Hunter S. Thompson, my literary hero, once wrote, “The only way I can handle New York City is to live there. It’s a disastrous place to visit.” The eccentric writer had a valid point — but I would qualify his assessment. The Big Apple can indeed overwhelm visitors, but it’s far more manageable with a little insider savvy. New York is the nation’s nerve center of finance and the headquarters for countless corporations. When it comes to entertaining and dining with clients, the options here are second to none. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, here’s what you need to know to thrive as a business traveler in the Greatest City on Earth.

Most New Yorkers commute via the MTA, the network of ferries, buses, commuter rail and, of course, the subway. Taxis are ubiquitous throughout the city, and Ubers and Lyfts arrive within minutes of placing a request. The subway will take you just about anywhere within the five boroughs — except Staten Island, which requires a ferry or a taxi. Subway tickets cost $2.90 per ride, and it’s usually faster than an Uber or taxi during rush hour. Skip the hassle of ticket machines and simply tap your credit card or Apple Pay at the turnstile. Take an MTA ferry ride up the East River for matchless views of Manhattan’s skyline. Pro tip: Order a local NYC craft beer from the onboard bar.

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After a full day of meetings, unwind with clients at one of the city’s world-renowned cocktail bars. Martinis are as emblematic of New York as bagels and dollar slices, and Schmuck pours the finest in town — chilled rocket fuel kissed with drops of fragrant olive oil. SuperBueno is a shrine to tequila and mezcal and a perennial fixture on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Hello Hello Bar & Café, a recently opened cocktail lounge in Chelsea, blends the cozy charm of a neighborhood watering hole with elite mixology. Try its gourmet spin on a Red Bull Vodka — an ideal libation for staying sharp while brokering deals. Sip & Guzzle is a dual-concept cocktail bar specializing in Japanese- inspired drinks. Guzzle, the upper level, is lively, while Sip, the subterranean speakeasy, is as serene as a Zen temple.

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New York’s gastronomy alone justifies booking a plane ticket. Manhattan dining rooms can be loud, but the elegant private alcoves at Lex Yard, the flagship restaurant of Waldorf Astoria New York, are well-suited for intimate conversations with clients (open for all-day service). The menu leans luxe, featuring aged steaks, fresh seafood and top-tier wines. Tamarind Tribeca, an upscale Indian restaurant, is another mainstay for power lunches and client dinners. L’Abeille, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tribeca, beautifully amalgamates French and Japanese cuisine. New York serves the best sushi outside of Japan, and the omakase at Sushi Ouji rivals any Michelin-starred counter in Kyoto. Chef Ben Chen flies in his fish daily from Tokyo and crafts a parade of bite-sized delicacies paired with curated saké. The smoked amberjack garnished with shiso leaves and ginger gelatin cubes will frequent your dreams long after.

Take a trip across the East River for a taste of Brooklyn. In the tasting room at Brooklyn Kura, patrons savor award-winning saké and Japanese-inspired small plates. Ilegal Mezcal is an institution for both fine agave spirits and live music. Whatever you do, make sure to dine at Lore, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Park Slope. Helmed by Chef Jay Kumar, Lore epitomizes Brooklyn’s bold creativity in dishes such as ribeye with masala butter and sea bream infused with South Asian spices.

Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square offers a luxurious sanctuary amid the big lights and lively theaters of Times Square. Bar Sprezzatura, its rooftop restaurant, pairs coastal Italian fare with panoramic views of Manhattan and serves brunch, lunch and dinner. If you’re staying on a cruise ship, the Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square sits a quick walk from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Ask the concierge to assist in booking tickets to coveted Broadway shows like Hamilton and Wicked.

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Spend an afternoon with clients lost in the galleries of a world-class museum. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a near-inexhaustible trove of artistic treasures, ranging from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to priceless paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The Frick Collection — a Beaux-Arts mansion that once served as the residence of a Gilded Age captain of industry — houses masterpieces by immortal masters such as El Greco and Titian. After a museum tour, stroll through Central Park’s peaceful oasis to recharge before diving back into New York’s amiable chaos.