Menu toggle
A Weekend in New York

A Weekend in New York

It is undeniable that even native New Yorkers can’t keep on top of the rich array of activities, attractions, hip and trendy restaurants and bars, exhibitions and shows that the cosmopolitan hub has to offer.  However, there’s no harm in trying to fit as many activities as possible into a well-planned 48-hour weekend getaway – even if you can’t see it all, you will still leave with a love for the vibrant, adrenaline-charged and exhilarating energy of NYC. 
 
Day One
 
Tourist Attractions
 
Tick all the boxes on the ‘top attractions’ list and visit the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre and The National September 11 Memorial Museum in one busy morning.  They are all located in Central and Downtown Manhattan and are a relatively short distance from one another, so it is absolutely manageable to soak up the proper tourist experience – just don’t waste time perusing souvenirs this early in the weekend! If possible, buy your tickets (especially for Empire State Building) beforehand so you can skip the long lines. 
 
An Early Dinner at Daniel
 
Located in the Upper Eastside, Daniel is one of the few Manhattan restaurants to boast a coveted Michelin rating.  Indulge in exquisite French dining, accompanied by lush wine from the restaurant’s extensive collection.  Over the course of summer 2015, Chef Daniel Boulud offers a five-course Summer Seafood Celebration menu which includes opulent seafood delicacies and fresh aromatic wine pairings.  The restaurant opens at 5pm and making a reservation at least a week before your trip is advisable.  Prepare your senses for a world class dining experience at one of the best restaurants not only in NYC, but probably in the USA. 
 
See a Show on Broadway
 
After a satisfying dinner, it’s show time! Make sure you do your research prior to booking (the New York Times offers reviews of the latest shows every Friday) as tickets for the most popular plays like are usually sold out in advance – The Luxury Travel Guide advises you buy tickets as soon as you book your trip.   However, if you’ve planned your weekend to NYC spontaneously, there is often the option to buy last minute ‘house seats’…which are in fact the best seats in the whole theatre. 
 
Dance the Night Away
 
Whether you just want to grab a drink at a celebrity bar or are up for a wild night at NYC’s world-famous glamorous clubs – the pulsating night scene of the city that never sleeps will not only live up to your expectations, it will make you question your previous understanding of what constitutes a ‘good night out’.  Head to Pegu Club in Soho for extraordinary cocktails, dance the night away at the exclusive Pacha Club in Hell’s Kitchen or brush shoulders with the elite at Marquee in Chelsea. 
 
*
 
Day Two
 
Sunday Brunch
 
For New Yorkers, Sunday brunch is the most important meal of the week.  The list of places that offer top notch brunch menus until 3pm on Sundays is so extensive that it will make you want to do a ‘brunch crawl’ and visit at least a couple of brunch spots in one day.  Head Downtown to Lafayettefor exquisite eggs, lemon pancakes and superb quality pastry, accompanied by opulent setting.  Alternatively, The Cookshop’s menu offers something for every taste –from baked cocoa crepes and almond toasts, to Wrighteous Farms organic beef burgers and five different types of Blood Marys!
 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 
With more than two million works of art representing 5,000 years of history, the MET is undoubtedly one of the world’s must-see museums and absolutely mandatory when visiting New York.  Research the current exhibitions and figure out what do you want to see before you visit, because wandering around the entire gallery could take up more time than you bargained for.  Seeing the tourist favourite Greek and Roman art collections on the first floor, as well as one of the most popular exhibits, the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, will take at least two hours so manage your time well.
 
The Statue of Liberty
 
Finish your cultural discovery of New York by visiting the iconic and universal symbol of freedom and democracy – The Statue of Liberty.  Located on Ellis Island, Lady Liberty keeps a watchful eye over Manhattan and New Jersey.  For a closer look, take the ferry from Battery Park – it runs every 30 minutes and the last ferry to leave on Saturdays and Sundays is at 7:45pm (correct at time of publication).  Resonating with power and history, the monument itself is actually just one highlight of the ferry ride; enjoy the stunning scenery of the Manhattan skyline and explore the impressive Liberty Island. 
 
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
 
If you should tire of historic wonders and artistic treasures, wrap your weekend with a visit to Brooklyn’s most happening district.  The vibrant neighbourhood of Williamsburg is a beautiful fusion of different cultures and is dotted with hip bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as antique and boutique shops and lively arts scene.  One way to experience the creative energy and cosmopolitan vibe is the Brooklyn Brewery tour – a great way to unwind, chat with locals and sample the list of ales and lagers that the brewery offers in varied venues before saying goodbye to the Big Apple. 

Share this article:

Subscribe to newsletter

close

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up here and get the latest news and updates delivered directly to your inbox

You can unsubscribe at any time