Ah, New York. This cultural and culinary melting pot offers an awe-inspiring abundance of restaurants, museums and stellar sights, so you’re guaranteed plenty to see and do during a swift one day stay. And with fall’s idyllic palette and perfect temps in play, the Big Apple is well and truly ripe for the picking.
9am: Kick off with a coffee at Stumptown
A city that never sleeps must always be well caffeinated, so make like the locals and start your morning with a quick java hit at Portland-import Stumptown. Located in the hallowed storefront where famed beatnik hang Eighth Street Bookshop once stood, now the space plays host to a specialty brew bar, fully-kitted espresso station and an atmossy living room, as well as plenty of sweet n’ savoury treats and teas to pair. 30 W 8th St, Greenwich Village. +1 347 4147 802. stumptowncoffee.com
10am: Nab Broadway tickets from Time Square
Scoring short-notice tickets to a Broadway musical can be tougher than a Queens barmaid, so to ensure you secure a seat for one of tonight’s evening shows, skip to the ticket box at Times Square early and line up to get your prime seats pronto. TKTS Times Square, Father Duffy Sq, Broadway & 47th St. tdf.org
10.30am: Cab it to The Cloisters
Forget the ever-crowded main Midtown galleries, this truly magical branch of The Met, secreted in northernmost Manhattan, is far better for arty ambles thanks to its verdant gardens, three historic chapels and multiple exhibition spaces showing off top works from Europe’s medieval period. And, as if the awe-inspiring tapestries and stained-glass windows weren’t captivating enough, you’ll also be treated to wam-bam river views. 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, Upper Manhattan. +1 212 9233 700. metmuseum.org
1pm: Lunch at Russ & Daughters Cafe
After your uptown culture escapade, dip back down to the Lower East Side and swan straight into this stylish sit-down iteration of the famed centenarian Russ & Daughters Food Store. Lox bagel-lovers flock here for old-fashioned Kosher comfort food and some of the best baked buns n’ toppings in town. 127 Orchard St, Lower East Side. +1 212 4754 881. russanddaughterscafe.com
3pm: Shop for Homewares and Hardbacks
Feeling spendy, Wendy? Forget Barneys and Bergdorf, and instead head for homewares haven ABC Carpet & Home with six floors of decor, designer furny, glittering chandeliers and antique carpets. Don’t want to bust your carry-on limit? Nearby Idlewild stocks an enviable edit of tomes to inspire your wanderlust. ABC Carpet, 888 Broadway, Union Square. +1 212 4733 000. abchome.com / Idlewild, 170 7th Ave South, Greenwich Village. +1 212 414 8888. idlewildbooks.com
4pm: Go above and beyond on the High Line
You’ve ogled the soaring cityscape from below, now see it all from atop the High Line – an elevated railway track turned public park which runs from the Meatpacking District up to 34th street. Boasting epic city panoramas and Hudson vistas, it can get squishy with selfie-stickers on weekends, so try to come on a weekday and keep to the area north of 15th for a quiet and oh-so lovely sunset stroll. Gansevoort St, Meatpacking District. +1 212 5006 035. thehighline.org
5.30pm: Early dinner at Grand Central Oyster Bar
By now you must have worked up quite the appetite, so flit across town to bivalve institution Grand Central Oyster Bar for an early counter-side dinner of seafood spoils. The menu is as vast as the ocean it fishes from, and the entire selection is strong, but it would be obviously be sacrilegious to skip the namesake. 89 E 42nd St, Midtown East. +1 212 4906 650. oysterbarny.com
7pm: Catch a Broadway Musical
Finally, it’s showtime! Shimmy over and prepare to be dazzled at your pre-booked Broadway spectacular. Among the current crop of marvy musicals are new productions like Disney’s Aladdin and long-standing classic including Wicked and Fiddler on the Roof. Encore! broadway.comLUXE has partnered with Etihad Airways to produce a series of destination-inspired Business Class amenity kits, each complete with its very own LUXE City Guide. Collect all six next time you fly Etihad Airways.
For more ways to while away a day in New York…
