New York City will always be one of the most magical and awe-inspiring destinations in the world. Whether you’ve been to NYC one time or a hundred times, just stepping foot onto its hallowed concrete streets is enough to fall in love with the City That Never Sleeps. A dynamic, living metropolis, New York is the quintessential melting pot, adopting visitors from across the world and embracing them under its iconic skyline. New York offers new experiences and surprises at every turn, welcoming visitors with great museums, world-class restaurants, and cultural activities that can only be enjoyed in the Empire State.
With so many things to see and do, you might definitely feel lost trying to plan a weekend in New York City. That’s why we came up with a guide to help you take a big bite out of the Big Apple, even if you’re just in town for a weekend. See you at the Crossroads of the World!
Day 1 in New York City
9:00 AM – Breakfast in Midtown
Kick off your New York adventure with breakfast at the Lexington Candy Shop, a classic diner in Midtown Manhattan. A vintage luncheonette serving up down home American breakfasts since 1925, the Lexington Candy Shop takes visitors to a bygone era when New York sat upon the cusp of the modern age. Featured on numerous lists of top city landmarks and even an episode of Food Paradise on the Travel Channel, the restaurant is a favorite spot for families setting out on a big day in the city.
10:30 AM – Explore Central Park
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, the green heart of Manhattan and the most famous urban park in the world. Many visitors begin their tour of Central Park at the Bethesda Terrace, one of the most beautiful spots in the park that provides an amazing juxtaposition of brilliant architecture and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Continuing into the heart of the park, you can watch the model boats at the Conservatory Water before heading to the Strawberry Fields Memorial, a spot that honors the legendary Beatle John Lennon. Also consider checking out the section that used to be Seneca Village, an all-Black community founded 200 years ago by freed slaves.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Parm
Just a short walk from Central Park is Parm, a standout Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side. Since opening in 2011, Parm has taken Manhattan cuisine by storm, offering exceptional sandwiches and pasta dishes to hungry New Yorkers. A passion project of Michelin-Starred chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, Parm prides itself on treating visitors to authentic Italian cuisine prepared with old world flair.
2:00 PM – Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Spend your afternoon immersed in the world of contemporary and modern art at MoMA. Along with amazing examples of modern art, MoMA is also home to iconic masterpieces by some of the most famous artists in the world. Among the most famous pieces that call MoMA home are Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and an entire section dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, including his seminal Demoiselles D’Avignon. Once you’ve explored the many galleries, grab a snack and relax in the museum’s Sculpture Garden to check out the eclectic mix of art, architectural design, and calming greenery.
4:30 PM – Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Close out your first afternoon in the Big Apple by heading to Rockefeller Center and ascending to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Located 70 stories up, Top of the Rock offers amazing panoramic views of the city, which are all the more inspiring at sunset. Also, the bravest visitors to Top of the Rock can now head to recently inaugurated The Beam, a steel bar 12 feet above the observation deck that lets guests recreate a famous 1932 photograph of iron workers eating their lunch 850 feet off the ground during Rockefeller Center’s construction. Fear of heights, anyone?
6:30 PM – Dinner in Hell’s Kitchen
For dinner, head to Hell’s Kitchen to experience a most varied range of amazing international cuisine. The restaurant scene in Hell’s Kitchen takes your taste buds on a foodie tour from Thai and Mexican to Italian and Ethiopian dishes. Among the neighborhood’s most frequented spots for foodies are Ariana Afghan Kebab — a staple of the neighborhood since 1986 and known for its lamb kofta — and El Mil Sabores Mexican Food, one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city that has gained widespread notoriety for great torta loca sandwiches. After dinner, consider heading down to the Sullivan Street Bakery for some great Italian pastries.
8:00 PM – Broadway Show
Of course, no visit to New York would be complete without experiencing a Broadway show. After all, few things are as part and parcel to New York as Broadway. Whether you love splashy musicals or intense dramas, a Broadway show is the epitome of live entertainment. Broadway always has a mix of long-running shows and new shows attempting to make their mark on pop culture. Consider booking your tickets in advance if there’s a show you particularly want to see. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a bargain and don’t mind being flexible, head to the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day tickets that are up to 50% off the box office price.
