New York, New York : city guide to the Big Apple
New York is a city that you should visit at least once in your life. Between the extraordinary art galleries, the impressive architecture, the monumental concert halls, the multiculturalism and the many little insider tips, the “city that never is” is quite simply an unmissable destination. From the lively to the less lively neighbourhoods, here is a small list of the best places to sleep in New York.
The city of New York is an ideal destination for travellers. Whether you want to celebrate a festival in the city centre, shop in the biggest shops to satisfy the Carrie Bradshaw in you, or spend a cosy evening with a good book (yes, it’s possible in New York), dance during a concert by a hip group, stroll in one of the cafés (like the famous Central Perk), admire street art or visit the hippest tattoo parlours in the world…. New York is sure to fulfil most of your wishes! And nature lovers will also be surprised!
New York seems very impressive at first glance, especially if you are exploring the city for the first time. While it’s very easy to walk from one neighbourhood to another to see everything you set out to see (don’t forget to bring some nice shoes), it’s even more fun to get lost. Each neighbourhood is interesting in its own way, with its own ambience and population. For example, start your day with a stroll through the Meatpacking District in search of a good café, or head down to Greenwich Village to sample some delicious little pâtisseries. Then take a break in Central Park to finish that chapter of your favourite book before having dinner at NoLita (where you can also do maximum shopping). After the night is over, you can shuttle back and forth between Soho and Midtown Manhattan to celebrate the festivities until the sun goes down. To soothe your wooden leg, head to Williamsburg in the evening for an exceptional brunch in a music lounge… This is just one example of the things you can do in New York, because you have endless possibilities!
@cbarbalis via Unsplash
If you want to make the most of your trip to New York, public transport is the best way to get around, as it covers the whole of Manhattan and Brooklyn, or even on foot, which is the best way to discover the city at your own pace. If you prefer to take the metro, the 7-day pass will cost you the equivalent of €30, or €2.50 per ticket. If you are too brave to cross the streets of Manhattan, you can also hire a car, but this is certainly a good alternative for exploring Brooklyn.
But you might be wondering which neighbourhood in New York is right for you? Don’t panic, we’re here for you: check out our top guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in New York and the best things to do in the city that’s here to stay!
Se rendre directement à :
Harlem: the best neighbourhood in New York for a trip through time
L’Upper East Side: the best neighbourhood in New York to live the dream of living in America
Midtown Manhattan: the best neighbourhood in New York for music and show comedy
- What to do in Midtown Manhattan
- Living spaces in Midtown Manhattan
- The best hostels in Midtown Manhattan
Le Lower Manhattan: the best neighbourhood in New York for artists and educators
- What to do in Lower Manhattan
- The best places to stay in Lower Manhattan
- The best youth hostels in Lower Manhattan
L’Upper West Side: the best neighbourhood in New York for nature lovers and relaxation seekers
- What to do in the Upper West Side
- The best places to stay on the Upper West Side
- The best youth hostels on the Upper West Side
1. Harlem: the most beautiful neighbourhood in New York for a journey through time
Harlem has changed a lot over the last 10 years, but despite the rapid “gentrification” of the area, the neighbourhood has lost none of its personality and African-American flair. You can look forward to fabulous African dishes, unforgettable evenings in the great jazz clubs and probably the best concerts in the city.
It is a neighbourhood that should not be missed under any circumstances when visiting New York. Harlem has always had a certain something, a special energy that can enrich your life. Its streets are always a masterpiece, with the sublime architecture of its brown houses, its super-cool street art, its street food that you can eat on the ground or its famous street concerts.
Suivez-nous pour une immersion totale dans ce quartier historique et enjoué qui vous séduira à coup sûr…
@jipy32 via Unsplash
Que faire à Harlem ?
The first thing to do when you visit Harlem (and New York in general) is to set your alarm very early in the morning. More precisely, in the morning of the following day. Rendez-vous dans l’église la plus proche, que vous soyez religieux ou non, pour assister à un service complet d’environ 2h en moyenne et profiter des chants enjoués de la chorale gospel (faites-nous confiance, ça en vaut vraiment la peine). It’s a great way to meet other travellers and chat with the locals, who can give you lots of good advice about the neighbourhood. Souvenez-vous d’être respectueux et de ne pas perturber la cérémonie en mettant votre téléphone sur silencieux.
Don’t forget that there are many churches in Harlem, all with different schedules. Therefore, it is almost impossible for you to wait with the greatest delay for a mass that is about to begin. Renseignez-vous donc à l’avance et essayez d’arriver à l’heure car la plupart se remplissent en un rien de temps. L’Abyssinian Baptist Church sur la 138ème rue, la First Corinthian Baptist Church sur la 116ème rue ou la Bethel Gospel Assembly située sur la 120ème rue sont toutes de très bons choix. If you would like to learn more about this tradition, you can also take part in a guided tour after the service, on foot or by bus, which focuses on the theme of the Gospel.
Harlem is also known for its lively nightlife. We can’t talk about this fascinating neighbourhood without mentioning the famous Apollo Theatre on 125ème rue. This legendary music venue opened its doors in 1934 and has hosted some of the world’s greatest artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown (what else!). No matter how many days you spend in New York, the theatre offers events of all kinds every night. If you’re not sure where to start, why not check out the “Amateur Soiree”, which showcases new talent every year. It’s a must!
Si vous décidez de vous promener dans les environs, assurez-vous de faire un petit détour par la 138ème et 139ème rue, à l’endroit appelé “Strivers Row”. Pourquoi donc, nous demanderez-vous? Eh bien mes chers amis, c’est là que se trouvent ces fameuses petites maisons traditionnelles qui ont fait la renommée d’Harlem. Built around 1890, you can admire burnished houses in one street and the famous rust-coloured or brown buildings in the next. Don’t let this stop you from taking a photo or two, paying particular attention to the people who live here.
We also recommend that you take part in one of the many guided tours on offer, especially if you only have a short time. This way you can visit the main sights and learn all about the history of Harlem, but also take advantage of the immense frescoes of street art along the way. Votre guide aura peut-être même quelques conseils à vous donner sur votre prochain stop. L’occasion donc de faire une pierre, deux coups !
The places to stop in Harlem
New York offers all kinds of cuisines from around the world, but Harlem is the ideal place to eat what is called “soul food”. Here you’ll find traditional dishes from Africa and the West, tonnes of Latin American restaurants and delicious street food at prices that defy comparison.
Sylvia’s restaurant est le meilleur endroit pour commencer votre visite culinaire de Harlem. Known as the “Queen of Soul Food” for 55 years, it’s no surprise that you’ll be served some particularly tasty dishes (we also recommend the “Brunch Gospel” on Mondays, which is a real feast!). As for the menu, you can choose from a variety of dishes based on fish, vegetables, seafood and gourmet delights in all flavours… Not forgetting the famous pie. It hydrates the body, doesn’t it?
Appeal à tous les routards amateurs de sucre, prochain arrêt : Make My Cake. You won’t know where to put all the different variations of cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, pâtisserie and biscuits! Si vous voulez notre avis, nous sommes totalement obsédés par leur cheesecake à la new-yorkaise… Tout simplement délicieux !
Le Yatenga Bistro is another super nice place to eat when your appetite starts to rumble. Imagine a rustic interior made up of a mixture of old objects reused here and there, which will make any hipster who respects them happy. French cuisine is quite simply divine… The Roquefort chicken or the tartelettes à la fraise are a real feast! Oh, and they also have a small, very cosy terrace on which to enjoy their petits plats à l’extérieur, à la française bien sûr !
Red rooster @Paul Broussard via Flickr
Finally, ne manquez pas de vous arrêter au restaurant le Red Rooster Restaurant si vous souhaitez goûter à des plats traditionnels américains dans une ambiance conviviale. You should definitely try the succulent hamburgers or the homemade tortillas (highly recommended after a hearty mid-morning meal).
The best youth hostels in Harlem
A journey of discovery can quickly become exhausting, so it’s important to find a comfortable (and preferably original) place to rest, have a beer and exchange travel tips with other travellers. Et vous êtes justement au bon endroit, car nous connaissons tous les meilleurs endroits où séjourner à Harlem.
TheHarlemYMCA Hostel is an ideal accommodation for young travellers who are travelling alone and on a budget. The hostel is located in the centre of Harlem, within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s main attractions and with easy access to Manhattan by underground. Of course, this hostel has a sports room, an outdoor terrace and a covered swimming pool (no, you don’t have to race, everything is very clean!).
TheHiNYC Hostel is located in the heart of a historic building, just a few minutes from Central Park, close to the Upper West Side and South Harlem. L’auberge de jeunesse has very convivial community evenings where you can meet other travellers from the four corners of the earth. Cerise sur le gâteau: It offers numerous daily activities such as guided tours, concerts, football matches on the outdoor terrace and free events every evening of the semester. There’s nothing you can’t do to feel at home!
2. L’Upper East Side: the best neighbourhood in New York to live the dream of living in America
Let’s get this out of the way right away: The Upper East Side is where you’re likely to find the wealthiest people in Manhattan (even if the neighbourhood has undergone something of a population shift in recent years). However, this is no reason not to settle here, as the neighbourhood offers plenty of interesting things to see and do (even on a budget!).
@mereo14 via Unsplash
In fact, the Upper East Side is not all bling and sequins. Vous y trouverez aussi un grand nombre de musées super intéressants, l’endroit étant surnommé le ” Museum Mile ” (ou le ” kilomètre des musées ” en français). Many museums are free, depending on the exhibitions and the days you choose to visit. You can also take a long walk or hire a car to explore this part of Central Park. Reach the Bethesda Fountain and don’t let that stop you from visiting. What have you got to lose? Not to mention the exquisite boutiques (ideal for an evening of window shopping), the friendly restaurants and the large terraces with an unrivalled view of the whole of New York… What a pleasure!
Que faire dans l’Upper East Side
Lovers of history, art and culture can rejoice, as practically all of the Big Apple’s major museums are located in this neighbourhood. Visit the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which hosts impressive exhibitions every month (even if the building itself is difficult to visit), the Guggenheim Museum and its famous architectural spiral (ideal for working with the child during your visit), the Frick Collection, the Frick Collection, housed in a veritable mansion that is as impressive as the collection it houses (check the website before your visit, as admission is voluntary on some days), or the Neue Galerie with its exceptional collection of portraits (free on the first weekend of the month from 6pm to 9pm).
Guggenheim @pergratiamdei via Unsplash
Guggenheim @mparente via Unsplash
No less beautiful and attractive is this part of Central Park with the beautiful Bethesda Fountain, one of the most impressive in New York. The statue that stands in the centre of the fountain is the only surviving sculpture that is part of the original plans for Central Park. This is an ideal place to find a quiet corner to read a little or sunbathe.
For travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle, we recommend a short walk to John Jay Park. There’s a lot less to see there, and it’s also a very pleasant place to take a break in the summer. There’s a large swimming pool, a basketball court and fitness equipment if you want to do a little exercise while you’re travelling.
Bethesda Fountain @josephtpearson via Unsplash
If you want to spend an evening in the shoes of Blair, Serena or Chuck, you can also sign up for a guided tour of Gossip Girl. You’ll discover all the main locations that were used as sets during the filming of the series’ episodes, as well as getting lots of great tips and places to visit in the area (you don’t necessarily have to be a big fan to visit them).
