Leading fashion capital vibes
New York City has long been a major centre for the fashion industry, events and trade fairs. It has recently been ranked as the top global fashion capital by The Global Language Monitor.
From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the trendy bars of Brooklyn NYC has something for everyone! To get the most out of your time in this stylish city be sure to dress for success.
1. The Empire State Building
It’s hard to find a New York City postcard that doesn’t feature the Empire State Building. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the US and it has a rich and fascinating history.
The construction of the 102-story skyscraper began in the early 1930s, during the Great Depression. It helped put men to work and boosted the economy at a time when many were struggling.
When it was completed, it was the tallest building in the world, a status it held until One World Trade Center was built in 2012. Despite losing its title, the ESB still stands as an emblem of American innovation and relentless grit despite adversity. It’s also a symbol of New York City’s enduring sense of wonder. It’s hard to imagine the city without it.
2. The Statue of Liberty
New York City’s influence on America’s culture is profound. No other American city can boast of having contributed so many images to popular consciousness – Wall Street stands for finance, Broadway for theatre, Fifth Avenue for shopping, Madison Avenue for the advertising industry, Greenwich Village for bohemian lifestyles, Tammany Hall for machine politics and Harlem for African-American aspirations and struggles.
But it is the Statue of Liberty that symbolizes the most fundamental American belief in freedom. Located on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay, this colossal neoclassical statue (Liberty Enlightening the World) was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel and given to the Americans from France as a symbol of liberty in 1886. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States.
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
After 14 years of construction and $15 million, the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883 – connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, America’s first and third largest cities respectively. Historians consider it one of the most significant engineering achievements of the 19th century.
New York City’s fashion scene is influenced by trendsetters from around the world. Similar to London, it is a very diverse city that embraces all styles, shapes and colors and blurs the line between masculine and feminine dressing. That has lead to a unique style that is very distinct from other major fashion capitals. A stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge is a great way to experience the city’s style. Many visitors opt to go during sunset. That time of day allows them to enjoy the view and watch the skyline come alive with electric wonder. Alternatively, sunrise is also an excellent option.
4. Central Park
The 843-acre Central Park has become one of the most iconic spots in New York City. It’s a green oasis surrounded by skyscrapers and offers visitors endless things to do. From jogging and inline skating to sunbathing and picnicking, Central Park is a place for everyone.
The park’s design was inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who won a competition to create a public space that would unite different social groups. Olmsted and Vaux’s vision incorporated open lawns, organic woodlands, serene lakes and formal European-style gardens.
One of the most popular places in Central Park is Bow Bridge. This Victorian-era bridge has a sloped arch that is a marvel of engineering. You can also visit Strawberry Fields and admire the many flowers that bloom there. During the summer, Sheep Meadow is a favorite spot to have a picnic.
5. The High Line
The High Line is a one-of-a-kind public park that is not to be missed. This walkway was once an abandoned railway line that is now home to plants, art and more! It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike who want to take in the beautiful views of NYC.
The idea for the High Line started in 1999, when residents along the railroad line began advocating to preserve and repurpose it as an elevated park. They were inspired by the Promenade Plantee, a tree-lined walkway that follows an old railway line in Paris.
In 2004, James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro entered an ideas competition to conceive of the High Line’s future use. Despite a number of unforeseen challenges, their transformation of the industrial relic into a popular park remains unparalleled.
6. Times Square
Love it or hate it, this iconic intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue pumps out the NYC of the global imagination – yellow cabs, golden arches, soaring skyscrapers and razzle-dazzle Broadway marquees. Even if you’re not a Broadway fan, you can still take in the show-stopping spectacles of the Rockettes’ Christmas spectacular and the legendary window displays at Bergdorf Goodman or Saks Fifth Avenue.
Not too long ago, however, the city’s mayors cracked down on illegal establishments and began working with Broadway producers to create more family friendly shows in order to boost Times Square’s reputation as an entertainment district. Today, it’s one of the most popular places in New York City. In fact, it’s so popular that many tour companies make stops there. It’s a must-see for everyone visiting NYC.
7. The Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is one of the most famous buildings in New York City. It is located at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue on 23rd Street. The iconic building was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and was originally called the Fuller Building. However, when the building was completed in 1902, it was renamed the Flatiron Building because of its unique triangular shape.
When it was first built, many people questioned its safety. They believed it would collapse due to the fact that the narrowest part is just 6.5 feet wide. Once the building was completed, however, it quickly became a popular destination for people to visit. It even gave its name to the surrounding neighborhood, which is now known as the Flatiron District. It has also been featured in several movies and has appeared on numerous postcards.
8. The Empire Hotel
Situated in New York City, Empire Hotel is within walking distance of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Juilliard School. It is also within a mile of Times Square and Central Park. This distinctive New York NY hotel offers a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool.
Designed by Goodman Charlton and recently revived by Amsterdam Hospitality and the Chetrit Group, the Empire’s sleek and sophisticated guest rooms are a breath of fresh air. Dark yellow walls, Deco-style sunburst mirrors, and coffee-colored accents lend the hotel a cool, sophisticated vibe.
Guests are provided with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations in their accommodations at this hotel. They will also find a refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker. Bathrooms include a bathtub or shower, and complimentary toiletries are included. Other standard amenities include minibars and desks. Guests can enjoy free wireless Internet access.
9. The Rockefeller Center
The complex of skyscrapers aptly nicknamed 30 Rock is not only home to the iconic Christmas tree and ice skating rink, but it also features a plethora of Instagram-worthy Art Deco sculptures and murals. A walk through the lobbies of the original limestone buildings will reveal statues, sculptural details, and architectural embellishments, all centered around the theme of progress.
Designed by a committee of architects, including Reinhardt and Hofmeister (known for their economic floor plans) and Harvey Wiley Corbett, it shows off how tall buildings can be seamlessly integrated into the horizontal tangle of Manhattan streets. Its layered paths of circulation include small private streets and an underground concourse.
Raymond Hood’s RCA Building (now the GE Building) is a standout for its stepped verticals and aluminum spandrels that emphasize its height. Stroll past the Greek Titan Atlas—god of navigation and astronomy—holding a giant sphere, and admire the magnificent stained glass of the nearby neo-Gothic cathedral.
10. The Brooklyn Bridge
A beloved symbol of NYC, the Brooklyn Bridge was first opened in 1883 to widespread jubilation. At the time it was the world’s longest steel-wire suspension bridge and its neo-Gothic towers remain city emblems.
Whether strolling across to take photos or just gazing up at the wires and cables, the Brooklyn Bridge offers soul-stirring views of Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. If you’re aiming for that classic shot of the bridge with Manhattan’s jagged skyline in the background, start on the Brooklyn side to get that perfect composition.
More and more visitors are also seeking directions to Brooklyn Bridge Park, a recreational jewel built on refurbished piers that were once part of the Brooklyn waterfront industrial complex. A must-visit when you’re in the area! Click here for more information.
