Riingo is Chef Marcus Samuelsson's take on Contemporary American and Japanese dining, with an inspired menu, design and overall atmosphere that showcases the food and hospitality of both cultures. Samuelsson, the 2003 James Beard foundation "Best Chef NYC" is best known for his masterful Scandinavian cuisine that earned Aquavit two three-star reviews from The New York Time. Here at Riingo, he has created a modern and more casual restaurant with inventive interpretations of
American and Japanese dishes. ...more

To relieve stress and exhaustion escape to Bliss 49, located on the fourth floor in W Hotel in New York City. This top of the line spa facility features massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, alternative healing modalities, waxing and nail services and their signature treatments. The facility also includes a Turkish hammam, an aromatherapy steam room, private massage suites and a nail-drying lounge with flat-screen televisions, Xboxs and cold beer. Bliss 49 provides all types of massage treatments including relaxing sports and therapeutic pregnancy massages. The facility also includes a fitness service with personal training as well as an airbrush tanning salon. ...more

Always filled with people, Rockefeller Center stretches for blocks. There is plenty to do here—in winter an outdoor café is transformed into an ice-skating rink. There is a shopping plaza with stores, restaurants and bars. The GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza houses NBC, which offers guided tours of its premises, as well as the Top Of The Rock observation deck. Visitors can also take a tour of Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street at Sixth Avenue. In December, be sure to check out the enormous lighted Christmas tree. ...more

The Sea Grill aims to serve fish good enough to please the palates of the most discerning New York foodies and at that task, it succeeds admirably. Seared skate wing and braised monkfish peacefully inhabit the menu alongside spicy tuna rolls and salmon sashimi, allowing a choice that's becoming increasingly vital in today's fish scene—cooked or not. Those who prefer the third road can have an excellent dry-aged steak, although options for either vegetarians or those not in the mood for fish remain limited. Sit inside amidst trendy, upscale decor, or outside above the Rock Center ice rink. ...more

The opening of the Top Of The Rock observation deck adds to the many facets of Rockefeller Center's worldwide attraction: its skating rink, NBC studios, the famous Christmas tree. The Top Of The Rock observation deck sits serenely at the 70th floor of Rockefeller Center. With its awesome views of Central Park, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and northern Manhattan, you'll be transported to a more peaceful state of mind. While away the hours soaking in a gorgeous sunset or experiencing the hands-on, multimedia exhibits. The innovative ticket reservation system claims to guarantee a comfortable, never overcrowded atmosphere. There's no other place in New York like it. ...more

This massive cathedral, situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue, is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States. With its two soaring 330-foot spires, St. Patrick's Cathedral is also one of the city's most spectacular architectural sights. Construction on the neo-gothic structure had started in 1850 and completed in 1878. Inside, it boasts a seating capacity of 2,500, numerous altars and stained glass windows, and a giant organ with over 7,300 pipes. Services are held throughout the day, and many New Yorkers stop in for a moment of serenity in their otherwise hectic lives. ...more

This Spanish flavored, bi-level Upper East Side restaurant caters to a sophisticated but diverse clientele. It offers an impressive wine list, including an array of flights-a selection of wines grouped by category and served in small glasses. The bottom floor is loud and a fine place to meet someone interesting. The upstairs lounge is filled with couches, making it a cozy spot for a rendezvous. There is a bar menu with decent and plentiful tapas, but it is secondary to the drinks and ambiance. ...more

Unpretentious and eclectic, August brings urban rustic to the heart of the village. Regional European cuisine is offered lunch, dinner and brunch, and there is always something new to try as the menu changes often to “reflect the local climate.” The décor is warm and inviting with antique floorboards and handcrafted black pews, and dining is available indoors or in their heated, “al fresco” atrium. Their intriguing, diverse wine list is specially selected to complement their eclectic menu. ...more

The Greenwich Village park is popular with students and residents. It is one of the few green spots in the area. At the northern end of the park is a triumphal arch, built in 1789 to honor George Washington, the late President of the United States. This historic arch is since then, referred to as the Washington Square. The area was home to artists and writers, including Henry James, Edith Wharton and Edward Hopper; many lived in the still intact row houses across from the northern end of the park. Other parts of the park are surrounded by the campus of New York University. ...more

Kid Robot is a premier designer, retailer of art toys and apparel that come only in limited editions. Top of the line artists from different backgrounds like graphics, fine arts, fashion, graffiti, industrial design, music and illustrators create these vinyl toys. Only a few hundred or thousand are made and what is once created is never made again which also makes it a collectors item. Their toys make up the exhibit at Museum of Modern Art. Their apparels can also be found at the Kid Robot stores. ...more

The Stanton Social is a good example of modern fusion tapas, set in a classy Lower East Side atmosphere. During the less busy hours, cute, small plates swish quietly around the restaurant, transported by perfectly attentive servers. Later, when people pack in and noise and business levels rise, the constant movement and loud music may detract from what would otherwise be a romantic dinner. Regardless of the hour, the food is always excellent, with many creative options to choose from. ...more

Karikter specializes in all things Tintin. Tintin books, mugs, toothbrushes, mobiles, eggcups as well as the merchandise of Asterix, Babar, Le Petit Prince, Wallace & Gromit, the Smurfs, Noddy and so on. There are also comic-unrelated design products from Europe. ...more

