Your essential guide to New York

Destinations
Find your bearings

 

When you first arrive at Mandarin Oriental, New York, get a feel for the area by wandering through Central Park, which is on the hotel doorstep. Whatever the season, there’s something magical about this world-famous public park, from people-watching at Bethesda Fountain to ice skating at Wollman Rink in the winter. Alternatively, stroll through the tree-lined side streets of the Upper West Side and admire the rows of historic brownstones, many dating back to the 1880s. 

 

Feed your mind

 

New York City has a world-class cultural landscape and the Lincoln Center is at the forefront. It's five minutes' walk from the hotel and on any given day you can catch awe-inspiring opera, ballet and musical performances. The Metropolitan Opera, with its opulent red carpets and starburst chandeliers, is an unforgettable experience, as is an outing to the New York City Ballet or the New York Philharmonic - after dark, take a moment to enjoy the illuminated fountain. Step into the era of the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History, an Upper West Side landmark founded in 1869. During winter and spring, there is a vivarium with more than 500 live butterflies in tropical temperatures. For art buffs, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is also near the hotel - leave time to unwind in the sculpture garden. Further afield, head to the Upper East Side for the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Egyptian Temple of Dendur is a highlight) and Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim. Head to The Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District then walk along the famous High Line after your visit.

Shop like a local

 

As a guest of Mandarin Oriental, New York, you have some of the city's best shopping directly next door, including Stuart Weitzman, Hugo Boss, and Diptyque at The Shops in Columbus Circle. Fifth Avenue's array of luxury offerings, from Bergdorf Goodman to Cartier, are a short walk away. To shop like a local, stroll up Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side and discover boutiques such as Jonathan Adler for upscale home décor, which the designer describes as channelling "modern American glamour". Design lovers should head downtown in SoHo where you'll find British designer Tom Dixon's store, as well as the Roll & Hill lighting showroom. While in the area, stop by Kirna Zabête boutique on Broome Street, for myriad cool designer fashion brands.

 

See some sights

 

You could spend all your time in New York City simply looking up at the breathtaking skyline. Iconic architectural landmarks including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the World Trade Center. There are also more unusual sights, such as the captivating Flatiron Building, and the High Line, an elevated public park built on abandoned railway tracks, which is beautiful at sunset.

Toast your arrival

 

Once you catch a glimpse of the sweeping views over Central Park from the lobby on the 35th floor of Mandarin Oriental, New York, step into The Ascent Lounge in the Deutsche Bank Center. A sophisticated cocktail lounge, it offers light bites and gorgeous views of the park. Live music fans might want to check out Jazz at Lincoln Center, which showcases many prestigious names.

Make time to unwind

Dine in style

 

For exceptional modern American fare with Asian influences, don’t miss Daniel restaurant on the Upper East Side is the best of the best – the French cuisine is heavenly and it’s the perfect spot for marking a special occasion. 

And finally...
New York’s best bakeries

Indulge in a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side. They have a cult following for a reason.