New York
United States
- Cityscape
- Bright lights, hip city
- City life
- Be a part of it
The archetypal modern city, New York is still as big, bold and beautiful as ever.
For many of us, the path between Heathrow and JFK is so familiar that it seems less a pond to cross than a puddle to hop. And who could blame us for flocking to this wonderful city? With its fantastic bars and restaurants, irresistible shopping and gorgeous boutique hotels, New York is ever-evolving, ever with something new to show off. Browse the boutiques of NoLiTa, get your limited-edition trainers and vinyl in the East Village, take in art and culture in SoHo, see a show on Broadway and have a cocktail back in your boudoir. And that's just before dinner. This is truly the city that never sleeps. And nor should you.
Pictured: Hotel Grace
Boutique hotels in New York
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in New York
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Getting there
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
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Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best New York has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
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Eating, drinking & dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in New York.
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Smith Maps
Here is the map of New York; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.
moreLocal knowledge
- Taxis
- Yellow cabs are abundant except during rush hour and when it’s raining, but be warned: it helps if you know exactly where you’re going, as drivers aren’t always as knowledgeable as you might hope.
- Tipping culture
- New Yorkers pay up to 20 per cent for good service – a short cut when calculating the amount in Manhattan is to double the tax on your bill.
- Packing tips
- Comfortable walking shoes – there’s no better way to see the city than pounding the pavements.
- Recommended reads
- The Andy Warhol Diaries; Lonesome Traveler by Jack Kerouac; How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young; The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud. New York in Store by Valérie Weill and Philippe Chancel.
- Cuisine
- A classic pastrami on rye from Katz’s on East Houston Street, or share a pie in John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street.
- Currency
- US dollar ($).
- Time zone
- GMT -5 hours.
- Dialing codes
- US country code: +1.
- Do go/don't go
- Winter can be bitterly cold. While Christmastime is wonderfully awash with Santas and fairy lights, you may want to skip the snow in January and February. August is hot, hot, hot (which is why many locals flee to the Hamptons on summer weekends).