Anna Rahmanan

You don’t need us to tell you that The Big Apple is a pricey place. Anybody visiting for the first time will soon realise that all the pizza slices, cocktails, museum tickets and cab fares quickly stacks up, but one way to easily make some savings is by booking yourself into a budget-friendly hotel.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? Hotel prices in NYC can be pretty harsh on your wallet, whether you book well in advance or not. But don’t fret, weary traveler—we are here to help. Our cheap New York hotels guide comprises a list which has not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but still only features stays with a starting price of $215 per night or less.  What’s the best area to stay in New York City? It’d be easy to assume that staying smack-dab in the heart of Manhattan will set you back a chunk of change—and don’t get us wrong, that is often the case. However, even in New York’s coolest zip codes, you will find budget-friendly places to stay. Have a read of our guides to all NYC’s neighborhoods, and cross-reference with our brilliant list below for the best affordable hotels in the city.  New York’s best budget-friendly hotels, at a glance: 👙 Best pool: Margaritaville Resort Times Square 🗺️ Best location: Now Now NoHo 🤩 Coolest: Romer Hell’s Kitchen Hotel  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old

Television is widely thought to have entered its golden age in the early 2000s, but the road there was paved by the previous decade. In many ways, the ’90s completely changed the idea of what the medium could accomplish. It’s where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld reinvented the sitcom. It’s where David Lynch actually got a spot in primetime. And it’s where HBO set up the revolution of the coming millennium by introducing a crime drama for the ages.  If you weren’t around back then – or ‘didn’t even own a TV’, as Gen X liked to brag – it’s a good time to catch up. The ’90s are everywhere again, in fashion, music and all over streaming platforms. Here are 37 can’t-miss suggestions, along with where to find them. Recommended: 📺 The 101 best TV shows of all-time💻 The 40 best Netflix original series to binge🎮 The best 50 ‘90s movies🎶 The 50 best ‘90s songs

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

If you’re looking for a travel destination, don’t underestimate Busan. In our opinion, Busan is one of the most underrated cities in the world, but let’s not go there right now. See the magic for yourselves. This huge, sprawling city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula is home to three and a half million people, and to fully embrace it, you’ve just got to go along for the ride.  Busan has huge beaches, a seriously good food scene and plenty of markets and shopping spots to explore. The best part? You can get all this alongside the bright lights of city life, which lends itself to trendy micro-breweries, cool coffee shops and vintage bargains. Fancy fresh seafood from the biggest fish market in Korea? An underground photographer’s gallery? You’ve got it all here. Read on for the best things to do in Busan right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Seoul🇰🇷 The best things to do in South Korea✈️ The world’s most underrated travel destinations🌆 The best cities in the world🏬 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of adventure quite like a road trip—and in America, it's practically a rite of passage. With thousands of miles of scenic byways, historic highways and wide-open roads, the United States, in our opinion, is best explored via four-wheel drive. While there are many reasons to love road trips, it's the freedom to roam that makes them truly special. Without the rush, distractions, or rigid schedules that come with pre-booked flights or train tickets, travelers can explore at their own pace—lingering where they want, skipping what doesn't interest them and embracing spontaneity. So, instead of racing to an airport or train station, travelers have ample time to explore, be it strolling through small towns, pulling over for a scenic hike or making a beeline for quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're weaving through coastal cliffs along the Pacific Coast Highway, winding through the Smoky Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway or cruising through red rock arches on Utah's Route 12, there's a scenic and spectacular route for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of our favorites across the country, each offering picturesque landscapes and postcard-worthy views. We've also included Airbnbs to stay in at the end of each route!

A new season calls for a new wardrobe, but who says the swap has to come with a hefty price tag? The best sample sales in NYC offer a goldmine of designer finds at a fraction of the cost. From chic outerwear to fresh footwear, these sales let you step into spring with a stylish new look—without breaking the bank.

