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Walking up to Hotel Chelsea, I accidentally stumbled upon rows upon rows of shiny chrome taxis, part of an immersive pop-up put on by Prada. Fitting for a landmark that was once the place to be—and still is. Erected in 1884, the Hotel Chelsea of yore served as an artist's co-op, welcoming the likes of Mark Twain and Isadora Duncan in its early days. And even though it fell into seedy disarray by the 1950s, growing artists still flocked to its doors, with Bob Dylan, Jackson Pollock and Patti Smith among the many who hung their hats. The hotel closed in 2011 and lay in limbo during the change of hands. A massive $30 million renovation later, Hotel Chelsea reopened in 2022 as a luxury hotel. Completing the rebirth is Café Chelsea. Run by the Sunday Hospitality team, the bistro is one of the city's swankiest, as members of the hotel jostle to get inside the art-deco dining room just as much as the New Yorkers who live here. And once they do, they can find a lineup of French classics, including omelets and steak frites, peppered with a few updates, such as the excellent maitake au poivre. The vibe: Café Chelsea is as stunning as they come. Each of its three rooms, the bar and the petite and grand café sections, are defined by Parisian tiled floors, golden scalloped scones and a skylight framed with greenery. Chatter bounces easily off its mirrored halls, making for a bit of a louder dine if that matters to you. But if you can catch a conversation, don't be surprised if the...

After opening in 1929, MoMA became key to spreading the gospel of modern art over the course of the 20th century, positioning itself as a kind of temple for only the most dedicated aficionados. Today, that approach has largely been discarded in favor of a refreshingly more inclusive program that features women and artists of color, as well as lesser-known figures from global reaches beyond Europe and the United States. MoMA has become increasingly user-friendly through successive expansions—2019 added 40,000 square feet of new exhibition space, including street-facing galleries free to the public, as well as a dedicated venue for live programming and performances. Current amenities include MoMA’s sculpture garden and cinema, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant run by Danny Meyer (don’t worry; there are also less-expensive dining options). Then there’s The MoMA Design Store, which sells furnishings and other merchandise as well as books. Still, it’s hard for MoMA to completely shake off its legacy; people still come to see famous artists such as Picasso and Matisse, after all. But through repeated renewal and re-invention, MoMA has exceeded its original role as modernism’s incubator to become one of NYC’s most important—and visited—museums.

Standing at the foot of the High Line along Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, the 63,000 square facility features both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. True to its founder Gertrude Vanderbilt's wishes, the Whitney is dedicated to presenting the work of American artists. Its collection holds about 15,000 pieces by nearly 2,000 artists, including Alexander Calder, Willem de Kooning, Edward Hopper (the Whitney is the largest repository of Hopper's artwork in the world), Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Georgia O’Keeffe and Claes Oldenburg. Still, the museum’s reputation rests mainly on its temporary shows, particularly the Whitney Biennial. Held in even-numbered years, the Biennial remains the most prestigious (and controversial) assessment of contemporary art in America. Three outdoor sculpture spaces provide views of the Hudson and the surrounding neighborhood. This is a goldmine for slightly lesser-known but fantastic exhibitions. 

History buffs will love this Upper West Side institution. Built in 1804, it's the oldest museum in New York City. The New York Historical features more than 1.6 million works that explore the history of the city and the country, including exhibits, art and historical artifacts. The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library has more than three million books, newspapers, maps, photographs and more from our nation’s founding through slavery and Reconstruction and beyond. The museum is also home to the Center for Women's History, which unearths the lives and legacies of women who have shaped and continue to shape the American experience. If all that history makes you hungry or thirsty, enjoy coffee and snacks at the on-site Cafe 77.

