There is nothing like a weekend in New York City. I have fond memories growing up in northeast Pennsylvania and taking the bus from Allentown into “the big city” with my mom. After college, I moved to Queens where I scraped by with a job that barely covered my rent. Or as a friend/native New Yorker once told me, “You lived in Queens AND had a roommate? You must have been poor!”
The subway from Queens to the ‘big city.’
New York City is a place that continues to draw me back. And we rarely visit a destination more than once. Well, except for maybe Mexico City… And not just because we felt like celebs on our last trip — where 9 people recognized us from the blog. Is it weird that I asked them to take a selfie with me? (Probably… Um, yes).
What are Some of the Most Unique Things to do in NYC?
For those of you who’ve done the usual tourist circuit, you’ll love our latest weekend itinerary. The trip includes a mixture of architectural wonders, foodie hot spots and a one-of-a-kind walking tour through Greenwich Village.
We packed a lot into this itinerary. NYC is the city that doesn’t sleep right? Clearly, we fit right in. As always, this itinerary can easily be scaled back if you aren’t fully hopped up on Diet Dr. Pepper like us. Check out our top recommendations on the most unique things to do in NYC.
The Arrival: Friday Night in the Big City
Love it or hate it. Times Square is one of New York’s most iconic spots.
We recommend arriving on a Friday afternoon to maximize your time. That way, you can hit the ground running on Saturday morning. And cap off your Friday night with a Broadway show.
- 5 PM, grab some pre-theater dinner at The Lambs Club, a chic Art Deco restaurant tucked inside the Chatwal Hotel.
- This place is packed with history — like stepping back into another era with its bright red banquette seating.
- The building opened in 1905 as home to the prestigious Lambs, America’s oldest theatrical organization. Never heard of the Lambs? Kevin and I didn’t. The menu gives an overview on the deep history. Though, our friend who’s a regular here, told us the full back story by heart.
The Lambs Club in The Chatwal Hotel, a perfect spot to grab dinner with friends in the theater district.
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- Insider tip: Be sure to peruse the photos hanging in the main dining room — a who’s who of American theater with such notable members as Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin and playwright Maurice Barrymore.
- Save room for dessert: We devoured the Cherry Clafoutis, a warm bread pudding topped with ice cream.
You won’t want to skip dessert — the massive Cherry Clafoutis.
- 8-10:30 PM, see a Broadway show. TKTS offers same-day discounted tickets at their booth in Times Square. Don’t feel like waiting in line? Download TodayTix, an app that also offers discounted tickets with a few taps on your smartphone.
Broadway’s Tootsie, based on the 1982 classic movie with Dustin Hoffman, is a fun night out.
- 10:30-11 PM, we aren’t done yet. Kevin and I were oddly hungry at this point. And suddenly cookies seemed EXACTLY what we needed. We’ve been walking so we earned it, right?
- For those late night sugar cravings, grab a cookie (or a dozen!) at Schmackary’s, steps away in Hell’s Kitchen.
- For those heading closer to Chelsea, try one of NYC’s best black and white cookies at the Donut Pub (open 24 hours).
I’ve had many black and white cookies in NYC and The Donut Pub’s is one of the best.
- 11:30 PM, exhausted yet? If so, head back to your hotel for the night. We loved our stay at the Lotte New York Palace (rates start at $300 a night). Insider tip: request a room that overlooks New York’s famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The spectacular view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from the Lotte New York Palace hotel.
Day 2: Spend Your Saturday Taking in the Most Unique Things to Do in NYC
MORNING:
- 9:30 AM, burn those late-night cookies at Solidcore, a 50-minute megaformer pilates class.
- Known as “pilates on crack,” the megaformer machine is one of the hardest workouts we’ve ever done.
- This type of pilates also has a list of celebrity devotees like Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Vergara, Meghan Markle and of COURSE, the Gourmet Globetrotters!
- 10:30 AM, walk to The Vessel to capture the perfect “Insta” moment. Known as the “stairs to nowhere,” this $150 million structure in New York’s Hudson Yard development is a hot spot. We recommend making advance reservations online (2 weeks prior) to avoid the hours-long wait to get inside.
The incredible structure known as The Vessel in New York’s Hudson Yard.
You’ll get your workout in climbing the staircases at The Vessel.
Afternoon:
- 12-12:30 PM, Grab a soft serve ice cream at KITH Treats, located in the Snark Park complex across from The Vessel. Our favorite is The Bam Bam, created by rapper Action Bronson, blended with Rice Krispies, Cookie Crisp, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Kit Kat, crushed Oreos, and Marshmallow Cereal Charms. In other words, it’s my childhood blended into a dessert.
