Being from São Paulo, I would say both cities have the same vibe: skyscrapers, everybody is busy, heavy traffic, laud, modern trends, expensive, wonderful restaurants, cool peeps, a great art scene, endless things to see and do. Everything is happening, and FOMO here is normal. But despite having the same energy, New York is way better. That's what made me fall in love with it. I've been there five times already and will always visit it. You can't get enough. It's not a city to live in if you like a slower lifestyle, as I do, but it’s great to have a bit of its chaos now and then.
There is an endless list of what to see and do in New York. I chose some of my favorite places.
THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Another building that I love. The Guggenheim Museum was established in 1937, but its actual building was designed only in 1959 by FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT. It is located on the UPPER EAST SIDE.
Despite the outstanding architecture, you will find great contemporary art exhibitions and activities.
NEW MUSEUM
I love this building, designed by architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The New Museum is located on the LOWER EAST SIDE, and it was founded in 1977 by MARCIA TUCKER, curator of the WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART.
The New Museum embraces contemporary art and new artists to create diverse perspectives and the exchange of new ideas between contemporary art and society.
Check out the exhibitions, and also visit the balcony at the top to enjoy the view.
WILLIAMSBURG
This neighborhood in Brooklyn is also known as Little Berlin because of its art and music scene.
Due to gentrification in New York, since the 1990s the area has welcomed numerous artist residents, developing a creative and hipster scene with a vibrant nightlife and many creative spaces.
MoMA
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART is a paradise for art enthusiasts. The works, the exhibitions, the curators, the projects. Not only is the collection breathtaking, but they put everything in dialogue with our contemporary issues and lives. It is remarkable and inspiring. If I'm in New York, I have to visit it.
The modern and contemporary art collection has more than 150,000 pieces of art and 22,000 films created by many of the most important artists of their times.
The Museum of Modern Art started being developed in 1929 by ABBY ALDRICH ROCKEFELLER (wife of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.) and two friends.
MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 is a space affiliated with MoMA dedicated to contemporary art and experimentation. Located in QUEENS, the institution holds exhibitions with new artists, performances, and events such as the WARM-UP SUMMER MUSIC SERIES, THE SUNDAY SESSIONS PERFORMANCE SERIES and THE YOUNG ARCHITECTS PROGRAM.
It was founded in 1971 as the Institute for Art and Urban Resources, with the aim of transforming abandoned buildings into galleries and art spaces. In 1999, it merged with MoMA.
DIA BEACON
Dia Art Foundation has many interesting spaces in New York with installations and art projects, but my favorite is definitely Dia Beacon. Founded in 2003, it is located in the north, in an old Nabisco factory. The space is huge and far from New York's busy streets—80 minutes by train. Dia Beacon brings you an art collection from the 1960s to the present day, with major installations, sculptures, and paintings by artists such as DAN FLAVIN, RICHARD SERRA and MICHAEL HEIZER.
It is said that Dia Beacon has started this trend of transforming old factories into art spaces.
THE HIGH LINE, CHELSEA MARKET, AND ART GALLERIES
The High Line is a successful urban project that transformed an abandoned elevated rail line into a public park. The project was designed by Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Piet Oudolf. It is a good example of a project that turned a dangerous area into a green space that brings the community together.
Near the High Line you will find the Chelsea Market, a place with endless tasty food establishments. I love the lobster soup there.
Chelsea is also a neighborhood famous for its many art galleries. Take a look at the exhibitions that are happening and plan a visit according to your interests.
SEINFELD'S RESTAURANT
If you are a Seinfeld fan, you can visit Tom's restaurant. The inside scenes were filmed in LA, but this was the restaurant used for the exterior scenes for Monk's Cafe. The restaurant has some photos and tributes to the show inside. It also has a delicious milkshake.
CENTRAL PARK
The famous Central Park is stunning, especially during the autumn.
If you are a BEATLES fan, near the DAKOTA BUILDING, the place where JOHN LENNON used to live, there is a tribute to the Beatles with the STRAWBERRY FIELDS and the IMAGINE mosaic.
