Experience the Grandeur of Old New York
The city that never sleeps might seem like a beacon of modernity with its modern art museum, pizza restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, but New York City also has a rich and interesting history, much of which is still in evidence in many places.
That means, if you're so inclined, you can still experience the grandeur of Old New York in its glory. If that sounds good to you, here are a few of the best ways to step back in time and get a taste of the city's illustrious past.
Explore its historic neighborhoods
Start by strolling through the gas-lit streets of the West Village, a neighborhood that seems to have frozen time with its well-preserved brownstones and winding, cobblestone streets. If you’re in Brooklyn, visit the historic district of Brooklyn Heights, where you'll find pre-Civil War houses and stunning views of Manhattan, and that's just for starters.
Visit the historic landmarks
Grand Central Terminal, with its magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture, is a testament to the city’s historic past. The New York Public Library, with its marble lions standing guard, and the neo-Gothic Woolworth Building, once the tallest building in the world, both capture the old New York essence perfectly, so be surrey to pay them a visit.
Check out the museums
The city's museums offer glimpses into various periods of New York's past. For example, at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, you'll step into restored apartments of immigrant families, while The Met, with its extensive collection, showcases global and historical art.
Dine in historic eateries
Enjoy a meal at one of New York's historic dining establishments if you want to get a taste (pun intended) of what it was like in Old New York. Delmonico's, the city’s first fine dining restaurant, has served patrons since 1837. For a more modern twist on historical elegance, dine at Nice Matin, the in-house restaurant at The Lucerne UWS Hotel on the Upper West Side. Housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, the hotel's restaurant offers a Provençal-inspired menu that will transport you to another era. It’s also an amazing place to base your stay.
Take a walk in the parks of the past
Central Park, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, is home to many historical treasures that are sure to delight you. You miht particualrly want to visit the Bethesda Terrace, with its elaborate carvings representing the four seasons, or the Strawberry Fields, a memorial to John Lennon for a slice of modern history.
Explore its grand libraries
Visit the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, a Beaux-Arts wonder with its intricate murals and marble halls that showcase the grandeur of the old city perfectly. The Morgan Library & Museum, once the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, is another magnificent repository of rare books and manuscripts that may be of interest.
Experiencing the grandeur of Old New York is about appreciating the city’s intricate tapestry, woven through time, so be sure to mix it up and see and do as much as you can to get a real feel for the time and place. Have fun!
