Anna Rahmanan

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.

The Big Apple is pricey, and any traveler paying this marvelous city a visit will soon find that the bagels, pizza slices, museum tickets and cab fares add up to a fair amount of cash—but you don’t have to throw loads away on your hotel just to avoid breaking the bank. In fact, quite the opposite.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? New York City has many wonderful qualities, but being easy on the wallet is not one of them. Hotel prices can be steep even if you are pretty organised when it comes to booking, but we’re here to help. What you’ll find on this list is hotels which have not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but which cost no more than $215 per night—no horrid dorms or leaky showers here.  📍 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 classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

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

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

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  

One of the best holiday attractions in NYC is its Christmas and holiday window displays at its department stores. Tourists aren’t the only ones who can enjoy these festive showcases in Herald Square and Fifth Avenue—even for locals, they hold a dreamy nostalgia that only comes once a year. These ornate holiday windows decked out with hundreds of Christmas lights and more winter wonderland decor are so impressive, they can be reason enough to stroll through midtown. Time Out tip: Just wait until after the majority of tourists have gone to bed to you can see up-close for yourself. For all the information you need to know about this year’s Christmas windows, read on below. And if you want to remain in the holiday spirit, we have recommendations on where to go ice skating in NYC, and then Christmas-themed bars (like Rolf’s) where you can go to warm up afterward.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York

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.

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology is a unique new immersive museum created by Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s famous 2016 “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, inside the bank building that used to be part of the now-nextdoor Century 21. There are 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. An installation of a robot will also delight. Dubbed Kuka Robot, the machine is found behind a glass in the middle of a bed of sand. The robot makes sand castles, sketches and more while visitors look on wondering how it's all possible. Taking a tour of the new Mercer Labs is something you might want to consider doing with kids. Not only are the visual elements striking and entertaining but certain rooms are specifically targ

A new public art installation by artist Curry J. Hackett has just taken over The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn, and it's as futuristic as art gets these days: the piece, dubbed Ugly Beauties, features panoramic, AI-generated images of Black folks among various native weeds. According to an official press release, the work, on display through May 2, highlights a “metaphorical connection between society’s perception of these species and its treatment of Black people.” Upon approaching the structure, the viewer will immediately notice the juxtaposition of the various elements depicted, prompting all to think of our perception of what is beautiful and what is part of society at large. “Ugly Beauties expands on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s commitment to activating itsshared spaces with art installations that enliven the public realm and capture the spirit of theneighborhood,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in a statement. “With residents, shoppers, workers, diners, and other visitors rushing around the neighborhood, we hope this piece will impart a moment of reflection and help Brooklynites to realize the beauty all around them. ”

There is something simultaneously spooky and romantic about walking through the Queens Botanical Garden after sunset—especially while participating in this year's Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars. A total of nine different installations are set up throughout the trail, each one capturing your attention in different ways, all embracing the power of light as their medium of choice. If it's an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas-adjacent light experience that you’re after, look no further than Astra Lumina.

If it's an eclectic kind of skating activity that you're after this holiday season, look no further: Sky Skate, the highest skating rink in the city, is officially back at the Edge in Hudson Yards starting November 15 through January 14, 2024.  Make no mistake: although the rink is set up in the indoor portion of the famous sky deck, you're still 1,131 feet in the air, on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. That is all to say: perhaps opt for something a bit different if you're scared of heights?  But if you do decide to partake in the seasonal activity (tickets are available for 30-minute slots right here), make sure to also peruse through the site's other offerings, including City Climb, the highest external skyscraper climb in the world that challenges guests to scale the outside of a 1,200-foot building then lean out from the outdoor platform at the top of structure, according to an official press release.  We are, indeed, shivering with fear.

Watch the Harlem Globetrotters show off their b-ballin’ skills at the New York stop of their just-announced 2024 world tour. You’ll be mesmerized as the basketball wizards shoot from midcourt, spin balls on their fingers and go head-to-head for two epic games, which are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure to stick around until the very end to snag an autograph, photo and high-five session from your favorite players, plus you can add a legendary Marques Haynes bobblehead to your collection. Snag tickets to the February 18 game against the Washington Generals right here.

