Molly Dubens

New York City’s cultural amenities are many, but none quite match the number, scale, and variety of its museums. There is literally an institution for every interest, whether it’s in art, history, science, or quirkier subjects. From 5,000 years of art history at The Metropolitan Museum to cutting-edge art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City is an art lovers' paradise. There are dozens of other types of museums, too, like the encyclopedic American Museum Of Natural History, the classical New-York Historical Society, and the sultry Museum of Sex. Photography fans have to check out the International Center of Photography, architecture buffs should head to the Skyscraper Museum, and transit lovers can't miss the New York Transit Museum. And, of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, even if you don’t count all of the other museums in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Is it a lot to take in? Certainly. But if you want to find a museum with your name on it, look no further than our complete guide to the best museums in NYC, complete with highlights at each one.  RECOMMENDED: 🖼Full guide to the best museum exhibitions in NYC

Whether you’re bidding bon voyage to loved ones or desperately ferrying luggage and pelting towards your platform, it can be easy to overlook the majesty of a train station. There are more than 2,500 across the UK, after all, and some of ‘em are a bit grotty. But others? Others brag some seriously stunning, innovative or historic architecture.  From the northern Scottish coastline to the rugged shores of Devon, there’s everything from cottage-like waiting rooms to grand city structures, and some are perched where you might least expect them. So grab your railcard and come aboard – these are the 12 most beautiful train stations in the UK. RECOMMENDED:🚞The most scenic train journeys in the UK🌤️The best road trips in the UK🎭The best things to do in the UK🌃The best places to visit in the UK

Since 1999, Outstanding in the Field has roamed across all 50 states in U.S., and made appearances in 24 countries worldwide. Setting up a dining table that seemingly runs a mile long, the culinary caravan seeks to connect locals to the food, chefs and land. In August, the outdoor pop-up will soon land in New York this season, featuring some pretty big names in the French cuisine world. On August 29, Outstanding in the Field is landing in Governors Island. At the head of this community table will be executive chef Andrew Ayala and corporate pastry chef Salvatore Martone of midtown's Le Jardinier from The Bastion Collection. Bringing their French expertise to the table, the extravagant multi-course meal will feature local oysters from Fishers Island Oyster Farm and wines from Hermann J. Weimer Vineyard. Speaking of oysters, the event is hosted by the Billion Oyster Project. Located on Governors Island, the local nonprofit engages local students and youth volunteers to restore New York Harbor’s lost oyster reefs.  As a reminder, the dinner will be held on Governors Island which is only accessible via ferry. So, you’ll want to get organized and purchase a separate ferry ticket.  Outstanding in Field will be held at Governors Island on August 29. The tickets are $425.

Back in January of 2023, Gjelina finally made its East Coast debut after seven long years. Housed in a two-story space in Noho, the L.A. transplant brought over seasonal pizzas and plethora of vegetable heavy dishes charred by the wood-fired oven plus a full line up of natty wines. Sadly, less than a month later, the restaurant abruptly shuttered due to a fire and the doors have remained shut ever since. This year, the team has started to tease a 2024 return, putting the call out for positions. In the meantime, the Gjelina team is putting their name back out there, hosting a series of pop-ups all about town, including one in the East Village. Starting August 6, The Standard, East Village will house the L.A. eatery for a pop-up. Held at the hotel’s NO BAR space (25 Cooper Square, New York), the Gjelina team will serve an abbreviated menu that mirrors its L.A. location. Since the space is lacking a wood-fired oven, the coming pop-up will not include its blistered pizzas. Luckily, the team does know their way around a vegetable (charred romanesco and brussel sprouts, anyone?) and will be incorporating produce from Union Square Farmers Market. We suppose this pop-up will be enough to tide us over until the tentative opening in September of this year.

