After your visit to Rockefeller Center, the ideal thing to do is stroll along Fifth Avenue, a showcase of luxury and glamor. Here, the Louis Vuitton flagship store shines, transformed into a stack of giant twenty-story trunks, alongside the legendary Tiffany & Co., with its unmistakable turquoise blue. Along the way, legendary luxury brands such as Cartier, Bulgari, Gucci, and Prada appear, each with facades that resemble temples of fashion.
The tour continues through Central Park, Manhattan’s green lung. Here you can stroll, rent a bike, or row on the lake. Don’t forget to say hello to the squirrels, who dare to come down from the trees and have become the park’s little hosts. It’s also worth visiting the John Lennon Memorial in Strawberry Fields, a space filled with music, remembrance, and tribute, dedicated to one of the most iconic figures in popular culture.
As evening falls, the park and its surroundings transform into the perfect setting for dinner. La Pecora Bianca celebrates life with fresh, cheerful Italian cuisine designed to be shared. Tavern on the Green, open since 1934, is pure New York history, with an elegant American menu and a festive atmosphere. And at the Central Park Boathouse, lakeside tables and boat rides create a romantic atmosphere.
Day 2: Gramercy & Murray Hill
The morning begins by exploring Gramercy and Murray Hill, neighborhoods that may go unnoticed compared to New York’s more high-profile landmarks, but which hold a very particular charm. Gramercy, in particular, offers a tranquil respite: strolling thru its streets allows you to appreciate the understated elegance of its buildings and step back in time, as this neighborhood retains the atmosphere of 19th-century Manhattan. Admire the classic brownstones, as well as their beautiful facades and rear gardens.
A great place to recharge is Bourke Street Bakery, a neighborhood bakery that celebrates quality ingredients and artisanal tradition. Here you can enjoy fresh, handmade products while immersing yourself in the neighborhood’s laid-back pace.
We continue exploring the neighborhood; its central jewel is the private garden that gives it its name, Gramercy Park, surrounded by historic buildings and townhomes. It’s worth taking a stroll and letting yourself be carried away by the tranquility of its tree-lined streets. For art lovers, the National Arts Club opens its doors with exhibitions and cultural activities that further enrich the visitor’s experience.
In the Gramercy and Murray Hill area, you’ll also find excellent lunch options. Boucherie Union Square embodies the French philosophy of joie de vivre, combining classic French cuisine with contemporary cocktails. Just nearby, Gramercy Tavern, one of New York’s most beloved restaurants, serves contemporary American cuisine with a seasonal focus and close ties to local farms, distinguished by its warm hospitality and impeccable service. For grill enthusiasts, Benjamin Prime combines elegance with steakhouse classics, offering an authentic New York experience.
After a good feast, the next stop is Fotografiska, the contemporary museum of photography and culture, which offers exhibitions that inspire new perspectives and meaningful conversations. Among its highlights are the first exhibition celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop, the U.S. retrospective of David LaChapelle, the photographic work of Daniel Arsham, and Andres Serrano’s Infamous series.
Afterward, we invite you to take a short break for a snack and enjoy a matcha or specialty coffee, then continue exploring the city with renewed energy. A recommended spot is Roast Coffee, a haven for artisanal coffees and a wide array of matcha-based flavors.
From there, you can continue your tour of the area by walking to the Flatiron Building, the iconic triangular building that has become a symbol of Manhattan. Just a short walk away, Dover Street Market is a paradise for fashionistas, featuring luxury brands and cult designer collections. Strolling thru these streets allows you to discover charming New York corners and unique shops.
For dinner, a sophisticated option is Alice: Italian Seafood & Lobster Bar, where highlights include dishes such as pappardelle with king crab and truffle, or truffle butter bisque with shaved Burgundy truffle. For a more intimate and classic evening, The Nines offers a dinner club with a piano bar, velvet sofas, and soft lighting, all bathed in red hues that create an elegant ambiance. For those seeking a classic New York nightlife experience, an excellent option is to enjoy a simple dinner while listening to great jazz at the Blue Note Jazz Club, one of New York’s most iconic venues. Since 1981, this venue has become a true cultural institution and one of the world’s most prestigious jazz clubs, because great legends have made this stage their home.