Lei brings a rare intimacy to bustling Doyers Street. The made-for-date-night space, from Annie Shi (beverage director at Soho’s beloved King) and Patty Lee (formerly of Mission Chinese), feels both new and totally timeless—like a neighborhood fave that’s been there all along. The wine list is deep and wide (it’s over 25 pages), but the short, tight menu is made to match it. Soy-braised short ribs, sticky with strawberry jam; crispy fried whiting; and flaky shao bing cut with cold butter make it the sort of place where a “quick glass” can easily turn into an entire evening. The vibe: A cozy hideaway where things can quickly turn romantic, Lei has just 24 seats (if it’s crowded, you can always stand while you munch on your siu mai), a staggering wine list and flickering candles. The food: The small plates here punch well above their weight, but you’ll also be satisfied if grabbing drinks turns into grabbing dinner. Go for the cat’s ear noodles, which are hand-rolled and served covered in herbs.  The drink: A twenty-plus-page wine list featuring Chinese producers and tons of easy-drinkers. Time Out tip: Forget scrolling the wine list like it’s homework—just tell the sommelier what you’re in the mood for, then let them take the wheel. Odds are you’ll end up with a bottle you’ll still be thinking about tomorrow.

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, delicious bagels from Ess-a-bagel and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

If you thought getting a table at Per Se was tough, try getting into Rao’s. On second thought, don’t. Rao’s (pronounced “RAY-ohs”) is really a private club without the dues. To eat here, you’ll need a personal invite from one of the heavy hitters who “owns” a table. These CEOs, actors, politicians, news personalities and neighborhood old-timers established a long-standing arrangement with the late, legendary owner Frankie “No” Pellegrino, and that's what ensures a seat at one of the ten tables at the Italian-American icon. In fact, reading this review is probably the closest you’ll get to Rao’s.

This New York City landmark houses a series of 16 period rooms from the late 19th century, designed by such luminaries as Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Herter Brothers. The Armory has been transformed into one of the city's premier alternative spaces for showing art; the beauty of this historical setting allows for interesting visual contrast with the series of contemporary projects commissioned by the nonprofit arts organization.

It would take multiple visits to fully appreciate this sprawling–as in 13-acres of Central Park sprawling–collection of over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world. As one of the biggest museums in the world, the gorgeous late 19th-century neo-classical institution displays some of the finest examples of art spanning from mummified royalty of ancient times to avant garde fashion couture from last year’s runway. Visitors young and old are mesmerized by the Temple of Dendur, an Egyptian temple from 10 B.C. that was transposed from its Nile-side location to the bright, sun drenched Sackler Wing overlooking a reflective pool. Other highlights include the impressive array of European and Asian armor, Grecian sculptures, medieval art and contemporary photography. After hours of exploring, relax by a fountain in the indoor sculpture garden or ponder what it all means in the Astor Chinese Garden Court, nestled off the Asian Art galleries.

We curated every last detail at the Time Out Market: the food, the cultural experiences, the drinks, the space—everything including the breathtaking view, which is the perfect backdrop for the “best in New York City” experience. At The Rooftop at Time Out Market you can discover impressive bites from culinary rockstars while relaxing on sea foam seats on the outdoor terrace. Post up for acts selected by our team, complementing the entertainment of the breathtaking, sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, perfectly framed by the grand windows. Signature Cocktails ($14) New York SourAmador Double Barrel Whiskey, Lemon, Simple, Aquafaba and Reserve Port Hibiscus ChillCasamigos Reposado, Combier Orange, Lime and Hibiscus Syrup Sangria SpritzBertoux Brandy, Mulling Spice, Red Wine Blend and Club Soda Smokin' Cherry MuleAgave De Cortes Mezcal, Black Cherry, Amaro, Lemon and Ginger Beer SouthsiderSpring 44 Vodka, Aloe, Mint and Cucumber My Kind of Old FashionedHigh West Double Rye, Bertoux Brandy, Maple and Bitters Coconut CarouselOwney's Rum, Dark Rum, Orange, Pineapple, Coconut and Nutmeg Strawberry BelliniGrey Goose Vodka, Strawberry, Basil and ProseccoBeer Selection ($8) Brooklyn Brewery, Bronx Brewery, Stella Artois ($9), Modelo Especial ($9), Asahi Brewery, Estrella Damm, Mikkeller Brewery ($12), Five Boroughs Brewery Wine List SparklingLambrusco, Otello Ceci, Emilia, Italy ($12, $54)Mumm Napa, Blanc De Blancs, Napa, CA ($13, $56)Bedell Sparkling...