Two days is not a lot of time to conquer the greatest city in the world, but that does not mean you have to stick to the same list of sites everyone else visits. Here is a mix of tried-and-true favourites and local loves.
Day one
The New York City skyline is the most beautiful view on the entire East Coast of the US. To get its full effect you must take to the water for a
Circle Line, or
New York Water Taxi harbour cruise. Now that you've gotten a look at the perimeter of
Manhattan, it's time to check out its heart.
Midtown is home to 5th Avenue classics such as
Tiffany's,
Saks, and
Bergdorf Goodman. Art lovers will want to check out the
Museum of Modern Art, but everyone should make a pit stop in the
MoMA Design Store.
If you're looking for a more intimate museum experience, go uptown to check out the fantastic contemporary American art collection at the Whitney. I also love The Frick. Located on Museum Mile, this Industrial Revolution-era mansion houses masterpieces that span the Renaissance to the 19th century. No visit to New York is complete without a walk through Central Park. Between 60th and 70th streets are some of the park’s best bits – including the Sheep Meadow, the carousel and the Central Park Zoo. The zoo is a must if you’re visiting in the winter when the polar bears and snow leopards are active and in their element. Wander clear across the park and then two blocks further to Nanoosh if you’re hungry. This tiny, casual restaurant is a great spot to have an organic lunch that won’t break the bank. Their delicious hummus makes an appearance in almost every sandwich and platter.
If you think Downtown is more your style, the Brooklyn Bridge is an architectural gem you’ll want to see up close. I suggest taking the subway to Brooklyn and then walking back to Manhattan for the best view. Another place of history nearby is the World Trade Center site. The Tribute Center right across from the site is worth a look.
When the sun goes catch a concert at a the Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom or newcomer City Winery, which is a music venue/wine bar/ restaurant. Sop up some of the vino or your drink of choice with a late-night pastrami on rye from Katz's Deli. You could also head to the Broocklyn Bowl in Williamsburg for a complete music, food and fun filled night. This is no ordinary bowling alley. Its gourmet take on bar food is worth the trip alone, however if you're not convinced it also hosts an impressive line up of bands and celebrity Djs .
Day two
If you're in town on a weekend, do like the locals do and go for brunch. The
202 cafe in the
Chelsea Market lets you shop while you eat. The restaurant's tables share floor space with expensive clothes, furniture and homewares that are all for sale. Next on the agenda is window shopping in the
Meatpacking District where the hottest high-end designers such as
Stella McCartney,
Alexander McQueen and
Diane von Furstenberg sell their wares.
Continue south down the cobblestone streets into the West Village. Do not stick to the main streets such as Bleecker and Hudson. The best part of this neighbourhood is getting lost only to discover the unique stores and sidewalk cafes on every corner. If your wandering takes you to 6th Avenue, duck into the 168-year old apothecary CO Bigelow, which catered to beauty product lovers long before Sephora.
Time to switch gears and head out of Manhattan to enjoy nine innings of America's greatest pastime. This year New York's Yankees are defending their World Series win; while the Mets are looking for redemption. Both teams’ stadiums are modern marvels stocked with bars, restaurants and lounges that will appeal to sports fans and foodies alike. Mets' Citi Field and the new Yankee Stadium are modern marvels stocked with bars, restaurants and lounges that will appeal to sports fans and foodies alike.
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Have you tried any of the places on this itinerary? Got any ideas we haven't thought of? Have your say using the comments form below:
