NYC Guide | Travel by AnnMarie

Big Apple Days, Retro Nights:
A Weekday NYC Escape

Sometimes, you just need a quick escape to reset. A 2-3 night weekday trip to NYC is the perfect mix of energy and calm—complete with fewer crowds, cheaper tickets, and a chance to soak in the city’s magic at your own pace.

Here’s how I filled my soul on this trip.....

My Perfect Itinerary

Day 1:
Arriving & Easing In

Check-In: My go-to is the CitizenM in Times Square—stylish, affordable, and close to everything. Midweek rates? Even better.
Dinner at Sardi’s: Nothing beats starting a trip with Broadway vibes. The food is fantastic, but it’s the history on those walls that stays with you.
Evening Stroll: Times Square is quieter during the week, making it feel almost peaceful (almost!). It’s the perfect place to soak up the lights and energy without the weekend frenzy.

Day 2:
Arts, Culture, and Broadway

Morning: A quiet walk through Central Park to start my day. Early spring means flowers just starting to bloom, crisp air, and plenty of steps to keep me on track with my fitness goals.
Late Morning: After the park, I wandered over to the MET. There’s something special about lingering in front of a Van Gogh or stepping into the Temple of Dendur without the weekend crowds nudging you along.
Lunch: Keep it simple with lunch at the MET’s café or try a nearby café like Café Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie for a taste of Austria while soaking up the museum vibes.
Afternoon: Time to get out and explore more of the city. Walk down Madison Avenue for a quieter shopping experience, or stop by iconic spots like St. Patrick’s Cathedral. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a detour to check out the Chrysler Building’s art deco architecture or pop into the nearby New York Public Library for a literary moment.
Evening: For dinner, go to a classic New York bistro like Joe Allen in the Theater District for pre-show dining. Then.....showtime! Boy George in Moulin Rouge! did not disappoint. The theater was buzzing but still intimate midweek. And his performance? Truly unforgettable.

Day 3:
Wrapping Up with a Smile

Breakfast: Started with coffee and pancakes at the Brooklyn Diner. Retro vibes and great energy to kick off the day.
Late Morning: Rockefeller Center for a live taping. It’s a little surreal to see TV magic up close. Plus, weekday spots are easier to grab.
Lunch: A quick bite and a last stroll—this time along Fifth Avenue, peeking into shop windows and soaking up the city’s energy before heading home.

Big Apple Days, Retro Nights: A Weekday NYC Escape

My Perfect Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving & Easing In

Day 2: Arts, Culture, and Broadway

Day 3: Wrapping Up with a Smile

Big Apple Days, Retro Nights:
A Weekday NYC Escape

Day 1:
Arriving & Easing In

Day 2:
Arts, Culture, and Broadway

Day 3:
Wrapping Up with a Smile