Friday Evening: Arrival & Welcome to NYC
Start your NYC weekend with a bang by diving into the city's vibrant food scene and iconic landmarks.
Evening: Times Square & Broadway
- Check into your hotel in Midtown Manhattan
- Walk through the dazzling Times Square
- Dinner at a classic NYC steakhouse (Peter Luger's or Keens)
- Optional: Broadway show or comedy club
- Evening stroll through the illuminated city
Saturday: Food Tour & Iconic Sites
Dedicate Saturday to exploring NYC's diverse neighborhoods and incredible food scene.
Morning: Central Park & Breakfast
- Early morning walk through Central Park
- Visit Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge
- Breakfast at Sarabeth's or The Loeb Boathouse
- Rent bikes to explore more of the park
Mid-Morning: Upper West Side Food Crawl
- Visit Zabar's for Jewish deli specialties
- Try bagels at H&H Bagels or Russ & Daughters
- Sample artisanal cheeses and charcuterie
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Afternoon: Chelsea Market & High Line
- Lunch at Chelsea Market (multiple food options)
- Walk the High Line elevated park
- Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art
- Explore the trendy Meatpacking District
Evening: Greenwich Village & SoHo
- Dinner at a trendy restaurant in the Village
- Visit Washington Square Park
- Explore boutique shops in SoHo
- Dessert at Magnolia Bakery or Dominique Ansel
Sunday: Brooklyn & Final Day
Cross the bridge to discover Brooklyn's unique culture and food scene.
Morning: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
- Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge
- Visit DUMBO for stunning Manhattan skyline views
- Breakfast at One Girl Cookies or Time Out Market
- Explore the Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mid-Morning: Williamsburg Food Scene
- Visit Smorgasburg food market (weekends only)
- Try artisanal coffee at local roasters
- Sample craft beer at Brooklyn Brewery
- Explore vintage shops and street art
Afternoon: Return to Manhattan
- Subway back to Manhattan
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Walk through the Financial District
- Visit the Statue of Liberty (ferry from Battery Park)
Evening: Final NYC Experience
- Sunset at Top of the Rock or Empire State Building
- Final dinner at a classic NYC restaurant
- Evening walk through Times Square
- Optional: Jazz at Blue Note or Village Vanguard
Must-Try NYC Foods
- Bagels: Russ & Daughters, H&H Bagels, Ess-a-Bagel
- Pizza: Grimaldi's, Lombardi's, Joe's Pizza
- Hot Dogs: Nathan's Famous, Gray's Papaya
- Deli: Katz's Delicatessen, Carnegie Deli
- Desserts: Magnolia Bakery, Levain Bakery, Dominique Ansel
- Street Food: Halal carts, pretzels, roasted nuts
Neighborhood Food Specialties
- Chinatown: Dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, bubble tea
- Little Italy: Italian pastries, cannoli, espresso
- Koreatown: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, kimchi
- East Village: Ukrainian pierogi, Polish kielbasa
- Harlem: Soul food, fried chicken, collard greens
Essential NYC Tips
- Subway: Get a MetroCard for unlimited rides
- Walking: NYC is very walkable - bring comfortable shoes
- Reservations: Book popular restaurants in advance
- Weather: Check the forecast and dress accordingly
- Safety: NYC is generally safe, but stay aware of surroundings
- Budget: Food can be expensive, but there are budget options
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $200-400/night for mid-range hotels
- Food: $80-150/day depending on dining choices
- Transportation: $15-20/day with MetroCard
- Attractions: $50-100/day for museums and activities
- Total per day: $145-270 (excluding accommodation)
