A Day in Manhattan - A Journey Through Iconic Landmarks

The Big Apple, the country's main financial center and the city with the third highest number of skyscrapers in the world. There are numerous reasons why New York attracts millions of tourists every year. Many of these are in Manhattan, the vibrant heart of the city.

Manhattan is synonymous with luxury, history, and culture. Visitors to the iconic borough will find themselves surrounded by towering skyscrapers, historic hotels, and beautiful green spaces, all within a few blocks.

I was in town for an event at Wrist Aficionado and The Bridge at the Hamptons a few days later. However, I had a spare day to explore Manhattan. From Billionaire’s Row to Park Avenue, how would you enjoy a day of luxury in the heart of Manhattan?

I was paranoid about getting to Wrist Aficionado late or getting stuck in New York traffic after filming, so I stayed at a hotel on 57th Street. It was central to every place I intended to visit. That would facilitate my foot tour of Manhattan.

This wasn't my first trip to New York, so I wasn't interested in taking an organized tour. Instead I wanted to see how far I could get on foot while exploring some of the best Manhattan has to offer. So what did I see?

I have a confession to make. I have an unexplainable affection for trains (a story for another day). That means my journey had to start from Grand Central Terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue. In addition to being a hub for train journeys in and out of the city, Grand Central, which was opened in 1913, is an architectural masterpiece.

Its grand Beaux-Arts design, with a stunning ceiling painted with constellations, marble staircases, and massive windows, has made it a must-see destination for tourists. Walking over from Lexington Avenue lets you catch a great view of the top of the Chrysler building. That's one of the most iconic landmarks in Manhattan.

Even if you're not catching a train, Grand Central offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The terminal is home to the Grand Central Oyster Bar, which has served New Yorkers for over a century. I have nothing against oysters, but Italian food was more appealing, so I had lunch at Cipriani Dolci. The lamb was great, and I followed it with dessert I refuse to identify so I don't catch any heat from my doctor.

Most importantly, the open restaurant (no walls) also allowed me to enjoy the terminal's central hall for as long as I wanted. The Apple Store is on the opposite side and was filled with people like many of their other stores. The enthusiasm of Apple fans is almost cultish.

After wandering around the building almost aimlessly, it was time for the next destination. A stroll down Park Avenue and a visit to Grand Central will leave you with a sense of the grandeur that has shaped Manhattan into one of the world's most famous destinations.

You'll encounter one of its most prestigious addresses at Park Avenue. It is lined with grand apartment buildings, iconic office towers, and high-end retail spaces.

The avenue's wide, tree-lined sidewalks and classic architecture reflect the wealth and exclusivity of the neighborhood. Right next to Grand Central is the MetLife Building towering above the intersection of Park Avenue and 45th Street. That was the right place to start the exploration of the famous avenue. One of the historic hotels you'll find here is the Waldorf Astoria.

I had stayed there in the past, so it wasn't interesting to me on this visit, but it's certainly a place you should look out for on Park Avenue. If for nothing else, at least for its historical significance. Note that the hotel is currently closed but will reopen in 2025. After Park Avenue, it was time to head to 57th Street.

What's so special about 57th Street? Walking down the street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue, you'll encounter some of the most recognized fashion brands and boutiques. Think of it as Rodeo Drive with an NYC twist. Shops here include Louis Vuitton, Jacob & Co, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and the Q New York Aston Martin showroom. It's essentially a luxury shopping paradise.

But 57th Street, which houses pencil towers, is mostly known as the main street in Billionaire's Row. Here, you'll find some of the world's most expensive and luxurious residential buildings. Skyscrapers like 432 Park Avenue, One57, and the Central Park Tower rise high above the city, housing multi-million-dollar apartments owned by some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

At the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street, you will find one of Manhattan's most famous landmarks: The Plaza Hotel. Opened in 1907, The Plaza (also known as the Eloise Hotel) has long been a symbol of luxury and elegance, hosting world leaders, celebrities, and royalty. Its grand entrance and French Renaissance-style architecture are instantly recognizable.

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, I hear the Palm Court restaurant is worth visiting for an excellent fine dining experience. No time for that, though. Perhaps on my next visit. Next stop? Central Park.

Just across from The Plaza, you'll find the southern entrance to Central Park, the most famous green space in the city. It welcomed more than 42 million visitors in 2023. The section of Central Park near 5th Avenue is one of the most visited areas, offering tranquil walking paths, lush greenery, and picturesque views of the surrounding skyscrapers.

In my opinion, the path that leads to the Gapstow Bridge is the best place to capture the skyline of Billionaire's Row. It held me captivated for longer than I'd like to admit.

The Pond, a serene water feature near the entrance, has a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. The Central Park Zoo is just a short walk away but I was in no mood to stop by. Another place to add to the list when I come back.

Horse-drawn carriages are a popular way to take in the sights of Central Park and I was tempted to jump into one. But this was supposed to be an exploration on foot, so I stayed disciplined and ignored them.

However, these would be a great addition to a future Manhattan tour. Not counting my walk back to my hotel on 57th Street, my journey ended in Central Park. I thoroughly enjoyed the sunset over the skyscrapers of Billionaire’s Row. It’s one sight you don’t want to miss.

Now, I only scratched the surface of places to visit in Manhattan. This was more of a scouting tour for our larger feature on NYC, which should be completed in spring next year. As much as I'm not a fan of large cities and wouldn't want to live here, I do understand the allure of New York and the vibrant Manhattan.