From my first visit to Manhattan in early 2009, I've been in love. It's one of the more magical cities in the United States, and it has so many aspects that appeal to everyone's interests. Scheduling a weekend itinerary here can often be difficult, not because of a lack of things to do, but so many incredible options in the limited amount of time!

Manhattan is a special place with a grand appeal, and it's fascinating to know how young the city is in comparison to the world's other large and iconic cities. Paris, France, was established in the 3rd Century BC, London in 50 AD, and New York… 1624. It, much like Tokyo, is relatively young yet a global influencer and deeply enriched with culture. The food culture here is arguably one of the greatest in the states, if not the world.

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A Perfect Weekend in Manhattan

A Guide to a Fun and Tasty Weekend

Many have already visited Manhattan and checked off a few touristy boxes from the list. For some of you, it may be your first time! The internet certainly isn't starved from 'Best Of' lists for NYC, many of which can differ and confuse your planning. Ultimately it's best to plan for New York based on your interests. As you know, we crave a fresh vibe, incredible food, and curious locations. I gravitate to Chelsea and Greenwich Village, where things are less intense, and the restaurant scene leaves me blissful.

There are a few recommendations for our first-timers as well, though, because there's nothing wrong with 'doing touristy stuff.' It's famous for a reason, and you'd be missing out if you steered clear of these aspects completely. This slightly seasoned perspective will give you our go-to spots and some ideas to help fill your weekend plans!

Follow along and share your favorites in the comments below! We would love to hear of your go-to spots!

Where To Stay

The High Line Hotel

180 10th Avenue, New York, NY | Website

In the past, I kept the lodging budget tighter and often sacrificed comfort when visiting Manhattan, staying in big hotels with cramped quarters. Our travel methods have evolved, and we’ve learned that many journeys can benefit from upping our hotel game. We did exactly that in early February and arranged a booking with The High Line Hotel in Chelsea, just steps from The High Line, the west side’s 1.45mi elevated linear park.

The High Line Hotel resides in a former monastery in West Chelsea. To say it has character would be an understatement. From every turn to each of the sixty rooms, it screams boutique and comfort. Each room features free Wi-Fi, a comfy pillow-top mattress, oversized Turkish cotton towels, and more. In the lobby of the hotel, you’ll find a cozy coffee shop that morphs into a cocktail bar in the evenings. This hotspot is a local favorite and where you’ll often find the dogs of the neighborhood.

If you’re requiring a hotel with event or meeting space and want to avoid the stuffy feel of the usual vibe, The High Line Hotel offers the most exceptional event space in the city. The iconic Hoffman Hall, featuring incredible gothic architecture, offers 8,000 square feet with the most beautiful up-lit ceiling.

What To Do and See

If it’s your first time in Manhattan, you should definitely check off a couple classic sites like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, or a tower for a beautiful view of the entire city. Try to sprinkle these things in on return visits because they can take a chunk out of the day! I’ve done these now so I’m trying to more closely explore different neighborhoods but if you haven’t, they’re a must!

Catch a Show

Whether you get tickets for Broadway or Off-Broadway, there are always new and fun shows to see in Manhattan. Some of the best performers are on stage in NYC and it’s a great opportunity to experience the Times Square area.
Buy your tickets HERE

Visit Rockefeller Center

I personally prefer the view of Manhattan from atop Rockefeller Center to that from the Empire State Building. There’s something about being able to see Empire in the view that makes it a bit more special. There’s also plenty to do there! We have taken the NBC Tour which was quite impressive and included the ability to see the SNL set in construction!
Buy your tickets HERE

Visit the 9/11 Memorial

I’ve spoken to people from all over the globe who speak to the power of this memorial and museum. The memorial and museum are two separate tours, but you can buy a combo ticket if you want to experience both. The expert-guided memorial tour is outside around the grounds where the towers stood. It takes 60-minutes and I can’t stress enough how impactful and informative it is. Both tours are very informative and it’s a must visit.
Buy your tickets HERE

Metropolitan Museum

The ‘Met’ is the 3rd most visited museum in the world and the largest in the United States. If you enjoy art and ever changing exhibits, look into the current offerings at the Met.
Buy your tickets HERE

Central Park

Visiting Central Park is great in any season but it’s exceptionally beautiful in the summer and autumn! It’s a great park to jog through or simply relax and unwind from the business of the city. If you want to ice skate in the winter, it’s an option but there’s typically a lengthy wait.

Where To Eat

There are thousands of bloggers, channels, and magazines that offer differing ‘Best Of’ lists for New York City, but this isn’t one of those lists! I crave incredible food, environments, and cocktails. If a New York City restaurant isn’t serving up good food, they won’t last very long. It’s a very competitive area for the restaurant industry! My experience has led me to these hotspots.

Buvette

42 Grove Street, New York, NY | Website

Our recent visit wasn’t our first time at Buvette, yet it was just as marvelous as when it opened. Buvette’s French vibe is genuine and inviting, offering a perfect yet simple menu. The Jamon Cru is always a winner here, and my oat milk cafe au lait was one of the best I’ve had in the city. Fancy a salad? The Salad de Poulet is incredible!

Ess-a-Bagel

831 3rd Avenue, New York, NY | Website

If you’re in the area, this is my go-to! There are other greats such as Russ & Daughters, Bo’s Bagels, or a host of others. For me, it tends to comes down to nostalgia, and that takes me through the doors of Ess-a-Bagel! They offer a deliciously chewy bagel that never disappoints!