Places to stay on the Upper East Side
When you say “Upper East Side”, you probably picture restaurants with luxurious terraces and waiters in fancy dress serving you a bottle of champagne, right? D’accord ça existe, mais c’est tellement plus que ça ! There is a wide choice of beautiful places where you can relax without having to give up after 10 years. We’re not just talking about affordable street food here, but also contract restaurants, lounge cafés and well-balanced brunch options. Préparez-vous à avoir très faim !
Le Papaya King is the first port of call for a gourmet break. It’s impossible not to recommend this small, fluorescent restaurant, which has been around since 1931. The concept is simple: home-made fruit with no additives, served as a side dish to hot dogs with Francfort sauce. Oui, original, isn’t it? C’est comme qui dirait une longue histoire. After a trip to Cuba, the owner became obsessed with papaya and so began his love affair with the exotic fruit. He was then introduced to German cuisine, in particular the Saucisse de Francfort, his second great love. Vous connaissez la suite. Vous devez absolument goûter un de leurs célèbres hot-dogs et nous faire part de vos impressions ! On vous promet que c’est un mélange aussi délicieux qu’étonnant !
The next stop is Dylan’s Candy Bar, directly opposite Bloomingdale. Whether you’re a candy lover or not, you should definitely stop by this fine shop that looks like a successor to Willy Wonka. M&Ms, Candy Crush sweets, chocolate tablets, Skittles, Sucettes, chewing gum and other sweets, you’ll find all this and much more in this colourful boutique that spans several floors! A paradise for every #InstaQueen who wants to make a cool post of the year! The shop also has a small café where you can enjoy the biggest and most unbeatable milkshake of your life (no exaggeration!).
Dylan’s Candy bar @sweetfixnyc via Flickr
If, by chance, you’re planning to visit the MET, don’t forget to arrive on the top floor to reach the Roof Garden Café & Martini bar! Oui, on ne vit qu’une fois et, pour ce que ça vaut, ce n’est pas le toit-terrasse le plus cher de New York, alors si vous devez en choisir un, c’est celui-ci ! Vous nous remercierez plus tard… The view of Manhattan and Central Park is simply magnificent. Essayez d’y aller pour le coucher du soleil pour profiter d’un de leurs délicieux cocktails (ou deux), c’est un spectacle tout simplement magique. Santé, les amis.
Looking for something original and not too expensive (yes, yes, you know)? Then come to Up Thai to savour delicious Thai dishes such as canard croustillant, pad thai, tasty noodles, pies and Thai bread. There is a pleasant atmosphere and the traditional décor with its wooden panels, motif lanterns and hanging plants is very charming.
3. Midtown Manhattan: the best neighbourhood in New York for musical comedies
Le centre de Manhattan ou ” Midtown ” est probablement l’endroit où vous verrez le plus de choses en un temps record, de jour comme de nuit… And la plupart de ces choses à voir et à faire sont totalement GRATUITES ! Without mentioning the fact that you find yourself literally in the centre of New York, so pay attention to Torticolis because you’ll spend the most clear time of your life observing the city’s greenery below or the city’s towers above. Oh, regardez, l’Empire State Building, Times Square et le Rockefeller Centre, juste sous votre nez !
Once you’re in the centre of the action, you’ll quickly realise why New York is nicknamed “the city that’s never there”. No matter what time of day you choose to explore the neighbourhood, you’ll hardly notice the transition from day to night (probably because of the giant neon lights that adorn Broadway and Times Square, the street food stalls that are open around the clock or the large number of people walking the streets non-stop). But what the heck, the good news is that it’s also very easy to find rural areas and green spaces to take a break away from the constant animation of the centre of Manhattan (shh… If you want, you can get these little tips from the pros from us too).
📷 @courtmarie via Unsplash
Que faire à Midtown Manhattan ?
One of the favourite things to do in Midtown is to stroll through Times Square and Broadway (and it’s even more impressive at night). Si vous ne pouvez pas vous permettre d’aller voir une comédie musicale (petit conseil : if your schedule is very flexible, stop by the main box office, where you can get last-minute deals and discounts on numerous events), you can always hang out in the bustling streets and feel the special energy that this city exudes. It is also possible to take part in the spectacles of magicians, cosplayers or music groups. And most importantly: don’t let the famous “naked cow boy” in Times Square out of your sight, because it’s a pleasure to sing his beautiful song, even for you!
Si vous souhaitez quitter la ville pour un voyage en train (ou presque), nous vous conseillons de vous arrêter un moment au Grand Central Terminal. Its architecture is a real eye-catcher, but there’s nothing like it. This beautiful station also has a shopping market on the first floor where you can find both local products and food imported from all over Europe (good if you don’t know the country). Suffice to say, you’ll find more than 400 different types of fruit, vegetables and pains here… paradise on earth, if you must know! You need nothing more than a fresh, wholly German-made pastry to be totally happy!
📷@themcny via Unsplash
The neighbourhood is also known for its numerous 360-degree vantage points, including the famous Empire State Building (you’ll have a song stuck in your head for the next few hours) or the famous view of Rockefeller Center. If your budget allows, you can visit both sights, but most travellers will have to choose between the two monuments. Although there is no great difference, the Empire State is a little higher, so the view is even more impressive, but the Rockefeller Centre offers an incredible view of Times Square and Central Park thanks to its central location.
For library rats and bookworms, a visit to the New York Public Library is a must! This historic building is an architectural masterpiece of the metropolis and you can enjoy its interior and exterior beauty completely free of charge and in complete silence! You can take the time to read a chapter of one of the many works available in one of the lecture rooms (if you are not mesmerised by the great artistic performances that await you), or visit one of the exhibitions offered by the building.
