By Angelene Orth

The Big Apple is just that—big—but don’t let the sheer size overwhelm you. Done right, New York City can make for a weekend jaunt so enjoyable, you’ll count the days until your next trip.

>Day One
>Day Two

Day One

Brooklyn Bridge

Downtown/Midtown—Wake up early, grab a classic bagel and coffee from the first street cart you see and take the subway to Battery Park, where you’ll catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. For the down-and-dirty on Lady Liberty’s history, take the free 45-minute ranger-guided tour. (2 hrs.)

Back in Manhattan, a 10-minute scenic walk along the East River leads to the South Street Seaport, a bustling maritime center-turned shopping and entertainment destination. The Seaport’s TKTS booth offers same-day Broadway or Off-Broadway show tickets at up to 50 percent off and only accepts cash. There’s also a TKTS booth in Times Square, but lines tend to be much longer. (1 hr.)

Lunch—The Heartland Brewery offers hearty home cooking and lots of it, including decadent macaroni and cheese and smoky-sweet pulled pork. The Voyage of Beers features a tasting of six fresh brews from fruity Indian River Light Ale to espresso-black Farmer John’s Oatmeal Stout. (1 hr.)

A maze of narrow streets and new developments make it easy to get lost in Lower Manhattan. Take an unconventional tour like Accomplice: NY to get the lay of the land. This modified scavenger hunt gives clues at various stops on an unpredictable adventure through the Financial District, Little Italy and Chinatown. Sign up in advance and receive a pre-tour call from a “suspicious” character with meeting place details. (3-4 hrs.)

The mile-high dollops of sugary icing at Magnolia Bakery have made New York’s cupcake scene world famous, but it’s the banana pudding that rivals the best recipes from back home. Or skip the calorie fest and backtrack to Canal Street to haggle for crazy bargains on bags, sunglasses and jewelry. (1 hr.)

Take a cab or the subway to Times Square and score 15 minutes of fame with dinner and a song at Spotlight Live. This interactive karaoke experience features tableside voting for the “One Hit Wonder” of the moment. Professional backup singers help even shower-only singers feel like Broadway stars. (1.5 hrs.)

Afterwards, see a Broadway show using your TKTS selection of choice. (2 hrs.)

For an unparalleled view of the city, walk to Rockefeller Center and take the elevator to Top of the Rock for stellar 360-degree vistas of the glittering skyline. The world-famous view makes a momentous end to a whirlwind day. (1 hr.)

DAY TWO

Despite sometimes lengthy waits, brunch, the scrumptious meal between breakfast and lunch, is a weekend tradition for New Yorkers. Isabella’s, the Eatery and the Delta Grill are tasty options, or choose the Film Center Café for an inexpensive all-you-can-drink Mimosa special and their delicious fresh fruit-topped waffles. (1.5 hrs.)

Next, the Stage Door experience at art deco landmark Radio City Music Hall highlights the facility’s high-tech hydraulics and unbelievably massive stage. At the tour’s end, meet a world-famous Rockette for an unforgettable photo opportunity. (1 hr.)

Yellow taxi cabs cannot be called in advance, they must be hailed on the street or approached at a taxi stand.

Hop in a yellow cab for an afternoon with dinosaurs at the vast American Museum of Natural History or with mummies at the enormous Metropolitan Museum of Art. No need to be an art or science buff: both museums offer guided tours and/or audio guides, and the tech-savvy can download either museum’s educational podcast for a self-guided tour. (2-3 hrs.)

Whether on ice skates, from a pedicab or via horse-drawn carriage, a trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without a carefree outing in Central Park, the city’s 843-acre oasis. For lunch, order a chicken empanada or a banana and Nutella crepe at Bethesda Terrace. For a laugh, watch the AFRObats, a trio of talented gymnasts who wow crowds with astounding acrobatics. (1-3 hrs.)

Soothe tired muscles with a trip to spa Bliss. Make an appointment for the Jet-Out massage, designed to relieve jet lag, or the Foot Patrol pedicure. Traipsing the City That Never Sleeps has never ended so sweetly. (1-2 hrs.)

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AAA Travel Professional Tips

Unlike the rest of the country, NY restaurants don’t fill your soda for free. At about $3 apiece, that can really add up on the final bill.

New York runs on cash. Always have plenty of small bills and don’t rely solely on credit cards.

Mass transportation in New York is safe, efficient, convenient and much cheaper than taxis or parking (and renting) a car.

To plan a New York vacation, call or visit your local AAA branch.