The Perfect Itinerary for a Fall Day in NYC
If your friends are visiting New York this fall and you want to avoid spending the entire day standing in Times Square, this guide is for you.
We're taking you on one of our favorite uptown routes: good coffee, vintage shopping, iconic NYC spots and a walk through Central Park during peak foliage season.
Here's how we'd spend the perfect fall day uptown.
Start With Brunch at Friend of a Farmer
A crisp fall morning practically requires a cozy brunch spot, and Friend of a Farmer delivers every time. Tucked into the Upper West Side, it's the kind of place that feels like you've escaped the city for an hour. Fresh farm to table, seasonal food with the perfect amount of rustic charm.
Go Vintage Shopping at The Niche Shop
A few blocks later, it's time for some shopping. Stop by The Niche Shop to browse vintage clothing, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you're looking for the perfect vintage leather jacket, a cozy knit, or an infamous NYC themed italian charm bracelet, this is the ultimate stop on the UWS.
Browse the Shelves at Westsider Books
From there, head over to Westsider Books. There's something about wandering through a used bookstore in the fall that just feels right. The floor-to-ceiling shelves, the slightly chaotic stacks of books, and the chance you'll leave with a novel you weren't looking for make it one of our favorite Upper West Side stops.
Grab a Coffee From Sote
By now, you've earned a coffee break.
Head to Sote for a coffee. Grab your drink to-go because the next part of the day is arguably the best part.
Walk Through Central Park
Cross into Central Park and take the scenic route downtown.
Wander past Sheep Meadow, admire the changing leaves, and make a stop at the Alice in Wonderland statue. Fall is when Central Park really shows off, and every turn somehow looks like a movie scene.
If you're lucky enough to catch peak foliage season, you'll understand why New Yorkers never stop talking about it.
Take a Mid-Walk Break at Le Pain Quotidien
NYC is known for being faced paced but one of our favorite things about Central Park is that there are places to stop and linger.
Grab a seat at Le Pain Quotidien inside the park and enjoy the view for a bit. Whether you're sharing a pastry or just taking a breather, it's the perfect excuse to slow down before continuing your walk.
Exit near the Frick
Everyone goes to the MET and while we still think its a must see, we are big fans of The Frick Collection.
Window Shop on the Upper East Side
Now that you're officially on the Upper East Side, it's time for a little window shopping. Pop into French Sole, an uptown institution that's been around since 1983, and try on some of their iconic ballet flats. Then stop by Le Boutique Resale for designer treasures and of course The Niche Shop’s other location is also on the UES.
One of our favorite things about the Upper East Side is how walkable it is. Every block has another charming storefront waiting to be discovered.
Late Lunch at Flex Mussels
By now you've worked up an appetite.
Flex Mussels is one of our favorite spots for a late lunch, because they have a great happy hour deal. If you can snag an outdoor table and enjoy the crisp fall air even better!
End the Day Along the East River
As the sun starts to set, make your way toward the East River Esplanade.
It's one of the most underrated walks in the city, especially in the fall. The views are beautiful, the crowds are lighter, and it feels like the perfect end to the perfect uptown day.
Good coffee, vintage shopping, bookstore browsing, Central Park foliage, and a sunset walk along the river. If you're looking for a fall itinerary that feels quintessentially New York without checking off the same tourist attractions as everyone else, this is the route we'd recommend every time.