New York Habitat Blog

Hello once again. Welcome to another New York Habitat video blog! Today, we are going to get a little taste of one of New York’s most famous neighborhoods, known as SoHo. You may have imagined SoHo as the one of the most fashionable areas in New York with its loft-style apartments, art galleries, and its diverse shopping. If you imagined SoHo like that then you are right. SoHo, which stands for SOuth of HOuston Street, is undeniably one of the coolest neighborhoods in New York. It’s has been the backdrop for fashion shoots, TV commercials and Hollywood blockbusters like Men in Black, Spiderman or Unfaithful. Many famous stars have their New York apartments in SoHo. They wander the streets randomly, so be sure to keep an eye out for celebrity sightings. In fact, the day we were out filming this video, we met Whoopi Goldberg!

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Click above to watch this video: Tour of SoHo, New York – What to see and do.(4:58)

You’ll find SoHo in southern Manhattan just to the south of Greenwich Village. The boundaries of the heart of SoHo are roughly Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street to the east and 6th Ave to the west.

SoHo’s Architecture and landmarks:

Before we get into the modern day delights of SoHo, let’s step back in history a bit. What is fascinating about this neighborhood is that it is the largest surviving cast-iron building district in the world. Many commercial buildings along Broadway and Spring Street feature this type of construction. Cast-iron’s fire-resistant properties and strength made it possible to construct large building façades at less cost than comparable stone fronts.

A great example of SoHo’s cast-iron buildings is 28-30 Greene Street. Built in 1872, it’s known as the “Queen of Greene Street”. It towers over the street with its ornate French Second Empire façade. And of course, every Queen needs a King. Located at 72 Green Street is another cast-iron building known as the King of Greene Street. This cast-iron beauty, built in 1873, is probably the best example of the Second Empire architectural style in New York City.

As you might know, SoHo is also well known for its loft style apartments. In the late 1800s, SoHo became an industrial district where workers toiled in dangerous conditions. Eventually, in the 1960s, as most of the commercial and manufacturing buildings were abandoned, SoHo was almost destroyed. As with many of New York’s neighborhoods, SoHo was saved by artists who settled there and used the large loft spaces as studios. As artists moved in, the district became populated with galleries and eventually SoHo became the center of the lower Manhattan art scene. Today, the area remains full of art galleries.

Some of our favorite SoHo area lofts include:

This 2-bedroom loft apartment centrally located in SoHo on Prince Street (NY-9572)

This amazing 3-bedroom loft in neighboring Tribeca (NY-5278).

Or for something smaller, this one-bedroom duplex loft vacation rental on West Broadway in SoHo (NY-12831).

Read the entire story here… »

South of France Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Gigaro (PR 398)

The pristine beaches of St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes are rightly famous - but they can also be a bit intimidating to those of us who are not regularly featured in People magazine. However, the French Riviera has much more to offer than these playgrounds for the rich - and with miles of coastline and a little help from New York Habitat, you’re sure to find your own private oasis.

For example, try a studio vacation rental in Beaulieu sur Mer (PR-943) , a town about halfway between Nice and Monaco that measures less than 300 acres in total. Dating back to the Greek and then Roman era, it has gone through many resettlements dating back to the 3rd century AD. It features an early 20th century villa open to the public for tours, and a stunning port with a wide variety of marina services for boats of all sizes.

This 4-bedroom vacation rental in Gigaro - la Croix Valmer (PR-398) has a view of the sea and bougainvillea in full bloom for most of the year. Its white sand beaches are never overcrowded, and from the village experienced hikers can explore the miles of trails that go from the beach back to the rocky Col de Collebasse pass, almost 200 meters high.

The town of Bandol and its harbor are nearby offer all kinds of shopping, and of course there are many cafés and restaurants. Bandol’s reputation stems heavily from its wines, and the zoo and exotic gardens hosts Mediterranean and tropical plants and animals including a large bird collection. There’s even world-class scuba diving! And this 3-bedroom vacation rental in Bandol (PR-340) makes for a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities of the French Riviera.

French Riviera

The historical village of Villefranche Sur Mer overlooks the busy harbor and crystal clear waters of Villefranche Bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera. And this 2-bedroom rental in Villefranche sur Mer (PR-438) offers stunning views of it all! Don’t miss the Jean Cocteau murals in the 14th century Chapelle Saint-Pierre, the 16th century walled citadel, the hanging gardens in the Old Town, works of Picasso in the Goetz-Boumeester Collection, and the historic estates tucked away in the hills that slope up from the sea.

All of these cities are close to Nice, Monaco and the wonderful border towns of the Italian Riveria and are accessible by train and other public transportation, but offer a more relaxing alternative than the bigger cities.  New York Habitat highly recommends opting for the lesser-known gems like the towns and villages we’ve mentioned here for a truly unique vacation experience.

Do you prefer to be a little removed form the action, or do you prefer to be in the thick of it all when you’re on vacation?  Let us know in the comments!

Visiting the Louvre is at the top of the list for any first-time visitor to Paris. Quite easily one of the world’s finest museums, the Louvre is known almost as much for its architecture and history as for the artwork it houses. While the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo draw plenty of attention on the inside of the building, I.M Pei’s pyramid and the beautiful architecture of the former royal fortress provide the photo opportunities for guests waiting patiently in line. Indeed, the Louvre has an impressive history, and one that has played a central role in the story of Paris. New York Habitat’s apartments also play a role in the fabric of the city, and guests are invited to engage the city by staying in an authentic Parisian flat.

Paris Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom in Monorgueil (PA-3246)

The Louvre dates back to the late 12th century, when it was built for French royalty. The grounds remained property of the throne until 1793 when the Musée du Louvre was born as a public institution. However, the Louvre museum has not been immune from outside events. In 1939, on the eve of Nazi occupation, concerned Frenchman evacuated the Louvre’s collections, except for the heaviest pieces which were too obtuse to transport. For the next 6 years works were shuffled between Chateaus in the south of the country in order to keep them from falling into enemy hands. This summer, the museum will be displaying its history during WWII by presenting some 40 photographs of the Louvre taken by both professionals and amateurs between 1939 and 1947. The photographs offer a unique view on the life of one of France’s icons during the country’s most trying moments.

-This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Montorgueil, Opera-Le Louvre (PA-3246) is just a short walk from the famed museum and features an open design and large living-room windows.

-This studio accommodation in Opera-Le Louvre (PA-2209) is all about romance and charm. Exposed wood beams line the ceiling while hardwood graces the floor.

-This quirky 1-bedroom rental apartment in Halles, Opera-Le Louvre (PA-3574) has a wonderful Right Bank location. The renovated accommodation features a decorative fireplace and is tastefully furnished.

Can you think of any other museums that have had to disperse their collection during a grave crisis? Please comment below.

Paris Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom in Belleville (PA-2163)

It’s no secret; Paris is an art loving city. The Louvre is an homage to the great visual artists of the past, The Eiffel tower a nod to architectural innovation and the recently inaugurated quai Branly museum tips its cap to non-Western art and artefacts. Of all the arts loved by the French, perhaps the form they hold closest to their hearts is Jazz music. Jazz wasn’t invented here, but it has been loved here possibly more than any other city in the world. American jazzmen have travelled across the Atlantic for generations to enjoy the company of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic French audience. New York Habitat has dozens of apartments on the Right Bank, steps from the city’s world-famous jazz clubs.

In honor of the French infatuation for jazz music the Musée du quai Branly will be holding a special exhibit until June 28th. The exhibit examines the relationship throughout the 20th century between jazz and the graphic arts. The presentation focuses specifically on the growth of jazz in Europe and Mexico in the 1930s and 40s and the way in which it influenced, and was influenced by, painting,

Paris Vacation Rental 3 Bedroom in Le Marais (PA-1516)

photography, cinema, literature and the graphic arts. A perfect jazz lover’s night on the town might be an afternoon spent at the exhibit and an evening listening to the sound of music in one of the many jazz clubs dotting the city.

-This magnificent and unique 2-bedroom vacation rental in Gare du Nord, Montmartre-Sacre Coeur (PA-3792) captures the essence of cool and innovative Jazz.
-This 3-bedroom rental accommodation in Marais-Les Halles (PA-1516) is minimalist, modern and clean but full of comforts.
-This 1-bedroom rental apartment in Belleville, Cite des Sciences-Buttes Chaumont (PA-2163) has a country-side charm not often found in Parisian flats.

The French have arguably embraced American Jazz music more than Americans themselves, can you think of any situations where Americans have embraced something Français more than the French?

I’m back with another video dedicated to showing you free things you can do in New York City.  Two of the most expensive aspects of traveling to any city are tourist activities and food. 

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Click above to watch this video: Free things to do in New York – The Great Outdoors and Indoors (3:20)

I can help you save money right away in the food department.  If you haven’t already done so, hop on our website and find a New York Vacation Rental.  I’ve said this before, and it’s still true, in a furnished apartment you will have a fully equipped kitchen that will allow you to eat in, as opposed to spending tons of money at restaurants for 3 meals a day.

Take a look at this luxurious studio with a den in the heart of Times Square, in Midtown West (NY-12424)

Or maybe you’d prefer this one bedroom loft in Gramercy/Flatiron on Park Avenue South in Midtown East (NY-12330).  The kitchen is fully equipped and ready for your favorite home recipes.

So with food out of the way, that leaves tourist activities.  We’ve produced this series of videos in an effort to show you how to enjoy your trip to New York with fun and free activities. 

The Great Outdoors

If you love the great outdoors, you may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of outdoor opportunities here in New York.  So where are they? 

Central Park:
Well, if you guessed Central Park, you’d be right – especially in the summer.  When the weather is nice, you’re sure to find things like free outdoor concerts and theatrical performances.  Don’t believe me?  Just check out Summerstage.org with its full calendar of free outdoor concerts.  Or for your thespians out there, check out Shakespeare in the Park for some free quality theatre productions.

New York Apartment: 1-bedroom in Midtown East (NY-12330) pict

Bryant Park:
Another one of my favorite parks in New York is Bryant Park.  Located at 42nd St and 6th Avenue, Bryant Park has lots of great free things to offer.  Like Central Park, you’ll find free concerts, but Bryant Park also offers a free outdoor film festival every summer.  And lastly, another big reason why I love Bryant Park is because they offer free outdoor wifi.  You’ll be able to email your friends and tell them you’ve just watched a movie… in the middle of a park… in New York City… for free!!

Free kayaking in Riverside Park:
If you’re looking to get wet, head over to New York City Downtown Boathouse at 72nd Street for some free kayaking.  Located in Riverside Park at 72nd St. the Downtown Boathouse is dedicated to providing access to the Hudson River for everyone.  It’s generally open from May through October and is run by volunteers that will teach you everything you need to know.

The Bronx Zoo:
If you’d like to venture out of Manhattan, why not pay a visit to the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States.  You can be one of the 2 million people that visit the zoo each year.  And if you go on a Wednesday, admission is a pay-what-you wish donation.

The New York Botanical Garden:
Just next to the zoo, you’ll find the New York Botanical Garden.  It’s a collection of over 50 gardens spread out over 250 acres.  Now that’s a lot of plants !!  It’s free on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Free Show Tapings:
What better way to finish off a fun day outside than to catch a live TV show taping in an air conditioned New York theater.  Many televisions shows are filmed in New York City.  Being part of the studio audience is a fun and memorable experience.  Saturday Night Live, for example, made its debut in 1975 and has remained a staple of American television since.  To get tickets, go to the NBC Studios marquee on the 50th St. side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.  There you can wait in line for stand-by tickets.  They only give out one ticket per person and a stand-by ticket doesn’t guarantee admission.

There are many other TV shows filmed in New York that offer tickets to the public.  Hop on the internet and you can find out how to get tickets for shows like

New York Apartment: Midtown West (NY-12424) photo

The David Letterman Show
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The View
 Good Morning America
The Today Show
Live! With Regis and Kelly
The Colbert Report

Don’t forget, to check out the other videos showing you free things to do in New York:

• Free Music and Museums
• Free Views of New York

One last piece of advice, hop online and search for free things to do in New York.  You’ll find tons of great ideas.  If you find any that aren’t in our videos, be sure to share them in the comments section below. 