Who needs the beach when you have beachy cocktails? Loreley Beer Garden is transforming into a Margarita Beach Club pop-up this summer from now through September 8. This is one of NYC’s most fun beer gardens so it’s the ideal place to knock back a few frozen drinks, especially with its limited-time beach club paraphernalia. From tropical plants to floral walls Loreley has mastered the setting—New York is an island after all.   Escape the blazing sun and cool down in this indoor-outdoor beer garden, where the makeover even continues into the seating with pop-up beach cabanas, outfitted with white drapes and teal and white striped cushions. Now onto the main event; there are an array of margaritas available. Frozen, on the rocks, draft? You name it, they’ve got it. They have flavors from strawberry and coconut to mango habanero and spicy jalapeño. They also have extravagant specials like the Unicorn Frozen Margarita, which is a blue, pineapple and cherry concoction topped with an umbrella and supported by an inflatable unicorn, which you can take home with you. Mythical creatures not your style? There is also the Forsé Flamingo, you can also take this inflatable animal as a souvenir. There is another Frosé on offer in celebration of the Paris Olympics sporting the US colors: red, white and blue. Think you know better? There is also a selection of 10 tequilas and mezcal available for custom margaritas.

Whether you're a dog fanatic or simply fancy cozying up with a furry friend, this is your lucky day. Each month, the AKC Museum of the Dog in Murray Hill conducts a breed spotlight, where a singular breed is picked out of the whopping 200 American Kennel Club recognized breeds. This month the Golden Retriever is getting their time in the limelight. This showcase will occur on Saturday, July 27, and from 12pm until 2pm you can learn all there is about this adorable doggo. On top of mastering the history of the breed, you can also learn all about the key characteristics of both their anatomy and coat. Also expect a range of fun activities from art-making to books and stories, as well as receiving a breed fact sheet. And fear not, there will be a live golden retriever in the mix ready to play and hang out. This breed takes bronze in the US for most popular dogs, falling behind the French Bulldog and Labrador. On top of being completely loveable, golden retrievers are also skilled at hunting, competitive sports, working as guide dogs, and doing search and rescue work. Tickets cost $15/adults; with discounts available for kids and seniors.

For the first time, violinist Laura Zawarski and cellist Violet Wang are performing together in public at Grace & St. Paul’s Church (123 West 71st Street) for one night only at 5:30pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday, July 30. The two have been playing classical duets together for five years in the comfort of Zawarksi’s living room, so their setup will mimic the warmth of that setting—right int he middle of the sanctuary. What a way to round off your Tuesday night! The two are both classically trained in chamber music, but they have put their own spin on the tradition with influence from theatrical and indie music, as well as the change in performance style itself. Their debut will include both Romantic and modern pieces from the likes of Honeggar, B.C. Fauconnier, and F.A. Kummer. In this Upper West Side quaint location they are able to blend the precision of classical chamber performance and the friendship and intimacy of two friends.    

The Boston-based Handel and Haydn Society is returning to New York for the Naumburg Orchestral summer concerts. This free Central Park concert series has been providing New Yorkers with classical music for the last 119 years, claiming to be the oldest continuously free outdoor concert series in the world. The Handel and Haydn Society performance will be the second to last performance of this summer and will take place on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30pm.  The iconic Naumburg Bandshell houses the whole series and because no ticket is required the seating is first come first served, so don’t be late. But if that stress doesn’t tickle your fancy, the event will be broadcast live on WQXR. The Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society consists of Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen, Director and violinist Aisslinn Nosky, Soprano Joélle Harvey, organist Ian Watson and Debra Nagy on the oboe. And together they perform a range of baroque and classical music. This show will focus on music from the turn of the 18th century with the likes of Bach, Corelli and of course Handel.

