You can travel to NYC 1,000,000 times and see something new with each visit. The ‘Burg crews recent visit was no exception. On this recent trip for a long weekend, the top agenda was to visit the Instagram and architectural icon, the Vessel, a newly-built structure (or is it a sculpture?) in Hudson Yards and the TWA Hotel at the JFK airport.

But first, let’s eat some damn NYC cuisine! 

We were always a big fan of David Bouley and were sad when Bouley in Tribeca closed. Good thing he opened Bouley at Home (and brought Bouley Test Kitchen along with it) on West 21st to continue to serve his fans, old and new. The restaurant was a little more casual than the original restaurant but the food was just as divine. Pro-tip: go for lunch and for $75, get a 5-course dining experience worth raving about.

As a foodie, Michelin-starred restaurant Agern is also worth the visit. You might have a hard time looking for it as its tucked inside the enormous Grand Central Station. Known for its contemporary Scandinavian fare, the restaurant features dishes with ingredients from the New York state region with a few twist. Reasonably priced for their tasting menu or a la carte if you decide on dinner.

One of the newer tourist attractions which opened March of 2019 is the Vessel. Part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, the Vessel stands impressive in the middle of the public square surrounded by other new and modern infrastructure. It stands 16-stories tall and takes about 2,500 steps to reach the top. Of course, you don’t have to go all the way to just get a cool view. The honeycomb structure is Instagram-worthy from practically every angle especially if you have a fear of heights. Book your tickets ahead of time if you want to climb the Vessel.

The TWA Hotel is a reason to visit New York unto itself. Perfect for an immersion into the golden age of flight for a night, or two. Originally the terminal for the now defunct yet iconic airline, staying in the hotel is like taking a ride in a time machine. It was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen back in 1962. From the music playing to TAB soda in the mini bar and a rotary phone that plays old TWA radio commercials while your on hold, they’ve thought of everything. 

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With much of the original design in tact, you can view the various TWA flight attendant outfits over the years or sneak off in one of the tiny waiting rooms and feel like you’re in an Austin Powers movie. 

An original Comet Aircraft located in the rear of the hotel serves as a speakeasy style cocktail bar while a rooftop pool and bar area give you a birds eye view of the many international airlines coming and going through the day.

Pro-tip: Book a night at the hotel on your last night in New York so you can just roll off the bed of your hotel room and walk towards the Jetblue terminal adjacent to the hotel to get home to Tampa International Airport. That way, you can take your time and even have a nice breakfast at the Paris Cafe.