The Perfect Long Weekend in New York City
Long weekends: you don’t have to wait for a public holiday to take one. With the rise of remote work, it’s never been easier to get away for a few days. You’ll also reap the benefits: Hotels often provide deals when you stay longer than two nights (check out Arlo’s latest Sweet Deals for more details) … and you’ll get to make the most of your destination the longer you stay.
In the case of a city like New York, those extra 24-plus hours make a huge difference. Here are just some of the ways you can make the most of a long weekend in New York City.
Soak Up Culture
From the art galleries of Chelsea and the Whitney Museum of American Art (not far from Arlo SoHo) to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA, New York is a hotbed of the global art scene. Exploring these incredible collections can take hours, so staying in the city for a long weekend will give you ample time to check out the latest exhibits and still squeeze in everything else on your list. Looking for something more cutting-edge or under the radar? Ask your friendly Arlo team about hooking you up with a personalized art tour of NYC. We partner with some of the city’s top galleries so our guests can experience site-specific installations, street art, and other hidden gems.
Go Green
There’s a lot to love about the urban jungle, but when you need a break from strolling the streets, taking five in one of New York’s parks will help you reset. The most famous green space, of course, is Central Park, a 10-minute subway ride from Arlo Midtown. Whether you skate, bike, walk or run the park’s 840 acres or simply sit on a bench for a moment of Zen, your time will be well spent. Also near Arlo Midtown is Bryant Park, a popular spot for New Yorkers to take lunch in the shade, and the frequent site of free events, from live music to public workouts.
Staying at Arlo NoMad? You’ll be a five-minute walk from another of NYC’s most beloved green spaces, Madison Square Park. Watch city pups cavort in the dog run, or relax by the parks’ Reflecting Pool. With a prime location at the heart of Manhattan, this is a prime spot for people-watching and running into locals.
Over to the west, the High Line is the perfect place to enjoy plant life and views of the Chelsea neighborhood. This landscaped public park runs on old elevated train tracks from Hudson Yards down to the Meatpacking District, where you can also access NYC’s newest park, Little Island, an urban oasis perched on the Hudson River.
Other parks worth exploring when downtown (including when you stay at Arlo SoHo) include Washington Square Park, Hudson River Park and Rockefeller Park.
Explore the Boroughs
A long weekend in NYC will give you the time you need to explore beyond the boundaries of Manhattan. Take the subway to Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens to immerse yourself in the distinct cultures of the city’s diverse neighborhoods … or take the Staten Island Ferry across New York Harbor for a scenic view of downtown and the chance to explore Staten Island on the other side. If you’re heading to Brooklyn, you might also want to lace up your sneaks and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to experience one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Ask the Arlo team at your hotel for their favorite spots in the outer boroughs — as proud New Yorkers, they’ve got the scoop on legit places off the tourist beaten path, from neighborhood restaurants and locals’ bars to boutiques and quirky cultural destinations.