- 12:30 PM, grab an Uber to Think Coffee (248 Mercer St), a comfy spot to relax near Washington Square Park. We love this place and typically stop by on any visit to NYC. You’re also just a 10 minute walk to our next spot — the meeting point for Christopher Street Tours.
Inside Think Coffee, near the gorgeous Washington Square Park.
- 2-4 PM, join Christopher Street Tours’ signature LGBTQ Pride Walking Tour through Greenwich Village. Christopher Street Tours, founded and led by Michael Venturiello, is easily one of the best things to do in Greenwich Village for a good reason. Michael is a walking encyclopedia on LGBT history, even writing his thesis on the Stonewall uprising. Tours are $30 per adult.
Kevin is armed with plenty of questions. Hope the rest of our tour is ready for it!
EVENING:
- 6-9 PM, enjoy an early dinner in midtown Manhattan. Good news is that you’ll have plenty of time to freshen up after your walking tour.
- We personally love the bar seating inside Lidia Bastianich’s Italian gem, Becco. Bonus: meals come with a massive bread basket along with fresh olives and bean dip. Be sure to save enough room for dinner.
More like a bread tray – we love grabbing a seat at the bar for dinner at Becco in midtown.
- 10 PM – onward, listen to Broadway hopefuls belt out the high notes at Don’t Tell Mama. The piano bar is just a few doors down from Becco. Be prepared to wait if you show up on a Friday or Saturday night.
Inside the tiny bar, Don’t Tell Mama
Day 3: Sunday Fun Day – Wrapping Up the Weekend in NYC in Chinatown and More
NYC’s Chinatown.
MORNING:
- 9-10:30 AM, if you’re motivated, go for a stroll through Central Park. Or I guess you could always sleep in (but where would be the fun in that?).
- 11:30 AM, eat your way through Chinatown. We highly recommend a quick stop at Mei Lai Wah Bakery for their famous barbecue pork buns. These are considered the best in the city and they always come out hot and fresh. A must visit if you love pork buns.
It’s cash only at Mei Lai Wah Bakery. Be ready to pay up after ordering inside at the counter.
- 11:45 AM, Kevin and I shared a pork bun since we were both saving room for one of our favorite places to eat in all of New York City called Joe’s Shanghai.
Kevin makes himself comfy as we wait for a seat at Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown.
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- A few things to get out of the way: there is always a wait at Joe’s Shanghai, the staff is pushy, the health grade fluctuates (and not in a good way!). And the bathrooms? Don’t even get me started. I’d suggest holding it.
- But the famed soup dumplings are plump and juicy. And over 10 years of eating here, I haven’t gotten sick once (knock on wood!).
Marvel at the wonder of Joe Shanghai’s soup dumplings.
AFTERNOON:
- 1 PM, you’re steps away from Little Italy. Head straight to Mulberry Street for some good people watching. If you’re still hungry (we weren’t), make a b-line for Ferrara Bakery and Cafe to try what might be the best cannoli you’ll ever eat.
The pastry case at Ferrara Bakery. And in case you’re wondering, we couldn’t help but buy a few cookies for the road.
- 2-4 PM, relax at The Granddaddy, a comfy cafe in the lower east side. By this point, we needed a little break from the hustle and bustle. Oh, and maybe some caffeine.
- The Granddaddy is the kind of coffee shop you’d imagine in New York, like ‘Central Perk’ in an episode of Friends.
- One thing to note: they strictly prohibit anyone using laptops on the couch or plush chairs. While that’s a demerit in my book, at least the coffee was good and the wifi worked.
Inside the busy cafe, The Granddaddy.
- 4:30 PM, dinner at Essex Street Market in the lower east side. After serving the community for over 100 years, the Essex Street Market started showing its age. And recently got a face lift to freshen things up. Hmm, sounds like we’re back in LA!
Checking out the newly updated Essex Street Market in the lower east side. You’ll have a hard time picking out what to eat with all these great options.
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- We met up with our friends here to sample some of the city’s best food under one roof including Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Arancini Bros (with it’s deep fried rice balls served in egg crates) and the Thai-style chicken spot Eat Ghai.
- 7 PM, all good things have to come to an end. Head to the airport to catch a late night flight. Or if you have more time, head back up to Broadway to see a buzzy show like Moulin Rouge or Dear Evan Hansen.
Over the top sets at Broadway’s splashy musical, Moulin Rouge.
Planning a trip to New York around Christmas? Well, this trip will look very different. I suggest you check out our guide to New York City during the holidays for unique ideas for the whole family. However, if you have more than a weekend, we recommend a detour to Philadelphia. Check out our feature on Philadelphia on the best museum, holiday markets and cheese steaks. I sampled more than my share!
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