New York City has always been one of the most exciting cities in the world. Whether it’s the big buildings of Manhattan or the creative vibrance that makes Brooklyn stand out, the Greatest City in the World (allegedly) might be the best place for a perfect weekend getaway. Sure, it’s a large city, but where can you go and what can you do in 72 hours from Friday to Sunday?
This guide has the answers. So let’s cut to the chase and show you how to explore New York City on a weekend.
Friday: Arrival Day
You arrive in The Big Apple on Friday and get settled in at one of the finest luxury hotels in the United States. Yes, New York City has plenty of them. It might be the perfect home base for when you can go on explorations. So, where do you begin on a Friday?
Perhaps you can begin with a walk through Central Park, especially at the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace as your starting point. If you love peace and greenery, the Conservatory Garden or even the Shakespeare Garden might be a great place to explore. After this, consider a trip up to the Upper East Side, where you can find the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA). Explore some of the vast art collections from various historical times and see some of the exhibits that might be on display for a limited time.
As the night falls, the Theater District may be the place where you can enjoy dinner and a show. Enjoy a delicious meal at Sardi’s and take in a Broadway show. If you’re not the Broadway kind of person, no problem. Grab something to eat in nearby Hell’s Kitchen and then venture your way to the iconic Times Square and take in the endless light show that is the digital billboards and lights that make this part of New York stand out.
Saturdays: Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan
Your Saturday Morning might begin with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once you get to the other side, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. You can take pictures and share them with your friends or on social media. After that, be sure to check out Brooklyn, especially in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighbourhood. That’s where you’ll find places like the Time Out Market, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry that goes perfectly together.
DUMBO is also home to the Jacques Torres Chocolate shop if you are looking for decadent chocolates that you can indulge as a snack (be it midday or late night). Walk the cobblestone streets and explore the boutiques and house galleries that may make this neighbourhood quite the standout place in Brooklyn.
Later on in the afternoon, you can return to Manhattan and explore the lower half of the island. Be sure to explore the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, especially at the twin reflecting pools where the original World Trade Center towers once stood. Afterwards, walk along Stone Street where there are plenty of restaurants and bars that are housed in historic buildings. You may want to grab a small bite to eat or even have a drink at the Fraunces Tavern, a place once visited by George Washington and his officers during the Revolutionary War.
Saturday nights might be spent at Greenwich Village, where you can explore the independent bookstores and shops. You may also find yourself catching all the excitement at Washington Square Park. If you’re hungry for some fine dining, there are plenty of options in the iconic SoHo neighbourhood. Whether it’s Italian, American, or something else, you might have some options to work with in terms of what your palate is in the mood for.
Sundays: Art, Food, and Goodbye
You may be leaving later on Sundays (be it in the afternoon or evening). If you have time, explore the Museum Mile and visit places such as the Guggenheim. Enjoy brunch at East Village or the Lower East Side, where you can enjoy something like fusion dishes or even eggs Benedict (if that’s your thing).
Soon after, it may be time to check out of your hotel and board the plane home (assuming you’ve flown here). If you’ve driven, you can hit the road before the rush hour traffic keeps you stuck for quite a while.
Final Thoughts
New York City may be a big city. But it’s possible to cover as much ground as you can in the Big Apple in a single weekend. While you may not get to see all of the city, you can see just enough to you can get a good experience out of it. Whether it’s exploring a lot of Manhattan or some of the cultural hubs such as Little Italy or Chinatown, there’s so much you can do here in New York City. What else would you explore other than what we’ve suggested?
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com. Some images supplied.
