Upland

If you’re after cocktails, moody lighting, and DJs slinging jazz and Aretha Franklin on vinyl, you’ll find all of the above at Another Country.

They use incredibly fresh fish in particularly inventive ways here, which has earned them a well-deserved Michelin star. We like to dine at the bar and give in to affable chef Masato Shimizu's omakase, which is full of some pretty unusual and surprising flavor combinations—not always the easiest thing to achieve when it comes to sushi.

Helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this airy, all-white space is a temple to inventive, seasonal, and local cooking, sourced from nearby farms and cooperatives. It doesn't come as much of a shock that the fare is GMO-free and also made without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, antibiotics, or hormones. It's not surprising because you can taste the well-sourced provenance on the plate, whether in the form of house-made ricotta ravioli or fried organic chicken in a hot sauce butter.

Helmed by Chef Andy Nusser, expect nothing less than delicious tapas—excellent meats, manchego cheese, boquerones—all served up as authentically as if you were in Madrid. If you come just for drinks, you won't be disappointed by the list, and you can pretty much make a meal out of a few of their authentic offerings. (If you're still hungry, head next door to Casa Mono.)

Andy Nusser's tiny tapas spot opened years ago, but the vibe and food is still just as great—particularly on those days when you're really missing Spain. The menu leans pretty heavily on proteins, but the more veggie-driven dishes hold their own, too. Meanwhile, Mono's sister property next door, Bar Jamón, is great for a post-dinner nightcap. Both spaces can accommodate full buyouts for private parties.

So NYC has never really gotten snaps for its Mexican food, but Cosme is said to break the trend. It's probably because it's from chef Enrique Olvera, of Mexico City Pujol fame—trust us when we say he’s legit. The private room is just as sleek and modern as the rest of the restaurant, and while it'll cost you, a prix-fixe private meal here is an incredibly special experience.

A meal here is a total, resolutely vegetarian, treat. This Michelin-starred, Art Deco-esque restaurant is also an investment, both in time and money. But it’s absolutely worth it, as the kitchen, under the direction of chef Daniel Humm, sends forth molecular gastronomy-inflected dishes that are pristine and precise. On the tasting menu, you’ll choose the main ingredient—the rest is up to the kitchen, meaning that each dish is a wonderful surprise.

Gallow Green is actually the rooftop of the McKittrick Hotel. When you first walk in, you might expect a woodland nymph to pop out from behind one of the lush arches. The cozy garden vibe here is neither pretentious nor touristy, and the views of the city are some of the best. Their unusual cocktails keep with the theme, with names like Summer Coven and The Garden Shed.

For over 30 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event.

Tex-Mex isn’t a type of cuisine you’d normally associate with New York City, but after a meal at this cheerful spot in Gramercy (a few blocks north of Union Square), you might rethink that idea. Grab some friends and order the traditional queso and a round of prickly pear margaritas before diving into your entree. The mole is reliably tasty, as are the grilled shrimp tacos. The central location makes it a great group dinner spot, but there’s also a second location on the Upper East Side.

This hangout for Australians (for real) offers an insanely delicious burger, along with meal-worthy salads, making it a great pit-stop for a quick bite. Due to its popularity, the original location in Nolita has doubled in size (expanding into next door’s space) since opening in 2003. This is their second location.

If you've visited Maman cafés, you're familiar with founders Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall's talent for creating utterly chic, French-inspired spaces you want to live in. Their Maman Nomad outpost checks all these boxes. The first uptown presence for the duo, the gorgeous café and restaurant serve up decadent lunch and brunch options, including healthy homemade soups and quiches, plus their famous nutty chocolate chip cookies. Go for a relaxed brunch or afternoon coffee–or, in a pinch, grab something to go.

Amy’s started out in Hell’s Kitchen back in 1992 and in the intervening years, her business has gone gangbusters, supplying many of the city’s gourmet shops with their wonderful bread and pastries. Head to any of the stores—our favorite is still the largely unchanged original—to pick up a French baguette, olive twist, or one of their delicious pastries to go.

Located in the old Nabisco building just north of the Meatpacking District, you’ll find a warren-like maze of restaurants and specialty shops. There are many hits, but we like Los Tacos No.1 for authentic Mexican and, if cooking a special meal at home is an option, we’d pick up our bread at Amy’s, fresh groceries at the Manhattan Fruit Market, and crustaceans at Lobster Place (they also do great pre-made rolls). You'll also find Bowery Kitchen Supply and Posman Books, where the offerings are more suitcase-appropriate.

