New York’s Hot Spots
Josephine Bornebusch is one of Sweden’s most promising actresses, best known on Swedish TV for the travel programme När och Fjärran and the comedy series Playa Del Sol. Over the summer, Josephine is living in New York and studying acting at the William Esper Studios.
“My hottest tip for a real New York evening out is dinner at the Pastis restaurant in the Meatpacking District and then go straight over the road for a drink at Hotel Gansvoort’s rooftop bar, with its magical views across the whole of Manhattan,” says Josephine.
Josephine is a very experienced traveller, for work and for pleasure, and she knows about seeing the sights. The city that never sleeps is a clear favourite, with so much to see and do. There’s the world-class shopping, with everything from the luxury Fifth Avenue icons such as the Saks department store or Cartier to the trendy and great value boutiques in SoHo. Josephine also thinks that China Town is an interesting place to browse for bargains among the knick-knacks.
Josephine has been to New York three times before and loves the city for its unique buzz. Whatever you want and whatever the time, you can always get it in New York.
“Manhattan is like a fun circus, with all kinds of people, from unicyclists and buskers in bright clothing to businessmen on their mobile phones. You never know what you’ll see or who you’ll meet from one day to the next,” comments Josephine. “I live in Chelsea in West Manhattan, which is packed with cute cafés and wonderful secondhand shops.”
The best restaurants and bars are in the Meatpacking District, Lower East Side and Greenwich Village in South Manhattan. The abattoirs and warehouses of the Meatpacking District have now been converted into restaurants, bars and nightclubs, which draw all the most colourful and interesting people of America.
“For a great dining experience, check out New York’s restaurant guide Zagat, which lists places based on everything from atmosphere to service and food. Good spots to try include Pastis, Son Cubano and Spice Market. Just don’t forget to book, as it can be tough getting a table,” advises Josephine.
Josephine also recommends a visit to the city’s museums. One tip is to go one hour before they close, as admission is free. To sample the creativity of New York, MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art is a must. The Metropolitan Museum, where gentleman thief Thomas Crown plied his trade, or the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side are also well worth a visit.
