travel itinerary for new york city

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The best nyc itinerary: 3-7 days in new york city.

If you’re visiting New York for the first time, this is the perfect NYC itinerary to get your first taste of the city! And if you’re lucky enough to stay longer, check out the 4 bonus days I’ve included.

An Exciting 3-Day NYC Itinerary + 4 Bonus Days (2024)

Welcome to my ultimate NYC itinerary for first-timers! This guide will answer all your questions and give you an itinerary that’s easy to customize for your big trip to New York City. We’ve visited NYC just about every year for the last 10 years. It’s one of our favorite places and each time we go, we find something new to love!

I’ve already created an extensive NYC itinerary for kids and Christmas in NYC , but I’ve also been plenty of times without my kids, so I wanted to give you a more adult first-timers itinerary. When you’re planning an NYC itinerary, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the Big Apple. You can wander through Central Park, enjoy the views from the top of the Empire State Building, and explore the Museum Mile.

Make sure to book a Broadway show and a guided tour or 2. Plus, there are all the amazing restaurants and food that the Big Apple is known for. And don’t miss the chance to walk the legendary Brooklyn Bridge or take a stroll along the High Line.

Below you’ll get a top-notch 3-day itinerary, plus even more suggestions for additional 4 days in New York City. Get ready for all the charm and energy that an NYC adventure has to offer!

What to Know about NYC Before You Go

When you start to plan a visit to New York City for the first time, a lot of questions will probably come to mind! Here are some FAQs that will help you have the best experience in The City That Never Sleeps.

What’s the best way to get around in New York City?

For first-time visitors to NYC, the subway is the best way to get around. The subway is made to be easy to navigate with easy-to-read signs and a color-coded system. The extensive network of train lines takes you to all the most popular attractions, neighborhoods, and landmarks. Plus, it’s affordable, offers 24/7 service, and allows you to avoid traffic congestion.

However, if you prefer rideshare services, Uber and Lyft are widely available options (just watch out for price spikes). And for shorter distances, consider using Citi Bike , the city’s bike-sharing program. You’ll find stations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx where you can pick up and drop off bikes.

What apps should I use in New York City?

When you’re navigating NYC for the first time and want to make the most of your trip, several apps can help:

• Citymapper : This essential app provides real-time directions for public transportation, ensuring you can efficiently navigate the subway and buses.
• MTA Subway Time : The official MTA app is another great option that offers live updates on train schedules and service changes.
• Uber and Lyft: You probably already have these ones on your phone, and they’re a must in NYC if you prefer rideshares.
• NYCTaxiMeter : When all else fails, there’s always a yellow cab around somewhere! This awesome app helps estimate fares and track expenses.
• TodayTix : If you want to secure discounted tickets to Broadway shows and other performances, TodayTix is super helpful.
• Go City Card: I’m a big fan of Go City Card, which provides access to popular attractions with bundled savings! Purchase Go City New York Card here.
• OpenTable : Looking for last-minute dinner reservations? This app offers easy booking and allows you to search nearby, by neighborhood, reviews, and more.

What airport should I fly into?

When flying into New York City, the 2 primary airports to consider are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Each option has pros and cons you’ll have to consider.

JFK is the largest and accepts the most flights. You can also take AirTran to the subway, but it’s the longest train ride from Manhattan (often over an hour). LaGuardia accepts mainly domestic flights. It’s closer to Manhattan, but you’ll need to get a rideshare or taxi.

You could also fly into New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It’s actually pretty convenient and affordable if you’re staying in Manhattan. You can take Amtrak or NJ Transit, and car services and taxis are pretty affordable from here as well.

Should I bring my car to New York City?

I don’t recommend bringing a car to NYC, especially if it’s your first time! First, parking in Manhattan can be expensive, scarce, and time-consuming. The streets are often congested, and navigating the city’s bustling traffic can be overwhelming. Plus, you have the subway and buses readily available. Public transit in NYC is efficient and cost-effective for getting around the city.

Manhattan is a pedestrian-friendly destination, with many attractions within walking distance or easily accessible by train. Public transit is the best way to have the most authentic experience and enjoy a stress-free exploration of all the iconic sights that New York City has to offer!

Are there neighborhoods I should visit outside of Manhattan?

Absolutely! Manhattan offers so many incredible attractions, but you’ll enjoy a more unique experience if you can plan even one afternoon to explore the other vibrant boroughs of NYC.

Brooklyn is a must-visit, with its vibrant arts scene, hipster havens like Williamsburg, and the picturesque Brooklyn Heights. Queens offers cultural diversity, with neighborhoods like Flushing, which is known for its vibrant food scene. And the Bronx boasts infamous attractions like the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium.

Is NYC a safe place to visit? Where should I avoid?

New York City is generally a safe place to visit, with millions of tourists enjoying their time in the city each year. Overall, you can have an amazing visit to NYC by exercising some caution and staying aware of your surroundings.

The majority of neighborhoods in NYC are safe for visitors, including popular areas like Times Square, Central Park, and the Theater District. If you’re concerned about higher crime rates, you’ll want to avoid the South Bronx, East New York, and Brownsville in Brooklyn.

While the city is relatively safe, you should exercise more caution, especially at night. Stay in well-populated and well-lit areas, use only public transportation options, and avoid displaying expensive belongings.

Be sure to bring a travel safe bag, like this one, and always be aware of where your wallet and phone are, especially while riding in crowded trains.

What’s the weather like in New York City?

When you’re planning a trip to New York, it’s important to check the weather forecast in advance of your trip. NYC experiences 4 distinct seasons.

Summers (June to August) are generally warm and humid, with temperatures hovering between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring milder temperatures, ranging from the 50s to 70s. Spring and fall also bring the most rain to New York City.

Winters (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures varying widely, from below 0 to well into the 40s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common in winter, but it varies from year to year.

When should I plan a trip to New York City?

The best time to plan a trip to New York City depends on your preferences and what you would like to experience. And it’s a pedestrian city, so you should be prepared for the elements no matter when you visit!

Spring is a great time to explore parks, enjoy outdoor activities, and see cherry blossoms in bloom. Summers are hot, but they also bring festive energy to the city. This is peak season, with outdoor concerts, street festivals, and more!

Fall brings vibrant fall foliage and festive events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And winter in NYC can be cold, it’s also a magical time with holiday decorations, ice-skating rinks, and Christmas markets. Just keep in mind that winter is the city’s second peak season.

If you’re a Christmas fan, December is a really fun time for visiting NYC. The holiday decorations are amazing and plentiful and there are plenty of festive activities, restaurants, and bars to visit. Christmas in New York City is magical!

What should I pack?

There are some essentials I suggest packing for an NYC 3-day itinerary. However, if you forget something, don’t worry! You’re in one of the shopping capitals of the world! Packing will be a little different, depending on when you come to New York City, but here are some basics I recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof shoes for rainy days
• Breathable separates for daytime exploring
• A few nice outfits for dinners and shows
• Rain jacket
• Portable charger
• Reusable water bottle
• A good travel safe bag

What should I eat in NYC?

When visiting New York City, there are several iconic foods that every visitor should try. First and foremost, grab a classic New York slice of pizza from a neighborhood dollar pizzeria (skip Sbarros). Get a hot dog from a street cart at least once. And don’t forget to top it with mustard and sauerkraut!

If you’ve never tried a New York City bagel with cream cheese and lox, head to a bakery on the Lower East Side. A beef pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli is a must. We love it so much that we have the pastrami shipped to us in California on special occasions! It’s that good. And if you find yourself in Brooklyn, head to Juniors for a slice of their iconic cheesecake.

Black and white cookies are a New York tradition (and they make great food souvenirs!). And while you’re shopping in Little Italy, look for a pasticceria, where you can enjoy a cannoli and a cappuccino.

Book a Photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We love using Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code WANDERLUST.

Are there tourist attractions I should avoid?

While Times Square is an iconic and bustling area, it can be overcrowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a quieter experience or get overwhelmed easily, you might opt out of this one.

And you might want to avoid Chinatown if you don’t want to get bombarded with vendors selling fake designer bags. And NEVER follow vendors into back buildings, no matter what they offer you! Instead, head to Little Italy for souvenirs and tourist-friendly dining.

This is your chance to lean into being a tourist! Just remember, it’s always a good idea to research specific attractions beforehand and decide which ones will be on your NYC itinerary.

How expensive is New York City?

New York City has a reputation for being an expensive destination. And it’s true that certain aspects, like hotels and upscale restaurants, can be costly. But with careful planning and research, it’s possible to enjoy New York City without breaking the bank!

The city offers a range of options to fit different budgets, including affordable dining options. You can stay in a vacation rental or a hotel outside of Manhattan to cut costs on accommodations. There are all kinds of free or low-cost attractions, like museums with suggested donations. And the subway is affordable and can help you save on transportation costs.

Are New Yorkers mean?

Not at all! If anything, I would say that New Yorkers are tough but very nice. Depending on where you’re from, NYCers are not afraid to get to the point, but it’s usually because they have somewhere they need to be. They’ll speak up if you’re slowing everyone down. 

They’re from all over the world, and they’re used to dealing with large crowds of people, crowded trains, and long lines. But if you need anything, they’re helpful and very kind. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re lost!

Where’s the best place to stay in New York City?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can stay in Queens and travel every day to do things in Manhattan! For your first visit to NYC, I suggest staying in a central location like Midtown or Chelsea.

If you’re looking for something a little outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a wide range of fabulous hotels. Or book an apart-hotel in Park Slope. Both stops are only 20 minutes from the Financial District. Here are a few recommendations:

$$$$$ Lotte New York Palace in Midtown East

$$$$ The William Vale in Williamsburg

$$$ The Maritime Hotel in Chelsea

$$$ Sonder The Industrialist in Park Slope

$$ Moxy NYC Times Square in Times Square

$$ The SoHotel in SoHo

If you drive into New York City or plan on renting a car, just double-check that your accommodations offer parking. Also, confirm whether it’s long-term parking or if you can take your vehicle in and out during your stay.

Plan the Best 3 Days in New York City

You’re on your way to planning an amazing 3 days in NYC! Below I’ll suggest how to break up each day so you can get the most out of your limited time in the big city.

If you’re working simply with a 3-day itinerary, NYC neighborhoods to focus on would be in Manhattan. We’ll start in Midtown and move out from there. And keep in mind that if you have more than 3 days or want to switch things up, you have 4 bonus days to play with below.

• Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan

You’ve arrived at the center of the universe! Midtown Manhattan is a bustling hub of activity that captivates visitors with its unique charm. This is where you’ll find Penn Station and Grand Central Station, both major transit hubs in and out of the city. If you’re taking the train from the airport, this is probably where you’ll end up.

Known for its iconic skyline and bustling streets, Midtown is a mashup of cultures, cuisines, and commerce. The area is filled with towering skyscrapers, world-class museums, bustling business centers, and luxury shopping destinations. Midtown is also home to Times Square, with its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and waves of visitors.

You’ll probably end up in this neighborhood throughout your entire visit to New York City, so it’s a good area to get familiar with! After you arrive at your hotel, I recommend a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get your bearings. Then check out more of the best things to do in Midtown Manhattan!

Things to Do in Midtown

• Be dazzled by the iconic intersection at Times Square
• See a variety of Broadway shows in the Theater District
• Visit the 2 observation decks at the Empire State Building
• Savor Korean BBQ and check out the karaoke lounges in Koreatown
• Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• Enjoy shopping the flagship stores and designer boutiques on Fifth Avenue
• Head to Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock observation deck
• See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
• See the stunning architecture of Grand Central Terminal
• Take a picture with the lions outside the New York Public Library
• Enjoy all the seasonal events and outdoor space at Bryant Park
• Go up into the newest observation deck at Summit at ONE Vanderbilt
• Walk through the regal St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Check out the Flatiron Building on your way to Madison Square Park
• Day 2 – Financial District + Lower East Side

This is your 1 full day on your New York City itinerary, so let’s make the most of it! Below Houston Street, there are so many historical sites and iconic NYC attractions in one place. With so much to do, today will be all about the Financial District, the Lower East Side, and perhaps a quick jaunt through Little Italy and Chinatown.

The Lower East Side, known for its rich immigrant history, has evolved into a trendy and eclectic neighborhood. Here you’ll find historical landmarks, old-school delis, trendy eateries, and boutique shops.

Then there’s the Financial District, the bustling center of commerce and finance. It is home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the One World Trade Center. With landmarks such as Trinity Church, the neighborhood is a blend of old and new, with narrow cobblestone streets juxtaposed against sleek modern skyscrapers.

Both Little Italy and Chinatown are distinct neighborhoods that present rich traditions, flavors, and colors of Italy and China. You might be seeking delicious food, cultural immersion, or just a captivating stroll through vibrant streets, Little Italy and Chinatown provide unforgettable experiences.

I suggest beginning your day with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . Then head out on foot to explore more of Lower Manhattan!

Things to Do Financial District + Lower East Side

• See Wall Street up close, the home to the New York Stock Exchange
• Take a picture with the bronze Charging Bull sculpture
• Go up in the One World Trade Center observation deck
• Book a tour of the 9/11 Museum & Memorial
• Walk through the 17th-century Trinity Church
• Take in stunning views of New York Harbor from the waterfront Battery Park
• Ride the Staten Island Ferry for free past the Empire State Building and Ellis Island
• Take a stroll along Mulberry Street to see the best shops and eateries of Chinatown and Little Italy
• Learn about the lives of early immigrants at the Tenement Museum
• Tour the Museum at Eldridge Street to learn about NYC’s Jewish heritage
• Order pastrami sandwiches for lunch at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen
• Day 3 – Museum Mile + Central Park

On the 3rd day of your NYC itinerary, you’re on to more iconic NYC landmarks. You’ll spend your day exploring Museum Mile, located along Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side. And if you have time, take a walk through Central Park!

Museum Mile is a stretch of road that spans approximately one mile and is home to renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and more.

And when you’re visiting NYC, no trip is complete without a stop at Central Park! Situated in the heart of Manhattan, this massive urban oasis serves as a retreat from the bustling city. You can enjoy picturesque landscapes, special events, landmarks, and a variety of recreational activities.

Things to Do on the Upper East Side + Central Park

• Visit the world-renown Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
• Explore the iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Head to the Museum of the City of New York
• Tour El Museo del Barrio to experience Latinx and Caribbean art and culture
• See the Jewish Museum’s collection of artifacts and artworks
• Peruse exhibits at the Museum of African Art
• Admire the beautiful Bethesda Terrace and take photos by the fountain
• Take an hour to visit the infamous Central Park Zoo
• Pay tribute to John Lennon at the Strawberry Fields Memorial
• Cross the Bow Bridge, one of Central Park’s most scenic spots
• Relax on the expansive Great Lawn with other locals and tourists
• Head to the west side of the park to visit the American Museum of Natural History
• Rent a rowboat at The Loeb Boathouse or enjoy a meal overlooking the lake
• Go ice skating in the winter at Wollman Rink, or rollerblading in the summer
• Explore Shakespeare Garden, featuring flowers mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare

If You Have More Time In Your New York City Trip

If you have an additional 4 days to explore New York City, here are some additional neighborhoods to consider visiting:

• Day 4 – Greenwich Village

If you have 4 days in New York, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Greenwich Village. Make a great start to the day by grabbing a bagel and heading to people-watch at Washington Square Park!

Often called simply “The Village,” this Lower Manhattan neighborhood is made up of both Greenwich Village and the West Village. It’s been home to many influential artists, writers, and musicians throughout history. Today, it’s where you’ll find a diverse range of dining options, iconic entertainment venues, and historic landmarks.

Greenwich Village has been a hub for creativity and counterculture movements for decades. It became synonymous with the Beat Generation in the 1950s and the folk music scene of the 1960s. The neighborhood also played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history as the site of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

When planning a New York itinerary, 4 days will give you a chance to add some of these exciting Greenwich Village stops to your list.

Things to Do in The Village

• See the famous art and street performers of Washington Square Park
• Explore the boutique shops and cafes lining charming Bleecker Street
• Visit the historic Stonewall Inn, where the Stonewall Riots began
• Pay homage at the Stonewall National Monument at Christopher Park
• Enjoy stand-up comedy performances at the renowned Comedy Cellar
• Experience Cafe Wha?, where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix once performed
• Check out the restaurants, bars, and live music venues along MacDougal Street
• Order a drink and listen to world-class musicians at the Blue Note Jazz Club
• Head to the IFC Center for a line-up of independent and foreign films
• Indulge in Magnolia Bakery’s recognizable cupcakes
• Peruse artisanal cheeses at the historic Murray’s Cheese Shop
• Attend an Off-Broadway production at The Cherry Lane Theatre
• Have a meal at the White Horse Tavern and sit where Jack Kerouac once sat
• Find the iconic buildings used for the exterior shots of Monica’s apartment in the TV show “Friends”
• Day 5 – Brooklyn

Brooklyn, one of New York City’s boroughs, is a massive place. But you’ll get a good feel for it on day 5! Start with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and pizza in DUMBO before you jump on a train to historic Coney Island! Or take a walking tour of Bushwick’s street art .

Brooklyn is known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries, music venues, and street art everywhere. The borough is also home to beautiful green spaces, and its food culture is picking up steam. Exploring Brooklyn is a great way to experience authentic New York City neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and architectural style.

Brooklyn offers so many things that you need more than 1 day on a New York 5-day itinerary. For now, pick and choose a few of the best things to do in Brooklyn!

Things to Do in Brooklyn

• Take in the New York City skyline when you walk the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn Museum, one of the largest art museums in the country
• Enjoy outdoor activities in the expansive Prospect Park
• Discover the hip culinary scene and vintage shopping in Williamsburg
• Wander the cobblestone streets of DUMBO and take in views of the Manhattan Bridge
• Spend a beach day along iconic the Coney Island boardwalk
• See the world-famous cherry blossoms bloom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Indulge in trendy and unusual culinary delights at Smorgasburg
• Take in the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• Enjoy all the green spaces, playgrounds, and summer activities to be found at the massive Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Take a stroll through historic Brooklyn Heights, with its beautiful brownstone houses
• Visit the unique New York Transit Museum inside an old subway station
• Ride Jane’s Carousel, located in Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Day 6 – Chelsea + Hudson Yards

Heading back to Manhattan, you might need a low-key day with built-in views and casual things to do. This is a good time to enjoy some laid-back shopping, eating, and outdoor fun. So, head to the gorgeous neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hudson Yards on the Hudson River side of Manhattan.

This part of Manhattan was once the industrial part of town, and you can still see remnants of that time! Today, art galleries, boutiques, and hip restaurants fill old factories and warehouses. It’s also home to the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic railway line, offering unforgettable views and unique urban green spaces.

Hudson Yards, on the other hand, has been developed into a contemporary neighborhood of sleek luxury high-rise buildings. It’s become the newest area for tourists with great shopping, eateries, and landmark parks.

It’s worth planning half a day to visit these unique New York City neighborhoods. So, check out my suggestions for what to do in Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

Things to Do in Chelsea + Hudson Yards

• Visit the fascinating Little Island, a park on stilts with views of the Hudson
• Explore the High Line, with its scenic views and green spaces
• Check out all the food vendors and trendy shops inside Chelsea Market
• Enjoy a game of golf or go bowling at Chelsea Piers
• Climb up into The Vessel for stunning views of the surrounding area
• Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at The Shops at Hudson Yards
• Peruse Mercado Little Spain, an authentic Spanish food hall and market
• Day 7 – Bronx + Harlem + Upper West Side

Get the most out of the last day of your NYC itinerary by splitting your time between the Bronx, Harlem, and more iconic New York City attractions on the Upper West Side.

The Bronx, located north of Manhattan, is a diverse neighborhood known for its rich history, vibrant communities, and iconic landmarks such as the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium. It also offers a range of outdoor spaces and parks.

Harlem, in northern Manhattan, played a central role in the Harlem Renaissance. The neighborhood fostered a thriving arts scene, becoming a hub for African-American intellectuals, musicians, and artists. Harlem is home to amazing cultural attractions and a vibrant culinary landscape.

The Upper West Side, located on the western side of Manhattan, exudes a residential charm and boasts iconic landmarks. There’s a relaxed atmosphere and a range of dining options, making it a popular area for visitors.

I suggest starting with an early visit to the Bronx Zoo and then getting lunch in Harlem before heading to the Upper West Side. Or take a walking tour of Harlem before a Yankee game that night! Check out more things to choose from in these iconic neighborhoods.

Things to Do in the Bronx + Harlem + the Upper West Side

• Explore the Bronx Zoo
• Visit the New York Botanical Garden
• Catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium
• Enjoy a scenic hike at Pelham Bay Park
• Experience the food scene on Arthur Avenue, Bronx’s Little Italy

• Visit the historic Apollo Theater
• Explore the Studio Museum in Harlem
• Visit Abyssinian Baptist Church, known for its role in the civil rights movement
• Indulge in soul food and Caribbean cuisine along Malcolm X Boulevard
• Visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Upper West Side

• Spend more time exploring Central Park and its many attractions
• Visit the American Museum of Natural History
• Take a walk in Riverside Park
• Enjoy outdoor dining at a restaurant or cafe along Broadway
• Attend a concert at Beacon Theatre
• Explore the box stores, vintage shops, and boutiques along Columbus Avenue

In Conclusion, Here are My Recommendations for Planning a 3-Day NYC Itinerary

• Take the subway and leave the car at home
• Use apps like Citymapper and TodayTix to make last-minute planning easier
• Both JFK and LGA are good options for flying into New York City
• Check out attractions in Manhattan, but don’t forget about Brooklyn,the Bron, and Queens if you have time
• For safety, stay aware of your surroundings, keep belongings close, and stay in well-lit areas
• Each season offers a special experience, but be prepared to deal with the elements no matter when you visit
• Think about the weather when packing, and don’t forget good walking shoes
• Try all the food, but stay away from touristy pizza places
• Embrace being a tourist, but be safe and avoid crowded attractions if you get overwhelmed easily
• Plan on New York City is expensive, but look for all the great ways to save money
• Don’t be afraid to ask New Yorkers for help
• Stay in a central location, like Midtown Manhattan, and don’t go any further out than Park Slope or Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• 3 Days in New York is enough to see the main attractions, but 4 to 7 days will give you a more thorough experience

Wanderlust Crew

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The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: May 6, 2024

If you’re looking for the perfect 3 days in New York City itinerary to make the most of your first time in the Big Apple, then this is the one for you!

The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the capital of the world – No matter how you’ve heard it called, there’s no denying that New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet.

Visiting this cosmopolitan metropolis has been a lifetime goal for millions of people around the world. With the bright lights of Times Square, the freedom the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island represent and the human element of everybody trying to make it big here on Hollywood movies and TV screens for decades.

There’s something incredible about exploring New York City’s many neighbourhoods, districts, and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States, or in most cities around the world.

Table of Contents

One World Observatory

9/11 memorial museum, battery park, statue of liberty and ellis island, wall street, cross the brooklyn bridge, brooklyn bridge park, get dinner in dumbo, take a walk on the high line, empire state building, american museum of natural history, metropolitan museum of art, central park, fifth avenue, see a broadway show, times square, little italy, new york city hall, greenwich village, washington square park, madame tussauds, bryant park, st. patrick’s cathedral, rockefeller center, top of the rock, buy a new york citypass, purchase a metrocard, start your days early, walk between places on short distances, best hostel in manhattan – jazz on columbus circle, best mid-range hotel – pod 51 hotel, best luxury hotel in manhattan – hotel giraffe by library collection, the property, what we liked, what we didn’t like, overall impression, how to spend a perfect 3 days in new york city.

Three days in New York City might not be enough to see the entirety of the city – after all, it is enormous – but those 3 days would be just enough to see a lot of its most popular attractions.

Check out our  best tips for travel photography  to help you capture some amazing pictures of New York City on your trip.

The best way to experience the city on your first trip to New York is to explore its attractions in sections, breaking it up area by area. Manhattan is massive with a lot of things to do, so by dedicating your time to particular locations you will end up with the most efficient use of your limited time here.

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before and are feeling a bit lost on what to see in New York City in 3 days, we recommend buying the New York CityPASS , as it will give you access to some of the most popular things to see in town at heavily discounted rates.

So without further ado, here is our perfect 3 days in New York City itinerary and travel tips to help you get the most out of your first trip to the city that never sleeps.

Day 1 – Morning

After enjoying a delicious New York City breakfast (go either as big or as small as you like), it’s time to jump on the famous New York Subway and head to WTC Cortland Station.

It’s from here that you’ll begin the first activity of your 3-day New York itinerary.

The One World Observatory was officially opened in 2015 as the replacement to the Twin Towers that made up the World Trade Centre, and since then it receives thousands of visitors every single day.

It’s one of the best ways to start your three days in New York because you’ll be observing the city in all its majesty from the 100th, 101st and 102nd stories of the tallest building in the western hemisphere (a dizzying 1776 feet, or 541 metres, high).

Make sure to arrive as early as possible, since this is a very popular attraction and the lines can get pretty long. The wait is worth it though, and on a clear day you’ll have amazing views of the entire city (and beyond).

We recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time though , so you can get the priority express lane and avoid any queues. Buy them for a discounted price here .

Once you’re done with the One World Observatory, you should head on immediately to the 9/11 Memorial Museum,  which is just around the corner.

This is one of those museums that’s regularly packed with people, so get as early as possible to try and beat the crowds that will undoubtedly form.

The 911 Memorial is a very memorable site, and it feels quite distressing to learn more about the event that completely shook the world. No matter your views, it’s a tragic part of history.

Despite the confronting imagery and stories, you can easily spend hours there, so be sure to take that into account when planning your New York City itinerary.

If you have a personal connection to the tragedy of 9/11, or just want to pay your respects, you might want to set aside an entire morning just for this place.

We’ve been to a lot of museums and memorials around the world, and the 911 Memorial was honestly one of the most well thought out and moving museums we have been to.

Once you’re finished, be sure to check out the 9/11 Memorial Site outside, as it’s also a fascinating attraction in its own right.

The 9/11 Museum is included in your New York CityPASS.

Spending 3 days in New York City without seeing the stunning architectural wonder of The Oculus would be a shame.

It’s a beautiful reimagining and replacement of the previous PATH train station that was destroyed during 9/11, and is only a few steps away from the 911 Memorial and museum site.

This futuristic train station also serves as a shopping mall and plaza, so you’ll surely spend a lot of time looking around.

It’s a great way to wind down before going out to grab a bite to eat and continue on with your exploration of New York City.

Day 1 – Afternoon

After you grab some lunch from one of the many diners around the area (or you can grab a hot dog or something quick on the go from the street vendors), it’s time to continue the sightseeing.

You’re sure to love the afternoon, as you’re going to visit one of the most famous places in the entire city.

Take a short walk to the southernmost part of Manhattan and the famous Battery Park, which is where tour ferries operate to take you to visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Battery Park has some amazing views of the waterfront and is a great place to stroll through.

Although it’s a generally relaxing place where many people simply walk around or chill out on the grass, you can also find a few attractions to visit.

There’s the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Skyscraper Museum, which are great places to see in New York City if they pique your interest.

There are some unique artistic installations in Battery Park too, such as the beautiful sculpture called The Sphere.

Battery Park itself is free to enter, but some of the attractions have entrance fees.

If you’re just walking through Battery Park it will only take you a few minutes, then head down to the ferry dock and get ready to cruise over to the Statue of Liberty.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will take most of your afternoon, but it’s one of the most satisfying places to see in the city.

The Statue of Liberty is one of those true New York City icons, with the famous ‘Lady Liberty’ representing freedom and opportunity for millions of overseas immigrants throughout the years.

Sent over as a gift to the US from France in the 19th century, the State of Liberty was dedicated on October 28th, 1886 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is a must-do during your New York City itinerary. So get in line and use your New York CityPASS to grab your included ticket.

Everyone that embarks on the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands will have to pass through security, which as you can imagine is a very important deal here.

Once you’re on the boat it’s a quick trip over to Liberty Island, where you can jump off to walk around the famous statue, and even climb up to the viewing platform if you’d like.

The next stop is Ellis Island, home to a fascinating museum dedicated to the city’s history of immigration.

Even if you have no intention of going to Liberty Island, you’ll still have to stop there before going to Ellis Island.

This is one of the most popular and must see attractions in the city so be prepared for large crowds. Both Liberty Island and Ellis Island are great experiences, so make sure to give yourself adequate time to explore both of them.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is included in your CityPASS!

Once you’re back from your great tour to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island it’s time to hit up another major New York City attraction – Wall Street!

You have no doubt heard of Wall Street, as it is the financial hub of the entire US and features in hundreds of Hollywood movies and TV shows.

So what is there to do on Wall Street?

First up spots like the statue of George Washington and the Federal Hall National Monument are pretty interesting sights to check out.

The New York Stock Exchange is another fascinating place to see on Wall Street, so you definitely shouldn’t skip out on it in your 3 days in New York City.

Unfortunately, you can’t enter the Stock Exchange (unless you are a registered stockbroker!), but the building itself is pretty impressive from the outside too.

But the number one thing to do on Wall Street is to get your photo with the famous Charging Bull!

This must see bronze sculpture is extremely popular (arguably one of the most iconic sculptures in the entire city), and you’ll find dozens of excited tourists crowded around trying to get their snap with the bull that represents market optimism.

If you’re feeling peckish at this point there are tonnes of other eateries around Wall Street, so grab a snack to take you into the evening.

Keen to learn more while you’re here? Definitely check out this fantastic tour with a Wall Street insider !

Day 1 – Evening

By now the sun should be getting low on the horizon, and it’s time to go check out New York’s funkier, hipster town away from the island of Manhattan – Brooklyn.

Starting from Wall Street it’s only a short walk to get to the Brooklyn Bridge on the east side of Lower Manhattan. And no NYC itinerary would be complete without walking it.

The pedestrian walkway is a little over a mile long and is kept separate from the zipping cars on your side, so you can wander across safely.

Once you start the walk over the Brooklyn Bridge you’ll probably want to take your time though for two reasons.

First, the crossing is something you’ll probably want to savour for the views. And second, the crowds on the Brooklyn Bridge are likely hectic (plus you’ll have to watch out for cyclists).

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a perfect way to ease into the evening at the end of your first day in New York City.

Once you’ve made it over the Brooklyn Bridge, head to the west and start your exploration of the amazing borough of Brooklyn, which is one of the best places you must see when you visit New York in 3 days.

We’re going to start with walking around Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has been revitalised in recent times and is now one of the trendiest spots in town.

It stretches 85 acres along the Hudson River, on the west side of Brooklyn, and there are constant events happening there.

However as you’re there at night, the best thing to do is simply sit down and enjoy the view, which has some of the best vistas of the New York City skyline.

When you’ve finished taking pictures of the NYC skyline walk back to the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge and check out the cool area of DUMBO.

DUMBO (which stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a great neighbourhood to check out, and from here, you’ll have some of the finest views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The best thing to do when you are down here is simply walking around and soak in the atmosphere.

This is also the best spot to grab dinner before ending the first awesome day of your 3-day New York City itinerary.

Jump on the Subway to head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 2 – Morning

Make sure you set the alarm early today so you can have a nice breakfast, then continue your adventures in New York City.

We’re going to start the day with a pleasant walk through one of New York’s most surprising and chilled out places – The High Line. To get there take the Subway to 34th Street-Penn Station or 23rd Street Station and walk west.

The High Line is an attraction you wouldn’t want to miss, especially if your goal is to get away from the hustle and bustle New York City is known for a brief while.

This elevated pedestrian walkway is a public park built on what used to be an old freight rail line, and with its high platforms twisting around a small part of Manhattan it’s delightfully peaceful compared to the traffic below.

During the summer months, the High Line turns into a garden oasis of sorts, lined with plenty of gardens and flowers that are maintained by volunteers.

It’s a brilliant way to see a different side of New York City that is loved by locals and tourists alike. The walk won’t take you too long, and 30 minutes should be plenty of time to see most of it.

You can start your walk from a number of different entry points, but we began ours from the Hudson Yards railway area.

Grab a taxi or walk the 1 mile to the Empire State Building for a step back into New York history from atop one of the most famous buildings in the world.

The Empire State Building opens up at 8 am, and we recommend you arrive right around then to beat the crowds, as it’s one of the most popular attractions in New York.

A single hour can mean the entire difference between waiting in a long line or breezing right on in.

The Empire State Building is like the Statue of Liberty, in that it is an emblem that most people instantly associate with New York City, and it features in plenty of postcards and movies of Manhattan.

Use your New York CityPASS to skip the ticket line and head straight through the photo and story gallery, before jumping in an elevator to take you to the observation deck on the 102nd floor.

Gazing at the city under you from atop the Empire State Building observation deck is one of best things to do in New York City in 3 days.

As crazy, hectic and loud as New York City is, there’s a certain feeling of calmness as you’re looking at the sprawling city from way up in the sky.

Besides the views, you’ll also have the chance to learn all about the construction of what was the tallest building in the world when completed in 1931.

The whole experience should take you about an hour if you read all of the information dotted around the place. Don’t forget to climb to the very top of the observation deck for your photos.

Visiting the Empire State Building is included in your CityPASS!

Jump back on the Subway (B Line) and take a ride to the American Museum of Natural History – one of the most important museums in New York City.

This museum is one enormous complex comprised of over two dozen interconnected buildings.

It’s such a giant house of knowledge that even if you dedicate an entire year of your life, you still won’t have time to see everything in it.

The museum holds tens of millions of different items on display, and you’ll find some of the most fascinating bits of human and natural history here.

You’ll learn about Lucy, one of our ancestors from millions of years ago, as well as the Great Blue Whale, the rainforests, and so much more.

This museum is so massive and enthralling, you’ll want to stay for days. Our best recommendation to tackle it is to just pick a handful of exhibits that really interest you and focus on those, as you won’t be able to see everything in just a few hours.

Visiting the American Museum of Natural History is included in your CityPASS!

Day 2 – Afternoon

You can choose to grab lunch in the American Museum of Natural History, from one of the many street vendors scattered around the place, or wait until you wander over to The Met on the east side of Central Park, which is your next stop.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (commonly referred to as ‘The Met’) is one of the most visited art galleries in the world and housed in a stunning building constructed in 1874.

The Met has over 250,000 works of art on display and it showcases over 5,000 years of art.

Here you’ll find works from Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, and even Japan, but also American Art from the 17 th century to the present day.

This museum is a place you can get lost in for hours and you’ll definitely want to go back again in the future to explore it a bit more.

This was honestly one of the best art galleries we have ever visited.

Visiting the Met is included in your CityPASS!

Considered as New York’s backyard, Central Park is absolutely one of the most iconic spots in the entire city.

After spending several hours in the nearby museums, you’ll definitely want to get out into nature and wander around this sprawling, scenic park.

Located right in the centre of Manhattan, in what is obviously prime and expensive real estate, it’s amazing to see that New York has prioritised keeping the city’s loveliest scenery.

From the Strawberry Fields, the Belvedere Castle, to the Zoo, there’s no shortage of things to see in Central Park.

No matter your plans for a trip to the Big Apple, you must see Central Park during your 3 days in New York City.

If you’re into shopping and fashion, then you absolutely need to visit the legendary Fifth Avenue, just across the road from the east side of Central Park.

You’ll find every kind of high-end fashion brand here, from Chanel to Luis Vuitton, and if your budget allows then you’ll probably end up walking away with something that will set you back way more money than you’ll want to think about.

Most tourists spend a lot of time just window-shopping this upper east side destination, as you’ll find some of the finest items in the entirety of New York City without having to spend a dime.

Day 2 – Evening

You’re probably tired after a massive day of sightseeing, but it’s not time to head to bed just yet, because there’s still plenty of amazing things to do on this New York City 3-day itinerary.

Visiting Broadway should be a must for any trip to NYC, and no matter how tired you are, always make sure to check a show if possible.

Here you’ll have some of the most memorable moments from your New York itinerary for 3 days.

However, if you do plan to catch a show, make sure you are well prepared because the best shows sometimes book out months in advance.

