st. patrick's day

Visiting the Big Green Apple this St. Patrick's Day? You'll need more than a four-leafed clover and an Irish grandmother to find the pot o' fun at the end of the rainbow. Use the itinerary below to make the most of your day.

10am Sleep in, Danny Boy. It's going to be a long day.

11am Okay, lazy bones, up you go. And don't forget to wear green and some comfortable walking shoes.

12pm Time to linger over a long Irish breakfast. Dine at Tir Na Nog, Fitzers, or the Wheeltapper Pub. Not only will you get your fill of black and white pudding, Irish bacon, and Irish oatmeal, you'll stay near the parade. This is no time to be wandering off.

2:30pm It's parade time. Head out to the Metropolitan Museum of Art but avoid walking up--or even near--Fifth Avenue, the parade's route. Cabs? Fuggedaboudit.

3pm Whew! You made it. Now secure your prime parade-watching spot on the steps of the museum. New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade is marchers-only so visibility is important. The parade participants pause in front of the American Irish Historical Society so you'll have a nice shot of them, even if you're no taller than a leprechaun.

5:30pm You've clapped until your hands hurt and even danced a jig. With the parade over, you need to warm up and rest up for tonight. What? You want to go back to the hotel? Blarney! The natives are just getting off work and soon every bar in Manhattan will be mobbed. Hop the subway to The Half-King or St. Dymphna's for a little Irish fare.

7pm It's the witching hour. The streets of Manhattan are filling up with "Erin go bros" and it's time to clear out. What's the perfect ending to your day? A little Irish music, maestro. Check out The Script at HighLine Ballroom or Black 47 at BB King Blues Club & Grill. Need more ideas? New York Magazine has the scoop.

11:30pm Subway it is. There are no cabs to be found. Go home to rest your weary bones or hit the bars to test your luck in the singles scene. Jaunted has named its top picks for the best Irish bars in New York City.