New York Habitat Blog

From Marcel Duchamp’s famous urinal that shocked traditionalists to the proto street art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, New York City has always embraced the evolution of modern art. It’s no wonder then why New York’s Museum of Modern Art–to the chagrin of the MET–has quickly become the city’s favorite major museum. After all, New York has always been more Warhol and Jasper Johns than Rembrandt and Jan Van Eyck–more proud of Alphabet City’s grit than of the Upper East Side’s social clubs. The Museum of Modern Art–or MoMA–is one of the premier modern art museums in the world. New York Habitat knows a thing or two about MoMA, and even more about the neighborhoods and apartments that surround it.

MoMA New York

Originally founded in 1929, the museum recently went through a massive expansion and refurbishing project that ended in 2006. More than just an addition or touch-up, the Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi completely reinvented MoMA’s space, light and overall structure. Since its reopening the museum’s popularity has skyrocketed. MoMA has an excellent permanent collection, including famous works by Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Mattisse and Andy Warhol, among others. Van Gogh’s The Starry Night is housed here, as is Dali’s The Persistance of Memory. MoMA’s collection is so recognizable that one need not be an art lover in the traditional sense to recognize several pieces or be struck by a favorite painter.

While the MET and several other New York museums are essentially free (suggested donations are listed at ticket booths), MoMA’s entry fee is a pricey 20 dollars. Penny pinchers need not worry however, every Friday, from 4 to 8 pm, entrance to the museum is free of charge. Unfortunately, MoMA’s free Friday night is not a wellkept secret, the place can become downright packed. To avoid the crowds show up at 4 o’clock when the majority of New Yorkers are still toiling away in an office somewhere. And if that’s too much of a hassle you can always dish out the 20 bucks.

New York’s Museum of Modern Art is located on west 53rd street in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. New York Habitat has a long standing presence in the neighborhood and dozens of accommodations are available again this spring and summer. This 1-bedroom apartment rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-9333) is literally 3 blocks from MoMA and has some mod-art touches itself (think whimsical toilet seat and decorative fireplace). This 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-1984) is also around the corner from the museum and features a private terrace with plants, veggies and a lot of space. A little further south is the hardwood floors and direct sunlight of this 2-bedroom rental apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-9895).

Tell us about your favorite work at the MoMA in the comments below.

New York is a city of surprises– the $1.25 cup of coffee at the corner bodega often tastes better than the latte from Starbucks, top-notch entertainment can be found in the subway, and the best view of it all is aboard an urban gondola on the Upper East Side. We labored over choosing the most scenic New York view, but finally decided that the perspective aboard the Roosevelt Island Tram is unlike any other in the entire city. The view from the top of a skyscraper is stunning yet distant, the scene from the shores of Brooklyn dramatic but detached, aboard the aerial tram, however, visitors get at dazzling view of the city at its own eye level. New York Habitat has dozens of accommodations on the Upper East Side that place guests between the grass of Central Park and benches aboard the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Roosevelt Island tram

Out-of town motorists driving along the FDR highway on Manhattan’s East Side have been perplexed by the red and white lifts slowly climbing across the sky since the tram’s introduction in 1976. For many New Yorkers the Roosevelt Island Tramway has become the city’s most beloved quirk. Originally built as a temporary commuting solution for residents on Roosevelt Island in the East River, a lack of sufficient infrastructure to replace the tram kept it open. Though a subway stop now exists on the island, the tram’s public acclaim has kept it running.

Each cabin of the aerial tramway can hold 125 people. The tram departs from Second Avenue-59th street, climbs some 250 feet at 16 miles per hour and sets back down on Roosevelt Island. Though somewhat obstructed by the adjacent Queensboro bridge, 360 degrees of glass offer views of Uptown, Downtown and Midtown unlike any other in the city. In fact, until 2006 the Roosevelt Island Tram was the only aerial tram carrying commuters in the United States (Portland built one in 2006). Visitors may not be able to see the Statue of Liberty from here but riding the Tram is truly a unique New York experience–one filled with more commuting New Yorkers than picture-happy tourists.

Upper East Side Apartment New York Accommodation (NY-12315)

Visitors wishing to stay close to the tram should look for an accommodation on the Upper East Side. This 1-bedroom rental in Upper East Side (NY-3383), blocks from the tramway, is cheaper than just about every hotel in the neighborhood. This 1-bedroom apartment rental in Upper East Side (NY-6853) can accommodate up to 4 guests for under $200. While this alcove studio in Upper East Side (NY-12315) features exposed brick.

If you have missed the previous top New York Views read:

#5: Liberty State Park, Jersey City New Jersey

#4: Empire - Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn

#3: Governors Island

#2 Top of the Rock

What do you think about our choice for best Manhattan view? Let us know below.

On a previous article, New York Habitat began its profile of London’s Museum Mile off Cromwell Road, highlighting many of the attractions of this Kensington neighborhood and some of our topnotch rental apartments in the area. This week, we’re moving on from the excellent Natural History Museum to the equally enthralling Science Museum, less than a five-minute walk away. The Science Museum is a day-long destination in itself—half a day, if you want enough time to soak up some local atmosphere…and some sun in neighboring Hyde Park.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in South Kensington (LN-527)

London’s Science Museum is a labyrinthine building with each wing dedicated to technologies that have transformed the world. The space center boasts the actual Apollo 10 command module, which—nerd or not—you really should see. A hall chronicles the history of modern inventions, including a prototype of Mr. Crapper’s contribution located near the public loos; an entire exhibit is dedicated to innovations in sailing, which is a good stop for any fan of Umberto Eco’s The Island of the Day Before or anyone planning the worthwhile trip to Greenwich on the Docklands Light Railway; and there is a whole host of hands-on, interactive (and, dare we say, educational) displays for adults and kids alike. Parents, be sure you’re packing the Purell!

From now until November, the Science Museum is featuring an environmentally-themed exhibit aimed at children entitled The Science of Survival. The attached IMAX Theater always has eye-popping fare, such as underwater, interplanetary or prehistoric exploration, and the museum gift shop is crammed with enough sci-lite gadgets to satisfy your inner geek.

Should the noise level in the Science Museum reach new heights due to the squeals of delight from young visitors, you may want to pop back into your New York Habitat rental accommodation, which you thoughtfully stocked up with provisions from the local supermarkets. Hummus from Waitrose and shandies from Sainsbury’s are perfect for a picnic in Hyde Park, one of the most sprawling areas of greenery in all of London and just a few blocks from Cromwell Road. Once there, check out Kensington Gardens and Palace (home of Princess Diana), the airy Orangery for afternoon tea, the bordering, distinct building that is Royal Albert Hall, and the Serpentine Gallery in the center of the park, which houses ever-changing contemporary art displays and hosts summer structures designed by some of the world’s preeminent architects and artists.

London Accommodation 2-bedroom Vacation Rental South Kensington (LN-346)

For adult evening entertainment in your neighborhood, stop by the Mint Casino on Cromwell Road or the Grosvenor Casino outside the nearby Gloucester Road station. Keep in mind that this is London, not Las Vegas. The casinos are rather small and usually kind of quiet, but they are professionally staffed, low-pressure places for trying your luck on a few spins of roulette or feeling like James Bond at the blackjack table (sorry, no Baccarat). These are members-only casinos, which is a mere formality meaning you’ll need to show an ID or passport to get a free membership card, which often comes with some dinner or drinks perks.

Take your winnings and head to any one of the inexpensive cafés or world cuisine restaurants that surround your vacation accommodation—from French fusion on Brompton, homemade Polish next to South Kensington station, or authentic Chinese on Cromwell to what is reputedly London’s best fish and chips storefront, located on Gloucester (look for customers eating out of rolled-up newspapers—the proper way, of course).

Then, finish off your night at one of the many fine local pubs, such as Kavanagh’s Irish Bar or The Drayton Arms, with its plentiful hanging flowerpots and limited outdoor picnic bench-style seating.

Since South Kensington is such a special neighborhood in which to stay, we suggest one of these fitting accommodations:

• A two-bedroom vacation rental in South Kensington (LN-346) on Cromwell Road, on the second floor of a modern apartment building. This perfectly situated rental is stylishly furnished and comes with a terrace, to boot!
• A two-bedroom vacation rental in South Kensington (LN-527) on vibrant Gloucester Road between Cromwell Road and Hyde Park. This newly-refurbished, non-smoking, first-floor flat is a close walk to Kensington Gardens.
• Right off Cromwell, this non-smoking, two-bedroom vacation rental in South Kensington (LN-464) is located on quiet Onslow Gardens between Fulhman and Old Brompton Roads. It is a refurbished, second-floor flat with a lift going directly into it! The sitting room overlooks the gardens and the terrace gives you a good view of neighborhood rooftops. 

Soon, New York Habitat will conclude our series on Cromwell Road and London’s Museum Mile. Check out the last installment on The Natural History Museum, and be sure to leave us a comment below if you are a fan of the fascinating Science Museum. 

As we’ve already discussed, bridges are essential to the efficiency and aesthetic of the city of New York more than any other man-made structure. Uptown Manhattan has its share of river crossings, hulking structures meant for the traffic of commuting cars and trucks rather than pedestrians and camera-wielding tourists. Downtown’s East River crossings though, exemplify what modern spans should be–easily manageable for vehicles and pedestrians, architecturally sound, beautiful. New York Habitat has dozens of flats steps from the structures that link Manhattan to the rest of the world.

Brooklyn Bridge with views of downtown Manhattan

The king of all New York bridges is the Brooklyn Bridge. For most New Yorkers the bridge is the undisputed symbol of New York, the work of architecture of which they are most proud. In the absence of the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge is probably the most recognizable symbol of New York around the world (or at least a close second behind the Statue of Liberty). New Yorkers that cross the bridge every day are still struck by its singular beauty. A walk across the famed span is essential to any visit to New York. The wide pedestrian walkway is less noisy than most and provides some of the best southern-Manhattan views. The Brooklyn Bridge represents a gateway from the 19th to 20th centuries, from the low rises in Brooklyn to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the blue collars of Flatbush to the bleached-white collars on Wall Street.

While no New York bridge matches the aesthetic of the Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge’s two neighbors to the north–the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges–are also worth a visit. Both spans feature pedestrian walkways with a small fraction of the tourists packed on the Brooklyn Bridge. Best of all, these two bridges offer arguably better views of the Manhattan skyline–views that include the facade of America’s most famous river crossing.

New York Accommodation 2-bedroom loft in Noho (NY-12499)

New York Habitat has accommodations on the Brooklyn and Manhattan side of the East River, all within a walk of the pedestrian crossings. This 2-bedroom apartment rental in Brooklyn Heights (NY-12661) is available all summer and has panoramic rooftop views. This loft-style 2-bedroom vacation rental in Noho, East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12499) is on the Manhattan side of the East River as is this 1-bedroom apartment rental in Bowery, East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12317), another one of New York Habitat’s favorite New York accommodations.

Did we leave out your favorite New York bridge? Let us know why we should have included it below.

Paris is all about museums. The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Musee Rodin, Centre Pompidou, the list goes on and on. It seems as if every Paris neighborhood has its own museum, or at least a couple of fine art galleries. Paris is home to museums celebrating fashion design, hunting, sex and even dolls and dollhouses. Nevertheless, for a long time there was an obvious absence of non-Western art in the city. That substantial void was filled in June of 2006 with the opening of the spectacular Quai Branly Museum. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the modern design of the building–and the non-Western collection–sit in stark contrast to its Seine-side neighbors the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. Thankfully for visitors New York Habitat is, of course, a regular in the neighborhood.

Quai Branly gardens Paris, France

Whereas many mutli-cultural museums are situated away from city centers, The Quai Branly sits at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in some of the most sought after Paris real estate. The museum’s collection is devoted entirely to the art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of over 3,500 artifacts from four different continents. Mostly impressive is the Quai Branly’s schedule of temporary exhibitions which boldly tackle issues of colonization, race and cultural misunderstandings.

This spring the Quai Branly hosts an exhibition titled Planette Mettisse: To mix or not to mix. The presentation delves into globalization and the effect crossing of cultures has had on art and human history. The museum juxtaposes works from the 15th century to the present day in order to highlight the importance and richness gained from the collaboration of cultures. Also on display this spring is an exhibition devoted to sculptures carved from African Ivory.

Paris Accommodation 2-bedroom vacation rental near Tour Eiffel (PA-2431)

For a rental apartment close to the new Quai Branly, Eiffel Tower and everything else central Paris has to offer take a look at these available New York Habitat accommodations.

