Aussie expats reveal New York City's coolest hidden gems

An ever-evolving megalopolis, New York is never the same city twice. We've rounded up the best hot-this-minute hangs, according to those in the know.

I never put more thought – or colour – into my wardrobe than I do when I visit New York City. For a week in advance, I trawl @watchingnewyork on Instagram for inspo straight from the street. There’s just simply no other place in the world where self-expression is valued more than it is in the Big Apple.

NYC relishes its role as a feast. One you can eat with your eyes, your heart and your stomach. On any given day, at any given hour, the city bursts open with one-of-a-kind experiences like a Bunnings sausage on a hot barbecue. In a single 12-hour period, you can grab a rolling brunch at open-air food festival Smorgasburg, see Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night at MoMa, shop discounted designer at Century 21 Stores, grab a slice from Di Fara Pizza, and still have time to hit the Comedy Cellar or Blue Note jazz club for a show.

The novelty doesn’t even have to end when your head hits the pillow. NYC’s hotels are a happy mutation all of their own – like the Jane Hotel, which served as temporary quarters for survivors of the Titanic and whose rooms are reminiscent of ship cabins. Or Collective Governors Island, which boasts glamping tents minutes from downtown with views of the Statue of Liberty and all the s’mores you can handle.

Of course, these are just a few gems from my own highly sampled hitlist. Here, NYC experts share theirs.

Glamping at Collective Governors Island, New York.

FOOD & DRINK

EDDY BUCKINGHAM, RESTAURATEUR AND PUBLICAN

With the thousands upon thousands of dining options in the Big Apple, it pays to hit up someone who knows. And that someone is Eddy Buckingham, co-founder of Tuxedo Hospitality, responsible for NYC restaurants Chinese Tuxedo and The Tyger, as well as hip joints Peachy’s Bar and South Soho Bar.

The former Melburnian says there’s never been a better time to dine out here. “The hospitality scene in New York right now is absolutely electric,” he says, adding that if you only have time for one meal, make your way to Raoul’s. “It’s basically Paris through the New York lens. It’s been open since the ’80s, has a great wine list and is probably the coolest restaurant I’ve ever been to.”

Holywater bar is a hidden bar in the New York's Tribeca neighbourhood.

If you’re in want of a digestif after your steak au poivre (aka pepper steak), Eddy recommends Holywater, a hidden bar in the Tribeca neighbourhood. “It’s down some stairs behind a discreet door… you’d miss it if you didn’t know it was there,” he says.

For a late-night bite, Eddy would have you hit up Mother’s Ruin. “It’s open till 4am, so it’s where hospitality types tend to congregate,” he says. “They do a great late-night crisp chicken burger, and the drinks are exceptional.”

And if it’s people-watching you’re after, Eddy says Indochine is the place to be: “On any given day, you’ll find generations of interesting New Yorkers dining there. It’s a real scene.”

FASHION & BEAUTY

VICTORIA BARON, MAKE-UP ARTIST

Sydney-based Victoria has worked in the fashion industry for 20 years, travelling the world for runway shows. “New York Fashion Week always kicks off fashion month,” she says. “The artists are fresh and excited to see the collections; it’s a super-creative time.”

When it comes to shopping, Victoria has always had her finger on the sartorial pulse. “For designer vintage, I love Happy Isles on Spring Street and, for more of-the-moment styles, I like Khaite, which has the most beautiful store in SoHo,” she says.

As for the best beauty buys, Victoria has the inside word. “Helena’s on 31st is an institution for wigs and extensions,” says the make-up veteran, who also suggests Alcone and Manhattan Wardrobe Supply if you want to shop make-up like the pros.

If you need to relax after all that retail therapy, Victoria has you covered there, too. “If I have time for a blow-dry, I’ll go to Mark Ryan Salon in Chelsea,” she says. “And to wind down, I love the Russian and Turkish Baths in the East Village. You can’t go wrong with a body scrub, steam room and vodka!”

OUT & ABOUT

KELLI ARMSTRONG, ESCAPE MANAGING EDITOR

For Brisbane-based Kelli, who lived in New York for more than three years, there’s little more stimulating than the Empire City. “There’s culture, personality and absolute diversity at every corner you turn,” she says.

Kelli says to make it easy on yourself and compress the classics. “In Manhattan, I tell everyone to ride the Big Bus on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. There’s a Downtown and an Uptown loop that takes in all the sights you’ve heard of like Times Square and Central Park, but it also delivers nuggets of knowledge about the Big Apple.”

Subway scene at Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

As for the best off-the-map adventure, Kelli says you can’t go past the free entertainment you’ll imbibe just by riding the subway. “You’ll see some of the best busker performances in the stations and on board the trains,” she says.

And, if you’re a sucker for a good market, the well-travelled editor says you can’t go past The Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo Archway. “You’ll find so many unique vintage buys, from leather jackets to records and porcelain,” she says. “Afterwards, you can wander the streets’ many boutiques, settle into a cafe or taco stand, and enjoy the perfect view of the Brooklyn Bridge as you wander the East River.”

CULTURE & MUSEUMS

MICHARNE CLOUGHLEY, WRITER

Blue Mountains-born Micharne knows New York. A writer for TV and theatre, she wrote for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for three seasons and just wrapped the debut run of her play 43 Stages of Grieving: A Comedy. “The headliner cultural experiences, like MoMa and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are amazing and you should definitely do them,” she says. “But if you like to get off the beaten path, I have some recommendations.”

Micharne’s pick? Marie’s Crisis Cafe, a singalong piano bar in the West Village. “You can grab a drink and take in the folks singing, who sometimes include stars from Broadway,” she says. “But, if you do want to sing, you should not hold back!”

Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn.

The playwright also recommends Pete’s Candy Store, a music and literary bar in Brooklyn, tucked inside a converted rail car. “It’s this magical, intimate space where you get up close with the artists,” she says. “There’s music but also comedy, literary and play readings.”

And one of Micharne’s favourite spaces is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. “It has amazing exhibits, lecture series and even dance parties,” she says.

MUSIC & THEATRE

CARMEL DEAN, COMPOSER AND LYRICIST

In NYC, live music is everywhere, from street corners to the rafters of Carnegie Hall. One of the people responsible is Perth-born Carmel, a musical supervisor for The Notebook musical, currently playing on Broadway. “Tourists visit this city specifically to see a Broadway show,” she says. “Musical theatre is such a big part of the fabric of the city.”

Once you’ve taken in a show, Carmel suggests visiting the Museum of Broadway. “It has an incredible collection of props, costumes and other behind-the-scenes artefacts you wouldn’t see anywhere else,” she says. The music maven also recommends The Drama Book Shop for serious buffs and amateur enthusiasts alike. “You’ll find almost every play ever published, sheet music, books on theatre and Broadway merchandise – plus a café!”

If you’re looking for a post-Broadway bar, Carmel says The Friki Tiki is where cast and crew often hang their hats.

Originally published as Aussie expats reveal New York City's coolest hidden gems