Headed to the Massive Apple and overwhelmed by all of the choices? Learn on for an in depth information on how one can spend the proper weekend in New York! 

New York is a metropolis of superlatives. It’s the biggest in america, and the 8 million-plus New Yorkers are keen on calling it the best metropolis on the earth.

To be honest, they positively have a case to make. There’s no denying that New York Metropolis is without doubt one of the most vibrant, various, and thrilling cities on the planet.

New York is residence to so many iconic American photographs that it’s unattainable to see all of it on a brief journey.

The Statue of Liberty, Instances Sq., Central Park, Broadway, Wall Road, the Empire State Constructing — the record goes on and on. With only a weekend in New York, you’ll have to select and select.

new york city weekend skyline

I’ve been to New York a number of occasions all through my life. From seeing the sights as a child to ringing within the New 12 months with my spouse and our favourite band, I’ve had some good occasions within the metropolis.

As I’m an enormous fan of improvisation, I’ll depart you a lot of wiggle room with this New York itinerary by providing you with loads of choices to select from.

Let’s get all the way down to enterprise and see what you may stand up to with 2 days in New York!

Day 1 in New York

I hope you bought some good sleep the night time earlier than and I hope you’ve acquired comfy strolling sneakers. It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend in New York.

Day one will likely be a whirlwind tour of the Massive Apple that provides you the chance to verify lots of the most well-known landmarks off your record. I’ll additionally present some fascinating detours and ensure to incorporate time to wander and linger if you really feel prefer it.

Earlier than we get going, you must in all probability look into the New York Metropolis Explorer Go. They’ve a number of choices, all of which prevent money and time. Each of those are valuable sources on a brief New York weekend journey.

I also needs to be aware that this itinerary will deal with Manhattan. With solely 2 days within the metropolis, there merely isn’t sufficient time to enterprise to the opposite boroughs. You’ll simply have to return again.

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Morning

I can’t consider a greater solution to begin a New York weekend journey than with a scrumptious bagel. There should be one thing within the water, as a result of bagels simply style higher right here. 

Each New Yorker has their favourite bagel spot, however no matter you do, simply skip the chains and ensure it’s an area deli for a extra genuine expertise.

bagels new york itinerary 2 days

Since we’re going to begin the itinerary off in Decrease Manhattan, listed here are two native choices for grabbing a bagel and occasional – Leo’s Bagels and Milk & Honey. With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared to begin exploring the town.

Decrease Manhattan is the place all of it started for New York, and in a method for the nation. That is the place the primary Congress gathered to draft the Invoice of Rights. It’s additionally the place George Washington took the oath of workplace to grow to be the nation’s first president.

Upon seeing all of the skyscrapers, it might be exhausting to consider that this metropolis started as a easy buying and selling publish. This nook of New York Metropolis is regarded as the monetary heart of the world. It’s residence to the New York Inventory Alternate, the epicenter of capitalism. 

With only a weekend in NYC, you’ll wish to benefit from your time. That’s why I like to recommend leaping on a strolling tour on your first morning. It ensures you’ll waste much less time getting misplaced and can be taught extra in regards to the metropolis.

There are one million and one choices for strolling excursions of Decrease Manhattan. Free Excursions by Foot has fairly a number of, together with their 3-hour Downtown Manhattan Tour. It covers plenty of floor, together with SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. 

walking in new york city with 2 days

As with different free excursions, these are donation-based. You’ll want to present your information some love in the event you loved the tour, which I’m positive you’ll! In addition they have some superior audio excursions that you should use in the event you want a DIY method.

Whether or not you do a strolling tour or not, it’s value it to take a look at Battery Park. From right here you may catch a glimpse of one of the iconic American photographs — the Statue of Liberty.

For a lot of, heading to the Woman Liberty is a must-do. If that’s you, you’ll need to join this tour

For these like me preferring to keep away from lengthy traces and entrance tickets, you may simply hop on the Staten Island ferry. It’s completely free and supplies some nice views of each the Statue of Liberty and the Decrease Manhattan skyline.

Simply bear in mind that selecting both of these choices will take up your complete morning. Time is just not in your aspect with solely 2 days in New York!

