A perfect weekend in New York
Just got off the plane after a family weekend stomping the streets of New York, and I’m ready to go back again! In fact, I just booked my next trip to the city that never sleeps. NYC pushes so many buttons for me. It’s so easy to get around in New York. My favorite mode of transportation is definitely my feet, as I get very dizzy in taxis, and I love finding spontaneous cool spots while walking. But the metro also works for those longer trips, when time constraints or high heels are involved. I love that New York City is full of culture, great architecture, gigantic bridges, diverse history, and of course lots of entertainment. One thing I especially love is that you can find any type of food you want, at any price, anywhere. I had an Italian sandwich at a corner store that was equal to my 5 star meal by a fancy chef!
So, without further ado, here are my picks for creating the perfect New York weekend!
Where to stay:
With a million to choose from, it all comes down to finding a stylish place with the right price and the perfect location. Where do you want stay? For me, when I travel with my family, I want to be close to the action. Think close to Central Park, Times Square, etc. But if it’s a cool trip with my husband and friends, I’m headed to downtown Tribeca, SoHo, or the Bowery. If I’m in town for a few days with good weather, I can go to Brooklyn and experience something a little cooler.
On the cheap:
guild hall
Location: Financial District
From: $79.00
Vibe: This questionable budget hotel is full of character and typical Thompson design. This is not a party hotel and is often quiet after nearby Wall Street closes for the day.
Ace Hotel New York
Location: Near 29th Street and Broadway
From: $159.00
Vibe: Newcomer to the scene, everyone talks about this little strange hotel.
Room categories range from bunk beds (yes, bunk beds) to small, medium, large, and loft.
Downtown Chic:
Smyth Hotel by Thompson Hotels
Location: Tribeca
From: $179.00
Atmosphere: With a concierge who knows what he’s doing, with a cool, modern design, it’s no wonder this hotel is a favorite with cool kids.
the bowery
Location: NoHo
From: $325.00
Atmosphere: Entering the hotel scene, this hotel is strong and demands that a calm environment be maintained. The perfect chic NoHo hotspot and a favorite of visiting celebrities, it’s ideal for relaxing and escaping the chaos of the New York streets. There is no bar scene here!
Cuddle me in:
Setai 5th avenue
Location: NoHo
From: $495.00
Atmosphere: With 24-hour top-notch service, beautiful décor, and a hammam, it’s easy to see why the Setai is all about pampering.
trump soho
Location: SoHo
From: $369.00
Atmosphere: All the perks of the Trump estate without that flashy 1982 gold! Finally, a super stylish and luxurious hotel with an 11,000 square foot spa in a prime location. Love it!
Crossing the bridge:
Hotel Le Blue
Location: Park Slope Neighborhood – Brooklyn
From: $175.00
Vibe: Clean, stylish, and in a cool neighborhood make this Brooklyn boutique hotel one to see. It’s also just steps from a subway station, making getting to Manhattan easier than ever.
NU Hotel
Location: At the intersection of 4 neighborhoods (Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens)
From: $175.00
Atmosphere: The perfect place if you want to get the most for your money and really explore Brooklyn’s neat and trend-setting neighborhoods.
Enjoy the day:
Eataly
Location: Flat Iron District, 23rd Street
Perfect for: Lunch or just a walk, great place for a rainy day activity
Vibe: Eataly brings my favorite Italian markets to the United States. Walk through this HUGE warehouse-style market and sample authentic espresso and ice cream or pick up some fresh pastries and bread for a special dinner. I could literally get lost in this place for hours. And, if you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from – enjoy anything from pizza and pasta to fish and meats – all Italian!
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO
Location: Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn Bridge
Perfect for: Getting a little extra exercise and enjoying great views of Manhattan as you cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. Then head to DUMBO for lunch, shopping, or maybe a festival.
Vibe: Exercise with a view!
Ping Pong at Spin NYC
Location: East 23rd Street
Perfect for: An afternoon get-together or cool night out with friends that doesn’t include a velvet rope!
Atmosphere: Ping-pong meets social scene.
Where to eat:
Norma’s for brunch
Location: Le Parker Meridien NYC
What to Order: Where do I start… Lobster Mac and Cheese, Hazelnut Stuffed Crepes, and Chicken Pot Pie!
