Yes, everyone has to go up the Empire State Building in New York at least once. But, what if you’ve already seen the headline attractions?
We’ve uncovered the new and offbeat New York attractions that are in with the in-crowd.
The Vessel at New York Hudson Yards
Have you even been to New York if you haven’t climbed The Vessel? The weird spiral structure sits in the middle of the new Hudson Yards development on the west side of Midtown, Manhattan. Entry is free, but they maintain the exclusive feel through timed admissions. You can turn up in person from 9.30am to receive your timeslot for the day. Or try your luck with the 14-day future reservation service.
Edge at 30 Hudson Yards
New York is the original skyscraper city and there’s a new (slightly controversial) addition to the portfolio. 30 Hudson Yards is just next door to The Vessel. There have been some snide comments about its architecture. However, the most striking aspect of its design is a high balcony that juts straight out 1100 feet above the Manhattan skyline. It’ll be the hottest ticket in town when the viewing platform finally opens to the public. You can sign up to the mailing list to be one of the first to know when it opens.
New York Whitney Museum
While the Whitney Museum of American Art has long been the smart art-lover’s gallery of choice, it’s become even hotter still since relocating to super-cool Lower Manhattan. The new building is an absolute stunner, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, also known for the Pompidou Centre in Paris and London’s Shard. It hosts a cracking collection and exhibitions featuring the big names of American art. Think Warhol, Hopper and Sherman just for starters. And the Studio Café on Floor Eight offers great snacks plus super views of Manhattan. Situated at the opposite end of the High Line elevated walkway from Hudson yards, you can easily combine visits to all three in a day.
Statue of Liberty Museum
A visit to the Statue of Liberty is hardly the new kid on the block, but there’s a fresh experience to explore with the new Statue of Liberty Museum. Here, you can learn the story of the Statue’s creation through recreations of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi’s sculpture workshop. The star exhibit is the statue’s original torch restored and glowing after decades of modification. Don’t miss the Roof Deck which offers stunning views of the statue and New York. It’s free to visit — you just need your ferry ticket to Liberty Island.
Market Eats
By far the trendiest and most delicious way to eat in New York right now is one of the many food halls and markets. Forget the idea of sad plastic chairs — and plastic food — in dreary malls, these deliver choice and quality in great settings. If you’re visiting the High Line or Whitney Museum enjoy sushi, Italian sandwiches, tacos and more at Chelsea Market. Order small to start with – we had two enormous ciabattas when one between us would have been ample!
Le District is a French themed food hall within the Brookfield Place shopping centre. It offers an oasis of calm as well as great food, near the essential but draining 9/11 memorial and museum. Great views of new Jersey from the terrace, too!
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