There’s nothing like visiting a new city to get you feeling inspired. And when you’re in New York City, inspiration abounds pretty much everywhere you go — the museums, the performances, the stores, and the restaurants all have a way of leaving a lasting impression on locals and visitors alike. No wonder design-lovers can’t get enough of the Big Apple. 

That said, it can be challenging figuring out what exactly to put on your itinerary when you’re swinging by the city for a visit. That’s why we’ve tapped our design pros for their favorite spots to stay, eat, drink, and shop. Use this guide to help you shape your trip, and you’re bound to come away seeing things in a whole new light. It’s time to get those creative juices flowing.

TO STAY 

Photo via @nineorchard

Nine Orchard 

This luxury space in the Lower East Side was once a bank, first built in 1912 — and today, it’s perfectly restored Neo-Renaissance details lend the hotel an unrivaled elegance. Not only is the building a New York City landmark, it’s also a deeply comfortable space to stay, featuring custom furniture by BDDW’s Tyler Hays.

The Bowery Hotel 

This five-star hotel is a classic for a reason. Located in downtown Manhattan is known for its cozy atmosphere, luxurious amenities, and classic New York City vibe. The design of this space is equal parts modern and classic. Wine down with a drink in its bar, The Bowery Lobby, or a bowl of pasta at its in-house restaurant, Gemma.

Untitled @ 3 Freeman Alley

This recently opened hotel in the Lower East Side is filled with colorful street art, which gives it a vibrant, playful energy. Guest rooms are contemporary and designed with built-in furniture that makes the most of every square inch. The hotel’s rooftop bar is also not to be missed.

The Greenwich Hotel 

Over on the west side, the Greenwich Hotel offers a particularly wellness-focused experience for visitors, thanks to its in-house spa (which includes an indoor pool). The hotel bar and courtyard, which are open exclusively to hotel guests offer a stylish hideaway from busy city life. 

One Hotel Central Park

It’s more than possible to be at one with nature while staying in Manhattan — especially if you’re rooming at One Hotel Central Park. Not only is it just blocks away from the iconic park, this hotel itself draws plenty of inspiration from the natural world. It’s designed with reclaimed natural materials, with plenty of greenery to be found, like hanging kokodemas and live moss installations.

TO EAT

Photo via @altroparadiso

Altro Paradiso 

This restaurant by chef Ignacio Matto is a New York City hotspot, thanks to its crave-worthy Italian menu (the cacio e pepe is not to be missed). Its ambience is of note, too: During the day, its large windows make it a bright and vibrant spot for lunch, but at night, it’s perfectly moody. Sit at the bar for an even cozier vibe!

Le Coucou 

This French restaurant, which is located in a small neighborhood of lower Manhattan known as “Little Paris” is one of the city’s most photogenic restaurants, thanks to its grand chandeliers and eye-catching bar. Its cuisine is equally fashionable.

Corner Bar

Another great spot by Ignacio Mattos, Corner Bar draws inspiration from bistros all over the world. Located inside Nine Orchard, the restaurant has an elevated yet homey vibe, and serves luxurious takes on dishes like shrimp cocktail, roasted duck, and more.

Palma

It’s hard to go wrong with Italian food in New York City. Not only does this Cornelia Street restaurant have a menu full of incredible dishes, it also offers an enchanting dining experience, thanks to its romantic courtyard garden.

Jojo

Tucked away on the Upper East Side, this restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten is housed in a classic duplex — so dining in feels like being in a classic New York City home. Its menu is also full of classic dishes, like slow-cooked salmon, roasted chicken, and, of course, a good burger.

TO DRINK

Photo via @maisonpremiere

Maison Premiere

Take the train just one stop into Brooklyn for oysters and drinks at the James Beard-awarded Maison Premiere. The bar’s upscale-cozy vibe (and garden!) make it a perfectly dreamy spot — and its inventive cocktail menu is certainly worth writing home about.

The Palm Court

Channel your inner (grown-up) Eloise by enjoying refreshments at the Plaza’s Palm Court. The more-than-100-year-old space is most known for its iconic stained glass dome ceiling. Drop by for afternoon tea or an evening cocktail to get a taste of luxurious city life.

The Polo Bar 

This NYC establishment by Ralph Lauren embraces Americana with classic bar food and cocktails (with a high-end touch, of course). The design of the space is nothing short of true prep. Think: wood-paneled walls, leather details, and plenty of equestrian motifs.

Bar Pisellino

For a bit of Italy in New York City, enjoy an aperitvo at Bar Pisellino. The small West Village bar has plenty of outdoor seating, great for when the weather is nice, but its small interior has so much European charm, it’s worth standing. Try a negroni, or another classic Italian drink.

American Bar

Another fashionable spot, American Bar in the West Village is known for elevated takes on classic American menu items like crab cakes and chili. You can certainly enjoy a fancy dinner here, but it’s also a great spot to split an appetizer and some drinks (martini and fries, anyone?).

TO DO 

Photo via @momadesignstore

Visit MoMa and MoMA Design Store

The Museum of Modern Art, which finished a $450 million expansion in 2019 is full of iconic pieces of art (perhaps most famously, Van Gogh’s Starry Night). Design lovers will also enjoy seeing some furniture by Marcel Breuer, Alvar Aalto, and others in the museum’s collection. After wandering the galleries, don’t forget to stop by the MoMA Design Store across the street for the most covetable souvenirs. 

Shop at Grand Bazaar 

Year round, you can dig through the treasure trove that is Grand Bazaar: a weekly flea market that happens every Sunday on the Upper West Side. Here, you’ll find antique furniture, one-of-a-kind art, and collectibles that you simply couldn’t find anywhere else. If you want to stay in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by Zabars to refuel with a sandwich before heading to the Museum of Natural History or the New York Historical Society.

Stroll the gardens in Central Park

Central Park is famous for a reason. And while you might know to stop at the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields, or to rent a rowboat on the lake, perhaps you’re less familiar with the Conservatory Garden in the park’s upper east corner — not far from the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The six-acre area is divided into three distinctly styled gardens: English, French, and Italian.

Get zapped at Catbird

For a unique souvenir, stop into the SoHo location of Catbird, a New York City-based jewelry store. There, you can get “zapped” — aka, get a “permanent” 14k gold bracelet affixed to your wrist, sized perfectly so you almost forget you’re even wearing it.

Walk around SoHo

If you want to go window-shopping skip Fifth Ave and head to SoHo instead, where you’ll find plenty of design inspo. Stores like Design Within Reach, The Citizenry, Roman and Williams Guild, MacKenzie-Childs, Jonathan Adler, and more are all in close proximity, so you can wander and feel inspired for hours. 

From visiting NYC to perfecting room flow, our designers are chock-full of expert tips. Start with our style quiz to work with a design pro one-on-one.