Growing up, a shelf-stable sandwich was a constant cast member in my brown bag lunch, from the reliable turkey with a squirt of mustard to the simple yet satisfying peanut butter and jelly variety, all of which was prepared by my loving mother. But as I've grown, so has my imagination as to what I can slide between two halves of bread.  The mighty sandwich is really a vehicle for all. Carnivorous appetites call for hunks of brisket and barbecue to pastrami-stacked creations. Yet sandwiches sprouting with veggies and vegetarian-forward ingredients can be just as satisfying if not more. And no matter what, a sandwich beats a sad desk salad, any day. When the hankering calls for a carb-laden lunch (or breakfast or dinner, we don't care), thumb through this list and discover your new favorite sub. Editor's note: We removed Bonafide Delicatessen and Cafe, Ciao, Gloria, Henry Public and Rowdy Rooster. We added Bark Barbecue, Calyer, Daily Provisions, Ends Meat, Ollin, Win Son Bakery and The Bonnie.  RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

New York City's art scene is in for an impressive spring season. The season begins with an extensive survey of Brooklyn artists at the Brooklyn Museum. Then, there's The Affordable Art Fair, The Frick Collection's re-opening, never-before-seen Hilma af Klint illustrations, and an exhibit on nuclear posters at Poster House. We're especially looking forward to "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at The Met and "Out of the Closets! Into the Streets!" at Hispanic Society. From public art displays to gallery shows to museum presentations, here are 17 art experiences we’re excited about this spring for you to mark your calendar. No matter which you choose, New Yorkers you're guaranteed to feast your eyes on some incredible works this spring.  

New York is a green city. Back in March of 2021, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law that effectively legalized marijuana in the state. It was a long time coming: lawmakers had been trying to pass the guidelines since back in 2018 but conversations would stall on the topic of tax revenue from sales. Finally, in 2021, the stage budget proposal included the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (more on that later).  RECOMMENDED: Weed 101: Everything to know about cannabis in NYC Fast-forward nearly two years and the legalization of recreational cannabis began to actually take effect and all previous marijuana-related criminal records in the state of New York were given the current legality of the substance. New York State legalized the sale of cannabis for adult recreational use in 2022. That year, thousands of New Yorkers applied for their Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) license and (at the time of publication) over 40 of them went on to open licensed dispensaries, including 16 of them right here in New York City in 2023. Since then, more than 300 have opened across the state, as of January 2025. Of course, there are still a lot of questions to be answered: Can weed also be grown at home? Where can New Yorkers buy the stuff and will they be stopped if carrying it around? Can anyone sell marijuana now? Below, check out our extensive guide to marijuana legalization in New York state. Recommended: What to expect in NYC now that weed is

Whether or not you’re a sports fan, the halftime show is the one thing everyone tunes into on Super Bowl Sunday. This year was no different with Pullitzer-prize-winning rapper (!) Kendrick Lamar taking the stage alongside special guest SZA (plus a few other surprises we won’t ruin just yet). The halftime show is a long-standing tradition that has featured some of the country's biggest stars, from Beyoncé to Prince to Madonna. Every year, it brings us a thrilling performance filled with fireworks, splashy entrances, special guests, and plenty of surprises to keep you glued to your TV set. This year’s musical spectacle made a big impression, but that doesn’t mean they’ve all landed well with audiences. We’ve seen our share of misses among the best Super Bowl halftime shows. Below, a cherry-picked ranking of the performances that got us dancing, singing and discussing with colleagues the next day.

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is—with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars—it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

This year started off strong as New York City started winning its war against rats, was named as the best city in the world and had an extremely packed spring season on Broadway. But then as 2024 unfolded, we experienced some pretty radical moments, like an incredible solar eclipse and an earthquake—and when Jennifer Lopez declared “if you know, you know” about her mystifying Bronx bodega order. From there, we ditched the dating apps and confoundedly found love at live dating shows and running clubs, and suffered heartache when we lost a few greats—RIP to the Rubin Museum‘s physical space (it’s still in operation), the Fotografiska museum of photography (temporarily at least), our beloved Flaco the owl, pandemic-era dining sheds and $15 congestion pricing (oh no!). But New York City is nothing if not resilient. We celebrated the Paris Olympics from afar, turned out to the U.S. Open, saw top-notch theater, welcomed back Kellogg’s Diner, Papaya King and Pioneer Works, and even held a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest.  But so much more is worth celebrating this year, which is why Time Out New York editors—all of whom experienced these crazy NYC moments—are unveiling their top picks in the food and drink sphere, the world of theater, art and culture, nightlife circles and more. RECOMMENDED: Time Out New York’s 2023 Best of the City award winners

