Weekends in New York

You'll need some energy to power your day, so kick things off at andrews NYC Diner – your classic, all-American diner – right on 7th in Midtown. But this isn't just any old breakfast experience, as many consider andrews the best in the city! Pancakes, waffles, french toast, eggs, the list goes on.

Then, once you're fueled up, it’s time to get the big guns out of the way. First, we'll hit up the world-famous Empire State Building, which boasts the city’s best views from up top (although, of course, One World Observatory, Edge et al might have something to say about that!). But beyond viewing New York from 102 floors up, you can also explore 12 galleries that explain the history of the building, as well as the chance to nab a selfie with King Kong himself!

Want a view of rather than from the Empire State Building? Easy. Skip daintily up 6th to Rockefeller Plaza, where Top of the Rock promises sweet uninterrupted views of big KK’s favorite Art Deco crown.

Back at ground level, it's time to chase down some lunch. You're spoiled for choice here, but we'd recommend Upland, a charming brasserie over on Park Avenue South that offers a delightful fusion of Italian dishes with a Californian twist. They have sandwiches, pizza, pasta and much more on offer. Why not pair your meal with a nice glass of wine? You're on vacation, after all.

Next, head to Central Park to walk off all those carbs in one of the world's most famous green spaces. Pro-tip: you’ll get around its myriad attractions – architectural follies, swoonsome bridges, tranquil Japanese gardens – even faster on a bike. Then, when you've explored enough (and burnt off some calories to boot), head to the nearby American Museum of Natural History. You can spend hours looking at ancient fossils and life-sized dioramas, and learn all about the history of Earth. A little culture never hurt anyone, right?

Next, as afternoon turns to evening, fill your bucket list quota in one fell swoop with a scooch around town on the Big Bus. In fact, you can make use of this frankly amazing hop-on hop-off service for the entire duration of your weekend in New York. You'll pass Times Square, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central and Carnegie Hall (to name but a few), learn about their history, and get a front-row seat to New York's quirky street life to boot!

Then, grab a spot of dinner at COTE NYC Flatiron, a Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse which offers some of the best slabs of meat in the city. Then, if you fancy it, check out the local watering holes. Attaboy down in SoHo offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious cocktails in a tucked-away location. Or, if you're looking for some amber relief (or black gold), try The Dead Rabbit near Battery Park. This delightful Irish taproom has a whole host of craft beers on offer, as well as other liquid delights (including Guinness, obvs) should they take your fancy. 

Suitably well-oiled, get ready to showcase your best jazz hands or unleash your inner Elton at your pick of two great NYC institutions: the Harlem Jazz Series or the rollicking singalong that is the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos extravaganza. Now, get some rest and prep your body for another day of fun!

Big day ahead of us, so start smart with a late breakfast at Hutch & Waldo just north of The Battery. A breakfast burrito or Cali wrap with an espresso chaser should suffice to fill you up for the trip ahead.

And what trip is that? Well, you might be wondering why we're starting the day so close to the coast? That's because there's one very important NYC landmark we haven't checked off yet. We're talking about the Statue of Liberty, or ‘Lady Liberty’ to her friends. To get there, you'll need to board a ferry across the water. Then, once you're there, you can tour Ellis Island, get up close and personal with the old gal, and learn all about her history and how she came to be. Then, when you're all statued out, hop back on the ferry back to the mainland.

Lunchtime! Cruise across the Brooklyn Bridge to NYC's swanky suburb, and grab a panini at Pisillo Italian Panini. They have tons of variants to try no matter your taste, each named after an area of Italy. Try the Milano, trust us.

Then, if the weather’s good, go check out Coney Island and hop on some of the rides at Luna Park. Just a stone's throw from central Brooklyn, it's a great way to get a bit of beach time on your city vacation. Or take your spray-can (no, not really) on a guided walking tour of the borough’s best graffiti.

Or, if the weather isn't good, go check out Brooklyn Museum and the nearby Botanic Garden. The museum boasts a massive collection of artifacts from all over the world, including ancient Egypt, Africa and Europe. The gardens provide you with 50+ acres of exotic plants and indoor greenhouses to meander through, possibly with your umbrella up.

Time for a final meal and a tour of Brooklyn's brilliant nightlife! We recommend dining at Vinegar Hill House. The name might not sound appetizing, but once you flick through its brilliant New American menu, you'll be set. The pork chop with cheddar jalapeno grits might just be the best thing you've tasted all year.

And now, to end this merry adventure, it's time to explore Brooklyn's bar scene. Want to put a spring in your step and end your vacation on a yee-haw high? Check out Skinny Dennis, a honky-tonk saloon with a burgeoning beer menu backed by live country music. Or, if cocktails are your things, you're spoiled for choice! We'd recommend Sweet Polly or The Clover Club to sate your mixology needs.

And, sadly, that's the end of our guide to the perfect weekend in New York! There's so much more to see and do; you'll just have to catch it all next time! Don’t forget your New York Pass, to save yourself substantial bucks when visiting multiple NYC attractions.