What to Pack & Wear for a Weekend in New York
What to pack and wear for a weekend in New York City, with a complete guide of what to do when you have limited time. There’s so much to see and do in New York, but when you have only a weekend, here are a few ideas that will leave you feeling like you experienced a little bit of everything.
Today, I’m joining my friend Kim and a few friends. We all live in different cities, and Kim thought it would be fun to share ideas for packing in these locations.
I’m sharing what to wear and a weekend itinerary for each look at all my favorite places in New York City.
Where to Stay In New York
There are so many options for hotels and locations in New York City. This itinerary has you all over town, so there’s not really one ideal location! These hotels have great public spaces, which are ideal for a weekend with friends. You can meet to plan your day or come back to the hotel and enjoy a drink before heading to your room(s).
The Hoxton in Brooklyn
We have stayed at Hoxton Hotels and have always enjoyed the experience. They always seem to be in fun neighborhoods. We loved The Hoxton Paris,
The Greenwich Hotel
The Greenwich Hotel has gorgeous common spaces and a spa with a beautiful indoor pool lit with lanterns. Definitely luxurious and a perfect place for meeting friends. It’s located in the heart of Tribeca.
Nine Orchard
This landmark building has been restored from a century-old bank building into an elegant hotel. The Corner Bar in the hotel is the perfect spot for morning coffee, dinner, or late-night drinks.
Friday night – Drinks, Dinner & What to Wear
Very Casual, and really anything goes. Wear what you traveled in or slip into a pair of jeans, a pair of Artemis loafers, and a black poplin shirt. Dinner is just across the street.
Drinks and small bites at Bar Pisselino
Bar Pisellino *52 Grove Street
We love this spot on the corner of Grove Street and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Greenwich Village. It’s perfect for people-watching. Enjoy drinks and maybe some mini panini sandwiches. Sit out on the sidewalk at a cafe table, or stand at the bar inside. It’s the perfect gathering spot.
Dinner at Via Carota
Via Carota * 51 Grove Street
Via Carota is one of our favorite restaurants. It’s also owned by chefs Jody Willaims and Rita Sodi. It’s just across the street from Bar Pisellino and a half block from Buvette, also owned by the couple. I suggest you add your name to the list and then head over to Bar Pisellino for drinks while you wait.
If you love it as much as we do, you’ll be happy to know they opened a tiny shop across the street where they sell a few provisions and the Via Carota cookbook. It’s called Spazio Creativo.
Saturday – Museums/Central Park & What to Wear
You’ll be doing a lot of walking today. I love Adidas Sambas. They are so comfortable right out of the box. I have three pairs. I love them with a suit, a long skirt or jeans. They go with everything! Your feet will thank you at the end of the day!
Morning Coffee at Bluestone Lane at Church of The Heavenly Rest
Bluestone Lane – 1085 Fifth Avenue
We’ll start our morning at the prettiest coffee shop on the upper east side. It’s located in a vestibule of a church. Grab a cozy booth inside or a table on the sidewalk along 5th Avenue while deciding which museums you’ll visit.
The restrooms for the cafe are located inside the church, which is quite beautiful!
Museums on the East Side
Central Park from East Side to West Side
After a few museum visits on the East side, we will walk through the park to the west side. But first, we will stop for another coffee, a scone at La Pain Quotidien located at the Kerbs Boathouse at the Conservatory Water.
We will continue on our walk through Central Park to the west side, walking by the Bethesda Fountain and over the Bow Bridge, located mid-park at 74th Street.
After a long walk through the park, we finally arrived at the new Gilder Center at The American Museum of Natural History.
Dinner Saturday Night at The Odeon & What to Wear
The Odeon defined New York in the 1980s—still a hip brasserie in the heart of Tribeca with the best french fries. For dessert, I suggest the profiteroles.
I love this slip dress from Jenni Kayne. You can wear a sweater, a denim jacket or a blazer over it. Wear it with comfortable ballet flats, Birkenstocks, sandals, or sneakers.
Sunday Morning, Coffee, Lunch, Shopping & What to Wear
Jeans, a striped tee, a cardigan, and sneakers for another day of hitting the pavement. The Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo comes in several colors and is finally available in the U.S. Everyone needs one!
Breakfast at the Hotel
Whichever hotel you decide to stay, all are so beautiful; it would be a shame not to enjoy the restaurants and lounge areas.
Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge
For the best views, walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s only 1.1 miles long; if you haven’t done it, I highly recommend it! Or you could rent Citibikes and bike across the bridge and walk back! It’s less than $5 a ride!
Lunch at Buvette
Buvette is a restaurant where I take all of my out-of-town friends. As they say, ” Open from sunlight to candlelight,” so anytime is a perfect time! It’s on Grove Street at Bleeker Street in the West Village.
Shopping on Bleeker Street
There are so many lovely shops on Bleeker Street that I don’t know where to start. It’s a lovely street to walk, and the entire neighborhood is picturesque! Definitely walk the side streets too!
Walk to Washington Square Park
From Bleeker Street and Grove, it’s about a half mile to Washington Square. From the park, walk through SoHo and end up at RW Guild. One of my favorite places for inspiration. Maybe a glass of wine at La Mercerie at The Guild. They have indoor and sidewalk tables. It’s a wonderful and inspiring place to relax and enjoy the beautiful space.
RW Guild
RW Guild * 53 Howard Street
Let’s see what these ladies have to say about packing for a weekend in their city or town!
Shop the Post
First of all…HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE!
You make the most excellent and stylish tour guide and I know that first hand!
I am going to pin this to my travel and fashion boards.
Happy Birthday to you! I hope that you have a day surround by love and a piece of cake too!
I have bookmarked this post! So many great outfits and tips for places to visit on my next trip to NY! It is always nice to have inside tips from locals.
Have a wonderful day!
So many wonderful ideas! I’d love to take a trip to New York again soon! Thanks for all the recommendations!
OXOX
Dawn
Annie this might be my most favorite post of yours ever! You did an amazing job of putting a great itinerary together of the coolest spots and some perfect NY outfits. I am saving this post and need a trip back. Last time I was in NYC you steered me to Buvette which was a dream and all these spots are now on my new list. I want o get to the Neue Gallery and the Natural History Museum..Sure is nice having a friend with good taste who knows the city!!
Now I am off to buy that Jenni Kayne dress and I want that sling bag too. Love it all. Thanks for doing all the work for this Annie! xo
Kim,
You are so nice! Wouldn’t having a girl’s trip with this itinerary be fun? But at least I’ll see you in October at Cindy’s!
xx
Annie, it’s been much too long since I’ve been to NYC. I want to see and do everything you’ve suggested. Your photos and videos around the city always inspire me and now I know what to pack. So fun doing this with you! xo
Thankyou for the great posting on a travel wardrobe for a New York trip! I really appreciated all of your suggestions of things to do and places to stay and eat. I’ve always felt overwhelmed with planning a trip to New York and this has helped immensely!
Alexis,
There’s always so much to do and see in city travel, it’s hard to know what to make a must-see, and what to miss! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment!
annie