Located on Park Avenue, the Waldorf-Astoria has hosted every U.S. president from Hoover to Obama. Michael Romei, chef conceirge of Waldorf Towers/Waldorf Astoria (not pictured), shares his insider tips on getting the most out of New York.
Waldorf Astoria New York
Skip the lines —
Many hotel conceirges have special cards they give guests so they can skip the lines outside the Empire State Building and go straight to the second floor to buy an express ticket. Spending double the regular price ($32) means VIPs "can enter at any time, on any day and use a separate elevator."
Courtesy Empire State Realty Trust
La Esquina —
Can't get into (or can't find) the SoHo branch of this hip Mexican eatery, with its long waiting list and entrance hidden behind a taco stand? You may have better luck at its Brooklyn location (pictured).
Darcy Strobel
Conservatory Garden —
"Most people go to the middle and lower end of Central Park," says Romei. He recommends heading north to Fifth Avenue and 104th Street to find the "very special" Conservatory Garden, the park's only formal gardens.
Courtesy of Central Park NYC
Chef's Table at the Waldorf Astoria —
For a unique culinary experience, Romei recommends dinner at one of New York's "numerous Chef's Tables." "We have a tasting right in the Waldorf's kitchen, which is one of the largest in the world -- spanning almost two floors."
Courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria
North Fork wine region —
Take a trip out to Long Island's wine region and you'll "feel like you're in Napa Valley or even France." Romei recommends Sparkling Pointe winery, known for its excellent bubbly.
Courtesy of Sparkling Pointe
Staten Island Ferry —
Now here's one New York adventure that won't break the bank -- the Staten Island Ferry has been free to ride since 1997 and offers superb views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
