The city of New York is a beast. It’s easy to underestimate exactly how large the footprint of Manhattan is, let alone all five boroughs, and it’s easy to overestimate how much can be accomplished in one day. If you only have a few short days, that lack of awareness could leave you feeling as if you’ve barely seen the city. While we recommend mapping out any destination you visit, it’s essential in New York City. Not only will it save you time getting around, it’ll help plan days that pack in quite a bit, without draining every last drop of energy from you. There are infinite ways to spend two days in the Big Apple, but here’s one itinerary to start inspiring your next trip.

*Brownstone Buildings in the West Village*

Day 1 - Morning | Explore the West Village + Brunch at Buvette

The West Village is a neighborhood that lets you ease into the city of New York. With historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and a long-standing artsy culture, it’s a welcoming part of the city with bohemian roots. Home of the Stonewall Inn, the West Village has been at the center of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equality. It’s home to the iconic “Friends” building and Washington Square Park, which has been the epicenter for social movements over the years. Be sure to step into Left Bank Books while exploring the West Village for a small but unique bookstore that sells used, vintage, and rare books - many of which are centered around pop culture and the arts.

Start the morning off with a stroll down Bleeker Street, a famous shopping mecca with dozens of boutiques and cafes. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Buvette for a brunch that will blow your culinary mind. Founded by Jody Williams, Buvette embodies the spirit of a neighborhood European bistro. From freshly made pastries to savory classics like Croque Madame, Buvette serves delicious fare made with seasonal ingredients in an eclectic space that has evolved over the years. You may be familiar with Buvette from its namesake cookbook. Williams published Buvette: The Pleasure of Good Food in 2014, sharing recipes and stories that combine French and Italian bistro cooking. She is a James Beard award-winning chef and has gone on to open locations in Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Order the Steak Tartare with cornichons and capers to get your savory fix, and the Pain Perdu with berries and crème anglaise to settle your sweet tooth. For a refreshing accompaniment, the Ginger Soda, featuring ginger, honey, lemon, and seltzer, is a delicious option. The Jambon Cru with eggs and prosciutto is another great savory choice, or try the Waffle Sandwich for a bit of both, featuring a buttermilk waffle, sunny-side egg, bacon, gruyère, and maple. Inside Tip: Buvette does not accept reservations. There’s a good chance you’ll have to wait, but it goes quickly. Even if you had to wait an hour, it’s worth it.

If you visit Buvette a little earlier in the morning and feel peckish by lunchtime, stop for a slice of pizza at one of several fantastic options. John’s of Bleeker Street was founded by an Italian immigrant nearly a century ago and features coal-fired brick oven pizza. Mama’s TOO! The Pizzeria serves up a blend of Roman-style and New York-style square pizzas. They’re known for mixing things up by creating innovative options, such as the Poached Pear and Cacio e Pepe. Finally, Brooklyn-based L’Industrie Pizza is considered one of the best spots in NYC. Using high-quality and imported ingredients, this pizzeria was awarded the best pizza slice in the USA by 50 Top Pizza in 2025. The West Village location is just around the corner from the Friend’s building.

Day 1 -Afternoon | Tour of Chelsea: Chelsea Market, High Line, & Pier 57

Chelsea is directly north of the West Village neighborhood, making it an opportunistic stop on the day one itinerary. Step into Chelsea Market for a culinary explosion. Built in the late 19th century, this historic building was the original headquarters of Nabisco and is famous for being the birthplace of the Oreo cookie. Today, it’s used as a production studio for stations like The Food Network, but is more importantly known for its dynamic indoor marketplace and food hall at ground level. From cheese mongers to fresh pasta, you can find almost anything in Chelsea Market, including a flea market featuring a rotating schedule of artists, makers, small businesses, and more.

Once you’ve grabbed a few snacks to go, head up to the High Line for an afternoon stroll with incredible views of the city. This unique public space is a mile-and-a-half-long greenway with gardens, art, performances, and more – and it’s all free! Get off the High Line at Pier 55 to explore another of New York’s public parks. Little Island has even more spectacular views to capture for keepsakes, along with natural habitats to explore. You might even catch a performance during your visit!

Day 1 - Evening | Dinner at Jeju Noodle Bar + Show at the Comedy Cellar

Put your feet up for a minute at the hotel before heading out for a night on the town. All that walking on the High Line should have worked up an appetite. Head to Jeju Noodle Bar for Korean comfort food. Enjoy a plethora of noodle dishes, including several styles of Ramyun, ranging from Wagyu to Mushroom. Plan a reservation with enough time to make the twelve-minute walk to the Comedy Cellar. Established in 1981, the Comedy Cellar offers showtimes that range from 1:30 p.m. to 12:55 a.m. They offer a full-service restaurant and bar, providing a convenient option for dinner and entertainment in one location. Otherwise, use the two-item minimum for drinks, or go for a cocktail with dessert.

Day 2 - Morning | Brunch in Little Italy

What’s a trip without a second brunch? Kick off day two in New York City with brunch at Epistrophy in Nolita. This European-style cafe is cozy and bright with a menu that has something for everyone. Somewhere between a coffee shop and an old-school neighborhood restaurant, Epistrophy features weekly live music performances, a patio for when the weather is cooperative, and eclectic indoor seating that complements its unique personality. Start with something savory, such as the Market Vegetable Frittata, topped with melted Parmesan, or the Poached Eggs and Creamy Polenta, served with a mushroom ragout. Alternatively, opt for something sweet, in which case we highly recommend the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

*The Market Vegetable Frittata from Epistrophy*

Once you’re well fed, head over to Little Italy to experience the epicenter of Italian-American culture. The neighborhood was established in the mid-19th century with the influx of Italian immigrants who came in through Ellis Island. Italians began to settle in the section of Manhattan centered around Mulberry Street, where they continued to grow their community and bring the feeling of home to America. While it’s considered a tourist destination today, Little Italy remains home to historic bakeries and restaurants that serve recipes passed down through generations. The Feast of San Gennaro takes place every year on Mulberry Street in September for the ultimate celebration of Italian culture (originated by the Neapolitans). Before you go, grab a scoop of Italian ice or gelato for a cool, refreshing palate cleanser.

Day 2 - Afternoon | Tour of SoHo: Pastries, Books, + Shopping

Once you’ve appropriately enjoyed a scoop of Italian ice, start walking towards SoHo - New York’s center of fashion. Another neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, SoHo stands apart thanks to the Historic Cast-Iron Building District, which gives the streets a specific aesthetic. This historic area is home to approximately 500 buildings, many of which feature loft spaces, making it an ideal location for artists and galleries. Aside from being a central hub for art, SoHo is also where the fashion community planted its roots. While you can find stores that accommodate any budget, the area is mainly known for its luxury, designer, and boutique shopping. If shopping for fashion isn’t your style, fear not! There are several bookstores to be found in SoHo, including Housing Works Bookstore, which benefits a great cause. Housing Works sells second-hand books, along with a collection of clothing, gifts, and household items, and also includes a cafe. The store is run by the Housing Works organization, supporting homeless people living with HIV and AIDS in New York City.

Two of our favorite SoHo businesses are all about the food, though – specifically, the sweets! Who doesn’t love a good French pastry? Lucky for us, Dominque Ansel Bakery is located just off the Spring Street metro stop. Dominque Ansel has received many awards and recognitions, but most know him for the “Cronut” - a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. Visiting this bakery, count yourself lucky if there isn’t a line. Not far from Dominique Ansel is Ladurée’s SoHo shop. Ladurée created the French macaron as we know it today. The original location near the Champs-Élysées in Paris has expanded to over 100 locations worldwide, including the beautiful shop in SoHo, where guests can enjoy tea service on the spectacular garden terrace.

Day 2- Evening | Broadway Show + Nightcap

Broadway is the one thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting New York City. The heart of theater is in New York, and for good reason. The amount of commitment, passion, and resilience it takes to pursue a career on Broadway is unlike anything else. It’s about as cutthroat as it gets, and it can take years to catch a big break, if you’re lucky. The cast trains rigorously to bring stories alive on stage and transport you into a different world for a few short hours. That breathless feeling you get at the end of a powerful number or an exceptional dance break wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the theater community. It’s a place for expression and representation, where we all laugh and cry together. A place where dreams are realized and new ones are born.

There are many brilliant shows currently on Broadway, and several anticipated openings are scheduled for later this season (we’re looking at you, Chess). Most evening shows typically get out between 10 and 11 p.m., providing the perfect opportunity for a nightcap. Moulin Rouge! The Musical and & Juliet are great high-energy options that are crowd-pleasers. Hadestown is an intimate theater experience with a show that runs the emotional gamut. Hamilton and Wicked need no explanation and are always a good option. Find one that suits whatever you’re in the mood for. After the show, grab a nightcap to savor the final night in this incredible city. Great rooftop options near the theater district are M Social and Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge. It doesn’t get better than beautiful views to close out a trip.