Fancy broadening your music horizon? World Orchestra Week (a.k.a. WOW!) has arrived to do just that. This event happening at Carnegie Hall is a celebration of youth orchestras from across the world. WOW! brings over 700 teen musicians from across the U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to New York City, and from August 1 to 7 you can immerse yourself into the world of classical music.  Over the seven days, these musicians will work with some of today’s most acclaimed artists like Marin Alsop and Teddy Abrams. While most of the performances will be from specific orchestras, like Beijing Youth Orchestra and European Union Youth Orchestra, cultural exchange activities will also take place. Notably a play-in with all 700 musicians led by none other than Gustavo Dudamel. If you are already feeling inadequate, let these young musicians show you up. And if you simply can’t leave the cold comfort of your home, the performances will be broadcast live on WQXR. The festival creates a space that unifies young musicians from around the world, connecting both cultures and musical styles.  

Spend your Friday evening strolling through five floors of THC NYC, the city's weed museum, then enjoy an immersive poetry experience hosted inside the museum. Poetry me, please, the spoken-word platform a poetry night, which promises electrifiyng perfomances as well as a poetry showcase. The event is on Friday, July 19, from 6-10pm. During the first two hours, you are welcome to tour the museum and get involved in the 10 multi-sensory exhibits. And from 8-10 pm, the event's performances will begin offering a chance to hear from NYC's best poets and enjoy a DJ-curated sountrack for the evening.

Attention, Swifties. This is your reminder to get those friendship bracelets made, your Lover, Reputation or Speak Now outfits decided and the Tortured Poet's Department lyrics learned. Following an initial run in June, the Eras Tour has returned to London’s Wembley Stadium this week. The first night (Thursday August 15) even saw her bring out Ed Sheeran. Taylor landed on UK shores in June and played massive shows in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff. Her first round of London shows was a massive occasion, from the official merch to events and parties – we even sent down a photographer to capture Swifties’ joy on the first night. Social media has provided UK fans with a few glimpses of what to expect from the shows, which last a whopping three hours. For the final run at Wembley, expect the biggest hits of Tay’s career, a couple of surprise songs and some truly epic stage production. If you were one of the lucky ones who managed to get tickets, here’s everything you need to know to prep for one of the most anticipated events of the year.  RECOMMENDED:👚 How to buy official Taylor Swift merch in London for her Eras tour🚇 How to get to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium🎒 Full list of banned items and the bag policy at Wembley Stadium🥳 All the Taylor Swift events and parties happening in London for the Eras Tour🇬🇧 17 times Taylor Swift has mentioned London in her songs🎤 Taylor Swift in the UK: Eras Tour timings, setlist and everything you need to know When is Taylo

Jumping from city to city, the Chips Ahoy! pop-up has finally landed in New York City. Chicago and L.A. already got their fix, so mark your calendars for one day only, August 4, when the ice cream sandwich pop-up will grace our city.  RECOMMENDED: A Hellmann’s mayonnaise café is popping up in Soho The exclusive pop-up will gift New Yorkers with a range of free ice cream sandwiches. While you can go for the more classic flavors like chocolate chip with vanilla ice cream, you can also make your own creations. There will be an array of Chips Ahoy! cookies available and a variety of toppings and ice creams, so you can really get experimental. There will also be a NYC-themed ice cream sandwich, and playing on the nostalgic themes it will combine two iconic New York flavors: cheesecake and pretzels. So if creating your own sandwich seems like too much pressure, enjoy the taste of your city instead.  And, best of all, everything is free! For this pop-up, namely “Sweet Escapes”, Chips Ahoy! And Secret Media Network (Secret NYC) have partnered on this pop-up, which will be at 513 Broadway, from noon until 4pm. You’ll want to get there on the earlier side because who knows when supplies might run low.   If the sound of a free ice cream sandwich is not exciting enough, there is also a chance to win a trip to your “happy place.” Once creating your extravagant sandwich you can upload a picture of it here and you might be the lucky one picked to visit a U.S. destination. You can apply up

