Travel Notes From New York
Luna Atelier co-founder Laura Hannan shares her go-to guide to New York - what to do, where to stay and the shopping and foodie hotspots ...
If there was ever a city that will capture your heart, it's New York. Dubbed the "city that never sleeps" it has a frenetic energy that's catching. Though the whole of Manhattan is only the size of Sydney's Bondi, and you can walk from one end to the other, there is so much to see and do here that one visit is never enough! We asked Laura, Luna Atelier Co-Founder and a regular visitor to New York for her go-to guide to doing The Big Apple in style.
WHERE TO STAY
When it comes to location, I can never look past Soho. With a quaint village feel, think pretty cobblestone streets, it's central to some of the best restaurants in the city and Broadway, one of the best shopping hotspots. Luxury boutique hotel The Bowery Hotel, is is one of my faves to check into when I'm in town. It's also my go-to for a margarita after dark.
WHERE TO SHOP
There's nothing like a bit of retail therapy to cure jet lag! As soon as I arrive in the city, I head straight for 5th Avenue and walk from top to bottom, always stopping at the iconic Bergdorf Goodman for a witlof salad. For more exclusive boutiques stocking undiscovered brands and also everyday brands I stroll along Broadway in Soho.
WHERE TO EAT
BREAKFAST: If your like your eggs with a side of French flair, then follow my morning ritual and head to New York institution Balthazar. I’ve been known to enjoy a glass of champagne and their eggs benedict on more than one consecutive morning. A little slice of Paris in the Big Apple, the atmosphere makes this one the most memorable dining experiences in New York.
BRUNCH: On the weekend The Spotted Pig is the place to be and one of my regular spots to meet up with friends. When it comes to my preferred I head over to West Village, order a Bloody Mary and feast on their signature burger. Its rustic but with a laid back and vibrant atmosphere that oozes cool. I often find I’m still there when the sun goes down!
LUNCH: For a relaxed on-the-go lunch or for a take home option, Eataly in Chelsea is my go-to every time. Known for their pork rolls on a Thursday I can spend hours shopping for the essentials enjoying a glass of wine in hand (or two!)
DINNER: Buddahkan for pre-drinks and dinner is hard to beat. Their Asian fusion menu is not only delicious but the experience of this incredible restaurant is breathtaking. I start in their bar upstairs for an aperitif and then venture down the staircase to dine downstairs.
When I’m after a more intimate dining experience we head over to Lupa in Soho. A Mario Batali restaurant, the Italian food and romantic atmosphere is truly extraordinary.
WHAT TO DO
The best advice for first timers in New York is to live like the locals - explore undiscovered shopping hubs and restaurants and spend your days getting lost in this unforgettable amazing city. Also walk and walk some more! Other than being the place to shop, New York is the place to walk because the more you do the more you discover.
Walk the Highline in Chelsea. Visit famous hotspots like The Empire State building, Rockefeller Centre and the Statue Of Liberty. Whatever you do stroll past The Plaza and continue onto Central Park, it is truly magical. Go to Eataly get a pork roll and get lost in the gorgeous surroundings of Central Park.