Day 3: Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea & Meatpacking
The day begins with a hearty, energy-packed breakfast at Brooklyn Diner, a classic-style restaurant where you can enjoy typical American fare. The place has both indoor and outdoor seating, located near Times Square, perfect for taking in the area’s lights and screens on a full stomach.
We continue walking thru Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood full of life and diversity, with streets that reflect an authentic melting pot of cultures. The next stop is Hudson Yards, the new luxury neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side. Here stand impressive skyscrapers such as 10 Hudson Yards and 30 Hudson Yards. You can visit Edge, the 345-meter-high observatory, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and a daring glass floor for the bravest visitors. Don’t forget to check out the Vessel building as well, with its stepped architecture that has become an icon of the neighborhood.
Following the route, a walk along the High Line is a must. This former elevated railroad runs thru the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards for 2.3 km. The High Line began in the 1930s as an elevated railroad for transporting goods between factories and warehouses on Manhattan’s West Side, especially in the Meatpacking District, home to slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants. With the arrival of trucks, it was abandoned in the 1980s, and vegetation began to cover it. Today it’s an elevated promenade with gardens, murals, and sculptures, combining history, art, and nature in the heart of Manhattan.
For lunch or dinner in the area, a standout option is Serafina in Meatpacking, where Italian tradition meets top-quality ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil from Arezzo, Parmigiano Reggiano from Parma, prosciutto from Langhirano, and burrata from Puglia. Their pizzas and pastas reflect the founders’ passion for authentic Italian cuisine, offering a culinary journey that transports you directly to Italy without leaving New York.
It’s time to go shopping! In the Meatpacking District, you’ll find a modern, industrial atmosphere that perfectly reflects the style of the AllSaints store: known for its urban, contemporary, and rebellious esthetic, it specializes in iconic leather pieces, from jackets to boots and bags. At Eberjey, you’ll find lingerie that prioritizes comfort and well-being, offering soft, elegant, and comfortable designs crafted to make every woman feel confident and authentic.
Zimmermann embodies femininity with clever colors, delicate original prints, and exquisite attention to detail. In its New York boutiques, each garment evokes the relaxed, sophisticated style of an Australian summer. In the heart of the Meatpacking District, you’ll find the Golden Goose store, which features a dedicated space for customers to personalize their sneakers. You can add patches, embroidery, hand-painted designs, studs, crystals, pins… details to make each pair unique.
Stroll thru Chelsea Market, where, in addition to the specialty foods from various countries and the fresh seafood for which the market is famous, you can also find local designers and artisans showcasing and selling one-of-a-kind pieces: paintings, clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more.
The next stop is the Whitney Museum of American Art, a museum dedicated to American art and artists that invites you to connect with the major themes of our time. Among its recent exhibitions, “Untitled (America)” stands out, reflecting on identity, landscape, and contemporary visual culture, and exploring the rise of consumerism, the influence of the media, and the transformations of abstraction in the United States. Also on display is Claes Oldenburg: Drawn from Life, an exhibition that humorously and freely reimagines everyday spaces and objects such as streets, shops, and homes.
Let yourself be swept away by a culinary experience in the Meatpacking District; if you’re passionate about seafood, Mollusca is a must-visit. Its menu features dishes of scallops, prawns, lobster, salmon, tuna, and a carefully curated selection of caviar. For those who prefer a Parisian touch, with fine wine and a cozy atmosphere, Pastis revives the essence of the French brasserie with a classic esthetic, floor mosaics, and vintage mirrors.
Another excellent option is Sirrah, which offers a sophisticated dinner with a seasonal salad and main course choices such as steak, fish, or an original mushroom dish, finishing with their signature berries & crème. Finally, MeduzaMeatpacking celebrates the Mediterranean’s culinary heritage, with a menu inspired by its coasts and fused with international influences. Each dish provides a sensory experience in an elegant setting.
Day 4: Tribeca, Soho, and Chinatown
For those who love starting their day with good coffee, Kaffe Landskap is an ideal stop. This café has gone viral for its creative drinks, including the banana bread latte and the strawberry matcha cloud. For more classic palates, they also offer peppermint mocha, coffee latte, and a variety of fresh juices. All of this can be paired with soft pastries or freshly baked cakes, perfect for recharging your batteries.
