You know it from 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'. You know it from 'Taxi Driver'. You know it from 'Gossip Girl'. You know it from, well, any of the 395,000 movies that IMDB says are set in his thriving metropolis.
New York City is made up of five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island — and its skyline is as iconic as the soundscape of honking horns and emergency services sirens.
It’s a city that lets you know it’s alive every second of every day, and as long as you can keep up with the fast pace, the unexpected local characters and the endless buffet of things to do, then you’re sure to have a hoot.
So, let us be your concierge to the ultimate NYC vacay. You bring the Main Character Energy and NYC is the supporting character that ensures your holiday will be an affair to remember. In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city, so you can start planning your itinerary.
You know it from 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'. You know it from 'Taxi Driver'. You know it from 'Gossip Girl'. You know it from, well, any of the 395,000 movies that IMDB says are set in his thriving metropolis.
Before you launch into responsibility-free fun in the USA, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including USD) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.
The subway is the best way to get longer distances quickly (and on a budget). Those iconic yellow taxis are abundant and can be hailed right off the street. Walking is a great and fun way to explore, and if you’re heading to the islands or the Statue of Liberty, a ferry will be your friend.
Zabar’s is a family-run institution that’s been feeding the mouths of New Yorkers in the know since 1934. This delicatessen has it all. Come for the bagels, and stay for the lox, pickles, cheese and cold cuts. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to channelling Jewish Queen Midge Maisel.
Whether your interests are architectural, engineering, or simply walking, you’ll love a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, it was an engineering marvel and the longest suspension bridge (at the time). Now, it’s an excellent way to travel between Manhattan and Brooklyn and a prime tourist photo opp.
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.
Museums
Whether you adore Andy Warhol or just love the Jurassic period, you can keep very busy soaking up the best of NYC's world-class museums.
1. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
5. The Museum of Modern Art
Must-Have Experiences
They're tourist attractions for a reason. These must-have experiences give you a taste of what makes the city so special.
1. Broadway
2. Central Park
3. Rockefeller Center
4. The High Line
5. Yankee Stadium
Accommodation
For a place to rest and recuperate after your day’s (and night’s) adventures, take comfort in a hotel that suits your sleeping sensibilities.
1. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
2. The Greenwich Hotel
3. Ace Hotel New York
4. The Hoxton, Williamsburg
5. The Standard
Restaurants
It’s nigh impossible to narrow down New York’s thriving restaurant scene to five, but this selection is sure to tantalise all discerning taste buds.
1. Via Carota
2. Katz's Delicatessen
3. Eleven Madison Park
4. Laser Wolf Brooklyn
5. Jack's Wife Freda
Bars
From beers to cocktails, old-world charm to innovative inventions, you’ll find a drinking experience to suit every part of your personality.
1. Attaboy
2. Bemelmans Bar
3. Double Chicken Please
4. The Dead Rabbit
5. The Four Horsemen
Must-Try Snacks
Sweet tooths, on-the-go eaters and deli darlings can go Jon Hamm on the greatest snacks under the sun in NYC.
1. Levain Bakery
2. Gray's Papaya
3. Russ & Daughters
4. Supermoon Bakehouse
5. Di Fara Pizza
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.
Further Afield
If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from New York.
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The Hamptons
Book yourself a seat on the Jitney, you’re going to the Hamptons, baby! Extreme traffic in summertime means the drive will be long but if beachside glamour immortalised by 'The Great Gatsby', Nancy Meyers and 'The Real Housewives of New York City' is your thing, then you’re in for a treat. -
Philadelphia
Take the quick 1.5 hour train ride to the streets of Philadelphia. Experience a city that was at the heart of the American Revolution, and has a rich art and music culture that is palpable in its streets. -
Fire Island
Come summer season, Fire Island is the place to be for queers and allies alike to come together and celebrate by the beachside with abandon. For history lovers, it also has a rich Native American history worth understanding and exploring, too. -
Storm King Art Center
An hour’s drive upstate takes you to a 500-acre outdoor museum in the Hudson Valley. Bringing art and nature together and giving artists the space to deliver works at scale, it’s a worthwhile trip out of town.
Get Started
Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.
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Statue of Liberty
This symbol of freedom, created by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is more than Lady Liberty herself. Learn the full story with a visit to Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island and Museum on this three-hour tour. Book now from AUD $78pp. -
Radio City Music Hall
Home of the famous Radio City Rockettes and their Christmas spectacular, the venue also hosts musicians, comedians. Catch a glimpse behind-the-scenes on this stage-door tour. Book now from AUD $65pp. -
New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center
It's recognised as one of the top ballet companies in the world. Here, you’re seeing the athletic prowess of dancers at the absolute tippy toe top of their game. Head this way to book tickets. -
The Apollo
Head to Harlem to experience the soul of American culture. The Apollo supports emerging and current artists of the African diaspora in the performing arts, and a tour will take you through the history of jazz, blues, soul and the genres you know and love. Visit the website to nab tickets to an upcoming show. -
Madison Square Garden
The Knicks basketball season runs from October to April each year. If you can nab yourself a ticket not only do you see the Knicks in action but also the unbelievable spectacle that is NBA entertainment throughout the game.
Plan Your Journey Around New York
Track down the must-visit spots.
Be prepared for your USA adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.
Illustration: Haylee Poppi