If you haven’t had a chance to grab tickets beforehand, or if you don’t have the budget to spend USD$200 for a show, check out the website Broadway for Broke People , where they have ticket lotteries every day.

After your Broadway show, you should definitely head on to Times Square, as it’s the place where New York’s energy truly comes to life.

It is not actually a square, but rather a spot where 7 th Avenue and Broadway intersect and create the surrounding four quarters.

No trip to NYC is complete without visiting Times Square, making it one of the most touristy spots in New York, and the bright lights are the main appeal for people who have constantly seen this place plastered all over TV screens.

You’ll find a lot of street performers working off tips, churches performing gospels, expensive but amazing restaurants, and so much more.

Even if you don’t want to take part in the current of people and energy, you can always sit down and watch the crowds of people.

To be completely honest we really disliked Times Square, as we felt it was just bright commercial lights with far too many advertisements and people around.

However we did a survey on our Instagram to see if anybody else liked the place and almost 50% said they loved Times Square, so head there for yourself and make your own judgment call.

Day 3 – Morning

Today is your last day in New York City and we’re going to spend exploring some of the best neighbourhoods in Manhattan to get a taste of what the city is really like.

If you don’t have breakfast already organised at your hotel we recommend holding off until you get to your first stop of the morning.

Jump on the Subway and make your way to Canal Street to check out Little Italy.

One of the most common misconceptions people have about Little Italy is that the only thing that’s worth visiting in the place is the amazing food.

In fact, there are plenty of things to see and do in Little Italy that are just as great as anywhere else.

Here, you will also find some of trendiest clothing stores in New York, as well as some of the best bars in the city.

If you’re lucky to catch the annual Feast of San Gennaro held during September, visiting Little Italy will definitely become one of your favourite things to do in New York.

No long weekend in New York is complete without visiting the famous Chinatown, and luckily it is just across Canal Street from Little Italy.

This is a popular spot for everyone as it includes history and community, as well as delicious food.

The entirety of this district feels like one giant attraction, which is very interesting to think about as it’s also the place where the largest Chinese community lives outside of Asia.

Here you’ll find a large number of genuine restaurants, quirky little shops, and street markets with a general sense of community.

Don’t forget to check out some of its many pharmacies to grab unique herbal remedies.

A short 15-minute walk from Chinatown is the City Hall of New York, which happens to be one of the oldest ones in the entire US.

It’s a stunning piece of architecture, and its style is one of the most iconic places in New York City. It’s appeared in a lot of movies and TV shows and is just as famous as many other landmarks in the city.

You can also enter the City Hall for a tour if you’d like, and learn more about its fascinating history.

You’ll find out about the inner workings of New York City’s government as well as the Mayor’s Office and the City Council’s office.

Day 3 – Afternoon

Jump back on the Subway and check out the West Village neighbourhood at the 9th Street Station, and legendary Greenwich Village.

Just like plenty of other locations in New York City, Greenwich Village has appeared in a lot of movies. So if you’re on a mission to visit all of the most famous spots in town, you’ll have to stop by.

The entire village used to be the rundown home of artists and bohemians in the 60’s, and it still counts as one of the trendiest spots in the city.

Today many of the ramshackle units have been replaced with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants, and lots of amazing music venues, like at Bleecker Street, as well as plenty of unique architecture.

It’s only a 5-minute walk to get to Washington Square Park, where you’ll be greeted by the beautiful marble arch, impressive fountain and lots of lovely, shady trees.

This is a spot where many of New York City’s avant-garde artists gather, a place for people to enjoy games of chess, and you’ll find plenty of joyful children running around.

The famous district of SoHo is quite close too if you didn’t get your shopping fix over on 5th Avenue yesterday.

Jump back on your favourite public transport system, the Subway, and make your way to Times Square to see the surprisingly realistic wax figures of Madame Tussauds (HOT TIP – pre-purchase your entrance ticket for a cheaper price here ).

There is something eerie about standing next to a lifelike sculpture of someone you’re used to reading about or maybe seeing on TV.

However, it’s not only merely about taking selfies with the wax figures as much as it’s about atmosphere and presentation.

Unlike most other types of museums, Madame Tussauds in fact encourages interactivity.

Don’t forget, instead of simply standing idly and looking at the figures from afar, you’re encouraged to touch them, take pictures and do all kinds of funny poses.

Day 3 – Evening

You’ll find no shortage of places to eat around Times Square, so grab your favourite dish before continuing with the exploring.

Your final evening in New York City is going to take you to some beautiful places to see at night, especially if you have to see the bright lights that make the city so unique.

Bryant Park, only a short distance from Times Square, is a relatively calm place considering it’s practically in the centre of Manhattan.

Here you’ll enjoy the huge lawn surrounded by lovely gardens, and it’ll almost feel like you’re in an oasis between the chaos of the city.

While it’s not as green and lush in the colder months, it’s one of the spots in New York City with the best Christmas decorations.

An ice-skating rink is a place you wouldn’t want to miss if you are planning your 3-day trip to New York City in winter.

If you’re trying to figure out what to do in New York City in 3 days and St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not on that list, then you’re missing out on something special.

The cathedral was originally constructed in the second half of the 19 th century in a beautiful (and striking) style. However, due to years of wear and tear, pollution, and acid rain the exterior started to crumble.

The city decided to renovate the gorgeous building, both on the inside and out, and the renovation itself cost around $200 million.

That might seem like a crazy amount of money, but once you step foot inside you’ll know that it was entirely worth it.

It’s a must-see spot that has a lot of intricacies in its design, but it’s also incredibly important, both spiritually and historically.

You absolutely must see it as the sun starts to set and the lights turn on.

Rockefeller Center, just south of Central Park on the east side of Manhattan, is one of the most well-known spots in all of New York City as it houses different and important studios for various networks and programs.

From the NBC building to the Radio City Music Hall and even the American Girls Doll Store, the Rockefeller Center is a place to easily get lost in.

This is also the place where the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is filmed, and you might be able to join the audience if you’re a fan for a live show.

However, the real reason to visit the Rockefeller Centre is to head to the top…

Use your New York CityPASS to grab a ticket to take you to the very top of the Rockefeller Center, a spot that has been cleverly dubbed the ‘Top of the Rock’ Observation Deck.

Enjoying a nice evening view of Manhattan from the Top of the Rock observation deck is the best way to end your 3 days in New York City itinerary.

It’s truly lovely to see more and more lights in Manhattan come to life just as the night starts to settle in. However make sure you give yourself lots of time to head up, as it’s quite popular in the evenings.

Overall, viewing New York from so high atop is one of the best ways to experience the city. We think the view from here is actually better than others because you can look at the iconic Empire State Building all lit up just across the way.

Visiting the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is included in your CityPASS!

Tips for Making the Most of Your New York City Itinerary

Now that we’ve shared with you the perfect 3 days in New York City itinerary, we also want to let you know some of our best travel tips to help you make the most of your holiday.

Buyinga New York CityPASS is by far our number one travel tip for any NYC itinerary. We’ve talked about it a lot in this article, and that’s because the New York CityPASS is just great value. For only USD$136 you’ll get access to some of the most popular attractions in the city.

This includes the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Rockefeller Center Top of the Rock, a Statue of Liberty or Circle Line cruise, entrance to the Met as well as the American Museum of Natural History.

If you did all of these independently it would cost you $92 more, giving you a saving of 42%. Well worth it if you’re planning on seeing all the best things in this NYC itinerary.

Another great NYC itinerary travel tip is rather than buying single tickets for every single Subway journey, which will cost you $3 each time, grab yourself a MetroCard from the stations and save money in the long run.

You have to pay $5.50 for the card itself, but it is reusable and brings the cost of each fare down to $2.75. Plus for you get a 5% bonus each time you top it up.

So by adding $20 to the card, you actually get $21.

If you think you’ll be riding the Subway even more, or want to take buses too, you can get yourself a 7-day unlimited pass for $32. Great if you don’t feel like walking between sights, or are staying in New York City longer.

As you can tell from this NYC itinerary, your days are jam-packed, so make sure you start every day as early as possible to make the most of your 3 days in New York City.

This can of course be hard if you’re planning on hitting up some of the hundreds of awesome bars, clubs and speakeasies that the city is known for. But it’s worth laying off the expensive drinks if you have a limited time in town.

Walking around New York City can be crazy, and a couple of blocks may take a lot longer than you’d ever think because of all the people and traffic around.

But if you’re feeling fit and love to explore a city on foot, then New York is a great place to do it.

There are tonnes of excellent little shops, galleries, churches, bars and restaurants to be found if you simply wander around and keep your eyes open.

Another good resource for all things New York City is the NYC & Co website .

Where to Stay in New York City

There’s absolutely no shortage of accommodation in New York City, and the first thing you’ll need to do when deciding where to stay is to pick a Manhattan neighbourhood to use as a base.

It all depends on your budget and what you want to see when you’re in town, and there’s plenty of great articles online to help you decide which one suits you.

Best Accommodations in Town

We personally stayed in two different neighbourhoods – TriBeCa and Midtown West – and both are great options. TriBeCa feels a little more local, and has good access to the southern tip of Manhattan, while Midtown West is more central located on the west side of the island.

Staying downtown in Manhattan is always going to be expensive, but if you’re in a budget and still want to be in the heart of everything, then the absolute best hostel in town is Jazz on Columbus Circle .

It’s a small, boutique hostel and has been renovated to have modern amenities throughout. It has a funky vibe with some awesome decor, and the dorms are small with between 3-6 beds.

High-quality accommodation in New York City is not cheap, but the closest balance you can get between affordability and quality is at Pod 51 Hotel .

The rooms are no-frills, but clean, bright and more spacious than you might expect. The location is great, there’s fast wifi and an amazing rooftop garden to enjoy.

This is it – the top of the cream for hotels in New York that you can still get for well under $1000 a night.

The Library Collection has some of the best hotels all around the city, but our favourite is Hotel Giraffe. You’ll be treated like a king or queen here!

The rooms are enormous, breakfast is lovely, the hotel boasts some fantastic relaxing areas and lounges, but the best part is the 3-hour long wine & cheese receptions held every evening.

If it’s a special occasion in the city, splurge out and stay here for your 3 days in New York itinerary!

Hotel Review – YOTEL New York

We spent a couple of nights in the funky, futuristic YOTEL New York hotel in Midtown West, and it was one of the most interesting and unique places we’ve stayed in for a long time.

The YOTEL chain has been taking off around the world with its 21st-century approach to how hotels should be, introducing all kinds of elements such as computer check-ins, high tech rooms and even a robot to store your bags to make your stay pretty awesome.

If you also work online or need to conduct business while you’re travelling then you’ll love the co-working focus that YOTEL has.

Located a short walk from Times Square in one direction and the High Line in another, YOTEL New York is in a great spot and the building itself has some great hangout areas.

Once you check-in on the computers downstairs you head up the elevator to the 4th floor, which is the main hub of the property.

Here you’ll find a reception desk with staff ready to help you with any questions you might have and a large chill-out area with couches.

There’s also a couple of places to eat, drink and hang on this floor – The Green Fig for all your Middle Eastern fare, KOMYUNITI, the co-working space with a full cafe waiting to serve up coffee, and Green Room 42 for late-night parties and gigs.

This is also where you’ll be able to access The Terrace – one of the biggest rooftop terraces in all of New York City, with huge green spaces, lots of places to sit and even some games to entertain you such as mini-golf.

During the night it comes alive with guests mingling, sipping on cocktails and making the most of the beautiful New York evenings.

The rooms at YOTEL are known as Cabins and are the core of the futuristic side of things in this accommodation.

It starts with the bed, which is a super comfortable ‘SmartBed’, which you can adjust with a push of a button. It can go from upright positioning like a couch, flat for sleep mode and everything in between if you just want to lay down and read a book.

This is actually a great feature because the rooms in New York can be quite small, so by being able to turn the bed into a couch (without being a futon or fold-out) during the day gives you a lot of extra room.

The Smart TV connects to your phone and laptop so you can stream anything you want, and there’s plenty of charging hubs around the cabin.

The bathroom also makes the most of limited space, and the huge rain shower head is a great feature.

We really liked how bright the cabins were, and how they made use of limited space in really intelligent ways. The bed was amazingly comfortable and perfect for relaxing at the end of a big day exploring.

The chill-out spaces downstairs were also brilliant, and when we had to get some work done in between outings we’d much rather hang out there than in our rooms.

The wifi was also free and quite fast, which is great for us needing to work online and for anyone that likes to stay connected with their friends and family.

As great as YOTEL New York was, it wasn’t perfect, and there are a few things that we didn’t love about the place.

First up was the YOBOT, the futuristic robot that was used to store luggage. We arrived at the hotel before check-in and decided to use the YOBOT to store our luggage.

It was quite slow and there was a long line up of people doing the same thing. In the end, we stood in line for over 20 minutes, then when it finally came time for our turn the storage was full, so one of the helpers downstairs just took our bags and placed them out the back for a fee.

We felt like it was a huge waste of time, and even though the YOBOT was cool, it did seem kind of gimmicky. And we weren’t impressed that even though we were staying there we had to pay for luggage storage.

There’s also a ‘facility fee’ of USD$35 plus tax, which supposedly gives you some special features. These include access to the FOUR level, where the Terrace, bars and restaurants are, free wifi (not really ‘free’ then) and the use of the gym and co-working spaces.

Our issue with this is that anybody can access the FOUR level, even if they aren’t staying there, by just going up the elevator. The entire area is completely open to the public and you don’t need a room key to go up there. So essentially guests pay USD$35 for the same thing that anybody not staying there gets for free.

That being said we did talk to one of the managers there and they said they were planning on bringing in a bunch of extra features like free bike rental and other benefits to make the $35 worth the money.

At the end of the day, we did like YOTEL New York and would stay there again. The futuristic style was unlike anything we had seen before, and we can see many of these elements being brought into hotels around the world.

It is also pretty affordable for a hotel of this quality in what is a very popular area in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

If you want to stay in central Manhattan, be within walking distance of many great attractions and would like a funky, cool and comfortable place to rest your head at night, YOTEL is a great spot to stay for your 3 days in New York City.

Our trip to New York City was made in collaboration with ‘NYC and Company’. All thoughts, opinions and hours spent wandering the streets are, as always, our own.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Kudos, for the incredible NYC insights! Following your advice, we savored the diverse cuisines in Hell’s Kitchen and marveled at the city lights from the Brooklyn Bridge. What a ride!

Nice Post. Thanks for writing the right information.

Thank you so much. Happy to help 🙂

Thanks for the information you shared about Romantic Places in New York City. I appreciate your efforts and taking the time and sharing this content.

The itinerary strikes a good balance between seeing the classic must-see sights and experiencing some of the lesser-known hidden gems of the city. However, as with any city as vast and dynamic as New York, it’s impossible to see everything in just three days. Visitors may need to prioritize based on their own interests and time constraints. Still, this is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make the most of their trip to New York City. Thanks!

Great information! Using it as a guide for my upcoming 3 days trip to NYC.

Happy the article could help. Have a great trip. 🙂

Thank you for taking your time and provide us with this helpful post.

Soon we will travel to New York and we already know a lot of things.

Glad the article was helpful. Have a great time in New York. 🙂

We have just returned from four days in New York and I just want to thank you so much for your itinerary. We followed it pretty much all the way and covered so much in ground and saw so many things. It was amazing. Thank you so much again!

Thanks for sharing this. I find it so help you.

Thank you SO much for such a great breakdown – I was worried 3 days would be impossible, but seeing how much you’ve fit in I’m feeling confident with some comfy shoes and a few coffees I can do this 😀

Hi Claire, NY is definitely overwhelming. We fitted a lot in when we were there. They were long days and a lot of walking but we thought “when are we going to be in NY again”. There is so much fun things to do. Have a wonderful time. Happy travels

Hi, thanks for the guide. We are planning our trip for April, so this will be really helpful. It sounds like a City Pass is the way to go! Jan

Hi Jan, that is exciting you are heading to NYC. It is such an incredible city with so much to do. When we were there, we had the city pass and it was so convenient. If you want to go to the locations that the city pass offers, then it is definitely worth it. As it was our first time visiting, it saved us money. Have a great time. Happy travels.

Hello and thanks for all the tips! We are going in April and I was trying to book a Crown visit for the Statue of Liberty. I saw somewhere you need to purchase tickets 4 months in advance but now I can’t find the site to do so. Plus I read a lot of scam sites. Do you recommend how to do this?

Hi Dannie, that is great you are heading to NYC. We never got book the crown visit for the Statue of Liberty. We only saw it from a cruise on the water. I went to the NYC Tourism Website ( https://www.nycgo.com/ ) and they link to the State of Liberty website here https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ . Maybe you could contact the State of Liberty and they may be able to help with your booking. Sorry we can not help. It would be an amazing view from the top. All the best and have a great trip.

Can you recommend any alterations to this itenirary if we choose to go around Christmas time?

Dawn, that is so exciting you are going there for Christmas. We would love to see NYC during the festive season one time. We only visited outside of the this time. We are not too sure about the Christmas activities that will be going on. This itinerary on our article would be good to follow and add in Christmas activities when you can. Have a great time.

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog aand definitely will come back aat some point. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice weekend!

whoah this weblog is wonderful i really like studying your articles. Keeep up the good work! You already know, a lot of persons are lopoking round for this info, you can aiid them greatly.

Thanks for finally writing about > 3 Days in New York City – The PERFECT Itinerary (2020 Guide) < Liked it!

what an amazing city! now it is one of my favorite ones! i’ve been to different places but no city has impressed me as much as New York! I really like travelling and as the person who does it really often i can reccomend to everyone to use some car rental service to make the process much more comfortable!

So glad you enjoyed the city Michael. What was your favourite part of the city?

Hi, this is not a comment, just asking for advice which is the best time to visit New York? i suffer from arthritis so cant do winter, looking for inexpensive but comfortable accommodation in Manhattan for 4 people with a strict budget. Kind regards Pam from South Africa

Hi Pam, summer or spring sounds like a great time for you. Do give booking. com a look for the best budget rooms for the 4 of you. Here is the link – https://www.booking.com/district/us/new-york/manhattan.en-gb.html?aid=899664 Have a great tip. Happy travels.

your 3 day plan is great, however, if you could include the pricing of the attractions, will enable people to budget for the visit!!

Hi Pani, we purchased City Pass cards so all the attractions are included on this card. We feel it is the best way to see them all. You can even skip the lines sometimes if you have the card. Check out the card for yourself. 🙂 https://bit.ly/2ya654E

I am going with a group of 6 and we want to fast track the attractions with skip the lines access, etc. Does the City Pass allow this? Also, want to go to the crown of the statue of liberty. Is it worth that? And does City pass allow that?

Yes. You get to go in another line. I don’t know if it is the fast track line but we got in way faster than all the other people in the other line as we had a ticket all ready.

Just got back from nyc with my family (3 kids). I stumbled upon this blog when I started stressing about not having an itinerary of sorts. We followed it almost completely. Moved a few things around based off that we were there 3.5 days and our hotel location. But this was a lifesaver and helped us make the most of our time. I also like how it was a plan that used the city pass which we had already planned to use. Thanks!

Hi, Thank you for the information, this is really useful, but do think it would be still possible with 2 kids (2 & 5)? we will be there in Jul 24, booked in Staybridge hotel

Great article guys! I would also suggest a helicopter ride over the spectacular New York skyline, which is a sight to behold. These rides are absolutely safe for children as well; could be something of a mind-blowing experience for them.

Great information, thank you so much! I am going to New York this summer for a conference and hoping to use many of these tips during my free time, as it is the first time I am actually staying overnight in New York. I have the list of things I want to see while there, and this helped me to map the sights in my mind. Perfect timing with this detailed information!

Hi Anu – Riikka, we hope you have a great time. It is a big city and so much to do. Work out what you really want to do and concentrate on them. Happy travels

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New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: April 5, 2024

Five days in New York City is the perfect amount of time to see all of the iconic NYC attractions and neighborhoods. Our 5 days in New York itinerary will help you plan an excellent vacation to the Big Apple blending the popular New York City sites with a few lesser-known destinations.

Table of Contents

Our New York Itinerary

As out-of-towners, we always treat our New York City itinerary like we are seeing it for the first time. We go up the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock with each visit. We can’t get enough of that Manhattan skyline . But there is a lot more to the city and we’ve broken down what to do for first-timers and people who have been to New York before but are looking for something new. Enjoy!

On our multiple trips to New York, we’ve used a New York Pass to make the most of our time and save money. If you plan on seeing a lot of attractions, this is a great investment to use on your New York itinerary as it gets you into tourist attractions with big savings. But only if you plan on seeing a lot of attractions. It doesn’t pay for itself if you only are planning on a couple of NYC attractions during your visit.

New York is huge and seeing it all in a short time can be overwhelming. We don’t want you crisscrossing around town by subway or taxi, so we start each morning in an area of the city and work our way around with as little transportation as possible.

5 Days in New York

If you only have five days in New York we’ve laid out this NYC itinerary to give you a chance to see most of the iconic sites in the first three days.

• Day 1 : Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Wall Street Bull, 911 Memorial,
• Day 2: Museum of Natural History, Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum, MOMA, Guggenheim, Broadway
• Day 3: Highline, The Vessel, Chelsae Market, MOMA, Radio City Music Hall Tour, Rockefeller Centre, Top of the Rock
• Day 4 – Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Macy’s, Washington Square Park, SOHO, Little Italy
• Day 5 – Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Empire State Building,

If you only have one day in New York City, we suggest keeping your New York itinerary to one area of Manhattan and revolving your itinerary around the must-see attractions on your list. But if you have five days in New York City, you’ll be able to enjoy at a more relaxing pace and see the best of the city in one shot!

We’ve been to New York several times and each time we go, we fall in love with the city. If you follow our New York City itinerary, you’ll be able to see all the top New York attractions without feeling stressed out.

If you are looking for where to stay in New York and wondering what the best neighborhood is for you, read our complete breakdown of Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets

• If you want to stay near all the action you may want to check out this apartment rental to feel like a real New Yorker. It’s close to the Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District and more!

Day 1 – Statue of Liberty and Financial District

Statue of liberty and ellis island, wall street, 9/11 memorial museum.

A visit to New York is not complete without going to the Statue of Liberty. We put this first on our NYC itinerary because it starts in the south of Manhattan and it is a good idea to get there first thing in the morning. Also read: The Best Museums in New York

• Looking for where to stay in this neighborhood, we have an entire breakdown of New York City Neighborhood Hotels. But you may want to check out The Bowery Hotel – Gorgeous lobby, loft-style rooms with  Hardwood floors & floor to ceiling factory windows and an excellent restaurant. Check out Availability and prices on TripAdvisor or Booking.com

Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty is a great way to start your New York Itinerary. What better way than to see the New York Skyline from the ferry en route to this historic monument. Make your way to Castle Clinton in the Battery where you board the ferry to the island. The first ferry leaves at 8:30 am and this is the best time to visit to make the most of your day. You can kill two birds with one stone seeing the Statue of Liberty as it includes a sightseeing cruise of the New York Skyline.

Taking the subway to Battery Park, we picked up our tickets and set off for a beautiful view of the NYC skyline to the Statue of Liberty.

Tickets include both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island , so depending on how much time you take to explore, it can take 5-6 hours. Ferry queues can be 30 minutes long and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty is about 15 minutes, so you have a lot of travel time.

• Free with New York Pass
• If you don’t have a New York Pass , you can purchase your tickets ahead of time at  www.statuecruises.com .
• Or if you are there early in the morning, you can purchase directly from the ticket office inside the Clinton Castle.
• Get more information at the Statue of Liberty Website

Getting to the Statue of Liberty

• We took the Number 1 Red Line Subway from Manhattan hotel to the South Ferry Station near Battery Park.
• Take the 4 or  5  trains to Bowling Green.
• Take the R train to Whitehall Street.

Battery Park (The Battery)

When you finish up at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, take a stroll through Battery Park as you make your way to the next stop on your New York itinerary.

It offers great views of the harbor where you just came from and this historic part of New York has several memorials, viewpoints, and a sea glass carousel paying homage to the old aquarium that was located at  Castle Clinton. (where you catch the ferries to the Statue of Liberty.)

Afternoon Day 1 – Wall Street and Financial District

If you want to really save time, you can grab a hot dog or pretzel on the Statue of Liberty ferry on your way back for lunch. Or pop into a diner on your way to the next stop on your NYC itinerary.

The Wall Street area of Manhattan is the perfect place to spend the afternoon of your first day in New York. From the Statue of Liberty, you can start walking North to see some of New York’s top attractions.

Charging Bull

Our first stop is the Charging Bull of Wall Street. Grab a photo before walking on to see Wall Street. Be aware, the lines are long for a picture with the charging bull. If you really want a picture with it, I’d suggest going before your statue of Liberty Tour at 6 or 7 am.

Wall Street

Wall Street is the heartbeat of the American economy and you can see the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and Trinity Church. Grab a coffee and stroll through the streets before heading off to your afternoon destination on your New York City Itinerary.

9/11 Memorial Plaza

I cannot stress enough how beautiful and important 9/11 Memorial Plaza museum is to visit. It shows the true spirit of New Yorkers as it commemorates those who were lost in the 9/11 attacks and honours the first responders and people of New York.

This museum is impressive enough from the outside with the two memorial pools built on the footprints of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. The pools are a gentle reminder of the lives lost with waterfalls plunging 30 feet into a basin. The architect Michael Arad stated that the pools represent “absence made visible.” The water flows into the voids, they can never be filled.

9/11 Memorial Museum

Be sure to go inside the memorial (included with your New York Pass) to see the exhibition honoring the lives lost. It is truly a moving display that is also hopeful and shows the strength of the city.

It is a must-stop on any New York Itinerary and even New Yorkers feel that this museum does justice to those impacted by this terrible tragedy.

Freedom Tower Observation Deck

There is nothing better than seeing New York City from above. For your first view of the New York City skyline go up to New York’s highest observation deck. This is an extra charge outside your ticket to the memorial museum but is included in your New York Pass. Read 30 Best New York Views – Where to See the Manhattan Skyline

When you have finished in the museum, don’t miss going into the Oculus. This area of New York has been completely transformed with modern architecture and art displays of the New York Art.

The Oculus is a photographer’s dream. It is also the subway stop for the World Trade Centre. If you are moving on to another part of New York, you can hop on the train system here.

Even if you aren’t taking transit, you must go inside this 4-billion dollar design! It is stunning. The design of stark white steel ribs interlocking high above the ground represents doves flying from the hands of a child. It gives a sense of hope at the site of a tragedy.

Evening Day 1

It’s your first night in New York, so keep it simple and loose. You don’t want to have to run to a Broadway Show yet.

If you have the New York Pass, there are plenty of tours included in your pass. Here are a couple of good options near the Oculus.

• Take a Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour starting at 8pm
• Take a Statue by night Circle Cruise

Check out a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village or if you want, it’s fun to wander the streets and look for a nightclub or bar to pop into and watch some live music.

We enjoy simply walking up 5th avenue toward midtown while taking in the busy vibe of the city.

Day 2 New York Itinerary – Museums and Culture

American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Museum Mile, The Metropolitan Museum, Broadway

Today is a day for getting your culture fix of New York City. With your New York Pass in hand , it’s time to see a few of its iconic museums.

• Looking for where to stay near Time Square. We have a post breaking down hotels we’ve stayed at in Times Square for all budgets. But The Intercontinental Times Square is our favourite. It is classy and chic, quiet and serene. It has all the perks of a high end hotel with turn down service, door men to hail taxis for you, and valet parking for your car. Check out the  Intercontinental Times Square for bookings.

Morning Day 2

If you are looking for a place to stay to explore the museums and culture of New York, check out this lovely vacation rental in the Upper West Side.

For hotels in this area, we stayed at the Hotel Beacon . It is well-run and beautifully designed hotel, close to the subway lines in a very family-friendly area. Check out Availability and prices on TripAdvisor or Booking.com

American Museum of Natural History

We are going to start uptown at the Museum of Natural History. If you have kids, they’ll love this museum. Think of the movie A Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller.

This is the type of museum the Museum of Natural History is. You’ll see the lifelike displays of dinosaurs and wildlife taking you through all things nature on earth.

We didn’t spend too much time in this museum. But we saw enough to make it worth our while.

Central Park

Central Park is the mainstay of any visit to NYC. You aren’t far from the park once you leave the Museum of Natural History, so make your way to the park and take a tour.

You can explore on your own, but a tour will help you see the highlights quickly. So many movies have been filmed in Central Park, that a movie tour is a good option.

Central Park Bike Tours and rentals are free with the New York Pass. As well as other Central Park Walking tours like the Movie walking tour.

You can rent a bicycle to see the top Central Park sites like Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and the Mall

We always make our way to the John Lennon Memorial. Strawberry Fields is located on the West Side of Central Park right across the street from where Lennon was shot while entering his apartment, the Dakota.

This is a great time to pick up lunch from a food truck. They are line all along the streets of Central Park. We grabbed a hot dog and pop.

Afternoon Day 2

Museum mile – the guggenheim.

After touring Central Park, make your way to the East Side and visit Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue. Your New York Pass will get you into most museums. We popped into the Guggenheim to see its iconic spiral ceiling designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. We didn’t feel the need to spend a lot of time here, but it is fun to go inside to see the design. And by having it included in our pass, we didn’t feel pressure to stay for long.

Metropolitan Museum Museum of Art

This was our favourite museum to visit in New York and the one we spent the most time in. We recommend spending the rest of your afternoon here. We gave it a couple of hours, but you could easily spend an entire day inside. When we go back to New York, it’s on our list to spend a full day here.

If you have a short time, here are a few things to see the highlights and then get on with your New York Itinerary

• Van Gough’s self-portrait
• Dantes Inferno
• Egyptian Display with Ancient Tombs
• Recreation of the Sistine Chapel
• Venus Italica

Evening Day 2

If you are in New York, make a point to see a Broadway show. This is a great time in your three day NYC itinerary to sit back and explore Broadway. Book tickets in advance to your favorite musical or play, but be sure to stroll around to search for its famous theatres that surround Times Square like the Richard Rogers, the Winter Garden and the New Amsterdam Theater.

Times Square at Night

When the show is over, go for a walk through Times Square to feel the energy of New York. Most New Yorkers hate Times Square, but we love it every time we visit the city. The square is surrounded by billboards and highrises. It’s filled with people and energy and it’s a fun stop on any New York City itinerary. Read more at Things to do in Times Square – A Walking Tour and Nearby Attractions

Day 3 New York Itinerary – Iconic Views and Historic Places

The Vessel, The High Line, Chelsea Market, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building

Day 3 is going to be a great day on your New York City Itinerary. You are now about to see all of the top attractions and we are going to start our day by the water. Today is your day to put that New York Pass to good use. We are going to keep you out until the wee hours of the morning, so get ready to experience what it’s like in the city that never sleeps.

Morning Day 3

Planning on staying near the High Line? You may want to check out this apartment rental to feel like a local.

For hotels in Chelsea, check out Innside by Melia . It is one of the best hotels in the area. The rooms are spacious, efficient, modern, and well-appointed. Great staff and location make this a great choice. Check out Availability and prices on TripAdvisor or Booking.com

Hop in a yellow cab or take the subway to The Hudson Yards Shopping Center. Here is where you are going to book your time for the Vessel. The Vessel is New York’s newest art installation and it is an eye popping display.

The spiral staircase takes you up 250o steps for a view of the Hudson River and surrounding skyscrapers. It’s worth going inside, so don’t skip it! Get here early in the morning as slots fill up and you don’t want to be navigating through crowds.

If you haven’t booked a ticket in advance, you can do that now for free at the kiosk and set your time for the day. Or you can pay $10 to go inside anytime. If you want to book ahead of time (highly recommended, you can do so on their Website

• Your  New York Pass  gives you a Free Tours of the Hudson Yards and vessel.
• Google Maps :  The Shops at Hudson Yards

The High Line

After you finish up at The Vessel, grab a coffee and take a stroll along the High Line. This is our favorite New York experience. This elevated park traces the route of an old train track for 2.3 km (1.5 miles). From here enjoy your morning coffee and take in the views of the New York City lofts, condos, and skyscrapers making your way towards Chelsea Market.

Explore another Great city in New York State: Things to do in Lake Placid, New York

Brunch at Chelsea Market

This historic New York attraction was home to Nabisco. It was the factory where Oreo Cookies were made. Mmm. There are countless eateries to choose from to fit any craving. So grab a bit here before moving on.

From Chelsea Market you have two choices, you can head back up to Times Square for the second half of our itinerary, or you can stay in the area if you have time to see

Afternoon Day 3

We have decided to head up to the Times Square area for the afternoon, and our first stop is the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is a great place to pop into. What I love about using a New York Pass is getting to pop in and out places without wasting money. Dave and I aren’t huge museum people, but when we’re in cities, we love to see the top attractions. And MOMA is a top attraction in New York. Museum-lovers will spend hours in there. We spent about 45 minutes.

Before heading over to MOMA, stop in at the Radio City Music Hall box office to book your time for the Rockettes Tour. It took us several visits before booking this tour and when we finally did, we loved it!

• Check out the Museum of Modern Art’s website for tickets. Free with your New York Pass.

Rockefeller Centre

A visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without going to the Rockefeller Centre. If you are in New York at Christmas, you must stop to see people skating on the outdoor ice rink and of course, check out the Christmas Tree. But it is worth visiting any time of the year. It’s always abuzz with people.

It is here that you’ll be able to look for some of your favorite celebrities as it is home to NBC Studios. We always get a kick out of walking by the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

And if you want to recreate the scene from the movie Big where Tom Hanks plays the giant piano, you can pop into FAO Schwartz which has moved to Rockefeller Center.

Radio City Music Hall – Stage Door Tour

It took us several visits to New York to take a Rockettes tour, but when it was free with our pass, we gave it a shot and this was a lot of fun. Go backstage of Radio City Music Hall to see how the state of the art stage works, pop into the rehearsal hall, and see the private quarters of Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel who wined and dined the greatest artists of the time including Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Judy Garland.

Plus, you get to meet a Rockette as well! This tour is free with your New York Pass. but you need to book ahead of time at the box office. We booked our tour a couple of hours in advance at the box office.

This is now a great time to grab a bite to eat before you begin your evening sightseeing. There are tons of restaurants around the area, so we aren’t to give a solid suggestion, but we enjoyed our time at the outdoor City Winery at in the North Plaza between 50th and 51st and Fifth and Sixth Aves.

Evening Day 3

Top of the rock.

Now that your belly is full, it’s time to see New York from above. The star attraction of the Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock and we suggest going in the evening to see the city lights.

Your New York Pass gives you access to the Observation Deck and we feel that this is the best view of the city looking at the Empire State Building. Going in the evening offers fewer crowds to deal with and this is the time when the city is absolutely beautiful.

Top of the Rock entrance is free with the New York Pass or you can get more information on visiting the Top of the Rock at their website. Open until 11 pm

You could end the third day of your itinerary here or you can find a club to see live music, comedy or head into Hells Kitchen for a late-night snack.

You have now spent three days in New York. Congratulations, now head back to your hotel for a good rest, because there is plenty more to see.

Day 4 New York City Itinerary – Shopping and NYC Neighbourhoods

Morning Day 4

Today is a day to relax and pick up all the places you still want to see in New York. It was a late night last night, so you can relax and have breakfast at an authentic New York City diner. Today we are taking in the culture and heartbeat of New York.

Grand Central Terminal

Make your way to Grand Central Terminal, and take a moment to explore the largest train station in the world. Go inside up to the second level to watch the hustle and bustle of the daily New York City commuters.

And then, head down to the lower level to find the whispering gallery where the acoustics are so good, you can hear a whisper.

New York Public Library

After you’ve finished up in Grand Central, you can pop into the historic New York Public Library before heading to Bryant Park. If you are an architectural buff, you can take free tours every Monday to Saturday at 11.

Bryant Park

Continue your stroll through Manhattan to Bryant Park. This is year-round gathering place with outdoor markets, el fresco dining, and even evening movie nights during the summer months.

At Christmas in New York, there’s a great outdoor market and be sure to rent a pair of skates and do some proper New York Christmas skating.

Macy’s at Herald Square

It’s your final day in New York, so pop into the historic Macy’s department store to pick up an NYC souvenir. It is Macy’s flagship store dating back to 1902.

Flatiron Building

It is now time to begin your own self-guided walking tour of New York, and as you walk the streets, your first stop will be the Flatiron Building.

This building is so iconic, it was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. It is also a photographer’s dream and one of the quintessential buildings in New York. Depending on how long you took at the morning’s attractions, you may want to grab lunch in the neighborhood.

Washington Square Park

Moving our way down 5th Avenue, takes us to the picturesque Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. This is where “Friends” took place and where the opening credits show the gang playing in the fountain. The Washington Square Arch is a popular meeting place in New York.

SOHO (South of Houston Street) is a trendy neighborhood in Manhattan and is a great place to spend the afternoon. Go shopping in its many boutiques, pop into one of its art galleries and grab a pastry to tie you over until dinner.

• You can also book a SOHO, Little Italy, Chinatown Tour free with your New York Pass.

Little Italy and Chinatown

Make your way to the famous Mulberry Street to soak in the charm of Little Italy. Take in the Italian vibe and find a restaurant to have dinner. This historic district has changed a lot over the years, but it is still a fun place to visit to get a sense of that New York history.

There are great nightclubs and bars in the SOHO and Little Italy neighborhoods. so finish off your New York itinerary at a nightclub watching a band, a comedy show or going dancing. New York has something for everyone. The streets are always busy, and the best way to explore is to follow the crowds. If a bar looks busy, pop inside to see what’s going on!

Evening – Four Days in New York

Empire state building at night.

Tonight you are going to experience the city that never sleeps and make your way to the Empire State Building. We have been to the Empire State Building a few times and the absolute best time is to go after 11 pm. If you have enjoyed dinner and a few cocktails in Little Italy or SOHO, end the evening here for an incredible view of the city lights.

The crowds are minimal, you don’t have to stand in line and you have the observation deck all to yourself. If you are going out to enjoy the nightlife, you can go late into the night. It doesn’t close until 2 am!

• Entrance is free with the New York Pass . The Empire State Building is open until 2 am (reduced hours for COVID See their website for details.
• Cost:  Free with  New York Pass  or  $42  at the door.
• Google Maps :  20 West 34th Street

Now that you’ve been out until the wee hours of the morning you have completed 4 days in New York. You’ve done more than most people now. Head back to your hotel and rest, because tomorrow is another big day as you complete your five days in New York itinerary with a bang.

Day 5 NYC Itinerary

Staten island ferry, brooklyn.

If you are looking to stay outside of Manhattan in a quieter neighborhood, The William Vale in Brooklyn is a good choice. If you want the royal treatment this is the perfect place to stay. Close to the subway, this hotel is beautiful. With a rooftop pool, amazing restaurant and stunning rooms. Check our full breakdown of Brooklyn Hotels .

Morning Day 5

Start the last day of your New York City itinerary with a free view of Manhattan on the Staten Island Ferry. You can catch the ferry at Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan (just south of The Battery) and it is free to board. It is a 25-minute journey and offers great views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty. This is a great option if you don’t want to book a cruise or go to the Statue of Liberty on a tour. You can get your NYC Cruise and Lady Liberty views all at once! Check their website for more details.

When you get to Staten Island you will have to disembark and then get on another ferry. Ferries leave every 15 to 20 minutes. So you are free to stick around for a bit to explore, grab a coffee and see the NYC Skyline.

• If you want to spend some time on Staten Island, there are a few things to do here you can see the The Staten Island September 11th Memorial to commemorate the commuters who lost their lives in the September 11 attack.
• A popular thing to do here is to also shop at the Empire outlets for some brand name discount shopping.

A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tours

If you don’t want to take the Staten Island Ferry and instead want to make your way directly to Brooklyn (your day 5 destination) check out the Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tours. If you want to get a sense of Brooklyn and the pizza culture of New York, this is a great tour.

We hopped on a bus and enjoyed sightseeing through Brooklyn while stopping at iconic pizza shops like Grimaldi’s in DUMBO and L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst.  The tour let us sample, Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizzas. Plus, we saw movie locations from some of the most iconic New York movie settings like Saturday Night Fever and Goodfellas.

If you have another day in New York, or if it is a second or third visit. Check out a few of these off-the-beaten-path destinations on your own.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

When you make your way back to Manhattan, it’s time to make your way to Brooklyn. One of the most iconic things to do in New York is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a 20-minute walk from the terminal to the Brooklyn Bridge and this is a perfect time to head over to Brooklyn for the best views of the New York City skyline and a chance to explore a new neighborhood.

It is a busy commuting hub and you’ll be sharing it with cyclists, and people out for a run as well as tourists and families. At 2km (1.2 miles) long, it’s an easy walk.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once you cross the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll be in a fantastic borough of Brooklyn. This is the hot spot in the city.

If you are a photographer, Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 1 is the best spot to grab an iconic picture of the skyline. We went there with our friend Susan of The Insatiable Traveler (A native New Yorker) and it really is an epic view. After you’ve taken in the scene stroll East through the park along the waterfront towards DUMBO. Here you’ll pass Jane’s Carousel that you’ll recognize from so many movies set in New York.

Once you are in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) area, you’ll want to grab lunch. There are plenty of places to grab a bite, check out Cecconi’s, and try to get a spot on the patio. While in DUMBO, stop under the Manhattan Bridge for yet another iconic view of New York.

Washington Street

You’ll recognize the view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street from every New York City gangster film you’ve ever watched. This is that classic view from the Cobblestone Street that epitomizes the history and culture of New York City.

From here, it’s easy to get anywhere in New York, so hop on the subway and make your way back to your hotel to relax after your first day of your New York City Itinerary.

Afternoon Day 5

Make your way back to Manhattan and check off the last of your to-do list. What have you missed seeing in New York so far? This is a choose your adventure afternoon.

Maybe you want to go back to Times Square to see the iconic billboards again. Or perhaps you want to go shopping at Bloomingdales.

Madison Square Gardens

If you can still put your New York Pass to use, book a tour of Madison Square Gardens. Go inside the home of the New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers and feel the history that has pumped through its halls over the last 150 years.

The Met Cloisters

If you want to head way uptown, check out the Cloisters. The Cloisters is a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it is located in Northern Manhattan. It is a branch that is dedicated to medieval Europe. The lovely cloisters (a covered walk in a convent or monastery) reminded us of the monasteries we visited in Spain. Instagrammers love taking photos of this building.

Evening Day 5

Since you are uptown, instead of heading back to Manhattan, have dinner in Harlem and catch an evening of Jazz. The Apollo Theater is one of New York’s most famous venues. There are amateur nights every Wednesday or you can book your tickets in advance If you can’t get into the Apollo, there are many jazz clubs to choose from. The Lonely Planet has a great round-up of clubs.

And that is our ultimate 5-day itinerary in New York City. You can easily mix and match or change days around. But this is the most comprehensive way we have explored by not having to get on the subway too much.

Getting Around New York

New York transit is so easy to use. It is fast, efficient, and affordable. It’s your best way to get around New York.

Uber, Lyft, and Yellow Cabs are also very affordable. As a Canadian, our credit card didn’t work in NYC taxis though, so have cash on hand.

We mention the New York Pass as it is exceptional for saving time and money, but we don’t recommend using the Hop on Hop Off bus included with the pass. It wastes time and is too slow. Just hop on the subway or hail a cab like the New Yorkers do.

More About New York City

• Things to do: 33 Best Things to Do in New York for First-Timers
• Where to Stay: Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
• Photography Spots : 6 Tips to Make the Most of Your New York City Photography
• The Holidays : Christmas in New York – What to do in NYC for the Holidays

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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1 thought on “New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York”

Love this itinerary! I’m planning a trip to NYC this summer and this post has given me so many great ideas for things to see and do. Can’t wait to explore the city ?

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in New York Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Building the perfect New York City itinerary is no easy task. The Big Apple is loaded with things to do and landmarks to explore—choosing the ones to fill your 5 to 7 days in New York City might seem near impossible. That’s where we can help. 

Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about your visit to NYC, from logistics to cannot-miss landmarks to lesser-known sites. Keep reading to get in the inside scoop on what to do in NYC and how to do it. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in New York City?

When asked how many days to spend in New York City, most people would say that no time is ever enough. The city is always on the move, introducing new landmarks and things to so all the time.

However, visitors experiencing the city for the first time should try to spend a minimum of 5 days in New York City. This will give you enough time to hit the highlights and see some of the best parts of the city, albeit with a very packed itinerary. 

If you have 7 days in New York City, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the key neighborhoods of Manhattan as well as venture into the other boroughs. WIth a week in New York, you could head to Coney Island or spend a full afternoon lounging in Central Park.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, your New York City itinerary can be as full or relaxed as you want. 

Getting To & Around New York City 

As the largest city in the country, you have several convenient options for how to get to the city. There are three airports nearby: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Both JFK and LaGuardia are located in Queens.

Newark is located across the Hudson River from Manhattan in New Jersey. You can take public transportation to and from the airports, but several transfers will be required. Taxis and rideshares are also available. Plan a minimum of one hour of travel time and always check the traffic conditions. 

New York is also accessible via train from a number of cities on the east coast within a few hours, including Boston , Philadelphia and Washington DC – so you don’t have to fly to reach NYC. You can view train schedules here.

Once you’ve made it into the heart of the city, by far the best way to get around is the subway. NYC’s thorough subway system will easily get you anywhere you need to go.

When choosing where you stay, try to pick an accommodation within walking distance of a major station. This will make getting around far more convenient. You can purchase a one-week unlimited subway card or pay per ride. In a pinch, taxis and rideshare services are readily available. 

5 to 7 Days in New York City Itinerary

Most of the landmarks on a New York City itinerary are located in Manhattan. We recommend spending a day in Brooklyn and one day venturing beyond NYC.

Mix and match items from this itinerary to create the one that’s perfect for your visit—these are the highlights as well as a few lesser-known sites. If you plan to visit a lot of attractions, consider purchasing the New York City Pass for combined entry into many tourist attractions.

Day 1 – Downtown NYC

Statue of liberty.

Spend your first day in New York City by paying a visit to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Statue of Liberty.

The statue was a gift from France after the American Civil War ended. It became a National Monument in 1924. Lady Liberty, as she’s colloquially called, sits on Liberty Island just off the tip of Manhattan.

As a visitor, you must reserve a ticket to hop on the ferry that will take you to the island. Once there, you can walk around the island, listen to an audio tour, and even climb up into the statue’s torch.

It’s usually pretty busy as it’s one of the most popular sites to see in New York, so try to visit first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

Ellis Island

Most visitors will visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island in one go. The two are located fairly close to each other and are reached by the same ferry. Ellis Island is the famous immigration station that welcomed over 12 million immigrants to the country.

Today, the island serves as a museum and historical landmark that’s been expertly preserved. Ellis Island opened in 1892 and ceased operation in 1954. It was left untouched for 30 years before being turned into a museum in 1990.

We highly recommend you reserve an audio tour. It provides excellent contextual information and skillfully guides you through the buildings on the island. You can even look up ancestors of yours who might’ve passed through Ellis Island in the archives.

You can book tickets here to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in conjunction. 

Battery Park

Battery Park, or the Battery, is the slice of green space that sits on the very tip of Manhattan. Here is the jumping-off point to take the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. It’s a nice place to stroll or relax after spending a morning visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

If you visit during lunchtime, prepare to see many New Yorkers dressed in official business attire having lunch and walking through the park. It’s located right next to Wall Street, which is where you’re headed next. 

Wall Street and the Charging Bull

The New York Stock Exchange is located just off Battery Park and is worth a visit as you walk by. Tours of the stock exchange are no longer permitted, but you can walk up to the building and take a photo of the iconic pillared marble building.

Don’t leave the area without first visiting the Charging Bull of Wall Street. This bronze statue was built in 1989 and depicts a bull preparing to charge. It was meant to represent the country’s financial optimism and growth. 

Governor’s Island

You’ve done a lot on your first day in New York City, but there is one more place to visit that is located near Lower Manhattan. If you’re not tired of taking boat rides, head over to Governor’s Island. This former coast guard base closed to save money in the mid-90s.

However, the buildings and green spaces have been preserved for visitors to enjoy. Few tourists make their way to Governor’s Island. From the dock, you can walk a short paved path to the top of a small hill to get excellent views of Lower Manhattan.

Due to how few people visit, you can certainly grab a picnic spot with a great view. It’s a great stop before or after dinner. 

Day 2 – Ground Zero, Times Square & Broadway

National september 11 memorial & museum.

You’re kicking off day 2 in New York City with a visit to Ground Zero. The National September 11 Memorial consists of two fountains located where the original Twin Towers stood before the 9/11 attacks. The memorial is free and open to the public every day of the week.

Take your time walking around the fountains. The 9/11 museum opened a few years after the memorials. It’s located right next to the memorial and you can purchase tickets in advance or onsite.

In the museum, you’ll walk through the events leading up to, during, and after the attack as well as pay homage to everyone who lost their lives on that day. 

One World Observatory

Located right next to the 9/11 memorial is the One World Trade Center. At its top, you can find the One World Observatory.

Here, you’ll find excellent views of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. Try to purchase your tickets in advance to save you some time on site.

Upon arrival, head to the Sky Pod Elevator. It’ll take you to the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors that provide exceptional 360-degree views. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 45 miles in every direction.

Make sure to check the weather the day that you’re planning to visit to ensure it’ll be clear enough for a good view. 

Times Square

Once you’ve wrapped up in Lower Manhattan, hop on the subway and head straight to the iconic Times Square. Among all the top things to do in New York City, Times Square is consistently listed among the top.

Here, you’ll walk through one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas surrounded by towering screens that light up the area. At the tip, look closely to see the famous ball that drops every year on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year.

You can find several options for shopping and talented street performers. Walk around and see the iconic sites, but don’t leave without seeing a show on Broadway. 

The Broadway Theater District sits right next to Times Square. It’s the heart of American commercial theatre. Here is where some of the most famous musicals like The Lion King , Chicago , Wicked , and more began and are still performed today.

If you have time it’s well worth it to see a show. You can opt for a matinee or evening performance. Tickets range widely in price but generally tend to be more expensive during the weekend and evening.

It’s very important that you reserve a ticket as far in advance as possible for your New York City itinerary. 

Day 3 – Midtown Manhattan Highlights

Empire state building.

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in NYC’s skyline and a must-see during your 5 days in New York City. This 102-story Art Deco building was built in Midtown between 1930 and 1931.

The view from the observation deck on the 102nd floor is a popular attraction for tourists. Visitors will get exceptional views of lower Manhattan, including One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.

Even if you don’t want to go all the way to the top, take a peek into the lobby to admire its interior design made famous by countless movies and television shows. You can purchase tickets here.

Bryant Park

Take a midday break to relax in Bryant Park. On a warm summer day, the park is filled with locals and visitors. Street markets and fairs are a common sight here. During the winter, the park is transformed into a winter market with a large ice skating rink.

Grab a bite nearby and head to the park to relax. Bryant Park is located about a ten-minute walk from the Empire State Building and directly in front of the New York Public Library if you want to pop inside. 

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

You might be familiar with Rockefeller Center from its many references in popular culture. It’s near the Radio City Music Hall, showcases the gold Prometheus statue, and is home to the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the holidays.

Visitors can reserve a tour of Rockefeller Center or purchase tickets to visit the Top of the Rock.

The Top of the Rock is the observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center. It’s heralded as one of the best views of New York City. Plan to spend about an hour at the site and take in the view.

Grand Central Station

Walk about ten minutes toward the East River and you’ll shortly arrive at Grand Central Station. This is the largest train station in the world, spread over 49 acres with 44 platforms and 67 tracks across two levels.

Construction began in 1903 and took ten years to complete before officially opening its doors to the public. The main hall is one of the most impressive parts of the station. This massive concourse sports a giant four-sided brass clock and a ceiling covered with constellations. 

During your visit, find the Whisper Gallery. Because of how the arches here were built, two people can stand on opposite sides of the hall and whisper into the corners. The sound carries and the two people can speak even when the terminal is at its busiest. 

Day 4 – Central Park & NYC Museums

Central park.

New York City’s Central Park was one of the earliest urban parks built and influenced other cities nationwide to do the same. It’s a lovely collection of fields, forested spaces, ponds, and museums.

Here, you can comfortably spend a few hours watching baseball games, lounging in the grass, or walking through the countless trails and paved paths. If you want to see more than one area of the park, the best way to get around is on a bike.

You can rent a bike nearby or take a bike tour . Don’t forget to stop by Bethesda Terrace with the famous fountain and square that you’ve most likely seen in movies. There are also walking tours if you prefer.

American Museum of Natural History

As the largest national history museum in the world, a visit to the American Museum of Natural History should be added to your NYC itinerary. The museum is spread across four city blocks with about 25 connected buildings.

Here you’ll wander through several exhibits ranging from fossils to marine life. The museum is located on the west side of Central Park.

Some highlights during your visit might include a visit to the Hayden Planetarium, seeing the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling, the butterfly conservatory, and much more. 

You can buy tickets in advance here or organise a guided tour.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Take a lunch break before making your way to the other side of Central Park to visit another iconic NYC museum: the Met. The Metropolitan Museum of Art contains art from some of the world’s most famous artists.

It’s the largest art museum in the Americas and it’s home to over two million pieces of art throughout 17 different departments, ranging from classic art to musical instruments. It’s located along the Museum Mile, the stretch of museums along the eastern side of Central Park.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering this museum. It’s highly recommended that you purchase a ticket in advance as the entrance line can be long. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop bar and restaurant before leaving for excellent views of Central Park. It is also possible to take a guided tour of the museum.

Day 5 – Explore Brooklyn

Brooklyn bridge.

Kick off your fifth day in New York City by heading toward Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is your first stop. It’s perhaps the most famous bridge in the city, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn over the East River.

It was the first suspension bridge to use steel for its cable wire and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time that it was built.

The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is just over one mile and worth it for the unique views one gets of the bridge by walking across it. It’s a perfect way to start your day heading over to Brooklyn. 

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once you walk across the entirety of the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find yourself in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here is one of the best parks for locals and visitors alike. It can get busy, but you’re rewarded with exceptional views of Manhattan.

From here you can also explore famous neighbourhoods in Brooklyn like Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights. Walk along the riverfront promenade to take in the great views, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant along the river, or do some shopping. You can also take a walking tour of the area.

Depending on the time of year, markets and events might be happening in the park. 

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Continue venturing into Brooklyn by paying a visit to the botanical garden. By far the best time to visit the garden is in the spring. During this time of year, the cherry trees are blooming, along with the garden’s 52 other species of plants and flowers.

There are both indoor and outdoor gardens and greenhouses that are open year-round.

After visiting the garden, go for a walk in Prospect Park and visit the boathouse. There are forested trails, giant fields, and a path that takes you around the entire park. 

Day 6 – Chelsea & the Flatiron District

Walk the high line.

If you’re looking for a break from the more touristy activities in New York City, head over to Chelsea to walk along the High Line. Built on a former New York Central Railroad spur, this 1.5-mile-long elevated trail is filled with lush greenery and places to relax to enjoy the sites.

Along the walk, you’ll run into several outdoor art installations in between great views of the New York skyline. It takes most visitors 30 minutes to one hour to walk the entire High Line. Once you’re done, hopefully, you’ve worked up an appetite, so you can head to Chelsea Market. 

Chelsea Market and Little Island

Seated squarely in the heart of the Meatpacking District is Chelsea Market. This shopping mall and food hall is an excellent stop if you’re looking for some tasty food and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from gelato to Thai food.

The market opened in 1997 and has gradually evolved into its current iteration over the years. We recommend you stop in for lunch or an afternoon snack before heading to Little Island. If you want to explore with a guide, you can organise a tour of the area.

Little Island is a relatively new addition to Manhattan’s list of attractions. This public park protrudes into the Hudson River. Flowers, greenery, and walking paths fill the area. Maybe take your food from Chelsea Market and have a picnic on Little Island. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the market.

Take some time to slow down in the city that never sleeps and relax in one of the city’s newest features. 

Union Square and Flatiron Building 

7 days in New York City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Flatiron Building. This building is unique in its shape–it stands at 22 stories and it is shaped like a triangle.

Over the years, the Flatiron has been used as a hotel, offices, and apartment buildings. It’s had many owners and has been put up for auction more than once. Visitors can’t go inside the building, but admiring it from outside is the best view. 

A short walk from the Flatiron Building brings you to Union Square. It’s one of the most lively squares in all of NYC. Here you’ll find a major train station that will get you wherever you need to go. But first, you should take a walk around the square.

Depending on the time of year, this square is filled with vendors selling holiday crafts or fresh produce. Street performers and people playing chess are also everywhere. The Strand, NYC’s famous bookstore, is also a few blocks away. 

Day 7 – Coney Island or Rockaway Beach

Coney island.

You’ve probably heard of Coney Island and those seeing New York in 7 days will likely have the time to pay it a visit. This amusement park and beach combination is located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn. You can easily reach it by subway from Manhattan.

Between 1880 and World War II, Coney Island was the largest amusement park in the country. Over the years, it has expanded to become a popular weekend destination for both locals and visitors to New York.

During your visit, you can grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous, ride the towering Ferris wheel, or visit the New York Aquarium. You can also just spend an afternoon lounging on the beach. 

Rockaway Beach

If you’re looking to spend a day trip out of Manhattan and away from the crowds and long lines, heading to Rockaway Beach is a great option if you’re spending 7 days in NYC.

You’ll never entirely escape large sums of people in New York, but Rockaway Beach is less popular for tourists. It’s located on a narrow peninsula on the southeastern end of Queens that you can easily reach by taking the subway.

You have the option of relaxing on the beach, swimming in select parts of the beach where lifeguards are present, or walking along the boardwalk. 

Where to Stay in New York

Broadway Plaza Hotel – Located in midtown close to the iconic Flatiron building, this 3-star hotel makes for an excellent base when visiting New York. They have a number of great rooms available, an excellent location for exploring the top tourist attractions and plenty of amenities on offer for guests. Click here to check availability

Archer Hotel – Those looking for luxury in NYC are going to love this sophisticated midtown hotel. There are a number of modern rooms on offer, a location perfect for exploring all that New York has to offer and a rooftop bar with incredible views of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. Click here to check availability

The Wallace Hotel – If you’re looking for a 5-star experience when you visit New York then you’re sure to love this opulent hotel on the Upper West Side. They have a number of plush rooms to choose from and it’s within a stone’s throw of Central Park. Click here to check availability

American Dream Hostel – Travelers visiting NYC on a budget will love this highly-rated hostel in midtown Manhattan. Located within easy reach of attractions like the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building, they have dorms and private rooms available along with good common spaces. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more New York hotels!

The perfect New York City itinerary is a blend of historic landmarks and sites unique to NYC. In this ever-changing and vibrant city, you’ll have plenty of amazing ways to spend your time. 

Are you planning a trip to New York? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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4 Days In New York Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect NYC Trip

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: May 20, 2021

Planning the perfect first time trip to NYC begins with one very important question: Should you map out a New York City itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days? Well, we’re here to show you why 4 days is the magic number. We have condensed the very best things to do in New York City into an action packed, fun filled and unforgettable 4 day NYC itinerary.

After heavily exploring New York City for 3 non-stop months in early 2021,  we have crafted the perfect 4 days itinerary blueprint for first time visitors to one of the world’s greatest cities.

If you follow this itinerary exactly, you will see all of the top rated paid attractions, walk around the cool and edgy neighborhoods and of course hit the best free things to do in NYC.

Remember, you can always use this example itinerary as a starting point and tailor it to suit your travel style and preferences. 

Let’s break the iconic landmarks and neighborhoods of New York City up into 4 memorable days!

Why 4 Days?

We thought long and hard about 3, 4 and 5 days for the perfect amount of time for a first time visitor to explore NYC.

New York City is one of the best places to visit in the USA but it is not a cheap place to take a vacation. Hotels, food, attractions and transport add up quickly.

However, there are so many awesome things to do in the city, so it’s important to get the balance right.

• With just 3 days, you will be seriously cramming things in and you will have to cut one or two ‘big’ attractions or neighborhoods from your itinerary.
• If you stay in the city for 5 days, you might find you have unexpected ‘dead’ time. Plus it starts to get really expensive.
• Therefore, 4 days strikes the perfect balance between cost, time and making the most of your trip to NYC.

Getting Into NYC

Let’s take a quick look into basic travel logistics and useful tips for getting into the city. All transport terminals can be found on the map located at the end of the NYC itinerary:

Remember if you drive to the city, you will have to pay additional fees for hotel parking. There are tolls to pay as you cross bridges and tunnels, plus traffic is going to cost you time.

We highly recommend leaving your car in the hotel parking lot and using subways to get around once in the city.

The major Amtrak station in New York City is newly built Moynihan Hall, opposite Penn Station (which serves as one combined entity).

Greyhound bus terminal in NYC is at Port Authority, 8th ave and 40th-42nd street. Times Square and Penn Station are within walking distance.

International visitors will land at JFK or Newark, but domestic US travelers could also land at La Guardia. Here’s how to get into the city from each airport:

• JFK to Manhattan – Take the air train to Jamaica Station and then the LIRR to Penn Station. The LIRR is much easier than taking the subway, especially if you have larger suitcases.
• Newark to Manhattan – The Newark Airport ‘AirTrain’ will transport you from airport terminal to airport train station. Take the NJ Transit train or Amtrak train directly from Newark Airport station to Penn Station. Easier and quicker than JFK.
• La Guardia to Manhattan – No direct train links. Take a bus to a subway line or take a taxi, private bus, or private car into Manhattan.

Where To Stay In NYC

The hotel you decide to book will play an important role in the success and enjoyment of your visit to the city.

Our top tip is to book a hotel near a subway station. If you can help it, you don’t want a 5 or 10 minute walk each time you want to go anywhere in the city and the same back again later that night.

We won’t get into hotels in a big way in this 4 days New York City itinerary. Instead we will list just a handful of the top rated hotels in the most popular centrally located areas for first time visitors.

Read our comprehensive  Where to Stay in New York City guide to find the perfect hotel for your travel style and preferences. It is a very detailed roundup of the top rated hotels in each of the 6 most popular NYC areas.

Important : A high proportion of first time visitors to New York will book a hotel near Times Square. Therefore, for the purposes of this 4 days in New York City itinerary, we will use Times Square as our home base.

Each hotel listed below has a rating out of 10 as per Booking.com included for reference. We have included the popular areas of Central Park, Times Square and Midtown South.

Click on any hotel name to see the prices for your dates:

• Central Park – M Social Hotel 8.5
• Times Square – Riu Plaza 8.6
• Midtown South – Cambria 8.8
• Central Park – 1 Hotel Central Park 8.7
• Times Square – CitizenM Times Square 9.1
• Midtown South – Archer 9.0
• Central Park – The Whitby Hotel 9.5
• Times Square – The Chatwal 9.1
• Midtown South – The Langham 9.1

NYC Itinerary Tips

• Spend as much time as possible exploring each day and night. You can sleep after your trip!
• Depending on season, you might have one or two days of bad weather forecast. If there’s going to be a rainy day, switch up the itinerary to make sure you spend as much time inside as possible.
• Fuel up during the day with the best bagels in NYC , endless slices of the best NYC pizza and hotdogs from street vendors – you are in New York City after all!
• Visiting New York City at Christmas? Read our detailed guide to visiting NYC in Winter .
• Book every single attraction you want to do in advance, whether it’s a museum, observation deck, cruise and even lunch or dinner if it’s somewhere popular. With just 4 days you can’t afford to lose time standing in lines or being on a waiting list.
• Purchase a NYC attraction pass to save money when visiting many of the top attractions in the city. We will cover everything you need to know towards the end of this guide after the itinerary.

Day 1 New York City Itinerary – Central Park, North Midtown & Times Square

Let’s kick things off on Day 1 with an iconic park, world famous art museums, shopping and the first of many observation decks.

Remember, the summer months of June, July and August are peak season in NYC. If you want to avoid the crowds but still have comfortable weather, consider visiting New York in April or another shoulder season month.

Central Park and North Midtown are overflowing with must-visit sights. It will be a busy first day with a lot of walking.

Morning – Central Park

There are two awesome NYC bagel joints near Penn Station on 35th street between 7th and 8th avenue:  Liberty Bagels Midtown and Best Bagel & Coffee . Either will set up you perfectly for the day ahead.

After breakfast, walk up 7th avenue from Times Square to Central Park or take the Yellow subway line from Times Sq 42 St to 5 Avenue on the Southeast corner of Central Park.

One of our top tips for your 4 days in New York City itinerary is to walk through Times Square before (or during) sunrise. It’s almost as crazy to see it empty as it to see it buzzing at night.

Central Park is a stunning part of the city you just can’t miss on a first visit to NYC. Walking through the park is up there with the very best free things to do in New York.

It’s also a 4 season urban oasis:

• Spring – Cherry blossom
• Summer – Emerald green leaves
• Fall – Burnt orange foliage
• Winter – See Central Park in the snow

Once in Central Park, follow this exact path:

The Pond -> Gapstow Bridge -> Wollman Ice Rink -> The Mall -> Bethesda Terrace -> Bow Bridge (but don’t cross it) -> Cherry Hill -> Wagner Cove -> Strawberry Fields -> Ramble Stone Arch -> The Ramble -> Belvedere Castle and finish at The MET .

The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is our top pick for the best NYC museums . If you are only going to do one, make it this one. We spent 5 hours inside and left feeling like we’d missed a few important exhibits.

It is huge!

Afternoon – North Midtown

Once you manage to tear yourself away from The MET, either walk back through Central Park sticking close to the boundary with 5th avenue or walk on 5th avenue itself.

The park is more attractive but the luxury buildings of Upper East Side are impressive and intriguing.

When you reach the corner of 59th street and 5th avenue – where the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2 is located – you will begin walking down the world’s most expensive shopping street: Upper Fifth Avenue.

If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, why not go for a ‘proper brew’ with afternoon tea at The Whitby Hotel ?

Sandwiches, scones and desserts at one of the top rated hotels in NYC is a luxurious and relaxing way to refuel after standing for hours.

Alternatively, if you love art and can’t wait to travel forward in time from The MET, spend the next few hours perusing New York’s premier Modern Art display inside MoMA .

However you decide to spend the afternoon in North Midtown, be sure to walk by St Patrick’s Cathedral, Atlas, Saks Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.

Evening – Times Square

After looking up at the impressive Rockefeller Center, there’s only one thing to do – stand on its roof. Walk the red carpet entrance on W 50th street, check out the exhibits and take the elevator up to Top of the Rock .

Pre-book your time slot for Top of the Rock and go for the hour before sunset. That way you can watch as Midtown and Downtown turn a golden yellow and orange as the city buildings cast huge deep shadows from block to block.

From Top of the Rock you have awesome views over Central Park, Edge and particularly the Empire State Building, which lights up at night.

Once you’ve seen enough and day has transitioned into night, it’s time to immerse yourself into the eccentric chaos that is Times Square. Even if you know you’re not going to like Times Square, you should at least walk through it one time to experience the electric atmosphere.

Look for the red staircase and take a seat to soak up the sensory overload scenes unfolding in front of you.

The time will come when you can’t take it anymore. At that point, make your way to Refinery Rooftop for a late dinner and cocktail or beer.

Views of the Empire State Building are great but you will need to book in advance.

Day 1 NYC Attractions Summary

If you want to keep track of any attractions you will visit on this 4 days in New York City itinerary, we will list major and minor attractions at the end of each day.

• Central Park
• Fifth Avenue
• Top of the Rock
• Times Square
• St Patrick’s Cathedral
• Saks Department Store
• Rockefeller Center
• NYC Rooftop Bar

Do you need help planning your visit to New York City? Our popular 40 + page NYC Guidebook & Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to New York including hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do, example itineraries and so much more!

Day 2 New York City Itinerary – South Midtown, Chelsea & Central Midtown

Day 2 gets you stuck into the meat of Manhattan, New York. The route is a nice, easy to follow square shaped loop and is best achieved by walking.

There are fewer ‘top attractions’ but more chance to walk through some of the residential areas in Manhattan.

Morning – South Midtown

Start the day with a visit to the 86th floor of New York’s most iconic building of all – the Empire State Building. There are 50 tickets per day for sunrise but they are expensive.

So if you’re on a lower budget, we’d suggest waiting until right after the sunrise time slot.

Views circling 360 degrees consist of enormous skyscrapers and concrete towers bursting high above the streets of NYC. The exhibits are interesting and you can also pay more to visit the 102nd floor but be aware that floor is indoors.

Take Broadway as far as the Flatiron Building to gaze upon the famous narrowly rounded front edge.

Continue down Broadway passing through Union Square until you reach the incredibly popular and independent Strand Book Store .

By now there are likely to be lines to get in but it’s worth waiting around a few minutes to get inside.

Afternoon – Chelsea

Next up is a 6 block walk along W 14th street as far as Chelsea Market.

Spend a few hours exploring Chelsea Market, find a great spot (such as Los Tacos ) for a quick take out lunch and enjoy the atmosphere.

Walk around Chelsea and the Meatpacking District for another hour or so, there are dozens of trendy bars and restaurants here to grab lunch if nothing takes your fancy inside Chelsea Market.

You will find The High Line starts just a few blocks South of the market and that’s where you’ll be heading next, right on the corner of Gansevoort and Washington.

The High Line is a peaceful and relaxing escape from crosswalks and relentless traffic. An old railroad line transformed into a 1.5 mile long garden oasis elevated above street level is as awesome as it sounds.

This place does get busy in Summer and on warm Spring or Fall days. But by late afternoon it should be beginning to get quieter after the midday rush.

Evening – Central Midtown

As you walk North, you will see an eye-catching glass building with strange triangular shaped platform jutting out at the top. That is Edge at Hudson Yards and you will be standing on that very platform shortly.

Undergoing significant redevelopment, Hudson Yards has become a modern and futuristic looking area to enjoy. The High Line ends right at the Hudson Yards complex.

Start with Vessel, one of the most unique and awesome pieces of architecture in the city. Next to it is The Shed, a cultural center with retractable shell.

Move inside the main shopping mall at Hudson Yards. It reminded us of a mall in Dubai or Singapore with its pristine finish and upmarket feel. On the 4th floor you will find the entrance to Edge.

Spend time walking around the cool exhibits, explaining how renewable energy, waste and air filtration works in conjunction with the building.

The elevator ride from floor 4 to 100 is our favorite elevator in New York City. You will know why when you’re floating upward.

Views over NYC from Edge at sunset are astounding. We highly recommend this one.

When you’re ready, head up 34th street, passing Penn Station as far as Macy’s. You simply can’t miss one of the world’s most popular department stores on your first trip to NYC.

If you bought a New York CityPASS , you will have a ‘free’ second visit to the Empire State Building after 7pm. So if you’re not observation-decked-out, head back up to floor 82 to see New York shimmering at night.

Day 2 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 2:

• Empire State Building
• Chelsea Market
• The High Line
• Strand Book Store
• Flatiron Building
• Meatpacking District
• Penn Station

Day 3 New York City Itinerary – Lower Manhattan & SoHo

Days 1 and 2 have been action packed but day 3 takes things up a notch. Lots of coffee in the morning is a must!

Lower Manhattan is home to an overwhelming amount of touristy things to do in New York. However, with just one day to see it all, we’re going to prioritize only the most unmissable.

Morning – Lower Manhattan Part 1

Take the red subway line from Times Square 42 St to the South Ferry terminal in time to jump on the very first ferry of the day to Liberty Island.

Again, you will need to book this in advance and we highly recommend you do make the first ferry. That way you get a good start on a long day and you also get Liberty Island to just the one group.

The ferry leaves from behind Castle Clinton in The Battery on Manhattan’s Southern tip.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the top bucket list activities on your 4 days in New York, and this is the only way you can actually step foot on Liberty Island.

The ferry leaves Liberty Island and makes a stop at Ellis Island before heading back to Manhattan. We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend getting off at Ellis Island to take the tour inside the National Museum of Immigration.

