Friday afternoon is the official start of the weekend. You can smell it in the air and it feels great. This is a perfect day to finish your obligations as a tourist and visit the Times Square before the weekend really starts and the place gets extremely crowded.

After a short walk in the craziest place on earth, recharge with a glass of sangria at the outdoor patio of Sangaria 46, a cute Spanish place on 338 West 46th Street that features an extensive wine list from Spain and over 10 types of sangria.

Catch the latest celebrity wave on Broadway - Megan Mullally at Young Frankenstein, Marisa Tomei at Top Girls, Laura Linney at Les Liaisons Dangereuses or Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand at The Country Girl. If you can't order tickets in advance, don't worry - last minute tickets are available for most shows.

After the Broadway show opt for a late bistro-style dinner at the Theater District establishment Pigalle on 8 Avenue & 48 Street.

On Saturday plan to start your day around noon. Remember - New Yorkers sleep until late on weekends, so you won't find much open places before noon.

Head to the trendy West Village neighborhood where the likes of SJP and Gwyneth reside, and start your day with the most delicious brunch in town at the Blue Ribbon Bakery on 35 Downing Street. Arrive promptly at noon to avoid the line.

Head East on Bleecker street towards SOHO where you can spend the entire afternoon shopping and just watching people. From the new budget stores like the Spanish MANGO to the chic LVT - you will find any possible fashion label on the streets of SOHO.

For unique pieces by emerging designers head to Nolita on the East side of SOHO to check out cute boutiques and vintage stores on Elizabeth and Mott streets. Must stops here: INA for vintage and my personal favorite Pinkyoto for cute dresses, both on Prince Street.

If you have time for some contemporary art in the afternoon, head to the trendy Chelsea galleries area (few blocks around West 21st, 22nd and 24th street, all between 10th and 11th avenue) where little art exhibits pop up at every corner. Some of them are truly amazing and worth a separate longer visit. If you are lucky some will be hosting opening night on Saturday and will provide a glass of wine and an artsy crowd to hang out with.

For delicious dinner make reservations (or just eat by the long bar) at Fig & Olive at the Meatpacking district ( 420 W 13th St) right by Chelsea. skip the main courses and just go for the small plates of cheeses, carpaccio and amazing roasted vegetables combinations. the place is known for the incredible olive oils selection to go with the small plates and mostly with delicious bread.

FIG & OLIVE DOWNTOWN Lounge Area

Finish the night with a round of cocktails at the Meatpacking district trendy establishment Spice Market (lounge) or my new favorite Buddha Bar for the European flair and the best lounge music in town.

By that time you should feel pretty much a New Yorker :) Get some sleep and take it a bit slower on Sunday. You deserve it.