NYC Travel Tips from a Top Concierge

Who couldn’t use a few hacks when visiting New York City?

A sprawling metropolis with numerous cultural institutions, a variety of intriguing neighborhoods and a regularly shifting list of hotspots, New York City can be a tad intimidating and hard to conquer for the unprepared traveler.

To assist with this challenge, Forbes recently interviewed top New York City concierge Susanne Carter, from The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.

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Not only has Carter worked at the posh five-star Ritz property for 15 years, she’s is a member of Les Clefs d'Or, (the leading concierge association), and the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges. Oh, and she’s also been a New Yorker for two decades. (In terms of insider credentials, it doesn’t get much better than that.)

Carter offered up insight regarding New York's hottest and best restaurants, the best ways to spend a day in the city, what’s new in the city and more.

When it comes to spending a day in the city, Carter suggested strolling Hudson River Park. The waterside park runs from 59^th Street down to Battery Park and provides a great opportunity for walking and people watching.

In the summer she recommends also checking out the free kayak lessons offered at various piers along the Hudson River. For the more adventurous, Carter suggests taking a class at the Trapeze School on the Hudson. (Yes, trapeze school.)

It “is an amazing experience, not only because it is fun and the staff is really encouraging, but there are also amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,” she told Forbes.

As for some of the city’s newest attractions, Carter mentioned Oculus, the World Trade Center transportation hub. It is a remarkable sight and an architectural highlight in the city.

The walking tours offered by the Museum of Chinese in America are also among Carter's top recommendations. While the museum showcases exhibits about Chinese American history, the walking tours provide a fascinating glimpse of Chinatown.

"Although I had been to Chinatown many times, I learned so much and would never have seen all the details and history pointed out during the tour," Carter said.

READ MORE: Celebrate the Holidays in New York City

Now to the all-important details: The hottest restaurants in the city:

—The Grill, which Carter describes as swanky, elegant and cool

—Cosme – A restaurant Carter says remains hot for all the right reasons.

—4 Charles Prime Rib – Carter described as her new favorite option for grabbing a cheeseburger. The ambiance is apparently quite memorable. “It’s intimate with the vibes of a supper club,” she told Forbes.

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