Foodies gather ‘round, the U.S. Open’s signature food event is back on August 22 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—and there is a star-studded cast of renowned chefs waiting at your beck and call.  RECOMMENDED: The U.S. Open in New York 2024 guide.  This scrumptious event will take place during Fan Week, which occurs just before the main draw of the U.S. Open, offering a range of events and activities that you can learn more about here. But this favored function, Flavors of the Open presented by Dobel Tequila, will happen on Thursday, August 22. Tennis pros and fans can sample premium dishes, meet chefs, watch food demonstrations, listen to live music, as well as watch witness pro tennis in action and maybe even have a go at the sport themselves.  Some of the Chefs at Flavors of the Open include Alex Guarnaschelli (Fare), David Burke (Mojito by David Burke), Josh Capon (Fly Fish) and Pat LaFrieda (Pat LaFrieda Meat Co.). The dynamic trio Ed Brown, Masaharu Morimoto and Kwame Onwuachi will also return this year to produce their local and seasonal seafood creations. The restaurateur Simon Kim will be making his much-anticipated U.S. Open debut with COQADAQ, offering a range of signature dishes from this Korean-inspired Better Fried Chicken restaurant. Tickets can be purchased here for $184 and a portion of ticket profits will go towards the USTA Foundation, which offers tennis and academic programs to youths in under-resourced communities nationwide. This even

Chick-fil-A already has 10 locations across the New York City area, but none of them were on the Upper West Side—until now. According to West Side Rag, a work permit was recently posted to 795 Columbus Avenue near West 98th Street, promising an 11th eatery.  RECOMMENDED: This former 1940s Harlem barbershop will now serve traditional Creole recipes While Chick-fil-A has yet to confirm the opening, a Bareburger already exists at this large mixed-use building, which also has a Target and a Home Goods. The unit in question used to be a women’s LOFT clothing shop. The fast-food chicken eatery that is beloved for its sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries and its Chick-fil-A sauce, just opened a location in Yonkers this month. There’s no word yet on when the Upper West Side location will open. As mentioned earlier, there are currently 10 Chick-fil-As in the NYC area, including in Downtown Brooklyn, multiple in midtown, one downtown and one in Hoboken/Jersey City. It’s too early to tell what it’ll look like or if there is anything special about this new location. But one thing is for sure: it won’t be open on Sundays!

Socceroof is bringing another massive indoor sports facility to NYC. The company already has a few other locations around the city including in Crown Heights, Sunset Park and Long Island City, but this will be its first Manhattan spot.  This indoor soccer facility will be at the Financial District’s landmarked office tower, 28 Liberty Street, within a whopping 20,000-square-foot space. RECOMMENDED: Rockefeller Center will screen the Paris Olympics Socceroof, co-founded by Jean-David Tartour and Jerome Meary in 2018, provides professional and amateur athletes of all ages with high-end facilities, will feature several five-sided indoor soccer fields that’ll host classes, games for recreational soccer leagues and more. Fosun Hive announced Socceroofs' lease with 28 Liberty saying that there is “incredible demand for access to quality soccer facilities in New York City, which is why we are pleased to open Socceroof’s first Manhattan location.” It will be on the same floor as Court 16, a 13,000-square-foot pickleball and tennis club, so if footie isn’t your thing just try next door!

If you’re missing the nostalgia of watching Pokémon or the 2016 Pokémon Go phenomenon never wore off for you, this is the pop-up for you. For one weekend only, the Meatpacking District’s hidden Poké Court is opening a pop-up shop in Soho. During this three-day bender, you can trade cards, buy merch, watch box breaks, and bond with like-minded individuals.  RECOMMENDED: A new game hall and music venue just opened in the East Village From August 2 to 4, the Poké Court will be open from noon to 6pm on Friday, 11am to 9pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday at Shopify NY (131 Greene Street). Here you can buy all sorts from cards and accessories to collector items. There will also be a photo booth, freebies, giveaways, new products from VaultX and vintage box breaks to really get the Pokémon nostalgia flowing and a range of sealed and unsealed products.  Pokémon players, fans or admirers of all ages, skills and levels can trade cards and purchase exclusive merch. There will be trade nights all weekend long, where you can trade in your cards for cash or store credit and there will even be a dedicated trade-in booth. The pop-up is aligned with the release of the newest card set Shrouded Fable, a brand new Pokémon TCG set that launches on Friday. With its Japanese woodblock-inspired art and fun playability in the 2024 World Championships, it has caused quite the stir.  You can RSVP here. The first 50 guests (each day) will receive an “Early Pidove” gift, so don’t be late! 

