From the dizzying heights of One Vanderbilt, New York City unfolds beneath, a mesmerising tapestry of yellow cabs navigating twinkling lights and towering concrete.
Perched 368 metres above ground on the city’s fourth-tallest skyscraper, the observation deck offers a breathtaking, if slightly unnerving, introduction to Manhattan’s immense scale.
As the city marks its 400th year, its dynamic pulse is palpable, a vibrant cultural melting pot drawing people from every corner of the globe.
First established as New Amsterdam in the 1620s by Dutch colonists, the relatively small settlement grew rapidly during the 18th century following multiple waves of immigration.
Cultural amalgamation has shaped New York, a city comprised of five boroughs all with a unique history and appeal. Its most famous district is Manhattan, an area dotted with historical landmarks of a scale that produce feelings of dizzying awe.
Eager to delve into the past while discovering what the future holds, I’m visiting for a short break.
Waking up in the thick of the action
Jumping onto my hotel bed after a long flight, I turn my eyes to the window and catch a glimpse of the jewel in the crown of the skyline. Once the tallest building in the city, the Empire State Building, renowned for its distinctive art deco facade, is an emblem of New York ambition, a reminder of a time when the city represented luxury, glamour and exuberance.
A highlight of staying at the NH Collection on Madison Avenue is gazing at the remarkable views of the city. Situated in a century-old red-brick building, the hotel is a cosy haven in the heart of the action that charms with its period features and sophisticated decor. Attached to the property is Italian restaurant Serafina, which provides a relaxed setting for a buffet breakfast and a lively dining experience for the evening.
The hotel’s overall design scheme is mid-century modern with little decorative flourishes that transport you back into 1950s New York – including typewriters and historical knick-knacks.
Walking and dining through time
Nearby, the High Line is a walkway that places you at eye-level with the buildings of Manhattan. The space,…
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