Spending a weekend in New York City is akin to stepping into a living, breathing film set – especially if you’ve grown up watching Nora Ephron films and repeats of Seinfeld. Every street in the city is buzzing with energy.
You can discover something new around nearly every corner. From sunrise walks in Central Park to late-night bites in the West Village, the city packs culture and charisma into each hour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, here’s how to spend two days in NYC.
8:00 am
Morning Pilates in Soho
What better way to kick off your journey than with a boost of energy? Head to Good Day Pilates in SoHo or New York Pilates West Village right next door – both offer intimate and trendy aesthetics.
Here, you can stretch, motivate, and tone up your body just before New York wakes up. Starting your day like this will keep you feeling energised and centred all day.
9:30 am
Coffee and a breakfast bagel
After effort comes comfort – time to grab your well-deserved coffee and breakfast bagel. Head to Cafe Integral, known for its excellent Nicaraguan coffee beans and minimalistic vibe. Just a short walk from either studio, this coffee shop is the perfect excuse to stretch your post-pilates legs. Then, a few doors down on the same street is Black Seed Bagels, where you can grab the perfect takeaway breakfast before heading to the hotel for a quick shower and outfit change.
11:00 am
Stroll in the park and some shopping
Take the subway for a few stops or walk the 15 minutes from SoHo to Washington Square Park for some fresh air and a little walk-around. The park, within a five-minute walking distance from Greenwich Village, is the ideal venue for some weekend shopping. The Village itself, meanwhile, is perfect for a spot of thrifting, or you can pay a visit to Bleecker Street for a more curated selection of boutiques such as LoveShackFancy and Reformation – both of which rank among the must-visit fashion spots in NYC.
2:00 pm
Time for lunch
After an exercise-heavy morning, go have lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda on Carmine Street, although there are multiple restaurants in the area. Known for their Mediterranean hits like rosewater waffles and green shakshuka, this is a downtown classic that never misses.
4:00 pm
Visit the Meatpacking District
Come afternoon, head to the Meatpacking District to browse the hip and edgy area. Once your walk is done, stop by Restoration Hardware and wander around their beautifully curated interiors. Then, head to the rooftop to take in the beautiful scenery. Be sure to walk a part of the High Line before heading to dinner. It’s an absolute must for its calm, cinematic Downtown perspective. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll capture sunset views perfect for Instagram.
7:30 pm
Dinner at Sushi By Bou or The Ned NoMad
After a golden-hour rooftop moment, take your pick between two standout spots. For an intimate, lively dinner, take a short ride uptown to Sushi by Bou on Seventh Avenue. Hidden inside Hotel 3232, this 30-minute Omakase experience offers a perfectly curated selection of nigiri handed to you directly by the chef. If you’re in the mood for something a little more elegant and classic, head to The Ned NoMad, where vintage glamour meets luxury. Either of these is an effortless choice for dinners, both fun and elevated.
10:00 pm
End the night with music
Your evening should conclude in true NYC style with a final stop at The Nines, one of Manhattan’s most quietly iconic piano lounges. Tucked behind a red velvet curtain, with golden light and candle-lit tables, the NoHo venue offers an ambience that feels exclusive without trying too hard. A fitting close to a beautifully curated day
10:00 AM
Slow start to the morning
After a busy day yesterday, let your morning start off with a slower rhythm today. After all, balance is key. Before leaving your hotel, make sure to bring your current read with you and some headphones. Head to a cafe in the West Village for a good cup of coffee or a matcha.
11:00 AM
Leisurely morning in Central Park
Make a stop at Three Lives & Company, a long-time West Village favourite – maybe you can finally buy the novel that’s been sitting in your online cart. Wander Uptown at your own pace to Central Park – no matter the season, covered in golden leaves or sunlit, it’s always a good idea.
Find a quiet bench to sit on, hot drink in hand, and indulge in a little people-watching with some background music, or get lost in the universe of your book.
1:00 PM
Take the subway to Brooklyn
Hop in an Uber or, for a more local experience, take the subway Downtown to DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn.
Known for its warehouses and cobblestone streets, it’s a fusion of a cool Brooklyn neighbourhood and artfully restored aesthetics.
3:00 PM
Lunch and time for exploration
Ensure you make the most of your time in Brooklyn with a slow lunch in whichever spot catches your eye, before dipping in and out of coffee shops and bakeries.
And if you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss checking out the Brooklyn Flea market, where you can pick up unique pieces.
6:30 PM
Sunset on the Brooklyn Bridge
As golden hour hits, start walking over to the Brooklyn Bridge. Linger in the middle to get a breathtaking view of the city and the quiet hush that briefly softens New York. It’s the perfect pause before the city takes back its rhythm.
7:30 PM
Dinner at Cecconi’s DUMBO
End your weekend with dinner at Cecconi’s, right on the waterfront. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a glowing skyline, and the kind of food that feels like a reward — it’s the perfect closing chapter to a weekend that was equal parts style, serenity, and big-city energy.