As they say, it's the end of an era: Saks Off 5th, Saks Fifth Avenue's sister discount retailer, will officially close its shop at 125 East 57th Street on December 31.  The company recently announced that the closure—part of a larger plan affecting nine other U.S. stores—is an effort to “place greater attention on our high-performing and high-potential store locations.” The additional closures, set to begin in January 2026, include locations in Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; East Hanover, New Jersey; Niagara Falls, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Plymouth, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; and West Hartford, Connecticut. To be extra clear: the main Saks Fifth Avenue flagship—a fashion mecca that has all but defined midtown Manhattan since first opening on site back in 1924—is not going anywhere. The changes only affect the company's clearance stores. Lest you think more drastic shutterings are to-come, think again. “It is important to note that a restructuring is not being contemplated,“ the company said to The U.S. Sun in an official statement back in October, when bankruptcy rumors came to the surface. “Moreover, we are making strong progress to reduce outstanding payments, invest in our transformation and drive improved performance.” What's to come? We're not sure but, clearly, we're going to have to get our discount shopping (and holiday gift purchasing sessions) in before the new year. 

Back in September, the beloved Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest Off Broadway theater in New York, reopened at 38 Commerce Street in the West Village after a two-year renovation led by its new owner since 2022: indie film studio A24. Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry As announced earlier, A24 plans to use the space for a variety of one-night-only special events, film screenings and, of course, unique theater programs.  Beyond its traditional theater offerings, the company is also venturing into the culinary world with an intimate new restaurant inside the 167-seat venue. Aptly named Wild Cherry, the restaurant and bar is helmed by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, and described in a press release as an “intimate supper club” inviting theatergoers for a pre- or post-show meal—or anyone else simply looking for a classic New York night out at a restaurant. Photograph: Courtesy of Wild Cherry The dining room fits 45 people and the space is anchored by a 12-seat horseshoe-shaped bar that really gives the place character. The menu leans heavily on raw options, starting with a selection of oysters, tuna crudo cured with piquillo lemon, scallops, seafood cocktails and mussels. Appetizers range from steak tartare and frog legs to a Caesar salad and chicken liver mousse, while mains run the gamut from a classic cheeseburger to red beans and rice, a monkfish kebab and a lobster club. Diners can also opt for a Denver-cut steak dinner for two, serv

We still can’t quite picture it, given the moody “vibe” of the 1999 film, but The Public just announced that it will stage the world premiere of a play with songs adaptation of Girl, Interrupted next May. Originally a 1993 memoir by Susanna Kaysen about her experience in a psychiatric hospital, the book was turned into the award-winning film starring Winona Ryder as Kaysen, alongside Angelina Jolie, the late Brittany Murphy, Elisabeth Moss, Whoopi Goldberg and Jared Leto—a stellar cast, indeed. How that story will translate to the stage remains to be seen, but we have faith: the play is being written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Martyna Majok, with original music by Grammy Award winner Aimee Mann and direction by Tony Award nominee Jo Bonney. According to an official press release, "casting will be announced at a later date." "Martyna is a playwright of extraordinary sensitivity and power; Aimee is a songwriter of unparalleled insight and beauty. Together they’ve created a breathtaking look at women, mental illness and the all-too flawed systems America has created to handle them," said artistic director Oskar Eustis in an official statement. "Heart-breaking, inspiring and profound, under Jo Bonney’s magnificent leadership, this is a show unlike any other." According to the New York Times, the project has been a long time coming, with those in charge discussing it during various interviews. "But then came the pandemic, and the project stalled out," reports the outlet.

We’re less than three weeks away from the premiere of the fifth and final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, and New York City is celebrating with a slew of themed activations around town. A few weeks ago, a Stranger Things–inspired claw machine took over the Flatiron Plaza. Next up, an Upside Down float will make its debut at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, now, fans can step right into the world of the show with a two-day pop-up that reimagines WSQK, the fictional radio station that will feature prominently in season five. Tomorrow and Thursday, from 11am to 6pm, New Yorkers can visit the pop-up radio station for a chance to snag exclusive giveaways, play a claw machine filled with collectibles and snap photos in an ’80s-style photo booth. The event, which will take place at 22 Little West 12th in the Meatpacking District, will also showcase the new Stranger Things x No Boundaries fashion collaboration as well, currently only available at Walmart. The collection leans hard into ’80s nostalgia, making it perfect for your watch party wardrobe. Expect slouchy cardigans like the ones Nancy is always wearing, Hawkins graphic T-shirts that channel Dustin energy, oversized fleeces destined to become your winter go-to and a denim jacket reminiscent of the one Billy practically lives in. It’s not just about fashion, though. A super-soft travel blanket covered in Stranger Things imagery will look right at home on your couch all winter long, and a Polly Pocket–style

