New York

Here’s how to navigate a city rich in street life and nightlife and every type of cultural experience.

New York has been filmed and photographed a million times over. It’s typically depicted as a place of constant hustle and no-nonsense residents; of endless commerce and impossibly tall buildings. But equally indicative of life in the city so nice they named it twice is the real issue of choosing from its endless options for dining, drinking and shopping. How do you make the right decision? Monocle’s travel guide cuts through all the imagery and offers some inside knowledge, drawing on the expertise of our editors and correspondents who have spent years covering the city and sorting the skyline from the scaffolding. We know which of New York’s longstanding culinary institutions are still serving dishes that live up to their reputations, and which aren’t. We also know which of the hyped-up new kids on the block – be they designers, gallerists or mixologists – are truly worth a visit.

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A central part of New York’s appeal is the diversity in its streets, in its cuisines and in its ways to celebrate on wild nights out. Our guide runs the gamut of the city’s offerings from local spots on the Upper East Side to glitzy Tribeca and laid-back Brooklyn.

Essential information

Taxi from airport to the city: Depending on time and tolls, a taxi ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan costs about $95 to $110.

How much to tip in restaurants: A 20 per cent gratuity used to be standard but is now the minimum.

The newsstand worth checking out: Head to Casa Magazines, which stocks 3,000 titles, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere.

The best cobbler: Pounding the New York pavements can wreak havoc on your footwear, so make sure to recondition them at a Leather Spa, which can be found throughout the city.

The pizza to try: Almost all pizzerias are good options but Scarr’s Pizza is a standout – order the pepperoni with hot honey and jalapeños.