A New York alphabet
USA & Canada
A is for apple, the Big Apple, and I fell in love at first bite. Whenever you step out onto the streets of Manhattan, there’s a rush of excitement and I still feel that thrill each time I go. Yes, New York is hectic, crowded and rarely quiet but also exciting, bewitching and full of life. With avenues that are canyons and buildings as tall as redwoods, this is a man-made version of the American dream landscape, waiting for you to relish its energy. So come with us on an alphabetical tour of our favourite things about New York.
B is for Brooklyn Bridge. The best reason to leave Manhattan is to walk over this iconic suspension bridge, which was the longest in the world when it opened in 1883.
C is for Carlyle. After days filled with walking and talking, this historic hotel is the ideal retreat from the busy city. Quiet, refined and with Central Park views.
D is for downtown. The oldest part of the city, where there’s no grid pattern. As much a direction as a location: wherever you are in Manhattan, downtown is south.
I is for insomnia. In a city that never sleeps how do you stay awake? By having fun: nightclubs, jazz clubs, gay bars, cocktail bars, whatever you want is here.
J is for JFK. Originally called Idlewild, JFK is the busiest airport in NYC. If you must stay longer than the check-in times, check out the super retro TWA hotel. It’s fab.
K is for King Kong. You don’t have to be a giant ape to admire the Empire State Building in all its glory. With us, you get an exclusive tour of the Art Deco wonder.
L is for Liberty. She’s 46m tall, green, French and over 130 years old. Enjoying the view from inside her crown is only for a select few, so make sure one of them is you.
M is for museums. The Met, MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Frick. New York has some big names but my favourite is the small but fascinating Tenement Museum.
N is for 9/11 Memorial. Not everything here is about hedonism. I always take time to visit this moving spot with its footprint fountains and endless names of the missed.
O is for observation deck. Tall buildings have the best views but which is the best viewpoint? My picks are One World, the Empire State Building and newcomer The Edge.
P is for parks. New York can be a concrete jungle so escape to its green spaces. Not only giant Central Park but bijou gems like Bryant Park or Washington Square.
Q is for quick. A New York minute is over in a flash. Nothing happens slowly here (except the traffic) so brace yourself – and leave time to sit back and enjoy it all.
R is for Rockefeller Center. Famed for its Christmas tree and skating rink, this is also a magical choice for private events in the Rainbow Room or rooftop garden.
W is for walking. I call exploring New York on foot urban hiking. Take a walk up Fifth Avenue, stroll around SoHo or amble to the Ramble in Central Park.
X is for xs. That doesn’t mean ‘extra small’ (nothing is small here), it means excess. This is the biggest, brightest, brashest city in America so revel in its exuberance.
Y is for yellow. They’re everywhere (except in the rain). Taking a yellow cab is a New York movie moment but know where you’re going because the driver might not.
Z is for Zabars. I discovered this archetypal NY deli on my third trip to the city – its bagels are to die for (try one with lox and a schmear). Now I go back every time.
Written by: Diccon Bewes on 10 December 2023
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