Oozing luxury, refinement, and exclusivity, New York City was built for the upper classes. Over the years, several luxury hotels, clubs, and stores have established themselves as the tried-and-true insititutions for the city’s elite. But every now and then, the scene needs shaking up by giving undiscovered and up-and-coming establishments the limelight. That’s exactly what this off the beaten path travel guide for luxury travelers in NYC does.
If you consider yourself a luxury travel tastemaker who enjoys being among the first to discover and establish the hottest new hangs, then consider this guide your bible. It covers the best modern hotels to stay at, the places to shop off 5th Avenue, the restaurants and bars to try, and the premium NYC experiences to book. What are your new favorite New York going to be?
Stays off the beaten path in NYC for the luxury traveler
Rather than defaulting to the old school hotel insitutions like The Plaza and The Ritz, switch things up with a modern high-roller instead. These are the hotels we recommend for the modern luxury traveler:
The Manner, SoHo Hudson Square
The Manner has completely ignored the usual hotel formula and it’s all the better for it. Upon entry, find a sleek and stylish lobby with free drinks and books to browse rather than a traditional check-in desk. It's rather like staying at a wealthy friend’s NYC townhouse, but with the added benefits of a five-star service. Wandering through the corridors to the suites, restaurants, and rooftop bar, the interiors meet somewhere in the middle of art deco and classic contemporary for a style that’s eclectic yet altogether timeless. After a day of running riot in New York, return in the evenings for well-earned drinks at Sloane’s cocktail bar, an evening aperitivo in The Apartment, or dinner by Chef Alex Stupak at The Otter.
Aman New York (Midtown Manhattan)
Located in the iconic Crown Building, the exclusive Aman in Midtown is quickly replacing New York’s most historic hotel establishments as the elite’s go-to destination. From the elegent minimalist design to the prestigious dining experiences at Arva and Nama, everything single details has been seamlessly curated. The highlight, however, is the spa and wellness facilities which are easily some of the best in New York. Guests can book their own Spa House featuring either a spacious Banya – a wood-clad sauna, or a Hammam – a marble steam room, a double treatment room, a spacious living area with fireplace, and a large private outdoor terrace with a hot bath and cold-plunge.
Equinox Hotel New York
The Equinox Hotel brings wellness stays to a whole new level with its new-age approach that focuses on biohacking and a fitness-first lifestyle. While the bedrooms are kitted out with blackout curtains, soundproofing, and circadian lighting to optimize sleep, the regenerative spa offers a menu of world-leading wellness treatments. Start with a SoulCycle spin class, then complete Equinox’s 5-step therapy circuit featuring cryotherapy, nutrition, an IV drip, and more. Nourish your body at the hotel’s coveted restaurant Electric Lemon, which is equally health conscious yet indulgent. However, wellness rules are rightfully thrown out the window at the rooftop bar because who could be denied a cocktail to accompany its sensational views of Hudson Yards?
Neighborhoods off the beaten path in NYC for the luxury traveler
The Upper East Side may always reign supreme amongst the New York elite but let’s not get too comfortable there. Several once-overlooked neighborhoods are now rising in the ranks with thanks to new developments or the revival of old establishments. Here’s the neighborhoods deserving the luxury traveler’s attention now:
Hudson Yards / Manhattan West
Hudson Yards has seen major development in recent years, transforming it into a sleek, modern, high-end hub for shopping, dining, and living. Walking between its new stand-out buildings, landmarks, and green spaces feels like walking through a future New York. For the full experience, start your day at The Shops at Hudson Yards, a vertical shopping mall with designer boutiques, concept stores, and luxury pop-ups before climbing the Vessel (don’t ask, just trust us). Stop to savor the seasonal cuisine and cocktails on the Electic Lemon Terrace at Equinox. End the day watching an avant garde performance at The Shed, the city’s hottest new arts center.
South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport, squeezed between the Financial District and the East River, is a small and quietly sophisticated neighborhood that operates on an if-you-know-you-know basis. Its calm yacht-lined waterfront gives it a Hamptons meets NYC energy found nowhere else in the city. From high-end shopping and dining to refined art and culture, there’s many covetable spots to sniff out in this understated section of the city. Start the day with rooftop yoga and HIIT at Seaport Fit and indulge in lunch at the Tin building by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Spend the afternoon at The Seaport browsing luxury boutiques before hopping on a yacht to catch sunset over the city.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
Although Brooklyn’s industrial slant has previously made it too edgy for the luxury traveler, DUMBO’s reinvention is quickly changing that. Recent hotel and park developments, along with the introduction of new art galleries and Michelin-starred restaurants, have somewhat smoothed DUMBO’s edges without compromising its bohemian character. The ideal day in DUMBO as a luxury traveler starts with a workout with Manhattan skyline views at Brooklyn Bridge Park followed by lobster at The River Cafe. Save the afternoon for a swim around the local art scene, stopping at Klompching and A.I.R. Gallery.
Shopping off the beaten path in NYC for luxury travelers
It’s hard to go wrong when shopping in NYC, but there’s certain spots that are getting it really right. The city has seen a ensurgance of elevated independent brands, curated concept stores, and exclusive shopping experience. Steer off fifth avenue and find them here:
NoMad / Flatiron
Adjacent neighborhoods NoMad and Flatiron are favored among fashion, homeware, and lifestyle tastemakers for their refined, independent shopping. Rather than loud luxury brands, find quiet luxury amongst cult-favorite boutiques, heritage brands, wellness shops, and design-forward concept stores. They’re elevated and polished without being pretentious. Among the must-visits are Dover Street Market, a seven-storey concept store, the editorial The Webster NYC fashion boutique, and Roman and Williams Guild for the best homeware. Finally, don’t miss Maison 10, an art gallery and concept gift shop to grab some well-deserved treats for yourself and loved ones.
Tribeca Side Streets
Wander down the cobblestone side streets of Tribeca and you’ll discover a wealth of elevated shops and design studios. A quiet and exclusive area, these streets are reserved for luxury shoppers who like to keep things personal. Find independent boutiques that focus on high-quality design, materials, and tailoring rather than label recognition like Olivela, Still House, and Clean Market. In-keeping with its bespoke feel, Tribeca is also home to several personal shopping studios including Nili Lotan, La La Garçonne, and The Wardrobe. If you can, secure an appointment at Rizolli Bookstore for an exclusive look at its collection of rare art, fashion, and architecture books too.
Greenpoint / North Williamsburg
Brooklyn is generally known for its alternative art, design, and fashion rather than elevated, but in Greenpoint, you get the best of both worlds. Once a hipster hotspot, Greenpoint has now evolved into something a bit more refined and curated without losing its cool, unpolished edge. The neighborhood’s warehouses and lofts are now occupied by high-end indie boutiques, eco-conscious homeware and lifestyle stores, and luxury handmade wares. Find luxury vintage at Adaptations NY, ceramics (and coffee) at Homecoming, beautiful rare objects at Porter James, sustainable gender-neutral clothing by People of 2Morrow, and everything avant garde at Sincerely, Tommy.
Experiences off the beaten path in NYC for the luxury traveler
Charter a private yacht
Why squeeze onto the public ferry like sardines to get a good view of the Manhattan skyline when you can charter a private yacht instead? From harbor hopping to sunset dinner cruises, there’s a yacht for you. If you want to sit back on the sun deck and watch the city pass by, opt for a private guided city tour which follows a set route offering the best views of Manhattan and Brooklyn while an expert architecture guide shares fascinating facts about the viewpoints. Alternatively, book a yacht with a private chef and sommilier for memorable wining and dining.
City spa and wellness
New York is home to some of the most prestigious spas on the East Coast, so take the opportunity to book in some treatments while you’re in town. Aman New York guests and members can opt for a full day at the private Hammam House featuring a marble steam room, hot bath, and cold plunge. Those looking for a more tech-forward wellness experience might prefer to try the cryotherapy chamber, infrared sauna, and quantum harmonics wave table at The Spa by Equinox Hotels. Alternatively, let the calming waters of the traditional Japanese onsen at Shibui Spa in Tribeca soak up your troubles.
Private curated art and culture tours
Experience a side of New York most tourists don’t have the privilege of experiencing with a curated private city tour. Our favorite tour operator is Artisans of Leisure who provide custom cultural itineraries to give you an insider’s tour of the city. Not only does this include private guided tours but it also includes exclusive museum access and behind-the-scenes retail guidance with private introductions to designers. With highly curated personalized tours by land and sea starting at $1,200, High Quality Tours are an excellent alternative. From architecture to mafia history, they ensure the best possible insights into your top interests in New York.
Eats off the beaten track in NYC for luxury travelers
The restaurant competition is as fierce as ever in NYC making it hard to narrow down your options, especially when it comes to elevated dining experiences. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you by eating our way around NYC and we found these five restaurants will undoubtedly hit the spot:
Maison Passerelle, Financial District
At Printemps on One Wall Street, find new French fine dining gem, Maison Passarelle, by chef Gregory Gourdet. Its menu merges traditional French classics with flavors from former French colonies in the Caribbean and West Africa. The glamorous dining room is just as stylish as its dishes which includes caviar, grilled white asparagus, and cane syrup glazed duck.
La Tête d’Or, Flatiron
Craving steak for dinner? Try La Tête d’Or. Focusing on timeless flavors and traditions with French flair, this raved about restaurant by renowned chef Daniel Boulud is among the best steakhouses in the city. However, let that not steal the spotlight from other equally noteworthy dishes like the seafood platter or black truffle pasta. Set in an art deco dining room, the interiors is just as rich as its flavors.
Next Door at Wegmans, Flatiron
For post-shopping sushi and champagne in an elegant, private setting, just head Next Door at Wegmans grocery store in Astor Place. That’s right, the beloved East Coast supermarket chain has opened its own restaurant specializing in artistic Japanese cuisine in a tastefully gilded oriental setting. Although potentially questionable as a concept, the execution is excellent.
River Café, Brooklyn Bridge Park
For a romantic meal with a view, reserve a table at the Michelin-starred American restaurant River Cafe. With magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline from across the East River, the food could easily have been overlooked. However, it chef Brad Steelman ensures it steals the spotlight with elevated dishes like hot fois grois, wild shrimp, and pan roasted venison.
Atomix, Kips Bay/ NoMad
Korean food is having a moment in NYC and Atomix by renowned chef Junghyun Park is one of the restaurants leading it. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers a killer 10-course tasting menu of new Korean cuisine which features freshwater eel, abalone, and soybean. Book a seat at the shef’s counter to watch the dishes be prepared up-close with Chef Park himself.
Bars off the beaten path in NYC for luxury travelers
Deciding which bar to spend an afternoon or evening in NYC is a good problem to have. From the contemporary to the Art Neauveu, there’s something for every taste. Here’s our selection of the best for the luxury traveler, depending on what your vibe might be:
Bemelmans Bar, Upper East Side
For an evening of elegance with a side of jazz, order a drink at Bemelmans Bar inside the Carlyle Hotel. With gold gilded ceilings and hand-painted murals by Bemelmans himself adorning the walls, the atmosphere feels opulent to say the least – especially with a martini in hand. There are no requirements for Bemelmans but smart dress and reservations are recommended.
The Skylark, Midtown
Nowhere in New York offers a rooftop bar experience quite like The Skylark in our opinion. The cocktail bar sits primly on the 30th floor in Midtown, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Hudson River from indoor and outdoor seating. Order a dirty martini with beef sliders on the side and soak up the impressive cityscape.
Westlight, Williamsburg
Westlight, a panoramic rooftop lounge atop The William Vale is among the best bars in Brooklyn for luxury travelers. The sleek and contemporary indoor-outdoor space is a vibe ffor both day time drinks and evening dates. With uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline, the drinks and bites don’t need to impress, but they definitely do.
People’s, Greenwich Village
Bars don’t get much sexier than People’s located in a discreet Greenwich Village townhouse. Think elevated boudoir with low-level red and yellow lighting, slinky curtains around every doorway, and comfy seating for a sultry, intimate atmosphere. Upstairs, the townhouse surprises guests with a gallery of rotating contemporary art lit by a 1920s skylight.
Apotheke, NoMad
Edgy in an elevated way, Apotheke is the ideal bar for a wealthy millennial. An immersive cocktail laborotory in an almost theatrical Art Neaveau setting, it’s cool yet classy without bordering on boring. Each drink, namely the Dead Poet, Siren’s Call, and Moonage Daydream, are thoughtfully crafted by expert mixologists to create a flavor party in your mouth.
Book your luxury off the beaten path trip to NYC
Having read Tripsby’s off the beaten path guide to NYC for the luxury traveler, you’re now ready to join the ranks on a tastemaker’s trip to the city. To ensure every aspect from transport to experiences suits your high expectations and refined taste, book a personalized trip through Tripsby.ai. All you have to do is tell us about your travel needs and preferences and we will create a detailed NYC itinerary that;s ready for booking in minutes. Don’t forget to tell us aboutthe recommendations in this guide that took your fancy, we will be sure to include them. To get started, click here.