And if you’re already in New York and you need a free internet connection, beyond Bryant Park, remember that you can find free internet in most of New York City’s libraries.

While you’re online, be sure to visit New York Habitat’s webiste.  You’ll find thousands of vacation rentals and furnished apartments in New York.   A furnished apartment is an exciting and authentic alternative to a hotel room, and is a great home base to explore all of the free indoor and outdoor activities you can find in New York.

The New Museum

New York City has always been relentlessly devoted to the new: the new hot restaurant, new hot club and new hot neighborhood. It’s only fitting that it’s home to The New Museum of Contemporary Art. Located in the Lower East Side in downtown Manhattan, the New Museum is committed solely to contemporary art. If you’re looking to see what’s new in the art world this summer, you won’t want to miss this museum.

For over 30 years the New Museum has had one mission: to promote new art and new ideas. It’s been an incubator for emerging artists from around the world. In fact, some of today’s biggest art world stars showed at the museum early in their careers, including Keith Haring, Richard Prince and Jeff Koons.

While the museum was founded in 1977, it didn’t find a permanent home until December 2007, when it opened its first freestanding building at 235 Bowery. Designed by Tokyo-based architects Sejima + Nishizawa/SANAA, the seven-story building looks like a teetering stack of rectangular cubes. It is a bold architectural addition to the gritty Bowery.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 - 6:00 pm, but stays open until 9:00 pm on Fridays. For information on current and upcoming exhibits, visit the New Museum’s official website .

New York Apartment 1 Bedroom Lower East Side (NY 14215)

If you’re looking to stay in the lively downtown area, and close to the museum, check out one of New York Habitat’s gorgeous apartments, including:

This charming Studio Vacation Rental in the East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12893), located in a pre-war co-op building. The apartment has tons of character, and comes with a fireplace, skylight and even a hammock.

This spacious 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in the East Village - Lower East Side (NY-14215). The loft apartment has two Queen size beds and sleeps four people. Enjoy the open floor plan and exposed brick.

This summer, see what’s new in the art world by discovering The New Museum in New York.

Have you ever been to the museum? What did you think of the building’s unique architecture? Share your comments with us!

Sure, New York has a reputation of being a gritty city full of movers and shakers, hustling and bustling from one block to the next. And if all of this city’s clichés were true it probably wouldn’t be the best place to bring the kids. But for every fearless taxi driver barreling down the cavernous city streets there are dozens of eager educators and despite all of the big crowds in Midtown there are quiet street corners are always a mere blocks away. Just as the city is the quintessential concrete jungle, so too is it a haven for some of the worlds most magnificent and expansive urban green spaces. New York City is indeed a wonderful place to visit with children, and its parks should be the first stop. Nearly every New York Habitat apartment lies a mere steps from one of the countless public green spaces New York has to offer.

New York City public parks act as children’s museums, libraries and entertainment venues all summer long. The open spaces of urban parks are always a safe and fun place to bring children but in New York they are truly the place to be. The city runs a wide array of free events from the first days of spring to the last warm day of autumn. The city’s most famous parks, most notably Manhattan’s Central and Bryant Parks and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park employ their own event staffs, have their own websites listing events and hold workshops, concerts, and cultural events virtually every day. Even the city’s smallest parks get in on the fun and welcome events that are educative and fun for children young and old.  And if getting involved in an organized event doesn’t suit your fancy, families can always come to the park, have a picnic and play games with their children on the open grass.

-This cozy 2-bedroom vacation rental in Upper West Side (NY-4177) has plenty of space for a small family and is steps from the wide expanse of Central Park.

-This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Borough Park, Brooklyn (NY-14217) offers visitors a taste of the city’s rejuvenated borough, all while being a close distance to Prospect Park, and a subway ride into Manhattan.

What events  do you look forward to seeing this summer in one of New York City’s Parks?

Check out some of the other best places for kids in NYC: