How to Spend a Luxury Weekend in New York City

There’s nothing quite like a weekend in New York City, especially when you’re celebrating something special.  I recently planned a girls’ trip to NYC for my niece’s high school graduation, and our weekend was filled with luxury, unforgettable meals, and iconic city moments. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking to elevate your next trip, here’s a look at our weekend in New York City itinerary and some travel tips you’ll want to bookmark.

Friday, May 2: Arrival, Central Park & Fifth Avenue

We landed in the city just after lunch and made our way to the Baccarat Hotel New York, a luxurious retreat tucked away in Midtown Manhattan. We were picked up from the airport by King and Queen Limo, and they were amazing—professional, punctual, and incredibly comfortable. I highly recommend them if you’re looking for a stress-free and stylish arrival. Check-in was seamless—we arrived around 12:30 PM, and our room was ready by the time we finished lunch at the hotel’s restaurant.

After getting settled and exploring the hotel a bit, we headed out to Central Park for a stroll and a scenic pedicab ride. It was the perfect first-time experience for my niece. The views, the architecture, the energy of the park—it’s all iconic, and riding through on a trolley made it both relaxing and fun.

From there, we spent the late afternoon walking along Fifth Avenue, popping into shops and enjoying the vibrant buzz of the city. Being centrally located made it easy to fit a lot into the day without ever feeling rushed. We also strolled through some of Manhattan’s most iconic spots—pausing to admire the glowing marquee of Radio City Music Hall, taking in the energy and flags at Rockefeller Center, and soaking up the dazzling lights and excitement of Times Square as evening approached. It was the perfect way to experience the heart of New York City on foot.

Saturday, May 3: A Day Downtown

The mix of charming streets, boutique shops, and historic neighborhoods gave us a little bit of everything. For lunch, we stopped in Chinatown for dumplings—a must-try. Cheap, delicious, and such a fun NYC experience.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Greenwich Village, where we stumbled upon Knickerbocker Bar and Grill. Though it was fully booked, we lucked out with the very last table and I’m so glad we did. The shrimp scampi, French onion soup, and the chocolate chip cookie dessert were unforgettable.

After dinner, we ended the night with the SUMMIT experience, taking in panoramic views of the city skyline. It was the perfect grand finale to a jam-packed day.

Sunday, May 4: Iconic Dining

This was our big day for iconic reservations. We took the morning slow and then headed to one of the hardest-to-get reservations in town: The Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany & Co.

The experience was everything we hoped it would be: glamorous, polished, and totally memorable. The hotel concierge made it happen, and I highly recommend reaching out to your hotel in advance if you’re hoping to dine here.

That evening, we made our way to SoHo for dinner at The Corner Store, another hard to get in spot with a moody, luxe vibe. the five-cheese pizza rolls, Caesar salad, and spinach artichoke dip were favorites, but honestly, every bite was amazing. It’s dark, sexy, and stylish. The kind of place you plan your outfits around.

Monday, May 5: Farewell Breakfast

Before heading to the airport, we wrapped up the weekend with breakfast back at our hotel, using a $100 dining credit we received after our first-day experience. It was a quiet, sweet end to a high-energy weekend and a chance to reflect on all the memories we made.

NYC Weekend Highlights

• Central Park Pedicab Ride
  A relaxing and scenic way to explore the park—perfect for first-timers.
• Downtown Day Trip
  Chinatown dumplings, SoHo shopping, West Village charm, and a surprise dinner at Knickerbocker.
• Iconic Dining Experiences
  Tiffany Blue Box Café and The Corner Store are both worth the effort (and the reservation juggling).
• Luxury Touches
  From hotel turndown service to skyline views at SUMMIT, every detail made this trip feel elevated.

Tips for Your Weekend NYC Itinerary

• Be flexible with reservations: Some of our favorite moments came from unplanned finds.
• Use your concierge: They can unlock reservations at impossible-to-book places.
• Use Resy and set alerts for hard-to-get tables.
• Walk when you can: The neighborhoods are so close together—skip the Uber and take it all in. Or take the subway and get a true New York City feel!
• Get a limo to pick you up from the airport. We used King and Queen Limo service and they were AMAZING!
• Wait to book the summit experience 2-3 days and check the weather before your visit to make sure you’re getting the best view!

This weekend in New York City was one for the books. Equal parts celebration, exploration, and indulgence. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or planning a luxury weekend escape, I hope this 3-day itinerary helps you craft a trip as unforgettable as ours.

Kristen

Click the links below for more in-depth details about:

• New York City Main Page
• Baccarat Hotel New York Review
• My Destinations