Travel Guide New York City - The city that never sleeps
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Travel Guide
New York City
The city that never sleeps
02 Quick view 07 Shopping in New York City 13 Rooftop bars ...
02 USA 07 Restaurants 15 Excursion tips
03 Travel etiquette 08 Nightlife 17 Interview
04 Health 09 Calendar of events
04 Phone calls & Internet 11 Hotels
05 Getting around New York City 12 Crew Tip
05 Top 10 sights 12 GEO Tip
© Nick Dolding/Getty Images
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Quick view
New York City: The city that never sleeps
The world’s most talked about city, New York is a place it’s impossible not to love.
Its cultural currency comes from its huge diversity, with over 200 languages spoken
and millions from across the globe flocking to see its sensational sights. Manhattan
teems day and night, its museums chock full of the finest art and design the world
has to offer.
Brooklyn’s burgeoning reputation as the planet’s cultural capital makes it an
essential stop-off for music lovers, beer drinkers and food fanatics. Throw in
endless cityscapes and beautiful squares and parks for escaping the bustle, and
you have the quintessential modern-day metropolis.
USA
General Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock
formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a
collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s
unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger
joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the
neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek
an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are
the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of
California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders
with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the
Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The
State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US;
it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of
the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of
their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada),
the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains,
plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely
populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural
areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to
arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorities.
Currency
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US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50,
20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are
in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round
grounding pin.
Public holidays
Below are listed public holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note: States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal
holidays.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Martin Luther King Day: 21 January 2019
President’s Day: 18 February 2019
Memorial Day: 27 May 2019
Independence Day: 4 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Columbus Day: 14 October 2019
Veterans Day: 11 November 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 28 November 2019
Christmas: 25 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide
variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in
numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large
cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business
meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need
be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require
more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission
before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or
forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no
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smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and
New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public
places.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and
served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In
many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or
hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh
food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to
eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary
needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or
to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants
before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however,
both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional
outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and
H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and
general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all
types of illness.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Goldstein, Glenn A.
115 East 57th Street – 11 Floor
Suite 1117
(between Park Avenue and Lexington Av.)
New York NY 10022
USA
Tel. +1-212-371-0500
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there.
They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make
regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one
of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-
band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside
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densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to
buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls
inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using
unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit
card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security
software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Getting around New York City
Getting around
Public Transport
New York’s extensive subway system is the largest in the world and is run by the
city under the auspices of the MTA (mta.info), which also takes care of the
excellent bus system. Tickets can be purchased from stations and news agents,
with rechargeable MetroCards the best bet for getting around. The subway runs 24
hours a day, although services become sparse in the small hours.
Taxis
New York’s famous yellow cabs are always available on Manhattan’s main streets.
Don’t be timid and stay on the sidewalk when hailing one. Chances are a bold
local will be in the road taking your ride. Tipping is essential.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in New York City
Empire State Building
The city’s second tallest building (now that the new World Trade Center is
complete) offers huge views of the Five Boroughs and beyond. Be sure to book
tickets online first.
350 5th Avenue Opening times:
NY 10118 New York Daily 0800 – 0200
USA
Tel: +1-212/73 63 100 www.esbnyc.com/
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take both of these classic sights in on one single boat trip. Ellis Island is steeped
in history, the place where America’s immigrants arrived until 1954, while the
Statue of Liberty is a must-see for NYC first-timers.
Liberty Island Opening times:
NY 10004 New York Daily 0900 – 1530 (Statue of Liberty)
USA 0900 – 1600 (Ellis Island)
Tel: +1-212/36 33 200
www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
Rockefeller Center
Head to the Top of the Rock for views over Central Park and a chance to take
skyline snaps with the Empire State Building as the star.
45 Rockefeller Plaza Opening times:
NY 10111 New York Daily 0800 – 0000
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USA www.rockefellercenter.com
Tel: +1-212/69 82 000
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Arguably the greatest modern art gallery in the world, MOMA is home to works by
Matisse, Van Gogh and Munch among countless others. Rolling exhibitions never
disappoint.
11 W 53rd Street Opening times:
NY 10119 New York Mon-Thurs and Sat/Sun 1030 – 1730
USA Fri 1030 – 2000
Tel: +1-212/70 89 400
www.moma.org
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This vast Central Park institution is so big you’ll struggle to see it all in one day.
