Make no mistake – New York is the centre of the universe. If there’s something worth having in a city, New York has it. More than that, it probably had it first. We won’t pretend that a short blog can do this great city real justice. Instead, we offer some morsels of wisdom that should help make your weekend in the Big Apple a great one.
Day 1
Check into Ace Hotel New York. Ultra-hip, and equidistant from Times Square and Union Square, these chic apartments are friendly to both small and big bank balances. The budget-conscious can chill in a cheap bunk, while those embracing a 48-hours rock-star lifestyle will opt for a 700 sq ft loft. Cleverly laid out, rooms ooze cool with vintage furniture, fully stocked retro-refrigerators, record players and great views.
Once settled, head west towards Chelsea. Just before reaching the Hudson you’ll find New York’s newest and coolest park. The very definition of charming, The High Line is the product of a grass roots community campaign to transform a disused elevated railway line into a public space. Stretching from 30th St all the way south to Gansevoort St in the Meatpacking District, it comprises quirky gardens and seating spaces affording unique views of the city.
New York has more than its fair share of world-class museums, most of which would require every second of your weekend visit to be fully appreciated. Exhibits at the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum on the Upper East Side however, make for the ideal two-hour dose of culture. Then again, before you know it your entire afternoon could be consumed with Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1959 architecture, and priceless works of art from the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh.
If New York never sleeps, why should you. Whatever floats your party boat, be it a high-end club, chic cocktail lounge or dive bar, New York has it covered. If you’re the type who likes to dance your behind off to booming electronica spun by big name DJs, head to Sullivan Room in the West Village.
Meanwhile, if sipping cocktails in the company of hipsters is more your thing, drop by Williamsburg’s Bembe for its achingly sexy vibe and salsa-driven dance-floor.
Day 2
No weekend in New York is complete without brunch. Do as the phenomenally busy and driven New Yorkers do – take time out with friends over some pancakes and mimosas. Kick back with some homely comfort food served with a Soho twist in Delicatessen’s sexy, wood panel and stainless steel setting.
Walk off brunch in the company of Soho’s most beautiful with some window and, fingers-crossed, actual shopping in one of the world’s trendiest spots. You’ll be simply astounded at the number of chic boutiques and brands on Broome, Greene, Mercer, Prince, Spring and Lafayette streets.
You’ve seen New York in the movies and on TV. But there’s nothing like indulging your naked eye with New York’s iconic and majestic skyline. No need to bust your budget with a helicopter ride over Manhattan.
Take a free ride on the Statten Island Ferry for a close-up of Lady Liberty and Manhattan’s south side; then, rush to Midtown to catch the best view of the city available with your feet on the ground.
Time a trip up Top of the Rock just before sunset and catch spectacular 360-degree vistas of the city transitioning from day to night.
From bodegas to diners, and from delis to haute restaurants, food is available around every New York corner. Since you’re in town for only a couple of days why not treat yourself to dinner at one of the restaurants that makes the city’s culinary scene so unique.
Take your taste buds on an adventure at Momofuku Ssam Bar, where Pan-Asian flavours are combined with Southern soul food indulgences. Experience an explosion of flavours with the house speciality Samm – it’ll leave you with yet another unforgettable memory from a great weekend in New York.
(Images: The Highline – cosmicautumn; Guggenheim – Mr. Littlehand; Top of the Rock – Randy Le’Moine)
