New York can be to the weekend traveler, a concrete jungle of cultural, attractions, and not-to-be-missed sights. But how do you possibly cram in and decide what to do for a weekend in New York City?
It can be difficult to know where to even begin planning. You want to ensure you are making the most of your time, without being flustered and overwhelmed.
In this article, we will go through and help you with all the details you will need, from where to stay, where to eat and what to do with your time. Read on to find out more about the perfect weekend in New York City.
Where to Stay in New York City
The first question is where can you stay in the city that apparently never sleeps? There is a whole range of options for the budget traveler, all the way up to luxury five-star hotels and spas.
If you are looking for a cheaper option for your New York city break, why not consider booking a private room in an AirBnB in some of the fashionable districts of Williamsburg or Brooklyn?
You can pick something up for as little as $50 a night, which leaves plenty more money for the fun stuff such as seeing a Broadway show or visiting one of the cities many attractions.
For the mid-range traveler who wants a bit of extra space, check out full apartments in the same region that range from $150-300 dollars a night.
If money is no object have a look at the Four Seasons in the Downtown area of Manhattan, perfectly located for visiting all the attractions as well as providing a superior level of service and facilities.
And if you are planning on driving to New York you will need to factor in where you are going to store your car. Parking spots are not the easiest thing to come by in New York! Click the link to find out the best parking spots in New York and how to safely store your vehicle.
Where to Eat in New York
There are so many options in New York for incredible dining experiences and food that will change your life.
The first thing is getting the all-important New York bagel. The highest-rated bagel is often said to be Bo’s Bagels in 116th Street. Apparently, it has the perfect ratio of crispy outside and chewy interior, but you will have to be the judge of that yourself!
We recommend the poppy seed with scallion cheese, an absolute classic and full of flavor.
Next, you want to go and graze at some of the counters at Eataly in the Flatiron district. You’ll find some of the tastiest Italian-American snacks there and will be overwhelmed by all the choices and counters.
If you want something really spectacular go to NoMad hotel restaurant and order the chicken. It comes whole and roasted, stuffed with foie gras, truffles, and brioche. A real stand-out dish and perfect for the gram!
Afterward, you might fancy something a little sweet, so you should check out Supermoon Bakehouse on Rivington Street.
They have everything from croissants, to cruffins, to doughnuts and all completely delicious. We recommend the matcha blueberry croissant, it’s absolute flaky pastry heaven!
What to Do in New York
You can’t come to New York without going up the Empire States Building or taking a ferry to Staten Island. These are a must for a weekend New York traveler. But after those things, what else should you do?
Taking a stroll around Central Park is a great way to escape some of the hustle and bustle of New York. Or if you fancy something a little more off the beaten track, have a look at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. They have a whole host of flower species and arrangements that will have you captivated.
After that why not take in some culture and head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Along the way, you can also walk past the John Lennon tribute area with is full of beautiful artwork and the place where he was assassinated.
The entrance to the Met is a little pricey ($15) but the museum is massive, almost too big to do in one sitting. You are free to roam around the five floors and they have everything from Warhol, Rodin to the ancient Egyptians.
There’s also a great view of the city from the top of the Met. Go around late afternoon, early evening to get the best view with the sun setting over Manhattan.
Where to Drink in New York
New York is a city made for the coolest bars and speakeasies. You really have an almost unlimited choice of great spots for a beer or cocktail.
Try out Katana Kitten on Hudson for a Japanese-themed bar and cocktail place. The Japanese whiskey is to die for.
If you fancy a rooftop, head to Talk Story Rooftop which is part of the McCarren Hotel in Williamsburg. It also has a retractable roof so you can enjoy your cocktails all year round.
The cocktails are unusual and inventive such as That’s a Moray with mango, blueberry, and ginger shrub. It’s a super place to take in the sights and have a couple of drinks after a long day of sightseeing.
Bohemian Bar in Brooklyn Heights is another excellent bar that is pushing the boundaries of drink gastronomy. Expect pairings such as pumpkin coquito hot buttered rum, need we say more?
A Weekend in New York City: What Next?
We hope this article on how to spend the best weekend in New York City has given you plenty of ideas for you to get started on what you want to see and do.
Having a bit of prior knowledge and doing a bit of planning beforehand will set you up properly to have the time of your life in the Big Apple.
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out our other travel blog posts?
