Start spreading the news and get ready to leave today because with this New York itinerary, 7 days of Big Apple bliss are coming your way. Here at Plum Guide, it is our duty to provide you with the expert advice needed to enjoy a memorable trip, so follow this itinerary and your NYC adventure will not disappoint.
Day 1: Explore Brooklyn and enjoy a Broadway show
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City | Credit: Alexander Thompson/NYC & Company
Well, you’ve made it here so according to the song you can make it anywhere, but today is about easing into your New York holiday, so we’re starting in Brooklyn. Spend the day exploring Park Slope (residential, charming, idyllic outdoor markets) Brooklyn Heights (chic, relaxed, great views of Manhattan) or Williamsburg (hipster, trendy, the choice that will make your kids think you’re cool). Before evening comes, head back to your NYC home for a quick nap (we know you need one) because staying up late tonight will be paramount to beating the big, bad jet lag. Tonight you’re going to the theatre so make sure to get to Times Square early. This way you can sneak in that touristy photo you’re trying to pretend you don’t want before sitting down to the Broadway show of your dreams. Afterwards, head for a classic post-theatre dinner at the iconic Joe Allen.
Hideaway Parlor, Plum Guide home in New York
Day 2: Visit a museum before getting some shopping in
MOMA, Manhattan, New York City
Start as you mean to go on or, as they say in New York, get brunch. This is no doubt the city’s favourite meal and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better one than at Sarabeth’s. After you’ve eaten, head to Central Park to spend an hour or so taking in the city from its greenest patch. Now that you can’t possibly complain about not being given enough time to unwind, it’s off to the museum with you. And in New York, there’s a veritable smorgasbord to choose from. A few of our favourites include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Natural History Museum, New Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum and the Frick Collection. Next up on your New York itinerary of 7 days is some NYC shopping...naturally. Raid the high-end shops of 5th Avenue to your credit card’s content, and for those who’ve always wanted their Audrey Hepburn moment, don’t miss a stop at Tiffany & Co. When night falls, hail a cab like the locals do - in other words, aggressively - and head downtown for an Italian dinner at Village haunt Bar Pitti. If you’re feeling inspired by last night’s musical extravaganza, follow up your spaghetti with drinks and general piano bar merriment at Marie’s Crisis.
Rock's Townhouse, Plum Guide home in New York
Day 3: Discover the city's famous landmarks
Another day, another important breakfast spot – a serious food tour of New York is a necessity after all. Clinton Street Baking Co. is a must for anyone who loves pancakes (thank us later). But don’t eat too much because next up you’ve got a date with Lady Liberty and she only accepts approaches by boat. Following your tour, stop at the 9/11 memorial and museum. There is a beautiful view from the top of One World Trade Center where you can contemplate for a bit before you continue on with your day. Next on the agenda is a walk along the High Line, an elevated park in Chelsea located on a decommissioned stretch of railroad tracks.
Once your kids have taken enough selfies to guarantee Instagram content for at least the next month, explore more of Chelsea and the neighbouring Meatpacking District. You’ll find cute cafes, beautiful art galleries and plenty of fabulous boutiques along the way. If you get a little hungry, a swirl of soft-serve ice cream from the local Milk Bar is just the ticket. Speaking of food, we assume everyone remembers Miranda Priestley’s steak-for-breakfast moment in Devil Wears Prada? Well tonight, Miranda’s breakfast is your dinner because you’re having supper at Smith and Wollensky.
Arabian Nights, Plum Guide home in New York
Day 4: Visit Beacon, NY, and enjoy a traditional New York dinner
You’re now 4 days into your New York holiday so you’re probably feeling like you might scream if you have to listen to one more honk-filled second of city traffic. Never fear, Beacon, New York is here and this quaint, airy city is just what you need to get refreshed. Dig in to a tasty lunch at the charming Beacon Falls Cafe before making your way to the remarkable Dia: Beacon museum, which sits majestically on the banks of the Hudson River. And when you’re over the art, start drinking instead. The bourbon at Denning’s Point Distillery is not to be missed (you’re welcome). Catch the sunset at Long Dock Park before heading back to Manhattan where you’ll get to enjoy the dinner of a true New Yorker - takeout. Order New York style pizza or Chinese food to scarf down on the epic covered terrace or private garden at this Harlem apartment. If you’re still feeling energetic, drinks and music at Harlem Nights make for a lively end to the day.
Buddha's Stable, Plum Guide home in New York
Day 5: Watch the sunrise from the Empire State Building
Hop out of your Plum bed before the sun and grab a takeaway breakfast from cash-only Absolute Bagels. You’ll be satiated, albeit sleepy, as you make your way to the Empire State Building for a sunrise experience. Watching New York city wake up from on high is definitely one for the bucket list and a great photo opp for this year’s family Christmas card. Now it’s time to explore Midtown Manhattan. Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and the New York Public Library are all within walking distance. And when you feel like you need a break, make it fancy with high tea at the Plaza Hotel. Tonight there’s some serious eating to be had, however, so don’t go too crazy on the finger sandwiches – yes, we’re looking at you. Perhaps no meal deserves a spot on a New York itinerary of 7 days more than the Black Label Burger (and a few icy martinis) at Minetta Tavern. If you’re not ready to call it a night, dance to some fantastic live jazz at the Blue Note.
Day 6: Spend the day in Greenwich Village
Remember when the idea of being a starving artist or tortured poet appealed to you immensely? Relive those naively carefree years with a day spent hanging out in Greenwich Village. Filled with bookshops, cafes, boutiques and restaurants you’ll love the creative vibe almost as much as the fact you can actually afford the overpriced coffee sold there. Once you feel like you’ve written enough secret slam poems in your head to merit moving on, indulge in a glass or two at Amelie Wine Bar. A concert at Carnegie Hall is just what the culture doctor ordered for your penultimate night in the city. Feel whisked away by the music (and champagne) as you are treated to a momentous serenade by some of the world’s best concert musicians. As for the afters, cocktails and sushi at buzzy Nobu 57 are just a few steps away.
Day 7: Hike around Breakneck Ridge or visit a 500-acre garden
Sadly but truly, we’re nearing the end of your New York trip, so it’s about time you choose your own adventure. If you’re feeling sporty and want to prime for your urgent return back to the gym, revel in a glorious day of hiking in Breakneck Ridge, a picturesque mountain along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring, New York. If that sounds like your idea of hell, try the Storm King Arts Center. This 500 acre sculpture garden is just an hour from Manhattan and is home to the work of world-renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore and Richard Serra. Don’t stay at either place too late, though, because it’s your last night in Manhattan and that’s not a luxury to be trifled with. Dinner tonight is at the charming Pastis, which serves delicious French bistro food to a chic and lively local crowd.