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology is a unique immersive museum created by artist Roy Nachum (you might recognize his name because he designed Rihanna's famed Anti album cover) and his business partner Michael Cayre, a real estate developer. The 36,000-square-foot space opened in early 2024 at 21 Dey Street, with a total of 15 different rooms to explore, each one attacking all the senses upon entrance. Some outstanding installations include the one that the staff refers to as "The Dragon," where a total of 500,000 individual LED lights hung on strings adorn a room and are lit up to created 3D videos, including one of a galloping horse, that will catch your attention. Towards the end of the walkthrough is what can only be described as a cave of beautiful pink flowers (plastic ones), where there will soon be a bar as well. This is perhaps the most Instagrammable space within the museum as a whole, one that will likely come to represent the destination on social media once it officially opens.   A mere walk through Mercer Labs makes one thing clear: the immersive space can be much more than that given its size and the clear technological capabilities embedded in each room. That’s something that wasn’t lost on the founders: folks can rent out different rooms. May we suggest a very unique and technologically avant-garde wedding in a room filled with pink flowers, perhaps?

Dining at Malka in Dumbo, the kosher Israeli restaurant by celebrity chef Eyal Shani, shifts depending on when you walk through the door. On most nights, it’s a polished, Middle Eastern–flavored dining experience, anchored by the now-famous golden Malka schnitzel—stuffed with mashed potatoes and served with dips begging to be dragged through. The vibe: Weeknights are calm and focused on the food, but come Thursday, the lights dim, the DJ cranks up and the restaurant transforms into a Tel Aviv–style party. Prix fixe tends to dominate because who has time to order while people are dancing on tables? The Dumbo outpost, Shani’s first U.S. kosher venture after the Upper West Side debut in 2023, also hosts wine-pairing dinners spotlighting kosher bottles from around the world, matched with regionally inspired dishes. The food: While the menu offers green beans, a field-of-greens salad and red meat entries, the schnitzel steals the show. Crispy and stuffed just right, it practically crackles under your knife, revealing a pillowy potato filling. Order it as a starter with the focaccia to swipe up every last bit. The branzino hraime—a North African fish stew in a fiery tomato, garlic and chili sauce—is another standout, served whole and begging for that same bread-soaking treatment. The drinks: Cocktails hit the mark with Israeli-inspired twists: the Jerusalem Negroni with grapefruit, the Limonarak with arak, mint and soda and the Sweet Luisa with gin, lemon, honey, verbena and brut.

One of the most visited historical sites in Europe, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, has opened an exhibition in New York for the first time. Find it at the Center for Jewish History in the Flatiron District through April 30, 2025. New Yorkers can now walk through a full-scale re-creation of the rooms where Anne Frank, her parents Otto and Edith, her sister Margot, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer (all Jews) spent two years in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Inside the re-created annex itself, every object displayed in glass cases is original—things that Anne, her family and fellow hideout Jews touched and used daily, alongside exact replicas of other items. The exhibition also includes a gallery space that walks visitors through the events leading up to the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews were murdered, and its aftermath. Expect to see objects—some original, others exact replicas from the house in Amsterdam—alongside striking images. There's a remarkable amount of archival footage on display—photos and videos blown up to massive size that demand attention to every detail.  Brace yourself for a deeply emotional experience. Time Out tip: upon entering, be sure to grab an audio guide. The space is filled with artifacts, photos and videos, but the text on the walls is minimal, mostly consisting of quotes from Anne’s diary and from family members. 

In what is likely to be the most New York-way to ring in the New Year, dance to electrifying beats by DJ Kristaval, who will be performing 1,000 feet above the city at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on December 31. You can also expect two complimentary cocktails of your choice, a complimentary champagne for a midnight toast, and a dessert bar with plenty of gourmet bites.  For $300, you'll gain access to all three floor sof the space until 2am, including the beautiful rooftop. You can purchase tickets right here.

If Netflix’s Squid Game was one of your favorite shows and you’re looking forward to the new season premiere this December, you’ll want to try your hand at some of the challenges at Squid Game: The Experience here in NYC. Set within Manhattan Mall (100 West 33rd Street by Sixth Avenue), you get into teams of up to 24 people each to complete challenges across 60 minutes, including those that appeared on the TV show (yes, you’ll get to try your hand at the iconic Red Light Green Light) plus a number of brand-new ones built specifically for the experience.  Once done playing, you can enjoy a night market offering a variety of Korean and international sweet and savory foods—plus drinks! As the event's official spirits partner, Johnnie Walker is serving signature cocktails inspired by the show such as The 456, at the Johnnie Walker Black Label bar.

The ultimate family concert experience, the Kidz Bop tour is hitting New York's Beacon Theatre with 90 minutes of pop tracks sung by children... for children. The concert coincides with the group's latest album Kidz Bop 2024 Vol. 2. This year's Kidz Bop Kids—Aleah, JJ, Shila and Tyler—will perform songs like "Dance the Night," "Shake it Off," "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," "Sunroof" and "Uptown Funk," among others. A few things to keep in mind: the show features an intermission and you are more than welcome to snap photos of the experience before, during and after the producion. A message to fans: every Kidz Bop tour is different, so expect an all-new set design, novel costumes, choreography and more at this year's shenanigans. You can snag tickets to the Beacon Theatre concert right here. 

Is the role of a hotel to shield its guests from the outside world or render them participants to the goings-on of the city they get to temporarily call home? If you’re leaning towards the former, then the Greenwich Hotel, the eight-story luxury abode near Tribeca that's partly owned by actor Robert De Niro, is where you’ll want to stay while in town.  Nestled on the corner of North Moore Street and Greenwich Street right by the West Side Highway, the building boasts 73 rooms, some of which overlook an interior courtyard, 11 suites and two duplex penthouses that are aptly named The Greenwich and The North Moore.  On a recent visit while staying in a luxurious suite on the second floor, I was struck by one aspect of the experience: I forgot I was in New York. When looking out the window and into the courtyard, I noticed the absence of the very things that make the city what it is on a visual level. There were no buildings, no people rushing down the street and all was… quiet?  Despite the disconnect from its surroundings, the hotel offers a premium experience when it comes to your actual stay: the beautiful bathroom, complete with a shower and a bath, was stocked with Red Flower products developed specifically for the hotel and the bed, by British company Savoir, was particularly comfortable.  But there’s more: guests receive a complimentary newspaper every morning and the mini bar is filled with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to be enjoyed completely gratis (keep in mind tha

Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short N’ Sweet, is set to drop this Friday. And Angelenos will get to celebrate the much anticipated new record with a visit to this exclusive pop-up experience, courtesy of Complex L.A. at 433 North Fairfax Avenue. Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25 from 11am to 7pm, folks can shop exclusive merchandise inspired by and dedicated to the 25-year-old singer and actress. From T-shirts to tanks, hats, totes, CDs and vinyl records, the roster of products on offer run the gamut in terms of style and genre, but each one pays homage to the artist behind the hit “Espresso.”

Angelenos will soon be able to taste one of the most iconic dishes served in New York when Katz’s Delicatessen, perhaps the most recognized deli in all of the East Coast, will open in L.A. for one day only this Saturday, June 29 from 11am to 6pm. Brought to this side of the country by Postmates and West Hollywood spot Bar Next Door, where the activation will be setting up at 9159 Sunset Boulevard, the pop-up will be serving a limited number of Katz’s famous pastrami sandwiches on rye with a side of the legendary house-made mustard and pickles. You can opt for either pickup or delivery on Postmates, and in addition to the app, there’ll be a limited number of sandwiches available at the bar for walk-ups (though you’ll likely need to wait in a standby line). Fair warning: The culinary delight will cost you $25 for half a sandwich and $45 for a full one. But trust us: The food is worth the price tag. Guests will also be able to look through limited-edition branded merch.

When trying to gauge whether a stay at the Surf Lodge in Montauk is worth the effort, the first thing you have to figure out is whether you want to head to Montauk at all. About 112 miles from midtown Manhattan, the three-hour drive to Montauk will take you across all of Long Island, passing through locales such as Southampton, grazing Sag Harbor and even waving to folks as you pass by Fire Island.  If it’s a high-end vacation with tons of shopping opportunities and real estate porn that you’re after, then you’re likely going to want to stop a few hours into your drive and set up camp in East Hampton.  But if it’s a more subtle cool that you’re craving, defined by high-priced but casual-feeling outings, Montauk is the place to be during summer weekends in New York. Think of it as the equivalent of living in Manhattan versus Brooklyn: although both are part of this grand city of ours, each borough caters to slightly different characters. One fact mostly rings true across all of Eastern Long Island: when looking for lodgings, options include motels, Airbnbs or very expensive hotels, which is the category that the likes of the Surf Lodge and Gurneys in Montauk belong to. Straight off the bat, the price of an average room during the summer season at the Surf Lodge seems pretty daunting: it’ll cost you about $800 to stay there a single night. The prohibitive pricing probably has to do with the fact that the destination is more of a sunset-to-night hangout spot than it is a hotel w

