Listen, I don't want to tell you what to do. But I've spent a few weekends in New York in my time and I'd like to think I haven't completely wasted them - so here are a few tips I gleaned along the way to spend a fun weekend in the city that never sleeps.
Have breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda
I don't want to sound like Stefon but this place has everything: kitsch décor, American diner breakfast food that will make any self-respecting New York lover salivate, a Mediterranean vibe, kitsch décor and Limonana. Special mention to the adorable paraphernalia (the sugar bags say 'I love you') and shakshuka selection.
Buy an unexpected hat at Goorin Bros
Let's face it - of course you're going to go shopping, it's New York! But are you really going to be that person that goes to Chelsea Market and comes out with a knock-off Danish dinner set?
Goorin Bros call themselves "Bold Hatmakers" and I concur: with new collabs and styles every time I've gone, they continue to push the boundaries of things I'm willing to put on my head in public, and I encourage you to let them push yours.
Pay a visit to the Guggenheim Museum and Neue gallerie
Do I even need to mention this one? The Guggenheim museum in New York is an amazing blend of cutting-edge art and architecture. It helps that it's just a few blocks away from the Neue gallerie, which has the double advantage of containing some beautiful Klimt pieces and hosting one of the best cafés in town.
Have brunch at Le Coucou
If anyone was going to frown upon French-ish restaurants outside of France, it would be me - but Le Coucou strikes a genuine balance between classic décor and delicious food and drinks. Try the cocktails with poetic names - Matin Sur la Seine was my favourite.
Walk around the galleries in Chelsea - but not on a Sunday!
I learned this lesson the hard way: the galleries in Chelsea are pretty much all closed on Sunday, which is a little heartbreaking if you held off on Gagosian during your Thursday lunch break to do it properly over the weekend (I'll be ok eventually). The galleries are full of hidden treasures - don't be afraid to walk into secret doors (as far as they're open, that is) and you might find some jewel of a gallery where you would never have expected it!