However, only do this if you either have a lot of interest in this museum or you are a quick explorer because there’s a lot more to get through today.

Once back in Manhattan, it’s time to explore the maze-like street of the Financial District. Start with Stone Street, Broad Street and William Street before reaching Wall Street.

Check out the Trump Building, Federal Hall, Trinity Church and NYSE with the Fearless Girl statue. Consider taking this popular walking tour of Wall Street and the Financial District.

Afternoon – Lower Manhattan Part 2

Around 12pm – 1pm is the perfect time of day if you’re planning to take a luxury helicopter tour over NYC for a special occasion. We’d recommend waiting on lunch until after the flight!

If a helicopter ride isn’t on your radar, head straight up to Oculus at the World Trade Center complex. Oculus is one of our favorite buildings in New York.

It looks like a bright white winged dove from the outside and opens up into a vast and cavernous grand hall.

If you want to complete the set of observation decks, One World Observatory is the highest platform in the Western Hemisphere. It offers a unique city view, including Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

Otherwise, it’s time for a harrowing but unmissable part of your 4 days in New York itinerary – the 9/11 museum. Spend a few minutes walking around the memorial pools before heading inside.

Allow at least 2-3 hours the museum. It’s so sad but engaging and gripping. A timeline of events unfolding almost feels like a tense movie script, but it was a tragic reality.

The museum does a fantastic job of immersing you into the events.

Evening – SoHo

Emotions will be running high but you’ll need to shake it off as you walk North up W Broadway through Tribeca and into SoHo.

SoHo is a ritzy residential / high end shopping area in which you can enjoy some of the best people watching in the city. Walk up and down the quaint grid-style cobblestoned streets, stopping to admire the rows of houses and shops.

If you fancy a sweet treat, don’t miss Dominique Ansel bakery and its legendary Cronut – a croissant / donut hybrid.

Still feeling like walking and exploring at this point? Continue on to Greenwich Village and West Village for more of the same picturesque residential rows.

If not, stick around in SoHo, find a posh place for dinner and relax.

Day 3 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 3:

• Statue of Liberty
• Wall Street
• One World Observatory
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Ellis Island
• Trinity Church
• Helicopter Ride

Day 4 New York City Itinerary – Brooklyn & Williamsburg

The last day of your 4 days in New York City itinerary is centered around crossing the East River into Brooklyn and back again into Manhattan. Maybe more than once!

One day is doing Brooklyn a disservice. But on a first visit to NYC, there are just so many places in Manhattan you can’t miss.

Let’s take a look at an efficient way to see some of the best bits in Brooklyn in one day.

Morning – Dumbo

If you don’t mind an early start, we highly recommend waking up before sunrise and making your way down to Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall on the green subway line.

Walking over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise is one of the best free things you can do in New York. You will have the bridge almost entirely to yourself, perfect for snapping some selfies.

Serious photographers should try to be at Pier 17 during civil twilight. The sun rises behind Williamsburg and Pier 17 has one of the top places to watch sunrise in NYC.

Cross the bridge and once you reach Brooklyn, take the staircase and turn left. Walk 3 blocks straight down Washington Street and you’ll see the mighty Manhattan Bridge dominating the skyline through a tunnel of narrow buildings.

Early morning gives you a better chance of getting a selfie without dozens of others, plus the bridge will be glowing just after sunrise.

This unique spot in Dumbo is one of the best photography and instagram locations in NYC . 

Afternoon – Williamsburg

You have so many options for places to explore in Brooklyn.

Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Red Hook, walk around downtown Brooklyn, pick any of the residential neighborhoods to see those typical Brooklyn houses with wide set steps at the entrance and the list goes on.

However, for the purpose of keeping things broader and to give you more of a complete visit to NYC, we recommend you jump on the light green line at Hoyt-Schermerhorn and get off at Metropolitan Ave in Williamsburg.

Trendy hipster Williamsburg is a cool residential neighborhood with tons of bars and restaurants spilling out into the streets centered around Bedford Avenue and Berry Street.

Start at Domino Park and walk all the way up Berry St / Bedford Av to really immerse yourself into Williamsburg around midday. Stop in for lunch and a beer at one of many awesome looking places.

If you’re into street art, make the extra effort to reach the Bushwick Collective. You can jump on the grey line at Bedford Av station and get off at Jefferson St to see entire streets covered in wall art.

Top tip : If you’re trying out pizza slices in each area of NYC, you can’t miss highly rated and always busy L’industrie pizzeria in Williamsburg.

Evening – Brooklyn

Tear yourself away from the pubs in Williamsburg and head back to Hoyt-Schermerhorn St in Brooklyn.

Make your way over to Montague Street and walk as far as Brooklyn Heights promenade for your first of many Lower Manhattan skyline views. Turn right and follow this all the way around until you’re standing underneath Brooklyn Bridge.

Continue along Water Street and enter Time Out Market . On the river side of the market, you will be able to see the classic Brooklyn Bridge view. Take a ton of photographs from Jane’s Carousel, Pebble Beach and on top of Time Out Market.

Sunset is awesome from anywhere in this area. Grab dinner at a riverside restaurant in Time Out Market, then head back to the other side of Brooklyn Bridge again.

Follow the waterfront Pier 1 promenade until you reach Old Pier 1 for another unique but amazing view of Manhattan.

Finally, take one of the most unforgettable walks in New York City by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at night when Manhattan begins to sparkle.

Day 4 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 4:

• Williamsburg
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Manhattan Bridge
• Bushwick Collective
• Domino Park
• Brooklyn Bridge Park

4 Days In New York City Neighborhood Itinerary

Does the itinerary above sound a little too touristy for your taste?

If you’re visiting New York City to see the good, the bad and the gritty, spend your days walking around neighborhoods instead of attractions.

Here’s an example of how you could spend 4 days in New York City:

• 1 – West Village, Greenwich Village and Chelsea
• 2 – Tribeca, Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita and SoHo
• 3 – Bowery, East Village and Lower East Side
• 4 – Brooklyn and Williamsburg

4 Days In New York Itinerary Map

We have created a 4 Days NYC Itinerary Map for you to use as a reference. Each day is numbered by attraction or activity as listed in the itinerary above.

Click or touch your screen to activate the map.

Scroll around, zoom in and out, get to know the area and click on each icon to see how the 4 days New York City itinerary will work.

Understanding the geography of NYC will significantly help you get around and save time once you arrive.

• Red icons = Day 1
• Green icons = Day 2
• Purple icons = Day 3
• Blue icons = Day 4
• Orange icons = Transport Hubs

New York City Attraction Passes

If you are planning to visit the top attractions in New York, we recommend you purchase a New York City attraction pass .

The idea is simple with these attractions passes;  the more attractions you visit, the more money you will save .

Having used the NYC attraction passes ourselves when we lived in New York, we recommend the New York Sightseeing Pass because its extremely easy to use while offering both flexibility and big savings.

Many of the attractions on this New York Itinerary are included with the NY Sightseeing Pass and we have an exclusive 10% discount just for our readers.

Want To Save Money In NYC?

Use the button below to claim 10% off any NY Sightseeing Pass.

You can also read our guides below to help decide which is the perfect pass for your visit to New York:

• NY Sightseeing Pass  – The most popular NYC attraction pass option for visitors who want to see as many attractions as possible.
• New York CityPASS and C3 Pass Review  – How to visit select attractions in New York City at a competitive price point.
• New York Pass Comparison  – Detailed comparison between each of the 4 New York Passes and which one you should buy for your visit.

Travel Tip : If you have a New York attractions pass, you will not have to pay the extra fee for a sunset time slot at the any of the NYC observation decks when you reserve your timed entry ticket online.

Need Help Planning Your Visit To New York City?

NYC is a vacation planning beast and it can be overwhelming trying to get every aspect right. Trust us, we know!

After living in New York City, we created a comprehensive NYC travel guidebook & itineraries that will answer every question you have about where to stay, what to do, where to eat and how to get around the city.

Click see details below to read more about how we can help you plan your dream trip to New York City!

Our Popular NYC Guides

• Attractions  – Here’s our complete roundup of the very  best things to do in New York City  for all visitors covering free, cheap and iconic attractions.
• Photography  – Our guide to the  best photography spots in New York City  includes over 60 famous photo locations around the city.
• Hotels  – Here’s our comprehensive guide on exactly  where to stay in New York City  based on the six popular NYC neighborhoods.
• Winter  – Are you planning a trip to New York in December, January or February? There are 10 important things you need to know about  visiting New York City in Winter .

Best Of New York City

• Pizza  – Sampling famous New York pizza is unmissable on any trip to the big apple, here’s our popular guide to where you can find the very  best pizza in NYC .
• Bagels  – Bagels are the only thing you should be eating for breakfast in New York! Here’s our roundup of where to find the  best bagels in NYC .
• Museums  – With over 100 museums in NYC it can be hard to narrow down which ones you should visit, here’s our version of the  10 best museums in New York City .
• New York Attraction Pass – With so many popular NYC attraction passes how do you choose? In this guide, we give you a detailed comparison for all New York passes .

Want more New York City content?  Head to our  New York Travel Guides  to explore more from the Big Apple as well as beautiful upstate NY.

We hope this New York City itinerary helps with planning the most amazing 4 days NYC trip!

Please let us know if you have any questions about planning your 4 day itinerary or New York City on the comments below.

Happy Planning ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy This NYC Guide? Pin If For Your Visit!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

8 thoughts on “4 Days In New York Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect NYC Trip”

Incredible!!! Thanks so much for this wonderful guide. It has really helped me.

Hi Elaine, glad to hear it! Let us know if you have any questions about your trip 🙂

Taking my teenage son during spring vacay and this was super helpful! thank you

You’re very welcome, Karine. We hope you have a fantastic time in NYC!

This is great!! How do we incorporate a broadway play or 2?

Hi Bonnie, if you’re planning to squeeze in a few broadway shows we would suggest doing one or two of the observation decks during the day instead of at night so you can do broadway on an evening instead. It might be worth considering staying close to Times Square so you don’t have to go far after your shows at night. We’d also recommend booking your tickets in advance, we are just leaving a few days in NYC and it is back to being extremely busy! Have a great time!

WOW. This was impressive. Your valuable effort and time does not go unnoticed with this post.

Thank you very much, Levi, we appreciate you taking the time to let us know you found our itinerary helpful. Have a great trip to NYC!

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New York Itinerary: What to Do and See in 5 Days in NYC

Home to around 9 million people, NYC has tons of things to see and do. It’s a massive city that’s impossible to “see” in a single visit. It’s home to thousands of restaurants, hundreds of museums, attractions, plays, and countless other quirky things to do. As a traveler visiting for a few days, you just have to resign yourself to that fact that you’re only going to see a fraction of what you hope to see.

With that in mind, what are the best things to see and do here? What is the best itinerary for NYC?

Since I’ve written a guidebook to this city , lived here for years, have run tours here, and explored as much as I could in pursuit of knowing the best things to do in NYC, I want to share what I think is the best itinerary for New York City. This suggested itinerary can help you organize your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit — all while saving you money in the process.

So, without further ado, here is my suggested New York itinerary:

Table of Contents

New York City Itinerary: Day 1

New york city itinerary: day 2, new york city itinerary: day 3, new york city itinerary: day 4, new york city itinerary: day 5, other options for your itinerary, how to get around new york city, where to stay in new york city, get the in-depth budget guide to new york city.

Some of my favorite walking tours and walking tour companies include:

• Free Tours by Foot
• Bowery Boys Walks
• Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour
• Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour
• Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour

And for more suggestions, check out this list of my favorite NYC walking tours .

Here’s a review of my experience taking a tour of the Statue and Ellis Island .

Tip: If the line’s too long and you don’t want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor instead. You won’t get up close but it’s faster and cheaper.

Battery Park, +1 212 363-3200, nps.gov/stli/index.htm. Open daily 9am-5pm. There is no admission fee for the island but the ferry ticket costs $24 USD .

Explore Battery Park Located on the southern tip of Manhattan, this park is where the Dutch built Fort Amsterdam in 1625 to defend their settlement. The British took the area over in 1664 and eventually renamed it Fort George. While the fort was mostly destroyed during the American Revolution (1775-1783), the battery was expanded after the war’s end. You can wander around the fort and then stroll through the surrounding park to take in the beautiful waterfront views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

There are also over 20 monuments and plaques in the park, covering everything from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to immigration and much more.

If you want to learn about historic market crashes and take a deep dive into what makes a financial crisis occur, check out the Financial Crisis Tour . Recommended by the BBC and the New York Times, it’s led by Wall Street insiders and will give you first-hand knowledge of what it’s like working on Wall Street.

See Federal Hall One of the most overlooked museums in the city sits across the street from the NY Stock Exchange (NYSE). Federal Hall, built in 1700, is where George Washington took his oath of office (you can see the Bible he was sworn in on). It was the site of the US Customs House in the late 1700s and the first capitol building of the US.

Though the original façade was rebuilt, it’s one of my favorite attractions in the area. I especially love the old vaults. I highly recommend you visit!

26 Wall Street, Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 825 6990, nps.gov/feha. Admission is free. Open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 908 4110, moaf.org. Currently closed for relocation.

The original church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776, a massive blaze that wiped out upwards of 25% of the city (the Americans blamed the British for starting the fire, while the British blamed the revolutionaries). The new building, facing Wall Street, was consecrated in 1790.

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton regularly worshiped here. The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and has many famous Americans there, including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate), Albert Gallatin (founder of NYU), and Horatio Gates (Continental Army general). The church was expanded in 1839 into its current form.

74 Trinity Place, Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 602 0800, trinitywallstreet.org. Open daily from 8:30am–6pm.

To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It’s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy.

180 Greenwich Street, Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 266 5211, 911memorial.org. Memorial open daily from 8am-8pm. The museum is open Wednesday-Monday, 9am-7pm. The memorial is free to visit; skip-the-line museum entry is $19.40 USD . Free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm (tickets must be booked online).

DINNER OPTION: Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner Since 1987, this diner is home to an incredible waitstaff of singers and dancers. Between tours and musical performances, actors and actresses wait tables at Ellen’s, where they belt out songs as they serve you slightly pricey, very American diner food (think shakes, burgers, and lasagna) in uniforms from the 1950s. It’s incredibly cheesy, which makes it incredibly fun!

1650 Broadway, Times Square, +1 212 956 5151, ellensstardustdiner.com. Open daily, 7am-midnight. There’s usually a line so be sure to plan ahead!

City Hall Park. nyc.gov/site/designcommission/public-programs/tours/city-hall.page. Pre-reserved tours are typically offered for groups (10–20 people) on Tuesdays at 10:30am and for individuals on Thursdays at 10am. There are also first-come, first-served tours on Wednesdays at 12pm and Thursdays at 10am.

I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Otherwise, come early to beat the crowds.

While you’re here, don’t miss the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (especially known for its magnificent cherry blossoms in the spring) and the Brooklyn Museum. Spend the afternoon discovering its vast collection of both historical and contemporary art and artifacts (there are over 1.5 million items in its collection). It has art exhibitions highlighting ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, colonial USA, and more.

200 Eastern Pkwy, +1 718 638 5000, brooklynmuseum.org. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm. Tickets are $16 USD.

Wander Rockefeller Center This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show , shop, snack, and take the elevator to the Top of the Rock for another bird’s-eye view of the city, which I personally think is better than the Empire State Building, since from the top of here you can get that building in your picture too.

30 Rockefeller Plaza, +1 212 698 2000, topoftherocknyc.com. Open daily from 9am-11pm. Admission is $40 USD to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck.

1260 6th Avenue, +1 212 465 6080, msg.com/venue-tours/radio-city-music-hall. Open and giving one-hour tours daily from 10:30am-2pm. Admission is $33 USD.

During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions (line up early for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park). From the late spring to the early fall, there are free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine.

Several excellent museums can be found in or on the edges of Central Park too (see below).

If you’re short on time, Take Walks offers a Met Express Tour where an expert guide will take you to the absolute highlights and give you deeper insights into the pieces you’re seeing so you can make the most of your experience. It’s just two-hours long too.

1000 5th Avenue, Central Park, Upper East Side, +1 212 535 7710, metmuseum.org. Open Sunday–Tuesday from 10am–5pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-9pm. Admission is $30 USD (includes same-day entrance to the Cloisters).

Central Park W. at 79th Street, Upper West Side, +1 212 769 5100, amnh.org. Open daily from 10am-5:30pm. Admission is $28 USD (special exhibitions not included).

Take in the Museum of the City of New York This museum can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about New York City. Architecture, parks, streets, as well as its people, and culture — it’s all covered! There are multiple rooms that highlight various time periods in NYC history featuring interviews, maps, interactive exhibits, profiles of historical figures, and various artifacts. It’s the best history museum in the city. There’s a cool exhibit here where you can create the future NYC, Sim City style. It’s great for kids!

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., +1 212-534-1672, mcny.org. Open Thursdays from 10am-9pm and Friday-Monday from 10am-5pm. Admission is $20 USD.

• The Lion King

Ticket prices vary greatly by show. However, you can find discounted tickets at the TKTS offices around the city (Times Square, South Street Seaport, and downtown Brooklyn) for shows that day. They also have an app where you can see what they offer too.  

The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits.

99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, +1 212 923 3700, metmuseum.org/visit/visit-the-cloisters. Open Thursday-Tuesday from 10am-5pm. Closed Wednesday. Admission is $30 USD and includes same-day entry to The Met.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Head over to the MoMA for lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art and some vivid impressionist art. Personally, I don’t “get” modern art. I mean, how is a shovel on a wall art?

While I’m not a fan, this museum does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as other post-impressionist art so I can’t hate it completely. If you love modern and contemporary art, this (I’m told) is one of the best in the world.

18 W. 54th Street, Midtown, +1 212 708 9400, moma.org. Open daily from 10:30am-5:30pm (7pm on Saturdays). Admission including skip-the-line access is $25 USD . The MoMA’s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am–10:15am.

1071 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, +1 212 423 3500, guggenheim.org. Open Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Friday from 11am-6pm (Saturdays until 8pm). Admission is $25 USD. Pay what-you-wish is available on Saturdays from 6pm-8pm.

See the Frick Collection This collection features paintings by major European artists (lots of Dutch masters here) as well as 18th-century French furniture and Oriental rugs. You have to really love Dutch artists to want to spend time here (I do) but be sure to visit their website in advance because they host a lot of wonderful temporary exhibits featuring famous works of art.

1 East 70th Street, +1 212-288-0700, frick.org. Open Thursday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $22 USD. Thursdays from 4pm-6pm is pay-what-you-wish admission.  

Next to it, in the Meatpacking District, there’s the new building for the Whitney Museum of American Art (a museum that collaborates with the Met). Even if you don’t go inside, the building is worth seeing, as it is a work of art in itself. But I would recommend going inside as there is a wonderful exhibit of American art.

99 Gansevoort Street, Chelsea, +1 212 570 3600, whitney.org. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30am-6pm, Fridays from 10:30am-10pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. Admission is $25 USD and pay-what-you-can on Fridays from 7pm-10pm ( advance tickets strongly recommended ).   Enjoy the view from the Empire State Building After you finish up with lower Manhattan, jet up to this historic landmark. Standing 1,453-feet (443 meters) tall and completed in 1931, the 1930s art deco interior of this building is absolutely beautiful and the view from the top is breathtaking. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city and you can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is as you take in the view. Get here early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines and tour groups.

350 5th Avenue, Midtown, +1 212 736 3100, esbnyc.com. The observation deck hours vary greatly by season (with week-to-week differences). Check the website for updated hours. Admission is $44 USD to the 86th-floor observatory and $79 to the 102nd & 86th-floor observation decks. Get your skip-the-line tickets here.

89 E. 42nd Street, Midtown, grandcentralterminal.com. Open daily from 5:30am–2am. Book the only official Grand Central Terminal Tour with Walks here ($30 USD).

See the Lower East Side Tenement Museum This museum highlights how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It’s a good follow-up to what you see on Ellis Island. You can only visit this museum via guided tours, and they need to be booked in advance. I like that live actors are used to portray and share the stories of newly arrived immigrants as it makes the experience much more memorable.

103 Orchard Street, Lower East Side, +1 877 975 3786, tenement.org. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is $30 USD.

1. See a TV Show – NYC is home to tons of TV shows that film here regularly. TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon all offer free tickets to their tapings. Tickets need to be reserved long in advance so you’ll need to plan ahead.

2. Explore the Bronx Zoo – Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each year. Home to over 650 different species, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison — there is a huge assortment of animals here and you’ll definitely learn a lot during your visit!

3. See a Yankees/Mets/Rangers/Knicks Game – Like sports? NYC has some world-class sports teams. I’m not a big sports fan (the Yankees play soccer, right?), but games are fun when you have friends to share the experience with. If you have a chance and the desire, don’t miss a sporting event, because New Yorkers are serious about their local teams!

4. Take a Food Tour – NYC is a foodie city and there are tons of amazing tours that can introduce you to the best food the city has to offer. Devour Food Tours is my go-to choice as their tours are amazing and their guides are super knowledgable.

A few tours worth checking out if you want to eat your way around the Big Apple are:

• Scott’s Pizza Tours
• Foods of NY
• Famous Fat Dave’s Five Borough Eating Tour
• Secret Food Tours
• Beyond the Plate

5. See Live Stand-Up at Comedy Cellar – Some of the biggest names in comedy either started here or have done gigs here, including greats like Jon Stewart, Robin Williams, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock. They have different shows depending on the day of the week although the weekend shows fill up so reserve in advance online. Some shows have up to 5 or 6 different comedians.

Tickets range between $14-25 USD but they often have a two-item minimum per person (food or drinks). For NYC, it’s a very reasonable super fun night out.  

Public transportation – New York is well-connected by subway. You can get to wherever you need to go, or close to it, via the subway. You can use the contactless payment system OMNY to pay for fares. For this, you’ll need to use a contactless credit/debit card, smart phone, or wearable device. If you don’t have any of those, you can buy a Metrocard.

Metrocards require a minimum of $5.80 USD to be added to the card. Fares for each journey then cost $2.90 USD. The best deal is buying a 7-day unlimited transit pass for $34 USD. That means you just need to use the subway 12 times to get your money’s worth, which will be very easy to do.

If you don’t get a Metrocard or use OMNY, single-ticket fares cost $3.25 USD.

If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Fares and payment options are the same as above.

Taxi – Taxis are not cheap in NYC. The minimum fare starts at $3 USD but rises sharply from there. Skip them if you can. They are expensive and traffic is a nightmare.

Ridesharing – Uber, Lyft, and Via are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers the best prices. Just expect much higher rates during rush hour.

Bike rental – You can bike just about anywhere in New York City, especially if you want to explore big parks like Central and Prospect. Citi Bike is a bike-sharing system, starting from $4.79 USD per 30-minute ride, or $19 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach. They have ebikes too.  

BUDGET: HI New York City – One of the biggest and most popular hostels in the city with a ton of space, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, events, activities, and a huge kitchen. If you’re on a budget, stay here. It’s the best hostel in the city.

BUDGET: The Jane – This historic hotel was actually where the survivors of the Titanic were put up when they landed in NYC in 1912. Today, it’s one of the best budget hotels in the city. It has compact single rooms, comfy beds, and shared bathrooms. It’s clean and well kept and the best choice if you want to stay in the West Village on a budget.

BUDGET: Chelsea International Hostel – This is one of the largest hostels in the city and has an outdoor courtyard, a dining area, and two kitchens. It’s in a great location too, with both the High Line and Times Square within a short walk.

MID-RANGE: Pod Brooklyn – While the rooms are small (it’s a pod hotel), the location here is excellent. There’s a laid-back lounge area where you can hang out, and a restaurant on-site for when you just want to relax in your room. Everything is clean and fresh and the staff here are super helpful.

MID-RANGE: YOTEL – A modern, high-tech hotel that even has a luggage storage robot (seriously). The rooms are on the small side but they are clean and comfortable. I love the large outdoor terrace; it has a great view of the city!

LUXURY: W Hotel Times Square – You’re literally on Times Square at the W Hotel. There’s onsite dining, free Wi-Fi, and a W MixBar in every room. You can’t get closer to the action than this. For me, it’s the nicest hotel in the area. If you’re gonna stay at a big name brand hotel, this is your best choice!

New York City is a big place with a lot to do and this list barely scratches the surface. Five days is barely enough to squeeze these activities in, let alone find time to visit boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn.

For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in the city are:

• HI NYC Hostel
• Jazz on Columbus Circle
• Pod Times Square

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here my complete list of favorite hostels the city. Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? New York has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!

Want More Information on NYC? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New York City for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Perfect New York City 4-Day Itinerary

New York City is one of those unmissable cities that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime . As Alicia Keys once sang, it’s a concrete jungle where dreams are made from and there is a surge of energy that reverberates throughout the city that makes you feel like anything is possible. Or maybe thats just me!

New York City is one of my favorite cities on our wonderful planet. I’ve been 7 times and I’m still scratching the surface of things to see and do. Every time I visit it’s like it’s the first time all over. New York City is forever changing, and it’s impossible to be bored or restless in the city that never sleeps.

New York Tips

• Go City: New York

Planning on visiting a few of New York’s museums or sights like;

• The Empire State Building
• Statue of Liberty
• 9/11 Memorial Museum
• Ellis Island
• Getting Around

Subway & Buses:  $2.75 per ride

Staten Island Ferry:  Free

App:   CityMapper  for getting around

Purchase the New York Go Pass and visit as many attractions as you like within a 24/48/72-hour period .

• Tips for Planning a 4-day New York City Itinerary

The below itinerary is jam-packed , so take it at your own pace . I’ve kept the days to an area, so for example, on day 1 you’ll be visiting downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn which makes it easy to hop on a subway/uber or walk from place to place.

Bring shoes that you’re comfortable walking long stretches in. New York is not the place to break in new shoes. If mobility is an issue – I Love New York has a series of great posts on getting around and accessible New York . I adore my white Hoka ‘s and have walked thousands of miles in them – fashionable and beyond comfortable.

If you’re planning on visiting a few different museums or landmarks like the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial Museum, or The Edge you’re better off purchasing the Go City New York Pass which saves you a lot of entry fees over a 3 or 4-day period.

Brooklyn Bridge

The highline, little island, chelsea market, greenwich village, times square, tenement museum, financial district, midtown manhattan, central park, taxi/ride share, pin for later.

To view a list of each pinned location, click the icon at the top-left corner. For an expanded view, click the button located at the top-right. To save to your personal Google Maps account, simply click the star icon . Once saved, access the map by opening Google Maps on your device, clicking the ‘Saved’ button, selecting the “Maps” icon on the bottom of the screen, and then choosing you’ll find this map listed.

Day 1 – Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty

• DUMBO Manhattan Bridge
• Financial District – Wall Street/Charging Bull
• 9/11 Memorial Pools

Day 1 is an action-packed day to get the body moving and tick off some of the major highlights of New York City. If you manage to squeeze all these activities into a single day, well consider me impressed.

My ideal day one in New York morning starts off with walking across the Brooklyn Bridge , before exploring DUMBO and heading back to Manhattan.

Stop for breakfast in George’s Diner just across from the 9/11 Memorial Museum and 2 blocks away from the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

Grab a coffee in Blue Bottle Coffee or 787 Coffee before exploring Wall Street & the Charging Bull . Top tip for taking pictures with no crowds at the Charging Bull – get up early.

If you’re not planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island but want to look at it – take the Staten Island Ferry . It’s 100% free and you’ll sail past the Statue of Liberty. The Staten Island ferry departs from Whitehall Ferry Terminal and has several sailings every hour.

For those looking to visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island , make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid queuing the loooonng lines.

If you have longer than 4 days to spend in New York, I would recommend visiting SeaPort , an area that has been lovingly restored and is wonderful to explore, and grab drinks and dinner at.

For shopping in the financial district check out the Oculus , a shopping mall and gateway to the subway right beside the 9/11 Memorial Pools. Check out Century 21 for bargain basement and designer brands at a low-cost price.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best ( & free) things to do in New York that will absolutely blow you away. The iconic bridge spans the East River and offers those who cross it from the Brooklyn side, one of the most unforgettable views of downtown Manhattan. The epic skyline is not to be missed.

If you’re an early worm, I would highly recommend going to the Bridge just after 6 am (during the summer months) for uninterrupted views and no crowds! You’ll have the Brooklyn Bridge to yourself aside from early morning joggers/walkers and couples having photoshoots.

Pair it with the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge views in the early morning and you’ll have an iconic and memorable day of shooting some Instagram-worthy footage.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Missy Cahill | Travels with Missy | Content Creator (@travelswithmissyc)

Day 2 – The Highline, Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards & Greenwich

On Day 2 of your New York Itinerary, you’re going to head to Hudson Yards and explore Manhattan’s newest development. Hudson Yards has an exclusive luxury mall, high-rise buildings and one of the scariest outdoor experiences (only if you’re terrified of heights like me), the Edge . It also is home to the beautiful Vessel , a staircase that has essentially been shut since it opened in 2019.

The Edge is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and is definitely not for anyone afraid of heights or suffering from vertigo. Soaring 100 stories above the ground, The Edge offers visitors uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline. I would absolutely love to experience it, but seeing as every time I glimpsed it in the distance I started to dry-heave.

After you’ve scaled the Edge, head down to the ground again and make your way to one of New York’s most incredible parks – the High Line .

One of the greatest decisions in recent New York City Department of Parks & Recreation was to develop the High Line, a former disused elevated rail line that has now been transformed into one of the most impressive city walks and public parks .

Set amidst the towering buildings of Manhattan’s skyline you’ll be immersed amongst nature with thousands of plants, trees, and programs to encourage a greenbelt in a bustling city.

The Highline starts (or ends) in Hudson Yards and finishes (starts) at Chelsea Market.

As you walk along the High Line you’ll see as you approach Chelsea Markets, a strange-looking island in the nearby distance. It’s a brand-new park that looks like something straight out of a Dr Seuss picture book. It’s a beautiful pier, and it is location on Pier 55 offers views over the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan.

Spend an afternoon eating and drinking your way through the incredible Chelsea Market . It’s a great place to grab some food or do some window shopping. There are dozens of restaurants and stalls inside but make sure not to miss the best-tasting Mexican tacos (outside of Mexico of course) in Los Tacos No 1 .

Prepare to spend the rest of your day wandering around gorgeous Greenwich. The Village as it is known by locals is home to beautiful brownstone townhouses, restaurants and bars. One of the best areas in New York for ambiance and a true example of the New York living dream come to life.

Finish the afternoon or evening enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the many bistros or enjoying a cocktail in the very cool and sometimes hidden bars.

Restaurants to try in Greenwich Village:

• Don Angie | 103 Greenwich Ave, New York
• Olio E Più | 3 Greenwich Ave, New York
• John’s of Bleecker Street | 278 Bleecker St, New York
• Emily: West Village | 35 Downing St, New York
• Jajaja Mexicana | 63 Carmine St, New York
• Jeffrey’s Grocer | 172 Waverly Pl, New York
• Boucherie West Village | 99 7th Ave S, New York

Day 3 – Midtown Manhattan, Empire State Building & Times Square

Alot has been packed into the previous 2 days, so day 3 of our New York itinerary is a little bit slower paced. There is still a lot to see and do, but you can take or leave elements of this day as you wish.

The area of midtown Manhattan also encompasses Hudson Yards, but for todays itinerary you’ll base yourself in and around Times Square. Visit the Empire State Building, or instead visit the Rockefeller Centre which has better views in my opinion. Top of the Rock Observation Deck takes in spectacular views of the Empire State Building, midtown Manhattan, and unobstructed views of Central Park.

The shopping in midtown Manhattan is spectacular. Everything that you’ve put on your shopping list you can pretty much find in this section of New York. Stroll up and down iconic 5th Avenue.

And in the evening make sure you book tickets to one of the many stage productions on Broadway (or off-Broadway). I’ve seen so many stage productions over the years that you can’t beat classics like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Hamilton etc. Tickets are pricey, but you can also pick up discounted tickets at TKTS Booth on Duffy Square for almost 50% that days performance.

For musical theater enthuasiasts, don’t miss out on Ellen’s Stardust Diner just off Times Square which features singing waiters and waitresses and lots of musical theater numbers. Its hilarious! The lines are long but if that sounds up your street, you’ll love it.

Times Square is one of those iconic images that we all picture when we mention the words New York City. It’s a bustling section of Mid-Manhattan that is home to the world’s best theater and musical productions. And if you love shopping high-street brands like Old Navy, Gap, and H&M you’ve found some of the largest stores in the city.

The best time to visit Times Square is in the evening as it illuminates. The spectacle of lights, neon, flashing, and brashness is quintessential Times Square.

Day 4 – Central Park & Museums

We’re slowly making our way uptown to Central Park and let me tell you it’s worth the wait. Central Park is probably the most famous city park in the world. And whether you visit on a snowy February day, or a warm June afternoon, Central Park is a hive of activity. Joggers, horse and carriages, rollerbladers, and everything else in between.

I’ve never been to Central Park Zoo, so can’t comment on whether or not it’s worth visiting, but if that’s your thing you might want to check it out.

Around Central Park, you’ll discover two iconic museums – The Natural History Museum & the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka the Met), as well as dozens of others.

Take your time to enjoy a couple of museums – or hey, don’t! But if there is one museum that is 100% worth visiting, it’s the Tenement Museum on the East Side.

There are several museums (ok alot!) in New York City that are worth visiting and including on your NYC Itinerary, but top of my list is the fantastic Tenement Museum .

Purchased in the late 1980s, the owners of the Tenement Museum found an incredible time capsule that had remained untouched for over 50 years and offered a glimpse at what life was like in New York City in the early 20th century.

The building has been restored, but most of the apartments are left as they were discovered, untouched, and frozen in time . You’ll follow with a guide the story of the people who lived in the building, what their journey was, and the history of New York City for some of the poorest people at that time.

I loved my experience so much I headed back later in the week to take another tour of the Tenement Building with my husband. I followed the story of the Moores, an Irish family who had migrated to the US after the Irish Famine in the 1840s. I’m Irish, so I wanted to hear more about the journey Irish people experienced upon immigrating to the United States during a tumultuous time in Irish history and found it fascinating.

Best Areas to Stay in New York

With accommodation and hotels being so expensive in New York, it’s important to base yourself in the right location. If you plan on being out and about the entire day, the location is super important. You want to be close to a subway line that you can easily hop on and off at.

I’ve stayed down in the Financial District on my last 2 stays and I’ve absolutely LOVED it! Not only do you have so many subway lines to choose from, but you’re also in a prime location for exploring the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and a minute 10 subway ride to Greenwich Village.

Hotel Indigo Financial District – Ask for a corner room and you’ll have amazing views like the picture above! Great location.

The Cloud One New York Downtown – another solid location, close to the 9/11 memorial pools.

Endless choices of excellent hotels in this area. We stayed in the Moxy NYC Times Square and found the location to be fantastic for midtown, however, the rooms were tiny. Around 6 blocks from Times Square, but about 3 blocks from Macy’s and Penn Station.

Arlo Midtown – It’s been on my bucket list for ages and I hope on my next visit I get to tick it off. Has a pool on the roof! Great for a summertime visit.

You’ll have to fork out a serious amount of change to stay here, but the hotels just off Central Park are some of the most iconic names in the hotel industry. Treat yourself!

Trump International New York – Decedent, outrageous views and a bit gauche – much like the man behind the name.

The Ritz-Carlton New York – Iconic address and hotel name. The creme de la creme of hotels. If you’re on a budget, don’t even think of staying here.

The Plaza – Home Alone 2 fans will instantly recognize the name of the incredible hotel Kevin checks himself into. Rich, luxurious, and irresistible decor, a stay at the Plaza is a bucket list hotel dream stay.

Getting Around New York City

New York is one of the most walkable cities in Northern America and considering how enormous it is, it’s relatively easy to get around. The subway is the fastest way of getting around, with each ride costing $2.75. Or ride in the iconic Yellow Cabs that can be spotted throughout the city. 

Aside from walking, the NY Subway is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. The subway in NY (operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)) has 26 service routes that connect Manhattan and the boroughs of New York City. 

