Every New Yorker has their own version of a perfect day—a carefully crafted mix of routines, rituals, and indulgences that remind us why this city is unlike anywhere else. For Meghan Donovan, the voice behind the beloved lifestyle blog Wit & Whimsy, that day unfolds like a love letter to both her neighborhood and the city at large.
I first met Meghan years ago, long before Instagram became the driving force it is today. Back then, our worlds revolved entirely around our blogs—writing, photographing, sharing little slices of life online. To this day, Meghan’s Wit & Whimsy remains one of the best corners of the internet: part travel guide, part thoughtful essay, and part personal diary. She writes with honesty and grace, whether she’s offering insider tips on Paris, reflecting on what it’s like to be single in your thirties, or opening up about insecurities in the digital space.
So, what does Meghan’s perfect day in New York City look like? Let’s walk through it.
Morning: A Brooklyn Heights Ritual
Meghan is an early riser, and she swears by the quiet hours before the city fully wakes. Her mornings begin right in her own neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights, with a walk along the Promenade. From there, she winds down into Dumbo, then loops back via the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront. Few things rival the breathtaking views of Manhattan across the river, and this walk—equal parts peaceful and invigorating—is her favorite way to start the day.
Midday: Coffee, Culture, and Central Park
A quintessential New York day wouldn’t feel complete without a visit to Central Park. Before heading uptown, Meghan makes a pit stop at Ralph’s Coffee, latte in hand as she strolls through the park’s most iconic landmarks: Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, and The Bow Bridge. When time allows, she lingers at The Boathouse, where a glass of wine and a moment to people-watch add just the right touch of leisure.
From there, she gravitates toward one of her forever-favorites: The Met. No matter how many times she visits, the Impressionist Wing continues to inspire. It’s her place to pause, breathe, and immerse herself in beauty. And because every perfect day deserves a sweet treat, she’ll often stop by Levain Bakery afterward for one of their legendary chocolate peanut butter chip cookies. (Pro tip: while their Upper West Side spot is classic, Meghan is thrilled about their new Upper East Side location—making it even easier to grab one post-Met.)
Afternoon: A Little Luxury
When the afternoon calls for indulgence, Meghan heads to her personal sanctuary: The Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel. Tucked away in Tribeca, this spa is the definition of an escape within the city. Between the serene pool, the steam room, and a signature massage, it’s an experience that transforms an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
Evening: Pasta, Cocktails, and Classic New York Glamour
Dinner, for Meghan, is all about savoring New York’s iconic dining scene. She gravitates toward pasta and cocktails at one of her favorite spots: Carbone, Lilia, or L’Artusi. Each of these restaurants delivers not just a meal, but a memory—rich flavors, buzzy atmospheres, and that unmistakable feeling of being part of something special.
To close out the night, Meghan chooses a nightcap at Bemelmans Bar inside the Carlyle. With its hand-painted murals, live piano music, and timeless charm, it transports her to an era of New York she often wishes she could have experienced firsthand.
A Perfect Day, Reimagined Over and Over
For Meghan Donovan, the beauty of New York lies in the way each day can be shaped differently—yet certain rituals, neighborhoods, and indulgences never lose their magic. From morning walks in Brooklyn Heights to the glamour of a night at Bemelmans, her perfect day captures what so many of us feel about this city: it’s ever-changing, but endlessly inspiring.
If you want to follow more of Meghan’s adventures and thoughtful reflections, you can find her at Wit & Whimsy or on Instagram. But for now, maybe take a page out of her book: start with a walk, add a little art, indulge in pasta, and never skip dessert.
