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New York is a city many people want to visit at least once in their lifetime – and it’s easy to see why. There are endless things to do, countless things to see, and literally thousands of bars and restaurants to enjoy.

But what if you only have a weekend?

A weekend in New York City, admittedly, isn’t a long time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing experience without missing the highlights – or completely exhausting yourself.

To make the most of your time in the city, planning is key. Knowing how you’ll organize your weekend before you arrive in New York will save you time and keep your stress levels low!

When planning your time, remember it’s quality over quantity – the more you try to fit in, the more stressful your weekend could become.

Planning your Weekend

There are no rules to how much or how little you do during your weekend in New York, and how much you can fit in depends on what YOU are comfortable with.

That said, as a starting point, choosing four activities (two morning and two afternoon/evening) is a great place to start breaking down and working out timings for your weekend.

Take a Tour

If you’re new to the city and don’t know your way around, you’ll likely spend a lot of time getting lost and staring at maps. Instead, jump on a tour and have a guide show you all the best spots – bike tours, walking tours, open-top bus tours, and even boat tours are all available, choose the one you will enjoy most.

See a Bridge

New York’s bridges are iconic – they’re the best spots to see the skyline and the Statue of Liberty and the best place to watch the sunset and take that iconic “New York City” photo. There are plenty to choose from, with Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges being the most popular.

Try Local Food

Bagels, New York pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, or just a great cup of coffee – New York has plenty of snacks, dishes, and drinks that you should try while visiting the city. Food tours are a great way to explore NYC’s unique neighborhoods and try the staples at the same time.  

Visit Central Park

Did you know Central Park is the most photographed location in the world? The iconic park is open all year round and completely different in every season. Go for a walk in in the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, ice skate at the Wollman Rink, sunbathe in the immaculate gardens, or see the amazing fall colors – depending on what time of year you visit.

However you choose to spend your weekend – it’s most important to just have fun. It’s normal to want to see the whole city, but New York will always be here and welcoming visitors. Missing an attraction that you can’t make it to just gives you another excuse to come back to the city that never sleeps!

Got less than a weekend or want to fit in more? Check out our guide to making the most of 24 hours in New York City.

Visiting New York for a weekend? The Hotel Beacon is in the Upper West Side, a residential neighborhood in the heart of the city. Learn more about our hotel, our apartment-style suite, and our unique offers on our site.