As you can imagine from its name, the High Line used to be an elevated rail line dating back to the 1920’s. At the end of the 1990’s, the park’s destiny seemed doomed, but the local community stood up for transformation of this unused zone into a public park. I think it should be a great inspiration for other cities in the world. It’s almost magical how all the trees and plants in the park can cut the noise of the city and provide such a peaceful place for people.

The High Line Park is almost 2.5 km long. There are several points where you can access and exit the park but if you go back to where you started, it will be at least a 5km walk.

The High Line Park is operated and maintained by Friends of the High Line, that is a non-profit organization. lIf you would like to support them, you can make donations or adopt a plant.

View from the High Line

High Line

Art in the High Line Park

View from the High Line Park

Main Concourse is the main hall of the terminal with a very high ceiling and a big clock right  in the middle of it. You will be under the charm of this magnificent hall the moment you step inside. Get ready to see a crazy flow of people with those going to the platforms, buying tickets and taking pictures. According to a survey made by Travel Leisure magazine in 2012, Grand Central Terminal is the 6^th most visited touristic place in the world. It shouldn’t have been a surprise since on average the terminal welcomes 21,600,000 visitors per year.

There is a shopping area and a food court on the lower level of the terminal. My favourite shop is PIQ where you can find designer toys such as Sonny Angels and Kid Robot.

The Grand Central Terminal is open between 5:30 am and 2 pm

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42nd Street and Park Avenue

Midtown Manhattan

Dimes
A small restaurant in Lower East Side, perfect for breakfast and light snacks. A good idea before heading off to Metrograph to watch a movie or to the Tenement Museum to look around, four blocks north to the restaurant. (On Canal Street, between Orchard and Ludlow)

Egg Restaurant
For a nice breakfast or lunch in (North) Wiiliamsburg, Egg Restaurant is not to be missed. They serve breakfast all day. If you are interested in food recipes, you can also buy their book “Breakfast: Recipes to Wake Up For” on their web site. (On N 3rd, between Wyhte and Berry)

Fabiane’s
One of the first restaurants opened in Willamsburg. Always the first choice for a quick but delicious lunch or tea and desert break. (On the corner of N 5th and Bedford)

Freemans

Freemans
Freemans is a lovely rustic american restaurant hidden in a quiet cul-de-sac. The interior design of the restaurant was designed by one of the partners, Taavo Somer. If you’re interested in interior design, check-out his book “Freemans: Food and Drink, Interiors, Grooming, Style” on the restaurant’s web site. (On Rivington Street at the end of  Freeman Alley. Between Bowery and Chrystie)

Garfunkel’s
Garfunkel’s is known as a “speakeasy” bar because of illicit banking business of Garfunkel and Tauster in the 1920’s.  The entrance is through the back door in The Burgary. Afternoon tea is served between 12 pm and 5 pm. Booking in advance is recommended for the afternoon tea. (On Clinton Street, between Stanton and Rivington)  

Jack’s Wife Freda

Jack’s Wife Freda
Great place for delicious food and cheerful staff. Booking in advance is highly recommended especially for weekend brunches. (224 Lafayette Street, between Spring and Kenmore Street – 50 Carmine Street, between Bleeker and Bedford Street)

Juliette
Juliette is a French restaurant that I really like. Food is always delicious and you can enjoy its rooftop terrace in good weather. You may also want to check-out the nice boutiques on Mini Mall and Bedford street just across the street. (on N 5th, between Berry and Bedford)

Le Coucou

Le Coucou
Le Coucou is the right address if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant in Soho. It’s a little pricy but worth it. Booking in advance is recommended both for lunch and dinner. (On Lafayette Street, between Howard and Canal) 

Marlow & Sons
Marlow&Sons is an American restaurant in (South) Willamsburg with a daily menu. (On Broadway-Brooklyn, between Berry and Wythe) 

Santina

Santina
A lovely spacious restaurant in Chelsea. Food, presentation, ambiance and anything else you expect from a nice restaurant is here. (Under the Gansevoort entrance of the High Line, in the corner of Washington and Gansevoort) 

Sessanta
Lovely italian restaurant in Sixty Soho Hotel. It has a nice openair lounge area when the sun is out. It’s a good place to spend your evening after a day looking around Soho.  (On Thompson Street, between Broome and Spring)  

The Grey Dog
If you’re looking for a delicious, value for money place, look no further. (Branches in Union Sq, Nolita and West Village) 

Veselka
Veselka is a Ukranian restaurant in East Village open since 1954. Big portions for reasonable prices and open 24h/day. (on the corner of 2nd Avenue and E 9th Street)

12 Chairs
12 Chairs is a European and Middle East restaurant with one branch in Soho and another one in Williamsburg. (Soho-On MacDougal Street, South Williamsburg-between Houston and Prince)