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The Perfect Itinerary for Your Weekend in the Big Apple

New York City is a city that defies small words. The Big Apple is a huge city with a character to match, and it is hard to argue with New Yorkers when they describe their hometown as the greatest city on the planet.

As the largest city in the U.S., it is hardly surprising that there is a lot to do in New York. From some of the best restaurants in the country to amazing attractions, you could spend a lifetime discovering everything New York has to offer.

cruise port harbor statue liberty

Not enough megapixels/Flickr

But sadly, most visitors don’t have that long. In fact, as a significant cruise port, many travelers only find they have a weekend or three days at most to explore the city before they have to pack up their bags and get back on the boat. Whether tourists are planning a vow renewal ceremony on board their cruise ship or are heading down the coast on an all-American road trip, time in New York has to be treasured and taken advantage of.

But with so many options, planning a short break to New York can be overwhelming! Picking and choosing can be hard…but we’ve got your back. Read on for some ideas for the perfect itinerary for your weekend in the Big Apple.

The first step for a great weekend in New York is to get a good night’s sleep. You’ll be packing in the activities and doing a whole lot of walking, so being well-rested is vital.

Start your first morning in New York by grabbing a bagel from one of the city’s amazing delis and bagel shops. From Riverdale Bagels out in the North Bronx to Tasty Bagels down in Bensonhurst, you can’t go wrong with this New York classic.

met museum

Photo by Enric Domas on Unsplash.

Use your first day to explore some of New York’s best museums. For art lovers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art should be at the top of your list. This world-beating art gallery has one of the most impressive collections of historic art anywhere on earth and boasts stunning architecture to boot. The American Museum of Natural History is another must-see, with something for everyone from a planetarium to dinosaur bones. You could spend a whole day here…but don’t!

It’s time to grab lunch. Keep it simple with a classic slice of pizza or a hot dog from a street vendor.

bethesda fountain central park

Image: John Cunniff/Flickr

In the afternoon, take a walk through Central Park. This vast green space dominates the middle of the city and is the perfect place to relax and people-watch. It also boasts a few of New York’s best attractions, like the Central Park Zoo or the horse-drawn carriages. In the evening, choose between discovering NYC’s fine dining scene or taking in a Broadway show. There’s nothing quite like seeing a live performance in one of the city’s iconic theaters, and tickets can often be found even at the last minute!

Day two is for discovering the city’s alternative attractions. Start your day off on the Staten Island Ferry, an underappreciated way to get one of the best sights of the Statue of Liberty without paying a dime! Head back to Manhattan after grabbing a snack on Staten Island, and take a wander through Chinatown before heading uptown to discover the Bronx Zoo, a real hidden gem of the city.

endeavor luna park coney island

If you have time in the afternoon, head to Coney Island and enjoy a retro day out by the sea, with fairground rides galore and vintage fun everywhere you turn. Head to the Meatpacking District in the evening to get a taste of New York’s trendiest restaurants and liveliest bars.

New York is a city that you can enjoy for however long your trip lasts, but if you only have two days this whistlestop tour will help you get the most out of your weekend in the Big Apple!

About the Author

Frankie is the personality behind Popsicle Stand, a lifestyle publication with everything from vibrant city tours to style inspiration, pop culture, and empowerment.

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