Afternoon

There’s nonetheless plenty of floor to cowl, so I like to recommend choosing a fast lunch. Which means it’s time to seize a slice of traditional New York type pizza (which is totally totally different from the Chicago deep dish). 

eating pizza in new york city on a weekend trip

It’s not exhausting to discover a pizza joint in Manhattan, however the very last thing you wish to do is have a disappointing slice in NYC. You may’t go unsuitable with Joe’s Pizza, which has been known as the “quintessential slice.”

From there, it’s only a fast stroll to the following cease — the One World Commerce Middle. This 1,776-foot tall constructing is the tallest within the nation, constructed after the horrific occasions of September eleventh, 2001. That is the place you’ll discover the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

The place the Twin Towers as soon as stood, there at the moment are two reflecting swimming pools. Surrounding them are plaques with the entire names of those that handed away in each the 1993 and 2001 assaults on the World Commerce heart. 

Whereas the memorial is free to go to, you’ll want a ticket for the museum. Click on right here to select one up that lets you skip the road. When you’d moderately simply buy your entrance ticket, click on right here to take action

9 11 memorial new york city

If it’s a pleasant sunny day within the metropolis, your subsequent cease must be Rockefeller Park. It’s a terrific place to sit down and mirror on the somber expertise of visiting the 9/11 memorial. You may also soak within the views of the Hudson River and luxuriate in some high quality people-watching.

After a busy day of exploring the Massive Apple, it’s good to relaxation your drained ft and make a sport plan for the night.

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Night

The way you spend your first night in NYC will depend on what you’re into. Some might wish to make a reservation at one of many metropolis’s world-class eating places, whereas others will likely be content material consuming a avenue vendor sizzling canine!

You may actually discover delicacies from all corners of the globe right here. New York actually is a foodie’s dream come true. 

What I’ll do is agree with Johnny T and what he says in a hilarious video giving ideas for vacationers. If you’ll find a spot in your hometown, don’t go there in New York! Skip the tasteless chain eating places, strive one thing new, and ensure it’s native.

This video is a must-watch for any first-time guests to NYC, by the way in which. 

New York is called the “Metropolis That By no means Sleeps,” so that you’ve acquired numerous choices for nightlife. I’m assuming you’ll be a bit exhausted after that epic day and truly actually wish to get some sleep.

You may sleep if you’re useless, although. No relaxation for the weary on a weekend in New York! Summon that third wind and energy via for no less than a number of extra hours.

The world actually is your oyster on a weekend in New York. You may go salsa dancing, drink in a hidden speakeasy, hit a comedy membership, see an underground punk band — the record goes on and on. 

My greatest recommendation on your first night time in New York is to do one thing you’re keen on. For me, that’s seeing stay music, and there’s loads of it in NYC! Verify the calendar on Jambase to see who’s enjoying if you’re on the town.

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Day 2 in New York

It’s time for an additional busy day — a New York itinerary in 2 days is feasible, nevertheless it’s busy!

Morning

“Morning” means various things to totally different folks, particularly on a New York weekend journey. The go-getters amongst us can seize a leisurely breakfast whereas the hungover people wrestle to get off the bed.

I personally don’t assume I’ve stepped exterior earlier than midday on any journey to NYC in my grownup life. My technique is normally to search out the closest native cafe for a cup of espresso and a fast chew to eat.

When you’re into the entire brunch factor, there’s no scarcity of locations the place it’s completely acceptable to dine with sun shades on whereas nursing a Bloody Mary.

Nevertheless you select to get your day going, ultimately make your method over to Central Park. It’s fairly exhausting to overlook — it’s that huge inexperienced house on the map smack dab in the midst of the town.

new york city central park

There’s a lot occurring in and across the park that you might simply spend your complete day there. If you wish to go that route, I absolutely assist your choice. 

Central Park actually is large, so you may want some wheels that can assist you get round. You may hire a motorbike for 2 hours for simply $7.50 and discover at your individual leisure. There’s additionally a terrific 2-hour bike tour of the park with an area information if you wish to get extra out of your go to.

Spending your entire morning out within the park is nice when it’s a pleasant day. It’s not so good when it’s raining or freezing chilly. If mom nature isn’t in your aspect, by no means concern. There are many methods to spend a morning indoors.

New York is residence to some completely unimaginable museums, a number of of that are positioned proper by Central Park. There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, which options one of many best artwork collections on the planet. Click on right here to e-book your ticket and skip the road.

gugenheim building new york

Only a stone’s throw away is the Guggenheim — a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed constructing full of contemporary and up to date artwork. Get your ticket upfront for simply $25.