Ancient artefacts rub shoulders with Old Masters and superb modern-day
photography.
1000 5th Avenue Opening times:
NY 10128 New York Mon-Thurs and Sun 1000 – 1730
USA Fri-Sat 1000 – 2100
Tel. +1-212/53 57 710
www.metmuseum.org
Central Park
The park is New York’s green lung, a landscaped oasis offering respite from busy
streets. Spend a day exploring the lakes and ponds and the John Lennon
memorial in ‘Strawberry Fields’.
Central Park Opening times:
New York Daily 0600 – 0100
USA
www.centralparknyc.org
Brooklyn Museum
This vast place is a great alternative to the Met. Check out classic American
artworks and collections from ancient civilisations.
200 Eastern Parkway Opening times:
NY 11238 New York Wed and Fri – Sun 1000 – 1800
USA Thurs 1100 – 2200
Tel: +1-718/63 85 000
www.brooklynmuseum.org
Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful Guggenheim is a piece of art in its own right. Marvel
at the spiral design and drink in the peerless collection of paintings and sculpture.
1071 5th Avenue Opening times:
NY 10128 New York Sun – Wed and Fri 1000 – 1745
USA Sat 1000 – 1945
Tel: +1-212/42 33 500
www.guggenheim.org
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The High Line
New York’s newest park is also its coolest. A reclaimed raised subway line, it cuts
through the Meatpacking District and is unlike any other green space in the city.
Starts at Gansevoort Street Opening times:
NY 10011 New York Daily 0700 – 1900 (December to
USA March)
Tel: +1-212/50 06 035 Daily 0700 – 2200 (April and May;
October and November)
Daily 0700 – 2300 (June to September)
www.thehighline.org
9/11 Memorial Museum
Located on the site of the Twin Towers, this powerful memorial reflects on the
devastating events of 9/11 and how the city has recovered in the years since.
Liberty Street (Entry Greenwich Street) Opening times:
NY 10006 New York Daily 0900 – 2000
USA
Tel: +1-212/31 28 800 www.911memorial.org
Shopping in New York City
Shopping in New York City
Key Areas
New York has got shopping covered from every angle. Fifth Avenue’s broad
sweep is home to global brands and luxury goods, while further downtown
Broadway is awash with major high-street names. SoHo is full of fancy boutiques,
while across the East River, Williamsburg and Greenpoint are great for music,
books and vintage clothing.
Markets
Foodies should check out Union Square’s Greenmarket (closed Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays) as well as the excellent Chelsea Market. Perfect for
delicious on-the-go nibbles. Great for unique tees, alternative antiques and hipster
spotting, the Brooklyn Flea is held in three locations across the borough; Fort
Greene on Saturdays, on the waterfront in Williamsburg on Sundays and Park
Slope all weekend.
Shopping Centres
Manhattan Mall, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Limelight Shops offer good
‘under one roof’ options for shopaholics. However, NYC is more about classic
department stores than modern-day malls. Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s
all deliver.
Restaurants
Restaurants in New York City
No one should come to New York and eat badly. The city’s diversity means every
kind of cuisine is catered for.No matter what neighbourhood you find yourself in,
there’s always a decent joint where you can chow down.
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Brooklyn’s only three-Michelin-star joint. Feast on the 20-course tasting menu
while watching the chefs at work.
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200 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Price: Luxurious
NY 11201 New York
USA
St Anselm
You’ll need to queue, but the succulent steak will definitely be worth the wait.
355 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn Price: Moderate
NY 11211 New York
USA
Locanda Verde
This hot Tribeca spot serves some of the best Italian food in the city. Reservations
are a must.
377 Greenwich Street Price: Moderate
NY 10013 New York
USA
Penelope
A Midtown brunch classic, this place fills up fast. The pancakes are fluffy and
delicious.
159 Lexington Avenue Price: Budget
NY 10016 New York
USA
Fanelli Café
A renowned corner joint in SoHo serving great salads and sandwiches.
94 Prince Street Price: Budget
NY 10012 New York
USA
Nightlife
Nightlife in New York City
The city that never sleeps has got it all for the night owl. Cool cocktail joints, dive
bars and super clubs areeverywhere, just waiting to be explored. However you like
to party, you can do it in NYC.
