Best Things to Do in New York City: The Perfect Afternoon at Neue Galerie & Cafe Sabarsky

The Neue Galerie New York is located on 86th Street and Fifth Avenue, just across from Central Park. The lovely structure was designed by the same team responsible for the New York Public Library. The Neue Galerie houses New York’s leading collection of German and Austrian Expressionist art.  The galleries include works by Gustav Klimt, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee amongst others. The Neue Galerie is the perfect place to spend an afternoon before retiring for a glass of wine or a snack at the city’s famous, Café Sabarsky.

The interior space itself should be an exhibit all of its own. The design of this museum is absolutely spectacular. It feels as though you’re strolling through a friend’s super nice apartment–but you’re not. I found the exhibits here to be really interesting even though personally I have to admit that my knowledge about German/Austrian art was rather limited before today. I think that even the most novice art connoisseur can appreciate this charming space and I recommend it for visitors. If you walk rather briskly through exhibits you can be finished in about an hour. It’s a welcome change of pace for those of you who have frequented the MET one too many times.

Painting by Gustav Klimt

In addition to the galleries, the museum houses a lovely design shop, a bookstore, as well as two restaurants by Kurt Gutenbrunner–Café Fledermaus and the famed, Café Sabarsky, which has become a New York institution for both tourists and ladies who lunch. Sabarsky serves up authentic Vienesse dishes and perfect pastries alongside delectable teas, cocktails and espresso drinks.  A visit here is worth the price just to be a part of its sophisticated atmosphere. Although its pretty pricey, if guests can brave the long line there are a few reasonably priced snacks at the end of the road. Strudels, tortes, soups and a spot on German-style pretzel that puts New York’s pretzel carts to shame, are each less than $15.

The food is delicious but it’s worth a visit here just for the fabulous atmosphere. I recommend coming for a late evening snack. Lines are virtually non-existent at 5pm. It’s the perfect time to pop in.

For more information, visit Neue Galerie and Cafe Sabarsky online.

About The Author

Katie

Katie is a luxury lifestyle expert. She runs luxury lifestyle sites, KatieLara.com and Smartypanties.com. But she's not only a luxury lifestyle blogger, she's also a freelance writer for The Huffington Post, Fodor's, Forbes, Pursuitist, Just Luxe and She Knows. She's also a professional photographer and her photos often appear alongside her writing.