The city that never sleeps: Your guide to the ultimate 48 hours in New York City
NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. With endless things to do, narrowing down an itinerary for a quick weekend trip can be a challenge — but we’re here to help you out.
From the best food, coffee and places to stay, we’ve rounded up some of our go-to highlights in the Big Apple right here.
Where To Sleep
The Sanctuary
You can’t get a more prime location than The Sanctuary NYC, a trendy boutique hotel adjacent to the famed Times Square and Theatre District. The moody and dare we say sexy hotel has an immediate allure upon entrance, creating an escape from the bustle of the busy Big Apple streets.
The Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary NYC.
The rooms are spacious and well appointed, and designed to be a zen space (they’re also non-smoking). Decor elements include mid-century modern inspired leather headboards and chic, modern bathrooms.
The Sanctuary NYC’s rooms.
The Haven Rooftop is one of the hotel’s best features, overlooking the iconic Manhattan skyline as guests can enjoy cocktails and delicious food. The property also offers some of NYC’s best sushi at Sushi Lab, with a mix of Omakase, Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki and other classic Japanese menu items — reservations highly recommended.
The Conrad Hotels
For a luxury experience in the city, look on further than the Conrad — named for yes, Mr. Conrad Hilton himself. The upscale Hilton brand has two properties in Manhattan, both distinctly different but equally as stunning. If you’re looking to spend most of your time exploring 5th Avenue and Central Park, the Conrad New York Midtown is the place to be.
The Conrad Midtown.
The stunning property features exquisite suites that’ll have you feeling right at home (but at an exquisite apartment, no less).
The Conrad Downtown.
For the downtown dweller, the chic and modern Conrad New York Downtown is centrally located (and just steps from the One World Trade Center). The views of the Statue of Liberty and Hudson River at this hotel are worth the stay alone. Don’t miss the tacos downstairs at El Vez.
The Moxy
The Moxy’s fun and flirty vibe can be found at their various properties throughout Manhattan.
Views from the Moxy Chelsea.
The youthful (and affordable) hotels are typically centered around a hotspot rooftop club, including scenery Cathedrale in the East Village and the stunning floral themed Fleur Room in Chelsea.
The Moxy Chelsea is also home to the Fleur Room club.
The Chelsea outpost is outfitted with a gorgeous flower display upon entry, while the East Village location has a laid back, hipster vibe (with plenty of good pizza nearby). Rooms aren’t huge at the Moxy but they pack punch with efficient and impressive design when it comes to counter space and storage. Bonus: continental daily breakfast is included at both, prime before a long day of exploring.
Where To Eat
Carbone
IYKYK. Carbone has taken on a life of its own thanks to gossip Instagram account DeuxMoi (and maybe Kanye and Julia Fox, too) – and for good reason. There’s no fancy Italian here, but ultra-simple dishes done extremely well, like the no-nonsense spicy vodka rigatoni.
Carbone’s iconic spicy rigatoni.
The complimentary starters here are also epic, and include their tomato focaccia bread, pickled cauliflower, spicy salami and the best parmesan you’ll ever have.
Carbone has an old school Italian feel.
The wine list is extensive, but for the cocktail lover, their margarita is a must. If you make just one dinner reso in NYC, make it this one.
Kumi
Kumi is known for their Japanese and Korean blend.
The uniquely curated menu from Executive Chef Anastacia Song includes her green tea smoked chicken (definitely a must) and the gochujang glazed salmon.
The Hot Mess Roll at Kumi.
Sarabeth’s
This Central Park adjacent spot is the perfect spot to grab breakfast (or lunch) after a casual stroll. The Sarabeth’s menu features classic fare like eggs benny, their legendary poppers and famous cinnamon buns. Be sure to make a reservation on weekends.
Sarabeth’s is a quintessential NYC lunch spot.
Sadelle’s
The brunch to end all brunches: in come Sadelle’s. This bustling SoHo hotspot from Mario Carbone is known for their elevated take on classic New York deli fare.
Sadelle’s is known for their smoked salmon tower with bagels.
That would explain the obsession insanely good salmon tower that comes with the smoked variation, tomatoes, cream cheese, capers and cucumber.
Sadelle’s stays true to its SoHo neighborhood with brick walls.
If it’s not obvious, the house made bagels are to-die-for. Definitely not your grandma’s lox.
Flour Shop by Amirah Kassem
Move over Magnolia, there’s another cool kid in town – and she’s called Flour Shop.
Flour Shop’s infamous explosion cake.
Baker extraordinaire Amirah Kassem came to Instagram fame with her iconic sprinkle exploding cakes.
There’s plenty of photo opps inside Flour Shop.
Plenty of sweet treats are on deck here, including the cookie sandwich inspired ‘cakewhich’, delicious cake balls and colourful take-home party gear.
Where To Drink
The Osprey @ The 1 Hotel
The 1 Hotel in Brooklyn takes you out of Manhattan — but overlooking the iconic bridge is worth it.
A sunset view from the 1 Brooklyn.
This trendy hotspot is where fellow Canadian Shawn Mendes rang in his 21st birthday.
The Osprey’s bar is prime NYC cocktail spot.