-1-bedroom apartment rental in Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2065)
-2-bedroom vacation rental in Champs De Mars - Tour Eiffel (PA-2673)
-2-bedroom rental accommodation in Champs De Mars - Tour Eiffel (PA-2431)

The importance of an engaging non-Western museum like the Quai Branly cannot be understated. For now the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay rule the museum scene in Paris but the buzz building around the Branly is definitely worth noting.

Tell us about your favorite Paris Museum experiences below:

Normally, the best views of Manhattan are found on the shores of Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey or on an island in the middle of New York Harbor. Thanks to modern architecture, however, visitors no longer have to leave the island of Manhattan to appreciate the full landscape of the city. Gazing out of high-rise windows has been a favorite past time of New Yorkers since the advent of the skyscraper. Looking down on New York from 70 stories above adds a unique perspective–people and cars vanish in the distance, the city itself like a living version of the map in your pocket. The Rockefeller Center GE building, commonly referred to as 30 Rock, is home to the best observation deck in New York City. New York Habitat has apartments just around the corner from Rockefeller Center and the 30 Rock observation deck.

Thanks to major renovations completed in 2005 the 30 Rock observation deck, or “Top of The Rock,” beats out the Empire State Building’s own viewing floor. Despite giving up 16 floors and years of name recognition to the Empire State Building, the Top of The Rock’s midtown location makes it more ideal for central Manhattan views. Name a point of interest in New York City and you can probably see it from the Top of The Rock. When seen from above, the scale of Central Park is tangible–amazingly untouched by Manhattan’s relentless developers. The Chrysler, Empire State and myriad other buildings seem to be swimming in a sea of concrete, held together by the rivers East and Hudson on either side. Viewing New York City from The Top of The Rock’s open air deck is an absolute must-see for any visitor to the city.

Reaching Rockefeller Center is relatively easy from anywhere in the city, but those wanting to walk to the Top of the Rock to catch a glimpse of a New York sunset should try one of these apartments in Midtown:

New York Vacation Rental: studio in Midtown West (ny-12424)

-Studio apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12424).
-1-bedroom vacation rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12060).
-3-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea(NY-10971).

Which observation deck do you prefer? The Top of The Rock or the observation deck at the Empire State Building? Comment Below.

If you have missed the previous top New York Vies read:

#5: Liberty State Park, Jersey City New Jersey

#4: Empire - Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn

#3: Governors Island

It is difficult to imagine–while shopping in SOHO–that Manhattan is an island of only 22.96 square miles. Millions of commuters come in and out of the city each day, each of them crossing a bridge or tunnel on thier way in. River crossings are an essential part of Manhattan’s efficiency, as much as any major city in the world. The bridges that connect Manhattan to the rest of the city via the East River and the state of New Jersey via the Hudson River are themselves worthy tourist destinations. While the bridges of Paris have a subtle aesthetic, New York’s river crossings are massive, utilitarian odes to modern architecture. While some lack the aesthetic of their Parisian counterparts, many of New York’s bridges are as essential to the city’s landscape as the rivers they cross. New York Habitat has plenty of apartments in Uptown Manhattan that place guests steps from New York’s most practical works of art.

The George Washington Bridge at night

Uptown Manhattan doesn’t have nearly as many recognizable bridges as the beauties Downtown. Downtown, bridges are framed by the towering New York skyline, principle actors in the city’s scenic canvas. Uptown the bridges are mostly gritty, industrial structures connecting the South Bronx to Harlem and Washington Heights. Uptown bridges are, for the most part, famous for snarling traffic rather than architectual genius. The one Uptown Manhattan exception is the hulking George Washington Bridge, spanning across the Hudson river from New York to New Jersey. Originally constructed in 1931, the exposed steel towers and suspension of the bridge act as an informal gateway into New York City. The George is one of the busiest bridges in the world offering 14 lanes accross the Hudson River. The George features pedestrian paths on both sides of the structure and offers some of Manhattan’s greatest Westside views. For views of the GWB itself visitors should take a visit to Fort Tryon Park near Washington Heights.

Hudson River with George Washington Bridge views

Within walking distance of the George Washington Bridge is this 2-bedroom townhouse accommodation in Harlem-Uptown (NY-12256). The apartment is near the C train, about 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. This modern 1-bedroom rental apartment in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12546) features exposed brick and an open layout. This alcove studio in Upper West Side (NY-12107) has some amazing views of the Hudson river and the George Washington Bridge in the distance.

Later we will be discussing Lower Manhattan’s iconic East River crossings…