📷 Bibliothèque deNewYork @cfotz via Unsplash
Nous entendons déjà rouspéter les amoureux de la nature : ” New York n’est pas pour nous ! “. Faux! We have two pleasant places that delight our friends: the first is the High Line, an old pedestrian bridge transformed into a modern public park offering a magnificent view of the city’s peaks. Here you will find shops of all genres, art galleries, libraries, cafés and restaurants that invite you to linger. This is sure to be one of your favourite places in the whole city!
The second is Bryant Park, the most beautiful park in New York, whatever the season. You can relax on the terrace of its café, take a ride on the carousel (for children of all ages), watch a film in the open-air cinema, enjoy a concert in summer or eat an ice cream on its famous terrace in winter… The list is endless!
📷 The High Line @Kenley Gagan via Flickr
Dernier point mais pas des moindres : le Flatiron Building. This emblematic building in Times Square is a great place to take a stroll after work. And one of the coolest shake shacks in the city is just 5 minutes away, in the heart of the neighbouring park (three words suffice: frites au fromage). In the neighbourhood you will also find a variety of cool shops, the Museum of Sex and the famous Rizzoli Bookstore.
Places to hang out in Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is paradise on earth when it comes to finding a cool and affordable neighbourhood to hang out in. And that’s no exaggeration, because here you’ll find ALL kinds of cuisine: from delicious street food to authentic gastronomic restaurants, bakeries, fast food, creperies, gourmet restaurants and glaciers… So why give up your lifestyle (no judgement, we’re all here). The cuisine is as exquisite as the neighbourhood, and in the best possible way!
Si vous recherchez quelque chose de pas très cher, d’authentique ET de savoureux, Los Tacos No. 1 est ce qui vous faut ! As the name suggests, this Mexican restaurant serves delicious tacos and excellent tortillas. Everything is prepared on the spot, with simple and inexpensive ingredients and traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Ce seront probablement les meilleurs tacos que vous n’ayez jamais mangés (en dehors du Mexique, s’entend). Soyez prêts pour un mélange explosif de saveurs qui fera danser vos papilles !
If you’re in the neighbourhood, you should definitely go to the famous Junior’s Restaurant & Cheesecake. C’est probablement là que l’on vous amènera, si vous demandez à votre chauffeur de taxi ou à un habitant du quartier où trouver le meilleur cheesecake de New York. You can find several boutiques a little way out in the city, but one of the main and best of all is located just off Times Square (on Broadway to be more precise). The Cheesecake nature, classic or in the form of Morceaux, Goût fraise, Tiramisu, Red Velvet…and many more. You should try at least one!
📷 Junior’s Cheesecakes @akos McGill via Flickr
Si vous avez un petit budget mais que vous avez très, très faim, dirigez-vous vers le 99 Cents Fresh Pizza, Oui, vous avez bien lu, la grande (et délicieuse) part de pizza coûte, pour la plus simple, moins d’un euro (la plus chère étant à 2,50 €). Commandez-en deux et vous aurez dîné pour moins de 5€. Mais de rien, tout le plaisir est pour nous !
Vous ne pouvez pas quitter New York sans dégusté un bagel traditionnel. Rendez-vous at Liberty Bagels Midtown for a gourmet break (or a dinner, or a petit-déjeuner, or a simple collation…). You have the choice between a variety of homemade, salted or sugared bagels. This is also the ideal place to eat the best bagels in Manhattan. Want to know the secret of their ingredients? Beaucoup d’… AMOUR!
A little stopover on the way: Calle Dao in Bryant Park. An original and convivial place that offers a whole range of Cuban and Asian dishes at low prices. Whether it’s happy hour, brunch on request or a starter for €1.30, you can easily top up your portions here! All in a very nice decor that gives you the impression of being in the heart of La Havane. Parfait for the start of a great evening!
The best youth hostels in Midtown Manhattan
You might think it’s impossible to find friendly and original youth hostels in the heart of Manhattan? Eh bien, vous risquez d’être surpris. Voici quelques-unes des meilleures auberges de jeunesse de Midtown.
With the Freehand New York Hostel, located in the Flatiron District (we’ve already talked about a Shake Shack, which is a little higher up!) Cette auberge de jeunesse absolument géniale vous surprendra à coup sûr. Imagine a majestic, very chic bar where you can spend your evenings, a restaurant with branches, computer workstations, a cosy café, a lovely terrace and a discotheque – all in one place! Oh oui! And rest assured that the dortoirs are also very cosy. Can you stay here forever if you want?
📷Freehand NYC Hostel
TheAmericanDream Hostel is an ideal place to meet other travellers and exchange all your good plans. In the immediate vicinity, you will find the main attractions, restaurants and nightspots to make the most of your stay in New York. Avons-nous également mentionné que le délicieux petit-déjeuner est GRATUIT (un petit conseil : levez-vous de bonne heure pour goûter les gaufres faites maison) !
TheInterfaith Retreats hostel is very special: it is completely vegan, non-smoking and does not drink alcohol. There is also an association that offers free meals on the streets of New York. A good way to stay healthy and support the next generation, right?
4. Lower Manhattan: the most beautiful neighbourhood in New York for artists and lecturers
Lower Manhattan is best known for being the financial centre of New York (warning: new torticolo problems). But it’s not all Wall Street and free games… Our mission is to give you some of our best advice to take advantage of this popular tourist neighbourhood: between original cafés, friendly restaurants, delicious street food and, of course, everything you can see and eat at low prices.
As everywhere in New York, the best way to discover the neighbourhood is to move around freely to experience the wonderful mix of modernity and history that is New York. Don’t forget to lift your eyes and admire the special architecture of the grand buildings that surround you. You might also want to take advantage of one of the many free guided tours to find out all your guide’s good plans and immerse yourself in Manhattan’s history for the first time.