After breakfast, a stroll thru Tribeca is the best way to immerse yourself in one of New York’s coolest neighborhoods. Its name comes from “Triangle Below Canal Street” and combines a bohemian vibe with the understated luxury of many celebrities’ residences. Strolling thru its streets, you can admire the architecture of the 56 Leonard building and enjoy views of Pier 34, a dock on the Hudson River that reflects the area’s maritime history. Tribeca is also home to historical treasures such as St. Peter’s Church and a wide variety of art galleries. Much of the neighborhood’s charm lies in its industrial architecture, with red-brick facades, cobblestone streets, and exterior fire escapes.
After exploring the coolest neighborhood, it’s time to head to what many consider the city’s most beautiful neighborhood: SoHo. It is distinguished by its iconic cast-iron buildings and large windows that create spacious, brightly lit interiors.
What we see today as a sophisticated neighborhood was originally an area designated for freed slaves, then became home to large factories, theaters, and brothels, and around the 1960s and 1970s, it transformed into the favorite neighborhood of New York artists. It attracted figures such as Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, solidifying the SoHo neighborhood as a cultural hub.
Today, in addition to its art galleries, SoHo offers shops, museums, bars, and restaurants, making it an essential destination for those seeking history, architecture, and authentic New York urban life. For fashion lovers, here are some must-visit stores.
Roome is a multi-brand store designed for Gen Z, packed with current trends and clothing from brands you may not have heard of, ideal for those seeking unique and original pieces. For vintage enthusiasts, Metropolis Vintage stands out as a benchmark: celebrities like Drake, A$AP Rocky, Shai, and Rihanna have shopped here, cementing its status as the queen of retro clothing.
The Frankie Shop is a concept store with an inclusive approach that prioritizes “good style.” For its part, Wolf & Badgerhosts over 2,000 independent brands from around the world, all B Corp certified, and offers fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decor, and beauty products in a sustainable and ethical manner. THE GREAT. It stands out for its focus on comfort, softness, and casual style, drawing inspiration from the past to create contemporary pieces that combine functionality with a timeless esthetic.
Alex Mill focuses on artisanal excellence, using high-quality fabrics and precise cuts to offer timeless pieces that allow everyone to express their unique style. For those seeking designer eyewear, Gentle Monster offers innovative and bold collections you’ll never find in other stores.
Batsheva blends American style with contemporary femininity, reinterpreting historical looks to highlight the strength and beauty of the classics. Luxury lovers will also find The RealReal, a resale platform for exclusive brands such as Hermès, Givenchy, Céline, Burberry, and Jimmy Choo, while Flying Solo stands out as the largest platform for independent designers from the U.S. and Europe, showcasing emerging brands with fresh and creative offerings.
After browsing the shops in SoHo, a must-stop for a meal is Fanelli Café, a New York classic with a history dating back to 1847, making it one of the city’s oldest food and beverage establishments in the same location. Here you’ll find an extensive menu that includes sandwiches, soups, pasta, pizza, burgers, meatballs, or fried chicken, perfect for recharging after a day of shopping and sightseeing.
After lunch, we’ll take a stroll thru Chinatown, one of New York’s most authentic neighborhoods that will transport you to China. Although the city has nine Chinatowns, the one in Manhattan is the best known, bordered by Little Italy to the north. This working-class neighborhood was built by immigrants who brought their culture, commerce, and traditions with them, and it still maintains that spirit today.
Canal Street is the main hub for those looking for souvenirs, knockoff handbags, perfumes, clothing, or jewelry, and haggling is practiced throughout the neighborhood, making it part of the shopping experience. In addition, you’ll find tiny, cluttered shops, often piled high and spilling onto the sidewalk, selling electronics, souvenirs, trinkets, and food items such as fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, spices, and mushrooms. There are also plenty of beauty and massage parlors.
For those looking for typical, inexpensive souvenirs, Chinatown is the perfect place to buy the classic “I ❤️ New York” merchandise. Doyers Street, with its distinctive curve, is lined with shops and restaurants, and Columbus Park is the meeting point for the Chinese community, especially the elderly, where you can feel the neighborhood’s pulse. Finally, don’t miss the chance to sample the cuisine: dumplings, bubble tea, and vegetarian options offer an authentic taste of Chinatown as you stroll its streets.
