Memorial Day has come and gone, which means one thing: Summer Fridays are finally here. As much as we love to get out of the city this time of year, there’s something magical about how empty New York feels during the balmy summer months. It’s like the city is yours and only yours to enjoy. As Manhattanites escape out east (the Hamptons but also far east, to Europe!), it means no two-hour wait at our favorite brunch spots and being able to aimlessly wander the streets of Soho without being stampeded. And sure we don't have white sand beaches nearby to cool off, but there are so many ways to enjoy everything the city has to offer that don't involve swimming.
So whether you’re a local with no vacation plans, or you’re visiting the city for the first time, we’ve compiled a curated list of our favorite ways to enjoy a NYC staycation. So you can make the most of summer Fridays weekends in the city…
Florencia & Elise x
work it out
Start the day with a good sweat sesh
Make no mistake: New York in the summer is humid. Our favorite way to start the day feeling energized is with a workout class. And given 97% humidity means good hair days are few and far between, you may as well sweat. The spots you’ll find us in are Y7 Yoga, The Ness, New York Pilates and The Class.
Feeling like spoiling yourself a little extra? Stop by the most chill downtown spot, Chillhouse, for a post-workout iced matcha and a manicure. You earned it!
then, brunch
The obsession is real
There are few things New Yorkers love more than brunch, which unfortunately usually means insane waitlists to eat at our favorite spots. But with the city less inhabited than usual during the summer months, you can walk right in and quickly order your favorite mimosa and poached eggs. The best spots are Westbourne, Cafe Clover, Banter, Buvette, The Butcher's Daughter and Jack's Wife Freda.
Find yourself exploring Brooklyn? Carthage Must Be Destroyed and Cafe Mogador are a must. Order the halloumi eggs at Mogador, you can thank us later!
meet us in chelsea
An artistic hotspot
There’s nothing better than a self-guided walking tour of Chelsea’s best art galleries. If you’re interested in taking in a lot of art in one afternoon, strolling in and out of galleries in West Chelsea is as enjoyable as it is therapeutic. Some of the most respected spaces in the neighborhood are David Zwirner, Gagosian, Luhring Augustine, Pace Gallery and Paula Cooper among so many others.
You’ll be right by The High Line, so if time allows, find a sunny spot and people watch to your heart’s content
oysters & rosé
On ice, of course
Few things are as refreshing as a seafood plateau. A raw bar sunset feast is as luxurious as it is necessary when temperatures soar, and New York has no shortage of exquisite spots to enjoy your most-loved ocean treats. Places you simply must visit include Jeffrey’s Grocery, Grand Banks, Sel Rrose, Mermaid Inn, and Pilot in Brooklyn – a delightful floating bar docked on Pier 6 that offers to-die-for sunset views.
Looking for a great rooftop? There’s plenty of those too! Our favorites views are at Top of the Standard, The Jane Hotel, and The Hoxton and Wythe Hotels in Williamsburg. Insider tip: if you find yourself in the Upper East Side, stop by the Roof Garden at the MET for unparalleled views of Central Park