📷 Little italy NYC @alexhaney via Unsplash
Vous pourrez également échapper à la folie des rues animées en vous promenant dans les parcs au bord de la rivière et peut-être même trouver un endroit paisible pour manger un petit truc ou lire un des livres que vous venez d’acheter un peu plus tôt dans l’une des superbes librairies du coin (sans oublier de profiter du sublime paysage qui s’offre à vous).
Que faire dans le Lower Manhattan
Yes, we’ve already told you that Lower Manhattan was much more than Wall Street, but that’s no reason to stop admiring the famous Wall Street Bull, sculpted in bronze. This famous chef d’œuvre, which symbolises the American financial market, was, as a little anecdote reveals, moved by the artist from its place of origin to its current location! But he is not the only one to attract your attention. The young woman who unabashedly faces the office, recently added to the composition, represents the fight for gender equality in the work environment, but also elsewhere.
The location also served as decoration for numerous film scenes. Among others, we can mention the imposing gate in a famous scene of Hitch or also in a heroic finale of Batman. Peut-être même pourriez-vous y apercevoir un de vos acteurs favoris, tourner une scène de leur prochain film si vous êtes chanceux !
📷 Charging Bull @sam Valadi via Flickr
Another important attraction in Lower Manhattan is the memorial to the attacks on the World Trade Centre, which is completely free to enter. Lingering there, in front of this large waterfall, in silence and with the only sound of the water rippling, is an experience that is very impressive. From there, you can climb up to the One World Observatory (also known as the Freedom Tower), the tallest building in the West. To your credit, it is very impressive both from below and from above. Si vous n’avez pas le vertige, montez dans un ascenseur Sky-Pod, jusqu’aux 100ème et 101ème étages en seulement 60 secondes (probablement la première fois de votre vie que vous appuierez sur des touches à trois chiffres dans un ascenseur). Essayez d’avoir le moins d’affaires possible sur vous, car le contrôle de la sécurité est digne d’un des plus grands aéroports.
📷 World Trade Centre Path Station @lucabravo via Unsplash
La prochaine activité sur votre emploi du temps, en particulier si vous n’avez pas un grand budget, devrait être un tour en ferry GRATUIT jusqu’à Staten Island (de jour comme de nuit). You will have an unrivalled view of the majestic Statue of Liberty (designed by the great Gustave Eiffel himself and offered as a gift to the USA by France) and benefit from a magnificent panorama of Lower Manhattan. If you are keen to see Lady Liberty from the front, you should plan a visit to Ellis Island in advance and book your ferry in advance, as the animals cavort there and it is not uncommon for them to return to the ferry. The only expense you will have to make is the ferry ticket, which will cost you around €12.50, while access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is free. Tickets for access to the park must be purchased separately and in advance (for around €19.50), but to be honest, the statue is much more impressive from the ferry.
If you’re feeling spontaneous, take a walk to Battery Park. C’est l’un des parcs les plus populaires de la ville et vous comprendrez vite pourquoi. Many locals and travellers want to take a stroll here and enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful views of the Hudson and the Statue of Liberty. Vous y trouverez également une impressionnante citadelle qui vaut le coup d’œil : le Castle Clinton National Monument.
📷 Staten Island ferry @bicadmedia via Unsplash
Après toutes ces visites touristiques, il vous restera peut-être un peu temps pour faire du shopping, alors direction le célèbre magasin Century 21. It’s quite simply paradise for buying all the brand-name clothes at small prices! Prepare to spend a few hours there, and remember to take a big bag with you when you’ve bought half the shop…
Washington Square Park and its magnificent arch, inspired by the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is another great place to visit on your walking tour. This is an ideal spot for a picnic and a night out, where you can sit back and enjoy the outdoor cinema.
Washington Square Arch @joshappel via Unsplash
Une dernière chose, si vos jambes ne sont pas trop fatiguées, pensez à faire une petite balade à NoLita (contraction de Little Italy et Soho). Here you will find numerous shops, art galleries, street art, community gardens and many other beautiful places to discover (a little paradise for all Instagrammers).
Places to hang out in Lower Manhattan
Marcher donne faim et après une longue journée d’exploration, vous serez probablement en quête d’un ou deux bons restaurants ou bars sympas dans les environs. Et Lower Manhattan has some very cosy places with delicious cuisine that are well worth a visit.
D’ordinaire, ” beignet ” et ” sain ” ne sont pas vraiment synonymes, n’est-ce pas ? Eh bien, le The Doughnut Plant prouvera vous le contraire ! The delicious fritters are prepared on the spot, to the rhythm of the orders, and come in a wide variety of shapes, colours and flavours. So why ” sains “, we ask you? Because they don’t use food, preservatives or chemical products! Thé vert matcha, sésame noir, chocolat, beurre de cacahuète, carrot cake… The list of fragrances is endless, so be sure to try more than one.
📷 Doughnut Plant @chris ubiik via Flickr
Maybe you’re looking for a nice place to enjoy an original sandwich at a low price. Et si nous vous disions que nous connaissons le restaurant qui vend les meilleurs sandwiches de la ville, avec un petit accent de la Nouvelle Orléans ? Head to Cheeky Sandwiches for a delicious (and super tasty) lunch before exploring the rest of the city. The delicious croustillant used to make the sandwiches comes from the John Gendusa Bakery in Nouvelle-Orléans (pssst… Try the grilled meat, we have new ideas!).
C’est l’heure de s’arrêter au Vanessa’s Dumpling House au cœur de Chinatown ! It’s easy to pass by this little insider tip when exploring the city, but we can assure you that if you like raviolis à la vapeur, you won’t regret it (who doesn’t like raviolis à la vapeur?!). Essayez le mix légumes/crevettes (à partir de 1,80€ les 4 pièces) qui ravira votre estomac.
Pour un repas copieux, délicieux ET bon marché, rendez-vous à Zyara NY. We’d like to point out that choosing between the many dishes from the Moyen-Orient is probably the most difficult choice you’ll make in your life (we said “probably”). Falafels, tabouleh, salads, mash, pitas… and that’s just the beginning! The good news is that you can buy BEAUCOUP for less than €13.
Are there any coffee lovers among you? Ne vous inquiétez pas, on ne vous a pas oubliés ! Vous aussi méritez une délicieuse petite pause en dégustant probablement le meilleur café du Lower Manhattan. All you have to do is go to Little Italy to Caffe Roma, which was founded in 1891… Experience the wonderful atmosphere of the café, including the famous Audrey Hepburn graffiti just outside the entrance. Y a pas de quoi !
📷 CaffeRoma@mercedesalvarez via Unsplash
Si vous êtes autant accros aux pizzas que nous et pouvez en mangez tous les jours pour le reste de votre vie (oui, nous aussi…), alors nous vous avons trouvé le restaurant idéal : le 2 Bros sur St Marks Place. They have an infinite choice among the biggest pizzas you’ve never seen… A word of advice, go for the bread for only €0.90.
Perhaps you should go in search of a delicious brunch to get your day of exploration off to a good start? Rendez-vous with the Café Gitane. This small bistro with a French-Moroccan influence is the ideal place for a little dinner on its pretty little terrace (try the toasts with avocat and the gaufre with orange blossom, simply divine).
A quick stopover for the foodies among you: Café Habana. This small restaurant on the edge of a street offers a successful mix of Cuban and Mexican cuisine. This is the place to go for a quick and inexpensive meal at the start of the evening, or perhaps for a delicious ice cream in the evening… The grilled corn and roll sandwich will have you back on the floor in no time!
The best youth hostels in Lower Manhattan
It may be hard to believe, but you’ll find a whole host of friendly hostels in Lower Manhattan. This is the ideal place to relax after a long day exploring the city, catch up with other travellers and prepare for the party to come.
Start at the emblematic Jane Hotel, a hostel in the West Village that faces the Hudson River. When you walk through the doors, you will have the impression that you are stepping directly into La Vie Aquatique by Wes Anderson. This unique universe is mainly explained by the fact that this place was the anchorage of many sailors in the 1940s. Vous aurez la possibilité de demander une ” cabine ” ou même la ” chambre du capitaine “. Don’t panic, the house itself is old but has all the amenities of a youth hostel and more (flat screen, heating, air conditioning, telephone and mules with umbrella, which are great fun). Comme à la maison!
The hostel Jane @giorgia.anzolin
Le Bowery House Hostel est l’endroit idéal si vous voyagez seul et que vous souhaitez faire de nouvelles rencontres. This industrial-style hostel is located just a few minutes from the main sights and metro stations. When you have finished your visit, you can enjoy a beer in one of the hostel’s bars or in the large garden on the roof terrace.
Blue Moon Hostel NYC is located in the heart of the Lower East Side, just steps away from the neighbourhood’s main shops, restaurants and bars. After an eventful day in Chinatown, East Village, Soho, Little Italy or Wall Street, you can relax in the cosy common areas and meet other adventurous travellers. The staff will be happy to advise you on the best plans to make the most of your trip.
If you are travelling with your loved one, the Canal Loft Hostel offers you private rooms and the intimacy you need after a long walk. However, they also have a large common room where you can socialise with other guests. The location of the hostel is ideal, just a few steps away from the best restaurants, museums, shops, cafés and bars in the region.
5. L’Upper West Side: New York’s most beautiful neighbourhood for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation
The Upper West Side has a reputation for being mainly residential, but in reality it is a very lively neighbourhood that is one of New York’s most cosmopolitan districts. You’ll find a great selection of boutiques and restaurants here, and you can enjoy Central Park, which is just a few steps away, as well as the great architecture of New York flats.
@jbcreate_ via Unsplash
The area is home to many students from all over the world (thanks to Columbia University and its huge campus located in this neighbourhood). This is also the reason why it’s very easy for you to find plenty of affordable accommodation to grab a bite to eat, a drink or a snack to go. This is also the place where Chuck Bass spent a lot of his nights (for the fans of Gossip Girl…). On vous vous dit ça pour vous montrer que ce n’est pas seulement une destination familiale mais aussi un quartier super fun qui devrait absolument figurer sur votre checklist.
Que faire dans l’Upper West Side
If you’re exploring the neighbourhood for the first time, be sure to stop by the Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The modern architecture of the building and the sublime Lincoln Square, where the famous fountain stands, are well worth a visit (at any time of day or night, with its fiery lights). You may remember the familiar decor used in many films such as Black Swan, to name but the most famous.
If we were to choose one museum in this part of the city, it would certainly be the American Museum of Natural History. This is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world and is very impressive both from the outside and the inside (your tortoise risks a return to a gallop!). From the impressive Palaeolithic exhibition (and the famous T. Rex squeaker) to Lucy (one of the oldest squeakers still alive today, who is more than 3 million years old), to the big blue baline hanging from the floor, the tropical garden and much more… This place is simply magical and will delight young and old alike. They also organise many night games, if you ever feel like doing a re-run of “La nuit au Musée”.
American Museum of Natural History @aditya1702 via Unsplash
Next stop, Central Park! The eastern part of the park is probably the most majestic, especially on the lakefront where you can rent a barge or boat or stroll through the magnificent Shakespeare Garden, an ideal place to take the most beautiful photos of the Upper West and Upper East Side.
Whether you are a student or not, visit the Columbia University campus, as this Ivy League university is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It offers guided tours of the entire campus as well as exploratory tours for first cycle students, which are open to all. Please book your places in advance as only a limited number of people are admitted per day. In addition, some universities keep their gates closed during examination periods or the issuing of diplomas.
Ok, celui-ci est juste là pour un le post insta parfait et un verre (ou deux). You don’t have to be a fan of Gossip Girl to benefit from the Empire Rooftop. Dinner at the hotel will certainly cost you more than half the budget you’ve set aside for New York, but it’s a great place to start your evening in the classy, chic bar or on the rooftop terrace, from where you have an unrivalled view of the city.
The places to stay on the Upper West Side
For foodies on a budget: Rendez-vous at Wafels & Dinges on Central Park West and 79ème rue! This food truck in Jaune Fluo offers the best Belgian waffles in town, both fried and salted, depending on your preference. Whether you prefer a treat topped with bacon and meat or the ultimate treat with Nutella, glacé, crème fraîche and cream, you’ll be happy and satisfied!
Wafels & Dinges @angiolina via Flickr
For a quick and cheap lunch, head toAbsoluteBagel, where you pay less than €10 for a roll and a delicious bagel. You can garnish the bagel however you like: with cream cheese, jam, all kinds of raw vegetables and, of course, chocolate and fruit. Ok, ça nous a donné drôlement faim tout ça !
The perfect counterpart to charcoal grass? Un brunch ultra-copieux avec des litres de thé, les amis ! So allez jeter un coup d’œil à l’extravagant Alice’s Tea Cup. Amenez vos amis ou les voyageurs rencontrés à l’auberge de jeunesse pour profiter pleinement de cette expérience conviviale. Attention, the rooms are not equipped with a table! You have the choice between countless different options. Oh, and if you don’t feel like overworking your sense of touch, the “Mad Morning” offers you everything you need to recharge your batteries.
Alice’s teacup @cecilia via Flickr
” Tout ce qui ne te tue pas, te rend plus fort ” ? Alors, après une nuit de folie, allez chez to Rosa Mexicano et commandez une Frozen Margarita à la Grenade ou un Bloody Mary. And while you’re there, you can also savour the delicious tacos with the best guacamole in town.
OK, restons sérieux un instant. Do you really want to eat comfort food? Que diriez-vous d’une bière artisanale et de cornichons (oui, vous avez bien lu). At Jacob’s Pickles, the cornichon is a true religion! Prepare to eat a pint of white bread with a pot of cornichons. The best things in life are always the simplest!
If you can’t wait and you’re the kind of person who likes to stroll around the city while the rest of the world is still dancing in the dark, make a detour to the Levain bakery for the best chocolate biscuit of your life. And if you’re a real foodie, have a brioche right after your meal… A real treat!
Les meilleures auberges de jeunesse dans l’Upper West Side
Bonne nouvelle : vous trouverez beaucoup d’auberges de jeunesse absolument géniales dans l’Upper West Side ! They are perfect for resting before exploring the city, meeting other tourists or having a drink before celebrating the party into the evening.
If you are looking for a charming hostel in the Upper West Side, you should stay at the Broadway Hotel & Hostel. In this chic vintage auberge, you’ll meet the world’s old hands and can relax in the glamorous lounge (on the terrace in winter) or enjoy a delicious coffee in the communal kitchen. A real home from home!
Located just steps from Central Park (bonjour la belle vue), the West Side YMCA Hostel is the ideal place for travellers looking to unwind after a stopover en route. The hostel has a fitness centre with hammam, sauna, 2 pools and free Pilates and yoga classes. When you have finished your exercises, you can enjoy a coffee in the restaurant.
Jazz on Colombus Circle Hostel is in close proximity to the liveliest neighbourhoods. You’ll find the best bars, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs just a few steps away… What more could you want!
Are you travelling alone and would like to meet nice people along the way? TheInternationalStudent Centre Hostel is a must for meeting foreign students who want to benefit from their experience in New York. The staff is at your service and happy to share their best plans for exploring the area, keeping your budget in mind.
6. Brooklyn, the best neighbourhood in New York for hipsters (the bonus)
Ok, nous savons que Brooklyn ne fait techniquement pas partie de Manhattan, mais c’est une plaque tournante essentielle de la vie new-yorkaise… And you will soon understand why. It’s said that the most hyped people have left the big city (where the price of living has become exorbitant) to install themselves in Brooklyn (yasss).
@cbarbalis via Unsplash
Over the last five years, Brooklyn has developed into one of New York’s most popular neighbourhoods. The city centre is very easy and quick to reach thanks to the various ponts and tunnels that border the neighbourhood. The area also offers a variety of art galleries, lounge cafés, fine restaurants, secret gardens, industrial bars, terraces, parks and much more. You won’t know where to start! It doesn’t matter what you do, you’ll have an unrivalled view of Manhattan.
It’s easy to get lost when exploring Brooklyn, especially for the first time… Here we intervene to give you the best advice and show you a small list of the most beautiful things to see and do to get the most out of your trip. C’est parti!
Que faire à Brooklyn
The most popular place in Brooklyn is probably Dumbo, an old industrial neighbourhood that is currently home to some of the coolest lofts in the city (e.g. the flat of Dan Humphrey from Gossip Girl… Promis, on arrête avec les références GG). N’hésitez pas à explorer le quartier, vous tomberez surement sur des cafés lounge et des galeries d’art à la mode. Go to John Street Park or Parc Citadin, just under the Brooklyn Bridge, and take a little walk or a yoga session (with the most beautiful view in the world).
You should definitely cross the Brooklyn Bridge: whether with the lever or with the sunset, it’s a magical spectacle.