Union Pool
If it’s a super hip night out you’re after, look no further. Nestled under the BQE, this
is a hipster paradise.
484 Union Avenue, Brooklyn
NY 11211 New York
USA
Bowery Ballroom
This lush little venue is the finest place in NYC to catch live music. Gigs start late,
so try the cool downstairs bar first.
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6 Delancey Street
NY 10002 New York
USA
Marquee
This Chelsea institution is renowned for its great hip hop nights.
289 10th Ave
NY 10001 New York
USA
Cielo
This is one of the hottest clubs in the Meatpacking District. It has an excellent
sound system that’s put to great use by mostly techno/house DJs. This place is
always packed, not just on the weekend.
18 Little West 12th Street
NY 10014 New York
USA
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Chinese New Year
This is one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in the country, and
always draws big crowds. There are several celebrations in New York, with
firecrackers, parades and dragon-clad dance troupes. This always falls in either
January or February, though the date changes every year.
February 2019
betterchinatown.com/
Venue: Chinatown
Tribeca Film Festival
This film festival was founded as part of a post-9/11 effort to attract visitors to return
to lower Manhattan. It has become New York’s premiere film festival. In addition to
film screenings, there are talks, panels and a street fair.
April 2019
tribecafilm.com/festival
Venue: Throughout the city
Bryant Park Movie Nights
From June to August, this grassy Midtown park screens outdoor films on Monday
nights. Picnics abound, and the film choices are usually well-known classics rather
than new releases. Films start around sunset, and the lawn opens at 5pm; go early
to get a spot.
June – August 2019
bryantpark.org/programs/hbo-bryant-park-film-...
Venue: Bryant Park, 42nd Street
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Summerstage
A fantastic free performing arts festival that takes place in Central Park each year. It
was founded in 1986 and features a wide range of top-name performers across
genres – including music, dance, theatre and spoken word. Many events are free.
Other NYC parks also host similar events throughout the summer.
June – September 2019
cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/
Venue: Central Park
Mermaid Parade
The city’s most informal and most lively parade has a nautical theme, and features
women and men alike dressed in glittering and riotous costumes and covered in
ample body paint. The city’s classic theme parks provide the perfect backdrop to
this celebration of the weird and wonderful.
22 June 2019
www.coneyisland.com/programs/mermaid-parade
Venue: 1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island
NYC PrideFest
The annual LGBTQIA+ PrideFest is a street fair that combines exhibitors,
entertainers and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality.
30 June 2019
www.nycpride.org
Venue: University Place between 13th Street and Waverly Place
Fourth of July
Most towns and cities host their own Fourth of July celebrations, but certainly the
best known of these is in New York City and is hosted by Macy’s. Get a spot early
in the day as west side Manhattan streets fill up with spectators eager to see the
impressive fireworks show over the Hudson River.
4 July 2019
www.macys.com/social/fireworks/
Venue: West side, Manhattan
New York City Marathon
One of the world’s most popular marathons, the New York City Marathon has been
held since 1970 and attracts 45,000 runners every year. The race route runs
through all five of New York City’s boroughs.
3 November 2019
www.tcsnycmarathon.org/
Venue: Throughout the city
New Year's Eve
A million people come to New York each year with the express purpose of ringing
in the new year by watching the ball drop in Times Square. If you dare to brave the
cold and the crowds, you can celebrate the more than century-old tradition, too.
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31 December 2019
www.timessquarenyc.org
Venue: Times Square
Hotels
Hotels in New York City
Finding a cheap hotel room in New York is tougher than winning the lottery.The
city has plenty of superb top-end options though, with a growing number of decent,
cheaper alternatives.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in the city’s Tribeca district fulfills
the luxurious promise of the name: spa, pool and round-the-clock room service
provided by the hotel’s own gourmet restaurant CUT.
27 Barclay Street Category: Luxurious
NY 10007 New York
USA
The Standard High Line
The New York outpost of LA’s Standard hotel is an opulent palace, with huge
views across the Hudson River and Downtown.
848 Washington Street Category: Luxurious
NY 10014 New York
USA
W New York – Times Square
This outpost of the Starwood chain is situated right at the heart of the city. Not only
does the lobby on the seventh floor boast a hip, ultramodern feel, but the rest of the
hotel maintains the same level of style and chic. And thanks to sound-excluding
double glazing, guests can enjoy the view over Times Square in peace.
1567 Broadway Category: Moderate
NY 10036 New York
USA
Union Hotel Brooklyn
Based in southern Brooklyn, this sharp hotel has excellent subway access for
Manhattan sightseeing.
611 Degraw Street Category: Moderate
NY 11217 New York
USA
Econo Lodge
Traveling on a shoestring but still wishing to spend the night in New York City?
Then this could be the hotel for you. The rooms are on the small side, but fit for
purpose and satisfactory. The Lodge’s outstanding attraction is its central location.
302 West 47th Street Category: Budget
NY 10036 New York
USA
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Crew Tip
My New York
Whenever I’m in New York City, I head for the Magnolia Bakery
(magnoliabakery.com). One of the city’s four branches is located on Bleecker
Street. It’s so unremarkable you would likely pass it by if it weren’t for the long line
of people outside the shop that lets you know this is where they sell the most
scrumptious cupcakes in the world. I have them wrap me some and then make my
way to Times Square, where I buy a coffee at one of the many coffee shops and
then sit down on the red steps to admire the gigantic advertising and musical
billboards.
© Deutsche Lufthansa AG
GEO Tip
Harlem’s gems
Harlem’s gems
Nearly every street in Central Harlem has some impressive architecture, but the
district’s true gems are to be found on Astor Row and Strivers Row. Dating from the
19th century, these buildings, like the entire neighborhood, had been falling into
disrepair since the 1930s when in 1981, a protection order was placed on the
entire block and every single building became a listed historical monument. Little
by little, the buildings were then lovingly restored, including the wooden verandas
on Astor Row and the wrought-iron gates to the back yards of the townhouses on
Strivers Row. Some even still have their old sign reading “Private Road – Walk
Your Horses”
Mehr auf GEO.de
https://www.geo.de/magazine/geo-special/17378-rtkl-ausprobiert-wie-sich-new-
york-jeden-monat-eine-neue-welt-entdecken
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Rooftop bars ...
... in Manhattan
230 Fifth
The very fact that New York is such an exciting, dynamic and thrilling place is
precisely why you sometimes need to get away from the honking and the hustle
and bustle of the metropolis. In the rooftop bars of Manhattan, high above the street
canyons, there is a different, calmer soundscape shaped by the clicking of cocktail
shakers, happy hour conversations and cool DJ music that’s perfectly in tune with
the Manhattan skyline.
230 Fifth
The Empire State Building towers (almost) close enough to touch above the 230
Fifth, in the evening bathing its huge terrace in warm, colorful light. It’s the perfect
place to sip a refreshing NYC Mule with pineapple and lime juice. Don’t be put off
by the line in the lobby – it usually moves forward quickly. If you prefer to savor the
scenery without the nighttime party atmosphere, come on the weekend, when
brunch is served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the palm-fringed rooftop.
230 Fifth Avenue www.230-fifth.com
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/725 43 00
Press Lounge
The long, narrow emerald pool is a good reason in itself to make your way to the
somewhat remote 11th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen district. A further attraction is
the invariably high level of glamor to be spotted on the roof terrace of the Ink48
Hotel: Relaxing beside the pool with a cocktail, you can watch the stylish New York
after-work crowd or simply enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the Midtown
skyline and the Hudson River.
653 11th Ave thepresslounge.com
New York, NY 10036
Tel.: +1-212/757 22 24
Gallow Green
An enchanted garden right in the middle of New York? Sure thing! There’s the
rooftop bar of the McKittrick Hotel, for example, a hideaway rampant with dense
greenery. Behind the wooden tables, pink blossoms trail skyward, as though
reaching for the strings of lights overhead, beyond which the lights of Westside
shimmer. The atmosphere at the Gallow Green is hopelessly romantic and a tad
wicked – which could have something to do with the burlesque evenings that also
take place at the McKittrick. The hotel is best known for its show "Sleep no more",
based on Shakespeare's "Macbeth". Advance booking recommended.