Getting the subway for the first couple of times can be confusing – the best way to fake your way as a true New Yorker is to download the fantastic CityMapper app . The free CityMapper app tells you exactly which subway line to get on, how many stops, and which exact exit to take for your destination.  Available on Apple & Android.

Each ride on the subway costs $2.75 and they recently introduced a weekly capped fare of $33 , which equates to 12 subway rides. This capped fare is applicable if you use the same debit/credit card to tap onto the subway entryways. You can also use Apple Pay & Google Pay on your phone. 

You can also still purchase paper tickets at machines, but the MTA is leaning towards ticketless travel and machines were not always available. 

Do note that during the summer months, the underground subway stations become ferociously hot. The searing kind that makes your eyeballs feel like they’re melting away. Thankfully the trains have air conditioning. 

Subway overview:

• Each subway ride is $2.75
• Weekly capped fares are $33 for 12 rides. 
• CityMapper App for getting around NYC.

The infamous yellow cabs of NY can be found cruising up and down most streets of the city. You can hail them on the side of the street if their middle light is lit up on their roof. No lights on means the taxi is occupied. Taxis are metered and are $0.70 per ⅕ mile or every 60 seconds. Tipping 15-20% is generally expected. Credit cards are accepted. 

Popular rideshare apps like Uber & Lyft are a good way of getting around the city, as you can use their estimated price predictor as a means of gauging whether or not the distance is worth the fare. 

The majority of subway stations are not mobility and accessibility friendly. The NYC buses are 100% wheelchair accessible, making it one of the first cities in the world to have an entire fleet that allows passengers with limited mobility to travel around the city. A single ride on a bus through the city is $2.75.

New York is one of those cities that deserves more than one visit. Its impossible to even scratch the surface of things to do in the city and you’ll find yourself discovering activity and sight one after the other.

Enjoy the vacation, whether its two days or ten, it’s one of the greatest cities in the world! This New York City Itinerary is a mere guide and shouldn’t be followed down to the letter, you never know what else you might discover and enjoy!

Some of these may be affiliate links, which means when you buy something I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and it really helps to support me – so thank you!

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram .

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The Wanderbug

Travel blog.

Itinerary: 5 Days in New York City for First Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to New York City is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. If you’re spending 5 days in New York City for the first time, there’s a mind-boggling number of things to do, see and eat. Planning a 5 day itinerary can seem impossible! I’ve lived in New York City and have used this experience to design what I think is the perfect itinerary for New York City, for first timers. I’ve included the best iconic and historic sights in the city, the best restaurants and bars, a day in Brooklyn, recommended shows & ticketed experiences and the best neighbourhoods in NYC to visit. Reach out if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help!

Day 1: Uptown, Midtown & Central Park

Day 2: the meatpacking, west village, soho & nolita, day 3: brooklyn, day 4: east village & lower east side , day 5: old new york & midtown hits, explore new york city.

Kick off your time in New York with a bang, and knock off a few iconic sights and destinations on your bucket list. Today is all about Uptown and Midtown Manhattan.

Morning: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

While you’re feeling fresh, tackle the city’s greatest and largest museum: The Met. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the world, so you won’t be able to see it all in one visit. My advice is to pick a few sections that sound the most interesting to you, and enjoy them, rather than rushing around trying to squeeze it all in. My favourite sections to bring visitors to are Egyptian Art (temples!), Medieval Art (especially the Great Hall!), Greek and Roman art and the European Paintings.

Before you leave, head up to The Roof for a great view over the treetops of Central Park (closes in October each year).

Lunch:  Head to cosy American bar & brunch spot The Penrose on the Upper East Side or to Saint Ambroeus ‘ Madison Avenue outpost for a taste of Milan.

Alternatively, if you’re more into science than art, check out the Natural History Museum, located on the other side of Central Park on the Upper West Side . I prefer The Met, but it depends what you’re into! If you take this option, get a fresh & delicious, quick bite at Daily Provisions on the Upper West Side.

Read more: My favourite museums & galleries in New York City

Afternoon: Central Park

Central Park is the most beautiful part of New York City. Much like The Met, you can’t see it all in one visit, but after several visits I’ve found the perfect tourist trail that shows off some of the prettiest parts.

As you leave the Met, head straight into the park and start heading north, until you reach the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Resevoir, which is beautiful during the summer months and absolutely stunning when it’s surrounded by cherry blossoms in Spring . 

Afterwards, head south towards the Central Park Lake, where you’ll also find the Loeb Boathouse, the famous Bow Bridge, the Bethesda Fountain and Bethesda Terrace. If the weather’s nice, you could put your name down for brunch at the boathouse and then hire a boat on Central Park Lake .

At the top of the stairs of Bethesda Terrace, you’ll find the start of the The Mall. Head south down The Mall, which is the iconic Central Park setting so often used in TV shows and movies set in New York. If it’s winter, head a bit further southeast once you reach the end of the mall to visit the Wollman Ice Skating Rink.

Just south of Central Park is the lovely Pulitzer Fountain, right outside the iconic Plaza Hotel. Treat yourself to High Tea or a glass of Champagne in the Palm Court at The Plaza, or book a table at the secret restaurant on Level 7 of luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman for some excellent people watching.

Evening: Broadway

Seeing a show on Broadway is one tourist cliche that is worth every penny. For the 2024 season, catch The Notebook , Liev Schrieber in Doubt , Water for Elephants or Cabaret starring Eddie Redmayne. Find more options on the Broadway website, and buy your tickets through TodayTix for the best prices and easy ticket collection (not sponsored, I just always use them!).

Dinner:  Times Square and the Theater District are full of tourist trap restaurants, but locals know there are a few hidden gems. Make a reservation at The Terrace & Outdoor Garden inside the Times Square EDITION hotel. Celebrity sightings are common at The Terrace, which is a gorgeous green oasis on the 9th floor of the hotel, perched above the chaos of Times Square.

Today is all about New York’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, and is one of the best days for just wandering around and enjoying classic New York City neighbourhoods.

Morning: West Village

West Village is one of the most charming and romanticised neighbourhoods in New York City. This well-heeled neighbourhood is full of quiet, leafy streets, stately brownstones and charming neighbourhood cafes and bistros. Head towards West 4th Street Station and wander west to soak up the neighbourhood’s charms.

Brunch: For a perfect West Village brunch, try  Jack’s Wife Freda  or  Joseph Leonard.

Once you’ve finished your West Village wandering, walk downtown towards SoHo via the beautiful Washington Square Park.

Afternoon: SoHo & Nolita

SoHo ‘s historic cast iron facades make it one of the most distinctive neighbourhoods in New York City. The streets around Greene St and Mercer Street and particularly pretty. In SoHo, browse the free art galleries like Jeffrey Deitch or check out The Drawing Center, or go shopping. My favourite stores are Frame (denim) and the MoMA Design Store.

Have an early lunch at chic La Mercerie or SoHo Diner for a sleek spin on a a retro diner. Otherwise, save your appetite for Nolita!

Once you’re finished, wander east a couple of blocks to Nolita, a tiny neighbourhood packed with cafes, bars and boutiques. You’ll find lots of skincare, jewellery and perfume stores in Nolita, as well as McNally Jackson , the best book store in New York. On the weekends, there’s a local designer market which mostly has jewellery, running along Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott St. I used to live in Nolita, and absolutely love this neighbourhood!

Lunch:   Grab a slice of the best pizza in New York City at Prince Street Pizza in Nolita. For a sweet treat, try something from Milk Bar , Little Cupcake Bake Shop (I’m obsessed with their banana pudding), Van Leeuwen ice cream or the best cannoli in New York City at Cafe Belle.

If you have time, continue down Mulberry St, past Kenmare and walk south into Little Italy.

Read More:  Nolita Neighbourhood Guide

Evening:  The High Line & Sleep No More

Before you hit the High Line, spend some time exploring The Meatpacking. You could have a drink on the rooftop of the Standard, or get dinner and drinks at Pastis or Catch . Otherwise, you can get dinner later in Chelsea.

The High Line is one of the most popular modern attractions in New York. It’s a free, public garden that has been installed in disused, elevated railway tracks that run from the Meatpacking to Chelsea. Historically, when the Meatpacking was still an industrial neighbourhood, the trains would take meat & other goods out of the Meatpacking and around the city. You can start at either end, but if you start in the Meatpacking, you’ll end up in Chelsea, ready for the rest of the evening’s plans.

Once you’re in Chelsea, you could have a casual dinner at Porchlight. Otherwise, head to the McKittrick Hotel for a drink at one of its gorgeous bars, before Sleep No More starts. Gallow Green is the gorgeous, garden-like rooftop bar that’s opened during the warmer months, and the Manderley Bar is a good option in winter.

Sleep No More is an immersive theatre experience, set in the McKittrick Hotel. It’s a modern re-telling of  MacBeth, but instead of sitting passively in the audience, guests and actors roam freely around the hotel. It’s one of my favourite things to do in New York City , as long as you’re up for a couple of hours of chasing actors around a four-storey hotel.

Get off the island today, and explore New York’s capital of cool in Brooklyn. Even though many neighbourhoods like Williamsburg are just as gentrified as Manhattan, there’s still plenty of authentic New York City charm to go around.

Morning: Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo & Cobble Hill

If you want to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, now’s your chance. Start in the Financial District and walk across the bridge into Dumbo. Alternatively, you can also get a beautiful view by taking the ferry from Wall Street to Dumbo. The fastest way to get to Dumbo is the subway.

Dumbo is a tiny neighbourhood, but it does have the iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and back towards Manhattan. You could pick up breakfast at the Time Out Market, or catch an uber to Cobble Hill (it’s a 30 min walk or 20 min subway).

Cobble Hill is Brooklyn’s version of West Village, but with more independent stores. This is such a lovely neighbourhood for wandering! You could eat here, like at Brooklyn Farmacy, or you could pick up some picnic supplies for this afternoon. For a picnic, you could get the best bagels at Shelsky’s , gorgeous baguettes at Bien Cuit , all manner of pastries and dips from the family-run Damascus Bakery and something sweet from One Girl Cookies. While you’re here, check out Books Are Magic , a charming bookshop owned by best-selling local author, Emma Straub.

Afternoon: Picnic in Prospect Park

You might want to catch another Uber, but it will be worth it! Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park. It’s also adjacent to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden, so if it’s too cold for a picnic you could head straight to the garden instead, which is beautiful year-round.

Evening: Williamsburg

End your day in Brooklyn with the borough’s original hipster neighbourhood. Start with rooftop cocktails at Westlight, which is on top of the William Vale Hotel. Book if you can, or prepare to queue. The insane views across the East River to Manhattan are worth it! East River State Park has similar views for free. Wander around Bedford Avenue and Wythe Avenue to get a feel for the neighbourhood.

For dinner & drinks, I’d recommend starting at Maison Premiere . This is a gorgeous, old-world bar with a beautiful patio garden and a killer oyster menu. I love getting a tasting plate of oysters from all around North America to compare. For dinner, make a reservation at Misi , and don’t miss their signature sheeps milk ricotta occhi and their olive oil ice cream for dessert. So delicious!

If you wanted to have dinner in Manhattan tonight instead, I’d recommend Estela or Gramercy Tavern which are both New York City icons in their own ways.

Alternatively: Live Sport

Not keen on the Brooklyn Bridge or rooftop cocktails? Book tickets to live sport. In summer, that could be baseball at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx or the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens; in autumn & winter it could mean basketball or ice hockey at Madison Square Gardens or NFL in New Jersey.

Get the scoop on New York’s amazing immigrant history and a taste of New York’s most beloved culinary traditions on the Lower East Side today.

Morning: Food Walking Tour

One of the best tours I did in New York City when I lived there was the Urban Adventures Tenements, Tales & Tastes Tour . It starts in the Financial District & ends in the Lower East Side . Your guide will walk you through downtown neighbourhoods, telling the story of immigrant New York with lots of delicious food stops along the way!

Afternoon: Tenement Tour

The tour covers these two spots, but if you didn’t do the tour, get lunch at Russ & Daughters or Katz’ Delicatessen. They’re both iconic, old school New York City delis and close to your next stop.

If you’re a history nerd like me, there’s no better way to step into the past then at The Tenement Museum. Book one of their Apartment Tours to get a guided tour through a traditional tenement building, where the apartments have been restored to showcase the stories of different immigrants in New York at different periods of time. I love these tours and have done two, but if this isn’t your thing you might like to book a spot on the rooftop at Mr Purple instead.

Later: East Village cocktail crawl

Explore East Village, which is home to some of the best bars in New York City. Take a couple of hours to kick back and relax at whatever kind of watering hole tickles your fancy. For smart cocktails, try Death & Co or Angel’s Share, or for something more casual check out the historic McSorley’s Old Ale House or Miss Lily’s .

Evening: Comedy Cellar

Comedy Cellar is the  quintessential New York City comedy club. Brick wall, spotlight, and a series of sharp stand up comedians. Weekend shows usually run at around $22, you’ll also need to purchase two items per person during the show (food or drinks), so it ends up around $60-$70pp. You’ll pay for your ticket when you get the final check at the end of the show. Make sure you reserve your tickets in advance!

Dinner & Drinks: Book for dinner at Via Carota or Dante , two West Village darlings that are firm local favourites. For drinks, the original outpost of Employees Only is a classic.

Your last day of this itinerary is teeming with classic New York sights and activities, from Midtown Manhattan to the West Village . Note that you’ll need to book most of these things in advance!

Morning: MoMA or the Morgan Library

The Museum of Modern Art got a major glow up in late 2019. Book tickets in advance, and move this activity to a weekday if you can, to battle less crowds. Alternatively, check out the Morgan Library & Museum which is a smaller and quieter collection, and home to one of the most impressive and glamorous private libraries in New York

Afternoon: Grand Central Station & Bryant Park

First, get lunch. Ess-A-Bagel in Midtown has the best bagels in New York City. If you’ve had enough bagels already, try Qualito Bistro or IRIS for upscale Aegean.

Grand Central Station is one of my favourite places in New York City to take visitors, for the beautiful architecture and hidden surprises within. First, venture deep into the station to find Grand Central Oyster Bar , which has been shucking oysters for New Yorkers for more than 100 years. Next up, admire the constellation painting on the central hall in the main concourse.

Finally, on your way out, stop for a cocktail at The Campbell , once the office an influential New Yorker. Gossip Girl fans might recognise it from the flashback scenes in Season 1.

Afterwards, walk to Bryant Park. I love Bryant Park, it’s one of the loveliest parks in New York City. It’s surrounded by skyscrapers, has beautiful fountains, a lawn and in winter it transforms into a winter village. The Bryant Park Cafe is a great spot for a drink or a bite, if you haven’t eaten earlier.

After the park, head into the adjacent New York Public Library and visit the Rose Reading Room , one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world.

Evening: Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building

Choose between the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock, because you don’t need to visit both. The Empire State Building is such an iconic observation deck, and is featured in so many films. However, the Top of the Rock has an incredible view of Manhattan, including the beautiful Empire State Building. If it’s your first time in the city, the Top of the Rock would be my choice.

Book tickets in advance and arrive a little before sunset so you can get daytime, sunset and night time views in one trip.

Later, head back to West Village for some live jazz. Live jazz is an iconic experience to have in New York City and there are lots of jazz bars to choose from. None are as legendary as the Village Vanguard. Book your tickets in advance.

For dinner, keep it old school and go to Minetta Tavern.

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That’s it! Have you been to New York City? Is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

New York City

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5 thoughts on “ itinerary: 5 days in new york city for first time visitors ”.

• Pingback: NoHo Neighborhood Guide • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: NYC Life: October 2019 • The Wanderbug

I haven’t been to NYC in over a decade. If I were to go back now, it would be like being a first-timer all over again. Your suggestions on what to do, see, and eat in NYC are extremely helpful, and I hope to find the time and money to head back soon. I appreciate your post!

Thank you so much! I hope you can get back there some time soon – it always burns a hole in my pocket but it’s always unforgettable!

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

7 Days in New York City | Travel Itinerary + Guide

“New York, New York (So Good They Named It Twice)” – Gerard Kenny, singer/songwriter

As a native New Yorker myself, I couldn’t agree more. New York City is a bustling city that never sleeps. Its streets are always alive with a vibrant energy that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it firsthand. And yes, NYC is active for 24 hours a day. Trying to cover all the attractions of New York City in just one week might seem daunting, but with the correct itinerary and plan, you can have an unforgettable experience. You can experience the best that NYC has to offer in this 7 day New York City travel itinerary. You’ll be able to explore all the tourist attractions plus get to enjoy things that native New Yorkers also love doing.

You can have many different types of things to do while in New York City, including such indulges as world-class cuisine or shopping in stores that can only be found in places such as Milan and Paris. Take a walk along South Street Seaport and see a glimpse of old New York, or take a ferry to Ellis Island and explore the Statue of Liberty. Come across cartoon characters that take pictures with you in Times Square and eat in hipster Brooklyn lined with restaurants that create new dishes all the time. New York promises the experience of a lifetime.

Keep reading this New York Trip Planner, as we take you through the best attractions, sights, and glimpses of New York that most visitors don’t get to see. New York City is a fantastic city with so much to offer, and we don’t want you to miss any of it. You’ll be in an Empire State of Mind in no time! (See what I did there.)

Day 1 – Arrival in New York City | Head right to the City Centre

Day 2 – visiting immigration history at ellis island, day 3 – central park, american museum of natural history and the met, day 4 – empire state building and the highline, day 5 – visit the next best borough – brooklyn, day 6 – 9/11 museum and downtown manhattan, day 7 – last day in nyc, top sights of new york city, where to stay in new york city, top new york city tours and activities, share this:, new york city trip guide – 7 days itinerary.

Pin this New York Trip Planner featuring a 7 Day New York City Tour Itinerary and Guide for your future Trip to NYC

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to New York City to tick off this 7 Day New York City Itinerary – 

• Book your Rental Car in New York City on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best New York City Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in New York City on Agoda or Booking.com
• Unlock Massive Savings by getting an All Inclusive New York City Pass from GoCity
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to New York City, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in New York City.

Morning: You’ll arrive at either JFK or LGA airport. Make your way from the airport via the AirTrain to the subway at Jamaica, Queens, and experience the NYC Subway right from the start of your trip. You can get a 7-Day Metro card for unlimited rides at the station, which I highly suggest doing. The subway runs 24 hours a day (most trains). Check into your hotel in New York City , which should be located in Manhattan, to get the most out of your trip.

Afternoon: Head over to Times Square, the intersection between 7th Avenue, Broadway, and 42nd Street. From here, you can go to the M&M’s World New York Store and explore the 3 floors of chocolate goodness and pick up NYC-only M&M gifts. From right outside the store, you can walk and get your picture taken with some of your favourite cartoon characters. You’ll have to pay to get a photo, though.

Times Square | New York City | Photo by Victor He on Unsplash

Evening:  Get dinner while in Times Square City Kitchen. Nestled in the Row Hotel, City Kitchen is a foodie lover’s paradise. A food hall with so many diverse food options. If you’re into comedy clubs, catch a show in Times Square. There are shows every night, and ticket prices vary from cheap to very expensive.

Pro Tip – To maximise on savings, grab the 5 Day All Inclusive New York City pass by GoCity , and visit as many New York City attractions as you want to.

Morning: Today, get *THE* iconic New Yorker breakfast. Bacon-egg-cheese with salt, pepper and ketchup on a roll. Yes, it’s ordered as one word, mainly because it’s said so fast. Ask where your closest deli or bodega is (your hotel will know) and get this delicious breakfast. Everyone from office workers to ambulance personnel will order this almost every morning. I promise you will see what you’re missing in life when you order this. Take the subway to Bowling Green. Here, head to Clinton Castle to purchase your ferry tickets to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Afternoon: Explore the island that the Statue of Liberty is on and get a chance to walk up inside of Liberty to the Crown. Tip: Make sure to get your tickets BEFORE you arrive in NYC. From here, you can take the ferry to Ellis Island and research immigration in America by visiting the museum. You can also look up your family members who came here through Ellis Island. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon looking into the history of not only New York but of your family as well. You can also book the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Half Day Tour here .

Statue of Liberty | Ellis Island, New York City | Photo by Pierre Blaché on Unsplash

Evening:  Take the ferry back to Manhattan from Ellis Island and walk around Battery Park. You can take in gorgeous views of the Hudson River, find tucked-away monuments, and find plenty of food trucks and eateries to fill up on. From here, you can also explore the Skyscraper Museum or ride on the Aquatic Carousel.

Morning: On Day 3 in this New York Trip Planner, we recommend that you head out to visit Central Park. You could relax at Central Park, walking around the Upper West Side neighbourhood. There are many trails with lots to explore. You’ll see New Yorkers sunbathing on the grass in summer or bicyclists riding on the bike paths all over. Central Park also has a zoo you can visit. For fans of The Beatles, you can see Strawberry Fields while here.

Afternoon: Visit some of the most famous museums that line the border of Central Park – the American Museum of Natural History and the MET, which also happen to be some of the top things to do in New York according to this NYC Weekend Travel Guide . Visit the American Museum of Natural History to see the iconic dioramas and fossils. Every kid loves to explore this museum. Then, head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art also known as the MET, one of the most extensive and comprehensive art museums in the world. Take advantage of the rooftop sculpture garden with views of Central Park.

⬆️  American Museum of Natural History (Left) | Metropolitan Museum of Art (Right)

⬇️ Central Park | New York City

Evening:  Look to see if a concert is playing or if actors are performing in the evening at Central Park. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants on Amsterdam Ave, about a block west of Central Park, between 77th St and 86th Street.

Morning:  Take a trip to the world-famous Empire State Building. Once the tallest building in the world until 1971, this is where you can take in breathtaking views of the City from the observation deck on the 86th floor. From there, head to the High Line, a scenic park built on an elevated rail line with views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.

Empire State Building | New York City | Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash

Afternoon:  From the Highline, you can visit Chelsea Market and see a bunch of food vendors and small boutique shops from local artists. After lunch, you can visit the Hudson Yards and walk to the top of The Vessel. It is a tall beehive-shaped structure that you can walk around and get great views of the Hudson and the City.

Evening:  End your day with dinner at one of the City’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Per Se or Le Bernardin. After dinner, head back to the Highline and grab a drink at the Rooftop Bar Gallow Green.

Morning:  Today, take the subway to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan and walk the bridge to Dumbo, Brooklyn. You’ll see the historic part of Brooklyn mixed with cute boutique stores and great eateries/restaurants for you to get world-class dining. Brooklyn is a state of mind, and you’ll see more locals here than in Manhattan. Head to The Brooklyn Flea Market. It’s one of the most popular in NYC, and you can find a great selection of records and vintage clothing. If that’s not your style, then go to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here, especially during the summer, you can sit out on the lawn, let kids run around, and get the best photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. Dumbo is a great community to walk around and explore for a few hours too.

Brooklyn Bridge | Dumbo, NYC | Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash

Afternoon: From Dumbo, head over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s another old-school neighbourhood turned hipster and artsy but offers lots to do. Smorgasburg is open on weekends and has many vendors from all over NYC selling food at decent prices. New Yorkers from all over come every Saturday and Sunday and grab food. They then chill out near the water to eat and relax or hang with their friends. After eating, spend the day strolling through Domino Park through the many paths. The park designers left a nod to the old Domino Sugar factory that used to be here, by scattering old factory equipment in the park.

Evening:  Head over to Brooklyn Bowl. In typical Brooklyn fashion, it’s an ordinary bowling alley mixed with a music venue and bar. It was called “one of the most incredible places on earth” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Grab dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants over here, and they have every type of cuisine, from Vegan to BBQ and everything else in between.

Morning: Head to the 9/11 museum today. The museum is held on the site where the towers once stood. It’s a very moving experience and helps you to understand what happened and how New York has coped with the aftermath. You’ll then see the memorial of where the Towers stood and the names posted around the edge of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day. You can even opt for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Guided Tour , to get a much better immersive experience.

9/11 Memorial, NYC | Photo by Manuel Velasquez on Unsplash

Afternoon: Head over to Little Italy and Chinatown. Separated by Canal Street, both of these neighbourhoods are worth the trip to explore, but Chinatown offers better food options. The best way to explore the area is by taking the Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour . There are many spots for great photos and shopping for gifts to take home.

Chinatown – New York City | Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

Evening:  Enjoy hanging out in Columbus Park for a few minutes before grabbing dinner. Columbus Park is like most other parks in NYC, but this park gives you a window into Chinatown. Make sure you stop for dessert at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. They offer flavors here you can’t get anywhere else, and it’s worth the visit.

Morning: In this New York Trip Planner, we recommend that you, make the most of your last day in New York and head to SoHo district. From here, you can walk around and see the original cobblestone streets of Manhattan and do some last-minute shopping at the 100s of stores in the area. Grab a coffee and sit at many outdoor cafes in the more excellent weather months and enjoy the sights and sounds of the City one last time.

SoHo, Manhattan, NYC | Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash

Afternoon:  Stroll through Washington Square Park and watch street performers playing or grab a bite to eat from the food truck vendors that hang out on the Street. This is a great way to relax before you leave NYC. Then, return to the hotel to check out and catch your flight home.

Take in a Broadway Show –  You can catch a show that’s playing, but make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.

Grand Central Terminal – This is where the trains come into Midtown Manhattan, and it is very historic with beautiful architecture.

Top of the Rock –  Get a bird’s eye view of the City from on top of the Empire State Building.

Rockefeller Plaza – This is where the famous holiday tree stands, ice skating, and the favourite NBC studios are here. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral –  The most famous catholic church in New York City.

New York Public Library – Open to visitors to explore and experience the history of this library.

Museum of Modern Art MOMA – Another fantastic art museum has works such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

One World Observatory – Top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere with more amazing views of New York City.

Here are some of our recommended hotels in New York City that you can choose from – 

Pod Times Square |  The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel |  Best Western Plus SoHo Hotel | Paramount Hotel Times Square |  Walker Hotel Greenwich Village | Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza |  Hampton Inn Manhattan – 35th Street Empire State Building | The Manhattan Hotel at Times Square

Or you can simply enter your dates, and hit the search button in the box below, to search and compare prices for the Best Hotels in New York City, based on your needs.

New York Bus Tour by BigBusTours | Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour | Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise | New York City One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour | 9/11 Memorial Tour and Museum Ticket

Book the Best New York City Tours and Activities on GetYourGuide

Book the Best New York City Tours and Activities on Viator

Book the Best New York City Tours and Activities on Klook

Don’t forget to Pin this NYC Travel Guide and New York Trip Planner featuring an exhaustive 7 Day New York City Travel Itinerary , carefully crafted and curated by a local, which will help you in planning for your trip to New York City.

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New York Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide

Planning a trip to New York can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. There are many things to see and explore in this historic city, and you might miss out on the essential travel spots if you don’t plan your trip well. Hence, I created a New York Itinerary to help you prepare for your trip to the Big Apple. In this post, I will share three itineraries plus tips to make your visit seamless. These itineraries are designed for first-time and seasoned travelers of New York City.

Basic Information of New York City

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• Other Travel Tips

New York City is the most densely populated city in the United States. The city sits at the southern tip of New York State and comprises five boroughs: The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. The city is also known as the Big Apple, and millions of travelers visit this metropolis due to its towering skyscrapers, historic landmarks, diverse culture, and incredible entertainment. Whether you are exploring the streets of New York City or climbing view decks of buildings, this city has a lot to offer, which promises an unforgettable experience.

New York City is an accessible and walkable city. It is easy to visit from point A to point B. There are several options you can do to get around the city, depending on your budget.

Ride Hailing Apps or Taxi

For starters, this method is the easiest but also the most expensive. You can use a ride-hailing service of your choice and set the destination that you would like to go. However, New York City has a lot of traffic, which can increase travel time, especially during rush hour or the holiday season. This is a comfortable option, but you can check the following method if you want to save more money.

Ride the Subway

This is the method I used when I visited New York City, and riding the subway is surprisingly reliable and convenient. New York City’s subway system is the oldest and one of the most extensive transit systems in the United States. It covers 665 miles of track with over 470 stations, and the system has been part of the city’s culture and history.

New York City Subway Tips

• Use Google Maps or Transit in planning your ride. You need to plan your trip before using the subway. In our experience, we used Google Maps or Transit to plan our ride. These apps are excellent in providing real-time updates and arrival train times.
• Purchase a MetroCard . Getting a MetroCard can make your riding experience more convenient. These cards are available at a MetroCard Machine in most subway stations. I recommend purchasing their 7-day unlimited MetroCard, which covers the subway fare for your entire trip if you stay in New York City for a week or less.
• Use OMNY to Pay for Transit Fares. I used this method to pay my transit fares in the New York City Subway. OMNY is a tap-to-pay system available at every turnstile. You need to use one mode of contactless payment for your entire trip, and this enables the free ride feature once you paid 12 rides within the week. I use Apple Pay on my iPhone, and I just tapped my phone on the OMNY tap-to-pay terminal before passing through the turnstile. This method is fast and convenient.
• Know your Train and Know your Stops. Some subway stations receive multiple trains on several tracks. Pay attention to the train number you need to ride and to the exits you need to go.
• Stay Safe . Riding the New York Subway System is generally safe. However, you must be aware of your surroundings, monitor your belongings, and be cautious while using your phones and other electronic devices.

Take the Bus

Aside from the subway, New York City has a comprehensive bus system. Like the subway, you can use the MetroCard or OMNY tap-to-pay system to purchase bus rides. Google Maps and Transit App also have bus integrations, which provide real-time updates and arrival times.

As I mentioned earlier, New York City is walkable. When my friends and I visited New York City, we had an average of 20,000 steps daily. Surprisingly, some tourist attractions in NYC are just a few walks apart. It may be exhausting for some people, but hey, walking is healthy and good for the heart.

New York Itinerary

We are now at the centerpiece of this travel post. Our New York Itinerary will help you in planning your trip. This section will share itineraries for a 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day trip. Now, it is up to you if you would like to follow these itineraries, but you can be flexible and modify them depending on your needs. Each day will start by checking in to your chosen accommodation, and the whole trip will end at standard hotel check-out time.

This itinerary focuses on visiting the most important tourist attractions in New York City. I also developed a map for this itinerary, and it is posted at the end of this section.

Day 1 of 3: Times Square and Grand Central Terminal

After checking in and settling in the hotel, we will start our New York Trip by exploring Times Square. Possible activities include shopping, dinner, and touring around the area. There are many attractions, street performances, and shops around Times Square, and you will never run out of options.

A couple blocks away from Times Square is the Grand Central Terminal. You’ll be surprised at how close these tourist attractions are in New York City. The Grand Central Terminal offers different dining options and shops as well. It is also a great place to admire its history and beautiful architecture.

Day 2 of 3: Historical Tour

The second day of our tour includes a historical visit to the most important tourist attractions in New York City. We will visit Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty and explore more about the immigrant history of the United States through Ellis Island. We recommend booking a tour in advance to prevent inconveniences during your vacation.

The second half of the day involves commemorating the tragic 9/11 event through its memorial and museum. You don’t need any reservations to visit the 9/11 memorial pools. However, if you prefer to visit the museum, you need to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid any hassle. On the other hand, you can also see several attractions around the area, such as the Oculus and the One World Trade Center. Finally, we will conclude at DUMBO with a walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. This area has many food places to try, and you can sit and relax at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Day 3 of 3: Good Morning, New York!

On the third day of the tour, we need to wake up early and experience sunrise with coffee at Starbucks Reserve in the Empire State Building. This tour happens on the 86th floor of the historic Empire State Building, and visitors have early access to the viewing deck. It’s a great way to conclude your tour with the amazing panorama of New York City!

This 4-day itinerary in New York is an enhanced version of our 3-day itinerary. It has the same places to visit from our previous example but with an added twist of entertainment and physical activity.

Day 1 of 4: Feel the Energy

Day 2 of 4: historical tour, day 3 of 4: central park and broadway.

The third day of this 4-day itinerary is jam-packed. We begin by exploring Central Park’s amazing landscape, winding trails, and calm atmosphere. Central Park is also an excellent place for those who would like to have fresh air away from the fast-paced and busy environment of the city. From Central Park, we will go up high, visit the Empire State Building, and see the city in its glorious panorama. Remember, you must reserve a ticket in advance to prevent any hassles to your trip.

After lunch, we will walk a little south and visit the iconic Flat Iron Building with Madison Square Park nearby. The Chelsea Market is also added to this itinerary to shop for souvenirs and other goodies. Finally, we will end the day by watching a theatrical show on Broadway. There are a bunch of shows available in New York City, and you can purchase your tickets online or right at the ticket stand in Times Square. Similarly, purchasing Broadway tickets in advance can help you score a discount.

Day 4 of 4: Thank You, New York!

The last day of this 4-day itinerary has no specific activities. After a busy and entertaining night at the Big Apple, it’s time to rest a bit and prepare for your hotel checkout. You can have breakfast in your hotel’s breakfast bar or a nearby restaurant. Overall, you will go home with great memories and a happy heart.

I called this itinerary ‘just chill’ because five days is more than enough to explore New York City. In fact, this is the itinerary my friends and I used for our trip, and we enjoyed every single moment of it. You can freely modify this itinerary however you want, whichever works for you.

Day 1 of 5: Times Square and Broadway Night

Our first day started with an exploration of the New York Times Square. It’s like soaking yourself in the immense energy of New York City and feeling every second of it. We also ate at a local restaurant and purchased Broadway tickets at the ticket stand. The first day was a blast, but there were more things to discover in the following days of the trip.

Day 2 of 5: Historical Tour and Top of the Rock

The second day of this trip is jampacked and full of meaningful visits. Since we booked our Liberty and Ellis Islands Tour at 1000H, we decided to visit the Charging Bull at the Financial District and the Castle Clinton National Monument. After this, we head on for our Liberty and Ellis Islands tour to meet the iconic Statue of Liberty and learn about the history of Ellis Island. We stayed for almost five hours on this tour because we were so immersed and engaged in the history of this place. We also had a quick lunch at a burger stand located on Liberty Island.

Travel Tip: Aside from making reservations online, you can also save money by purchasing a CityPass ticket. Purchasing a CityPass ticket includes admission to five different tourist attractions of your choice and is valid for nine days. My friends and I availed a CityPass, saving up to 40% compared to making individual reservations. You can check CityPass now through this link: https://www.citypass.com/new-york .

At 1600H, we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and walked a few feet away to Rockefeller Center to visit our first view deck on this trip, the Top of the Rock . This view deck offers a breathtaking 360-view of the city. If you face south of the deck, you will see the Empire State Building perfectly centered in this live urban canvas. After visiting the Rockefeller Center, we went for dinner and our free time.

Day 3 of 5: Museum Tours

Similar to our second day, the third day of this trip is also filled with tourist spots to visit. We started our day by visiting the Empire State Building and seeing New York City in its beautiful glory in the morning. The Empire State Building also has a mini-museum, which you have to visit before heading to the elevators going to the view deck. Then, we headed to the Grand Central Terminal for a quick visit and lunch. There are available food places and restaurants in this location, so we grabbed a bite before visiting our following location.

Our next museum stop is the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). There are many things to see in this museum, and don’t miss out on their planetarium; it is a one-of-a-kind experience! From the AMNH, we walked through Central Park and visited Apple Fifth Avenue before riding the train to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This place is our last museum of the day, and we learned a lot. After a full day of museum tripping, we went to Eataly for dinner and enjoyed the rest of the night.

Day 4 of 5: Cruise and The Edge!

We know we can only visit some tourist spots in New York City for five days. Thus, we decided to take a 2.5-hour cruise around Manhattan with Circle Line’s Best of NYC tour! This is the best way to explore the whole island of Manhattan in a chill and relaxing manner. After the tour, we headed to Hell’s Kitchen for our lunch. As Filipinos, we tried Tradisyon at Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a Filipino restaurant, and their food surely tastes like home.

From Hell’s Kitchen, we went to Brooklyn to visit Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge. We stayed there for a while before heading to our final spot, the Hudson Yards and The Edge. We went shopping around Hudson Yards and ended our trip with a stunning view of the city at the Edge . It is the highest viewing deck in New York City and offers a beautiful view of Lower and West Manhattan.

