Two Day Guide to NYC
our quick, go to guide for a weekend in the city
Day 1: Cover Upper Manhattan
Day 2: Cover Lower Manhattan + Brooklyn
Day 1 | Upper Manhattan
Morning
Peaceful breakfast at the Mark Hotel Restaurant by Jean Georges. A modern and sophisticated, design oriented interior.
Follow your lovely morning meal by a walk - or rent a Citi bike - in Central Park, just a block or two away, or alternatively,
Explore Museum Mile if it’s too chilly, or too warm, outside.
Make your way down Madison Avenue, and immerse yourself into all the chicness (and wide roads) that the Upper East Side has to offer. Don’t miss some of the most gorgeous high-end boutiques and stores including Fivestory and Barneys New York, among other luxury brand stores and designer boutiques.
Image Source: The Mark Hotel, The Guggenheim, Addicted to Retail
Noon
As you make your way to Fifth Avenue around 59th St, you are able to visit any of these spots; the Apple Store, the iconic Plaza Hotel for afternoon tea or just a pop in (there is also a food hall downstairs if you’re hungry), designer and luxury brand stores, or the iconic and mesmerizing Bergdorf Goodman (women’s wear, home, accessories, and cafe in a separate building than menswear and men’s accessories).
afternoon
You can end the evening with a stroll on the Upper West Side an residential neighbourhood of NY with an old world feel (yet very modern!). It is often ignored because of it’s location (it’s considered far for most Manhattanites), but equipped with the charm and all the conveniences of New York (go down Amsterdam Ave, or Broadway).
If you need a mid-day pick me up, you can stop by Blue Bottle, Joe’s or Bluestone Lane for a coffee, or the infamous Levain Bakery for an indulgent cookie.
Alternatively, if you would like to stay in the area, a snack and coffee at the Baccarat Hotel Lobby is ideal, and the MoMa is right opposite, should you wish to browse.
Night
Catch a broadway show, a comedy show, and/or
Catch dinner at Avra, Indian Accent. the Magician at the Nomad Hotel (dinner + show), Boqueria, Dig Inn for a fast option. If it’s a cold night, visiting Vezzo for a pie (recommend adding truffle oil) and their kale salad, is highly recommended.
Image Source: Russ + Daughters, Chicas En New York, Field Operations, The Scratched Table, Viewings, The Rooftop Guide, The Travel Mentor
Day 2 | Lower Manhattan and little Brooklyn
Explore just a touch of what lower Manhattan has to offer. Smaller in surface area, but bursting with food, shopping (fast fashion, boutiques, and high end) and activity options.
morning
Start the day with a traditional Jewish style breakfast at Russ and Daughter’s, Sadelle’s, Baz Bagel, Black Seed Bagel.
Alternatively, you can go to a cafe that I think opened at the start of what is now the avocado toast, and Australian cafe, trends in NYC; Two Hands Cafe.
noon
You can spend the day walking and visually exploring the neighborhoods of the Lower East Side, Nolita, and Greenwich Village and Soho. Here you can catch a photo in front of the latest Bowery Mural, and shop at the downtown versions of New York’s stores including Everlane, AllSaints, Intermix (Soho and Meatpacking), Jeffreys, and others. The west village is also a cute neighborhood to walk and browse. A stop at the Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake or banana pudding is almost mandatory.
Afternoon
Once you make your way west to the Highline, you can explore the Meatpacking district, have lunch at the Restoration Hardware Rooftop while browsing dreamy home interiors. The High Line can be entered at 14th st. You can catch gelato or fresh fruit popsicles on this former-train-track-turned-park. Walk north, and back south to get off where you started.
If you stay in the Nolita area, catch a bite of the highly recommended and loved Original Prince St Pizza Margarita Slice. This will give you the prefect taste of a classic New York slice.
Evening
Head south to visit The Oculus, and possibly do a viewing at the One World Observatory. Alternatively, or if you are still game to do more, you can head to Brooklyn via the South Street Seaport Ferry (a fun ride), or subway, or walking the Brooklyn Bridge, and then making your way down to DUMBO to walk + enjoy, and then do sunset at the Wythe Hotel Rooftop.
Night
Dinner can be booked at Lilia, Lil Frankie’s, Nomo Kitchen, La Esquina, Eleven Madison Park (named one of the best restaurants in the world), Shuka, Pylos, or Mimi Cheng’s for a quick meal.
Tip: Except to stand in line at most restaurants day time (don’t allow reservation at most places) so account for that time (and hunger) and pre-purchase tickets for any sightseeing that might require them. Reserve dinners and sit down meals in advance. Use Google Maps for subway line direction and never take a private ride, always order a Lyft / Uber, or hail a yellow cab.
Places to stay:
Places to work out:
Check out Fit Day Pass for a day pass to certain gyms
Rumble - Boxing inspired
SouCycle - High energy spinning
Shadowbox - Boxing inspired
SLT - Megareformer pilates
New York Pilates - Reformer pilates
Physique57 - Barre class
Dancebody - Dance cardio
Barry’s Boot Camp - Boot camp group fitness
Exhale - Offers 30 minute work out options
Wellness / beauty go-tos
WTHN - a DryBar of acupuncture, get in a session and get a cupping or LED facial treatment add on. Shop for holistic travel essentials or herbal blends for an immunity boost
Ten Over Ten - Multiple locations with a non toxic approach to manicures and pedicures
Glosslab - Even better, a waterless, manicure, pedicure, and some even have hair services
MNDFL - If you are in need of a meditation session