Last night, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and State Assemblymember, won the New York City mayoral general election, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, and securing 50.4% of the total vote, according to the Associated Press. His win clearly signals a mandate for a change in priorities for New York City, particularly concerning the city's affordability crisis. Mamdani's campaign, in fact, was built around a populist platform centered on economic relief for working-class New Yorkers, a message that culminated in a historic victory that makes him the city's first Muslim mayor . Mamdani's signature proposals included a pledge to implement a rent freeze for all rent-stabilized tenants, a promise to make city buses fare-free, raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, providing universal childcare and creating a network of city-owned grocery stores, among others. Lofty and certainly appealing to the vast majority of New Yorkers, these proposals, though, will require significant political and legislative effort to turn into reality. Which leads to the question: how realistic are Mamdani's key promises, and what would a potential timeline for implementation look like? We break it down. Rent freeze for all rent-stabilized tenants Mamdani has promised to freeze rents on rent-stabilized units in the city. His ability to do this comes from his authority to appoint members of the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB). It’s important to note that the b

Winter is, indeed, coming: AccuWeather reports that a "December-like cold blast is expected across the eastern U.S." this weekend into next week, a forecast that includes the potential for snow. "Although the greatest risk for snow from this first cold shot of the season will be across the interior Northeast, snowflakes cannot be entirely ruled out closer to the coast," reports the outlet. "If enough cold air can surge east early next week, it’s not out of the question that a few snow showers could occur east of the Appalachians across Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York." The forecast is specifically due to a strengthening storm that will likely move across the Northwest and then over the Central and Eastern states throughout the next few days, bringing the lowest temperatures so far this season to those areas.  That is to say: it might snow in New York this weekend, but it's definitely going to be freezing in the upcoming few days—so get out those boots and warm jackets.  Considering that, back over the summer, the Farmers' Almanac predicted a frosty, snowy season that could kick off in New York as early as October, we can't say we're surprised.  Whatever the case may be, as true New Yorkers, we are ready for anything: we've got our list of the city's top fireplace bars bookmarked right alongside a ranking of the best bookstore cafes in NYC, because there's nothing quite as cozy as sipping on a latte while reading through a book and staring at the snow outside. Happy almos

Last week, the City Council approved a sweeping plan to completely transform the historic Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx into a community-centered hub, to be developed in two phases. Rendering: Courtesy of NYCEDC According to project details unveiled by Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first phase will focus on creating a “state-of-the-art venue space for entertainment, recreation, culture, commerce, light industrial manufacturing and more than 25,000 square feet of dedicated community space.” The second phase will add roughly 500 units of permanently affordable rental housing. The total investment? Just over $215 million in combined city, state, and federal funding. “From training troops during the first World War to distributing food during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kingsbridge Armory has served our city for more than a century,” Mayor Adams said in an official statement. “With hundreds of affordable homes and tens of thousands of square feet of commercial, community, and manufacturing space, this ambitious proposal will give the Bronx vital space to work, live, and come together.” Rendering: Courtesy of NYCEDC Timeline-wise, according to an official press release, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the first phase—centered around the Armory’s 180,000-square-foot, column-free Drill Hall—scheduled for completion by 2030. The second phase, which includes reimagining the adjacent National Guard site, is

A former parking lot looking over the East River at 34th Street will be converted into a temporary public open space filled with community amenities, including an outdoor gym, by spring of 2026. According to Gothamist, the lot, which "had been open since at least 1991 and ahd space for around 70 cars," had been used by NYU as a private parking lot for $9,492.50 a month in rent. Owned by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the area will "include ADA-accessible fitness equipment, new furniture for relaxation and community gathering and a waterfront-friendly design," according to an official press release. The project is part of a larger initiative led by the city and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, aimed at revitalizing the Kips Bay neighborhood through significant investment. As part of this broader effort, Hunter College’s Brookdale Campus on East 25th Street and First Avenue will be transformed into “a new, state-of-the-art academic and life sciences facility,” according to the release. Additional plans include the construction of an ADA-accessible 25th Street pedestrian bridge over the FDR Drive, new accessible open spaces, and more than 1.5 acres of public realm improvements. “Expanding accessible and inclusive open spaces across the city is one of our top priorities,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa in an official statement about the 34th Street parking lot. “We’re proud

