NYC for the first time
From Times Square to Central Park, it all looks like a movie scene. But the best of New York lies in the details: a perfect bagel, a Brooklyn sunset, the energy that never stops
First time… but never the last
New York can’t be explained—it has to be felt. For first-time visitors, the city pulses like a grand live show, where every corner holds a new act. The towering skyscrapers, the diversity of styles, the rhythm of the streets: everything in NYC is an invitation to wonder. But while Times Square and Central Park are must-see settings, the city’s true treasures hide in the details—those that only reveal themselves to those who look closely, even amid the chaos.
Start the day with a reinvented classic: a coffee and bagel at Sadelle’s in SoHo is almost a New York ritual for newcomers—but with the charm of seasoned locals. Amid Art Deco chandeliers and impeccably uniformed waiters, the smoked salmon served at the table turns into a small morning celebration.
Want to see the city from above? Head up to the rooftop of The Edge in Hudson Yards and experience the delightful vertigo of seeing all of Manhattan at your feet. It’s a view to save in your memory (and on your camera roll)
Lunch with an Italian soul? Head straight to Sant Ambroeus in the West Village. A pause between galleries and curated shops, complete with al dente pasta and an espresso as in Milan—but with a New York accent. The clientele is discreet, chic, and full of international accents.
For a cinematic sunset, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. End your stroll at Time Out Market in DUMBO, and head up to the terrace to watch the sun disappear behind the skyline. A glass of wine in hand, the Manhattan view ahead—and the certainty that yes, you are living your own movie.
Dinner? Make a reservation at Le Coucou, an elegant and cozy French spot in the heart of SoHo. The lighting is soft, the service attentive, and each dish feels like a work of art. For lovers of sophisticated, heartfelt cuisine, it’s the kind of place you carry in your memory—and in your heart.
After dinner, if you’re still up for it (and in NYC, you always are), head to the speakeasy bar Employees Only in the West Village. Behind a discreet facade, you’ll find craft cocktails, low lighting, and an ambiance that blends mystery and elegance. It’s a toast to the night—and to the city that never sleeps.
And to end on a poetic note: wake up early and walk to Central Park. Watching the city awaken around the lake, with warm coffees in hand and the distant sounds of street musicians, is a quiet reminder that, even if it’s your first time there, New York will always be a place to return to.
Because NYC has this effect: it wins us over at first sight… and never lets us completely leave.
