What to do in New York

New York City, a place of constant reinvention, will surprise even the most well-traveled individuals with new and gratifying experiences. “New York just has one of the most unique souls and energies,” says renowned chef Mary Attea, who heads up the kitchen at Michelin-starred The Musket Room. “For an out-of-towner, New York City can be overwhelming, but it’s very approachable.”

It can be helpful to avoid places that cater to tourists and instead take suggestions from those who live in and love the city. So here, Attea shares her favorite spots and foodie gems in the East Village and Lower Manhattan. As part of your New York vacation, she also suggests renting a car or taking the train to New York’s Hudson Valley, a sophisticated respite only a few hours away.

What you’ll learn:

• Lower Manhattan’s neighborhoods are home to some hidden gems, historic landmarks and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. 

• Lesser-known places to visit include South Street Seaport, the Tenement Museum and the tranquil Elizabeth Street Garden. 

• Those looking to unwind might consider a trip north to the Hudson Valley, where art galleries, hiking trails and boutique hotels offer a serene escape from the city. 

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

When you’re visiting New York, you’ll find many memorable dining experiences in Lower Manhattan. They include adventurous tasting menus, vegetarian dishes that won’t have you missing meat and speakeasy-style restaurants tucked into unexpected places.

With Attea’s arrival at The Musket Room in February 2020, this Michelin-starred woman-led kitchen went through a major transformation. Attea’s menu explores fine dining from a fresh perspective, combining her and her staff’s family histories with nimble culinary expertise in an eclectic menu that draws inspiration from around the world. 

“Every day I come in and curate the menu based on seasonally appropriate ingredients, drawing on inspirations, cuisines and experiences I’ve enjoyed,” Attea says. The atmosphere is elegant but friendly, with a distinct neighborhood feel, making this a top choice for where to eat in Lower Manhattan. Don’t miss the renowned sweetbreads if they’re on the seasonal menu during your visit.

The Musket Room: 265 Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10012; 212-219-0764

If you’re exploring Lower Manhattan, Attea says to “grab lunch at Ernesto’s, which is a great little Spanish spot.” Ernesto’s is a place to bask in Basque goodness, with classic components like Spanish salt cod, fried squid and grilled Iberico pork. Beyond the classics, chef Ryan Bartlow pushes the envelope, capturing the hearts of critics who hail his talent for marrying ingredients fancy (crab txangurro) and simple (eggs). “They have a delicious sandwich called the Bikini Hemingway,” says Attea, describing the restaurant’s combo of txistorra sausage, queso and shrimp. You’ll leave Ernesto’s wanting to become a regular if not planning to just call it a day and move to the Basque Country.

Ernesto’s: 259 E. Broadway, New York, NY 10002; 646-692-8300

Perched on the mezzanine of the Public Theater—the theater that launched Broadway hits like “Hamilton”—this speakeasy-style restaurant/bar serves cocktails and classic bites among cushy banquettes and leather-bound tomes. If you’re catching a show at this East Village tourist attraction, take your drink with you into the theater. Or skip the show and join a lively conversation with artists and intellectuals at the bar.

The Library at the Public: 425 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10003; 212-539-8777

A pioneer of the city’s vegetarian scene, Dirt Candy is still pushing flavor boundaries with whimsical and mind-bending combinations such as cauliflower cremeux, hibiscus churros and avocado sorbet and caramel. (And yes, they taste rich and delicious.) The five-course tasting menu is highly recommended for your next trip to New York—the treats from the kitchen between courses shouldn’t be missed either.

Dirt Candy: 86 Allen St., New York, NY 10002; 212-228-7732

There are thousands of places to go in New York City. Here’s where Attea heads with visitors.

Bordered by the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge on the east and the Financial District on the west, this neighborhood has seen it all. The historic buildings and cobblestone streets of South Street Seaport have been around since the harbor’s bustling days. “When I have friends visiting, I take them to see the waterfront,” Attea says. “The sunrise over the seaport is beautiful.” 

In recent years, the area has been revitalized to preserve the old while incorporating exciting new dining and shopping options. The must-see Seaport Museum provides a fascinating overview of the neighborhood’s timeline. Your admission fee also includes the Wavertree tall ship docked just opposite the museum.