Save some room for dinner, because to end the day in Chinatown, a great option is Chinese Tuxedo, a restaurant that blends the energy of neon lights with a refined and sophisticated atmosphere. The space features elegant semicircular booths with leather sofas and candlelight, creating an intimate and cozy setting — perfect for a memorable dinner.
It is Chinatown’s first fine-dining restaurant, offering a menu of traditional Chinese dishes reinterpreted by international executive chef Paul Donnelly. The menu includes vegetables, rice dishes, noodles, soups, seafood, and meats, while the beverage selection features innovative cocktails, a dynamic wine list, and Chinese and American craft beers. A unique and memorable culinary experience in the heart of Chinatown.
Day 5: Brooklyn Dumbo & Williamsburg
On your last day in New York, start your morning at Coffee Project NY, in the heart of the Financial District. This modern café offers specialty coffee and in-house roasting, perfect for enjoying breakfast while soaking up the energy of Wall Street before saying goodbye to the city. With your batteries fully charged, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying spectacular views of Manhattan with skyscrapers reflected in the East River as boats and ferries ply its waters. On the other side, the Brooklyn neighborhood awaits you, which we haven’t yet explored.
Brooklyn is one of the five districts of New York City, along with Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and has more than 2.5 million residents. It’s a huge, highly diverse district that, in shows like Friends or Sex and the City, has always been portrayed as a place “no one would go.” Today, this stereotype has completely changed: many New Yorkers and young people enjoy the creative life in Brooklyn.
Dumbo is the gateway to Brooklyn for those crossing the bridge on foot, and it’s an excellent excuse to stroll thru this small neighborhood with an industrial past. Wander its streets and take a stroll along the East River thru the neighborhood’s parks, which offer one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.
Williamsburg, in northern Brooklyn, is known as New York’s hipster neighborhood. What was once an alternative, bohemian enclave has now become one of the city’s most expensive areas. To the south of the neighborhood lies the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, which brings a striking cultural contrast to Williamsburg.
To recharge, Café Colette offers a charming setting to enjoy lunch in its greenhouse-style garden. Their menu is based on New American Cuisine, with influences from Spain, Italy, Central America, and beyond, featuring dishes such as fish and chips, cheeseburgers, tacos, and oysters—perfect for savoring a fusion of flavors.
Williamsburg is home to numerous vintage clothing stores that every style enthusiast should visit, such as Other People’s Clothes, Rite of Passage, Velma’s Vintage, Brooklyn Vintage Club, Tired Thrift, or Regeneration. In them you can find shoes, bags, and all kinds of clothing, from emerging designer pieces to secondhand luxury brands. The experience consists of searching high and low until you find that one-of-a-kind piece that will become your perfect discovery.
At Brooklyn Denim Co you’ll find your perfect jeans, thanks to their passion and knowledge of high-quality denim. The store offers a wide selection of premium denim products, as well as carefully curated apparel for men and women: jeans, jackets, coats, leather, sweaters, T-shirts, dresses, and accessories from over 50 brands. LEIF is a home decor and interior design store that aims to bring beauty and joy to everyday life. You’ll find original products with a fresh, charming, and surprising style, perfect for those looking to give their home a unique touch.
Haricot Vert is a store specializing in charms and personalized accessories, where you can create bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even bag charms. Each piece can be customized down to the smallest detail, turning every accessory into a unique and special item. Studio Dem is a women’s clothing store that celebrates the Afro-Caribbean diaspora thru its garments. Their collections reflect history, culture, and heritage, turning fabrics into identity and a personal signature.
Getting lost among the shelves packed with books at McNally Jackson is an excellent way to say goodbye to the city that never sleeps. This bookstore offers a carefully curated selection of titles, perfect for book lovers who want to take home a cultural souvenir of New York. Lastly, mogutable is a home goods store that combines East Asian and American designs. Founded by two sisters born in Taiwan and now based in Brooklyn, the store draws inspiration from the fusion of Western and Asian design influences, offering products that elevate everyday routines and objects for those who appreciate esthetics and quality in their daily lives.
With the Brooklyn neighborhood and its shops as our final stop, we said goodbye to New York and returned to the hotel to pack our bags, enjoy one last bite in the area, and get ready to head to the airport, bringing this final day in the city that never sleeps to a close.
