New York City Guide: our favorite spots to discover NYC differently

Founded in the 17th century under the name New Amsterdam, New York has transformed over the centuries into one of the most influential cultural capitals in the world. Its history can still be read in its streets today: the 19th-century brownstones, the cast-iron facades of SoHo, the Art Deco skyscrapers of the 1930s, and the contemporary towers that constantly redraw the skyline.

In the 20th century, the city became a true creative laboratory. Harlem shone a light on jazz and literature, Greenwich Village attracted artists and writers, Abstract Expressionism and later Pop Art shook up the art scene, while New York gradually established itself as one of the great capitals of fashion. From the underground energy of the 1970s to the designers showcasing their work during Fashion Week today, every era has left its mark.

A history built on immigration, architecture, and creation that surely explains why New York continues, more than any other city, to give the impression that anything can begin there.

Nestled in a small street in the West Village, The Commerce Inn is the perfect spot for a brunch away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Imagined by Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, the duo behind Via Carota and Buvette, the restaurant is inspired by old American taverns and the Shaker aesthetic: raw wood, light walls, white-clothed tables, and a warm, almost timeless atmosphere.

On the menu, you will find generous and comforting American cuisine: buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, a farmer’s breakfast with eggs and potatoes, a goat cheese and leek omelet, smoked fish, or even a patty melt.

A charming spot to discover after a morning spent strolling among the brownstones of the West Village.

To set down your suitcases in New York, Romer Hell’s Kitchen ticks one essential box above all: location. Situated on 8th Avenue, between 51st and 52nd Streets, the hotel provides easy access to Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the MoMA, while enjoying the more local and lively atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen.

Inside, the vibe is inspired by pre-war New York apartments, featuring vintage furniture, local artwork, and cozy spaces. In terms of amenities, there is the Neighborhood Café to start your day, The Study to work or have a coffee by the fire, as well as So & So’s, a piano bar styled as a supper club with cocktails, small plates, and live music. The hotel also offers access to a nearby gym, bike rentals, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

An exceptionally well-located address for experiencing Manhattan on foot and returning, once the day is done, to an atmosphere that feels more like a New York apartment than a classic hotel.