Captivating culture

When New York hosts cultural events, the world watches. The city itself is often the biggest star of the show, with the gleaming towers of its instantly recognizable skyline. It’s hard to imagine A-list events like the Met Gala taking place anywhere else. While you may not be invited to the star-studded event itself, you can still be treated like an honored guest with a private viewing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore incredible art collections like a true VIP with a private hour-long tour led by a trained museum guide for one of the most personalized cultural experiences available.

While attending a Broadway musical or play can be a glitzy event in its own right, several theaters and shows also offer private experiences. These range from backstage tours and meet-and-greets to dinners with the stars, so be sure to check with your hotel concierge to see what’s available.

Location is everything when you’re looking for easy access to cultural highlights. The elegant surroundings of Conrad New York Midtown are within walking distance from the Broadway Theater District, MoMA and Central Park, and your concierge can arrange a multitude of private experiences to further personalize your stay. You’ll also find exquisite artwork within the hotel itself. In collaboration with art consultants, the hotel features a curated art collection, which includes dozens of unique pieces from movements such as cubism, contemporary art and pop art.

A feast for the senses

The Big Apple is an unparalleled destination for fine dining with 69 Michelin-starred restaurants and another 106 eateries recognized with the acclaimed Bib Gourmand status. For the most discerning palates, the tasting menus and chefs’ dinners at Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Per Se and Masa — the city’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurants — are all exceptional culinary experiences, displaying the highest levels of service, quality and innovation.

To explore some of the city’s finer epicurean elements beyond the Michelin-recognized restaurants, sign up for a champagne class at Flûte Bar where, each month, experts present themed tastings to small private groups.

Italian influences permeate the menu at Dabble, the flagship restaurant at Conrad New York Midtown, where you can savor elevated offerings such as fig crostini and scallop risotto. Pizza aficionados won’t be disappointed with the offerings at ATRIO Wine Bar & Restaurant at ​​Conrad New York Downtown, where the skilled chefs also serve up tempting dishes of octopus carpaccio or pink peppercorn-seared tuna.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.