How to spend 24 totally luxe hours in New York City

If you’ve only got one single day in New York City, but you still want to live the dream Big Apple-style then we’ve got a few tips to make the most of every precious minute.

And while most of us are far off being millionaires, there are a few things you can tick off that will give you just a little bit of a sense of what it’s like to be loaded in the big city.

Whether it’s brunching at New York’s hottest new restaurant or travelling in a helicopter, just like the Roys in HBO’s series Succession, this is how to spend a totally luxe 24 hours in New York.

Here are some ideas if you only have one day in New York City. Photo: Be
Here are some ideas if you only have one day in New York City. Photo: Be
Brunch at Le Coucou, Soho

If you’re arriving in the city early enough, what better way to start the day than with brunch at one of the city’s swankiest new eateries – Le Coucou in Soho.

Not only is the name French, but so is the whole menu and a big portion of the wine list. The plush interior and elegant tables could definitely have you feeling like you’ve teleported to Paris.

Le Coucou is a french-inspired restaurant that opened in 2016. Photo: Be
Le Coucou is a french-inspired restaurant that opened in 2016. Photo: Be

Located at the corner of Lafayette Street and Howard Street, the restaurant is open from breakfast right through until dinner and has become one of the most popular in the city since its opening at the end of 2016.

The menu, put together by Chicago-born, Parisian-famed chef Daniel Rose, has dishes highlighted in French with their English translations below.

The restaurant features on HBO’s series Succession. Photo: Be
The restaurant features on HBO’s series Succession. Photo: Be

For breakfast we had a croissant, followed by a deliciously hot and gooey Comme un clafoutis – or French pancake with blueberries and crème fraiche. It was YUM!

The wait staff were so polite and well dressed and the low-lit vibe was so relaxing, we can see why it’s been dubbed as one of the best restaurants of the century by the New York Post.

Travel NYC style with a helicopter ride over Manhattan

Catching a ride in a helicopter is definitely the best way to travel New York.

Of course, when it comes to our daily commute we’re mostly stuck with a train or Uber, but it was nice to feel what it might be like if we had the kind of cash that saw us needing helipads instead of opal cards.

We caught a flight with Liberty helicopters to see NYC from a different angle. Photo: Be
We caught a flight with Liberty helicopters to see NYC from a different angle. Photo: Be

To get a taste of New York from a helicopter, pop in and see the guys at Liberty Helicopters on Pier 6. They offer a variety of flights for different budgets.

After a quick safety briefing you get weighed – bummer about stuffing our face with pancakes – because your weight determines where you site in the chopper. Then you’ll get your lifejacket and off you go.

What a way to tick off the sights! Photo: Be
What a way to tick off the sights! Photo: Be

Definitely a once in a lifetime experience, check out the video above for a peek at what it was like.

Catch a rooftop sunset

After a day of sightseeing and eating there is no better way to wind down than finding a rooftop bar with an amazing view and catching the last rays of the day as the sun goes down.

We visited 1 Rooftop Garden & Bar in Brooklyn, which offered unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Watching the sun go down with a cocktail in hand was definitely something special – the video below will give you a taste.

The sunset over lower Manhattan from the Rooftop bar at 1 Hotels, Brooklyn. Photo: Be
The sunset over lower Manhattan from the Rooftop bar at 1 Hotels, Brooklyn. Photo: Be

Located on top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn, entry for non-hotel guests is $20USD on Monday – Friday from 4pm-midnight, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm-12am. But while that may sound steep, for every entry fee collected, $4USD will be donated to the Oceanic Global Foundation.

If you’d rather stay in Manhattan The Crown rooftop bar in China Town is also a great option. Located on the 21st floor of 50 Bowery, it’s famous for its breath-taking views of downtown Manhattan and chic décor.

Then there is also Mr Purple on the Lower East Side, which will take your Instagram feed to the next level, making everyone back home insanely jealous of your travels.

Honestly any rooftop bar in New York will really make the end of the day special.

Sleep at 1 Hotel Brooklyn

When you’re finally ready to put your feet up and call it a day, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn, located in the Brooklyn Heights neighbourhood, is the place to stay if you only have one night.

As mention above the hotel is renowned for its breathtaking views of the lower Manhattan skyline, but it also has the most amazing suites, lush linen and all the latest technology.

If you’re lucky enough to nab a room facing Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, be prepared to just spend a good half an hour staring out the window (which opens to a Juliet balcony) taking 100 photos.

1 Hotels, Brooklyn – where nature meets home. Photo: Be
1 Hotels, Brooklyn – where nature meets home. Photo: Be

The whole 10-storey building has an earthy vibe with wooden and marble accents everywhere. The smell of real timber just hits you as soon as you walk into the lobby. While it has all the amenities; spa, gym and several dining options, for us the rooftop pool and views were a highlight.

The down-to-earth café ‘Neighbours’ was a great spot and an easy breakfast option for the next day before you have to say goodbye to the Big Apple.

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