Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)

September 25th 2019


by Aude Camus 
 
“Start spreading the news, I’m leavin’ today” … that’s basically me every time I get to go to New York. There definitely is something very special and quite unique about this city that gives me goosebumps every time. My last trip to the Big Apple was a short one – only 3 days – but God knows I did make the best of it so I thought I would share some ideas on how to spend 3 busy and thrilling days in New York. One thing though, if you are on a budget this might not be the right guide for you as, this time, I’ve decided to play it chic and indulge! But if you are in the mood for some serious Sex and The City inspo, you’ll definitely like the below.
 
 
 
WHERE TO STAY 
 
Madame’s tips: when spending 3 days only in New-York, you definitely wanna make sure your hotel is perfectly located making it easy for you to go out for a drink, a bite, a bit of shopping and some serious sightseeing. My fav neighborhood is Soho (because it simply has it all) but staying on the 5th Avenue, not too far from landmarks such as the MoMA or Times Square, is also always a good idea. 
 


 BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK

A five-star hotel glowing inside out in Crystal Baccarat and situated just a few steps away from the iconic 5thAvenue and across the street from the MoMA. With its Grand Salon featuring 35-foot ceiling, custom-made crystal chandeliers and re-contextualized crystal elements incorporated art installations, its private pool and very chic Spa de La Mer in the basement, and its homey but elegant rooms Baccarat Hotel New York definitely is a gem! 
 
Madame’s tips: if you are not staying at the hotel, you might wanna consider paying it a visit as it is (so far) the only Baccarat hotel in the world. Why not going for a drink at The Bar  with its incredible design inspired by the stables of Versailles and its unique art collection? Afternoon Tea at The Grand Salon is also a great, and very chic, idea. 
 
REDISCOVER OUR REVIEW OF BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK
 
Baccarat Hotel New York
28 W 53rdStreet – New York  
 
 
 
THE MERCER

A small luxury hotel in a Romanesque revival building perfectly located in the heart of Soho, The Mercer is no less than sister hotel to Hollywood’s iconic Chateau Marmont. You’ll probably bump into one or two famous faces in the loft-inspired hotel lobby. I’m in love with the very simple but super homey loft vibes of the place. 
 
Madame’s tips: breakfast at The Mercer is a serious affair and you definitely wanna treat yourself to their Avocado Toast before hitting the streets of Soho.  
 
 
The Mercer
147 Mercer Street – New York 
 
 
 
WHERE TO EAT 
 
One thing before we start: if you think cool restaurants in Hong Kong are expensive, you’ll be thrilled to hear that New York is even more expensive! Also always remember that whatever price you see on the menu, you’ll need to add 20% to that (taxes+tips) … 
 
by alphabetical order 
 
CECCONI’S DUMBO (Brooklyn) 

A modern Italian restaurant serving hand-made pasta (the lemon and bottarga ones are to die for!) and pizzas with waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline. And don’t hesitate and overindulge on food … the Brooklynn Bridge is just a few steps away so you can always go back to Manhattan by walking across the bridge, a nice almost 2km walk perfect for digestion. 
 
Madame’s tips: make sure to book your table ahead! If weather allows, ask to be seated outside to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beautiful view over Manhattan Skyline. 
 
 
Cecconi’s Dumbo
55 Water Street, Brooklyn – New York
 
 
 
CHELSEA MARKET

An urban foodcourt and indoor food market with around 35 different vendors, Chelsea Market is both a neighborhood market for people living or working in Chelsea and a very touristy place and one of the most written-about destination in New York. 
 
My two fav places for a bite at Chelsea Market are Mokbar, a Korean/Japanase joint where I had the best fermented kimchi Ramen of my life (not kidding), and The Lobster Place, a seafood market where you’ll get to try one of the best Lobster Roll you’ve ever had (but also probably one of the most expensive one: USD 25). 
 
 
Chelsea Market
75 9th Ave – New York 
 
 
 
DON ANGIE

Photo credit @skinnypignyc
An Italian American restaurant that serves delicious homemade pasta to the cool kids of New York since late 2017. 
 
