Manhattan Explore the Meatpacking District, between Chelsea and the West Village, one of New York's hottest neighbourhoods, dotted with ultra hip boutiques and trendy restaurants.
1. Jeffrey
It might seem an unlikely spot for one of Manhattan's most exclusive clothing stores, but it's there that you'll find Jeffrey (449 W 14Th Street at Tenth Ave). Looking for that perfect suit by Prada or Jil Sander ? Jeffrey is the spot downtown for designer duds for men and women. It's also known for its fabulous selection shoes and accessories. Although prices are, well. pricey, staff here are actually helpful and wonderfully without attitude.
2. Stella McCartney
For fun and sexy women's fashion, check out Stella McCartney (429 W 14Th Street). Yes she is the daughter of Paul and a pal of Madonna (who's been known to swing by), but she's also a talented and trendsetting clothing designer. If the price are beyond your budget, don't worry - it's a trip to simply window-shop here.
3. White Columns
This modern art gallery is New York's oldest alternative art space (founded in 1969) and is open for public, free of charge, eleven months per year (320 W 13Th Street) Every six months the museum present new exhibitions in a variety of media, dedicated to emerging artists.
4. Spice Market
For tasty Southeast Asian Cuisine in an ultra hip atmosphere, head over to celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's hot new restaurant, Spice Market (W 13Th Street, corner of Ninth Ave and 13th Street). Housed in a 139 square-metre former warehouse in the heart of the Meatpacking District, the decor is exotic Southeast Asian, with teak pagodas and sexy lighting. Try the lobster with garlic and chilli, crisp squid and curried duck with lemongrass, and don't be surprise if you see a celeb or two.
Lunch, Mon-Fri noon-14.30, Sat and Sun noon-16.00, Dinner daily 18.00-midnight.
5. Vitra
This is Vitra's flagship store (29Th Ninth Ave between 13Th and 14Th Streets), and it's also home to gallery and showroom. Modern furnishing from likes of Eames, Gehry, Vac and George Nelson, as well as books, games and silk pillows, are all sold at the sleek shop.
6. Yoyamart
This whimsical children's toy and clothing store (15 Gansevoort Street between Hudson and 4th Street) features a variety of goods from Asia, Australia and France, such as designer clothing, Anime toys from Japan, educational books and cool kid's furniture.
7. Chelsea Market
This former cookies factory (75 Ninth Ave between 15Th and 16Th Streets) now houses a delectable variety of bakeries, cafes, restaurants and shops. Its enormous rugged brick interior is worth checking out itself, complete with massive stone benches and a waterfall. But once inside, you're sure to be captivated by the sights and scents - you can smell bread baking and watch the bakers prepare the loaves through big glass walls. Be sure to hit the Lobster Place, where the locals come for fresh fish and seafood. And a few steps away Goupil and DeCarlo Patisserie is an excellent spot for a cappuccino and European-style treats and pastries.
8. Maritime Hotel
You can't miss this white, strangely nautical-looking building, with its rows of porthole windows. Build by Albert Ledner in 1966, it's now one of the hippest hotel in the Big Apple (363 W 16Th Street, tel +1 212 242 4300). The bustling patio is a nice place to grab a cocktail, with its hanging Japanese lanterns, blue-and-white-stripes awnings, trees and potted plants.
When the weather is cooler, head inside to Matsuri, the two-level subterranean Japanese restaurant and bar, for a refreshing cocktail and tasty cuisine, or La Bottega, the lively and chic Italian eatery.
