New York does luxury in every form: tasting menus, landmark hotels, private museum tours, front-row theater and the skyline from the air or the water. These are the experiences worth planning a trip around, with tips for booking each one.
Key Takeaways
- For dining, book Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin or Per Se well ahead.
- For a stay, The Plaza, The St. Regis New York and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown set the standard.
- For something you will remember, see the city from above, from the water or from a private tour.
Experience World-Class Fine Dining
New York has many Michelin-starred restaurants. Reservations at the best-known rooms open in advance and go quickly, so plan your dates first and book as soon as you can.
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park serves a seasonal multi-course tasting menu built around local ingredients. It is a long, unhurried meal, so give it the whole evening.
Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin, led by chef Eric Ripert, is a celebrated seafood restaurant. Expect refined dishes and a quietly elegant dining room.
Per Se
Per Se, from chef Thomas Keller, serves a tasting menu with views over Central Park. It is a natural choice for an anniversary or a milestone dinner.
Stay in Luxury Hotels
The best hotels in the city offer personal service, views and space that is hard to find in Manhattan.
The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza is one of New York's most historic hotels. Its history, suites and dining rooms make it a destination in itself.
The St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York, on Fifth Avenue, is known for its butler service and classic, refined rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown pairs modern design with a spa and city views. It suits both business and leisure trips in Lower Manhattan.
Exclusive Shopping Experiences on Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue is lined with luxury designer boutiques and flagship stores. Nearby on Fifth Avenue are three New York institutions.
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman is an iconic luxury department store, with designer fashion, beauty and accessories under one roof.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue carries a wide range of luxury fashion, accessories and beauty.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. is known for its diamonds, engagement rings and its signature blue boxes.
Private Tours of Iconic Museums
A private tour lets you see a museum on your own terms, with a guide who focuses on what interests you. Many include skip-the-line entry.
The Met Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers themed tours of its collections. Plan around its schedule: The Met Fifth Avenue is closed on Wednesdays.
MoMA
MoMA's collection spans modern and contemporary art from the 1880s to today. A private tour helps you focus on a few galleries instead of rushing through them all.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is as much a reason to visit as the art inside. Tours often cover both the building and the current exhibitions.
Helicopter Tours Over NYC
Seeing Manhattan from the air puts the whole city in one view: the rivers, the bridges, Central Park and the skyline.
Sightseeing helicopter flights in Manhattan depart from the Downtown Skyport, the only city heliport base for tourist flights. When you book any tour, ask who operates the flight, how long you will be in the air and what fees are added to the ticket price.
BLADE
BLADE does not sell sightseeing tours. BLADE arranges flights between Manhattan and the airports, as well as private helicopter, jet and turboprop charters. All flights BLADE arranges in the United States are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
Arrive in style with BLADE's private helicopter transfers
If your trip starts or ends at JFK or Newark, BLADE Airport replaces the drive with a flight of about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. You wait in a BLADE lounge in Manhattan before you fly. At the airport, a BLADE vehicle takes you to your terminal, or you can book BLADE's Meet and Greet service for a private vehicle and help with your bags. Coming home, BLADE tracks your commercial flight and a BLADE vehicle meets you at arrivals. It is a practical choice if you are staying at The Plaza, the Four Seasons or The St. Regis and want to skip the traffic.
VIP Broadway Show Experiences
Premium seats and VIP packages put you in the best part of the house, and some packages add backstage tours or receptions. Buy through the show's official box office or authorized sellers.
Hamilton
Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's Founding Fathers. Orchestra seats give the best view of the staging.
The Lion King
VIP packages for The Lion King feature prime orchestra seating. Check the official site for what each package includes.
Wicked
Wicked retells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Premium seating and special packages are worth comparing before you buy.
Yacht Charters on the Hudson River
A private yacht charter shows you the skyline at water level, with your own captain, crew and catering.
Classic Harbor Line
Classic Harbor Line sails a fleet of classic sailing and motor yachts, with charters that can include catering and a custom route.
Manhattan Yacht Charters
Manhattan Yacht Charters offers private vessels with professional captains and crews for events and celebrations.
North Cove Marina
North Cove Marina offers docking and charter options for a day on the water.
Spa Retreats and Wellness Centers
Aire Ancient Baths
AIRE Ancient Baths sits in a restored former textile factory. Thermal baths and massages inspired by ancient bathing traditions are the draw.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental blends Eastern and Western treatments, with city views.
QC NY Spa on Governors Island
QC NY Spa on Governors Island offers relaxation rooms, themed saunas and an upside-down relaxation room.
High-End Cocktail Bars
The Campbell
The Campbell, inside Grand Central Terminal, is a historic room known for classic cocktails.
Employees Only
Employees Only mixes classic technique with creative drinks in a speakeasy setting.
Private Art Gallery Tours
Leading galleries host private viewings for collectors and serious visitors. David Zwirner, Gagosian and Pace are among the best known. Contact the gallery in advance to arrange a visit.
Unforgettable Experiences at Yankee Stadium
Legends Suite
The Legends Suite offers premium seating, all-inclusive dining and a dedicated lounge.
Delta Sky360° Suite
The Delta Sky360° Suite offers an all-inclusive experience with a view of the field.
Private Stadium Tour
A behind-the-scenes tour can include areas such as the dugout and clubhouse.
Customized Walking Tours
A private walking tour can focus on architecture, food or history.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village has long been a center of artistic and LGBTQ+ history, with landmarks honoring figures such as Marsha P. Johnson.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side tells the story of generations of immigrants, along with a strong street-art scene today.
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights has tree-lined streets, brownstones and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, with wide views of the Manhattan skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best luxury hotels to stay at in NYC?
The Plaza Hotel, The St. Regis New York and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
Which restaurants in NYC offer a world-class fine dining experience?
Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin and Per Se. Book early.
What makes Madison Avenue a unique shopping destination?
Its concentration of luxury designer boutiques and flagship stores.
What are some exclusive ways to experience art and culture in NYC?
Private tours of The Met, MoMA and the Guggenheim, or private viewings at leading galleries.
Can you recommend any luxury experiences for sports fans in NYC?
Yankee Stadium's Legends Suite or a private stadium tour.
Disclaimer: