New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. Rightfully known as the Crossroads of the World, the Big Apple offers one-of-a-kind adventures and experiences at every turn. Whether you want to bask in the lights of Broadway, check out world-renowned masterpieces at a stellar art museum, or sit down and enjoy a meal prepared by a Michelin-rated chef, New York has something for everyone.

With so much to see and do, many globetrotters have found themselves overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a weekend trip to the City That Never Sleeps. That’s why we’ve come up with this handy itinerary that helps even first-time visitors experience the Big Apple like native New Yorkers. And if you’re heading there for the weekend, there’s no need to plan an itinerary. We’ve made one for you!

Day 1 in New York City

9:00 AM – Breakfast in Midtown

Start out your New York City adventure with breakfast in Midtown, the beating heart of the city and one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world. While there are many fine restaurants in Midtown that offer exceptional breakfast menus, Lexington Candy Shop stands as the premier destination for those starting out on a long day. In business since 1925, Lexington Candy Shop exudes old New York charm, offering traditional diner fare like eggs and French toast.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer a bagel with a nice cup of coffee, head to Ess-a-Bagel. The bakery specializes in hand-rolled bagels served with everything from traditional poppy seeds to creative spreads. And, let’s be honest, NYC is home to the best bagels in the world!

10:30 AM – Explore Central Park

After a hearty breakfast, head to Central Park to see the most famous urban park in the world. Along with green meadows and beautiful walking trails, Central Park is also home to a variety of amazing architectural features. Make sure you check our Bethesda Terrace, built in the 1860s at the height of Victorian influence. It’s a great spot to sit down and enjoy great views of the Ramble and the Lake while appreciating the wonderful design work of the neighboring fountain, Angel of the Waters.

Other not-to-be-missed spots in Central Park include the Conservatory Water, a pond famous for its fleets of toy and model boats, and the Strawberry Fields Memorial, a site that honors the legendary rock star John Lennon. Before leaving, consider renting a rowboat at the Central Park Boathouse for Insta-worthy snaps of the park’s most famous attractions from the calm waters of the Lake. Get your cameras ready as you’ll hopefully spot some of the park’s incredible waterfowl, which include majestic heron.

12:30 PM- Lunch at Parm

For lunch, head to Parm, a wonderful Italian restaurant within easy walking distance of Central Park. Parm has been delighting guests for the past decade with traditional takes on Italian soul food. Considered an institution by most Manhattan foodies, Parm is led by Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi. These two Michelin-Starred chefs are known for their lifelong commitment to Italian cooking. Among the most savory items on Parm’s menu of pasta and sandwiches are their signature Chicken Parm and Rigatoni Carbone.

2:00 PM – Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

No trip to New York can be complete without a visit to one of the many iconic museums. For the afternoon, head downtown to MoMA to check out one of the greatest collections of art in the world. Along with modern and contemporary art, MoMA is also home to masterpieces by some of the most famous painters in history, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. If you’re interested in modern art, you can spend hours enjoying the works of modern masters like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollack, including Warhol’s famous Campbell’s Soup Cans.

If you have a more traditional taste in art, you’re also in for a treat. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces like Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s The Starry Night lie alongside Surrealist gems like Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory. After checking out the galleries, head outside to enjoy the museum’s sculpture garden, which features a selection of revolving exhibits set in a calming natural environment.

New York has one of the most famous skylines in the world. And it’s all the more astonishing when experienced 70 stories up at the Top of Rock Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center. Offering panoramic vistas of the entire city, Top of the Rock will give you a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center. The views are even more beautiful in the gold and purple hues of sunset as night descends upon the Big Apple.

If you’re feeling courageous, buy a ticket for The Beam, a steel girder set 12 feet above the observation deck. If you’re brave enough to sit on The Beam, you can recreate the famous 1932 photograph Lunch Atop a Skyscraper. This iconic image showed steel workers eating their lunch 850 feet off the ground during the construction of Rockefeller Center.

6:00 PM – Dinner in Hell’s Kitchen

As dinner time rolls around, head to Hell’s Kitchen to experience a veritable holy of holies for foodies with a flair for international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for exquisite Korean kimchi, brick-oven pizza, or a sophisticated take on shawarma, Hell’s Kitchen is sure to have something you’ll enjoy. Chief among Hell’s Kitchen’s culinary standouts are Marseille, an old-fashioned French bistro known for its smoked salmon, and LumLum, a Thai restaurant that welcomes visitors with fine seafood and rattan and bamboo décor.

8:00 PM – Broadway Show

Close out your first day in New York by taking in a Broadway show. For decades, Broadway has stood as a center for art and culture in the Big Apple and a haven for lovers of live entertainment. From toe-tapping musicals to inspiring dramas and comedies, Broadway shows are part and parcel to the New York experience, awakening the inner theater lover in any visitor. With 41 theaters to choose from, Broadway has something to offer every vacationer. Whether you’re looking for a high-value production of your favorite Disney movie or a character-driven drama, you’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime on Old Broadway. For inexpensive same-day tickets, check out the TKTS booth in Times Square to see a world-class show at an affordable price.

Day 2 in New York City

9:00 AM – Breakfast in Brooklyn

For your second day in the Big Apple, head to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for a variety of trendy cafes in the city’s hippest up-and-coming neighborhood. Williamsburg restaurateurs have turned breakfast into an art form, wowing customers with high-quality meals made with sustainable ingredients. Chief among Williamsburg’s top breakfast destinations is Egg Shop, an establishment that is celebrated for their creative egg sandwiches and delightful eggs Benedict. Likewise, Café Colette has an expansive menu that includes everything from avocado toast to breakfast tacos.

10:30 AM – Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Begin your second day of sightseeing with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Spanning approximately 1.3 miles across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge has stood as a living icon since construction on it was completed in 1883. Traversing the bridge, you’ll be treated to views of other beautiful New York City landmarks, including One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. You’ll also enjoy an up-close view of the bridge’s amazing suspension work and Neo-Classical architecture.

12:00 PM – Explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Stick around Brooklyn for a few more hours to explore the beautiful neighborhood of DUMBO — an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” — and Brooklyn Bridge Park. DUMBO is one of the most charming and idyllic neighborhoods in Brooklyn, known for its great views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Most visitors to DUMBO head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for an afternoon of outdoor fun in one of the largest parks in New York City. Water and riverside activities dominate in Brooklyn Bridge Park, with kayaking being one of the recreation center’s top draws. Those with an interest in beautiful fauna will also not want to miss the park’s colorful wildflowers.

The park also has several great eating establishments for those looking for a quick lunch. A variety of nice restaurants and concession stands are located adjacent to the park. Grab a bite at Luke’s Lobster, a traditional seafood shack with award-winning lobster rolls.

2:00 PM – Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

After exploring Brooklyn, head to the Financial District in Manhattan to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors those who risked and lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001. You’ll hear the stories of the victims as well as the heroes who came to the city to restore order in the days that followed. The museum sheds light on one of the most tragic days in American history, while taking you on a step-by-step journey through the city’s recovery.

The museum further exhibits countless artifacts from the attack, including an FDNY firetruck removed from the rubble. Head to the memorial site and view the footprints of the north and south towers, locations that are now marked by two large pools and man-made waterfalls that descend 30 feet.

4:30 PM – Stroll through the West Village

As the afternoon winds down, head to the West Village for a stroll through one of Manhattan’s most serene neighborhoods. Known as one of the most fashion-forward neighborhoods in New York, the West Village is home to countless funky boutiques and artisanal cafes. Strut your stuff at Anine Bing before heading to CAP Beauty to revolutionize your skincare routine. If you’re looking to spruce up your home, be sure to check out John Derian West for amazing handmade ceramics and beautiful Venetian glass mirrors. After all the shopping you can handle, head to the Coppola Café for some of the best espresso in the city.

7:00 PM – Dinner in the East Village

For dinner, head to one of the many relaxing and delectable restaurants in the East Village. Much like New York itself, the East Village has been a welcoming destination for immigrants from all over world, adopting their culinary and cultural influences for generations. The neighborhood has an especially strong Eastern European influence, which can be experienced to tasty effect at Veselka. The diner is known for great Ukrainian comfort food. If you’re more in the mood for Chinese noodles and dumplings, give Uluh a try and experience their fusion of modern and traditional tastes.

Conclude your whirlwind New York City adventure in style with a trip to one of the city’s many fine rooftop bars for your new favorite drink. The East Village and neighboring Lower East Side are home to some of the best rooftop bars in the city. These establishments pride themselves on creating amazing environments for patrons who enjoy fine drinks set against the skyline of the greatest city in the world.

Rooftop93 and Mr. Purple have an especially strong reputation for serving tasty drinks prepared by master mixologists. Before you fly back home, gaze into the lights of the city. That way, you can reflect on everything you did during your weekend visit and think about all the things that you’ll do on your next trip to the Big Apple.

FAQs: 

Q: What’s the best way to get around New York City during a weekend visit?
A: To navigate NYC efficiently, consider using the subway and buses for longer distances. For shorter trips, walking or renting a bike are great options. You can also use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for convenience.

Q: Are there any recommended apps to enhance my NYC experience?
A: Yes, downloading the official MTA app for real-time subway and bus updates is helpful. Additionally, apps like Yelp for restaurant reviews and Google Maps for navigation are invaluable during your stay.

Q: Where can I find vegetarian or vegan dining options in NYC?
A: New York City boasts a wide range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Popular choices include Dirt Candy in the Lower East Side, Blossom on Columbus in the Upper West Side, and by CHLOE in Greenwich Village.

Q: What should I pack for a weekend trip to New York City?
A: Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a portable charger, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget your camera to capture the city’s sights!

Q: How early should I arrive at Broadway shows or major attractions?
A: Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early for Broadway shows to accommodate seating. For popular attractions like MoMA or the Top of the Rock, arriving earlier can help avoid the busiest times.

Q: Are there any free attractions or activities in New York City?
A: Yes, many museums have free admission days or pay-what-you-wish hours. Central Park, the High Line, and the Brooklyn Bridge are free and open to the public. Check individual websites for specific times.

Q: Can I purchase tickets for attractions and shows in advance?
A: It’s highly recommended to book tickets for popular attractions in advance to ensure availability and often better pricing. Many museums and other attractions offer online ticketing options through their official websites. However, for discounted Broadway show tickets, you’ll need to visit the TKTS booth in Times Square in person on the day of the show.

Which of your favorite NYC spots did we leave off our itinerary? Let us know in the comments section below!