The Thing To Do This: Labor Day 2024 NYC

A Last-Minute Hidden Gems Itinerary for Labor Day Weekend in New York City

Friday:

• Afternoon: Arrive in New York City and check into your hotel. Consider staying at The Ludlow Hotel in the Lower East Side, which offers a chic, modern vibe with great city views. The Ludlow Hotel

• Evening: Start your weekend with dinner at L'Artusi, an Italian gem in the West Village known for its contemporary cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Follow up with drinks at Attaboy, a speakeasy-style bar in the Lower East Side with personalized cocktails. L'Artusi | Attaboy

Saturday:

• Morning: Grab breakfast at The Butcher's Daughter in the Bowery, a trendy spot offering delicious vegetarian options. Afterward, explore The High Line, an elevated park with unique views of the city and contemporary art installations. The Butcher's Daughter | The High Line

• Afternoon: Head to the Frick Collection, a quieter alternative to the larger museums, housed in a beautiful mansion with an impressive collection of European art. For a different kind of experience, visit the Murray's Cheese Bar in Greenwich Village for a tasting session. Frick Collection | Murray's Cheese Bar

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Spotted Pig, a gastropub in the West Village known for its inventive dishes and casual atmosphere. Then, catch a live music performance at Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side, known for its intimate setting and diverse lineup. The Spotted Pig | Rockwood Music Hall

Sunday:

• Morning: Stroll through Prospect Park in Brooklyn, a less crowded alternative to Central Park, with beautiful green spaces and scenic spots. Stop by Almondine Bakery for a delectable pastry. Prospect Park | Almondine Bakery

• Afternoon: Explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for its unique shops, waterfront views, and street art. Grab lunch at Juliana’s Pizza, a local favorite. DUMBO | Juliana’s Pizza

• Evening: Dine at Rasputin, a quirky Russian restaurant in the East Village with an eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a cocktail at Please Don't Tell (PDT), a hidden speakeasy accessed through a phone booth in a hot dog shop. Rasputin | PDT

Monday (Labor Day):

• Morning: Catch the Labor Day Parade or check out Governors Island, which offers a peaceful escape from the city with bike rentals and panoramic views. Governors Island

• Afternoon: Visit the New York City Fire Museum, a unique and lesser-known spot showcasing the city's fire-fighting history. NYC Fire Museum

• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Frankies 457 Spuntino, an Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens with a charming outdoor garden. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at The Clover Club, known for its classic cocktails and cozy ambiance. Frankies 457 Spuntino | The Clover Club

Additional Suggestions:

• Outdoor Activities: Consider renting a kayak from Brooklyn Bridge Park for a unique view of the skyline. Brooklyn Bridge Park Kayak
• Neighborhood Exploration: Discover the artsy vibe of Bushwick and its street art scene or the historic charm of Harlem.
• Cultural Events: Check out smaller venues like The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria or The Tenement Museum for intriguing exhibits. Museum of the Moving Image | Tenement Museum

The Best Source of NYC Gems

Last-Minute Tips:

• Book Quickly: Secure reservations and tickets online for popular spots and dining to ensure availability.
• Use Apps: Leverage apps like Resy for last-minute dining reservations and Eventbrite for local events.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared for crowds and have backup plans in case your first choice is unavailable.

By following this itinerary, you'll experience a unique and memorable Labor Day weekend in New York City, blending iconic sites with hidden gems tailored to your preferences. Enjoy your trip!