4 Charles Prime Rib

4 Charles St #3004, New York, NY | Website

With its dark dining room, perfect steaks, and the most delicious chocolate creme pie I’ve experienced, 4 Charles is one of my favorite New York institutions. I initially fell in love with this restaurant group when visiting Au Cheval in Chicago. The cheeseburger endures as my all-time favorite and is available at 4 Charles as well. If you are a lover of prime rib, this is your spot. I recommend splitting the burger for the appetizer because, well why not, it’s that damn good. They recommend it as well! Whether you saved room for it or not, get the pie. Trust me.

COSME

35 E 21st Street, New York, NY | Website

Now ranked at number 23 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the 2019 Best Female Chef, Daniela Soto-Innes’s COSME is a must-visit. One of the first dishes I read about before visiting COSME was the Duck Carnitas. I was cautioned not to skip it based on its 99 dollar price tag. In reflecting, I completely agree. The dish is perfection in layers; from the roasted duck to the watermelon radish, it was unbelievable. The carnitas are easily sharable and pairs perfectly with the mole. The margaritas were simple, fresh, and delicious! Other popular dishes include the snow crab infladita, arctic char, and the signature dessert, corn husk meringue.

Minetta Tavern

113 MacDougal Street, New York, NY | Website

In the late 2000s, burgers became even more popular and evolved into fresh and innovative recipes. The 2009 introduction of the Black Label Burger is often attributed as the burger that set this in motion for Manhattan, and for a good reason. This fresh ground beef burger is perfectly seared outside with its beautiful rare interior, full of flavor from the short rib, brisket, and dry-aged ribeye. Top this with gorgeously caramelized onions, and it’s a fantastic meal. This burger is the most popular menu item; however, the rest of the menu has a beautiful selection of classic French prep! Not craving a burger? Get adventurous!

Fiacco’s Italian Specialties

260 Bleecker Street, New York, NY | Website

This fourth-generation NY deli has been feeding patrons on Bleecker Street since 1900. The meats are incredibly fresh and delicious! We go for the sandwiches which never disappoint. The chicken cutlet sandwich is consistently in the top NY options, and the classic Italian is incredible. One sandwich can easily feed 2-3 people, so if you’re in the village and exploring food and drink spots as we were, grab a slice from Bleecker or Joes, then split a sandwich!

Lombardi’s Pizza

32 Spring Street, New York, NY | Website

Visiting Lombardi’s should be on everyones checklist at least once! Lombardi’s Pizza is regarded as the first pizza in the United States. Established in 1905, this Little Italy establishment features classic red and white checked table cloths, a coal oven, and a red brick interior. It feels as authentic as the first pizza possibly could! If you’re hungry and don’t want to just drop in somewhere for a slice, hit up Lombardi’s and split a pie!

Joe’s Pizza

7 Carmine Street, New York, NY | Website

In the past I’ve sampled whole pies but never ventured into the slice world! This time was different! Joe’s Pizza is on nearly everyone’s ‘Best Slice’ list, and it was the closest to us, so it was our logical stop! It was good, not excellent. That’s the point of the slice! I too often look for the best things I’ve eaten and the slice is just about simplicity, convenience, and low cost. Joe’s was $3/slice and was a great quick bite! Crispy crust, not too cheesy, and the sauce was the right amount and not too sweet. All around a great slice! If you are in the lower east area, hit up Scar’s Pizza.

Rosemary’s

18 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY | Website

Our weekend in Manhattan just happened to coincide with Super Bowl LIV. As an American ex-pat living abroad, this was fantastic. We were able to watch the game at its usual time vs. at 1:00 AM, and I was fortunate to find the perfect viewing party at Rosemary’s! For only $125 per couple, with tax/fees, we secured a 4-top for the game! The menu featured classics like chicken wings, dips, cold beers, and a whole suckling pig! If you’re in the city during the game and need a great place to see it, this is the ideal solution!

Where To Drink

Some of the most excellent bars and speakeasies are in Manhattan! The care and precision in cocktail creation make for a unique experience. Here are a few options that flowed exceptionally well with our restaurant selections!

The Up & Up

116 MacDougal Street, New York, NY | Website

There’s something exceptionally cozy about a dark lounge with dim lighting and expertly crafted cocktails. Couple that with a menu that boasts ‘Insanely Good’ versions of classics like Gin & Tonic and Scotch & Soda, and I’m intrigued! I’m a sucker for a good egg white cocktail and had a couple ‘As Much as a Duck’s, with Bruxo Mezcal, Famous Grouse Smokey Black Scots, Strega, Amaro Sfumato, Lemon & Lime Juice, Cayenne Pepper, and Egg White. Deeeeelish!

Death & Company

433 E 6th Street, New York, NY | Website

Located on East 6th in the Lower East Side is one of the most iconic of bars of New York City, Death & Company. We first visited in their inaugural year when hidden bars were first becoming a thing. It’s a dark and cozy speakeasy with an incredible environment and some of the most fabulous drinks in the city. Just let them know what you tend to like, and they’ll expertly craft something fresh and new that never ceases to impress patrons!

Angel’s Share

8 Stuyvesant Street, New York, NY

Hidden behind a door near the entrance of Village Yokocho in NOHO, you’ll find this fantastic cocktail lounge. They are known for their rum-based drinks, but have plenty of options to meet any cocktails lovers needs!