This 48-hour guide brings you the ultimate jam packed itinerary in the City that never sleeps. New York can be done in so many ways and my post shows you how to maximise your time and have the greatest adventure in the most buzzing city in the world. Our latest trip to New York saw us arriving into NYC late Friday evening and departing late Sunday evening. Read on to see how we used up every minute of those 48 hours on a whirlwind adventure.
Day 1:
12am: NYC CLASSICS AT KATZ’S DELI
For an instant feast, and something to truly welcome you to New York City head to Katz’s Deli for one of their famous salt beef sandwiches. Open 24 hours on the weekend to allow you to conveniently indulge in this New York classic at any time of the day. We decided this was absolutely the first thing we wanted to tick off our list.
7am: BREAKFAST
A short and jet lagged sleep meant we were up and ready for caffeine at 7am. Conveniently, brunch spot du jour, The Butcher’s Daughter, fuelled us with a healthy vegan start to our day. Don’t miss their almond macchiatos for a delicious and creamy marzipan hit. Everything in the cafe is meat and dairy free. The Butcher’s Daughter opens at 7am so get in first thing before the weekend brunch crowds pile in.
8am: KAYAK ON THE HUDSON
Up early we decided to catch our first glimpse of the New York City skyline from a new perspective. Manhattan Kayak teach lessons daily at Pier 84. A spectacular and alternative view of the city was a fun alternative to generic sight seeing.
11am: GOTHAM WEST FOOD MARKET
Having built up a hunger from kayaking, be sure to check out Gotham West food market only a few blocks away for an array of locally sourced foods and a number of different and interesting cuisines. If you have it in you this early, try the pistachio ice cream!
12pm: TOP OF THE ROCK
I have visited this tourist hot spot at pretty much all times of the day and as beautiful as sunset is over New York, this is also the busiest time to visit. So my recommendation is to go to Top Of The Rock during the day when it’s less crowded and you’ll definitely get the best views and shots with no other tourists in your pics. Also wouldn’t you much rather be clutching a cocktail in hand on a rooftop bar as the sun sets in Manhattan? Yeah, me too.
2pm: CENTRAL PARK
Head to Central Park and hire a bike to see as much of the Park as you can in little time. An hour and a half is long enough to tick off the top spots – Strawberry Fields, the lake, Alice and Wonderland Statue and the Friends fountain.
4pm: VEZZO PIZZA
Hungry from a day of activities, Vezzo Pizza is the perfect pitstop for a late lunch. Ridiculously thin crust pizza that almost struggles under the weight of the toppings. Mushroom lovers, you absolutely need to order Shroomtown (a recommendation that has been passed along amongst groups of friends which lead us to the restaurant in the first place).
6pm: COCKTAILS IN BROOKLYN
Take a cab over to Brooklyn and first pay a visit to the William Vale Hotel and have a few drinks at their rooftop bar, Westlight. Undisturbed views of Manhattan looking back over the Hudson – they bought out the land in front of the hotel so yes, really undisturbed. Their sharp cocktail list is eclectic and delicious, and their canapés are mouth waveringly good. Make sure you order the deep fried blue cheese stuff olives. If you’re still feeling a little thirsty head next door to the Wythe Hotel for equally as good cocktails and views.
Day 2
6am: BREAKFAST AT COPPELIA
Jet lagged, hungry and wide awake on a Sunday morning in New York City means indulging in one of their many 24 hour food spots. Most brunch spots aren’t open at this time, but there’s a few places that’ll never let you down at any time of day. Head to Coppelia for an early morning Cuban breakfast. The usual eggs and coffee are served, but also many items off their 24 hour menu too. We dined on Cubanos and tostones (fried smashed green plantains) washed down with strong, short coffees.
7.30am: CHELSEA MARKET + HIGHLINE STROLL
Fully fed, take the long and arduous five minute walk to The High Line and enjoy a post breakfast stroll at NYC’s most famous walkway. Before joining the disused railway turned into an elevated garden walkway, check in to Chelsea Market for a browse. It opens at 7am so you’ll be first in the door and will beat the later crowds.
10am: MEATPACKING DISTICT + SHOPPING
Hop off The High Line at the Standard Hotel and wander through Meatpacking District for a little retail therapy. With its chic boutiques and quieter streets than 5th Avenue, this is my favourite place to shop in New York City. If you want a sweet mid morning treat then check out The Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake. Sex and the City fans will enjoy the novelty value, and everyone will enjoy the cakes. Burn off the cake by strolling to Greenwich Village, if you’re enjoying the walk continue to Bar Primi. If it’s all a little too much and you need brunch ASAP than hail a classic NYC cab.
Midday: BRUNCH AT BAR PRIMI
Brunch at Bar Primi is something all Instagram fans must enjoy at least once thanks to 2017’s most fashionable drink FROSÉ. An added bonus is that this places serves pretty amazing pasta and Italian themed brunch. Carbs and Frosé make a perfect Sunday!
2pm: ONE WORLD TRADE CENTRE OBSERVATORY
Head to Lower Manhattan and visit the newly built One World Trade Center Observatory. The viewing platform is a knee wobbling 102 stories high and gives you an incredible view of uptown Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Tickets starting from $34.
4pm: STATEN ISLAND FERRY + BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Take the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal and enjoy the boat ride views of Manhattan. Once back on dry land head up to the Brooklyn bridge and either stroll or bike ride over. If you get far enough go to DUMBO and get that classic shot of the Brooklyn Bridge between the buildings.
6pm: CHINA TOWN + NOLITA
Wander through China Town and head back to NOLITA and have a few drinks at some great bars before taking the latest flight outta NYC. My faves are Please Don’t Tell speakeasy and Pardon My French.
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Check out my saved NYC google maps guide here.