@brookecagle via Unsplash
Rendez-vous au célèbre Brooklyn Flea organisé tous les week-ends, quelle que soit la saison (le samedi à Williamsburg et le dimanche à Dumbo). It’s a great opportunity to explore the neighbourhoods of Williamsburg and Dumbo and find clothes and vintage items at very reasonable prices.
Coney Island is a little further away, but worth a visit if you want to enjoy the beach in spring and summer (you can also take a dip in the cold water if you like) or just walk on the beach and have a glass of water. Coney Island has a certain vintage super-kitsch about it that you generally either love or loathe, as there isn’t just one particular milieu.
@danielcgold via Unsplash
@jipy32 via Unsplash
Bushwick is another stop you should include on your route to admire the city’s most spectacular street art (ideal for showing off the most popular of them all on your Insta account). Discover the works of some of the best artists in the world who use the streets as their underground. Si vous ne savez pas par où commencer, partez de la Saint-Nicolas Avenue ou la Morgan Avenue et errez jusqu’à vous perdre complètement dans les rues de Brooklyn.
If you want to take a break away from the busy streets, head to Prospect Park. This huge park is the ideal place to go for a walk, rent a bike, have a picnic, read a book or simply take a break before starting your evening. If you’re lucky, you can also take advantage of one of the free concerts that the park offers at any time of day.
Bushwick street art @jverdi via Unsplash
The places to live in Brooklyn
Brooklyn offers an endless list of restaurants, bars and cafés, so prepare to eat BEAUCOUP and more! C’est tout simplement un véritable paradis pour les gourmands, où vous trouverez des petites pépites loin de la foule proposant des plats consistants à un prix raisonnable. What do the people want?
We start this gastronomic tour in DUMBO, at Grimaldi’s, known as the “best pizzeria in Brooklyn”. This is the title under which they can be found in almost all New York travel guides, which perhaps explains the long queue at the front door (but believe us, it really is an imposition!). Attention ils ne servent que des ” pie ” (une pizza entière) et non des parts comme dans la plupart des pizzerias à New York, alors assurez-vous d’y aller lorsque vous avez très faim, sinon il vous sera difficile de termininer votre assiette.
Grimaldi’s DUMBO @aaron Lum via Flickr
Who said you should only have brunch on Thursday? Sunday in Brooklyn (ne vous fiez pas à leur nom trompeur) célèbre le dimanche et tous les jours de la semaine, et ça toute au long de la journée (oui, oui.). Asseyez-vous en terrasse et commandez le brunch complet avec leurs délicieuses crêpes aux noisettes. Paradise on earth!
For a rock’n’roll concert, visit the National Sawdust in Williamsburg. It’s an old factory that has been transformed into one of the coolest venues in the world for acoustic and electronic music. Consultez leurs horaires avant votre visite et profitez de la bonne ambiance un verre à la main !
Si vous vous trouvez à New York un samedi, assurez-vous de faire de la place dans votre emploi du temps pour une excursion au Smorgasburg market. Imagine hundreds of food stalls offering the best dishes from around the world, including Dutch gaufres, Italian pies, fantastic fritters, vegan dishes, Vietnamese flan, chilli coffee, German sandwiches with Viandes meatballs, pizza cupcakes and much more. Simplement parfait pour les routards affamés !
Smorgasburg @gabriel Li via Flickr
If you want to fully savour your nights out in New York, head to Brooklyn Steel. The former steel mill has been completely remodelled to house a variety of super cool bars with multiple balconies and a rooftop. Oh yes, and some of the best music groups in the city play there regularly for your great pleasure. Bless you!
Looking for the coolest rooftop bar in the neighbourhood? Ne cherchez plus. À Greenpoint, le Northern territory, est un bar en plein air d’inspiration australienne surplombant majestueusement la ville. An ideal place to admire a marvellous sunset with a cocktail by the glass or a milk drink. Beware, the city is only open during the summer, which is a good reason to come back if you want to visit New York in winter.
And finally, what would this guide to the best places in Brooklyn be without some delicious traditional artisan bread? If you love beer, you should definitely keep your eyes (or ears) open! The Spritzenhaus is a huge brasserie where you can sample a variety of different craft beers. We highly recommend having breakfast too, as the establishment has a menu of delicious dishes to accompany your white bread (e.g. a pretzel and a bratwurst).
Spritzenhaus @lulun & kame via Flickr
Les meilleures auberges de jeunesse à Brooklyn
If you are looking for a friendly but not too expensive place that is off the beaten track but still in a cool neighbourhood, then Brooklyn is the ideal place. Vous y trouverez des auberges de jeunesse de partout. And no matter where you leave your luggage, you’ll have an unrivalled view of Manhattan. Et ça, ça n’a pas de prix.
You begin to understand that visiting New York and benefiting from the trip doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a million and one cents… And that’s exactly the plan at NY Moore Hostel, located in East Williamsburg. You can chill out in the courtyard or on one of the lounge’s large canapés with other guests, and when you’re ready to hit the party, you only have to walk a few steps to find the coolest bars and nightspots in Brooklyn.
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation with stunning waterfront views, check into the Greenpoint YMCA. You’ll meet plenty of travellers at the group activities organised by the hostel, and the helpful staff will be happy to share their little secrets to help you make the right choices.
Are you finally ready to explore the streets of the Big Apple after reading our New York guide? Whether you’re a foodie, a reveller, a history buff, a nature lover, travelling alone, as a couple or with friends, the city that never was will fulfil all your desires – and more!
mercedesalvarez via Unspalsh
Have you ever been to any of the neighbourhoods we’ve talked about, or perhaps you have a recommendation or two for our fellow travellers looking to go on a trip? Do you have a favourite hostel that’s not on our little list? Nous sommes super curieux et tout ouïe, alors laissez-nous un commentaire juste ci-dessous.
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