Top 4 New York City Staycation Ideas

We all need to relax, unwind and take a break from time to time. But with the demands of work and other responsibilities it can be hard to get away.

Journeying to exotic destinations takes time, and travel costs can stack up. Why not maximize your time off—and go easy on your bank account—by indulging in a staycation?

Lucky for us, New York City is right next door. Venture out of the confines and familiarity of your neighborhood and devote a weekend to fun, relaxation and exploration in Gotham. From world class entertainment to luxury and relaxation, it’s all here.

Laundry beckoning to be done? Leave behind your domestic cares! Book a hotel room for one or two nights and make it a true vacation.

Here are four fabulous New York City staycation ideas that will have you feeling recharged in no time.

For Theater Lovers

Feel like you’re always too busy to catch a show? Get back to your passion with a theater-themed weekend! Check in at the Hilton Times Square or New York Hilton Midtown and enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of the crossroads of the world.

AAA members can enjoy up to 15% off at Hilton locations plus daily parking.

Take a walking tour with Broadway Up Close and hear fascinating stories of Broadway’s origins and rich history. Or embark on the popular “HamilTour” that retraces the steps of Alexander Hamilton and shares inside stories of the creation of the smash hit musical.

Grab a quick lunch at The Little Beet, then let your inner theater nerd out to play as you spend the afternoon browsing the shelves at the historic Drama Book Shop.

Immerse yourself in the hubbub of Times Square for some fascinating people watching (all the world’s a stage, after all), or get an elevated perspective with the breathtaking views from Top of the Rock’s 3-tiered observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center.

Enjoy some beautiful, Japanese home-style cooking at Oootoya, then head to the theater for the main course. From “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” to “Angels in America” to the newest ground-breaking masterpiece, Broadway’s theaters offer plenty of options to choose from. Afterward, wind down your evening with fascinating cocktails and live jazz at The Rum House.

 For Creatives and Art Lovers

Book a stay at The Renwick Hotel in historic Midtown East which previously housed studios for notable creatives such as John Steinbeck and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Each room is themed, celebrating a different artist or intellectual, and features functional art created by local New York artists.

When you’re not soaking up The Renwick’s creative vibes and enjoying your own private artist’s retreat, venture out to MoMA to see the latest exhibitions.

If the weather’s nice, bring a blanket and find a relaxing spot in Bryant Park where you can break out your sketchbook, notebook or camera. Stroll over to The Morgan Library and Museum, the fascinating and majestic private library of J.P. Morgan (turned museum) which boasts an incredible collection of rare books, manuscripts and art.

Nourish yourself with savory ramen and pork belly bao at Momosan Ramen & Sake, or satisfy your fine food cravings at Benjamin Steakhouse. Then finish off the night like a member of the Lost Generation with cozy drinks at Bedford & Co., The Renwick’s Argentinian-inspired in-house restaurant.

For Foodies

There’s no shortage of incredible food wherever you go in the city, but why not set aside some time to really partake in your favorite hobby? Venture out to Brooklyn for a culinary themed adventure and stay at the modern and vibrant Hilton Brooklyn New York.

Sit down to a sumptuous brunch at gorgeous Sauvage or enjoy the hearty fare and cozy environs of American bistro Esme, a local favorite.

Celebrate and explore food’s connection to culture with a visit to the newly-opened Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) where you can touch, smell and even taste the exhibits.

Get your fix of authentic Polish delicacies at local mainstay Restaurant Pyza, serving up heavenly pierogies and foot-long cheese blintzes. Or spend a relaxing afternoon at Milk and Roses, an Italian secret garden.

Sign up for a hands-on class at Bedford Cheese Shop and take your cheese-plus-beverage pairing game to the next level. Or learn how to make your own burrata from an expert cheesemonger.

Treat yourself to a responsibly sourced dinner at Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co., or if you’re feeling truly adventurous (or just want to pretend you’re in more exotic climes) check out Selamat Pagi, serving up Balinese realness.

Spend the rest of your evening getting to know the impressive tap list at TØRST or catch a movie and delicious bites at Nitehawk Cinema. After a long day of feasting, you’ll be ready to head back to your comfy and spacious room to sleep off your food coma.

For Hard Workers in Need of Major R&R

Whether you’re celebrating a job well done or need a break for self-care while you’re still in the fray, devoting a day or weekend to luxurious relaxation is always a smart move.

Treat yourself to a stay at the deluxe Conrad New York in Battery Park City. (AAA members get 5% off their stay, plus $50 per day in hotel rewards).

Open your staycation with a leisurely brunch at Little Park featuring sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. Then head to Aire Ancient Baths to bring balance to your mind and body with a truly unforgettable spa experience. Soothe and unwind in the thermal baths, detoxify with a Himalayan salt scrub, or even indulge in their legendary four-handed massage.

Continue the relaxation with a mani-pedi at the lovely Tenoverten where the polishes and nail care products are vegan and cruelty-free. Then take your pick of lavish dinner options, such as Grand Banks (oysters and rosé on an historic wooden schooner), Bâtard (sumptuous modern European cuisine) or Brushstroke (Japanese kaiseki and sushi, where every dish is a work of art.)

Cap off the night back at the Conrad’s Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar where you can enjoy views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the glittering lights of lower Manhattan.

In need of some R&R? What’s your ideal NYC staycation? Tell us in the comments.

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