A Day in Lincoln Square
Damrosch Park
It may be a lesser-known open space in NYC, but there’s nothing more gorgeous than Damrosch Park. The walks around this performing-arts space is stress-relieving and eye-opening for your mornings. The centerpiece of the park is the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim bandshell that is home to many events, including Fashion Week. But in the past the Big Apple Circus has called this spot home and there’s been live musical events that used the bandshell and park as their stage.
AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13
This is a neighborhood profoundly infiltrated and influenced by the arts, and film. Lincoln Square is home to the ultimate movie-going experience in the city. The AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 is New York’s first — and truest — IMAX theater. The projectors have capability to screen 70-mm films such as "The Hateful Eight" or "The Dark Knight." But if you are looking for an indie film to watch, head a block down to the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas.
The Juilliard School
One of the most decorated and successful schools for the performing arts is just blocks from your new apartment in Lincoln Square. The Juilliard School, synonymous with development of the most recognized talent in the music world, is within the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. If you are accepted to The Juilliard School, then you are nearly guaranteed a successful career in either dance, acting, playwriting or, most importantly, music. Take time to explore the campus grounds and the lobby to see the names that came before you. The greatest contemporary conductors have graduated here, including composer John Williams (Star Wars). Juilliard also produced notable actors like Alan Tudyk (Star Wars: Rogue One), Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) and Kelsey Grammar (Cheers).
Old John’s Luncheonette
In an era of soaring rents and sleek restaurants, there’s one old spot that hasn’t gone away. In an area strewn with James Beard Award-winning restaurants, the Old John’s Luncheonette hasn’t won any, but has been a staple of the neighborhood by simply offering great service and consistently tasty food. The old school eatery offers a no-frills breakfast such as flapjacks (not pancakes) and American cheese omelette. Even though it’s super early, you should also order the milkshake - either old-fashioned or malted. They are a reminder of the New York City of yesteryear.
Bar Boulud
You will soon notice that the Lincoln Square area is dominated by Chef Daniel Boulud. He has a number of restaurants here, which means that you will have to sample them all at some time. The first is Bar Boulud, an excellent destination for lunch. Get ready for some mouth-watering charcuterie and a killer prix fixe menu that includes an appetizer (you will want to pick the chicken liver mousse), a main (pan seared durade is amazing) and dessert (you can’t go wrong with the chilled chocolate fondant).
American Folk Art Museum
For the best deal in the city, take a trip to the American Folk Art Museum. The admission is free and the artwork you'll find on display is beyond impressive. The museum curates more than 7,000 objects from the 18th century to the present, materials and exhibits centered around traditional folk art, self-taught artists and European Art Brut. The museum has gained popularity among residents and tourists in recent years, surpassing 100,000 visitors every year since 2013. The unique thing about this establishment is its dedication to exposing the self-taught, lesser known artists that oftentimes enter the mainstream art world as a result.
A Night in Lincoln Square
Boulud Sud
There is a plethora of great dinner options in the neighborhood. Many of the selections are high-end eats such as Lincoln Square Steak and Cafe Luxembourg. The best of the best is at Boulud Sud, the brainchild of famed Lyonnais chef Daniel Boulud, who has conquered New York City's dining scene with six other restaurants such as Bar Boulud, Bistro Moderne, Daniel, and DBGB Kitchen & Bar. At Boulud Sud, the food and decor act together to create a new wave French bistro tightly knit around a Mediterranean experience. Apart from the first-class service on the dining floor, you'll notice a sleek bar anchoring the space. Soaring, multi-arched ceilings come off like a mini museum with paintings from famed Provencal artists Van Gogh, Matisse and Cezanne. The food is a delight, with classic French-inspired dishes such as the saffron linguini with fava beans, bottarga and razor clams. Not surprisingly, the Mediterranean Seabass is also a staple – order the Loup de Mer for two.
Empire Hotel
To end the day in an equally classy note, take a trip to the Empire Hotel. The lobby bar is straight out of a Victorian Era movie. You will also have a chance to enjoy some truly magnificent views of the city from hotel’s rooftop bar.
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The highlight of the neighborhood is without parallel: The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The complex opened in 1962 and is comprised of three highly-recognized performing arts organizations: Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet. The most recognizable part of the area is the Charles H. Revson Foundation at the center of the complex, one of the most photographed shots in the city. Tonight you will be catching the classic “La Boheme" at The Met, which has been continually playing in Lincoln Center for years. The opera house itself is a marvel. Take in its gold curtains, and revel in being surrounded by a sea of red seating arrangements that rise six levels high.
Green Door
There aren't many dives in the Lincoln Square area, the best one possibly being the Green Door. The spot is a classic city dive with plenty of domestic beers on tap, as well as a full bar. No frills here, and no craft beers or cocktails. The place is more of a whiskey and cola and Bud Light place. Naturally, they also have a pool table to get your bar games going.
