72 Hours in NYC

Here’s our guide to an ideal city break in New York City, without setting foot in Times Square, Madison Square Garden and generally avoiding the tourist areas of Midtown.

DAY 1 : SOHO/LES

Start off your morning with a Freddo Cappuccino from Cafe Lyria sitting on one of their outdoor benches to watch the world go by, listening to ABBA blaring through the speakers. Then, wander over to the shopping area of Soho to browse the boutiques around Prince’s Street, Spring Street and Broome Street. Make sure to visit The Real Real - a treasure trove of vintage luxury fashion and accessories. Their ‘Quiet Luxury' rail is full of great quality and neutral pieces from Anine Bing, Jacquemus and Celine. What Goes Around Comes Around has a similar concept- their Birkin and vintage Chanel displays are as good as any fashion exhibition!

Head towards the NYU area, stopping in Popup Bagels to grab a ‘bagel and shmear’ or Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company for one of their many cream cheese flavours. Eat in Washington Square Park, soaking up the live jazz music and eclectic groups of people. 

Check in advance to see what’s on at 260 Sample Sales which feature Sales from brands such as By Far, Faithful the Brand and Ulla Johnson at ~80% off. Even if you don’t have space left in your suitcase (or money, due to the $20 dirty martinis), head to one of the sales for the experience. Bags are checked in and the warehouse setup is pretty cool, if a little intense. Get your afternoon coffee at one of the Kaffe Landscap locations, (a Tinx favourite) and try the peach strudel muffin! 

Head to Potluck Club on the Lower East side for dinner, serving Cantonese-American small plates with a casual vibe. Then go further downtown to Overstory for drinks, a glam retro bar on the 64th floor with a gorgeous dusty pink aesthetic and amazing views. Arlene’s Grocery is a fun dive bar to go to after for live music.

DAY 2: WEST

Spend your second day in the West Village- grab coffee and a toast for breakfast at the Merriweatther cafe, then wander from Christopher Street Station, between Hudson St and Greenwich Ave. The houses along the tree lined streets are stunning and it’s dog (and people) watching heaven. Note your cute lunch and coffee spots along the way for later!

Walk up to the start of the High Line (beside Whitney Museum entrance) to take a morning walk along the surprisingly peaceful walkway, while taking in views of the city and skyline. Head to Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market for lunch, an authentic taqueria that’s backed by Mexicans in the city! Go for the Adobada (El Pastor) and one of the quesadilla options with Horchata and eat outside. 

Note: Check in advance to see what’s on in Chelsea Market as they often have sample sales in the event space with mixed brands such as Theory and activewear from Girlfriend Collective and P.E. Nation 

Pay a visit to the Whitney Museum for the afternoon to take in some American modern art, many of the exhibitions focused on relevant current social issues including unemployment due to AI advancements, the climate crisis and racism in the US. The outdoor gallery and cafe have great views of the city. Afterwards, browse the many independent Chelsea galleries between 10th and 11th avenue. 

Walk back into Greenwich village for a well deserved early evening aperitivo at Bar Pisellino, one of the city’s best people watching spots. Sit in the outdoor seats on the Grove St. side while sipping on a negroni and their homemade cacio e pepe crisps. Leave your name (or grab one of the limited advance reservations) at the door of Via Carota across the street for an outdoor dinner. Alternatively try Saint Theo’s or Buvette and enjoy listening to the surrounding West Village conversation.. Both need a reservation. Head to the Standard Hotel’s rooftop bar to top off your West side day! Or for something more lively try Duplex piano bar’s live music and drag shows. 

Image Credit: Westlight NYC

DAY 3: BROOKLYN

Get the L train to Williamsburg and get off at Bedford Ave. Grab breakfast at Five Leaves or (the original) Sunday in Brooklyn. Walk off your ricotta hotcakes in McCarren Park and browse the Williamsburg boutiques near Bedford Ave. Grab a coffee at Devoción roastery.

Hop back on the L to Jefferson St. to look at the Bushwick Collective- impressive local graffiti with a backdrop of the city. Have a browse around the area’s shops such as Foster Sundry, a butcher with excellent deli products and takeaway sandwiches. 

Walk back towards Morgan Ave for a late lunch at (the original!) Roberta’s Pizza - order the stracciatella and sweet and spicy Bee Sting pizza and eat outside in the yard. Enjoy a rooftop drink with the best view in NYC at Westlight to toast your time in the city while watching the sparkling skyline. 

Finish the evening in Roebling Sporting Club for drinks and some late night mozzarella sticks.