Gaming company Immersive Gamebox has just partnered with Netflix to launch a full-scale, interactive version of Squid Game that New Yorkers can play beginning September 21. Specifically, the company has opened its first venue in New York (the 13th across the United States and Europe) at 242 Broome Street between Ludlow and Essex Streets, outfitting the space with a multitude of different games for all ages (think a life-size Angry Birds, for example). The company relies on its proprietary motion-sensing technology and touch screens to create all games, none of which require the use of headsets. The Squid Game offering is set to debut within the venue this fall.  According to an official press release, "groups of two to six players will navigate challenges inspired by the series, including Red Light Green Light and the 'Squid Game' itself, among others."  Think of the destination as a happy marriage between the various immersive experiences that have taken over the city in recent years and the escape rooms that some argue actually portended the trend. 

Kaizen, a new hand roll joint in Flushing, says it's a destination for hand rolls, but what Kaizen actually offers are pieces of (delicious) sushi served on crunchy seaweed. With an on-point interior and a skilled staff that patiently navigates the menu alongside each curious diner that wanders inside, Kaizen boasts an extraordinarily tasty oyster mushroom hand roll with garlic butter and a "secret" XO sauce to a simple-yet-delightful dish of salmon and tomato purée, diners will get to order sets of hand rolls presented in eye-pleasing wooden, "sectioned" serving dishes. An omakase option will soon launch as well. Standout orders in the short-but-strong list of appetizers include the akami avocado salad and the Thai-style yellowtail crudo, all served under the purview of chef Ben Chan of Sushi Seki and O Ya fame.  Overall, Kaizen certainly does pack a punch, a happy medium between traditional Japanese spots like Manhattan’s Sushi Yasuda and more "commercial" destinations like nearby Tara, in Little Neck. But if the inventively appetizing fare is what should initially draw you to Kaizen, the interior decor's piece de resistance, an actual cherry blossom tree, is what will have you linger way past your meal is finished, trying to gaze at the genetic makeup of the giant piece of nature. Set upright in the middle of the sushi bar, which happens to be the best seat in the house, the cherry blossom tree is made of a petrified trunk installed right into the ground with pink fabric

What. A. Weekend. Following a nail-biting, 16-point comeback in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks won the NBA Finals for the first time in 53 years this past Saturday night. Now, it's time to celebrate. And we're not just talking about reliving the highlights of the game on your phone, or screaming "Let's go Knicks!" and "Go New York, go New York, go!" at everyone who walks past you. We're talking about a real NYC-style celebration: a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes this Thursday morning. Whether you've been a fan since forever or have suddenly become a basketball aficionado given the excitement surrounding the team in this town these past few months (we don't blame you), we suggest you take the time off to participate in the festivities. Who knows? It might be another 53 years until we get to witness a Knicks championship win again (although, let's be honest, with Brunson and his squad, we expect to do this exact parade again next year). Here is everything you need to know about this week's Knicks parade: When and Where it Kicks Off The confetti drops this Thursday, June 18. The parade officially kicks off at 10am in Lower Manhattan, but if you know anything about NYC sports crowds, you know you need to get there way earlier than that to see the action. The Official Canyon of Heroes Route The floats will begin their journey at The Battery and travel north straight up Broadway, affectionately known as the Canyon of Heroes. The route proceeds through

There's just something about outdoor drinking with the NYC skyline stretched out before you that instantly puts everyone in a good mood. Now imagine that same scene on the water, aboard a floating bar. Better yet, imagine that bar set atop a decommissioned 1961 FDNY fireboat. Now that's a quintessential New York summer experience. Photograph: Sebastian LangeFireboat That vibe officially arrived this week with the debut of Fireboat at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6. The brainchild of Crew, the team behind Grand Banks, which is one of the city's most coveted reservations whenever the weather creeps above 70 degrees, Fireboat pairs tropical bites and drinks with panoramic views of New York Harbor. While the concept sounds elaborate, the backstory is refreshingly straightforward: Crew acquired the 1961 FDNY fireboat Governor Alfred E. Smith at a city auction in 2016 and has spent the years since restoring the vintage vessel into a cocktail destination. It's banking on the same undeniable truth that has made Grand Banks such a success: New Yorkers really, really love drinking on boats. Photograph: Courtesy of FireboatFireboat Although you'll likely spend much of your visit soaking in the views, the menu is worth a look. It's compact but thoughtfully curated, featuring snacks like ceviche and chips, cod cakes and assorted skewers. There are also three salads —cucumber tomato, watermelon wedges and curried chicken Caesar—plus a lone sandwich option: jerk chicken with bell peppers

Used to bemoaning the shuttering of iconic NYC retail institutions, we are excited to take a moment to celebrate the expansion of one of the greats: Fishs Eddy, the eclectically delightful home goods store, which we can exclusively reveal will open its third NYC location inside Chelsea Market tomorrow. Photograph: Courtesy of Chelsea Market Founded in 1986 by Julie Gaines and David Lenovitz, the shop carries the kind of offbeat kitchen and houseware items you'd expect to find only in the truest, most authentic NYC apartments. A mere scroll through the store's Instagram makes that clear: a mug bearing Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court portrait, a glass printed with "NYC Tap" alongside a picture of a water tower, New York-themed prints, charmingly colored plates and plenty more. Oddly enough, given that the original location opened near Union Square back in the '80s (and is still standing!), the cornucopia of items found inside lends itself perfectly to the world of social media, where odd knickknacks with a lot of personality are very much right at home.  Photograph: Courtesy of Fishs Eddy The origin story of Fishs Eddy doesn't skimp on the oh-wow factor, either: as legend has it, Gaines and Lenovitz started the business after getting lost upstate in the mid-'80s and stumbling upon a small town called Fishs Eddy, where they wandered into an old barn filled with restaurant dishware that, the myth goes, had survived a fire. They bought the entire inventory, hauled it back

A week from today, on June 18, New York City will begin assigning a brand-new area code to people requesting fresh phone numbers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan's Marble Hill neighborhood. The new addition, 465, will coexist with the currently operating 347, 718, 917 and 929 area codes. The reason is pretty straightforward: we've officially run out of available phone numbers tied to the existing area codes. So, as has happened every few years throughout the city's history, a new one is being introduced to unlock an entirely fresh batch of digits for future New York-based phone number. Our reaction to the news reminds us of the time that Carrie Bradshaw was assigned a 347 area code in the first Sex and the City movie after throwing her phone into the ocean during a post-wedding-disaster trip to Mexico. After her assistant Louise gifts her a replacement phone and tells her about hew new area code. Bradshaw protests, horrified: "I'm a 917 girl."   In this city, after all, area codes have long been treated as subtle status symbols and badges of tenure. A 212 number screams old-school Manhattan and 917 suggests you've been around long enough to remember when getting a cell phone felt novel. Newer additions like 347, 929 and now 465 simply don't carry the same nostalgic weight (at least not yet) and are associated with being a relative newcomer to New York. Of course, none of this actually matters. A New Yorker is a New Yorker regardless of what three di

There are so many things happening around town today to get New Yorkers even more giddy about the Knicks' Game 4 showdown at MSG tonight (not that this city needs much more hyping up right now) but this might be the most effective one yet at really getting us excited: Spotify has unveiled a billboard just steps from Madison Square Garden featuring a real fan-created playlist in honor of our home team titled "waiting for this since '99." The reference hits particularly hard for Knicks fans. The franchise hasn't reached the NBA Finals since 1999, meaning generations of New Yorkers have spent the past 27 years hoping, heartbroken and convincing themselves that next year would finally be the year. This playoff run feels different and the playlist title perfectly captures that long-awaited sense of possibility. Let's go, Knicks! Created by Spotify user charlieevans134, the collection features 60 songs and runs about four hours long, meaning you still have enough time to squeeze in a few full listens before tip-off. The tracklist reads like a love letter to New York itself, featuring Nas' "N.Y. State of Mind;" Kyah Baby's "NY Knicks Energy;" Black Rob's "Whoa!;" Ja Rule, Fat Joe and Jadakiss' "New York;" Kurtis Blow's "Basketball;" and JAY-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West's "Run This Town," among many others. And, of course, no Knicks soundtrack would be complete without Jesse Itzler's "Go NY Go." While not officially designated as the team's official song by the organization, the track h