Vibe: Comfort food at its finest. This is the place to be for brunch in New York!
Bistrot Bagatelle for a brunch party!
Location: Meatpacking District
What to order: The food is a little better than average, but if you’re going to the party, so order mimosa’s!
Atmosphere: Get ready to dance on the tables, spend big bucks, and have the time of your life for this Saturday Brunch Party!
Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto for a casual Italian lunch
Location: Amsterdam and 73rd St.
What to order: Definitely order a Selezione del Salumiere & Formaggi (meat and cheese) plate for the table so you can sample their specialty!
Atmosphere: This little Italian place specializes in cured meats. And it’s as close to Italy as you can get!
Di Fara for pizza
Location: Brooklyn
What to order: Anything! Just be prepared to wait in line.
Ambiance: Famously superb, this sizzling slice comes with a crisp but not brittle crust, perfectly balanced sauce, and perfectly melted cheese.
The meatball shop for lunch or dinner
Location: LES
What to Order: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Daily Special…naked balls (yes I said it), sliders or heroes or kitchen sink…so many options, just so much room in the belly!
Atmosphere: Fun concept, great food, no reservations, and a light, friendly atmosphere make this a fun place to go with friends.
Macelleria Steak House for Meat
Location: Meatpacking District
What to order: Share the ravioli of the day and order a premium New York strip!
Atmosphere: simple seasonal menu, fresh homemade pasta, perfect grilled meats, and whole fish cooked to order. What can’t you love?
magnifying glass for italian
Location: NoHo
What to order: The pasta special! Always ask for the special pasta, whatever! (don’t order the fish, it’s bland)
Atmosphere: Casual, reasonably priced Italian from a protégé of Mario Batali. The friendly staff, rustic appearance, and excellent wine list make this a definite must-go restaurant for great Italian in NYC.
Find Dessert:
Magnolia Bakery
Location: 4 locations: Bleeker St, Columbus Ave, Rocefellar Center, Grand Central Terminal
What to Order: Devil’s Food Cupcake! Light and fluffy, perfectly sweet!
Vibe: Sex and the City may have made it a famous tourist spot, but the perfectly baked goods keep them coming back for more!
Cafe Bakery Mille-Feuille
Location: Greenwich Village
What to Order: Salted Caramel Macaroons
Atmosphere: It’s all about this little Parisian-style café in the heart of Manhattan! Absolute macaroon heaven!
Lula’s sweet apothecary
Location: East Village
What to Order: Craft Beer Root Beer Float!
Vibe: New York City’s first all-natural, non-dairy frozen dessert shop!
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Location: Chinatown
What to order: The almond cookie is #1, but the Zen butter is also worth a try!
Vibe: America’s most popular dessert with an exotic Chinese twist.
Where to drink:
1 oak
Location: Chelsea, 17th Street
What to Order: The Mixed Berry Gimlet is my favorite!
Atmosphere: An intimate, upscale, chic, and seductive nightclub with mile-high models, fun DJ beats, and a surprisingly unassuming crowd that isn’t afraid to move on the dance floor or in the VIP booths.
Butter
Location: NoHo
What to Order: The Veranda – Sparkling Cava, St. Germain, and Green Grapes!
Vibe: The super sexy decoration on the lunge makes anyone feel like an A-lister. FYI: Monday is the night to go… right now
The Boom Boom Room
Location: The top of the standard hotel
What to order: Tell the bartender your pleasure and let him create something magical for you!
Atmosphere: Breathtaking Views…located atop the Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district, this lounge boasts a nearly 360-degree view of the skyline!
sakagura
Location: Near Grand Central at the base of an office building
What to order: Sakagura offers more than 200 types of sake, several authentic tapas-style dishes, and homemade desserts.
Atmosphere: It feels like you have stepped into Tokyo!
The lobby lounge
Location: Inside the Mandarin Oriental NYC
What to order: Your favorite martini and Dim Sum Sampler or Kobe Beef Sliders!
Atmosphere: The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or light meal with spectacular views of Central Park and the city skyline.
Rood Garden Cafe at the Met
Location: Roof of the Met
What to order: A glass of your favorite wine and the grilled portobello mushroom sandwich.
Atmosphere: Open seasonally, when the sun goes down in New York, there’s no better view than this rooftop!