Perfect Weekend: 48-Hours in New YorkBy Eva Caiden
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” Tom Wolfe
Planning a trip to New York? Let us organise your perfect NYC weekend – all you need to do is pack. Here’s how to get the most out of the city in 48 hours:
Just a five minute walk from the Standard, Chelsea Market is the Big Apple’s answer to Borough, attracting over 5 million visitors a year. The indoor food hall has over 35 independent vendors selling everything from sushi to cheesecake. Lobster roll? No problem. Savoury yoghurt? You got it. Stop by the market for a quick lunch and stay for a sensory experience.
Click here for more information. Open until 9pm Mon-Sat, 8pm Sun. 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16 Streets), New York, NY 10011
Summer evenings in New York are better spent at a rooftop bar…or two. The sixth floor of this boutique hotel based in hipsterville (aka Williamsburg) offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. Run by the same restaurateur behind cult Williamsburg joints Diner and Marlow & Sons, the Wythe is a popular drinking destination so arriving early is advisable.
Click here for more information. 80 Wythe Ave. at N. 11th Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Do: Sleep No More – Punchdrunk
This indoor immersive theatre experience from the infamous Punchdrunk crew is running until the end of September. Lasting up to three hours, guests embark upon a performance (a reworking of MacBeth) which spans six floors, at their own leisurely pace, interacting with characters along the way, before finishing the night in a bar. Nice.
Click here for more information. Tickets from $85.
Want to watch the sun rise over the Empire State Building from the comfort of your bed? This is the place for you.
Sitting at the foot of the Highline, an elevated freight rail line transformed into a public park, the Standard is 18-storeys of cityscape views. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, meaning you can do half your sight-seeing from your room. There’s even a view from the shower…
Click here for more information. Rooms from $330 per room per night via www.mrandmrssmith.com. 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Every weekend from April to November, more than 130 vendors gather for the famous Flea; held on Saturdays in Fort Greene and Sundays in Williamsburg. Selling furniture, vintage clothing and antiques as well as jewellery and arts and crafts from local designers, there is also a thriving foodie scene at the market. Single? Time Out NY named it ‘one of New York’s Essential Pick-Up Spots.’
Click here for more information. Weekends, 10am-5pm.
When in New York, steak is a must. This steakhouse has been a Brooklyn institution since 1887 (and it even gets a mention in The Sopranos.) Order one of their famous juicy, porterhouse steaks, and take in the scene in the wood-pannelled, brass-chandeliered dining room where it’s easy to spend an evening people-watching.
Click here for more information. 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11211
For drinks al-fresco, head to Revel, which is known for its charming garden space. Featuring a retractable roof, the exposed brickwork and high ceilings add a dishevelled charm to the space. During the week, it serves up hearty Italian cuisine while at weekends, the dining room becomes a cocktail lounge (complete with DJ).
Click here for more information. 10 Little West 12th St., New York, N.Y. 10014
Getting there: Eva flew to New York with DialAFlight (www.dialaflight.com / 0844 556 6060). The leading UK tour operator offers flights to New York from £375 pp.