South Street Seaport: Fulton and Water streets, New York, NY 10038; 646-822-6990

Perfect for when you’re in search of indoor New York attractions, the Tenement Museum sets the context for the city’s present day in its immigrant history. View lovingly re-created homes and businesses in the authentic tenement buildings and tour the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood with expert guides who provide a glimpse into the area’s stories and culture.

Tenement Museum: 103 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002; 877-975-3786

In a city with something for every taste, this store is a special treat for the foodie. “If somebody’s into cooking, there’s a wonderful, unique antique or out-of-print cookbooks shop called Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks,” Attea says. You could easily mistake the tiny space in the East Village for Grandma’s cottage, with its red-brick facade and flowers. Inside, expert Slotnick presides over a curated selection of rare cookbooks and delightful tchotchkes. 

Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks: 28 E. 2nd St., New York, NY 10003; 212-989-8962

To escape the hustle and bustle in Lower Manhattan, you can stop by the Elizabeth Street Garden, a beloved sliver of a park currently under threat of redevelopment. With a nearly 200-year history of serving as a public space of some sort, the garden offers a rare oasis of tranquility where you can relax and recharge alongside locals before heading out for your next adventure. “New York has all these little gems and small parks like the Elizabeth Street Garden,” Attea says. “I just love to go and relax and take in all the city has to offer.”

Elizabeth Street Garden: 209 Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10012

When you’re planning your perfect New York City vacation, consider choosing one of the handpicked premium hotels, resorts or vacation rentals of the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection, including the hotel featured below. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards.

At this casually elegant hotel with its relaxed vibe and textured aesthetic, “Manhattan West” is more like “Manhattan West Coast.” The boutique hotel, with direct access to the High Line, is conveniently nestled between Midtown West and Chelsea. At the Pendry Manhattan West, modernism feels warm, and wellness transcends the fitness center.

Pendry Manhattan West: 438 W. 33rd St., New York, NY 10001; 212-933-7003. Book through Capital One Travel.

Ready to expand your trip to New York with a few days in the country? “As much as I love the city, you always need a little time away, and the Hudson Valley is a great spot to visit,” Attea says. The area is dotted with quaint towns and unique shops and restaurants. “If you want to go hiking or camping, you’re not far from swimming holes,” Attea adds. “You can go to waterfalls such as Glen Falls. It’s really nice to get away and find some respite from the city.” 

Meandering through several miles of trails with Hudson River overlook sites and picnic areas, you’ll get a chance to clear your mind while spotting birds and other wildlife. The terrain is easy, too. Visit the Greenport Conservation Area at dusk for unbeatable sunset views.

Greenport Conservation Area: 319 Joslen Blvd., Hudson, NY 12534; 518-392-5252

Lovingly curated by two designers, Hudson Home is a boutique home furnishings store that features a tasteful selection of new and vintage decor. Inside, you’ll find everything from handcrafted furniture and modern lighting to ceramics, textiles, artwork and one-of-a-kind decorative pieces. The aesthetic blends Hudson Valley charm with clean, contemporary lines, making it a favorite stop for visitors looking to bring home something beautiful and uniquely local. 

Hudson Home: 366 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534; 518-822-8120

At this historic lakefront estate with more than 46,000 acres of bordering parkland, you can enjoy a full menu of nature-centered restorative amenities, from guided hikes, strength training and yoga to hot and cold-plunge pools and massages. Enjoy the seasonal plant-forward cuisine as you unwind in a distraction-free environment about an hour’s drive north of the city. 

The Ranch Hudson Valley: 150 Sisters Servants Lane, Sloatsburg, NY 10974; 888-777-2177. Book through Capital One Travel.

In the charming Hudson Valley town of Kingston, the boutique Hotel Kinsley is spread over four historic buildings, each with its own distinctive look and feel. From this central location, you can venture out to the area’s hiking trails, farms and breweries or explore the robust arts scene at the town’s galleries and boutiques. History lovers can check out local landmarks that date back to the Colonial era and the Revolutionary War. 

Hotel Kinsley: 301 Wall St., Kingston, NY 12401; 845-768-3620. Book through Capital One Travel.

With so many options for a New York City vacation, you may want to focus on one area, like historic Lower Manhattan, home to standout restaurants and distinctive attractions. And once you’ve made the most of your trip to New York City, you can head a couple of hours north to the historical Hudson Valley to commune with nature or immerse yourself in the thriving arts scene.

If you’re planning a trip to New York, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

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