Meatpacking District

It’s a weekend in New York. In other words, head to Pastis—it has finally reopened, and it’s done so perfectly. The subway tiles, the vintage mirrors, the mosaic flooring, and best of all, much of the original menu are still there. Order a dozen oysters, maybe the Gruyère omelet, and glass of light rosé—everybody else is. Then sit back and enjoy the real reason you’re here: The stellar people-watching. Images courtesy of Louise Palmberg.

Hip-hop and yoga may seem like an odd combination, but somehow, inexplicably, it works here, especially on #hiphopwednesday and #hiphopsunday classes, where an artist of the week is featured (like A$AP Rocky, Dr. Dre, or Pharrell Williams) in a sixty-minute themed vinyasa flow. They take it seriously, too: Artists are announced every Monday on Y7’s Instagram page. The studio space is candlelit, so if you’re not on your A game, you’ll feel comfortable in the just-dark-enough surroundings. And this particular location is one of Y7’s largest, with changing rooms, mat and towel rentals, and a yoga selfie booth.

Each 50-minute class at this weight-lifting studio tucked away on one of the quainter streets below 14th street is designed to chisel and strengthen. The classes run the gamut—there’s Legs & Butt, Chest & Biceps, Full Body, Legs & Shoulders—and the playlists are mood-boosting mashups of radio hits that make the dumbbell drills fly by. The instructors are thoughtful, patient, and, of course, enviously toned.

This family-owned beauty company was founded in Bordeaux, so their entire approach to beauty is grounded in a less-is-more, great-skin-first approach that feels very French. They're famous for a menu of super-relaxing facials—which can be selected to target anti-aging, radiance (and correcting), firming, moisture, and detoxification—but their New York boutiques also offer three body treatments, like a Bordeaux-inspired vine wrap. We're also partial to their express facials, which, at just a half hour, can easily be squeezed into a lunch break.

The haircuts here are expensive, but it is a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime treat. Orlando Pita and his staff have created the looks behind many a fashion show, editorial shoot, and ad campaign: In other words, they know what they're doing, and will arguably give you the best cut of your life.

This all-natural Australian brand's first salon in New York is beautifully turned out in an airy, semi-industrial space in Meatpacking. Haircuts, blow-outs, and color treatments are all done using Original & Mineral products, which leave hair in much better shape than when you walk in.

Helmed by two sisters, Doyle & Doyle was the first shop to make estate jewelry cool, thanks in no small part to its original outpost in the LES (they recently relocated to the Meatpacking District). Since 1998, Elizabeth and Irene have been scouring the country for exquisite pieces from every conceivable period: You'll find intricately-rendered Art Nouveau lockets, Edwardian diamond drop earrings, and a huge range of 19th century engagement rings.

Located on the 18th floor of The Standard Hotel—with spectacular views of the Hudson and the High Line—the Boom Boom Room is even better when you're looking in. With its intimate, velvety banquettes, and great people watching, it's always fun. While there, migrate over to André Saraiva's pet project, Le Bain, next door, which has a swimming pool among other attractions.

The Whitney—a long-time doyenne on the UES—shut its doors and moved to the Meatpacking District, where it sits in a Renzo Piano–designed building at the southern end of the High Line. The Whitney decamped because of space constrictions uptown, a situation that's now eased by its 200,000 square feet. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art has taken over the Whitney's previous Marcel Breuer–designed home at Madison and 75th.) Bonus: It's open until 10 p.m. on the weekends.

Latin American chef Fernando Aciar makes crazy delicious things out of superfoods—sprouted lentil and brown rice wraps, bee pollen water, raw pistachio biscotti, and more. They also sell unpasteurized cold-pressed juices that are made in house daily, making this a great option for a healthy breakfast or lunch.