If something is really cool in New York right now, it’s called „so Booklyn“. And the place to be is Williamsburg. At the waterfront of the East River, between warehouses and brown stones new bars and restaurants, shops and markets pop up. On a Sunday afternoon you meet more hipsters than in Berlin-Mitte, sauntering the Williamsburg Flea Market, rocking the roof top terrace of the Wythe Hotel, or chilling on the sandy beach of the East River State Park.

Grab a coffee at The Bean or have an ice cream at Williamsburg Creamery, and just walk the streets. You will always discover something you haven’t noticed before. Just today a picture of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat has been finished on the corner of North 9th Street and Bedford Avenue. For beer lovers, a visit at Brooklyn Brewery is a must. And don’t miss the view on Manhattan when the sun sets behind the high-risers and the lights go on at Empire State and Chrysler Building – the beautiful art deco skyscraper with its fantastic gargoyles is my favorite.

So there are still many good reasons to cross the East River. You can take a water taxi or the L train, leading you right into the Meatpacking District, where the High Line begins. The elevated former freight rail line has been converted into a unique park that runs all the way from Gansevoort to 34th Street. If you get up early (the time difference of six hours makes that very easy even after a night of partying) the High Line is not yet crowded. Take a walk on Manhattan’s west side, or just relax on one of the wooden sun beds and enjoy the spectacular views.