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542 West 27th Street mckittrickhotel.com/Gallow-Green/
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/564 16 62
La Piscine
At the Hôtel Americano, a dip in the pool high above the rooftops of Chelsea does
not come cheap for non-guests: The access pass costs 40 dollars but is valid for
the whole day. Better to just head straight to the bar in the evening. The barkeepers
here will mix you the perfect the gin margarita or refreshing cucumber Martini
against the perfect postcard backdrop provided by the illuminated Empire State
Building – and that comes entirely for free.
518 West 27th Street www.hotel-americano.com
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: +1-212/216 00 00
SixtyFive & Rosé Bar
The Rainbow Room is a New York nightlife legend with its Art Deco style, a breath
of chandelier luxury and its wide expanse of skyline. New York’s high society has
been dancing and partying here on the famous rotating dance floor since the place
opened in 1934. During renovations in 2014, the 65th floor of the Rockefeller
Center received an outside terrace, which now provides two open-air venues: Bar
SixtyFive is smarter and more expensive, while the Rosé Bar is the more laid-back
alternative. What they have in common are their spectacular views of Manhattan.
30 Rockefeller Plaza www.rainbowroom.com
New York, NY 10112
Tel.: +1-212/632 50 00
Le Bain
First a tip: Come for Happy Hour in the week! On the weekend, the line outside the
door stretches right round the block, and the later the hour, the grumpier the
doormen. The atmosphere before sunset, on the other hand, is unpretentious and
relaxed. Guests chill on the huge poufs and garden chairs set out on the artificial
grass and enjoy the views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. After 10
p.m., the DJ turns up the music, and then the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel
becomes more crowded, louder and also more eccentric.
848 Washington Street www.standardhotels.com/high-line/food
New York, NY 10014 -drink/...
Tel.: +1-212/645 76 00
Pod 39
Midtown East may not be the ideal location for a cool New York bar, but the Pod 39
is an exception here. Locals and tourists mingle on the roof of this boutique hotel, a
mere ten-minute walk from the United Nations, with which the charming, if at first
sight seemingly chaotic decor of the rooftop bar fits well: Greek pillars, Italian
terracotta elements and brightly colored Mexican cushions. On Friday nights a DJ
spins the discs, but the sound level is never too high; guests can still talk
comfortably.
145 East 39th Street www.thepodhotel.com
New York, NY 10016
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Tel.: +1-212/865 57 00
Roof at Park South
Which way do you look first? In the north, the silver Chrysler Building gleams
followed by a twinkling sea of city lights – Nomad’s Park South Hotel couldn’t be
more strategically placed! On top of this, it stocks a wide selection of local beers,
an elaborate cocktail menu and an anything but everyday pub menu features
stunning items like the Wagyu cheeseburger, parmesan truffle fries, and fiery,
marinated prawn skewers.
Joie de Vivre Park South Hotel www.roofatparksouth.com
125 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel.: +1-212/204 52 22
Excursion tips
Time to get away!
iStock
Dia:Beacon – for art lovers
The 80-minute trip out here is an adventure in itself, with the train following the
banks of the Hudson River all the way to the sleepy town of Beacon. Visitors can
take in one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary sculptures on the U.S. east
coast here; it is housed on some 30,000 square meters of space in an old factory
building. If you don’t relish waiting in line outside the MoMa, the Dia:Beacon
museum could be a relaxing alternative for you.
Tip: Take a seat on the left (direction of travel) on the train, so you don’t have to
constantly crane your neck for a view the scenery.
How to get there: 3 Beekman St, Beacon Direct connection from Grand Central
Station on the Metro-North.
Travel time: roughly 80 minutes.
3 Beekman St, Beacon diaart.org/
NY 12580 New York
USA
Prospect Park, Brooklyn – for fresh-air fanatics
A good way to escape Manhattan’s busy streets for a while, is to go and lie down
on the grass in Central Park. But if you are already in the mood for a day trip, you
might travel a little further, namely as far as Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Like its
somewhat bigger brother, it was created by a landscape architect. With its lake,
old-fashioned carousel, a wood, an oriental former teahouse and a concert stage, it
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is one of New York’s favorite getaways.
How to get there: Can be reached by train on one of the lines Q, S or B – as far as
Prospect Park Station, or by taking line 2 or 3 as far as Station Grand Army Plaza.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 40 minutes.
