ELLE Escapes: New York City (2025)

They say New York is the city that never sleeps, and we’re happy to report that its trademark frenetic energy is still going strong. And with summer unofficially upon us, this place is definitively one where you want to see and be seen. With that in mind, we compiled a guide for the best ways to pass the time in what is universally considered to be the greatest city in the world, even in the summertime. Chalk it up to Carrie Bradshaw; we don’t make the rules.

What to See

“Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This year’s Met Gala started the conversation for The Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Now, you can view—and yes, smell—the 200-plus pieces without adhering to any specific dress code. Touch the walls and literally inhale the floral motifs while you still can.

CityPickle

Everyone is suddenly obsessed with pickleball, and now you can be, too. The fastest- growing racquet sport in the country has made its way to Wollman Rink—book one of the 14 courts for a guaranteed good time and sweeping views of Central Park South.

The Outsiders

S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, The Outsiders, comes to the stage as a lively musical. With music by Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance from Jamestown Revival, along with Justine Levine, and a script by Levine and Adam Rapp, the performance is both jaw-dropping and tear-jerking at once. Travel to the 1960s and join Ponyboy Curtis (played by the moving and talented Brody Grant in his Broadway debut) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when tensions between two rival gangs, the Greasers and Socs, come to a head. The set and choreography perfectly capture the grime and grit of the story, and it’s a show that will resonate with the whole family.

Where to Eat

Sappe

Sappe, a new northeastern Thai restaurant in Chelsea focused on street food and imaginative cocktails, gets a 10/10 review for the skewers, spice levels, and vibes. The sister restaurant to Soothr across town, Sappe’s menu by executive chef Tom Khaengkarn combines creativity with traditional ingredients, each with their own dramatic story (the superlative drinks are inspired by female protagonists in Thai books and movies). In particular, the fruit salad, which we hear is a favorite of Blackpink’s Lisa, is not to be missed.

PDA Slice Shop

Who needs to fly to Italy when you can make—and eat—Michelin-caliber pizza locally? Chef Robert Guimond (Roberta’s, Speedy Romeo, and Jean Georges) of Public Display of Affection (a.k.a. PDA Pizza) offers pizza classes at the new PDA Slice Shop inside The Hugh in Midtown Manhattan every Thursday, where you can sample everything from sungold and mushroom pizza to a vegan white pie.

American Cut

You can’t mess with a classic. Though American Cut has been serving up steaks in Tribeca for over a decade, its recent 10 Special Cuts series, celebrating 10 years in business, is the indulgence you never knew you needed. Think: porterhouse, pastrami tomahawk, wagyu rib-eye, which you can wash down with pairings by Macallan and a tableside flambé. Though it was a limited run, the rest of the menu definitely hits too. Come hungry, leave satisfied.

Where to Drink

Jac’s on Bond

The restaurant formerly known as The Smile, Jac’s on Bond—the latest opening from the guys behind Pebble Bar, Ray’s and The Jane (R.I.P.)—bills itself as “a new neighborhood watering hole.” Named after the “Mayor of Bond Street” Jack Champlin, the hotspot offers untraditional cocktails like the Caprese Martini (olive oil, tomato and basil-infused grey goose vodka, lustau blanco, and balsamic vinegar) which pretty tastes like a liquid salad, but don’t skip on the Spanish-inspired bar bites developed by Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, including a jamon serrano bikini sandwich, chilled crab dip, and grape pie.

Mr. Melo

Listening bars are taking over the nightlife scene, and Mr. Melo, a new lounge in Williamsburg with good drinks, Greek dishes, and music on loop, brings high-quality sound and a cozy vibe with good seating to boot. Win-win.

Everything’s Jake

Everything’s Jake, a reference to the Prohibition-era slang term that means “everything’s good” is an elegant bar off Union Square with elevated cocktails and good snacks that offers a respite from the chaos of NYC. Try the Popcorn Chicken with pickles and sweet chili sauce.

Where to Stay

The Standard, High Line

The Standard, High Line remains an iconic downtown destination not only for its sleek exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows, and prime location in the Meatpacking District, but also for its awesome food and beverage offerings (The Standard Grill and The Standard Biergarten in particular) and programming. From Not Your Standard Bingo every Sunday night starting at 10 P.M. to late-night dancing at Le Bain, this place has it all.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

With its legendary service and unrivaled elegance, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers expansive living spaces with seriously breathtaking views of the city. Once checked in, explore its 6,800-square-foot spa and fitness center, check out the rooftop bar Nubeluz, or treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath in your suite, where all guest rooms come equipped with bathroom amenities by Diptyque, adding an extra touch of luxury. When all that relaxing leaves you hungry, there’s no better way to conclude your stay than with DJ brunch at Zaytinya, offering a mezze menu by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés.

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

Even if you aren’t a guest, The Beekman deserves a place on every NYC itinerary. Before it became a Thompson hotel, this historic property was the Temple Court—one of the city’s very first skyscrapers. From top to bottom, The Beekman is a homage to New York’s history, complete with 19th-century design and curated vintage art throughout. With a 10-story atrium, prime downtown location, and the recently opened Laissez Faire cocktail lounge, this is the place to be.

Beauty Picks