Making the most of Manhattan

(CNN) -- A weekend in the city

It's a cinch to get around Manhattan, but make sure if your visit is just a couple days you don't try and cram in everything.

Take New York in stride, as its street life plays as much a part of the experience as seeing the sights. With a full weekend, there will be enough time to stroll through big chunks of the city, catch some views atop a couple rooftop bars and wine and dine in some of downtown's finest before taking in some nightlife.

Any visit to New York should start with a good breakfast or brunch in one of many of the city's quintessential diners, or more swish brunch spots for designer eggs and coffee. (Watch for eating and drinking advice in the weeks ahead).

Make sure to visit to Lower Manhattan early, and take the free Staten Island ferry over and back for the best views of the city, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before the crowds.

Walk through lively Chinatown with all its tat and designer knock-offs, either stopping for dim sum at tasty but no-frills New Green Bo Restaurant (66 Bayard Street, phone: 212-625-2359), or on the way to brunch in Nolita at cool, low-key Café Gitane (242 Mott Street, phone: 212-334-9552) or in SoHo at the beautiful French restaurant Balthazar (80 Spring Street, phone: 212-965-1414).

Art enthusiasts should head straight to West Chelsea next, where there are enough galleries to spend several days. The Chelsea Gallery District (http://chelseaartgalleries.com) is home to New York's contemporary art scene and sits over near the Hudson River, spanning several streets going north.

Starting in 2008, outdoor lovers will also be enticed to the West Chelsea neighborhood as the New York High Line will transform the former elevated railroad into a park including floating ponds, sundecks and lookout spots over the Hudson River and Manhattan. One of the city's most exciting projects, the public park will eventually span 22 blocks after many locals fought for years to turn it into green space.

Next head up to neck-wrenching Midtown to check out the Chrysler Building, the city's homage to art deco, and gape up at the city's tallest building, the Empire State Building. Stop in Grand Central Terminal to admire the Beaux Arts beauty and its constellation-inspired ceiling, where you may have time to sneak a drink in the tucked away, wood-panelled Campbell Apartment bar. Then admire the nineteen buildings comprising Rockefeller Center, before checking out St. Patrick's Cathedral across the street.

If your feet can still keep up the pace, stroll up to Central Park, for a glimpse of New Yorkers oasis of green (www.centralpark.com). A variety of activities will keep you amused, from sporty types darting around it to the peaceful Conservatory Gardens where you can rest, there's something for everyone here.

Heading up the park's east side is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It could easily command several hours if not days, but if short on time choose one section. All nearby, the Frick Collection, Guggenheim Museum and Whitney Museum are each possible on their own in an hour or two.

Time for a tea or coffee break? Visit the pretty Viennese Café Sabarsky (Fifth Avenue and 86th Street) inside the Neue Galerie.

Visit the razzle-dazzle of Times Square by night, either to catch a Broadway show or just to take in the mayhem that is New York's entertainment district. If looking for cheap theater tickets, visit either the TKTS booth in Times Square at 47th Street and Broadway, or call ahead to the selected theater to see if last-minute "rush" tickets are available.

Otherwise, if Broadway is not on the agenda, go hear some jazz downtown in Greenwich Village at the Village Vanguard or the Blue Note, or take in some drinks in one of many of New York's watering holes.

For a fabulous New York dining experience in a classy setting, end the perfect New York day at Gramercy Tavern (42 East 20th Street, phone: 212-477-0777) and then hop over to a rooftop bar for a drink with a view.

For an old-school feel complete with piano bar, try Top of the Tower at the Beekman Tower Hotel (3 Mitchell Place/49th Street and First Avenue). If downtown is calling, try the rooptop bar Plunge at the Gansevoort Hotel (18 Ninth Avenue at West 13th Street). E-mail to a friend