I recently reunited with college best friends (from Denver, New Orleans, Chicago and Israel) for a fast-paced, perfect getaway to New York City. Absorbing the city’s energy upon arrival was unavoidable, as we managed to toast with wine and steak frîtes at Balthazar until 1 a.m. on Friday without a blink (and I can’t say I’ve stayed up that late in months). Beyond the added hours awake, our itinerary proved efficient for its short span of 40 hours. Here are a few tips to make the most of the Manhattan madness…
INVEST IN WALKING SHOES
Don’t cut your commute short because of blisters. Wear walking shoes that keep you on your feet all day long! Here are my staples for the city:
Golden Goose Luxe Brand sneakers (my pair transitions from day to night!)
Tretorn Meg Laceup sneakers
Superga Platform sneakers in Cafe Noir
PACK DAY-TO-NIGHT ATTIRE
Consider a tee-and-jean uniform that, with an added blazer, earring or heel, minimizes your time in the hotel room before happy hour. These frayed jeans and a tank looked darling when I added on my super affordable white boyfriend blazer for dinner!
3. ALLOCATE SNACK TIME
A couple of snack stop highlights my past two trips have included:
A shared plate of calamari fritto misto and bottle of sauvignon blanc at ABC Kitchen
One Bam Bam ice cream swirl (blended with Rice Krispie treats, Cookie Crisps, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Kit Kat, Crushed Oreo, and Marshmallow Charms) with five spoons at KITH in SoHo
A funfetti cookie from Chip New York City
A charcuterie board from Quality Meats
4. TACKLE NEIGHBORHOODS FROM BOTTOM TO TOP
Though this philosophy doesn’t vary from any other day in my food-filled life, I bookend my day with a breakfast and dinner decision, then fill in the rest. Depending upon where your morning coffee awaits, aim to travel throughout the day from that end of Manhattan to another. We chose to begin our Saturday at bagel mecca Sadelle’s in SoHo before wandering around the neighborhood and up through Midtown to shop, sip and savor the energy of the streets. Or, if you opt to start around Central Park, I highly recommend breakfast at Jams, the stunning restaurant in 1 Hotel Central Park.
5. GRAB ESS-A-BAGEL ON YOUR WAY TO LAGUARDIA
Just do it. Get the lox and cream cheese on whole wheat everything, wrap it to-go, and bring it back out when you arrive at your gate to enjoy. Everyone around you will be so unbelievably jealous.
Follow along on my travel adventures through Instagram, and see more city guides here!
