Upper West Side & Central Park
Spend the morning exploring the wonders of Central Park, taking in the fortress-like walls of skyscrapers surrounding the green. Start at Columbus Circle, then head in the northeast direction passing the Central Park Zoo, the Bethesda Fountain, the Conservatory Water and Strawberry Fields on the western side. If you have kids in tow, check out the dinosaur skeletons at the American Museum of Natural History, then hit up the Loeb Boathouse to rent rowboats.
Lunch Pick up supplies at Zabar’s for a picnic in Central Park.
Midtown
It’s now time to uncover some of the city’s architectural wonders: Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, the New York Public Library and Rockefeller Center. Round it off with a visit to the city’s museum darling: MoMA.
Dinner For Broadway-goers, do an early dinner at ViceVersa.
Midtown
Spend the evening under the starry lights of Broadway, checking out a blockbuster show or something distinctly ahead of the curve at Playwrights Horizon or Signature Theatre. Soak up the Las Vegas–like atmosphere of Times Square from the TKTS Booth, swig cocktails at Rum House, then head to the Top of the Rock to bid the city goodnight.
Upper East Side
Start at the staggering Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wander through the Egyptian and Roman collections, take in European masters, then head up to the rooftop (in summer) for a view over Central Park. Afterwards, visit the nearby Neue Galerie for a feast of German and Austrian art in a 1914 mansion.
Lunch Lunch on Austrian specialties at elegant Café Sabarsky.
SoHo & Chinatown
Head down to SoHo for an afternoon of shopping along Prince and Spring Streets amid crowds of tourists seeking the best brands in the world. Wander over to Chinatown’s Mulberry Street, which feels worlds away from mainstream consumerism, but is – in reality – only a few blocks over. Stroll by the neighborhood’s Buddhist temples, stopping for custard tarts and almond ice cream.
Dinner Feast on delectable flavors from across southern Europe at Boulud Sud.
Upper West Side & Central Park
Head to a pre-theater dinner at Boulud Sud, a celebrated Mediterranean restaurant. Then cross the street to Lincoln Center for opera at the Metropolitan Opera House or a symphony in David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher Hall). Later, head to drinks (book ahead) at the fabulously original Manhattan Cricket Club.
Brooklyn
Catch the East River Ferry over to Dumbo, and admire the magnificent view of Manhattan from the lush new Brooklyn Bridge Park. Afterwards, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Dumbo, browsing bookshops, boutiques and cafes. Don’t miss the vintage Jane’s Carousel and more great views from the Empire Fulton Ferry.
Lunch Fill up on good-value lunch specials at atmospheric AlMar.
Brooklyn
Travel up to the Brooklyn Museum for a look at fascinating works from Africa, the Americas and Ancient Egypt, plus excellent temporary shows. Afterwards take a stroll in Prospect Park, pausing for refreshments at the scenic new Lakeside complex.
Dinner Partake of Brooklyn’s culinary renaissance by dining and drinking at Marlow & Sons.
Brooklyn
Jump in a Boro Taxi up to Williamsburg, on the northern side of the borough, for oysters and bespoke cocktails at Maison Premiere. Head up to rooftop bar, The Ides, for a fabulous view over the city. End the night across the street at the Brooklyn Bowl, with a side of bowling and some groovy musical acts.