Nobody knows a city like the local concierge team. With the inside track on all the best places to dine, shows to see, and things to do, they’re a wealth of knowledge for all travelers. We talk with a top local hotel concierge in New York City to get the inside scoop on all their expert tips.
Nuriye Magden Ercan, COO at The Marmara Park Avenue
Q- Why do you refer your guests to The Welcome Guide®, and what makes it an important resource for you?
Ercan– The Welcome Guide® provides information about the local area, such as attractions, dining options, transportation and more. It serves as a guide for guest to plan their activities and maximize their visit to NYC. By providing guests with The Welcome Guide®, they have a majority of the information in one place and save time compared to searching online for recommendations.
(Courtesy The Marmara Park Avenue)
Q- What are your best tips for exploring NYC like a local?
Ercan– For an authentic NYC experience, one may take a stroll in Central Park, have a slice of NY pizza and navigate through NYC by using public transit, including subways and buses.
Q- What should be on every visitor’s “bucket list” when visiting?
Ercan– When visiting NYC, I suggest heading to Times Square as it offers photo-worthy moments, shopping, digital billboards, the renowned M&M world among other attractions. Times Square is a great spot for people-watching, including street performers and characters in costumes. With the Theater District steps away, make sure to buy tickets for a Broadway show or musical.
Q- What’s an excellent spot to capture a great selfie?
Ercan– One may head to Fifth Avenue to capture a great selfie in front of the Empire State Building. Our hotel’s rooftop offers picture—perfect panoramas of the NYC skyline, with sights including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and Chrysler Building.
Brooklyn Bridge (©Colton Duke)
Q- What is the best suggestion you can give a first-time visitor?
Ercan– First-time visitors should plan ahead by booking excursions and dining reservations in advance and selecting a hotel in a convenient location.
Q- If someone only had 24 hours in NYC, where would you send them?
Ercan– I suggest starting the morning walking along the High Line on the west side followed by a visit to Chelsea Market or a nearby flee market. Thereafter, one may delve into the city’s artistic treasures with a visit to The Met or MoMa. For views of the skyline, take a ride on the Staten Island. To conclude the day’s explorations, one may want to visit One World Trade Center, home to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Q- Where’s the best place to take kids of all ages?
Ercan– Families traveling to NYC with kids should visit the Central Park Zoo, an attraction that can be enjoyed by all ages and provides a home to diverse array of animals.
Central Park Zoo (©Leandro Suarez)
Q- For a guest looking for a night on the town, what would you recommend?
Ercan- For a memorable night out in NYC, immerse yourself in a live comedy show or dance to jazz music at one of New York’s iconic bars.
Any suggestions for the best under-the-radar sites or uncommon things to do?
Ercan– The Roosevelt Island Tramway, lofted 250 feet above the East River, is an ariel tram that has magnificent views of Midtown, Long Island City and the East River. Additionally, one may want to venture to Stone Street in the Financial District for its rich history and old-world European feel.
Q- What is your expert tip?
Ercan– For your upcoming trip to New York, take advantage of the city’s free attractions. Create a balanced itinerary so you can enjoy your time in NYC without rushing from place to place.
Roosevelt Island Tram (©Quianshan Weng)