Essentially Costco-sized, this Italian gourmet grocery store stocks aisle after aisle of the best artisanal ingredients, including truly fantastic fresh pasta. Throughout the space (which also includes cookware), you’ll find plenty of places to sit down and eat. While there are several restaurants upstairs, we find the best way to experience Eataly it is to grab a seat at one of the many bar-size specialty eateries scattered across the main shop floor.

Beyond being one of the better grocery stores around, Fairway is the perfect New York cross section: You'll see young families, ladies in fur coats, and students looking for good food at good prices here.

Just Salad was an early adopter of the fast casual dining option, and they now have locations in practically every New York neighborhood. While they have some great existing menu options (including a few rotating seasonal choices), the main move here is to create your own salad and have it chopped. The ingredients are always really fresh, as they source many from within 350 miles of the restaurant at New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont farms, prioritizing organic and non-GMO foods.

As serious home cooks attest, Kalustyan’s may just be the best international food stockist in the world. Operating out of the same Lexington Avenue location since 1944, they stock every spice, grain, cracker, and chutney in the world from India to Italy, along with just the right implements, whether it be a tortilla press or a tagine. The sheer size of the honey aisle alone is enough to drop jaws. It’s a foodie mecca, not just for the seemingly infinite varieties of foods and international kitchen tools, but for the outstanding sandwiches and Mediterranean food served at their cafe upstairs.

There’s no lack of gelato shops in NYC, though this one is probably the best of the bunch. Handmade the Italian way, using strictly natural, seasonal ingredients, the gelato here is just sweet and creamy enough that it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

Methodology, a food delivery plan that ships nationwide, is made for busy professionals (or generally fast-paced New Yorkers) looking for nourishing meals at minimal effort. Their plans range from vegan to keto, and they taste amazing. The menu, which changes weekly, is full of cleaned-up comfort foods like Spanish chickpea paella and vegan eggplant caponata made with basil pesto, broccolini, and pistachio parmesan. Their desserts are amazing, too: think matcha chocolate collagen balls and paleo dark chocolate brownies with avocado frosting. You can mix and match your proteins and sides, and arrange for portions to be big enough for two servings. Meals arrive in glass jars, which travel well, and they'll pick up for easy reuse. Delivery is available nationwide (except Alaska and Hawaii).

Danny Meyer does a lot right at his burger chain, evidenced be the long lines at all the outposts. While we’ll always prefer the original kiosk in Madison Square Park, there’s a convenient location across from the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side, as well as one near all the Pier 25 action in Battery Park City. We’re big fans because the meat in Meyer’s burgers and dogs is completely antibiotic- and hormone-free, as is the dairy in the shakes and custards. It’s also reliably delicious.

We’re big fans of this sustainability-first spot, which has been growing rapidly. The focus is on local farmers, proper sourcing, and environmental respect, which is also reflected in the hands-down delicious food. Besides the build-your-own salad bar, the bowl-centric dishes range from Mexican-inspired salads to basic cobbs. Come lunchtime, the lines extend around the block.

If you're renovating, this is the place to go for absolutely any style of tile. Their library is vast and they carry a variety of materials including stone, wood, leather, and porcelain.

Vermont native Emily Thompson earned an MFA in sculpture from UCLA, a fact that’s evident in all of her floral centerpieces—yes, she uses flowers (which tend to be as wild and fecund as possible), but she builds them into boutiques that look like they might have sprung from a Renaissance painting. There are brambles, and sticks, and over-ripe pieces of fruit, all done up to pretty stunning effect.

This is where you should go to to outfit a classy man cave. It's also a good place to find one-of-a-kind antiques in general. You'll find big industrial pieces alongside Hermes travel bags, Louis Vuitton trunks, and designer furniture by people like Isamu Noguchi and Jean Prouvé. And, fittingly, come here if you’re looking to outfit a bar.

Family-owned for 20-odd years, Posman Books has managed to stay both independent and right in the mainstream: Instead of gravitating to quiet neighborhood corners, they found a space in one of the city’s most bustling centers—Chelsea Market. It’s wise, because they’re thriving, and offering a great array of books, toys, games, and cards in the process.