It’s almost time to take a ride on the nostalgic side! The New York Transit Museum is continuing its Nostalgia Summer Rides into the fall with a celebration of Brightliners. The iconic R-32 train is returning in September for just two special rides, honoring the 60th anniversary of their NYC subway debut. Longing for that old-school rackety odyssey? Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 14. RECOMMENDED: Check out the sleek new OMNY cards that will offer NYC students free rides The R-32s, nicknamed “Brightliners” because of their shiny exterior, were introduced in 1964 (600 of them!) and were the first mass-produced stainless steel cars used in the subway. They were also the longest-running subway cars—used up until 2022—exceeding their 35-year service expectation. The excursion on one of these cars (dragged out of retirement) will begin and end at the 96th Street-Second Avenue station on the Upper East Side. It’ll do a turnaround through the Coney Island Yard with promised behind-the-scenes views. This is a round-trip ride so there will be no chance to hop back on if you disembark. The rides are set for 10am and 2pm and run two hours. Tickets will go on sale on August 9 at 10am with a price tag of $60 for Adults and $40 for children. If the thought of missing out on a ticket is simply too stressful become a member and you can purchase tickets starting 10am on August 7 with a $10 discount. Good luck, and happy train-ing!

Stilllife, the Gen Z art collective, is bringing another pop-up market to NYC. This young group of creatives is working on closing the gap between art in the East and West through art shows, newsletters, curated content and, of course, art markets. This will be its third market, taking place in Washington Square Park North on August 10 from 10am to 6pm.     RECOMMENDED: Here are all the NYC night markets to indulge in this year. The group was founded by four NYU alumni in 2022 and already, Stilllife has already hosted over 10 events in New York and Shanghai. As they struggled with post-uni life Stilllife’s founding members realized they weren’t alone and there was a need for community among them. “We, as founding members, also experienced the struggles of navigating the New York art scene. Recognizing this shared struggle, we, as their peers, felt compelled to establish a community where we could mutually support one another,” they’ve shared in a statement. Stilllife aims to create this next-generation art community that both breaks geographical limits and influences trends.  At the market, there will be over 60 stands hawking anything and everything from ceramics and jewelry to publications and outdoor gear. It is tailored towards the Gen Z style and age, but don’t let that stop you if you’re older. Some of the vendors include accessory brands like Twelve, My Dearest World and Pemako as well as independent publishers like FAR-NEAR and Special Special, these cross-cultural pu

Some NYC sidewalks may look different soon. According to the New York City Fire Department, faulty e-bike batteries and mismatched chargers can spark fires or even explosions. Since 2019 over 700 fires have been started by e-bikes injuring 450 people and killing 29. This is evidently a massive problem that needs immediate solving and removing e-bikes in their entirety is not an option.  In response to these fires, Mayor Eric Adams is launching a series of safer practices when it comes to using and charging these vehicles. RECOMMENDED: An affordable housing lottery just opened up on the Brooklyn waterfront. “These e-mobilities vehicles and bikes, they’re not the enemy. Proper use is what we must do,” he said on Monday. “There’s a real market for these bootleg batteries that we want to zero in on. That is our problem. That’s the enemy. A properly-used battery, a properly-charged battery, has the right functionality.’’ To that end, a range of new safety measures will be introduced to combat dangerous e-bike batteries.  One of the steps is to install safe e-bike battery charging cabinets on sidewalks across the city by next year. Property and business owners can apply for permits to install these charging spots. To speed up these approvals the Department of Transportation will propose rules to accelerate the installation process. Mayor Adams has already launched this Safe Charging Accelerator program. Some cabinets have already been installed as part of a pilot project. There i