Brooklyn www.prospectpark.org/connect/?redirec
NY 11225 New York t_url=%2F
USA
Montauk, Long Island – for sun worshippers
Also known as “The End,” Montauk is the most easterly point on Long Island.
That’s why what it has to offer is something almost unheard of in New York: real
peace! The likes of Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel also came in search of
tranquility to this town of 4000 souls, which stands out more for its natural attributes
than its magnificent villas. Pristine beaches, a number of parks with extensive trails
and also the oldest lighthouse in the state await visitors in Montauk.
How to get there: From Penn Station, take the Long Island Rail Road.
Travel time: around three hours, 15 minutes.
Montauk onmontauk.com/
NY 11954 New York
USA
Woodbury Common – for shopaholics
Anyone shop in New York will stowing their new treasures in the case they came
with difficult. So if you do make the trip to Woodbury Common, definitely consider
purchasing another piece of luggage. This outlet mall is located some 60 miles
outside New York and was built in the style of a small village. Its stores sell 220
different brands, from Chloé und Dior to Jimmy Choo, Polo Ralph Lauren and
Tod’s – and at bargain prices of up to 65 percent below the usual retail price.
How to get there: 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917. From the Port
Authority Bus Terminal, take a Gray Line bus to the outlet center.
Travel time: roughly 50 minutes.
498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodb
NY 10917 New York ury-common
USA
Coney Island – for pleasure seekers
The southernmost tip of Brooklyn is where you will find Coney Island– the
peninsula with the famous amusement park. After suffering a lengthy period of
decline, the park was extensively modernized in 2010. Now the Scream Zone with
The Tickler and other such thrilling roller coasters is one of the most nerve-racking
attractions. If a trip down memory lane sounds more your style, then the Cyclone is
probably more your thing; it’s a wooden roller coaster dating from 1927, in which
you hurtle toward the ground at a rather more leisurely pace.
How to get there: 1000 Surf Ave, NY 11224 Take the subway, line Q or F, to West
8th Street Station, or line D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue Station on Coney Island.
Travel time from Midtown Manhattan: roughly 45 minutes.
1000 Surf Ave lunaparknyc.com/
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NY 11224 New York
USA
Hudson – for browsers
Whaling was once the livelihood of the small town of Hudson. Today, the old
district is the center of the antiques trade, which occupies most of the more than 50
stores on Warren Street. At the Hudson Supermarket, you can browse for lamps
and furniture, and rummage through mountains of books and then enjoy a
refreshing, locally brewed craft beer at Spotty Dogs Books & Ale – or simply enjoy
roaming the streets of this charming place.
How to get there: Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534 Amtrak runs a train service from
Penn Station in New York to Hudson.
Travel time: two hours.
Warren St, Hudson hudsonmarket.com/ www.thespottydog.
NY 12534 New York com/
USA
Interview
Sophie Auster tells New York's secrets
© Peter Lueders
Practically anything is possible in this city – any day, any time. Sophie Auster,
musician and daughter of the famous authors Auster and Hustvedt, lets us in on the
secrets of her hometown.
It’s a sunny morning on West Broadway. Sophie Auster sits on a bench, a latte to
go in her hand, her dark eyes hidden behind sunglasses. That way, you don’t see
the dark rings under her eyes that she may well have inherited from her father, the
author Paul Auster. But maybe they are just a souvenir from her last short trip to
Madrid just a couple of days ago. Jet lag? Sophie shakes her head: “There was no
time for that. I gave a private concert, went to a party, and before I knew it I was
back on the plane and heading for home.”
Home, that’s an apartment in TriBeCa, the eternally cool Triangle Below Canal
Street. Sophie lives in a modern building of glass and steel, a neat seven stories
high, between scruffy auto repair shops and cool eateries. Robert de Niro’s luxury
hotel, The Greenwich, is just a couple of blocks away, its gym is very popular with
New York’s upper class. There are glasses standing around in Sophie’s kitchen,
discarded socks on the floor in her bedroom, and next to the sofa, four guitars stand
propped against the wall. The Gretsch 1967 is her absolute favorite.
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© Peter Lueders
Sophie Auster is a musician. Like most young artistes, she grabs every opportunity
to promote her career. She loves being up on a stage and regularly performs at
New York clubs. Somehow, though, her clear, powerful tones and haunting music
seem out of place with her girlish looks.
