New York City comes alive under the summer sun. The warm months provide the best time to visit the city, as an array of free concerts and activities pop up around Manhattan, and the weather allows for exploration by day and after dark.
The ideal New York City morning starts with a hearty meal. Head down to Istana – located onsite at The New York Palace –. Enjoy a New York classic like Smoked Salmon on a Toasted Bagel, a healthy choice like an Egg White Frittata, or fresh Home Made Muesli. And don’t forget the coffee. As any true New Yorker can attest, ordering coffee, espresso or cappuccino is an a.m. necessity.
Once you’re fueled up and ready to explore the city, The Palace’s convenient location affords you the luxury of passing through the courtyard gates right onto Madison Avenue. From here, you can head north by cab, subway or foot to Central Park, Manhattan’s largest green space. The 843-acre park includes multiple lakes, sports fields, wide open spaces, and more than six miles of walking, jogging, cycling and driving paths. A brief walk up the east side of the park leads to The Mall, a beautiful European-style walkway lined by benches and trees. If you’re visiting on the right day, you might catch one of the free SummerStage concerts, held all season long in the middle of the park.
Exit the park on the east side (Fifth Avenue) and head into the heart of the Upper East Side. The side streets of this wealthy neighborhood are filled with regal 19th century houses with authentic, elaborate detail. Walk over to Madison Avenue, home to some of the city’s best luxury shopping. Starting with Barney’s New York at 61st Street, the avenue includes boutiques from the world’s top designers, including Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Gucci and Prada. After a morning of shopping, stop for lunch at one of the Upper East Side’s upscale eateries, such as Le Cirque, Arabelle or Café Boulud.
Temperatures can break 90 degrees on a summer afternoon in the city, so stepping inside for an hour or two is never a bad idea. The blocks along the east side of the park host some of the city’s best museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – or The Met – contains more than 2 million works and is one of the world’s largest art galleries. The building itself, a gigantic 1874 Beaux-Arts beauty, is an artful architectural marvel in its own right.
After spending the afternoon viewing the best of the art world, head back to Midtown to relax for a bit at The Palace. GILT Bar is an excellent venue which a rich history and landmark interior in which to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, wine or a pre-dinner beer. Executive Chef Justin Bogle has crafted an inspired bar menu of Modern American favorites, including Truffle Potato Fries with Garlic Herb Aioli, Chilled Peekytoe Crab Tacos, or the Wagyu Beef Burger with aged cheddar, house made pickles and mouth watering crispy onions.
You won’t need to look far for post-dinner entertainment in the city that never sleeps. The Palace is located fewer than four blocks from New York City’s world-renowned Theater District. Head to a hit Broadway production like the Book of Mormon, see this year’s Tony Award Winning play Clybourne Park, or popular long running musicals like Jersey Boys or Chicago.
No matter how long you stay, you’ll be able to find something fun, unexpected and unique to fill your time in the city. For more information on the best things to do in NYC, visit The Palace’s travel guide or contact the hotel.
Must-See Summer Sights in NYC:
Central Park
59th Street and Fifth Avenue
Upper East Side Shopping
Madison Avenue, between 59th Street and 86th Street
Metropolitan Museum of Art
6 East 82nd Street
Theater District
Broadway, between 42nd Street and 50th Street
GILT
The New York Palace – 455 Madison Avenue