The entire city feels like an ode to the Knicks today, and for good reason: Game 4 of the NBA Finals is taking over Madison Square Garden tonight, potentially bringing the team one step closer to a championship title. The Knicks currently lead the San Antonio Spurs two games to one, making tonight a very important evening. The celebrations have officially moved beyond the traditional watch party. Today, Snapple, the team's official tea partner, is teaming up with the Knicks to turn the commute into part of the festivities. The 5:15pm train from Newark into Penn Station, along with select LIRR rides, will transform into rolling pep rallies complete with free team swag, Snapple samples, group chants and the kind of collective enthusiasm that has defined New York over the past few weeks. This actually marks the second time the brand has rolled out the activation during the Finals, having transformed trains into fan-filled celebrations ahead of Game 3 as well. The themed "Loud Cars," as they're being called, will be led by the aptly named 7th Avenue Hype Squad, ensuring fans start celebrating long before they reach the Garden or their chosen viewing destination. It's the latest example of how this playoff run has turned everyday moments into citywide events, with strangers bonding over predictions, lucky jerseys and a shared hope that this might finally be the year. Let's be honest, it all feels amazing. Given the extensive restrictions surrounding MSG, the insane cost of game ti

There is something about NYC spots earning celebrities' stamps of approval that gets us giddy with excitement. It's not that we don't trust everyday New Yorkers, but when someone who gets to travel the world and experience some of the best restaurants, shops and cultural institutions out there singles out a local spot as a favorite, it feels like our own opinions have been validated. So when we came across British artist Dua Lipa's "Essential NYC" list, part of her new partnership with Google, we just had to dive in and tell you all about it. The 30-year-old Grammy-winning artist has good taste, singling out a delectable West Village restaurant that deserves the praise while also spotlighting lesser-known gems for shopping, bar hopping and more.  Here are Dua Lipa's favorite spots around NYC (which, we noticed, skew downtown): Santo Taco Photograph: Christian Rodriguez/GoogleSanto Taco The Mexican restaurant on Kenmare is a no-frills spot that has quickly earned the title of "next great taqueria" within local culinary circles. Dua Lipa agrees, singling out the steak trompo served with avocado salsa as "extraordinary." Joyface Joyface is a subdued 1970s-style bar with a disco ball and a waterbed as centerpieces, so we're not surprised the spot earned a Dua Lipa mention. Treasures of NYC If you're looking for "things [...] that you won't find anywhere else," as mentioned by Dua Lipa, then this vintage resale shop on Mercer Street in SoHo is for you. According to the artist, "

Both President Donald Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani are expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden tonight, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30pm. As a result, the New York Police Department announced yesterday that there will be no official watch party outside the arena citing security concerns connected to the high-profile attendances. The decision isn't entirely surprising. Although the presidential visit ultimately prompted the cancellation, outdoor watch parties around MSG had already become a point of contention throughout the Knicks' historic Finals run. Before the series even began, city officials debated whether to allow the gatherings after large, unofficial celebrations following playoff wins led to crowd-control concerns. The city ultimately moved forward with the Plaza33 watch parties, but not without hesitation. As seen in countless viral social media videos, thousands of New Yorkers have poured into the streets to celebrate the Knicks' first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Those celebrations have occasionally turned chaotic, with fans climbing structures, spilling into roadways and multiple arrests being made following Game 2 celebrations. In an official statement, the NYPD said that the decision to cancel tonight's watch party was made in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. "The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the city's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD," an

Perhaps the most exciting concert announcement of the summer has just dropped: Lauryn Hill is set to take the stage at The Clubhouse Hamptons on Saturday, July 25, for a one-night-only acoustic concert. The performance marks Hill's first advertised acoustic set in more than two decades, harkening back to the intimate, stripped-down style of her 2002 "MTV Unplugged No. 2.0" era. Tickets for the show are already on sale starting at $200 right here, with Hill scheduled to take the stage at 7pm (doors will open at 5pm), although longtime fans know that her concerts have, at times, been subject to delayed start times, making the exact timing of her appearance anyone's guess. “This special acoustic concert offers fans a rare opportunity to experience her music in an intimate setting,” said Brian Kelly, the founder of Murmrr, one of the show's producers, said in an official statement. The performance is set to take place on The Lawn at The Clubhouse Hamptons, an East Hampton venue that has increasingly become a destination for live entertainment on the East End, playing host to acts ranging from Jon Bon Jovi to Lupe Fiasco, Craig Robinson and MGMT, among others.  An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Hill remains one of the most influential artists of her generation. Her 1998 solo debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, earned critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Album of the Year at the Grammys and helping redefine the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. More than 25 y