You can’t go wrong with a drinks (or dinner reso) at The Osprey, which boats a farm-to-table menu that’s all about sustainability.
Somewhere Nowhere
This pool, lounge and club combo has all the views of Manhattan one could desire.
Inside Somewhere Nowhere.
Step atop the rooftop of the Renaissance New York Chelsea hotel, Somewhere Nowhere is a quintessential spot to finish off your evening with a cocktail – or, if you’re in the mood, some dancing.
Get a dose of Manhattan at Somewhere Nowhere.
The Wilson At INNSiDE by Melia New York Nomad
The Wilson is a neighborhood restaurant featuring a globally inspired, seafood-focused menu with vegetarian-friendly options.
The Wilson front patio.
Executive Chef Adrienne Guttieri infuses her local roots to create signature dishes. Cocktails aren’t just an addition here: they’re also a main attraction with concoctions like the Figs, Twigs & Sprigs with peppercorn, rosemary and rosé Prosecco.
The Wilson’s rosé garden.
The duplex space features a communal bar area that flows onto a year-round patio and a sprawling staircase that opens up into a lower level dining room with 30ft ceilings and a living moss wall. The Wilson serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and is ideal for everything from intimate gatherings to large group dining.
Where To Get Caffeinated
The Laughing Man
You have to stay caffeinated with all that walking in the Big Apple. Hugh Jackson’s The Laughing Man coffee is all about the double shot lattes, and worth the venture to trendy Tribeca.
Hugh Jackman’s The Laughing Man is a regular Ryan Reynolds hangout.
Plus, you may spot Vancouver native (and Hugh’s close pal) Ryan Reynolds, who’s known to be a regular.
A latte from The Laughing Man.
Felix Roasting Co.
SoHo’s Felix Roasting Co. may take the cake for prettiest coffee shop in the city.
Inside the stunning Felix Roasting Co.
The decadent blush and blue decor is offset by rose gold and stunning Murano Chandeliers.
Even the cups are photogenic at Felix.
If The Laughing Man is your to-go spot, Felix is definitely one to sit-in.
Other Stuff To Check Out
The Museum Of Ice Cream
You scream, we all scream for ice cream. Whether or not you love North America’s fave frozen treat, this immersive and interactive “museum” is fun for all.
Arguably the most Insta-worthy place on earth, be sure to dress in your cutest for all the pink background walls one’s heart could desire.
The experiential destination is millennial paradise.
Frozen treats and other desserts are served throughout The Museum Of Ice Cream as you move room to room, ultimately ending with a pool of (fake) sprinkles.
Kith’s Flagship Store
NYC is a shopping emporium, but a visit to streetwear mecca Kith is mandatory.
The sneaker wall at Kith’s Lafayette Street flagship.
The three floor SoHo store has all the sneakers one could dream of but the store design is something of a marvel.
The store has various installations throughout, paying homage to streetwear culture.
Each floor spins their own hiphop playlist, and don’t miss the cereal blended ice creams at the Treats on the second level.
Trivia Night at Arlo NoMad
Arlo NoMad’s weekly game night with NYC Trivia League goes down is a guaranteed good time for city visitors. From 80s nights and pop culture themes to hard hitting history and news topics, everybody’s unique knowledge sets will come in handy.
Trivia night goes down in the trendy Barlo area of the Arlo Nomad.
All attendees will also receive a complimentary cocktail from newage sake brand HeavensSake to get creative juices flowing. A special Mediterranean food and drink menu will also be available courtesy of Lamalo, and each week the trivia winner will receive a free night at Arlo NoMad.
‘Sex and the City’ Tour
Calling all SATC fans! The Sex and the City Hotspots Tour by On Location Tours is a 3-hour bus tour through NYC featuring over 40 locations as seen in the Sex and the City series and the movies! The tour guide, a local NYC actress, will quiz you on behind-the-scenes location trivia and give the hot scoop on fun facts and filming secrets at local NYC bars, restaurants, bakeries, and more. In addition to seeing the sites, you’ll also have exclusive access to special discounts. The tour is offered as both a public bus tour and a private tour, and is great for bachelorettes and birthday parties.
Shear Bliss Salon
If you’re in the NYC area and in need of a blow and glow up situation, make sure to checkout Shear Bliss on 3rd Avenue between 28th and 29th street. Owner Lana Kurayeva is the city’s only board certified colorist. Known especially for her gorgeous balayage makeovers, Kurayeva and her team specialize in keratin treatments as well as a perfect cut and style stop when in town.
Where To Sweat
Barry’s
Barry’s – the original high intensity interval training workout and cult fitness phenomenon – recently opened its second Upper East Side studio in NYC. The new East 86th Street location (237 East 86th Street) boasts two Red Rooms, offering Barry’s signature HIIT workout along with a unique LIFT class offering.
Barry’s on 86th.
Barry’s LIFT is an intimate strength-based class using dumbbells, resistance bands, and body weight.
One of the two Red Rooms.
LIFT is designed to improve body composition, build muscle mass, and rev your metabolism through focused, technical strength training – no treadmill required. The East 86th location is one of eight LIFT studios in the US!
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