When then 19-year-old Flynn McGarry opened his first permanent restaurant in NYC, Gem, back in 2018, the city's culinary circles went nuts (in a good way): here was a teenager completely embracing fine-dining trends while showcasing the importance of an eatery's interior design and presentation—and the masses were listening to him. Although Gem closed in 2023, McGarry has continued making a mark on the local gastronomic scene, opening new businesses, shuttering others and moving over menus from one spot to the next.  His latest effort just opened in Hudson Square, the area where Soho and Tribeca meet, at 299 West Houston Street near Hudson Street. Cove, as the restaurant is called, is a 70-seat eatery serving "East Coast ingredients through a West Coast lens," as noted by Eater.  The restaurant features a main dining room and a private room. Guests will be able to order a la carte when seated in the former and indulge in a set menu when dining in the latter. According to a sample a la carte menu posted on the restaurant's website, McGarry is serving the sort of vegetable-forward dishes that he's now known for (it should come as no surprise: the chef has been managing a garden on Isabella Rossellini's farm on Long Island, where he sources a lot of his ingredients). Standouts include a dish of golden beets, wakame, roses and smoked dates; the marinated tomatoes with grapes, ajo blanco and fried thyme; and the mixed grill of late summer and early fall vegetables, black truffle a

When it comes to cafe chains that lend themselves to a suburbian palate, few seem to fit the bill as obviously as Joe & The Juice does. And, yet, despite its success all over North America, Europe and Asia, the Denmark-based company has yet to make a splash on Long Island, prime market for the sorts of juices, shakes and sandwiches that it is known for.  That's all about to change: according to Long Island Business News, Joe & The Juice will soon debut its first Long Island cafés in Woodbury and Manhasset, both towns a 40-minute or so drive from midtown Manhattan. “We’re so excited to bring Joe & The Juice to Long Island,” Jorrie Buffett, managing director at Joe & The Juice U.S. said to the outlet. “It’s a community full of energy and personality, and we can’t wait to share our fresh juices, smoothies and famous sandwiches while creating a space where people love to come together.” Both new stores are reportedly debuting in 2026, with Woodbury first in line. According to Long Island Business News, the 2,769-square-foot location will be at 8025 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury Town Plaza. The second store, a 2,249-square-fot space, will take over 1479 Northern Boulevard in Manhasset. The outlet also reports that these are only the first two Long Island addresses that the company is eyeing but that there will be more to come.  “Both sites were strategically selected to serve active, health-forward communities, with strong synergies among co-tenants that promote wellness, balance a

Next month, five-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams will return to the stage in Anna Christie at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn. From November 25 through February 1, Williams will star in the title role alongside Tom Sturridge as Anna’s lover, Mat Burke, and Brian d’Arcy James as her father, coal barge captain Chris Christopherson. The four-act play by Eugene O’Neill premiered on Broadway in 1921 and earned O’Neill the Pulitzer Prize for Drama the following year. It follows Anna Christie, a reformed prostitute who reunites with her estranged father and falls in love with a sailor in New York City.  Theater lovers may recall the play’s iconic opening line, delivered by Anna as she walks into a South Street saloon: “Gimme a whiskey—ginger ale on the side. And don’t be stingy, baby.” This latest iteration of the production will be directed by Tony Award winner (and Williams' real-life husband) Thomas Kail of Hamilton fame, with original music by Nicholas Britell and set design by Christine Jones and Brett Banakis. Tickets for the show are currently on sale right here. Although Williams recently starred in the FX mini series Dying for Sex, this role marks her return to the stage. She was last seen on Broadway back in 2016, in the 2005 drama Blackbird, for which earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.

Less than a year after debuting Dante Accademia, a space dedicated to the inner workings of Dante’s acclaimed bar program, the MacDougal Street institution has done it again, this time with the opening of Dante Aperitivo, a (you guessed it!) aperitivo bar that also doubles as an all-day seafood-focused restaurant. Photograph: Courtesy of Dante Aperitivo The new West Village destination at 51 Bank Street, near West Fourth Street, occupies the former Nat’s on Bank location and, according to the Commercial Observer, precedes yet another Dante expansion. The outlet reports that co-owners Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson—partners in both business and life—are planning a third NYC restaurant, this one with a focus on Italian cuisine set to open at 210 Elizabeth Street in Nolita. But back to Dante Aperitivo: if you’re stopping by for drinks, you won’t need a reservation—but you might want to review the cocktail menu ahead of time, because there’s a lot to choose from. Signature cocktails include the Dante’s Garibaldi (Campari and fluffy orange juice); the Cold Pressed Bloody Mary (Grey Goose, cold-pressed vegetables, fennel salt, pickles); the Clarified Piña Colada (Rinomato Americano, Banks 5-Year, Wray & Nephew, Nardini Mandorla, coconut, pineapple); and the Dante Manhattan (Angel’s Envy bourbon, Woodford rye, Cocchi Torino, Mancino Chinato Nocino, chocolate bitters).  Photograph: Courtesy of Dante Aperitivo The seasonal cocktails, on the other hand, are extremely creative: th