NYC is steeped in Black history but the average New Yorker is perhaps unaware of some of the history they pass every day. New York’s role in slavery is often overlooked and so the city council is in the process of developing this awareness.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which helps prevent the erasure or destruction of historic sites, has stated that three of the 30 grant recipients from its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund are located within the city. This year $3 million in grants has been provided across the States, and these will support sites that represent Black life in America. The three in the city are the New Amsterdam Musical Association in Harlem, Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx and the Lefferts Historic House in Brooklyn. RECOMMENDED: New York City is expected to have rain all week long The New Amsterdam Musical Association is the oldest black-founded musical organization in the U.S. It was founded in 1904 and has provided support to black musicians ever since. Woodlawn Cemetery is where Nobel Peace Prize awardee Ralph Bunche, entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and the Tuskegee Airman and war hero Ivan Bynoe were buried. The grant would fund the development of a tour highlighting the notable black individuals buried there. And lastly, the Lefferts Historic House is an 18th-century farmhouse that enslaved over 25 people—men and women.   On top of this, the state lawmakers are also moving forward with a commission designed to study the poss

It’s time to Oc-topi Wall Street! Gillie and Marc, the renowned artistic duo known for a number of larger-than-life wildlife sculptures, are exhibiting an array of animal sculptures outside the World Trade Center, including the world’s largest octopus sculpture! The exhibition named “Wildlife Wonders” includes three interactive bronze works from other pieces that feature their main two iconic characters, Rabbitwomen and Dogman, as well as sculptures of a range of endangered species. The spotlight, however, is on the giant octopus, which spans a whopping 36 feet and weighs around 7 tons. Woven throughout the animal’s eight tentacles are numerous endangered species, like rhinos and zebras. It will be on display on the South Oculus Plaza from July 16, 2024, through July 31, 2025.   RECOMMENDED: An Endangered tree kangaroo has been born at the Bronx Zoo The creative pair are known for their celebration of wildlife conservation, where they prove that art can inspire positive change. While their sculptures are first and foremost to raise awareness about conservation they also welcome a playful response with their interactive qualities. “In the last 50 years, wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% globally. We are now facing the world’s sixth mass extinction,” Gillie stated. “This crisis is beyond description, yet we remain hopeful and committed to witnessing change within our lifetimes. We trust that our art and the stories we tell can inspire people to engage in vital conversa

The biggest day of the year for those with a sweet tooth is almost here! National Ice Cream Day is coming just in time to save us from New York’s third heatwave, so mark your calendars Sunday, July 21. No matter your feelings on the man, former President Ronald Reagan did indeed create this national holiday. At least he did one thing that we can all appreciate. Some of NYC’s greatest ice cream hubs will join in on the festivities this year with deals and freebies, so here are all the places in the city where you can get your fill during this 24-hour sugar spree.  RECOMMENDED: Here are the 12 best ice cream shops of NYC Free Dippin’ Dots x The Museum of Ice Cream Well if you were expecting a free popsicle, think again, these two have come together and created none other than an outdoor sprinkle pool! This colorful puddle will be open on July 20 and 21 from 11am until 6pm at Hudson Yards. What does one do in a sprinkle pool? Unsure? Go check this out and report back. They are also giving out 20,000 free pouches of cotton candy and rainbow ice cream.  Dippin’ Dots, separately, is also giving out free ice cream during selected hours and at selected stores so be sure to take a look at your local Dippin’ Dots parlor.  Free Butterbeer Ice Cream at the Harry Potter Flagship  On the big day, the Harry Potter flagship store will offer free Butterbeer ice cream. The freebie will only be available from noon to 3pm, so keep this in mind when organizing your freebie schedule. For the firs