Madame tips: looking at social media prior to your visit, you’ll probably see that a lot of people are ordering the lasagna which are terribly good looking. The lasagna is good yes, but nothing compared to more inventive recipes such as the Sopressini & Smoked Mussels or the Buffalo Milk Caramelle (candy-wrapper-looking caramelle pasta filled with Buffalo-milk ricotta and with a brown butter sauce, honey-pickled persimmon, shallot, black sesame puree, and opal basil)
 
 
Don Angie
103 Greenwich Avenue – New York 
 
 
 
ELEVEN MADISON PARK

One of the 5 only 3 Michelin Star restaurants in New York and voted as number 1 World’s Best Restaurant in 2017. Do I really have to say much more? Dining at Eleven Madison Park is a truly unique experience: REDISCOVER OUF FULL REVIEW OF ELEVEN MADISON PARK
 
 
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave – New York 
 
 
 
MINETTA TAVERN

Fancying a good old burger? You’re right, it wouldn’t be living the proper American Dream without one of those pornfood babies. But instead of going for a not so good fast food burgie why not treating yourself to the Black Label Burger – featuring prime dry-aged beef cuts and caramelized onions - at Minetta Tavern, voted as one of the best burgers in New York (definitely not a cheap option thought! USD 33 for a burger). I’m also loving the classic old-school New York vibes of the place. 
 
Madame tips: Minetta Tavern is open and serving pretty late compare to many places in New York, making it the perfect place for a first night dinner in the Big Apple if you take the Cathay flight which lands at 7 pm in JFK (between immigration and traffic, you won’t be to your hotel before 9-9.30 pm and will probably be starving by then!)
 
 
Minetta Tavern New York
113 Macdougal St – New York 
 
 
 
TACOMBI (Bleecker Street)

Anyone in the mood for tacos? Tacombi serves some seriously good elevated one along with other Mexican bites. Loving the funky vibes of the place. 
 
 
Tacombi
255 Bleecker Street – New York
 
 
 
TIME OUT MARKET (Brooklyn)
 
Fancying an affordable yet super yummy bite in a hipster place? Look no further than Time Out Market and its 21 food booths featuring the highest-rated local restaurants and some New York’s most-revered chefs. God, we wish we could eat a bite at each and every booth! 

Madame tips: the market is on first floor but also make sure to go up and check fifth floor, you’ll discover a beautiful terrace boasting amazing view of the Manhattan Skyline. 
 
 
Time Out Market
55 Water Street, Brooklyn – New York
 
 
 
THINGS TO DO 
 
WALK THE HIGH LINE

Photo credit: Aude Camus
A 2.5 km long walk on this elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur. 
Starts the walk from the Hudson Yards, where you will spot newly opened and quite fascinating building The Vessel, then all the way to Chelsea where you will enjoy a yummy break at the Chelsea Market.
 
 
 
 
SHOP AT GLOSSIER

Glossier? A beauty start-up launched in 2014 by former fashion assistant Emily Weiss who first started cult beauty blog Into The Gloss before moving to Glossier. The brand quickly ascended to cult status with its minimalist approach to beauty and its so recognizable millennial-pink packaging.  
The flagship store of the brand is located in Soho and worth a visit, whether you want to buy beauty products or not, because it offers a retail experience never seen before. 
 
Not sure which products to buy? HERE IS OUR TOP 8 PRODUCTS TO BUY AT GLOSSIER
 
 
Glossier
123 Lafayette St – New York
 
 
 
GO SEE THE LION KING IN BROADWAY

Or any other musical but The Lion King definitely is a must seen. Believe me, you’ll love it! 
 
 
 
RIDE THE HARBOR ON A JETSKI
 
A 1h ride which will have you see New York from a totally different angle! 
 
 
New York Harbor Jetski
USD 149 for one on weekdays (USD 175 on weekends) / USD 199 for tandem on weekdays (USD 225 on weekends) 


















 

 

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