There’s nothing better than getting travel advice from a local. From food, shopping, nightlife, and where to capture the best photos in the city, it’s rare for locals to steer you in the wrong direction. That’s why when it comes to what to do in the Big Apple, who better than Jay-Z to get advice from?
In an interview with Conde Nast Traveller, the rapper turned entrepreneur, and now billionaire revealed his top places in New York City.
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Where To Go For A Blow-Out Supper
When asked about where he would go for a “blow-out supper,” of course he used it as an opportunity to market his own sports bar, the 40/40 Club.
“Great tasting wings, great tasting sliders, and the best sports bar in town. If the Knicks are playing and you don’t have a ticket this place has the best atmosphere to watch the game,” he told the publication.
But for lunch, he revealed that Mamo in SoHo “is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the city.”
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What Foods Always Make You Think Of New York?
Speaking of food, when asked, “what will always make you think of New York?”
He replied, “wings, pizza, burgers, steak, cheesecake. These are obviously not foods that are exclusive to NYC but for whatever reason, we do them better.”
There are [arguably] two cities in the U.S. widely known for its pizza. That’s Chicago’s famous deep dish and of course, New York.’s hand-tossed thin crust. So, what does Hov prefer?
Where To Get The Best N.Y. Pizza
“Lucali in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn: it’s a proper traditional neighborhood pizzeria. Nothing fancy but they make the most delicious thin-crust pizza,” he says.
Type hashtag #NYC in Instagram and you will find more than 115 million posts that include the city’s yellow-cabs, bridges, and the skyline. The best spot to take in New York City’s skyline is the top of the Rockefeller Center, according to Jay-Z.
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Hov’s Favorite Place To Shop In New York
His favorite place to shop may surprise you. In one of the world’s fashion capital, Jay prefers a toy store.
“FAO Schwarz is probably the coolest toy store in the world – the kids love it there. They stock great vintage toys too. If you’ve got children, you need to go and check it out.”
For friends coming into town, he tells them to stay at the Four Seasons in Midtown because of its location and because they offer one of the best brunches in the city.
Best Spot For A Skyline View
When it comes to taking the infamous New York tourist flick, it’s all about the view. That’s why Jay-Z says the Rockefeller Centre is picture perfect.
‘Top of the Rock (at the Rockefeller Centre), especially at night because you get such a great view of the Empire State Building,’ says Jay.
Where To Stay When You Visit NYC
Jay also has recommendations for places to stay in New York if you’re visiting. His suggestion is The Four Seasons. “Not only do you have a great Midtown location,” says Jay, “but it also serves one of the best brunches in New York.”
Where To Get Some R&R
Looking to relax, Jay Z has a suggestion — but you’ll need to get your money up.
“There is a reason why property prices are so expensive in The Hamptons,” says the music mogul. “You are a couple of hours away from the hustle of the city but it might as well be another world. We love going there as a family. If you want to get out of NYC but not travel far, there is nowhere better.”