Day 5 of 5: See You Soon, New York!

Finally, we reach Day 5 of this itinerary. Feel free to modify your last day here in New York City. In our case, we just relaxed in our hotel room before checking out and heading to LaGuardia Airport.

There are many New York Hotels to choose from depending on the places you will visit. For example, if you will stay mainly in Brooklyn, then you have to find accommodation in that area. On our trip, we recommend the Ink 48 Hotel located at Hell’s Kitchen. Our hotel’s location is perfectly centered on the tourist attractions we planned to visit. It is also a few walks away from the nearest bus stop and subway, so this hotel is convenient for us. If you travel with your friends or loved ones, you can save money by splitting the hotel expenses. Additionally, you can also check our partners at Booking.com for hotel deals and discounts. Check out their latest offers below:

You will never run out of food places in New York City. The city is diverse regarding food options, and here are some of the restaurants and cafes we tried in New York City.

• Dell’anima at 600 11th Avenue: This tiny Italian restaurant offers big flavors in its pastas.
• George’s at 89 Greenwich St: A lovely place for American Breakfast
• Eataly NYC Downtown at 101 Liberty St, 3rd Floor: It’s an Italian Market with different Italian food places.
• Tradisyon at 790 9th Ave: A Filipino restaurant at Hell’s Kitchen featuring their best flavored Adobo.
• % Arabica at 20 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn: This coffee place offers diverse beans and rich croissants.
• Ichiran at 132 W 31st St: Simply the Best Ramen I have tried in the United States!
• Joe’s Pizza at 7 Carmine St: The famous pizza featured in the Spiderman movie of the 2000s.
• Venchi at 233 Bleecker St: A new chocolate and gelato place in town.

New York City has many tourist spots, and there is always a place to explore in every corner. Here are the places to visit I mentioned earlier:

• American Museum of Natural History
• Central Park
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Top of the Rock
• Times Square

You can also check our 20 New York Tourist Attractions article here to learn more about other tourist spots.

New York Itinerary: Other Travel Tips

• You can visit New York City all year round! Visiting New York City in December will give you a unique holiday experience, but be prepared for the cold weather. On the other hand, we visited New York City in late Spring and early Summer. The temperature was just right, and there was not enough precipitation when we visited.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Visiting New York City involves a lot of walking. My average steps per day in New York was at 20,000! So it is essential to wear shoes with good support and cushioning.
• Travel Light! There are many security checks in every tourist attraction you will visit in New York City. Avoid bringing a backpack. Instead, put your important items in a small sling/messenger bag. There are stricter security checks when you carry big bags and backpacks, so travel light and don’t let this thing interfere with your trip.
• Use contactless payment when riding the subway or bus. Remember, you have to use the same contactless payment or device when riding the subway/bus to avail of unlimited rides once you reach more than 12 rides within the week.
• Stay alert all the time. For safety purposes, be mindful and always check your belongings whenever you travel.
• Make advance reservations. This step will help you prepare and avoid inconveniences during your New York City trip. You can check our travel partner Viator in purchasing tour tickets in advance for a discounted rate. Check out their best deals and offers here.

New York Itinerary Summary

So there you have it! In this article, I shared three itineraries to help unlock your travel goals in New York City. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning ahead for your trip is crucial, and I believe these itineraries will guide you through a memorable journey in this huge metropolis. As you embark on your next vacation, do not forget to take photos, savor every moment, and share your experiences with your friends and family.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains links to products or services from our affiliate partners in the travel industry. This means that we may earn a commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links. Rest assured that these partnerships do not influence our content, and we only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will be of value to our readers. Your support through these affiliate links helps us continue to provide valuable travel information and resources. Thank you for your understanding and support.

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New york tourist attractions: 20 things to do and travel tips.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York: Travel Guide

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1 Day in NYC: Must-do’s for First-timers + Interactive Map

Only have one day in New York ? Maximize your visit with my itinerary created especially for NYC first-time visitors . I have visited New York City several times. During my last two trips, I was accompanied by people visiting for the first time.

I recommend spending at least four days in NYC . However, even one day can give you a taste of this top travel destination.

Key Things to Know: Top things to do in NYC for a day

• Essential Stops: Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, or Central Park for a mix of history and iconic landmarks.
• Transportation Tip: Maximize your time by using the subway for faster travel between Manhattan’s attractions.
• Customization: This itinerary is completely customizable to your particular interests and the exact amount of time you have in New York City.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

One day in New York itinerary 

9/11 memorial (and museum).

9/11 Memorial | Closest subway stops: WTC–Cortland St (1) and Cortland Street (R, W)  

Start your day by spending your morning in Lower Manhattan. 

In my opinion, your one-day in NYC itinerary should absolutely include the 9/11 Memorial. It’s one of my favorite free things to do in New York City .   

The terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers, forever changed the city and the United States. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and beautiful memorials that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

The 9/11 Memorial typically is open to the public all day every day. 

Optional: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is at the same location. Though I haven’t had the privilege of seeing it, I’ve heard great things. There is a charge for admission to the museum.

Statue of Liberty 

Ferry from Manhattan departs from Battery Park | Subway stops: South Ferry Station (1), Whitehall Street (R), Bowling Green (4, 5)  

Your one-day New York City itinerary must include the Statue of Liberty, my absolute favorite place in the city

Buy your tickets ahead of time onlin e, especially if you want to climb up to the crown. When available, those tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance.    

Even if you don’t want to go up onto the pedestal or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you can purchase a ticket to enjoy the cruise over to Liberty Island (with great views of both Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan). You can visit the new museum and walk around the monument’s exterior.

 If you only have a day in New York I recommend skipping a visit to Ellis Island even though it’s included in your ticket. 

More things to do on a day trip to New York City

• Explore NYC with a sightseeing helicopter tour over Manhattan .
• Pay a visit to the top of One World Observatory with this skip-the-line ticket .
• If you’re staying the night in New York, consider this sunset cruise in New York Harbor.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Lunch options: where to eat 

By the time you finish your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. The Crown Café offers a wide variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu includes vegetarian options as well as several items that can be made gluten-free upon request. 

Battery Park (where you’ll disembark from your cruise to Liberty Island) is a great picnic spot. You can grab a cheap lunch from a food truck or assemble a picnic from a nearby market.

If a restaurant is more what you’re looking for, wander into the Financial District where you’ll find a variety of popular eateries for all budgets. 

Empire State Building 

20 West 34 Street | Subway stop: 34 St–Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), 33 St (M)  

Many believe that visiting the Empire State Building is a must on their trip to New York City.

I will admit right now that in all my NYC trips, I’ve only ever admired this iconic structure from the ground.  I do not like heights, nor do I generally pay money to stand atop them. But you who are not afraid of heights can go as high as the 102nd floor. The main observation deck is on the 86th floor.   

Time-saving tip: Upgrade your Empire State Building ticket to get skip-the-line access.

As an alternative, save the Empire State Building for after dinner, or even enjoy dinner at the State Grill and Bar.  

Times Square 

Subway stop: Times Square–42 Street (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7)   

You’ve seen it in movies and TV shows. Of all the places to visit in New York City, it’s hard to think of anything else that’s more New York than Times Square. Soak it in, take a few photos, and wander through so you can say you’ve been there (it’s great at night also). Maybe even buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt or stop in at M&M’s World.  

Times Square is just a 15-minute walk from the Empire State Building.  

Rockefeller Center 

Between 49th and 51st Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues | Subway stop: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M), 49 Street (N, R, W)  

A 10-minute walk from Times Square will take you to Rockefeller Center. It’s a New York City landmark that includes 30 Rockefeller Plaza (NBC Studios), Radio City Music Hall, and more.

In addition to some great shopping and dining, you can take a guided tour of Rockefeller Center, go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck , skate at the Rink, and more.     

If you’re feeling snackish, I recommend stopping at Magnolia Bakery for something yummy.  

Grab your Top of the Rock ticket here.

Central Park 

From North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave | Subway stops: There are several subway stops around the perimeter of the park including 5th Ave/59 Street (N, R, W), 59 Street/Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1), Central Park North (2, 3), and 6 stops on the west side of the park.  

Central Park is so quintessentially New York that you absolutely need to make time in your itinerary to see it even if only spending one day in New York.

Now, keep in mind that this park is huge. I mean it. Central Park covers 1.3 square miles (840 acres) of Manhattan. You could easily spend an entire day just exploring this place.  

To start I’d suggest looking at a map of the park and choosing a few things there you want to see. This might be the Central Park Zoo, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Belvedere Castle, or the Conservatory Water (where you can rent a model boat to sail on the pond).   

The southeast corner of Central Park is just a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center. If you want to walk all the way to the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue, expect a walk of closer to 30 minutes.

Time-saving Tip: Instead of walking to Central Park from Rockefeller Center, jump in a NYC cab.

Interactive map for your one day in New York City itinerary

Click on the yellow pins on the map below to see more information about each stop on your itinerary.

To see this map in your Google account just tap on the little star next to the map name.

Ways to modify this itinerary

With only one day in NYC, there are an incredible number of ways you could spend your time. Here are a few ways you could modify this one-day itinerary to fit your particular interests. It’s important that you get to see the things you want.

• Take the subway to Brooklyn then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying your view of the Manhattan skyline.
• Enjoy a tour of either or both of two of the premier art museums in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Museum of Modern Art.
• Explore Greenwich Village, Soho, and other iconic neighborhoods.
• End your day with a Broadway show.

Short half-day itinerary for NYC

Even if you don’t have a full day or 24 hours to spend in New York City, you can still see a few of the major highlights. Here are a few options:

• Focus on one area such as Lower Manhattan, grabbing a view of Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
• Explore the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center, and then stroll up to Central Park for some more exploring.
• Get the best of New York’s top art museums at The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim.

New York 1-day tours

Want to see the best of New York in a day, but rather leave the planning to someone else? Leave the planning to an expert tour guide.

• Pack the very best of NYC into one day with this highly rate expert guided tour . See New York’s major landmarks in only 6 hours.
• Go beyond Manhattan’s major tourist sites with this tour of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Harlem, and Coney Island .

Where to stay in New York City

If you’re thinking about spending more than a day in New York, you might be overwhelmed by the many hotel options.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in New York City: 

• Hyatt Place Midtown South (52 West 36th Street): We loved staying at this hotel. It’s just two blocks from the Empire State Building and just around the corner from the 34th Street – Herald Square subway stop. Book Now  
• For a more boutique-style accommodation try Archer Hotel New York (45 West 38th Street). Book Now

How to get around New York City

I say this so often, but I will continue to say it over and over: use your feet and the subway.

I’m serious about the subway. You’ll get where you want to go cheaper than Uber or taxis and of course much faster than walking especially when traveling from one area of Manhattan to another.  You can find subway maps on the MTA website .

Taxis are a fine option for getting around New York City especially if you are in a time crunch or are going someplace that just doesn’t have an easy subway route or a nearby stop.

Final thoughts on one day in New York

There are so many amazing things to do in NYC in a day of course that you can’t possibly see as much as you would like, BUT you can see the best of the best if you have 24 hours in the Big Apple.

From historical monuments to stunning views from the best observatories in the world, you almost can’t go wrong with how you spend your day here.

What do you think everyone should put on their 1-day NYC itinerary?

More articles about New York

• The essential overnight packing list
• Free things to do in NYC
• Must-do things in New York for first-timers
• The top day trips from NYC
• Scenic drives in New York state

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Can’t wait great job

Great article, Darcy! You have prepared an amazing one-day itinerary for people vising NYC along with some great tips to commute within the city. Subways are indeed the best way to get around the whole city. However, if the time permits, why not go sailing as well? After seeing the city on foot all day, one can relax on a sailboat and enjoy the skyline. Several companies offer rental for 2-3 hours including sunset cruises overlooking Manhattan. Book beforehand to get the best deals.

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4 Days in NYC: The Ultimate (Massive) 4 Days in New York Itinerary

Trying to put together the perfect 4 days in New York itinerary for your first visit to the city? You have your work cut out for you!

New York is alive in a way that few cities are. It is intense, enormous, intricate, invigorating, and ever-changing.

Restaurants, storefronts, fads–they all come and go with ease in New York. Yesterday’s Instagram sensation is today’s quiet dessert shop is (possibly) tomorrow’s closed business.

A generation ago Little Italy thrived, now what’s left of the neighborhood has been given over to tourists, and the Italian community is over on Arthur Avenue.

On and on New York goes–in every neighborhood and every borough, change is the constant heartbeat of the city.

And yet, there is the iconic side to New York as well: the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge: any first trip to New York is likely to include those.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

But ultimately, no one person experiences New York the same way, because New York isn’t quite the same city to any one person (just ask the three people we love best in NYC: an employee at a tech startup, a longtime New York bartender, and a Williamsburg-dwelling artsy type who is allergic to Midtown–it’s hard to believe that these three inhabit the same city sometimes).

After many visits to New York, often led around by our local loved ones and occasionally dragging them off to see iconic sights they’d rather skip (see: Times Square), this is what we know about New York: it’s just as incredible as everyone says… and just as overwhelming, too.

We’ve put together this 4 days in New York itinerary to help curb that feeling of being overwhelmed, while also increasing the amount of joy and wonder found in a trip to New York. A visit here is a dream trip for so many–and with only 4 days in New York, you want to get it right.

Table of Contents

Who is this New York itinerary for?

Day 1 in new york itinerary: upper manhattan + midtown, day 2 in new york itinerary: midtown + museums, day 3 in new york itinerary: financial district + staten island ferry, day 4 in new york itinerary: the village + chelsea + brooklyn, where to stay in new york, more time in nyc, getting around during 4 days in new york city, travel tips for nyc.

There are as many possible New York itineraries as there are people in NYC (more than 8.6 million, that is), so this New York itinerary is designed with a particular visitor in mind: a first-time visitor to the city who wants to hit up most of the iconic things to do in New York , while also occasionally stepping a bit away from the crowds and tourist buses.

We’ve designed it for an independent traveler, someone happy to jump on a unique tour or buy tickets to an amazing attraction, but who isn’t interested in being led around the city’s best-known spots in an enormous group of people or boarding one of the giant tour buses that you often see in the Financial District and Midtown.

Of course, no 4 days in New York could hope to cover all the city has to offer–you’d need a lifetime for that–but this itinerary will ensure you leave feeling like you’ve definitely gotten a taste of New York City.

Map of Day 1 in New York

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Start your day at one of New York’s most iconic museums.

There’s no better way to kick off your 4 days in New York than with a peek inside one of the museums that make the city so famous!

New York is littered with museums, from the enormous and iconic to the tiny and quirky, but for this first morning, opt for one of the big three:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Upper East Side)

New York’s premier art gallery, home to everything from American paintings to an impressive collection of historic armor sourced from around the world to Egyptian artifacts to entire Parisian rooms that have been relocated to New York.

Book your skip-the-line tickets for the Met now with no extra cost! Prefer the context of a tour? This one gets great reviews and will show you the best of the Met.

American Museum of Natural History (Upper West Side)

Known for its impressive dinosaur fossils, including the first-ever found fossil from the tyrannosaurus rex, the American Museum of Natural History is home to a mind-bogglingly large collection of specimens pertaining to the natural world.

This is one of our favorite museums in the world, and the one we personally chose to visit on our very first trip to New York!

Shop skip-the-line tickets for the Natural History Museum now with no extra cost!

The Museum of Modern Art (Midtown)

More of a modern art person? Consider making your way to the famous Museum of Modern Art to start your 4 days in New York, which is home to, among many other things, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Keep in mind that while the Met and Natural History Museum are both right next door to Central Park and located a mere 15-minute walk across the park from each other, MOMA is a bit south of the park into Midtown–for that reason, if you decide that MOMA is the museum for you, you may want to start your morning with a stroll through Central Park and then head to the museum, rather than the other way around.

Book skip-the-line tickets for the MOMA today for no extra charge!

Stroll through Central Park.

What could possibly be more iconically New York than a walk through Central Park?

The park itself is enormous and could easily eat up an entire day’s itinerary, which you quite honestly don’t have time for when trying to see New York in 4 days.

Here are a few things to consider adding to your list: visiting Belvedere Castle, rowing across Central Park Lake in an adorable rowboat, checking out the Alice in Wonderland statue, strolling through the beautiful Bethesda Terrace Arcade, and meandering through The Ramble.

You probably won’t have time to fit all that in–but all of these highlights are concentrated in the southern half of the park, south of the Met and the Natural History Museum, so make geographic sense for this New York itinerary.

Wander down Fifth Avenue.

Combining transportation with sightseeing is the best way to check out Fifth Avenue: as you make your way further south toward the rest of the day’s highlights, be sure to slow down long enough to ogle Fifth Avenue’s famous stores and buildings!

Notable locations that you’ll pass on this section of Fifth Avenue include the Plaza Hotel, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman. The Saks Fifth Avenue is also just a smidge past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, so if you’re the shopping type, be sure not to miss that stop, either!

Check out St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Arguably the most impressive religious structure in New York, the impressive Neo-Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral looks almost out of place on busy, modern, consumer-focused Fifth Avenue, but the building is stunning and well worth a look inside.

Pay a visit to Rockefeller Plaza (and maybe visit the Top of the Rock).

Turn 180 degrees away from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, you’ll be facing Rockefeller Plaza.

Walk toward the plaza and you’ll be confronted with Rockefeller Center, numerous recognizable stores (Lego, Nintendo, FAO Schwartz, etc.), the famous ice-skating rink in the winter, and Radio City Music Hall just slightly further down W 50th.

If you’re ready for some epic skyline views of New York, this is also a great time to head to the Top of the Rock!

Want to experience incredible views from the Top of the Rock? Buy your Top of the Rock tickets today!

See a Broadway show.

Seeing a show on Broadway is the perfect way to spend your first evening in New York.

If you’re hoping to see Hamilton, you’ll still need to be prepared to pay through the nose for seats–but many shows, including fan favorites like Phantom of the Opera , Chicago , and The Lion King can all often be found for under $100/ticket if you’re willing to grab the cheap seats (in well-designed theaters, there’s no such thing as a bad seat in Broadway).

Check prices & shop Broadway tickets for Phantom of the Opera , Chicago , The Lion King , and more today!

Drop by Times Square at night.

Yes it’s cheesy, yes it’s touristy, but it has to be done: Times Square at night is an absolute marvel, and finishing the night off here is a great way to end your first day in New York City, especially since you’ll likely be right next door after wrapping up at your show of choice.

Be sure to be cautious of your pockets here–it’s one of the riskiest places for pickpocketing in the city–but other than that, enjoy the lights and the photo ops (just remember: like any other tourist zone in the world, if you take photos of or make eye contact with one of the “characters” or street performers, they will want to be paid–we recommend not engaging with them at all).

Map of Day 2 in New York

Get a classic new york breakfast to kick off your day..

What two things are more iconically New York breakfast than diners and bagels?

Since you’re going to be kicking off sightseeing with Grand Central Station in a few minutes, we recommend heading somewhere nearby for breakfast.

While there are literally endless delicious restaurants in New York (including plenty of amazing New York brunches ), for options within a reasonable walk of Grand Central, we can recommend Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner for somewhere with a great New York vibe and reasonable prices for a sit-down breakfast.

If you’d prefer a grab-and-go option, Bagel Express is nearby, tasty, inexpensive, and no-frills.

With either of these options, be sure to look up when you’re walking down Lexington Avenue to get a peek at the Chrysler Building, which is one of my personal favorite buildings in the Manhattan skyline!

Check out Grand Central Terminal.

Grand Central Terminal is just as busy as you might expect–and also just as beautiful.

Somehow, in all the TV shows and movies I saw the station featured in growing up, I never managed to catch sight of the stunning turquoise ceiling–I saw it for the first time in person, and it’s now one of my favorite features of the building.

Optional: Not tired of books? Go see the Morgan Library & Museum.

Granted, with a $22 entrance fee, the Morgan (think J.P Morgan Chase) Library & Museum probably isn’t going to be a must-see for any but the truest bibliophiles during their 4 days in New York, but as it’s located just a few minutes south of Grand Central, it still bears mentioning here: the library itself is absolutely lovely, and there are plenty of interesting rotating exhibitions that come in and out (there was an intriguing looking one on Tolkien going on during our last trip to New York).

If you’re not keen to part with your cash but still want to duck inside, admission is free on Friday evenings from 7pm – 9pm, and there are a few other free time slots available throughout the week to see the library only (so not including the adjoining museum).

Marvel at the New York Public Library.

New York’s Public Library (to be clear: we’re talking about the main branch on 5th Avenue here) is an absolutely unmissable piece of the city, especially for bibliophiles like us!

Not only is it absolutely gorgeous–the lion statues out front and the Rose Reading Room inside are both must-sees–it’s also free to visit, which will give your wallet a much-needed break (as I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, working through an iconic 4 day New York itinerary isn’t easy on the budget).

If you go by on the weekend, there’s a good chance you’ll see some wedding photos being snapped out front!

Still want to relax a little after visiting the library and not quite ready to move on? Bryant Park is right next door to the New York Public Library and a great place to rest your feet for a bit.

Say hello to the Empire State Building.

Is there a more iconic building anywhere in New York? Doubtful.

A visit to the Empire State Building–or walking by it at the very least–is an absolutely must-do during your 4 days in New York!

If you didn’t visit Top of the Rock yesterday, or if you are addicted to viewpoints and want to visit both, this is the time to head to the top of the Empire State Building!

If you’re visiting at any point but the dead of winter, you’ll absolutely want to purchase a skip-the-line ticket to the Empire State Building –and even if you’re purchasing a “normal” ticket, definitely be sure to purchase your ticket in advance, so that you can skip the ticket line itself at the very least.

Don’t want to pass up the opportunity to see New York from the Empire State Building? Book your tickets to visit the Empire State Building today!

For lunch, head to either Murray Hill (Indian) or Koreatown.

While Chinatown is incredible, there is so much more to New York’s international food scene than that!

After visiting the Empire State Building, you’ll be in a great location to hit up either Murray Hill for some of the best Indian food of your life or Koreatown for some truly epic Korean barbeque.

There are literally endless restaurants in these neighborhoods, so we recommend googling to find out which options are near you, have great reviews, and are in your price point. Of course, this is New York–restaurants only get so cheap–but you definitely don’t want to accidentally walk into a $$$ place when you’re looking to spend $, you know?

Head down to the Flatiron Building.

New York’s famous triangle-shaped Flatiron Building makes a great photo op, but if you’d like to stick around the area longer than it takes to snap a few shots, be sure to take a look around!

In the immediate vicinity of the building is the lovely Madison Square Park (home of the original Shake Shack), Eataly (dedicated to all things Italian food–the rooftop bar is a cool place to grab a drink if you’re not hungry), the Museum of Sex (which gets mixed, bordering on mediocre, reviews), and the Museum of Mathematics (which gets primarily good reviews).

Also, on a completely related note: Shake Shack > In-N-Out any day of the week, and you should definitely stop by one whenever you’re craving a quick and (relatively) inexpensive burger during your 4 days in New York.

Drop by Union Square.

The #1 reason to visit Union Square? The Strand Bookstore.

Is our bias toward all things book related showing yet? Seriously, though, this giant bookstore sells everything from new bestsellers to used books to rare books to fun book-related items ranging from tasteful to kitschy, and it is worth adding to your New York itinerary.

Make your way to an epic New York Museum of your choice.

Yesterday you visited one of New York’s most iconic museums–but since New York is home to an endless number of museums, we recommend finishing up your second day in the city with another one!

For most first-time New York visitors, this will probably be either the Met, MOMA, or the American Natural History Museum, depending on what you did on your first day–but if you’d rather get a bit more off the beaten track for this visit (or just aren’t a museum person and want to find something else to do), the “More Time in NYC?” section below has some great ideas for you!

Map of Day 3 in New York

Head to the financial district and say hello to the charging bull..

The Financial District on the southern tip of Manhattan is chock full of memorable sights and locations.

The best place to get started in the morning is the most famous of them all: the charging bull statue in front of the New York Stock Exchange.

This spot is usually jam-packed with tourists who often form literal lines to get their photo with the bull.

If you want your own, other-people-free photo with the bull, we recommend getting a very early start.

Drop by Federal Hall.

Though the current structure is the third iteration of the original 1703 building, Federal Hall is worth dropping in on for its significance to a piece of American history that far predates the more modern vibe of the Financial District as a whole.

This is the spot where George Washington was sworn in as president, where the first US Congress was held, and also–a bit earlier than the other two events–a letter to King George was drafted by the colonists formally protesting “taxation without representation”.

Today, the current building (which was built as a Customs House) operates as a museum and is free to enter during business hours (9-5, Monday-Friday).

Check out Trinity Church.

The historic Trinity Church is still an active Episcopalian parish, and the Gothic revival building immediately sticks out on Wall Street as distinctly different from the more modern skyscrapers that surround it.

Hamilton fans will no doubt recognize Trinity Church, whose cemetery holds the Founding Father and his family. Hamilton was also involved with the church life, whose history predates the formation of the USA.

The church and its grounds are free to visit, so be sure to take a peek inside during your 4 days in New York.

Visit the unforgettable Oculus.

Part shopping mall, part subway stop, part memorial, part bizarre marvel, the Oculus is nothing if not unforgettable.

What do you see when you look at it: a whale, a bird, something else entirely? And when you step inside–do you feel a bit swallowed?

It’s a bizarre place, but however strange, also an emotionally charged one: the Oculus is built right on Ground Zero, and, in addition to its other purposes, functions as a somewhat subtle memorial to 9/11 .

Pay tribute to a terrible piece of history at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

While most of this New York itinerary focuses on the fun, vibrant side of the city, there’s no doubt that some of the most central pieces of New York’s history are incredibly dark–perhaps none better known than 9/11.

The Twin Towers were in the Financial District near the southern tip of Manhattan, and today the 9/11 Memorial sits exactly where they once stood.

The memorial itself is hauntingly beautiful, and if you have the time (and are in the right headspace, as visiting is an emotional and powerful experience), strongly consider visiting the 9/11 Museum as well.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to visit the museum, though, absolutely make dropping by the 9/11 Memorial part of your 4 days in New York.

Book tickets for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum here . Historical context is especially important here, so if you’d prefer more detail, a this well-reviewed tour is a thoughtful way to learn more about this tragedy before entering the museum.

Take the Staten Island Ferry for amazing views of the Statue of Liberty.

Want absolutely incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline… for free? Take the Staten Island Ferry !

This ferry runs every day, doesn’t require a ticket, and drinking is allowed–so grab a drink (beer and wine are sold at both terminals), sit back, and enjoy the ride.

We do strongly recommend avoiding rush hour both to make the experience more pleasant and to avoid clogging up public transportation at peak times for commuters.

Once you’re in Staten Island, depending on how much time you have, you can either turn right around and head back to Manhattan, or stick around the borough for a bit–Staten Island is largely residential, but it is home to the popular Flagship Brewery and is supposed to boast an incredible Sri Lankan food scene!

Enjoy a slice of New York nightlife.

There is far more to New York nightlife than Broadway and bars–though there are plenty of those, too!

For your third night in New York, make it a night of doing something memorable, exciting, and different than your usual night out–but what exactly that might be comes in all sizes and budgets!

Here are just a few ideas:

See a comedy show.

Comedy shows are constantly going on in New York–find a nearby club with good reviews and get ready to laugh!

Attend a TV show taping.

This one requires a bit more advance planning and being in the city at the right time of year, but if you’ve always wanted to be in the audience for a TV show, New York is the place to do it.

Check out Sleep No More.

An immersive theatre experience based on Macbeth, Sleep No More is extremely popular and an unforgettable way to spend an evening in New York!

Find a small concert.

No matter what your musical taste is, there’s a concert going on in New York City on any given night that suits it! Many of them are fairly inexpensive–we’ve been to $20 shows in New York more than once.

Check what museums have free hours.

Generally, when the famous New York museums have their free hours, it’s in the evening. For example, MOMA’s free hours are Fridays from 4-8pm. If you’re a big museum person, you may want to note which days are free at which museums before even arriving for your 4 days in New York!

Enjoy the jazz scene in Harlem.

Whether you head to a show at the iconic Apollo Theater or a less-known venue, jazz and Harlem go hand-in-hand, and you’re bound to find some amazing music here.

Map of Day 4 in New York

Start the day with a stroll across the brooklyn bridge..

The iconic, magnificent Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must-see during your 4 days in New York–so I sure hope you’re willing to get up early!

The earlier you get here, the better: the Brooklyn Bridge gets extremely crowded with both tourists and commuters alike, and you’ll have a much more peaceful experience by showing up early.

We recommend starting on the Manhattan side of the bridge and walking toward Brooklyn for the sake of this 4 day New York itinerary.

Enjoy photo ops around DUMBO.

Once you cross the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll be deposited in Dumbo (short for Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass–New Yorkers love acronyms, or at least not using six whole words to describe a neighborhood).

Be sure to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pebble Beach, and Jane’s Carousel, all popular things to see in Dumbo .

And of course–don’t forget to stop by the intersection of Washington Street and Front Street, where you can capture the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo for yourself–be sure to note the way that the Empire State Building is perfectly framed in the arch of the bridge.

Choose your own adventure: spend the morning in Brooklyn.

With only 4 days in New York, the sad truth is that there will absolutely not be enough time to see everything–so with what time you have to explore Brooklyn, make sure to visit exactly what you’re craving most!

Here are a few ideas of how to have an incredible morning in Brooklyn: go walk around trendy Williamsburg and have a delicious brunch, attend the epic Smorgasburg food festival if you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, check out Prospect Park, go treasure hunting at Brooklyn Flea (Saturdays and Sundays), or take a street art tour through hipster Bushwick .

Alternatively, if you’d rather concentrate on more of Manhattan for this portion of your New York itinerary, this would be a great time to head to Chinatown for some delicious food, or SoHo/Nolita for some upscale shopping and cool street art. For the foodies of the world, this is also a great time to check out some of the best brunches in NYC .

Want to get a crash course in the highlights of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown? This popular tour will show you around!

Head back to Manhattan & hit up Washington Square Park.

Washington Square Park is the center of NYU student life: campus buildings surround the square, it’s a great spot for people-watching (and more importantly, dog-watching), and it’s home to the famous Washington Square Arch.

D ō , the edible cookie dough Instagram sensation from a couple of years back, is nearby if you’re looking for a trendy NYC dessert fix (we loved it the first time, weren’t as impressed the second–but feel free to judge for yourselves!). And, while we’re on the topic of Instagrammable food–Black Tap, famous for their freakshakes, is less than a 15-minute walk away.

If you choose to indulge in a sugary treat, keep it small, as there’s more eating soon to come on this 4 day New York itinerary… unless that is, you’re a true sweet fiend who wants to prioritize sugar above all other cuisines for the afternoon, in which case I present to you the Greenwich Village Cupcake Tour .

Dessert lovers, book your cupcake tour today!

Admire beautiful brownstones & explore the West Village.

The West Village is one of the better-known areas of New York City and is full of classic New York charm.

This is one of the oldest parts of New York City, and the streets have a tendency to wind together somewhat incomprehensibly here, looping back in on themselves and generally feeling worlds away from the wide, manicured avenues of Midtown.

If you’re a 90’s sitcom fan, the West Village is probably best recognized as the home of Carrie Bradshaw and the gang from Friends (if you’re the type to hunt down filming locations, you can find the buildings used for the exterior shots of both buildings nearby).

There’s also a national landmark in the West Village: the Stonewall Inn, which was the birthplace of the LGBT rights movement in 1969.

Today, you can find everything from trendy boutiques to delicious brunch spots to improbably small and #instagrammable coffee shops in the West Village, along with beautiful residential streets.

Pay a visit to the Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market is practically overflowing with boutiques, shops, and endless delicious restaurants and food stalls (starting with Los Tacos No. 1, which is said to serve up some of the best tacos in New York).

Assuming you didn’t go cupcake crazy this afternoon, we recommend considering a Chelsea Market food tour to make the most of the market here–with a short amount of time, this is a great way to taste some of the best that the market has to offer.

The tour includes a few architecture and history facts as well, so you’ll be sure to stay entertained and to learn a bit more about New York in between bites.

Arrange your Chelsea Market food tour now!

Enjoy a walk along the High Line.

Once a railroad track and now a park, the High Line is popular for so many reasons: it offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, it’s an improbable and eclectic use of space (why put a garden in the sky?), and–perhaps most importantly–it’s a great place to walk off the ridiculous amount of food that you probably ate in the Chelsea Market.

The entire High Line is almost a mile and a half long, and don’t feel obligated to walk the whole thing–but definitely spend some time up there checking out the views and the art.

Head back to the West Village to close out your 4 days in New York City.

What better way to end your trip to New York than with dinner and a drink in one of the city’s best-known areas?

If you’re looking for a memorable final night in the city, here are a few bars in the West Village to consider–they all have incredibly different vibes.

Marie’s Crisis Cafe

This tiny, sing-along piano bar is perfect for show tunes lovers: if you want a final Broadway fix in the city, grab a drink and sing your heart out (don’t worry–it’s loud enough that no one can hear you!) at Marie’s Crisis Cafe.

Like so many places in New York, you’ll probably have to wait in a line to get in… but you can just write that off as participating in an iconic New York ritual in and of itself.

Stonewall Inn

Whether you’re looking for a chance to visit an iconic institution in the history of LGBT rights in the USA or simply looking for a great place to dance, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the famous Stonewall Inn.

Looking for a relaxed atmosphere, possibly some live music, pool tables, and board game rentals? Fat Cat is the place for you.

With a cozy vibe, reasonably-priced cocktails, and tasty burgers, Art Bar is a great option for a relaxed end to your trip to New York.

Be sure to walk through the front room and check out the cozy back room of the bar at some point!

There’s no getting around it: New York is expensive , and lodging is one of the major factors that will drive up your budget.

If you can, we recommend staying in Manhattan, ideally in the Village or Midtown. We’re absolutely spoiled by having a friend who lives just a few blocks from Grand Central that we stay with, and while Midtown isn’t necessarily the most trendy section of the city, it is extremely well-connected and home to many iconic sights. It’s also centrally located and easy to get in and out to explore the rest of the city.

The traditional choices to try to save a bit of money on lodging by getting out of Manhattan–Williamsburg, Dumbo, Astoria, Long Island City–are all quite popular themselves now but definitely take a quick look out there if you’re trying to save cash.

Get much further out, though, and you’re going to be eating up your 4 days in New York by sitting on the subway, so be wary of that!

Our number one tip for choosing a place to stay in New York? Make sure it’s within, say, a 10-minute walk of the subway. Any further, and your commute every time you want to rest up in the hotel for an hour will get on your nerves immediately.

Also: renting a full apartment for less than 30 days where the host is not present on Airbnb is illegal in New York. If you want to rent a private room in a place where the host is staying, have at it–but those prices are high, too (I know you’re shocked).

Here are a few well-reviewed hotel options to take a look at–you can’t go wrong with the locations on any of them, and they should give you an idea about what you’re going to be looking at budget-wise for lodging in New York:

Seton Hotel — Good reviews, a clean-but-no-frills property, and an excellent central location near Murray Hill: the Seton Hotel is a great pick for your 4 days in New York if you want to be economical without dipping into a hostel (New York has very few hostel options) or staying further out.

Check rates & book your stay at the Seton Hotel!

Club Quarters Hotel Midtown (Times Square) — Times Square can be a surprisingly affordable (in relative terms, that is) place to stay in New York. The reason to consider staying nearby has nothing to do with Times Square itself, and everything to do with how well-connected it is transportation wise to the rest of the city–it is very easy to get around from Times Square.

The Club Quarters brand gets great reviews for their customer service and crisp, modern hotels across the city, and makes an excellent mid-range choice. And, of course–you can’t beat being within walking distance of highlights like Times Square, Grand Central, and the Empire State Building!

Check rates & book your stay at Club Quarters Hotel Midtown!

Library Hotel — As there is no end to the number of luxury hotel options in the city, I’ll go ahead and feature one that I’m personally dying to stay in: the library-themed (and aptly named) Library Hotel, which is located right by the New York Public Library and boasts themed rooms, a stunning reading room, and a rooftop bar. For bibliophiles–or just those looking for a swanky and popular property in a great location–you can’t go wrong with the Library Hotel if you’re looking for a piece of luxury during your 4 days in New York.

Check rates & book your stay at the Library Hotel!

A lifetime would literally not be long enough to explore all of the nooks and crannies of New York: there is a truly endless amount of things to do in the city, and its status as constantly evolving ensures that when one trend fades away, at least two more pop up in its place. Such is the nature of New York.

If you are lucky enough to have more than 4 days in New York City, here are just a few more things to consider adding to your wish list: visiting Flushing in Queens to see (read: taste) the city’s largest Chinatown, spending an afternoon at the Bronx Zoo, going shopping at the boutiques in SoHo, checking out Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a taste of what Little Italy in Manhattan used to be, paying a visit to Coney Island and nearby Brighton Beach, heading to the top of the Statue of Liberty (though to be honest, we’ve heard it’s underwhelming), visiting Ellis Island, trying out a quirky brunch or afternoon tea , and seeing a Yankees Game.

You can also consider adding on some of the city’s hundreds of fascinating and lesser-known museums to your itinerary: the Cloisters, the Frick Collection, the Museum of the City of New York, the Tenement Museum, the Queens Museum (home to an entire miniature replica of New York City!), and the New York Transit Museum are all great options.

Wondering how exactly to get around during your 4 days in New York? Exactly how you end up managing transportation will depend on a combination of your travel style, budget, and group size.

Here’s a quick rundown of your options.

Our number one tip for getting around in New York? Walk everywhere you can.

True, you’ll still likely need to pick up alternate transport a few times a day–New York is enormous–but by walking where you can, you’ll save money, see more of the city, and often not waste any extra time (seriously–check the time difference in driving, catching the subway, and walking–in some spots and especially during rush hour, you’ll be shocked at home little of a time difference there is).

New York’s subway is not known for being well-run–quite the opposite, actually–but it’s still often one of the best ways to get around the city.

In order to ride, you must purchase a Metrocard, and from there you can buy a daily pass, a weekly pass, or simply buy tickets by the ride.

Uber & Lyft

Uber and Lyft are popular in New York (Uber a bit more so), and are great options if you want to be driven and are coming from somewhere that taxis aren’t common.

At one point, ridesharing generally a bit cheaper than the taxis, but changes over time plus many back-and-forth legal battles with the city have moved the needle enough that they’re normally about even on price.

New York’s iconic yellow taxis are most commonly found in Midtown, so if you’re looking to hail one, that’s the place to do it from! The taxis are happy to take you anywhere, but good luck stepping outside and picking one up in, say, Brooklyn.

When the numbers on top of the cab are lit up, that means that the cab is open and accepting rides, and you can stick your arm out and hail it.

All New York taxi drivers are required to use the meter, and we’ve never had an issue with one trying not to. You can pay by credit card.

Taxis are definitely a more expensive way to get around than the subway, but if you’re traveling with a group, it can be more economical than you might think.

Due to traffic, New York’s buses aren’t known for always running on time, but if you’re looking to get somewhere via public transportation that doesn’t have a great subway connection during your 4 days in New York, they’re an option.

You can use the Metrocard that you purchased for the subway on buses as well.

Rental Cars

Don’t bother driving on a trip to New York. Just… don’t.

Pay careful attention to what airport you fly in and out of.

What do JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia all have in common? They all service flights to New York City–and they’re not particularly close to each other.

Be sure to check and double-check what airport you’re flying into and out of–the last thing you want to do is finish your 4 days in New York by heading from Manhattan to JFK when you need to be traveling from Manhattan to the airport in Newark !

Avoid empty subway cars.

If a subway car is empty, there’s a reason for it. Your nose will thank you for braving the crowded car next door instead.

Don’t let yourself get out-museumed.

New York is known, among many other things, for its world-class museums–and if you try to visit every museum you’ve heard of during your 4 days in New York, you’ll no doubt walk away incredibly tired of them.

Save some–make that most–for a later trip, and prioritize just your two most coveted museums on this one.

If you want to visit an Instagram sensation, prepare to wait… and pay.

Freakshakes. Cookie dough. Giant cotton candy. The Color Factory. Mini kebabs served at your table. Colorful, Instagrammable NYC cafes .

Whatever the Instagram sensation is that recently happened across your social media feed, if it blew up within the past year, be prepared to wait in a long line to get your hands on it… and to pay a hefty fee.

There’s nothing wrong with trying these things out–some are fabulous, some are mediocre–but don’t plan your entire trip to New York around them, or you’ll find yourself eating up too many precious sightseeing hours in line for gimmicks.

Consider picking one unmissable dish or experience, and then saving the rest for a different trip.

Bring cash.

A surprising number of New York bars and restaurants are cash-only, so come prepared!

Step out of the way if you need to stop on the sidewalk.

If there’s one thing New Yorkers are notorious for, it is moving fast and being abrupt–or even rude–on the street.

They’re not rude, they’re just busy, and wondering why in the world someone is staring around like a lost puppy in the middle of their commute!

If you need to stop on the sidewalk to check directions, especially if you’re in a crowded area, step off to the side first.

Wear very comfortable shoes.

Any New York itinerary is bound to involve lots and lots of walking, and this one is no different. Bring shoes that you feel comfortable wearing all day, and your trip will automatically improve.

Check restaurant reviews before sitting down.

New York’s restaurant scene is consistently amazing… and constantly evolving. Every day, new restaurants open, old ones close, local favorites come under new management–it would literally be a full-time job to keep up with them all.

For that reason, we strongly recommend checking the reviews (we use Google reviews) on restaurants before picking a place to eat–it’s the most reliable way to get up-to-date information about a location and ensure that you won’t be disappointed with a single meal you eat during your 4 days in New York.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

24 thoughts on “4 Days in NYC: The Ultimate (Massive) 4 Days in New York Itinerary”

Absolutely one of the best reviews I have ever read. Thanks so much for all the details which make my trip planning a much easier task. I’m coming to NYC soon and will stay there exactly full 4 days as your schedule so will probably follow everything you suggest. Keep on the good work and have a good day!

Thank you so much, Trung! Hope you have an amazing trip to NYC!

And by the way I think the Hudson Yard is also a cool place to add in the list.

As a traveller, I love reading reviews and this by far one of the best ones! Thank you so much!!

Thanks so much, Sanisha!

Thank you so much! My 16 year old daughter and I are going to NYC next month and this has helped so much. She is a huge book lover so I love all the library and book stores you mention. I am a fellow Mediaviner so I always love and sharing great content!

Thank you, Amy! Love meeting other Mediaviners out in the wild, so to speak. 🙂 If your daughter wants even more bookish ideas I’d also recommend Albertine Books–haven’t made it there ourselves yet but it looks incredibly beautiful and we hope to make it soon!

Great tips. Couple of questions – (1) Your thoughts about Peter Luger & (2) Do you have any recommended record shops to stop by for that hard to find vinyl?

Hi Pete! Never been to Peter Luger but I did read that recent (scathing) NY Times review. Steakhouses aren’t big on our priority list so it’s never been something we’ve considered. Same with record stores, I’m afraid–not really our scene!

I am planning a trip for a bunch of family to head to NY over the holidays. I have been completely overwhelmed. This review is everything I needed!! I am so thankful you took the time to share all of this info. Thank you SO much!!

So glad we could help, Heather! Hope you and your family have an amazing time in NYC! It’s so lovely during the holidays. 🙂

I am first time traveller to NY and for that matter to USA. I heard a tons of myths about the NY and glad that your write up is the one stop solution I needed. Thank you for covering all aspects of visiting NY including transportation, accommodation, food and places to visit. I will be travelling alone. Do you have additional tips in this case please.

Thank you so much! So glad we could help you plan your New York trip.

NYC is actually an amazing city to travel in alone, as it’s the perfect place to move at your own pace. The only specific solo-travel tip I would suggest is to be a little extra-aware of pickpockets in touristy areas like Times Square, but you should be just fine by staying vigilant! You may also want to check for last-minute solo tickets to popular Broadway shows, as you can potentially find good deals that way.

Thanks for sharing very helpful tips, Kate! My husband and I will be traveling (1st time) from California to Boston, then NYC on NYE for 4 days! Very excited but also anxious about what to expect that time of year -crowds and weather- in the East Coast. Any tips on the best way to get to NY from Boston? We plan to drive from Boston, but don’t intend to drive in NYC. Thanks again, and happy holidays!

So glad we could help, Karen! That trip sounds lovely, we adore both Boston and NYC (and they’re so festive during the holidays!).

I would 100% expect it to be cold. So, so cold. Obviously the weather varies but the winters in Boston and New York are intense, especially if you come from a place with much milder temperatures like much of California (or Oklahoma, where we’re from) experiences. Think heavy coats and long underwear!

If you absolutely want to drive from Boston to NYC you sure can, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a big hassle to park in both cities, you never know what the driving conditions will be like during winter, and traffic can be rough. If it were our trip, we’d either splurge for the train or hop on a bus (we’ve ridden Megabus between NYC and Boston several times and while it’s not a luxurious experience, it’s not a terrible one).

Hi! Do you recommend riding the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty instead of purchasing tickets for the tour?

thank you! Enjoyed your post!

Hi Aphton! We have not personally toured the Statue of Liberty yet (we plan to eventually), but based on tips from our local friends, the tour is only okay–they much prefer the view from the ferry!

Do you recommend buying a city pass or other discount ticket pass for admission to your recommendations?

The last time I ran the numbers, no, and we’ve always purchased ala carte ourselves. However, if you add in a few other very popular attractions like visiting Ellis Island, and you don’t plan on doing any specialty tours, free admission days at museums, etc, it can sometimes be worth it. The only way to know for sure is to run the math based on your exact plans (and the pricing of a city pass at that time) to double-check!

Absolutely great suggestions.!!! Heading to NYC for the first time this summer for 4-5 days. This is incredibly helpful. Thank you.

This has been excellent!

Thank you for making this, it’s been very helpful!

Super excited to get there this year!

Thanks, Cathal! Hope you love New York!

We are a family of five due to travel in May this year. Is it safe to walk around most places? We are staying near Rockerfeller and have a cruise from pier 83 booked for Landmarks. Would it be safe to walk through these neighbourhoods?

Also, getting metro?subway/underground passes – is there a family friendly option? Times not to travel on it due to being very busy? My children can get worried about being split up.

I wrote this post before living in NYC, but I’ve now been living in Manhattan (within walking distance of Rockefeller Center) for more than a year, so we’re very familiar with the areas and subway lines you’re discussing!

The walk from Rockefeller Center to Pier 83 will take you through very safe and very touristed areas, including Times Square. You’ll want to keep an eye out for pickpockets (in Times Square especially), but overall it’s an extremely safe area, as is the vast majority of the city. There’s nowhere mentioned on this itinerary we wouldn’t feel comfortable visiting with little ones (the neighborhoods, anyway, the bars and nightlife are a different story 😛 ), and we walk around all the time with our dog and infant son. 🙂

Rush hour is definitely busy on the subways, and depending on the ages of your children, you might consider avoiding riding at those times of day. Not necessarily because of safety, but just because of how congested it can be–it’s not the most pleasant time of day to ride, and most or all of you may find yourselves standing in a crowd. It’s also a stressful time of day for counting little heads and keeping everyone together. If you absolutely need to ride then it’s certainly doable, but if you can schedule trips at different times, all the better.

Outside of when people are traveling en masse to and from work, though, there’s no reason to avoid the subway and it will often be the most effective choice for getting around.

Hope you guys have a fantastic trip!

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First Time Guide to New York City 5 Day Itinerary by a native New Yorker

January 7, 2020 by Karen Turner 83 Comments

I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. I’ve made a five day itinerary for NYC with advice on what to see and eat mostly in Manhattan for all budgets.

This is a local guide, so although I cover the famous sites, I encourage you to see the smaller neighborhoods/places that make New York special. The Big Apple has so much to offer year-round, so most of these tips can be also used over the holidays. There’s a FREE downloadable map with all the best places to see in New York City in 5 days.

FYI: This is a  suggested  itinerary for five  days, so not everything may be your cup of tea. Feel free to pick from the days (and activities), but keep in mind that New York City is BIG , so you change up this itinerary, you might have a lengthy train or taxi ride between places.

How long to spend in NYC? 5 days in NYC is actually the perfect amount if it’s your first visit. You can spend 3 days in New York City, but it’s cutting it close–and you’ll need to come back again.  If you have only one day in New York City, you can still see Manhattan!

Before you visit New York City: Download Google Maps & the FREE map at the bottom with all mentioned places as well as Yelp for food. Google has recently really improved their offers for food recommendations.

• 1 How to get to NYC from its airports
• 2 Where to Stay in New York City & How Much Spending Money You’ll Need
• 3 What to see in NYC in 5 days!
• 4 Day 1: The Must-Sees with a Twist
• 5 Day 2: The Intellectual / The Partier
• 6 Day 3: Iconic New York
• 7 Day 5: The Culture Lover (Queens)
• 8  Last thoughts: Plan Ahead.
• 9 Have you been to NYC? How many days felt right? What was your favorite place?

How to get to NYC from its airports

If you’re on the East Coast, you can take Megabus directly to Manhattan. Otherwise, you will fly into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. JFK is easily accessible via the Airtrain & A train and/or LIRR. You can also book your own shuttle in between Downtown Manhattan and JFK/any other airport if you don’t want to worry about it. Uber is now also an option.

LaGuardia requires a bus and a train, but it’s a quick hop to Manhattan. Newark International Airport is in New Jersey, so plan on 30+ minutes on NJ transit.  This is separate from New York’s subway system. You can click here for tips on how to use the NYC subway .

Where to Stay in New York City & How Much Spending Money You’ll Need

New York is expensive.  If you’re not on a tight budget, you’re best off staying off in Midtown or the Village if you can afford it since both locations make sightseeing easiest.  Click for my insider guide to affordable hotels in New York City.

However, for those seeking a more alternative experience and/or lower price tag with a short train ride to the sites, stay in Astoria or Long Island City in Queens.  In Brooklyn, look in Williamsburg, Dumbo, or Clinton Hill.  

You might also find some affordable picks along  the Lower East Side .  You might also want to look into the  Pod hotel chain for affordable rooms in central locations .    Click for my picks for affordable hotels in New York City

​For budgeting tips, read my master NYC on a budget post where all of the activities are FREE .  Plan on spending at minimum $50+ per person on food, $20 per person on activities minimum, $100+ on the hotel (for one room), and extra if you plan on going out (cocktails are usually $10-15). Be sure to master happy hour as it will save you a lot of money. Please be sure to account for tips at restaurants as tipping is standard in New York City.

I did not include this on the list: I highly recommend stopping to see a Broadway show, if that’s your thing. Book your tickets early and try first through the theatre itself to get the best prices in advance. In place of going out, see a show. Budget about $70-$300+ per ticket depending on the show and your sets. A friend of mine was able to get tickets to a major Broadway show for just $70 per seat. Off-Broadway is a great option for those on a tighter budget.

What to see in NYC in 5 days!

Day 1: the must-sees with a twist.

This day is all about experiencing New York City at it’s best: pizza, history, and iconic views.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial ($2 Reservation Fee; otherwise free to visit).  Note: Please be respectful of those who passed away here and don’t remove the flowers or take smiling selfies. Walk a few streets over to see the Woolworth Building , one of New York’s prettiest early skyscrapers dating back to the 1910s.

Walk up towards Chinatown . Be sure to bring cash and trust me when I tell you that the bags offered to you on the street are  not  real Chanel bags. You can click for this insider’s guide to Chinatown written by a friend who is from Chinatown. Annie includes a bit of history as well as her favorite restaurants in Chinatown. I personally love to always stop off for bubble tea!

After you eat, consider visiting the Tenement Museum to learn about New York’s immigrant past–and what living in Chinatown was like barely 100 years ago. You need to reserve ahead for tickets. Click to read more about the Lower East Side.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  No matter how many times I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, I never ceased to be amazed by its impressive building.  

Stop in for a coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Compan y for some Brooklyn vibes and a good cup of coffee before walking to the  Brooklyn Promenade for a panoramic view of Manhattan. Click for a complete guide to downtown Brooklyn!

Have Juliana’s Pizza for dinner. Grimaldi’s is not as good as it once was. This famous pizzeria has delicious, affordable thin crust pizza cooked to perfection. Its location under the Bridge makes it even better around sunset.

Get drinks in trendy Williamsburg at Union Pool or Night of Joy to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the roof, especially in summer. Not into the hipster scene?  Head back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the view of the lit-up skyline before walking down to Battery Park to catch the free Staten Island ferry for amazing views of the Statue of Liberty . You can click for my favorite free viewpoints in New York City here!

Day 2: The Intellectual / The Partier

Walk the  Highline  for an amazing view of Manhattan’s skyline from above in a modern green space that used to be train tracks.  The Highline is a public park that spans quite a few blocks, so give yourself at least an hour if you come here to enjoy the views!

Stop in Chelsea  for a delicious brunch in any of the stalls before walking around chic Chelsea . This area, which used to be the meatpacking district, has great boutique shopping and antique shopping.   Click for your Chelsea brunch guide!

Walk down Greenwich Avenue or West 4th Avenue for scenic houses and interesting shops in Greenwich Village . Pass the Stonewall , the birthplace of the gay rights movement. There are many great cafes and coffee shops in this area.

Walk towards the iconic  Washington Square Park (next to New York University). People watch & play a chess game before walking up to Union Square , which has a great weekend farmer’s market in addition to normal shopping. Stop in  the Strand,  one of New York’s best independent bookstores. For dinner, you have so many great options from Japanese to vegan to pizza. Enjoy!

Note: It shouldn’t take long to walk (maybe 1 hour from Chelsea market down to the Union Square), so you should have plenty of time left for museum-going or must-sees (e.g. Top of the Rock) if you set out early. Personally, I’d skip the Top of the Rock if you go to a rooftop bar.

At night, head back to the Village to visit one of New York’s many (pricey) speakeasy bars, including Employees Only or Please Don’t Tell.  Reserve ahead and dress well as you might not get in otherwise. Chelsea/the Meatpacking District is one of the main areas for going out in New York (if that’s your thing). The Standard is famous for its rooftop bar although it’s difficult to get into.

If chic cocktail bars aren’t your thing, New York has a lot to offer in terms of alternative culture. Check out the IFC movie theatre for rare  indie movies or Comedy Cellar for late-night laughs (beware of the drink minimum). 

Need a late-night snack? Veselka has delicious 24-hour Ukrainian borscht and perogies. (Yes, that restaurant out of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist.)

Day 3: Iconic New York

Start your day off in the beautiful Grand Central Terminal.  This historic train station is one of the most famous filming locations in New York City.  I love people watching here although try to stay out of the way.  For something off the beaten path, find the whispering gallery where your voice echoes!

Head to the New York Public Library and pass the landmarks (the Chrysler & Empire State Building ) to take in the architecture.  My favorite is the Chrysler building, which was known as the ugliest building in New York when it was built.

For lunch, eat at Shake Shack with the rest of Manhattan in Bryant Park . (Dress warmly in winter since there’s no seating!). In Bryant Park, you can watch people ice skate in winter while you eat!  Nearby, I have a soft spot for browsing the giant Macy’s in Herald Square.

If you’re an art lover, visit the Museum of Modern Art .   MoMa is a world-class museum for a reason and I strongly recommend checking the recent exhibitions to see what is on.

If not, enjoy shopping along Fifth Avenue .  The Christmas windows here during November and December are spectacular and  free .  My personal favorite is Bloomingdale’s! Read more tips about New York over the holidays .

Dinner doesn’t need to be expensive to be good.  Go to  Halal Guys for cheap/delicious take-out chicken and rice, Pio Pio for fantastic Peruvian food, or Empanada Mama for empanadas. After dinner, watch the sunset and take in the incredible skyline (with a cocktail in hand) at the Pod 39 Rooftop .

Enjoy the bright lights of Times Square at night . (Trust me, it’s like daytime.)  If you’re on a budget, I like to head to Hell’s Kitchen for  more budget drinks and late-night snacks.

Day 4: The Perfect Classic NYC Itinerary

Pick up a bagel with lox from Zabar’s or get a boozy brunch at Calle Ocho. To be honest, anywhere with a good bagel and a coffee should work as long as it’s not Dunkin Donuts.

Head to the American Museum of Natural History if you’re with kids OR the Met  for a few hours!  In the Met, I love the Egyptian temple , Musical Instruments , Armor , and pre-20th century art . Don’t miss the rooftop garden for amazing views.  Bring your own yogurt for a Gossip Girl photo . (XOXO)

In good weather, you could spend the whole day in Central park lounging, but the Met is one of my favorite museums in the world with a world-class collection.  The Met doesn’t have suggested admission anymore, but it’s still a great museum.  The American Museum of National History is also a fantastic museum and better suited to families as well as science lovers.  Click for a guide to the Upper East Side!

Head to Central Park.  I recommend finding the Belvedere Castle , the Bethesda Terrace , Sheep Meadow for lazy picnics, and the Boathouse . If you’re a runner, I strongly recommend trying to run the Reservoir one morning.

In summer, check the Summerstage program ahead for free music shows! This yearly music festival in New York brings in well-known as well as upcoming artists for free shows in Central Park.  It’s great to make a day out of it.

For a nicer modern meal, visit the Thalia or the Russian Tea Room . For a casual, very New York meal, try a (famous) NYC hot dog ? Don’t buy it from a cart; Only buy from Gray’s Papaya with a smoothie like a local. Have the real  New York famous cheesecake at Junior’s for dessert.

Day 5: The Culture Lover (Queens)

Queens is where I grew up. (Yes, not everyone lives in Manhattan.) It was named Lonely Planet’s #1 destination in the world in 2015 due to its amazing food and culture. Really.

Take the train to Astoria to visit the Museum of Moving Image in the morning.  For anyone who is a movie buff or has kids, this museum will be heavenly.  They have old prop sets from classics, such as Seinfeld, interactive exhibitions, and a lot of movie props (even from Star Wars).

Astoria itself is a neighborhood in Queens that has historically been Greek and you can still find great Greek food here.  That said, it’s rapidly changing as more millennials move in. Click for a guide to Astoria.

Lunch: visit nearby Jackson Heights for the best  Latin American food in NYC or Indian food. (Yelp!)  Jackson Heights is a diverse neighborhood with incredible food from  so many countries. (I highly recommend checking out the Queens Night Market if you’re lucky enough to be in town later that evening!)

The rest of the Day gives you lots of options.  Stop off at F l ushing Meadow Park (especially in summer!) to see the iconic Unisphere and check out the NYC Panorama , which is a miniature version of New York City in the modern Queens Museum of Art.

Into art/sculptures ? Visit the Noguchi museum for beautiful Japanese sculptures and a zen garden, PS1 for avantgarde exhibits, or the free Socrates Sculpture Park for free sculptures.

Into beer ? Head to the Bohemian Beer Garden to relax or one of the many microbreweries popping up all around NYC (Singlecut Beersmiths / Rockaway Brewing company).

For shopping , catch the LIC flea market on the weekend. Don’t miss the gorgeous retro-chic  Sweetleaf coffee shop if you’re in the area, which turns into a bar a night.

For dinner, head to Flushing (Stop on 7 Subway: Main St). Decide what kind of Asian food you’re seeking and check on yelp . (It’s going to be a hard decision.) After dinner, stop for bubble tea or Chinese pastries . You can even do private room karaoke if you look for KTV signs. You can click to read more about Flushing, including my favorite picks for dinner.

 Last thoughts: Plan Ahead.

New York is so large. I sometimes joke that you need about two weeks to just cover the major sights, which is true since I didn’t even include Coney Island (Brooklyn).  I didn’t even cover every borough here!

However, five full days in New York City is a perfect start to feel at home in New York. At a minimum, you should have the hang of the subway by the time that you’re done. Below, you’ll find a free offline map with all the places mentioned here that you can download for offline use!

• Helpful tips on how to take the NYC subway and subway hacks here.
• Click here for my guide to NYC over Thanksgiving, Christmas, the holiday season, & New Year’s Eve !
• New York For Christmas
• Where to shop in New York City
• 30+ Free things to do in New York City
• 50+ Unusual things to do in New York City

Have you been to NYC? How many days felt right? What was your favorite place?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

January 28, 2017 at 8:56 am

Love this itinerary! I am long overdue a trip back to New York. (Daren’t say how long it’s been!!) Really nice balance of big sites and locals-only secrets.

January 28, 2017 at 10:07 am

For a long time I wanted to visit NYC. It’s because I wanted (don’t laugh) to do a shopping session just like those girls in the movies. I wanted to walk around and buy everything fancy. Pretty awesome guide, thank you for taking the time to write it and make it so comprehensive for us, beginners!

January 28, 2017 at 3:31 pm

Hi Cory, Thanks so much for reading. I won’t laugh: NYC is great for shopping. I haven’t written anything about the shopping but it IS a great for a girl’s weekend for sure. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you get to do your shopping trip!

January 28, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Top notch itinerary!! And YAY QUEENS! Really nice to see an itinerary focusing on my favorite borough 🙂 This post makes me miss NYC something awful. Reading this had me reflecting on how NYC really has something for everyone! It was overwhelming when I lived there, but now that I’m traveling I definitely miss it.

January 28, 2017 at 3:36 pm

Hi Eva, thanks for reading. I know the feeling about NYC… It really does have something for everyone although it CAN seen overwhelming. I definitely struggle with coming up with concise recommendations–and deciding what to include here was TOUGH, however this is what I’ve been sending to friends for years. (They’ve loved where I’ve sent them with this itinerary!) Everyone else forgets Queens, so I figured I needed to fix this. 🙂

January 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm

This made me miss New York so much! I lived there for most of my 20s and miss so much of my life there. I didn’t know that there was a shake shack in Bryant Park. I always went to the one in Madison Square Park especially when it was winter and there are flurries of snow. (No line) It also looked magical.

January 28, 2017 at 10:48 pm

This is a perfect guide and I used to live in NY so I know! There are many things on this list I haven’t done. I haven’t spent much time in Queens and totally want to . Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to Grimaldi’s is my fave!!! Love this.

January 29, 2017 at 4:48 am

What a really great and thorough post! I love New York, although I haven’t been back there in almost 9 years so a return trip is definitely overdue! I fell in love with all the quirky boutique coffee shops and stores in Greenwich Village. I’m bookmarking this so that I have some inspiration of where else to check out next time. Thanks! 🙂

January 29, 2017 at 5:29 am

Oh gosh to have 5 days in New York right now would be the dream! I visited for 4 days about 5 years ago and it was just not enough time. Spent each day walking for miles to take in as much as we could including the 9/11 memorial, Wall Street, Empire State Building, Public Library, Central Station and more. But I did really feel I’d need longer to really get a feel for the place. A chance to chill out in a few of those speakeasy bars for example would be lovely!

January 29, 2017 at 6:12 am

Nothing beats the good advice that only a local can give – so happy I found this blog thank you for the great tips!

January 29, 2017 at 9:25 am

Shake Shack was my absolute favourite meal in NYC best burger I’ve ever had haha! Hoping to get back to NYC later this year and really need to do the highlife properly as didn’t get chance last time. Great itinerary!

January 29, 2017 at 4:25 pm

THIS IS AN AMAZING GUIDE! I loved that you broke it down and gave each day a little “travel label” for different places, food, etc. I’ve visited New York so many times, but I noticed I’ve only hung around the extreme tourist spots and never really ventured out into other areas. I am definitely referring back to this guide when I head up to NYC the next time! (: Hopefully we could meet up while I’m there and chat!

Also pinned to share with everyone else!

September 6, 2022 at 6:55 am

Me and my daughters will be vowing NYC Are there any name brand consignment stores?

December 1, 2022 at 8:42 pm

I have a whole shopping guide to NYC!

January 29, 2017 at 8:15 pm

I love this guide! NYC is a dream destination of mine as for many others, and it’s always great to receive tips about what you should do there. Especially from a native New Yorker. I think I love Day 5 in particular. Getting to see the FRIENDS’ set at Museum of Moving Image and exploring the LIC flea market (with markets being my favourite thing to do), would be such a huge highlight of my trip. When I come to NYC, I’ll probably visit for longer than 5 days though. There’s just so much to see and do haha. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

April 3, 2017 at 10:25 pm

Hi! Thanks for a great post. I am going to New York City soon and will definitely use all your wonderful tips. Very inspiring blog you have.

I have a question though – when I’ve downloaded the map for Google is it automatically available offline, or is there something I have to do in order to be able to access it without having internet?

Thanks in advance 🙂

April 4, 2017 at 1:41 am

Hi Nanna, Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad that this has been helpful to you and you find the blog inspiring!

It depends on whether you have an android OR an iphone, but I’ve included a link by my name that should help you figure it out. You just need to download a google map of NYC and if you’ve added my locations to your main google maps, this should work. Otherwise, you’ll need to download the map under “My Maps”.

If you go to Menu -> Offline areas, you’ll be able to see if it worked! I hope that this answers your question. 🙂

Thanks, Karen

April 24, 2017 at 5:11 am

Thanks girl! Super helpful!!

July 10, 2017 at 10:02 pm

I’m so happy I found this! It’s everything I wanted to do in NYC – simplified – plus Bubble Tea!!

How is NYC in late July – early August? We’re going to visit for 5 days and attend a wedding, does it really get hot? Would you recommend renting a car or just uber everywhere?

July 11, 2017 at 12:22 am

Hi Jenna, Thanks so much for reading and I’m so glad to hear that.

NYC is super humid and a bit nasty around that time. I usually stay indoors a lot…until night. I usually just bring an extra layer since some places overdo the AC.

Don’t rent a car. Take public transit or a taxi. The buses have great AC btw.

I hope you have a great time, so please get in touch if you have any further questions!

July 28, 2017 at 1:24 am

We are off to USA on Saturday and visiting New York for 5 days this is fantastic. Thank you!

August 28, 2017 at 3:13 pm

Thanks for the useful information. Printed and ready to explore NYC.

October 13, 2017 at 8:27 pm

This is great! I spent 7 days about 5 year ago just walking and discovering things. My favorite thing I did was the oyster bar in Grand Central. China town was an adventure and I found some great eats in little italy! I wish smart phones were what they are now back then so I could have actually found some of the things I was looking for but i’m bookmarking this for next time I visit NYC. Thanks!

November 6, 2017 at 5:09 pm

Hi! We will be traveling to the city over thanksgiving. (4 adults and 3 children 4 and under). How does the subway pass work? Should the adults all purchase a weekly pass? We are also taking 2 strollers because our kids cannot manage without them. I know this is annoying to locals, but they will just have to deal. Any further advice on traveling with kids? TIA!

November 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm

Hi Natalie, Thanks for commenting and reading! Up to 3 kids are actually free with the metrocard (for whatever duration; including the week pass), so you just need two metrocards for the adults. It’s best to just ask the person in the booth when you’re swiping in to let you all in through the gate (which can fit a stroller). For buses, the driver will see. 🙂

I’d just keep the strollers folded up when possible as they might be annoying on a crowded subway, so maybe avoid rush hour. Honestly, people are used to strollers, so don’t worry too much about it. Just try avoid really crowded places with them and know that most museums won’t allow the strollers in.

I’ve been meaning to ask my dad to help me with more tips for kids as I’ve never been a parent in New York. I think the Queens Museum of Science is fantastic for young kids and it was one of my favorites as kid. Similarly, the Bronx Zoo has a great light show (I don’t know the dates) 🙂

Hope that helps!

Best, Karen

January 16, 2018 at 2:46 am

Hi I found your itinerary really useful on my trip. However Grey’s Papaya was a mistake. First time experience of eating a bit dog next to a homeless guy on his crack pipe, and that was inside!

January 17, 2018 at 8:13 pm

I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve never had that happen while going to Grey’s Papaya, but yeah that’s really awful and I’d be really bothered by that too. Please contact the management at the restaurant about what happened, so hopefully nobody else has that experience. 🙁

I hope your trip to NYC was great otherwise and I’m glad that you found the itinerary good otherwise. Hope that didn’t spoil your trip!

February 8, 2018 at 3:50 am

Hi! im from toronto planning to visit in march. how cold is it there around the first week of march?

February 9, 2018 at 2:14 pm

Depends on the year. Have you seen my NYC Packing list Ianne? I have link by my name where you can read what I recommend bringing for March!

February 18, 2018 at 5:55 am

Hi Karen, Great guidance – thank you! I am travelling over on my own from Australia and just wondering if there are any guided tours you recommend or know of as I would feel more comfortable in a group as I have never visited NYC or the US. I’m looking for a tour that I can join to see NYC and potentially other places for example Niagra Falls etc. I have approx 10 days. Thanks in advance. Louise

February 19, 2018 at 11:42 pm

Hi Louise, I apologize, however I never did a guided tour as I never really had a need for it. It’s easy to visit Niagara Falls on your own and you can check my New York category for my guide to Niagara Falls. I’d say that you only need one day there, however it takes at least a day to get there if you fly (or one full day if you take the bus/train). I’d recommend maybe checking out DC if you’re on your first trip to the US. DC is an easy trip from NYC by Amtrak. Maybe G Adventures or Contiki are good options as a friend of mine used Contiki for her US trip for the same reason!

February 20, 2018 at 9:35 am

where do i download the app

February 20, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Apologies, the map went missing in the migration. It’s up now.

February 22, 2018 at 3:14 am

Love this post! I’m traveling in two weenie, I need your opinion about buying the tickets to the attractions directly or use the New York Pass.

February 22, 2018 at 2:36 pm

Hi Marjorie, I’d recommend buying the tickets yourself. It will probably be cheaper unless you’re going to the most expensive attractions included in the pass. 🙂

March 5, 2018 at 3:39 pm

Hi Karen, This blog is very informative. I am visiting NY this march 8th to match 10th with my parents. I have some questions for you.

1) How is the flood now? resided? 2) To visit all these places, is it cheap to rent a car or use public transport? 4) I initially booked flights tkts for 4 days and found maid of the mist was not open until mid of may and got disappointed. So now all my 4 days will be spent in NY.

March 5, 2018 at 4:42 pm

1. The damage is mostly fixed. 2. Use public transit. I have a helpful post about using the NYC subway, which should help. 3. Sorry to hear that, but you can still visit the falls. I have a guide to Niagara Falls, but I think also spending all four days in NYC will be best as there’s so much to do.

March 5, 2018 at 3:46 pm

And if I take amtrak to DC, can I still visit places in public transport in dc without renting a car?

March 5, 2018 at 4:44 pm

DC has a great metro system and all the major museums in DC are free. Very easy to get around without a car! 🙂

March 28, 2018 at 8:23 pm

Hi and many thanks for these tips. Great! We look forward to visiting NY next week. Coming from The Hague and Amsterdam, I am sure we have much in common – so we rely heavily on your guidance. If we arrive on a Saturday, is there one of the above mentioned day-profiles, you would recommend us to start with? By the way, do you know Gallagher’s stake house? Is it good? Thanks!

March 28, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Hi Willem, Small world. I’ll be publishing about the Hague very soon. 😉 If you’re arriving on a Saturday, you might want to avoid the crowds, so maybe start with Day 2. Day 1 might be fine too, however you might encounter some lines at the 9/11 memorial if you don’t make reservations in advance.

I don’t know Gallagher’s as I’m not really a big steak person to be honest.

I hope that you have a fantastic trip otherwise and let me know if you have other questions. 🙂

April 19, 2018 at 8:04 pm

Great post! We are coming in June and want to find a “locals” beach area….any suggestions?

April 19, 2018 at 8:05 pm

Hi Sandi, you can go to Coney Island within NYC. If you’re looking for a better beach, head to Jones Beach or Fire Island. 🙂

April 19, 2018 at 8:42 pm

That’s exactly where we were looking! Seems easy enough by train! Thank you!

May 7, 2018 at 2:35 am

Where can i download your map?

