Love New York? Of course you do. What's not to love in the city that doesn't sleep with enough bars and restaurants to ensure you get into just the right amount of trouble; incredible, expansive parks and enough riveting cultural activities to keep you on the straight and narrow.
While a trip to the big apple is, of course, an experience not to be missed, you need not have to fork out a chunk of your salary on airfare to get a slice of the action, from beautiful galleries hosting world class exhibitions, to five-star cocktail bars and award-winning bagels (ok maybe not award-winning, but generally considered very good), you can live like a New Yorker right here in London, should you so choose.
For those landing in the capital still in a New York state of mind, we've collaborated with American superbrand Michael Kors and model Joanna Halpin from What She Said blog, to deliver a big apple friendly guide to our beloved cobbled city.
From the dazzling new Michael Kors flagship on Regent Street, to the best rooftop bars, this is your insider guide to take you from sunset to sunrise!
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
New York is famous for its eating out and bar culture. Luckily, so is London.
For cocktails, head to Shoreditch's rooftop bar, The Boundary. With incredible views across the city, this is a haunt for those 'in the know' and retains a laid back vibe while serving up great cocktails.
London has taken inspiration from iconic NYC haunts like Pauly G's in Brooklyn with the likes of Sodo – who use dough that's fermented for up to 48 hours.
However, if it's the iconic slice that does it for you, you'd be hard pressed to find a tastier counter than VooDoo Rays.
Jackson + Rye feels like it's been picked up straight from the streets of Manhattan and placed down in the heart of London's Soho. American brasserie style decor is just the start and Jackson + Rye take their breakfast very seriously – as seriously as a New Yorker. Then, when dinner hits, it's rump steaks, rueben sandwiches and buttermilk fried chicken. The ultimate taste of New York.
Joanna Wears:
New Navy Cotton Poplin Shirtdress, £91
Optic White Vivian Crossbody, £240
Leather Belt, £50
All MICHAEL Michael Kors available at Michael Kors Regent Street
Photographed by Andrew Woffinden
Shopaholic
There's no better place to shop like a New Yorker than at Michael Kors. Luckily for London, the American fashion house has just opened a seriously sleek set of doors on Regent Street.
Clad with rich wooden floors, Venetian wallpaper and marble accents, the new store is nothing but luxe. Stretching three storeys, the flagship is beautifully packed with cult status handbags, leather goods, ready-to-wear and – for the first time in UK retail stores – the Michael Kors men's line.
179 Regent Street, London
Joanna wears:
Optic White Madelyn Clutch, £170
Coral Reef Ribbed V-Neck Sweater Dress, £128
Black Margie Flatform, £145
all MICHAEL Michael Kors
Michael Kors Silver Jaryn Watch, £185
All available at Michael Kors Regent Street
Photographed by Andrew Woffinden
Culture Vulture
Much like New York, London is renowned for its dedication to the arts, with dozens of outstanding galleries exhibiting world-class artists. If you're in town and have an hour to spare, here's our pick of top gallery destinations that rivals New York's iconic spaces.
The Photographer's Gallery As the name suggests, this is photography curated by photographers, for photographers (and for people who like to look at photography occasionally too.) A clean, modern space showcasing both upcoming artists and major retrospectives, the gallery is tucked away enough that there aren't crowds of tourists everywhere.
The V&A is an extremely well respected and curated gallery hosting major exhibitions and retrospectives spanning fashion, history and fine art. It often gets iconic exhibitions straight from New York, so this is one to always keep your eye on.
The Tate Modern is the most popular art gallery in London, and the café on the top floor has just re-opened. With difficult-to-beat views across the river and over to St Paul's, this hidden gem is the perfect spot for a glass of wine at sunset.
Joanna Wears:
New Navy Bonded Eyelet Top, £91
White Wide Leg Trousers, £80
Cinnamon Wesley Suede Mule, £170
Peanut Vivian Tote, £460
All MICHAEL Michael Kors available at Michael Kors Regent Street
Photographed by Andrew Woffinden
Park Lover
Central Park is where New Yorkers flock in their thousands to escape the tall buildings and get an injection of green. In London, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to green space.
There's no park quite like Hyde Park. From boating on the Serpentine, to having a rest on a deck chair and watching the horses trot past, to a stroll through the rose garden, this central London park feels totally out of the city. Pop into The Magazine restaurant for a bite to eat or a drink in the sun.
Primrose Hill is famed for the view across the city that crops up in many a film. It's a great spot for people watching and soaking up some summertime atmosphere. And a mere hop, skip and a jump from London Zoo.
If Williamsburg's Smorgasbord is a must for you in New York, ensure that Broadway Market in Hackney is on your London weekend bucket list. Be warned, with the amount of choice, this local's market is not for the indecisive.
Joanna Wears:
White Rib Halter Tank, £69
Caramel Westley Suede Mule, £170
Cinnamon Dunn Saddle Bag, £260
Washed Denim Wide-Leg Pant, £91
All MICHAEL Michael Kors available at Michael Kors Regent Street
Photographed by Andrew Woffinden
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