The jewel of Larry Gagosian's gallery empire is a gargantuan, museum-standard center in Chelsea: The space alone is worth a visit for its sheer monumentality. And fittingly, the stable of artists displayed there consists of the art world's heavyweights from Ed Ruscha, to Taryn Simon and Jeff Koons. There are multiple outposts in the city (including a location on 21st street) along with galleries around the world.

The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated freight rail line along Manhattan's west side, running from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to Hudson Yards. It's a linear path with planted gardens, seating areas, and framed views of the city and the Hudson River. What makes it special is the design: The original rail tracks are woven into the landscaping, and the plantings shift with the seasons. Rather than escaping the city, you move through it from a different vantage point, catching glimpses of streets and buildings you'd never notice from the ground. We recommend it for a walk with a friend when you want to get your steps in, but be warned—it's almost always crowded.

Founded in 1985 by co-owners Lawrence R. Luhring and Roland J. Augustine, this Chelsea gallery focuses on representing an international group of contemporary painters, sculptors, photographers, and multimedia artists. The roster is a roll-call for some of the world's most celebrated artists from Larry Clark to Joel Sternfeld, Pipilotti Rist, Janine Antoni, and more. There's also a location in Tribeca.

With a stable of some of our favorite contemporary artists and photographers—Luigi Ghiri, Nan Goldin and Terry Winters—gallerist Matthew Marks has made a name for himself for his offbeat, yet totally on-point exhibitions. There are three outposts in Chelsea.

While the name might invoke childhood memories of fear and loathing for the subject, this super interactive museum might inspire an affection for math. It revolves around hands-on rides and activities that employ mathematical concepts to function—a tricycle with square wheels that rolls across a track, a chair that drifts across a pool of acorn shapes—meaning that a few hours spent here will be both fun and insightful.

Smack in the middle of Koreatown, this futuristic spa revolves around four grottoes, which light up an otherwise pitch black room. You'll find a jade, clay, and amethyst sauna, each infused with far infrared, along with a series of wet rooms for really, really, really good Korean scrubs. As a bonus, it's open from 10am to 2am.

Situated on a pier along the Hudson River, this gigantic sporting complex operates out of the "if you build it, they will come" mindset. And it’s true: Here, you’ll find year-round ice skating, a rock climbing wall, gymnastics, soccer, a driving range, and more, all situated under one sprawling roof.

Flatiron Pilates, founded by Amy Nelms, is one of the best classical Pilates experiences in NYC for its highly technical, deeply personalized approach. Nelms offers private sessions only, held in her minimalist, light-filled Flatiron studio and typically arranged via Instagram DM or via email at amy@flatironpilates.com. With over 25 years of experience, she reads the body quickly—identifying imbalances, posture issues, and movement patterns within minutes—and tailors each session to how your body moves. She brings a true teaching mindset to the work, explaining what's happening and why, often giving "homework" so it continues beyond the session. It's a place to refine rather than just sweat, focusing on corrective movements—but you still leave pleasantly sore, without ever feeling you pushed too hard.

This is one of the most trusted names in spray tanning in New York, and for good reason. Under the watchful eye of the owner, Tamar, you'll never step out with a weird, orange undertone or that terrible fake tan smell. The tiny salon is in a random building on Broadway, but no matter: You'll be in and out in under 15 minutes (and they're open until 10pm). They also do house-calls.

An appointment at this no-frills day spa (there are seven throughout the city) is wonderfully personalized: You choose the duration of your treatment and set your goals with your skin therapist. Every treatment comes with a deep cleanse, exfoliation, custom mask, and hydration, then ends with sunscreen protection. Upgrades include peels, microdermabrasion, and light therapy, and if you need monthly treatments, there is a membership program.

Othership Flatiron is one of the most high-energy, immersive contrast therapy experiences in NYC, with guided sauna and cold plunge sessions set to music and breathwork. Classes are less quiet and meditative than dynamic and engaging—designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized. The shared momentum of moving through it with a group is hard to replicate on your own.

Remedy Place is a standout in NYC for recovery—a social wellness club that blends ancient practices with modern technology to support your overall wellbeing. At the flagship in Flatiron and second outpost in Soho,  interiors reflect this approach—warm tones, cozy chairs, and sofas create a space that's minimal yet purposeful, never stark or cold. The wellness offerings are extensive, spanning IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, breathwork, contrast therapy, and more.

SOUK Yoga Studio is a unique space that brings together movement, sound, and community. Classes are rooted in established yoga traditions like Jivamukti, Iyengar, and Ashtanga, alongside breathwork and sound meditation—and there’s a strong emphasis on how everything connects, from breath to movement to mental stillness. Each session is taught by experienced instructors, and suitable for all levels.

It’s not just the glossy nails you walk out with that makes us love this airy nail studio. There’s also the cute slippers they gift you, the red-light treatment that leaves your hands soft as silk...not to mention the service where the salon invites you to write yourself a letter as you wait for your nails to dry. (Write something nice—they mail it to you a few weeks later.) All five locations feel spalike in their serenity, and the Soho location’s lush balcony is perfect for luxuriating as you air-dry your nails.

At the tippy top of the famous Hotel Chelsea, above the fray of downtown Manhattan, sits this light-filled spa-oasis. Everything your eye touches is exquisite—from the rustic brick hearth in the sitting area where you sip cucumber water and the rooftop terrace garden to the festooned-with-flowers sheets on the treatment beds and the heated Japanese toilets in the changing rooms. It’s got everything you want—a traditional Swedish sauna, soaking tubs, rain showers, and epic treatments that leave you feeling practically reborn.

This stunning wellness studio is 13,000 square feet of soothing neutrals and light toned woods. We love the airy wellness cafe, and the seemingly unlimited menu treatments. The facials are some of the best in the city; their signature one, a totally custom, 90-minute experience, incorporates the LYMA laser and a series of Biologique Recherche products to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate. Plus, you bring home a personalized routine recommended by one of their master estheticians.

This sleek (and tiny) foodie destination in Tribeca has only 18 seats, meaning that reservations are hard to come by. If you manage to snag one, you're in for a pretty great experience. The modern multi-course prix fixe menu (expect ingredients like birch sap or moss) is served opposite an open kitchen, which is fascinating to watch.

This Italian spot on Thompson Street boasts Vito Schnabel's artwork on the walls, Zac Posen designed uniforms, a floor inspired by The Godfather, and a slightly more upscale version of the Italian-American fare you'll find at their other restaurants. And like the good old days, the food is rich and luscious from lobster ravioli to sides like artichoke hearts and corn tartufato.

Housed in Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, this icon of a restaurant still honors its 1959 design by modernist Philip Johnson. Everything—from Philip Johnson's custom chairs and bar stools, to the metal chain curtains, to the Japanese-style pool in the middle of the dining room—is as true to the original concept as possible, making a meal here something of a field trip for Modernist design nerds. Needless to say, it's one of the city's true gems: While the Pool Room is a romantic spot for dinner, New York power lunches take place in the clubby, wood-paneled Grill Room. It's best for expense accounts: With its lofty prices and bustling location, it's usually packed with business types and Upper East Side denizens. And while it's an undeniably elegant space for an event, private rooms here are best reserved for big-deal celebrations like engagements or graduations.

We like to stop by this homey café and wine bar for the occasional snack—a house-cured plate of salumi and a glass of wine—just as much as for a full, rustic meal. With gallerist David Zwirner as one of its backers, it’s no surprise this artfully restored ex-lumber supply space fills up with the art crowd on a regular basis. It's ideal for an event, too—their skilled planners will design a beautifully rustic event at long tables in the back rooms.

A meal at this Japanese restaurant, whether for lunch (the only time you can have their incredible ramen), or dinner, is a truly artful experience, and an introduction to a slower, more mindful style of eating. For one, it’s Shojin cuisine, vegetarian food that’s served in Zen Buddhist temples throughout Japan. And for two, the cooked dishes are beautifully presented, in traditional ceramics that are sometimes hundreds of years old. Both lunch and dinner are tasting menu only, so it’s worth it to take the time to enjoy it.

While it’s nothing special when it comes to atmosphere and décor, this unassuming Japanese nook in Soho serves up delicious Kyoto-style food, including plenty of super fresh sashimi and small, flavorful cooked dishes. We’re partial to the Omen udon noodles, served simply with seaweed and hot or cold broth. This spot is a big hit among artists, actors, and creatives, who probably love the food as much as its hushed, relaxed vibe.

Michael Chow made his name in the London and Hollywood art and music worlds before opening in New York on East 57th Street in 1979, where his restaurant quickly became one of the city’s main touchstones for the art world. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, David Bowie, Madonna, and John Lennon were just a few of the restaurant’s faithful patrons (watch Julian Schnabel’s Basquiat to get a sense of the scene). To this day, a meal at Mr Chow’s is about more than the elegantly served (and expensive) Chinese food. The outpost in Tribeca is just as beautiful and scene-y—an Andy Warhol portrait of Chow in the dining room sets the tone.

The husband and wife team behind this wonderfully buzzy spot are South African and Israeli respectively, and this unusual mix turns out to be a hit, as evidenced by the delicious, homey cuisine that comes out of the kitchen. Thanks to its bustling but laid-back vibe, it’s become more of a hang-out than a traditional restaurant: People linger from breakfast until late at night. The original is in Soho.

For years, despite all the foot traffic from the art crowd, there were few, if any, good restaurants in Chelsea. The Red Cat came along in the 90s and changed that, and remains, to this day, one of the few great restaurants in the area. With a laid-back New England vibe, and elegant, American food, it’s a great option for a dressy meal in the West 20s.

The location of Lincoln Center's refined Italian restaurant makes it a no-brainer for before a show, but the menu (not to mention the seriously sophisticated, Italian-only wine list) actually stands up to our favorite hole-in-the-wall joints downtown. The menu fulfills cravings for all the classic dishes, from spaghettini bathed in tomato sauce and pecorino to white truffle tagliatelle, plus a glorious dry aged porterhouse. If you come in the evening, don't forget to check out another bonus from the drinks program: The negroni and prosecco bars.

Specializing in contemporary photography tomes, Dashwood is lined with every important book on the subject. The owner and staff are always up for helping you find something special or just for a good photo chat. Watch out for their own beautiful editions, including their two books with photographer Ryan McGinley.

Phoebe Cates's boutique is pretty great: You’ll find really beautiful jewelry and a great assortment of toys, including hand-painted Russian dolls and Keith Haring dominoes. You'll also find clothes from little known designers, especially for the neighborhood, like Ally Capellino handbags and Yoshi Kondo dresses. It's not surprising it's a hit on the Upper East Side, as it brings uniqueness and discovery back to a neighborhood that’s generally dominated by big brands.

Spanning seven narrow stories in Murray Hill (yes, Murray Hill), Dover Street Market is like a fair funhouse for fashion: Every nook, cranny, and balcony is lined with some of the most inspiring shopping set dressing in New York City. You’d expect nothing less from Rei Kawakubo, the founder of Comme des Garçons, who has an eye for the most cutting-edge labels around. Like its counterparts in London and Tokyo, DSM boasts a Rose Bakery, making this the sort of place where you can literally spend five hours.

We’ve gooped about Kirna Zabête before, as the owner Beth Buccini has pretty amazing taste. At her decked out Soho shop, she displays only the best pieces from high-end brands like Saint Laurent, Bernadette, and Sauer.

At La Garçonne, founder Kris Kim curates for the design-minded minimalist—always elegant, never boring. Here, you’ll discover soft longline coats (and matching trousers) from Loulou Studio, bubble-shaped rattan bags from Sacai, glittery ballet flats from Dries Van Noten, and much more.

Designer Ted Muehling’s timeless, nature-inspired pieces come in many exquisite shapes—spindly candlesticks, globe-like earrings—and are the result of collaborations with some of the world’s most revered manufacturers from Lobmeyr crystal to Nymphemburg porcelain. At his store and workspace—his studio is tucked away upstairs—you’ll find his jewelry, porcelain, and crystal, displayed in elegant glass vitrines. You’ll also find everything that inspires him, from found seashells and butterfly displays to the work of other artisans like Gabriella Hale and Axel Russmeyer.

Jewelers Ron Anderson and David Rees create totally distinctive, sculptural, organic pieces that set off diamonds and rare pearls. After many years in the Meatpacking District, they've relocated to a huge, airy space in Tribeca and broadened the selection to include exclusive homewares and furniture in addition to their own line of jewelry.

Jamie Creel and Christopher Gow are serious collectors who spend much of their time traveling the world sourcing far-flung objects for their townhouse shop. We go just to see the wacky and elegant displays that mix coral and taxidermy, Suzani textiles and kitschy South African ceramics. It’s a real mix with prices to match, and if you’re looking for a truly offbeat gift—like say, a hand-blown glass hammer and nails—chances are you’ll find it here.

At this veritable treasure chest, black walls highlight cabinets chock full of objects chosen solely for their beauty, whether they be modern French ceramics from Tse et Tse, rare jewels, or 15th-century religious effigies. It's all the work of owner Federico de Vera who travels around the globe hand-picking and then arranging every single item for his two Manhattan stores. Nothing comes with a label, but should you want the backstory on any object, the staff are expert antiquarians and design connoisseurs.

When The Future Perfect first opened in Williamsburg, it made waves by selling contemporary, well-designed furniture and small home goods by young, totally unknown designers. Nowadays, the store has grown up a bit and moved to Manhattan (and added a location in San Francisco, too). They still highlight their discoveries, but in an almost gallery-like manner, giving each piece space to speak for itself. You can still find their excellent selection of gifts and small goods online. There's also now a location in San Francisco.

Housed in Andrew Carnegie's former Georgian mansion, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum still conserves the original dark wood-lined interiors and imposing staircase, even after closing for a few years for a major upgrade in the hands of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, among others. The shop on the second floor is part of the revamp, too, with the architectural firm's custom modular shelving framing the tailor-made space. The wonderful mix of beautifully designed objects and utilitarian goods remains the same, however, from Fredericks & Mae birthday candles to Michael Graves kettles and much more.

This Japanese export has been quietly opening outposts all over NYC, though Muji goods have been shoppable at MoMA for years. The stores are simple in both concept and aesthetic: After all the brand is predicated on the idea that the best design is the least design. Minimalist fixtures and neutral color palettes are used to display the most well-designed utilitarian goods—housewares, t-shirts, stationery, and more—that are as functional as they are generic, which allows them to fit in every home regardless of sensibility.

After spending decades in the art, antiques, and design world—at places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the antiques store Didier Aaron, and with the interior designer Jacques Grange—Jill Dienst opened her own gallery in 2005. Now housed in a former warehouse in NoHo, Dienst + Dotter offers a highly curated selection of furniture, paintings, objects, lighting, and books, the staple of which is Scandinavian art and antiques, pure and minimal.

This gorgeous estate jewelry shop looks more like an exceptionally appointed apartment than a store and has more than earned its name: the collection of estate jewelry spanning every era and every designer (Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are the biggies) is nothing if not museum-worthy. Rare treasure hunters in particular flock to FD as it’s one of the few US distributors of JAR. Also worth noting: the vintage accessories by Chanel and Hermes and photography by Man Ray, Richard Avedon, and more.

Housed in Andrew Carnegie’s former Georgian mansion, the Cooper Hewitt still maintains the original dark wood-lined interiors and imposing staircase. After closing for three years for a major upgrade on the design galleries at the hands of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the Cooper Hewitt had a grand re-opening at the end of 2014 with an expanded exhibition space. There's also an interactive Process Lab where visitors learn about the design process, and an Immersion Room highlighting the museum's expansive wall-covering collection. The museum was already one of the best in the world for design—both contemporary and ancient—so it's no surprise that it's better than ever. Don’t miss their shop, which is incredibly well done.

Aside from being one of the most significant buildings of the 20th-century, and the apex of Frank Lloyd Wright’s career, the Guggenheim is a world-class art museum and cultural center, too. No matter the show—usually solid retrospectives—it’s worth the entrance fee just to wind your way through the snail-like building and look down from the top at the mesmerizing view below.

Donald Judd moved into 101 Spring Street in the then derelict Soho in 1968, and over the course of twenty-five years, renovated each of the five floors in the building according to his singular aesthetic. The result is a space that is as much a home as it is a piece of art. The Judd Foundation opened up the space to docent-led tours, where visitors get to see his custom-made furniture, and the art and objects he acquired over the years. It’s a wonderful window into Judd’s entire sensibility.

This beloved institution—reigning supreme on NYC’s Upper East Side—has been shepherding millions through its halls since 1880. You’ll find some of the art world’s most iconic pieces, as well as important artifacts from ancient to modern times. It’s also home to the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, which dates back to 15 BC.

Despite its popularity, which translates into lines around the block on any given day, MoMA is still one of our favorite places in the city. Whenever we come to visit, whether to walk the permanent collection or to check out a new, contemporary exhibition, we always spend some time in the white marble-clad sculpture garden, a rare respite in the middle of bustling midtown.

Since the '80s Pace/MacGill has been showing some of the best artists in modern and contemporary photography. As part of The Pace Gallery family, the standards for work and placement here are as high as they come.

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. Bonus: It's open until 10 p.m. on Fridays.

