Doing New York City in a day is a little bit like an episode of “The Amazing Race.” You can’t see all that the destination offers (sorry, Brooklyn), but you’ll get an impressionistic glimpse of the city. In this case, a blur of shopping, theater, museums, food and drinks.
I recently did it, and the trip inspired me to come up with a list of must-experience moments so you can do the same.
Hit up these spots and activities in less than 24 hours and — aside from a much-needed prescription for Lipitor — you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a major bite out of the Big Apple.
1. Take an early bus or train
That means leaving good old Charm City around 4 a.m. so you can reach New York before 8. You want to hit the ground running, so I advise heading immediately to the closest source of sugar …
2. Dough Doughnuts
Various locations throughout New York City; doughdoughnuts.com
Since it was founded in 2010 by Fany Gearson, Dough has attracted quite a following. And it’s so well deserved. These artisan pastries are inspired by Gearson’s Mexican heritage. That’s reflected in the ingredients in many of the doughnuts including my favorite flavors: hibiscus, chocolate chipotle, tropical chile and dulce de leche. There are dozens of flavors, including passion fruit, apple beignet and Café Au Lait. The only problem you’ll have is choosing to pick just one … or two … or a dozen. ($3 each; filled and specialty doughnuts are $3.50 each)
3. Breakfast at The Palm Court at The Plaza
The Plaza, 768 5th Ave.; theplazany.com/dining/the-palm-court/
Second breakfast? Don’t judge.
The Palm Court at The Plaza is the ideal way to relax amid the opulence of one of the city’s most famed hotels. The vaulted painted glass ceiling, marble columns and assorted palm trees in the cavernous restaurant create a tropical oasis worthy of a luxurious morning breakfast.
Order the Grand Marnier-infused Brioche French Toast, which is accompanied by a mascarpone-cinnamon mousse and Vermont maple syrup ($24) and the Gruyere Omelet, which features shallots, spinach, roasted tomatoes and breakfast potatoes ($26).
4. Window-shop 5th Avenue, nearby streets
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Have your own Holly Golightly moment — and walk off those breakfast calories — as you re-create the iconic scene from “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” with a stroll along tony Fifth Avenue. In addition to stopping by the flagship store of the leader in bling (that would be Tiffany & Co.), add drool-worthy stops at the immaculately styled windows of Bergdorf Goodman and fashion giants Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Bottega Venetta.
5. Cab it through Central Park
Relax your feet and hop in a taxi or Uber for a quick trip through Central Park from Fifth Avenue. You’ll see all the bicyclists, runners and nannies pushing their small charges in strollers among the hulking spread of green that is Central Park. It’s a must-do for a bucket-list moment and for some much-needed calm.
6. Quick trip to Century 21
Various locations throughout New York City; c21stores.com
Flex your inner frugal fashionista with a trip to the discount department store specializing in designer goods. I hope you took notes while strolling along Fifth Avenue, because this is the place to purchase clothes from those same fashion houses at a fraction of the price — clothes are typically marked down about 70 percent. If you go to the uptown location, you’ll be close to the Mandarin Oriental, Lincoln Center, Empire Hotel and Central Park. If you chose the location near the World Trade Center, you’re close to the memorial.
Pro tip: Do your shopping before the midday rush. You’ll have more selection and a shorter wait in the checkout line.
7. Lunch with a view at Mandarin Oriental
The Shops at Columbus Circle, 80 Columbus Circle; mandarinoriental.com/newyork
The hotel attracts the likes of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Maryland’s own Miss USA 2012 Nana Meriwether. So of course you have to check it out. Asiate, the Asian-American restaurant on the 35th floor, is one of the best vantage points of Central Park. And it’s also likely you’ll spot a starlet or leading man.
The restaurant features a bevy of specialty cocktails ($22 each). The Mandarin Sunset, a sweet and citrusy concoction made of Absolut Mandarin, blood orange juice, lychee juice and Lillet Blanc is popular, according to staff. My favorite is the Tea Time Bellini, made with Belvedere Peach Nectar, peach puree, mint and Prosecco. It’s yellowish-orange appearance is visually appealing. It’s fruity, bubbly consistency is a palette pleaser. The restaurant also offers a two-course prix fixe menu for $34 or a Bento box, also $34, which includes sweet and spicy chicken lollipops, a tuna fish sandwich, a side salad and cheesecake topped with fruit.
8. ‘Gossip Girl’ Cocktails at The Empire Hotel
44 W 63rd St.; empirehotelnyc.com
The hotel is indelibly linked to the late CW series “Gossip Girl,” and it relishes that relationship. Look at the cocktail menu. “I’m Chuck Bass” ($16) is named for a bad-boy lead character who lived in the hotel on the show.
The lobby bar and rooftop bar attract a fair share of star power. Members of “The Real Housewives of New York” are known to frequent the lobby bar. And Serena Williams threw a party at the rooftop bar a couple of years ago during New York Fashion Week.
9. You choose
Depending on your mood and interest, pick from one or more of the following: the World Trade Center Memorial, a museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, a Broadway show or just the mac-and-cheese trio ($15) at Cafeteria — the restaurant where Carrie Bradshaw and her crew brunch on “Sex And The City.”
10. Pizza to go at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Various locations throughout New York City; artichokepizza.com
The eatery is a food blog and critics’ favorite. Celebs like Drew Barrymore, Jason Statham and Gerard Butler have all been spotted grabbing a slice or two.
And with locations in the East Village, Chelsea, Park Slope, Astoria and LaGuardia Airport, there really isn’t a reason not to get your hands on this deliciousness. Pick up a pie for the trip home.(slices are $4.75-$5; whole pies are $26-$30).
11. Cab it to Pennsylvania Station
There’s no greater people-watching rush then seeing thousands of people zoom by you as they scurry toward their train trying to get home after a long day in the city.
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