High 5: Avoiding FoMo in New York City

Ah, New York! Home to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Central Park and about a zillion more of the world’s most-visited attractions. I arrived in the Big Apple for my first-ever vist with a mind-bogglingly long to-do list and a definite case of FoMo (Fear of Missing Out). So I took a few tips from locals on making the most of my stay…

Art galleries galore
For a cultural and arty fix, don’t miss the numerous galleries on 24^th Street in West Chelsea. Formerly an edgy, industrial patch, this area is now home to New York’s leading contemporary art galleries, showing work by up-and-coming artists and art-world celebrities alike. Favourite spaces include the Gagosian Gallery, Gladstone Gallery and Unix Gallery.

Boat trips on the Hudson River
As New York City is an island, a cruise on the River Hudson is a must. Take the Staten Island passenger ferry from lower Manhattan for majestic views of New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Position yourself on the starboard side (right-hand side) of the boat for the best views and enjoy the (free) ride!

Dining in the city
Red Farm in the West Village serves innovative and inspired Chinese cuisine in a modern yet rustic-style setting. If you don’t want to eat into your busy sightseeing schedule, however, grab a bite at foodie hot-spot Chelsea Market, the former home of the National Biscuit Company. Vendors include Jacques Torres, People’s Pops and Ronnybrook Dairy.

360-degree views
Take in the cityscape from the Top of the Rock observation deck. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across to the Empire State Building and Central Park. Catch the Rockefeller Centre’s final lift of the day at 11pm and you’ll be rewarded by the twinkling lights of the city that never sleeps.

Cocktails in the city
It would, of course, only be fitting to round off the evening with a cocktail (or three) at one of New York’s stylish bars. I loved Entwine Bar in the West Village with its cute courtyard garden and the Jane Ballroom at the Jane Hotel, with its bohemian interior and old-world ambience (just a few blocks from Carrie Bradshaw’s front door).

Camilla Colley