Ever since David graduated from school, a lot of our travel time is scheduled around PTO time, and utilizes quick weekend getaways to make the most of our time. We think New York is one of the best places for a weekend trip, because nothing ever closes (we have a special hatred for places that close at 9 pm), and the city is cram packed with activities. We thought we would make a sample itinerary for our perfect weekend in the city (and because we love schedules!).
Day 1.
1. Start your weekend in New York by staying in the perfect place! We recommend The Yotel. It’s in Hells Kitchen, and has a fantastic location for walking around to popular places in the city. This hotel is hip, modern, and affordable!
2. Grab lunch at Shake Shack (which is located close to Yotel) and enjoy the famous burgers and crinkle cut fries.
3. Head straight to one of New York’s most iconic landmarks – Central Park. We always like to start our trip by visiting Central Park first, because we find it so magical, and think it’s a great way to start a trip.
4. After you get your fill of Central Park, head to the MET, which conveniently is on the edge of Central Park. Money saving tip – the MET is technically a pay what you can museum, even though they post a recommended donation.
5. Amelie does one of our favorite happy hours in the city! It’s a small wine bistro that has great deals on flights, and appetizers that you can make into meals. We are borderline obsessed with their pistachio crusted goat cheese ball (we ordered several), and fresh baked baguettes. This is our dinner and drinks pick for your first night, and it won’t break the bank.
6. Take in a show! Broadway is a NYC classic, and a right of passage in the city. All shows are great, with some of our favorites being Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Lion King,
7. Grab late night dessert at Serendipity. Their frozen hot chocolate is famous, and the atmosphere is whimsical and fun.
Day 2.
1. Grab brunch and coffee at Jacobs Pickles. When we went we ate at the bar because the line was out the door, and people were choosing to sit on the patio in 30 degree weather. That’s house good the brunch was. They’re famous for their friend pickles, and sandwich biscuit creations. The coffee is delicious as well.
2. Spend your morning on the Upper East Side. Browse some stores, and feel ritzy. Make sure to check out Dylan’s Candy Bar while you’re there, and eat a life changing macaroon from Laduree.
3. Head over to Chelsea and spend your afternoon checking out Chelsea Market and The Highline Park.
4. Eat lunch at one of the several Alice’s Tea Cups. This incredibly charming tea room is themed after the Alice in Wonderland children’s books, and is the perfect place to warm up during one of New York’s brutal winters. They have scones, sandwiches, and a great tea menu.
5. Try to see the New York Public Library if you have a chance! This beautiful piece of architecture feels like it was dropped straight out of a Harry Potter film, and is a great visit.
6. You’ll be super close to Bryant Park, and it’s worth stopping by. If you’re there in the winter, there’s great ice skating, and Christmas Markets in the park.
7. We aren’t big fans of Midtown, but you need to at least stop by Times Square and get your iconic ‘Welcome to New York’ selfie for instagram.
8. Try to get a reservation at the iconic Minetta Tavern in the East Village. This is one of our favorite restaurants in the world. It’s been around since the 1930s, and has this glamorous, rat pack feeling to it. The whole place is dimly lit, and cozy, with some of the best food we’ve ever tasted. Get the black label burger, and thank us later.
We think you’ll have a fantastic weekend in New York, and hope you can use our sample perfect weekend for a sounding board for some ideas to make your time even more enjoyable!
