36 hours of Christmas Shopping in New York
Not a first timer in New York it was my first visit in December. New York emanates a very special charme in the festive season. Everything is beautifully decorated and you’ll listen to Christmas tunes in virtually every store. If you are not in the mood for Christmas yet I recommend a weekend in New York – you will return transformed
Where to shop
5th Avenue is quite the no brainer when it comes to shopping options in NY. This is a good place to start off your shopping ventures. You’ll find many of highstreet brands such as Victoria Secret, Ted Baker and the likes
Macy’s has it all. While it might lack the exclusivity of Barney’s or Bergdorf Goodman you will find some of the more affordable brands here
Barney’s offers a well selected variety of luxury brands and a to die for selection of shoes.
Bergdorf Goodman emanates elegance and class. This is where New York’s fashionistas shop and you’ll find fewer tourists than in the other department stores.
Soho offers a mix of some of the more edgy designer stores and regular high street brands
Where to eat
ABC Kitchen has become a trendy go to place and has been frequented by celebs and foodies alike. The interior is stylish and cosy and the menu offers playful dishes. The food is entirely organic.
Decoy in Greenwhich Village – The best places are discovered by accident. Unable to score a table at the Spotted Pig (no, we were not prepared to wait 2.5 half hours for a table at this non reservation restaurant) we explored alternative gastronomic options in the area of Greenwhich and discovered a real find. Specialized in Beijing Duck the restaurant offers great alternatives such as linguine with lobsters and tender beef filet. The service is forthcoming and the atmosphere in this tiny, wooden restaurant is very cosy.
Balthazar – An oldtime favourite Balthazar is crowded, loud and French in a very New Yorkan kind of way. The menu includes all the French classics and the wine list offers a good choice. In walking distance to the Broadway this is a good place for a post show dinner. If you are looking for a calm, romantic setting we recommend you go somewhere else.
The Modern – After a stint at the MOMA (a must see whenever I am in New York) stop by for a lunch at Moma’s restaurant the Modern which offers a clean and serene architecture, a concise menu of refined dishes and impeccable service. The menu changes however is seasonal and included risotto or linguine with white truffle which is shaved at the table – delicious. A perfect place to unwind from all the hustle and baustle and you are likely to run into some of the more intellectual celebrities of New York.
Where to go for a drink:
Le Bain at the Standard in trendy Meatpacking district is where the young and the beautiful flock. Steps away from Gansevoort it has taken its place as a hip place to hang out. On weekends the club is open until 4 pm.
Where to stay:
During the Christmas season New York’s hotel prices hit rocket heights. If you book last minute an apartment might be a good alternative and offers the additional benefit of more closet space to stock up newly bought treasures . Check out Sanctuary Apartments in New York’s Lower East Side.