It’s not every day that New Yorkers get a brand-new beach. That’s why the opening of the Motiva section of Bushwick Inlet Park on the Greenpoint-Williamsburg border feels like such a big deal. After years of delays, planning meetings and community advocacy, the long-awaited waterfront parcel is finally open to the public, giving North Brooklyn residents something that has been in short supply for decades: direct access to the water. And yes, it comes with an actual tiny beach. The newly opened Motiva parcel wraps around the northern edge of Bushwick Inlet, creating a waterfront oasis that looks across the East River toward Manhattan. Depending on where you're standing, you'll catch views of the East Village skyline, passing ferries and, if you're lucky, some of the migratory birds already making use of the restored habitat. Photograph: Courtesy of NYC ParksMotiva section of Bushwick Inlet Park The site spans roughly 1.8 acres and features winding pathways, native plantings, wetlands-inspired landscaping and one particularly exciting amenity for outdoorsy Brooklynites: a kayak launch. There’s also a small sandy shoreline where visitors can dip their toes in the sand—though, to be clear, this isn't a swimming beach. “Our parks are where New Yorkers reconnect with their city, and this newest portion of Bushwick Inlet Park gives visitors a place to take in the majesty of the Manhattan skyline while enjoying the serenity of a thriving green waterfront,” said NYC Parks Commission

The Tin Building down by the Seaport—formerly home to Jean-Georges Vongerichten's food market experiment, which shut down in February—is ready for its next iteration as the permanent home of the viral Balloon Museum. Photograph: Adomas Lukå¡'Bird of a Thousand Voices' by Boris Acket Officially opening on July 15, the museum will debut "DAYDREAM: AIR BECOMES ART," an inaugural exhibition featuring large-scale immersive environments that visitors can walk through and become part of. The centerpiece of the show will be acclaimed artist Marina Abramović's Snowy/Windy/Spring on Planet Z, an installation made up of "a glowing white, extraterrestrial meadow of shoulder-high inflatable grass and swirling artificial snow," according to an official press release. Abramović isn't the only big name on the bill. The collective show, which is curated by Valentino Catricalà, rounds up a roster of international artists, each one turning air, light and sound into something you can physically wander into. Turner Prize winner Martin Creed fills a transparent room with hundreds of blue balloons in Work No. 3883: Half the air in a given space, a deliberately disorienting tangle that "contains" exactly half the air in the room. In Karina Smigla-Bobinski's ADA, a helium-filled, charcoal-spiked sphere bobs freely around the gallery, scribbling marks across the walls, ceiling and floor as visitors bat it around. Thom Kubli's Black Hole Horizon, on the other hand, uses compressed air to turn sound

We're almost too superstitious to talk about it because we don't want to jinx ourselves, but the Knicks won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs last night—a huge deal, especially considering it happened on the opponent's home court. That means we're just three wins away from the title we've been waiting decades to see. But, as we said, we're a little too excited to think clearly right now, and definitely too nervous to tempt fate. The city's enthusiasm has reached such a fever pitch that Madison Square Garden has even reversed its decision to ban watch parties for away games, reopening the arena to fans eager to cheer the team on together. So instead of trying to put our feelings into words, we're turning our attention to images and videos, reliving the victory through social media clips of New Yorkers celebrating across the city. Honestly, we can't stop watching them. They perfectly capture the excitement, joy and collective hope that's taken over New York right now. Let's go, Knicks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cos Del Valle (@cosdelvalle) View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBS News New York (@cbsnewyork) @nbcnewyork Hordes of Knicks fans celebrated in the streets after their team's win over the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Game 2 is on Friday, then the series comes to New York City. #NBAFinals #NBA #playoffs #nbc4ny #knicks #spurs ♬ original sound - NBC New York View t