Afternoon

The most effective issues about spending a few days in New York is simply wandering across the metropolis’s many distinctive neighborhoods.

Try the structure, do some window procuring, pop into an area bar for a drink, and simply see the place the wind takes you.

Some nice locations for this embrace Greenwich Village, the Decrease East Facet, and Chelsea. My private suggestion on a weekend in New York goes to the latter.

Hop on the subway or hop in a cab and make your solution to the Chelsea Market. That is the proper place to seize a snack or a cup of espresso earlier than persevering with in your method. For the patrons amongst us, it’s possible you’ll resolve to linger a bit to peruse the choices.

Chelsea can also be residence to the scenic Excessive Line, an elevated park constructed on a former railroad line. It was saved from the wrecking ball by decided residents and is now a captivating place to expertise nature, artwork, and design within the metropolis. 

chelsea market new york

There’s nothing unsuitable with exploring Chelsea by yourself, however you’ll get much more out of it with an area information. Try this superior expertise that excursions each the market and the Excessive Line — together with meals! 

Night

On the finish of a busy weekend in New York, a sundown cruise is a good choice for an informal night. This wonderful champagne sundown tour departs from the Chelsea Piers.

For individuals who want to remain on land, the Frying Pan is the proper spot for dinner and drinks with a view.

As soon as once more, I’m going to advocate you do no matter goes to make you cheerful. It could be cliche, however there actually is one thing for everybody in NYC!

When you’re a sports activities fan, catching a sport must be in your weekend in New York itinerary. Town is residence to a number of groups in all skilled sports activities in addition to many minor league groups.

Each the Knicks (NBA) and Rangers (NHL) play in Madison Sq. Backyard, which is called the “World’s Most Well-known Area.” Catching a sport or a live performance there’s a must-do expertise in NYC.

When you’re extra into the performing arts, I like to recommend catching a present on Broadway. There are such a lot of totally different exhibits each night time of the week so it shouldn’t be exhausting to search out one thing. Tickets will be powerful to get and costly, although.

broadway show new york weekend

Try the humorous web site Broadway for Broke Folks to search out info on offers. We used their tricks to rating standing room tickets to Ebook of Mormon for less than $30 and had an absolute blast. I’ve by no means laughed so exhausting in my complete life!

It’s a bit too touristy and kitschy for me personally, however I do know lots of people have Instances Sq. on their record. Go forward and be part of the throngs of individuals beneath the neon glow of fixed billboards and take a selfie with Spiderman. 

Maybe the proper solution to wind down a weekend in New York is by taking within the sundown views from above. In a metropolis filled with skyscrapers, you’ve acquired loads of choices!

On the Rockefeller Middle, you may head to the High of the Rock for what simply is likely to be the perfect view within the metropolis. On my go to there was even a band and a pop-up bar up there! Click on right here to e-book your tickets.

Insider’s Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to New York

You’re set to take pleasure in a improbable 2 days in New York with that epic itinerary. You’ll have a good higher time in the event you observe the following pointers:

Carry comfy sneakers – You’ll be doing a complete lot of strolling, so it’s essential to be comfy.

Use public transport – It may be complicated determining the NYC subway, nevertheless it’s value it for the financial savings in money and time. With solely a weekend in New York, you don’t wish to be caught in a visitors jam in a cab with the meter going up and up.

Seize a MetroCard – Choose up a MetroCard instantly and cargo it up. That method you gained’t have to attend in line each time. A single trip prices $2.75 and also you pay $1 for the cardboard.

Make an inventory of your “must-sees” – Too many individuals come to NYC pondering they’ll do all of it in a weekend. Spoiler alert – you may’t. Having an inventory of your High 5 sights is far more doable over a weekend.

times square and taxis in new york weekend

Take breaks – It may be tempting to overdo it with simply 2 days in New York. Settle for the truth that you’re not going to see all of it and provides your self a break right here and there, even when it’s simply 5 minutes on a park bench. 

Skip the chains – I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more. Don’t come to New York simply to go to Starbucks and Applebees. Discover the native locations as a substitute.

Search for the offers – Cash tends to fade into skinny air in New York. Fortunately you’ll find nice offers, from sightseeing tickets and excursions to Broadway exhibits to Completely satisfied Hours. 

Attending to New York

New York Metropolis in a weekend is doable. Fortunately, as the largest metropolis within the nation, there are many choices for attending to New York.