Is it true you’ve had that voice since you were a teenager?
“I’ve been taking singing lessons since I was eight years old. I was 16 when the
New York duo One Ring Zero asked my father for some lyrics, and the two of them
were constantly hanging around our place. One day I said: ‘You know what? I
sing!’ Then I actually got to sing a song on their next album. That sparked the idea
for me to make another recording with musical adaptations of poems. We found a
tiny sound studio in Brooklyn, and worked there really intensively during my school
vacations and on weekends. That’s how my first album came about.”
And that got you hooked on recording?
“No, that came later. Having an album of my own was fantastic, but I regarded it
more as a nice gift for my grandmother. Then a friend from France came to visit.
She liked my voice and arranged another recording for me, so when I was still in
my first year at college, I already had an album produced in Europe. This attracted
the attention of the press, and I started to receive invitations to sing at festivals and
began touring in a small way. Gradually I began to realize that this could be my
path in life.”
What kind of music do you make today?
“I’d say it was pop in the broadest sense. I’m a singer-songwriter; I compose my
own music and write all the lyrics myself. When I was a teenager, I listened to a lot
of jazz and Gerschwin. Maybe I just came into the world too late because my songs
are much more on the 1970s/’80s wavelength. The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Carole
King, Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed – they are all musicians I feel an affinity with.”
© Peter Lueders
Sophie’s flirtation with the past is not just a musical one. Her favorite dress is a ten-
year-old, floor-length Oscar de la Renta creation in delicate shades of coral and
pistachio. She picked it up at Ina in SoHo, a commission store, where models,
fashion editors and wealthy New Yorkers pass on their barely worn designer
clothes. The boutique’s founder, Ina Bernstein, was one of the first to realize that
there was a market for such garments – clothes that were too good for second hand
and too new for vintage.
That was 20 years ago and today there are six Ina stores in downtown Manhattan,
where Sophie likes to look for flowing dresses and unusual accessories. But today,
she decides 550 dollars for a funnel-shaped cap made of real leopard skin is still
just a little bit too much for her.
© Peter Lueders
What’s it like being the daughter of famous parents? Has your name opened
doors for you?
“To be honest, I find that question irritating. I have a very close relationship with my
parents; they are my best friends. But it bothers me when people constantly ask me
about them. The music business is tough and sometimes I have no idea how to get
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ahead. But how could they open doors for me? My parents write books! If I wanted
to publish a novel, they could probably give me a few tips. But I have no plans in
that direction.”
So you wouldn’t say you got your creative talent from your parents?
“We are a creative family, for sure. Nevertheless, each of us does our own thing. I
have to say that it was a big help, though, having parents who understood about
creativity, and that helped me to develop mine. There was no one there telling me
to train for a proper job. I was allowed to find out what I enjoyed doing and
encouraged to follow that route.”
Your parents live in Brooklyn. Why did you move to Manhattan?
“I know everyone else does it the other way around, but I just happen to like
swimming against the tide. Also, I wanted to try out something new. I didn’t know
what living in the city was like. That was a couple of years ago and now I would
like to go back to Brooklyn. My friends are there, my recording studio – and my
favorite bars.”
© Peter Lueders
The Smile is a small restaurant with a worn wooden floor, brick walls and a dark
wooden ceiling. Every table is taken; it’s loud and very cozy. Sophie orders
lemonade with basil and a salad with avocado and chicken breast – lots of organic
or otherwise healthy ingredients. Her mother immediately orders the same: “If
Sophie likes it, I will, too.” Siri Hustvedt is very tall, fine-boned and very blond. Her
family is from Norway, but she was raised in Minnesota and came to New York in
the late 1970s. “It’s really easy to become a New Yorker because outsiders feel
right at home here in next to no time,” she says, adding that “Forty percent of all
New Yorkers were born somewhere else, anyway. Isn’t that a nice statistic?” So
you could even love the city because everyone here has an accent.
What appeals to Sophie particularly is the great diversity of people and lifestyles.
The typical New Yorker, she says, just doesn’t exist. Typical for New York are the
differences, that’s all. Everyone can live the way he or she likes – and anything is
possible any time.
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