A LOCAL'S GUIDE TO NEW YORK AROUND
EQUINOX HOTEL NEW YORK
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s lower West Side, the High Line beckons visitors with its rich history and vibrant cultural offerings. Once an essential train rail for transporting goods, this elevated park, born from the remnants of the “West Side Elevated Line,” now stands as a testament to urban renewal and creative ingenuity.
When exploring present-day New York, and the lower West Side of Manhattan, the “stops” or entrances and exits found along this former rail line, serve as gateways to Hudson Yards, Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village. This elevated intersection seamlessly blends art, cuisine, and city life to create an unforgettable experience just steps away from Equinox Hotel New York.
Exploring the High Line “Stops”:
Hudson Yards (30th Street Entrance):
Start your day at Daily Provisions in Hudson Yards, a casual neighborhood cafe brought to you by Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality. If you are hungry, the breakfast sandwich cannot be missed, request the Wake Up sauce for an extra pep in your step. If you want to save your appetite (this is my suggestion), grab a coffee to-go and hop on the High Line at 30th Street Hudson Yards.
Chelsea (26th Street):
I always like to start a day of exploring with art, especially with a coffee or tea in hand. Take the stairs down at the 26th Street exit, and immerse yourself in Chelsea’s thriving art scene. Galleries like Pace Gallery, Gagosian, Dia Chelsea, David Zwirner, and more await, showcasing contemporary masterpieces and emerging talents. Take your time to appreciate each brushstroke and sculptural form before continuing your journey.
Need a caffeine fix? Head over to Intelligentsia Coffee at the High Line Hotel. In the summer, go directly to the outdoor double-decker bus for a unique coffee service experience. Savor their artisanal brews amidst a serene outdoor garden, then walk back up to the High Line at 20th Street and continue your stroll downtown.
Meatpacking District (14th Street):
By this point, you might be hungry. Descend the stairs at the 14th Street exit and venture into the historic Meatpacking District. Indulge at Pastis (on Gansevoort St) or Barbuto (on Horatio St), New York institutions that are equally delicious and as they are atmospheric. Don’t forget to reserve your table in advance through Equinox Hotel New York’s concierge.
West Village (Gansevoort Street):
After lunch, continue your artistic odyssey with the unmissable Whitney Museum of American Art. Wander around the contemporary space viewing the newest exhibits for the afternoon before venturing into the West Village for a pre-dinner drink at Katana Kitten, B’artusi, Employees Only or Dante. These mixology-forward establishments take their cocktails very seriously, but if wine is your preference, check out Moonflower, serving indie wines made by small, family producers in a space that looks like it was designed by Henri Matisse.
Finish your day off with a delicious dinner at one of the West Village’s classic Italian restaurants, Via Carota (find their cocktails in-room at Equinox Hotel New York), I Sodi, Don Angie, or L’Artusi. You can’t go wrong with any of them but I highly suggest a reservation!
Nighttime Stroll (Gansevoort Street to 30th Street):
Once you finish your last meal of the day, work off your dinner with a nighttime stroll back up the High Line, getting on at Gansevoort Street and off at 30th Street in Hudson Yards. Head to Electric Lemon at Equinox Hotel New York for a nightcap and then off to your room for the best sleep of your life.
Whether you are interested in art, cuisine, or simply soaking in the city’s vibrant energy, stroll the High Line for a myriad of experiences, just moments away from Equinox Hotel New York.
