Stopping over or staying a few days? New York City and London will lure you with enriching new experiences. Looking for inspiration for a trip to New York City or London? One quick glance at the cities’ buzzed-about new musicals, art openings and trendy eateries, and you’ll be ready to hit the town. Whether it’s a relaxing sojourn or a quick stopover, check out our recommended must-see sights, restaurants and accommodations in these iconic cities.
New York City
Manhattan is always brimming with the latest and greatest in things to discover. We can provide a seamless travel experience; not only will you get our expert advice on the city’s latest attractions and restaurants, you’ll also receive exclusive privileges, discounts and special rates.
Start your day with the latest trend in sightseeing the best of New York City: the private and customizable tour. A private tour allows you to go beyond your typical sightseeing route; get the inside scoop from experienced guides and behind the scenes access to some of the city’s most popular icons. See The Big Apple the way you want to experience it!
Make an afternoon date at the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). Exhibiting through January 2014 is Applied Design, a stunning collection of contemporary and unconventional examples of design, including interactive models where visitors are encouraged to play.
Dinner in New York City is its own destination. Head to Cherry, a sleek new Japanese eatery at the trendy Dream Downtown Hotel. Owner Jonathan Morr (his other restaurants include Bond St., Republic and Stand) serves up a decadent mix of East vs. West – and a fine selection of sake.
New York City has no shortage of popular theater, including The Great White Way’s hottest tickets: Wicked, Chicago, The Book of Mormon and The Lion King. We suggest Kinky Boots, a big-hearted new musical that teams pop icon Cyndi Lauper with Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein. One of our recommended hotels, The Gansevoort Meatpacking is known as the first luxury urban resort that has transformed the Meatpacking District into one of Manhattan’s trendiest playgrounds. Fabulously decorated with a design aesthetic from the ’60s and ’70s, the stylish hotel offers a Mad Men-like stay in the city.
London
From the thrilling West End to a burgeoning culture of new cuisine, London promises every visitor a spectacular and unique experience.
One of our favorite itineraries begins bright and early – with a bird’s-eye view of London. The London Eye & London River Cruise treats visitors to a 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise across the River Thames and an in-depth, live commentary on England’s most impressive sights, including Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Better yet, the tour includ
es a Flexi Standard Ticket to the London Eye so you can visit at your will anytime during your stay.
History lovers can soak up the sights at London’s many grand museums: the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the British Museum. Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum (showing at the British Museum through September 29) gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the Roman Empire. On display at the Victoria and Albert Museum is David Bowie is (through August 11), a rocking exhibition that honors every part of the rock star’s biography – from song lyrics to shoulder pads. Theater-lovers will want to check out Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace Theatre, a critically-acclaimed re-imagining of the legendary MGM musical.
British cuisine is enjoying a welcome renaissance. HIX Mayfair, the latest vision of British chef Mark Hix, features a quintessentially British décor (artworks by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin adorn the space) and a New British menu that offers mouth-watering entrées like the smoked salmon with Corrigan’s soda bread and roast Woolley Park Farm free-range chicken. Kick off the rest of your evening in London by heading downstairs to Mark’s Bar, a basement cocktail bar that’s extremely popular with locals.
Indulge yourself with a luxury stay at Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel. Situated in a prestigious Mayfair address, the five-star accommodation celebrates British elegance with a contemporary flair. And for a classic British ritual, the hotel’s English Tea Room serves up one of London’s most famous afternoon teas. For your own big city getaway, call or visit us online today to make arrangements to soak up all the top spots in London and New York City.
For more on these and other great city stays, check out Monograms vacations.
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