The Perfect New York Weekend by Vibe

From “Sex and the City” haunts to hydrotherapy in an old textile factory, the Big Apple awaits

Arguably the most important cultural capital in modern human history, New York is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s a resilient global melting pot whose sights, smells and sounds can be sensory overload for first-time visitors. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys said it best: “These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you.” So get into an Empire State of Mind with NYC itineraries based on your vibe.

Get your morning buzz going with a fanciful coffee cocktail (don't worry, there's no alcohol involved) at Felix Roasting Co. Then shop for souvenirs among dozens of vendors at Chelsea Market , from Asian-inspired gifts and trinkets at Pearl River Mart to 30 flavors of halva at Seed + Mill. Let your imagination roam free at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, a hidden gem in the Georgian-style Andrew Carnegie Mansion on the Upper East Side. Discuss the thought-provoking exhibits with your dining companions at Dirt Candy, where even carnivores won't miss the meat with playful dishes like the “tower of terroir.” After supper, touch up your makeup and get ready to dance the night away among the city's bright young things at Moroccan-themed Paul's Casablanca.   

Begin your day with coffee and fox-shaped cookies at Café Kitsuné while browsing the limited edition accessories and homeware. The hand-painted chocolate bonbons at Stick With Me Sweets are almost too pretty to eat, but flavors like black sesame passion fruit and gianduja hazelnut are simply irresistible. Let the kaleidoscope of colors inspire your waterless manicure at Glosslab before perusing the eclectic photography exhibitions at Fotografiska around the corner from Gramercy Park. Fall into bed at The Greenwich Hotel after a massage with hot, sake-soaked towels at Shibui Spa downstairs.

Whether or not you're catching a train, Grand Central Terminal is worth a visit just to marvel at the architecture and grab a cupcake pick-me-up from Magnolia Bakery  – Carrie and Miranda's favorite from “Sex and the City.” For an even more opulent array of sweets, afternoon tea at The Plaza is iconic and home to mischievous Eloise from Kay Thompson's  book series, who lived in the penthouse with her pug. If you're in the mood for savory over sweet, Lombardi's in Nolita claims to be America's first pizzeria. Even if you aren't staying at the St. Regis, a drink at the King Cole Bar is in order. This is believed to be where the Bloody Mary was invented and Salvador Dali and Marilyn Monroe were regulars.

Duck into a historic brownstone in the West Village to sip some of Taiwan's finest oolong tea at Té Company, accompanied by pineapple linzer cookies by a Per Se alum pastry chef. Then cleanse your body and spirit at AIRE Ancient Baths with a hydrotherapy circuit and wine bath in a former 19th-century textile factory. Ponder art from the Himalayan regions at the Rubin Museum of Art and explore your emotions in the interactive Mandala Lab. The tasting menu at Kajitsu is based on vegan shojin cuisine that originated in Zen Buddhist monasteries and you'll leave with a beautiful calligraphy menu memento. Tuck yourself in at The Kitano Hotel in quiet Murray Hill feeling nourished and healthy.

Visit the Museum of Sex  with your partner for a thoughtful exploration of the history and cultural significance of human sexuality. Spend the afternoon meandering through Central Park, people-watching in nature and working up an appetite for dinner at Socarrat , where you can share tapas and paella with friends old and new at large communal tables. Take in a Broadway show or off-Broadway performance, like "The Last of the Love Letters" at the Atlantic Theater. End the evening with live music and a nightcap at Bemelmans Bar. The murals on the wall are by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline children's book series.