Metro-North commuters come into the city each day via this Beaux-Arts gem, but it's a worthwhile stop for anyone curious about the city's rich history. Among the many highlights are the iconic constellation mural above the Grand Concourse, and the Oyster Bar, which we love for its famous interiors, built in 1913 under the arches of the train station. In addition, we're always fans of a drink at the Campbell Apartment, an authentic, dimly-lit, old-fashioned bar nestled in the building, where you have to dress up for admission. And, if you need a quick snack, the Dining Concourse houses many NYC highlights like Junior's, Shake Shack, and an outpost of Murray's Cheese.

The iconic seat of the NYPL takes pride of place on Bryant Park in Midtown. While it is still an important research institution, it's also a landmark we like to visit for many reasons beyond the book-lined shelves, from the Children's Library housing the original Winnie the Pooh Dolls, to the Rose Reading room, where anyone can grab a seat and work in peace and quiet, to the excellent bookshop, full of NYC-themed storybooks and classic reads. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the exhibitions themed around the library's holdings and the stunning Beaux Arts 1911 building itself.

The Dia Art Foundation’s extraordinary space at the old Nabisco box printing factory in the Hudson River Valley is a worthwhile, scenic drive from New York City. The Robert Irwin designed space and gardens make an artful backdrop to the permanent collection of works made after 1960, with entire spaces dedicated to contemporary masters like Richard Serra, Joseph Beuys, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, and more. The galleries are lit by the light of day that filters in, so opening times morph throughout the seasons.

The hotel offers a wonderfully secluded and private stay, while the on-site restaurant, Locanda Verde, is one of our favorite Tribeca haunts. Subtly Mediterranean in vibe, the simply decorated rooms here are cozy and airy, plus there's an incredible Shibui spa, a pool and steam room, and a pretty courtyard that's the perfect destination when you just want coffee and the morning paper. The real crown jewel though, is the Penthouse Suite. Axel Vervoodt spent two years renovating it, and the end result is absolutely stunning: In his signature way, there's stone and wood accents, rough-luxe textured walls, wooden floors, and chic simplicity throughout.

We almost don’t want to put any more of a spotlight on this hotel, as its lobby lounge is one of our favorite places to get work done outside the office. It’s hardly ever crowded, and there are always tables and couches available—some near a log fire—for meetings, lunches, and laptop time. Located right near Washington Square Park, The Marlton’s dark, artful interiors, elegantly outfitted rooms, and snappy Margaux restaurant, bar and lounge area, makes it a pretty great spot.

In a neighborhood that's primarily serviced by grand, historic hotels, the Park Hyatt offers an experience that's very modern. The Christian de Portzamparc-designed skyscraper, One 57, sits directly across from Carnegie Hall and offers some of the biggest rooms, square-footage-wise, in the city. Meanwhile, the contemporary interiors by design firm Yabu Pushelberg strike the perfect balance between modernism and comfort.

Although first built in 1898, the Royalton didn't burst onto the scene really until 1988, when Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck made it one of their projects and decked it out with daring, experimental design that drew a very trendy crowd. In 2007, the hotel underwent its first renovation since Starck's initial vision, with a redesign led by Roman & Williams; the dark, moody lobby epitomizes their signature warm, modern style. Meanwhile, the rooms upstairs are crisp and light, with white bedding and mirrored bathroom tiles. If you're staying in Midtown but need to be south of all the grand dames off Central Park, it's a great pick.

The gorgeous Marlton Hotel lobby happens to be home to a great espresso bar. Here, you'll find a simple but perfectly executed offering of coffee drinks, teas, and snacks. While tables tend to go fast, you can usually grab a couch or armchair.

Chloe Coscarelli was fresh out of culinary school when she won an episode of Cupcake Wars with a vegan cupcake recipe: She was the first person to do so on that show or any other televised cooking competition. She’s since opened a casual restaurant in the West Village (followed by others), with an adorable interior (striped wooden floors, colorful tiles, hanging swing) and a little fridge with pre-packaged food. While the menu is focused on smoothies, juices, and great vegan burgers, you can still pick up her famous cupcakes.

Big Gay Ice Cream hardly needs an introduction. This beloved soft-serve joint started off as a seasonal truck in 2009, quickly amassing a loyal fan base in NYC. Their first permanent shop was opened in the East Village in 2011, followed by a shop in the West Village the next year.