If touring by air, you may look into flights for any one of many three main NYC airports — JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. 

LaGuardia is the smallest and the closest to Manhattan. Within the curiosity of saving time, that is your greatest wager. There’s no rail service to the town, however there are a number of totally different buses you may take.

Bus

The general public bus is the most cost effective but additionally the slowest and also you’ll want a MetroCard or cash. Because you don’t have plenty of time, I wouldn’t advocate this feature.

The NYC Airporter bus will get you from both LaGuardia or JFK to locations like Grand Central or Instances Sq.. Buses depart usually and price $15 one-way. 

Shuttle Bus

There’s additionally the Go Airlink Shuttle, which serves all three airports and likewise has door-to-door service. Click on right here to take a look at all their choices. 

AirTrain

When you fly into JFK, your greatest wager is to catch the AirTrain to the town. It takes you to close by rail and metro stations the place you’ll must switch. This prices $7.75 for the AirTrain after which the standard $2.75 for the subway. Click on right here for extra particulars.

airtrain nyc

Taxi

In fact, taxis are available in any respect three NYC airports. You may count on to pay $60-70 or much more from JFK or Newark, and nearer to $30 from LaGuardia.

Rideshare

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are additionally a very good choice in the event you don’t really feel like navigating public transport. These have their very own pickup areas that may be complicated to search out if it’s your first time, so ask round.

Attending to New York By Prepare/Bus

New York can also be a serious hub for trains. They arrive at Penn Station, which is instantly beneath Madison Sq. Backyard. Amtrak has 14 totally different routes that journey to NYC so that you’ve acquired a lot of choices.

Lastly, there are numerous firms working buses to New York. I’ve taken each the Greyhound and the Megabus out and in of NYC and like the latter, particularly when reserving early as they’ve some nice offers.

The place to Keep For a Weekend in New York

One of many hardest issues about planning a visit to New York is deciding the place to remain. It’s a large metropolis comprised of 5 totally different boroughs. 

For only a weekend in New York, you’ll positively wish to keep in Manhattan. The place you resolve to remain there will depend on plenty of elements, specifically your price range and pursuits.

If you wish to be close to Central Park and the museums, for instance, you may search for a spot within the Higher East or Higher West Facet.

Those that want a extra central location close to landmarks like Instances Sq. can look to Midtown. Need a extra hip vibe? Try SoHo or the Decrease East Facet.

The good information about NYC is that irrespective of the place you keep, you may get wherever within the metropolis on the subway. This itinerary strikes round Manhattan fairly a bit anyway, so it actually doesn’t matter all that a lot the place your lodging is.

where to stay on a weekend in new york

It may be powerful discovering lodging in Manhattan that doesn’t break the financial institution, that’s for positive. This positively isn’t the most cost effective place for a weekend getaway!

Take a look at our publish about how one can discover free lodging and take a look at these lodge choices to go well with all budgets:

In fact, you may all the time seek for lodging in New York on Airbnb, which has some nice, reasonably priced shared and personal lodging choices.

Take a look at this extremely rated condominium with expansive views of Central Park and the Higher West Facet, or this extremely rated condominium in Midtown.

One factor to think about when reserving a spot to remain on your weekend in New York is that this — how lengthy will you actually be spending in your room? When you observe the itinerary above, not very a lot!

In my humble opinion, much less cash spent on a lodge simply means extra money for issues like good meals, rooftop cocktails, and present tickets. 

Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to New York 

Hopefully you’re much more excited on your weekend in New York after getting via this information. I’ve introduced you with a lot of choices to make sure you can benefit from a brief journey there and get a style of what the town has to supply.

There’s little doubt that New York will be an intimidating place to go to.

There’s a lot to see and do right here, there are one million totally different subway traces to determine, and persons are all the time in a rush. In any case, one of many unofficial slogans of NYC is “I’m walkin’ right here!”

That being stated, braving the crowds and the chaos is effectively value it. Even with simply 2 days in New York, you may get a style of what essentially the most well-known metropolis on the earth has to supply. 

In fact, there’s no solution to do all of it in simply a few days. You would spend a lifetime exploring NYC and nonetheless not see all of it. It’s a metropolis that positively warrants many return visits.

It will not be the best or most cost-effective place to journey, nevertheless it’s a very good one. There’s a sure vitality about New York Metropolis that’s exhausting to explain. You’re simply going to must expertise it for your self.

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