Day 2 in New York City
9:00 AM – Breakfast in Brooklyn
Start your second day in NYC by heading to Brooklyn for breakfast at a local café in trendy and chic Williamsburg. Known for its vibrant food scene, Williamsburg is undoubtedly one of Brooklyn’s most hip destinations and among the top neighborhoods in the city. Those looking for a tasty bite should try Egg Shop for farm-to-table dishes in a cozy setting. Championing the versatility of the egg, Egg Shop welcomes hungry guests with a multitude of creative egg sandwiches and bowls.
10:30 AM – Explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Continue your outing by exploring the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO. An acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” DUMBO is a community that is celebrated for its amazing green spaces and waterfront views. Among the most noteworthy places to visit in the DUMBO surroundings is Brooklyn Bridge Park, a massive riverside recreational center that spans six piers. Many a visitor to Brooklyn Bridge Park has spent an entire afternoon kayaking down the East River and taking in awe-inspiring views of Downtown Manhattan. If you’re visiting with your family, be sure to enjoy old-time thrills on Jane’s Carousel, a wonderful ride that has been delighting kids since 1922.
12:00 PM – Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk off those breakfast calories by strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan. Ever since construction was completed on it in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has been one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Strolling along the bridge’s 1.3-mile span, you will be treated to amazing vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. In addition to gaining a new appreciation for the bridge’s Neo-Gothic architecture, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge gives you the opportunity to partake in great views of other iconic Big Apple landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building.
2:00 PM – Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Head back to Manhattan and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in the Financial District. Honoring those who lost their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks and the ones to helped during in the days that followed, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum tells devastating stories of tragedy tinged with hope and recovery. Among the most humbling exhibits at the museum are an FDNY firetruck recovered from the rubble and the Last Column, the final steel beam removed from the former site of the Twin Towers on May 30, 2002, 8 months after the attack.
4:30 PM – Stroll through the West Village
Manhattan’s Greenwich Village
After exploring the Financial District, travel uptown for a visit to the West Village, a neighborhood abounding in old-world charm. Rightfully known as the Big Apple’s most fashion-forward neighborhood, the West Village is home to countless quaint cafés and boutique shopping establishments that help bring out their customers’ inner Carrie Bradshaw. Federal-style townhouses dot the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and lead visitors to several beautiful parks, including the historic Washington Square Park. A sort of unofficial campus green for New York University, Washington Square Park presents many exciting photo opportunities for visitors, including its signature arch and beautiful fountain.
7:00 PM – Dinner in the East Village
For dinner, partake in the culinary options of the East Village, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants serving up dishes from around the world. Much like New York itself, the East Village has been a gathering place for immigrants from around the world and a melting pot of different cultures for decades. If you’re in the mood for some tasty Ukrainian comfort food, head to local-favorite Veselka, which has been serving Eastern European staples like kielbasa and pierogi since 1954. If sushi is more your style, be sure to check out Rosella to enjoy sustainably caught fish prepared by master chefs.
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9:00 PM – Rooftop Drinks
Time to put an end to our express tour! Conclude your weekend in NYC with drinks at one of the city’s fine rooftop bars. Both the East Village and Lower East Side are home to many exemplary establishments that offer stunning views of the city skyline. Master mixologists at places like The Ready and The Crown NYC pride themselves on creating places where New York visitors can relax in style as they sip on handcrafted cocktails. Sitting down with the perfect drink in your hand and the Manhattan skyline before your eyes, you’ll be able to reflect on everything that you experienced during your whirlwind adventure in New York City before heading back home.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best way to get around New York City?
A: New York City has a comprehensive public transit system, including subways and buses that run throughout the boroughs. For shorter distances, walking or biking can provide a more intimate experience of the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Q: Are there any tourist passes available for major attractions?
A: Yes, the New York Pass, CityPASS, and Explorer Pass offer discounted entry to many of NYC’s top attractions. These can be great money-savers if you plan to visit multiple museums and landmarks.
Q: What should I pack for a weekend in New York?
A: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with weather-appropriate clothing. New York weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to bring layers. Don’t forget your charger and a portable power bank as you’ll likely use your phone for maps and photos.
Q: What are some good dining options for someone with dietary restrictions?
A: New York City is accommodating to almost any dietary need, including vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Most restaurants have menu items or can adjust dishes to meet dietary restrictions.
Q: How late do the subways and buses run in New York City?
A: Subways and many bus routes in New York City operate 24 hours a day, though service can be less frequent late at night. Check the MTA website or app for specific schedules and service changes.
Have your personal and alternate tour throughout NYC for a weekend? Share it with us in our comments section below!
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