The Japanese craze for all things cute may not be so well understood by many people who are not Japanese. But for those who do appreciate this trend, Air Market is a whole shop dedicated to Hello Kitty key chains, stickers, beepy gizmos for your cell phone and T-shirts with grammatically incorrect advertisements. At the back of the Air Market there are some interestingly designed and cut clothes for men and women. Be warned however for the sizes tend to be quite small! ...more

The zigzagging streets and charming brownstones of the Greenwich Village have a far more laid back atmosphere than most neighborhoods in the city. The center of New York's gay and student communities lies here, with a variety of funky shopping and nightlife including jazz, rock and dance clubs, restaurants, bars and cafés. By the early 1900s, the Village had fully established itself as the center of radical thinking in the United States. Famous reformers, artists and intellectuals all gathered here—and many still do. Do not miss a visit to Washington Square Park as it will take your breath away! ...more

Serving wonderful, hearty Mediterranean dishes, this jewel of a restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening. Formerly located in an antique shop, the dining room features rustic country tables bathed in candlelight. The fairly expensive menu includes seasonal appetizers, pastas, salads, and entrees. The wine cellar holds a special fascination for diners, as it was reputedly the one depicted in Edgar Allen Poe's tale "The Cask Of Amontillado" (long before the space was Il Buco). The atmosphere and dress is casual and the service is excellent. ...more

The heart of this well-known Italian neighborhood is Mulberry Street. Years ago, the vast majority of people who lived here were Italian, but expansion of Chinatown and Italian migration to the suburbs has changed the make-up of the neighborhood. Still, cafes, restaurants and bakeries line the street. Take a walk and smell the fresh baked bread, garlic and sauces. Stop for a glass of wine or tiramisu at a sidewalk cafe, or gorge on the salamis hanging from store windows. ...more

Fun toys and cards are on one side here, with clever modern home décor items on the other. Punching nun dolls and lunchboxes can be found, as well as vintage greeting cards. There is also a selection of candy bar logo T-shirts. For more mature presents, go to the gift shop next door, with everything from scented potpourri candles to martini shakers. Pick up something for yourself or your loved one. Find plenty here for the kids as well. Other locations include 2284 Broadway between 82nd and 83rd streets, 47 Greenwich Avenue. ...more

Bistro-style dining never gets old: so many choices, all of them hearty and fun. Landmarc has definitely staked its reputation on this guiding principle. Their particular take on bistro fare combines the best of both French and Italian cuisines, which means bowls of pasta right alongside terrines of foie gras. Escargots, braised lamb shank, pumpkin-gorgonzola risotto, sauteed calf's liver and five cuts of steak served six ways are just a small sampling of the rest of what is on offer. Both brunch and lunch are quite popular here as well. See website for full menus, delivery info and more. ...more

This seaport dates back to the 1600's. It was renovated about 30 years ago to become a historic landmark as well as a shopping mall. It features amazing views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The mall is divided into three sections—one based in the original home of New York City's fish market, another at Pier 17 along the water, and the final section in the Fulton Market building near South Street. A center of activities, events, a maritime museum, dining and shopping, this is an important NYC experience! ...more

The 'Battery' was created in 1693, when the British government that then controlled New York mounted cannons there. It played a role in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and even the Civil War as draftees were housed in a tent city there. Today, Battery Park attracts many New Yorkers and visitors, especially in warm weather. There is a fine view of the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey across the river. Castle Clinton is located inside the park. ...more

Serving wonderful, hearty Mediterranean dishes, this jewel of a restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening. Formerly located in an antique shop, the dining room features rustic country tables bathed in candlelight. The fairly expensive menu includes seasonal appetizers, pastas, salads, and entrees. The wine cellar holds a special fascination for diners, as it was reputedly the one depicted in Edgar Allen Poe's tale "The Cask Of Amontillado" (long before the space was Il Buco). The atmosphere and dress is casual and the service is excellent. ...more

You would know a Kate Spade bag when you see one. But that's not all that there is; step in and you'll find so much more in store. This flagship shop at Broome Street offers everything from clothes to accessories to stationery. New mothers will be pleased to discover baby items and maternal wear on display. Pick up trendy accessories, sleek shoes and cool sunglasses. This is also a good spot to pick up supplies for hobbies and crafts. ...more

Far west into the meatpacking district lies this ultra posh little department store that's the first of its kind in the still raw area. While hot nightspots are a dime a dozen here, the singular Jeffrey peddles Manolo Blanik shoes to the jet set. If the slick decor and charming service don't entice you, the clearance racks will, as normally Prada jackets sell off-season for a throwaway. ...more

Situated in Greenwich Village, Cuba Restaurant serves Latin, Spanish and of course, Cuban cuisine. The brick walls and wooden decor give you a certain earthy, warm feeling that may remind you of Havana. The rustic, country-like setting created by the palm trees and the hammocks allow you to relax. Chuletas de Puerco, Arroz con Pollo, and Paella Valenciana are just a few of the delicacies that are available. To add fun to your dining experience, they also have an on-site cigar roller. Live music is performed on specific nights. Organise your very own parties here—there are three private spaces available for this purpose. ...more

New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city—from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. In recent years, excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have joined the mix. ...more

Brooklyn Bridge was built to connect the island of Manhattan to Brooklyn. At almost 1,600 feet, at the time of its completion in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its architecture remains a wondrous sight in the New York cityscape. After dark, the twin Gothic towers and strong steel cables make a striking silhouette against the night sky. Walking across the bridge is a huge thrill, particularly if you start from the Brooklyn side and view the Manhattan skyline on your stroll across the East River. ...more