A dream destination for the holidays, New York is a city that shimmies into a thousand sparkling lights at the year’s end. Here’s a selection of must-visit spots — to make sure you enjoy the city to the max.
Cover photo: Alex Haney
Where to sleep?
At The Mercer, a hotel nestled in the ultra-chic SoHo neighbourhood. Here, the focus is on minimalism — as long as there’s room to store the day’s shopping. A real institution that has adapted to the times. The proof? The concierge is a WhatsApp number, accessible 24/7.
Photo: @mercerhotel
Where to eat?
It’s tough to choose only a handful of addresses because this city overflows with amazing eateries. But if we had to recommend some, we’d tell you about Sant Ambroeus, a rather chic but very timeless Italian restaurant. We’d mention Casino in the Lower East Side — also Italian, a wonderfully intimate spot for dinner. For those who want to venture out to the Upper West Side, don’t miss Zabar’s (perfect to pick up some quick groceries) and its café next door, before heading to Levain Bakery for an XXL cookie. For a pizza slice, stop at Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street. On this same street, you’ll also find Jajaja Mexicana (for delicious tacos), Nami Nori ((for temaki) and Jack’s Wife Freda (for an iconic brunch).
Photo: @casino.ny
Where to shop?
Manhattan and Brooklyn are both packed with incredible independent bookshops. These include: Books are Magic and Mast Books for new volumes, and Argosy and Dashwood Books for old — and rare ones. If you’re hunting for cool souvenirs, make a stop at Abbode or the New York American Vintage store, located in the best neighbourhood for this.
Photo: @mastbooks
Where to stroll?
No matter what’s on your agenda, there’s always something magical about New York during the holiday season. An XXL Christmas tree stretches high in the sky at the foot of the Rockefeller Center every year, alongside an ice skating rink. Remember to book a time slot to go to the top of the building — at sunset. On clear days, you’ll have an unblocked view of the Empire State Building. For a truly American experience, go to the residential neighbourhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where the houses are always decked out sumptuously. Travelling with kids? Ask them to write a letter to Father Christmas at Lotte Palace (if you’ve seen Gossip Girl, you’ll recognise the exterior). For a more cultural visit, get a ticket for the Morgan Library and Museum and be sure to check the night market schedule.
Photo: Juliana Malta
The address book
Mercer Hotel – 147 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
Sant Ambroeus – 265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Casino – 171 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Zabar’s Café – 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Levain Bakery – 167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
Joe’s Pizza – 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Jajaja Mexicana – 63 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Nami Nori – 33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Jack’s Wife Freda – 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Books are Magic – 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Mast Books – 72 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Argosy – 116 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
Dashwood Books – 33 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
Abbode – 252 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
American Vintage – 237 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
Rockefeller Center – 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Lotte Palace – 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
The Morgan Library and Museum – 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Photo: Chris Czermak
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.