Eating, Drinking & Nightlife in New York

Eating

New York is famous for being, quite literally, a smorgasbord of culinary delights. No matter what food you’re craving, there’s a restaurant or deli catering to it. But New York is famous for certain foods which have become synonymous with the city: bagels, pizza, hot dogs and dense, rich cheesecakes are just some of the archetypal New Yorker fare.

And then there are the venues for this incredibly food culture – tourist traps such as Serendipity pack out fast but are well worth waiting for, if only for the kitsch value, whereas some of the smaller restaurant serving ethnic cuisines and an escape from the bustling streets can be found in neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village and SoHo.

Drinking

New York’s bar scene is as diverse as its culture; there’s a reason why this location is branded the city that never sleeps. The locals are the best people to ask in terms of popular watering holes, but some neighbourhoods are better than others in terms of getting a good drink. SoHo, The Meatpacking District and the Lower East Side are great for trendy bars and cocktail lounges, whereas Murray Hill and Astoria are better for chic brunches and relaxed bars.

Nightlife

There’s more to the nightlife here than just bars and clubs, though you’ll find a multitude of fantastic venues for both. From comedy clubs to live jazz, poetry readings to cabaret and Broadway theatre performances, the list is endless as to how you can spend your evenings here. We recommend avoiding some of the more obvious tourist traps during your stay in favour of lesser-known settings – it’s where the locals can be found and where you’ll enjoy a more authentic New Yorker experience.