May 7, 2018 at 2:40 am

Export the data to a KML format. Then, email it to your phone. Google Maps usually opens it for me, otherwise I use an app called Maps.Me.

May 8, 2018 at 3:58 pm

Thank you so much for this information. Taking my dtr in early summer for a mom dtr trip. Any good recs for what to do/see in Central Park?

May 8, 2018 at 8:36 pm

I recommend Belvedere Castle, the boathouse, Sheep meadow, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. 🙂

May 27, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi Karen Im coming to New york city for 7-8 days to experience the Christmas! Very panicky and stressed up now as it seems overwhelming to plan the itinerary, and people are telling me to avoid New York during winter as it is at its coldest… this write up of yours is a great help! 🙂

July 10, 2018 at 3:07 am

Than You!! Love how the days are divided and all the details,, incredible! I’m a 1st time SF visiting mid week, mid Oct. For only 3 days before taking the train to Philly to see friends. I’m using all your tips for packing,$$, transportation, etc. Any suggestions on a centrally located area for Hotels that’s not in the heart of Time Square? $150-200. Any tips for traveling solo?

July 10, 2018 at 11:56 am

Hi Milehilady, So glad to hear that! I’m writing more about NYC soon as wel! I love Adventurous Kate’s tips for traveling solo in NYC. I mostly recommend using caution and I discuss it a bit in my “20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a New Yorker” post.

I’ll be posting a list of 10-15 hotels that are in that range today/tomorrow if you can check back this week. 🙂

Kind regards, Karen

July 27, 2018 at 7:13 am

This is good stuff. I cant see the downloadable map. Is it located anywhere else. We could really use it for our trip.

July 27, 2018 at 11:45 am

It’s in the post if you just look towards the bottom. Have a great trip!

July 29, 2018 at 10:39 pm

A brilliant read we travelling from the UK 30th August. we were advised to purchase a pass for the five days, which is supposed to get us into many of the expensive transactions for free. We are staying in Brooklyn as we believe its just a ride away from the main attractions. Where do we go to see where movies are filmed. Also, a strange question, but are there any genuine ghost tours or haunted places we coukd visit

Thank you in advance

July 29, 2018 at 11:36 pm

Hi Alison, You can look up my post about Astoria to read about the Museum of Moving Image, a great museum for this, although there’s many filming locations in NYC. I also have a post about Downtown Brooklyn with some insider tips. I haven’t done a ghost tour, but I’ve read a lot about Mulberry Street! I hope that you have a great trip.

February 24, 2019 at 1:51 am

Really great guide!! We are going to NYC inApril for 6 days and I’m so excited about it! Our list for for sure places right now consist of The Moma, The Met, and Cloisters, The Guggenheim, Little Italy and China Town, Brooklyn, Chelsea, SoHo and Greenwich Village, and I’ve booked tickets to see a band play “The Church,” in Jersey City. Plus, we want to eat at iconic restaurants, go to The Strand, and look at everything! Your guide is awesome and now how to pick through which places to eat at etc. thanks for taking the time to do this, so much to see and do and my husband and I want to do it all!

May 4, 2019 at 8:13 pm

Hi great guide thanks. We’re visiting NYC at the end of this month (May) for a wedding in Central Park. It’s me and my kids aged 13 and 15. Now to decide on the things that well all enjoy! Do you have any suggestions about wedding outfits for weather at that time of year in the park? At the moment thinking about Times Square at night, Central Park, walking Brooklyn bridge and stopping to eat at Grimaldi’s, Statue of Liberty, The High Line and Ground Zero. Would we need to book a table at Grimaldi or the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty? How about the Empire State? Thanks

May 6, 2019 at 11:28 am

Hi Karen, you should book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance for sure. It’s best to buy tickets for the Empire State building to avoid lines. For wedding outfits, it depends on how formal the wedding is. For a general wedding (non-black tie), a tasteful A-line dress that goes to the knee with heels should be good! It’s a bit colder in NYC right now, so maybe a sweater with it. Hope that helps! Grimaldi doesn’t accept reservations as far as I know.

May 18, 2019 at 9:08 pm

Thankyou so much for your reply. That’s really useful!

May 25, 2019 at 1:22 pm

Such a great itinerary, covering all things fun in a not too rushed way !! Thanks for the insider tips, heading to NYC next week. Will keep in mind all your suggestions

May 29, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Hi, Loving all the tips on here! I have booked a surprise trip for my husband and our children aged 15 and 12 for end of October and I am struggling to work out the best way to get tickets to the top attractions, if I buy one of the passes does this mean I can’t book a specific time at the attractions and just have to turn up and hope we can get in? I know some have queue jumps with the but am I better off booking my tickets individually and directly with the attractions themselves?

May 30, 2019 at 3:19 am

Hi Clare, I personally prefer booking directly tickets directly myself so that I can just stroll in without the line. If you know where you want to go, it might end up being cheaper unless you intend to go to several of the really pricey ones (top of the rock, empire state building).

June 9, 2019 at 4:04 pm

I went to NYC last summer for the first time. Did all the “famous sights” and had an amazing time! This summer i am going back (again for a week) and cant wait to see the “lesser known” sights. This article was very helpful, i learned about a few new sights.

June 28, 2019 at 10:35 am

Hi Karen… loved reading your articles on NYC. My teen girls and I are coming for a week on July 2nd. We want to see some main attractions, but also want to experience some lesser known places the locals enjoy. Our hotel is in Chelsea, which seems to be a central location to see many things, I have a few of questions I can’t find answers to, and I hope you can help. 1. How can we enjoy a spectacular night view of the city when there are minors in our group and a rooftop bar isn’t an option? Are there alternatives for us? 2. We will be there during the 4th of July. Is there anything special we should know about? Are most attractions closed? Is there a good place to take my teens to get a good view of fireworks? 3. I am a disabled veteran (not wheelchair bound). Many times disabled veterans are able to visit attractions at a discount or free. Do you have any info on that or can point me in the right direction? Any money saved is a big help.

Thanks in advance, and I hope I hear back from you… Jean

July 11, 2019 at 10:27 pm

There’s some great ideas here that you don’t normally see in standard New York itineraries. I will definitely be using this, and your post on Brooklyn, as a base for my trip. Thanks!

July 30, 2019 at 6:59 am

Thank you so much, this post is a life saver and a great way to discover the city!

August 28, 2019 at 9:31 pm

My first search in looking at tips for visiting New York, reading all the comments this looks like a good start? Do you have an more detailed suggestions for Sports Food and Beer enthusiasts? Want to mix in what you have already stated with the aforementioned. Taking my wife for our yearly travel…..Oct 31st-Nov4th.

September 9, 2019 at 5:15 am

We are looking to stay in Manhattan for 7 days (in April mid/late 2020) and after seeing family in upstate NY were going to return for 7 days in Brooklyn (in early May 2020). Does this sound too long to you? And if not what would you add to the list? I really liked what you included but if you have any extra suggestions please feel free to add them. Especially if there are any markets, annual festivals, food tours, etc that you would recommend. Regards and thanks Tina

September 9, 2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi Tina, Definitely not too long! Look at my more recent posts that focus more on NY off the beaten path. I’ll be adding more content on Brooklyn soon. 🙂

September 15, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Hi, thanks for your great articles.. I find them really useful.. we’re planning on traveling to New York from the UK and will be there over Thanks Giving.. we know about the Macy’s parade, but I’m wondering how busy the rest of the city will be that day and will we need to make a reservation at a restaurant to guarantee a table Thanks

September 24, 2019 at 4:42 pm

Please search on my website for my guide for NYC for the Holidays!

October 23, 2019 at 6:12 pm

We are going to NY (1st time!) in a few weeks and I was trying quite desperately to prepare the trip. There is just too much to do, to see and to eat. But then … I found your blog! Many, many thanks! I got it all sorted out now 🙂 Just one question; Do you have a suggestion for a indian restaurant in Jackson Heights?

Thanks again for taking the time to write all of this! It’s very much appreciated 🙂

October 24, 2019 at 11:35 am

Glad to hear that Christine! It depends what kind of Indian food you’re looking for. I love dosas, so Dosa Delight might be a good pick. Definitely go for sweets after at Rajbhog

January 31, 2020 at 10:44 am

Hi, very well put together itinerary. I just wanted to know if there is a city pass that allow one to bypass queues and allow access to major sightseeing sights in NYC?

February 2, 2020 at 11:40 am

There is, but it’s not necessarily worth it depending on what attractions you plan on visiting. I recommend calculating if it’s worth it for you.

November 6, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Hi , thanks for the fab itinerary. We are planning to visit New York in February. Is it a good time and how cold is it in February. Is there anything that is closed in February?

March 17, 2022 at 9:59 pm

Christmas things will be closed, but most things should be open!

October 29, 2022 at 8:29 pm

Thanks for such a nice itinerary… SO, I have always said I can’t really celebrate my bday anywhere because its mid Jan 🙂 But I did decide to book a trip for 5 days in the Winter (OMG) – Bay Area Folks like myself have not experienced cold weather, that alone, need to figure out places to visit in NYC in the winter. Never been to NYC but hope that my 39th bday will be fun regardless of the cold

May 2, 2023 at 5:27 pm

Got 6 nights booked for new year’s and plan on doing a fair bit. We’re booking stuff already as there’s so much we want to do and visit. We also want to go up most of the iconic buildings purely to say been there because we don’t know when or if ever we’ll get a chance to go again. We’re in the UK so it’ll be like walking into a film set. We’re staying in midtown Manhattan and also want to go to Brooklyn. I’d like to pop across to Queensbridge because of the rappers from the 80’s and MC Shan’s ‘The Bridge’. Also the South Bronx because of Beat street. Not sure how safe a quick daytime visit would be to South Bronx?? Nervous and excited.

June 5, 2023 at 5:08 pm

You can do a tour of the South Bronx related to the rap history. That might be the safest option if you are nervous about it!

June 25, 2023 at 3:53 pm

i will like to go next year on July .i want to know if will be expensive ? on that time off the year many thanks

July 6, 2023 at 10:20 pm

It is always expensive

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7 Day New York Itinerary

How to spend 7 days in new york.

Looking to spend a week in New York City? Check out our New York itinerary for the best recommendations and tips on how to see the best of NYC in 7 days. This day by day itinerary also includes tips to save money!

Table of Contents

Our Budget Tip for 7 Days in New York

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The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

Day 1 NY Itinerary – Bus Tour & Midtown

On day 1 you’ll be visiting:

• Empire State Building
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (see map)
• Grand Central Terminal
• New York Public Library & Bryant Park
• Times Square

Day 1 – Morning

You have arrived in NYC and you’re ready to explore – where to begin? Start your trip by exploring New York’s most iconic skyscraper: The Empire State Building ! Going there early in the day  means no wait time and amazing views as the city wakes up. To gain an impression of the city and what you might want to explore further in the coming 7 days, we definitely recommend a sightseeing tour . This is a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, meaning that if you drive past a sight you want to explore more, you can do so freely before getting back on the bus and continuing your tour.

Our lunch recommendations:

• UrbanSpace Food Market  (E 45th & Vanderbilt Ave) – Food court $$
• Dining Concourse at Grand Central Terminal (89 E 42nd St) – Food court $$

Day 1 – Afternoon

After the bus tour and some much-needed lunch, we recommend that you continue with day 1 of your 7 day New York Itinerary by exploring the world-famous Grand Central Terminal and  New York Public Library with the adjacent Bryant Park. It is simply not enough to see those landmarks from the outside – you need to be inside!

Our dinner recommendations:

• Don Antonio (309 W 50th St) – Italian Cuisine $$
• Ippudo Westside (321 W 51st St) – Japanese Cuisine $$

Day 1 – Evening

When the sun sets, it is time for you to head to Times Square to see the lights at night . We promise you will be blown away by the view! The perfect way to end the first evening of your New York itinerary by visiting a rooftop bar , from where you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of the city.

Our rooftop bar recommendations:

• Refinery Rooftop Bar (63 W 38th St) – Amazing view of the Empire State Building $$
• SkyRoom Rooftop Bar (330 W 40th St) – Great view of the Empire State Building $$

Day 2 NY Itinerary – Boat Tour & The High Line

On day 2 you’ll be visiting:

• Boat tour around Manhattan
• High Line Park
• Chelsea Market
• Meatpacking District
• Flatiron Building

Day 2 – Morning

Day 2 of the 7-day New York Itinerary will begin with a different perspective of New York: from the water. A great boat tour we recommend is the Circle Line Landmarks that starts at Pier 83 . It’s the perfect opportunity to take stunning skyline pictures and also learn about the history of New York. Heading there first thing in the morning helps you avoid long lines! Especially during the summer, boat tours are extremely popular.

• Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave) – Food market $$
• Bubby’s (73 Gansevoort St) – Comfort food $$

Day 2 – Afternoon

The Pier is only a short walk away from Hudson Yards and the High Line – a beautiful park that has been built on an abandoned section of railway tracks above the city. It will take you from Chelsea to the Meatpacking District . On the way,  you should stop at Chelsea Market to get some delicious food. From there, you can walk through the Meatpacking district to the Flatiron Building , next to Madison Square Park.

• Eataly NYC Flatiron (200 5th Ave) – Italian Market $$
• Shake Shack (Madison Ave & E 23rd St) – Burger $

Day 2 – Evening

This evening, you have time to enjoy a show on New York’s famous Broadway. If you are coming from further away and are still suffering from jet lag, then simply switch the day with another one later in the itinerary. This way you won’t accidentally fall asleep during the show! Alternatively, you can visit a rooftop bar in the area.

• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (230 Fifth Ave) – Unobstructed view of the Empire State Building $
• SERRA by La Birreria Rooftop Bar (200 Fifth Ave) – Perfect v iew of the Clock tower at Madison Square

Day 3 NY Itinerary – Museum & Central Park

On day 3 you’ll be visiting:

• One of  New York City’s best museum
• Central Park
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Top of the Rock

Day 3 – Morning

Before starting day 3 of your New York itinerary by exploring Central Park , you may want to consider checking out one of New York’s renowned museums. The so-called ‘museum mile’ is located right on 5th Avenue , along Central Park. You will find the Met, the Guggenheim and many other museums on that street. The MoMA and American Museum of Natural History are also located in proximity to the park, which makes it a perfect combination for your NY itinerary.

• Dos Toros Taqueria (1111 Lexington Ave) – Mexican Cuisine $$
• Angela’s Sandwich Shop (1428 6th Ave) – Comfort food $

Day 3 – Afternoon

Central Park is home to the largest amount of green space in Manhattan . While you can take bike tours and walking tours , there is so much that goes on in Central Park, we are not sure we can list it all for you! You will see picnics, parties, runners, bikers, horse and carriages, a zoo, lakes, boats, historic landmarks, stages, and the list goes on and on! Exploring a museum and Central Park will take up most of your day.

• Bill’s Bar & Burger (16 W 51st St) – Burger $$
• Ipanema (43 W 46th St) – Brazilian Cuisine $$

Day 3 – Evening

To end Day 3 perfectly, why not  walk through St. Patrick’s Cathedral before  watching the sunset or night sky from the Top of the Rock – our favorite viewing platform. You can spend as much time as you like up there.

Day 4 NY Itinerary – Statue of Liberty & Ground Zero

On day 4 you’ll be visiting:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
• Battery Park
• Charging Bull
• One World Observatory
• 9/11 Memorial

Day 4 – Morning

When you have 7 days in New York, you don’t have an excuse not to visit the State of Liberty ! It’s New York’s most iconic symbol that everyone needs to see! The ferry to Liberty Island departs from Battery Park and will also take you to Ellis Island. If you are truly interested in learning about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,  take a guided tour that also includes access to the pedestal.

Our lunch recommendations: 

• Pier A Harbor House (22 Battery Pl) – Focus on seafood $$
• Sauce & Barrel (97 Washington St) – Italian Cuisine $$

Day 4 – Afternoon

Once you get back to Manhattan, you can walk through Battery Park to eventually get to Ground Zero . You can  pass the Charging Bull Sculpture on your way . Once arrived at Ground Zero, we suggest you visit the One World Observatory for the highest views in New York City.

• El Vez and Burrito Bar (259 Vesey St) – Mexican Cuisine $$
• Blue Smoke (255 Vesey St) – BBQ $$

Day 4 – Evening

After some delicious dinner in the area, head back to Ground Zero to see the 9/11 Memorial when it’s lit up for the night . Standing in front of the two pools is an indescribable and very emotional experience.

Day 5 NY Itinerary – Brooklyn Heights & Lower Manhattan

On day 5 you’ll be visiting:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Brooklyn Bridge
• South Street Seaport
• 9/11 Memorial Museum

Day 5 – Morning

7 days in New York truly gives you time to explore each borough if you are up for it. Today, we recommend you head towards Brooklyn! This beautiful and trendy part of town is the place to be. It may not be as big as Manhattan, but don’t worry, there is just as much to do and see. After exploring DUMBO , head to Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can enjoy another picture perfect view of Manhattan’s incredible skyline .

• Juliana’s (19 Old Fulton St) – Pizza $$
• Shake Shack – (1 Old Fulton St) – Burger $

Day 5 – Afternoon

Day 5 of our New York itinerary starts in Brooklyn for a reason: Walking over Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan will give you a much better view than the other way around! Once arrived in Lower Manhattan you will be super close to the newly restored South Street Seaport District that you can check out before heading to Wall Street.

• Thai Sliders & Co (8108 John St) – Thai Cuisine $
• Eataly NYC Downtown (Four World Trade Center) – Italian Market $$

Day 5 – Evening

When you are done exploring the Financial District , you will be in walking distance to the National 9/11 Museum – a must-see for anyone who is visiting New York. You’d be surprised at how many things you can learn about the day that changed the nation. By going there late in the day, you avoid the big crowds . Plan on being there for about 2 hours.

Day 6 NY Itinerary – Helicopter Ride & SoHo

On day 6 you’ll be visiting:

• Helicopter Ride or Sport Event
• Little Italy & Nolita

Now any of these days from our New York itinerary can be done in any order, we just wanted to give you a guideline of all there is to see in the city as well as ideas on how to save. By day 6 you’re probably thinking how much more is there to do? Well, you yet have amazing things ahead of you!

Day 6 – Morning / Afternoon

One of the most memorable experiences we have made in New York was taking a helicopter ride. The view from the helicopter beats all viewing platforms. Flying over the concrete jungle gives you a totally new perspective of New York. If a helicopter ride is a little too expensive, a great alternative is attending a sporting event . New York is home to some of the best sports teams and there is always a game going on.

• 12 Chairs (56 Macdougal St) – Middle Eastern Cuisine $$
• BoCaphe (222 Lafayette St) – Vietnamese & French Cuisine $$

Day 6 – Afternoon / Evening

A helicopter ride or a sporting event will take up most of your day, but there is still time left to explore lesser toured neighborhoods , such as SoHo , Little Italy, Nolita & Chinatown . Simply stroll through the neighborhoods and get to know their individual charms. What you’ll find? Shopping spots, beautiful buildings, great food and street art around every other corner.

• Gelso & Grand (186 Grand St) – Italian Cuisine $$
• Great NY Noodletown (28 Bowery) – Chinese Cuisine $

Day 7 NY Itinerary – Brooklyn

On day 7 you’ll be visiting:

• Prospect Park & Smorgasburg
• The Brooklyn Museum
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Barclay’s Center

Day 7 of our New York itinerary may be the last but it is definitely not the least! At this point you have covered most of Manhattan, so why not head to a different neighborhood to experience something a little different?

Day 7 – Morning

Let’s head out towards Williamsburg ! The first place we recommend you visit is Prospect Park ! On Sunday’s this is where Brooklyn’s famous Smorgasburg is held. Smorgasburg is a food festival that is held during the warmer months on the weekends. Saturday’s it is in Williamsburg and on Sunday it is in Prospect Park.

• Smorgasburg Food Market (Well House Dr) – Food market $
• Fette Sau (354 Metropolitan Ave) – BBQ $$

Day 7 – Afternoon

Another favorite to visit is the Brooklyn Museum . This museum is home to over 1.5 million works and is known for its expansive collection of Egyptian and African art. And last but not least, Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden ! Enjoy the 52 acres of pure bliss!

• Broccolini (446 Dean St) – Italian Cuisine $$
• Koto Sushi (263, 2489, Flatbush Ave) – Japanese Cuisine $$

Day 7 – Evening

In Williamsburg, you will see beautiful brownstones, boutique shops, and restaurants as well as lots of street art. It definitely has a different feel to it compared to Manhatta n. You may also find yourself near the Barclay’s Center . Basketball and ice hockey games are held here along with concerts. Its unique architecture makes it stick out against the grit, but it is a very cool building to pass by!

What does one week in New York cost?

We are often asked what 1 week in New York costs. Below you will see our approximations based off this 7 day New York itinerary:

• $300-$700 per person for the flight
• $40 per person for the airport transfer
• $150 per day for a double room in a hotel
• $1oo per day for food & drink

Altogether, it comes to roughly $2,170 per person. The price for a flight & hotel also depends on where you are coming from, how far you book in advance and where your hotel is located. Please note that the costs can also be significantly higher.

Are 7 days in New York enough?

You can explore most of New York within 7 days. The itinerary above covers all must-sees for your first visit to the Big Apple. Frankly, though, you can live in New York City and still explore new places every day. For you that means, it’s always worth it to come back and explore something new!

What MetroCard should I buy for 7 days in New York?

The MTA offers a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard for $33 (+$1 for the card). With the 7 Day Unlimited MetroCard, you can use New York’s entire subway network . You shouldn’t need any additional tickets to find your way around New York!

Which Sightseeing Pass should I buy?

For this particular itinerary, we recommend the Sightseeing Pass Flex . Why? Because this pass allows you to save the most money on attractions! The total savings are $91! However, if you are trying to adopt this 7 Day New York itinerary, you should double check which sightseeing pass will be the most cost-effective one. You can find out with just a few clicks!

CALCULATE YOUR SAVINGS

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, new york itinerary: an efficient plan for first timers in new york city.

New York City – A city that is amazing, endearing yet overwhelming all at once. As a first-time visitor to this amazing place, I can understand how intimidating planning for your NYC trip can be with so many activities and places to check out.

So, I’ve put together an efficient NYC itinerary that is easy to follow for you, whether you’re spending just a weekend in NYC, or a whole week or even more.

Tips for visiting NYC for the first time

How to get to manhattan from the airport.

• Taking public transportation in NYC

How much time should I spend in NYC?

When is the best time to visit nyc, where to stay in nyc.

• Day 1: The New York Essentials
• Day 2: Midtown

Day 3: Museums and Central Park

• Day 4: Brooklyn, DUMBO, and Lower East Side

Other things you can do in NYC

• Where to eat in NYC
• Is getting the New York Pass worth it?

1. Get a travel pass to save money! There are many things to visit and do in NYC, which means you’ll spend money on those activities. Getting a travel pass could ease the pain! Here are a few travel passes you can consider:

• New York Pass by Go City – This is an all-inclusive pass that allows you to visit as many attractions as possible during the duration of your pass. I’d recommend this if you’re an active traveler who wants to do everything
• Go City New York Explorer Pass – On the other hand, if you want to take a slower approach and only want to visit select attractions, this is the pass for you. Explorer pass allows you to get discounts on selected attractions.

I will go over in detail whether it’s worth it to get these passes in the “ Is getting a travel pass worth it in New York? “ section below. Or, you can see attractions included in the passes to determine whether it’s something you want to do.

➡️ Book in advance for New York Pass holders: If you are going during the peak holiday season (such as the June-July summer holidays), an advanced booking is still required on top of buying the pass, because some attractions are popular and might sell out.

2. Get the 7-day unlimited Metro pass or pay with OMNY  – The easiest and most cost-effective way to get around NYC is by using public transport, or more specifically the subway. Read more on this in the public transportation section below!

3. Download the CityMapper App  – the subway will sometimes have route diversion, outage, or just simply not running on certain days. It helps to have CityMapper handy as the app will warn you of these disruptions.

4. Download the NYC Google Maps to your phone – by this, I don’t just mean download the Google Maps app. You can download the whole NYC map to your phone so you can peruse the map when you don’t have data connections (you’ll lose connections in certain spots while taking the subway). You’ll also use less mobile data when browsing the maps! Here is how to download Maps to your phone .

5. Wear comfortable shoes meant for walking  – I averaged 22,000 steps a day for the entire week I was in NYC. If it sounds like a lot, that’s because it IS! So when I say comfortable shoes, I don’t mean any flat shoes, I mean REAL comfortable shoes made for walking. I stupidly wore my Superga sneakers thinking I’d be okay… but by day 3, my feet were so swollen and in pain that I had to buy emergency walking shoes – a pair of Puma trainers with proper cushions for my sore feet.

6. Learn about the local quirks – Jaywalking, neighborhood nicknames, why the city steams, how to pronounce “Houston” (it’s not like the city in Texas!)… I wrote an entire blog post with stories from my trip to NYC . Check it out!

7. Learn how to tip the American way  – yes, I know, the tipping culture in the US baffles every visitor. It’s confusing! But, you don’t want to shortchange someone just because you disagree with this social norm. The most common instance where you’ll need to tip is when eating at a restaurant. The general rule of thumb is to tip 20% for average service, 25% for great service, and 30% for exceptional service. You don’t need to tip at establishments where the food is not served to you. Fast food, bakeries, bodega, or dessert places are examples of these establishments, but it certainly would be nice if you felt the staff did an exceptional job. You also don’t need to tip ride-sharing drivers (but again, it is always nice to), but you must tip taxi drivers.

8. Prices do not include sales tax – If you go to a store to buy something, be mindful that the price you see does not include tax. It will be added when you pay at the cashier. This applies to tours and tickets too! But you might be happy to know that clothing and shoes below US$100 are not subject to sales tax, so the price you see is what you’ll pay for those items.

9. Learn the Manhattan grid system and areas – Manhattan contains 214 numbered east-west streets ranging from 1st to 228th, ascending from south to north. Generally speaking, Manhattan is divided into three parts:

• Uptown is anything north of 59th Street
• Midtown is from 14th to 59th Street
• Downtown is anything south of 14th Street.

Then, the areas are further divided into neighborhoods with funky abbreviations, as I’ve talked about in my stories from my trip to NYC . I recommend watching this Manhattan Grid youtube video by Bright Trip to understand Manhattan better.

10. “Downtown” and “Uptown” can also refer to the direction of travel. For example, you’ll say the train is going uptown if it’s going north, and downtown if it’s going south.

11. Wise Card worked super well in NYC – as well as the rest of the US, really. If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save the foreign transaction fee with it. I never had to use cash when I was in NYC and San Francisco !

Getting to Manhattan from the airport greatly depends on where you’re staying in Manhattan and which airport you’re coming from.

1. From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

You could take public transport all the way to Manhattan, but I find it is easier to take Uber or Lyft from the EWR airport to Newark Penn Station . From Newark Penn Station, you can either:

• If you’re staying in Midtown , take the NEC/NJCL train to Penn Station on 34th Street
• If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan , take the PATH train to World Trade Center, or

Whichever is closest to your accommodation. Then you can resume via Metro to your accommodation. The last time I did this, it cost me US$ 21 for Uber and US$ 2.75 for the PATH train. Pretty affordable!

2. From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

From the JFK Airport, you can either:

• If you’re staying in Midtown , you’ll want to take the AirTrain Red (US$ 8.25) to Jamaica Station and switch to Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station or Grand Central.
• If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan , you can take Airtrain Green and switch to A train at Howard Beach Station.

Whichever is closest to your accommodation. Then you can resume via Metro to your accommodation.

How to take Public Transportation in NYC

NYC is a city with amazing connectivity – their public transportation will take you places for an affordable price. The subway is the best way to get around NYC, but you could take the bus, Taxi, or Uber.

🚌 Tip: The Big Bus hop-on hop-off 1-day ticket (worth $60) is included in the New York Pass

Here are your options to pay for public transportation in NYC as a short-term tourist:

• Single-fare ticket / Pay-per-ride ($2.75 per ride) – A subway ride in NYC costs $2.75 per ride, which I think is quite pricey. That’s why when my 7-day pass ran out, I mostly walked on foot in NYC unless I was going somewhere far that was worthwhile for a subway ride. You can simply tap any contactless credit card you have at the turnstile, or purchase a ticket at a ticket vending machine in any subway station.
• 7-day Unlimited ride using MetroCard ($33) – You can buy the MetroCard from the vending machine at any subway station, which you can then reload. A 7-day unlimited Metro pass ($33 per 7 days) costs $33.
• Contactless payment with OMNY (capped to $33 from Mon-Sun) – With this method, you get to use your contactless debit or credit card using OMNY – No additional actions are required on your part, just tap the card at the turnstile! OMNY stands for One Metro New York, the MTA’s answer for contactless payment. You simply use whatever contactless payment method that you’re already using on the OMNY reader (be it ApplePay, Google Pay, etc). When you use this method, you will not pay more than $33 in total fares from Monday and Sunday – it’s capped at $33!

Unlimited MetroCard vs OMNY: Which one should I use for taking the subway in NYC?

If you think you’ll be taking less than 12 subway rides during your time in NYC, then any of the above methods work. You can buy a single-ride ticket or you can use OMNY.

But, if you have decided that you’ll be taking at least 12 subway rides during your stay in NYC, you might be wondering… which method should you use? The answer is: It depends. It depends on exactly how long you’ll be in NYC, the device you have, how much you plan to take public transportation, and your personal preference!

So here’s the deal – OMNY and the 7-day unlimited metro costs the same at $33, but look closer and you’ll notice that OMNY is capped only from Monday to Sunday, while the unlimited metro card is good for the next 7 days after activation.

The seven-day period for OMNY weekly cap begins at midnight on Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Unlimited MetroCards expire at midnight on the 7th (or 30th) day from the day you activated it, regardless of the time you activated the card on the first day. For example, whether you bought and activated the unlimited card by taking a subway ride at 3 pm or 11 pm on Monday, then your card will expire on Sunday at midnight.

Here are some tips to help you decide:

• First of all, contactless payment with the OMNY method requires you to either have a card that can do a contactless payment or a smart device that is compatible with contactless pay, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone. If you do not have these devices, then you’ll be better off buying the unlimited MetroCard.
• If you’re arriving in the latter half of the week (say Thursday or Friday), and you’re planning to do more than 12 rides within 7 days, then go with the 7-day Unlimited MetroCard. Given that each ride already costs $2.75, you just need to take the subway more than 12 times to make it worth it – that’s less than twice a day, and trust me, you’ll ride the subway more than that.
• If you’re arriving earlier in the week (Monday – Wed) and plan to do more than 12 rides within 7 days, then go ahead and use OMNY!
• OMNY method is more restrictive in terms of the weekly cap, but it’s way more convenient to use, as you do not need to fuss with yet another card – you can just use your phone or watch to tap into the subway.
• The unlimited MetroCard is refillable. Don’t throw away your card after you’re done using it, because you can always reload the card! Otherwise, you’ll have to pay $1 for a new card.

If it’s your first time in NYC and you want to see everything possible, I recommend spending at least 4 days here. There are so many things to see and do in NYC! I stayed for a week and I still didn’t run out of things to do.

Generally, Spring and Fall are great times to be in NYC. Summer could get hot and humid and Winter can get very cold. I think April and May or September to November are all great times to visit NYC. I visited NYC in May and September and can vouch that the weather was great in those months.

However, if you’re a fan of the Christmas season then you’ll want to visit the city in December . The city would be decorated with beautiful lights and Christmas trees – it’s truly a magical time to be in NYC. My very first-ever visit to NYC was in December and I still fondly remember that trip, even though it was nearly 15 years ago.

Tip 💡: The holiday market tour (worth $45) and Christmas Lights walking tour ($25) are included in the New York Pass if you are visiting during the holiday season!

If it’s your first time in NYC, you’ll want to stay in Manhattan – just because… it will make your life so much easier. However, accommodations in Manhattan do tend to be more expensive.

If you want to save some money, you could stay off Manhattan and stay in Brooklyn, but you’ll probably spend more time and money commuting. It’s up to you which pro and con suits you better!

I stayed in Manhattan both times I visited NYC. Here are some hotel recommendations I’ve stayed at:

• NoMo in SoHo – Located in SoHo, this hotel is within walking distance of many good restaurants and bars in NYC. It’s also conveniently within walking distance of many subway stations.
• New York Hilton Midtown – I stayed here on my first-ever visit to NYC. It’s located within walking distance of Times Square, MoMA, Central Park, and best of all, right across from the OG Halal Guys!

The NYC Itinerary Overview

OK, so we’ve talked about all the important things about visiting NYC. Time to talk about what to do in NYC!

Below I’ve arranged daily itineraries you can do in NYC. Note that you don’t need to do the itinerary in the same order as I’ve outlined below, however, I’ve grouped the activities and attractions that are close to each other so that they can be visited together. That’s why I call this my efficient NYC itinerary!

My NYC itinerary can be divided as follows:

To visualize this NYC itinerary better, I’ve created a Google Maps link that marks all the routes and landmarks I’ll mention in this blog.

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

Day 1: The New York Essentials in Lower Manhattan

As a first-timer in NYC, you’ll want to start your visit by seeing all the must-see attractions. Let’s do that today! Most of the attractions of today will be located in Lower Manhattan and within walking distance of each other.

➡️ PS: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is closed on Tuesday. It’s a place you must visit if you haven’t, so I recommend doing this itinerary on other days that are not Tuesday .

1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

What’s a first-time visit to NYC without visiting the Statue of Liberty? Of course, this is a must! Not only do you get to see the Lady Liberty up close, but you’ll also get to take a little trip on a ferry to Ellis Island . Ellis Island was the entry point for many immigrants in the mid-1800s to early 1900s who shaped NYC into the city it is today.

Make your way to Battery Park to board the ferry, which departs every 25 minutes from 9:25 am to 4:30 pm.

🗽 Tip: Round trip ferry ticket to Ellis Island, entry to the Statue of Liberty, and admission to the Immigration Museum (worth $24) are included in the New York Pass .

2. Charging Bull and Fearless Girl at Wall Street

Once you’re done with Ellis Island and back at Battery Park, make your way down to the edge of the Financial District to see the Charging Bull , a famous bronze statue that is an iconic symbol of Wall Street, depicting the “bull” period of the stock market which means optimism and prosperity.

This bull was first illegally dropped outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street by its artist, Arturo Di Monica, as part of guerilla art in 1989. The bull was then moved to its current location later that year. There is a tradition to rub the bull’s… erm, scrotum when you visit, so you’ll notice that part of the bull is lighter in color compared to the rest of its body. It has also been subject to vandalism, being painted blue during the financial crisis of 2008.

After the bull, you can make your way to the Fearless Girl , a statue by Kirsten Visbal to promote female empowerment, which was installed in 2017 and was originally placed facing the Charging Bull. The placement of the girl caused some controversy and complaints from Di Monica as he feels that it changed the meaning and intention behind the Charging Bull. Since then, The Fearless Girl has been temporarily moved to face the NYSE building in 2018. As of 2022, the statue is still there, but it’s unclear how long it will remain.

Right next to the girl is none other than the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) , however, there is not much you can do here aside from observing from the outside. The building is not open to the public.

2. Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Tip 💡: The 9/11 museum is closed on Tuesdays!

From the statues, you can walk over to Ground Zero – the site of the 9/11 terrorist attack. Here, you can see where pools where the two World Trade Center towers used to stand, as well as a memorial that lists the names of all the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack on NYC.

There is the 9/11 Museum on site and this is a MUST visit – the 9/11 incident has shaped NYC (and arguably the world) today. The museum did a great job collecting photos, personal stories, and even soundbites from that day. I didn’t expect to cry in a museum, but there I was, sobbing in the middle of the memorial. Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one crying.

It was difficult to go through but necessary and very highly recommended.

➡️ Tip: The 9/11 memorial, museum, and a tour are included in the New York Pass (worth $30)

3. The Oculus at One World Trade Center

Once you’re done with the museum, make your way to see The Oculus . Opened in 2016, you can’t miss this white structure from the outside as it is very eye-catching. It looks like large wings on the outside, and once inside it looks like gigantic rib cages and a spine.

The Oculus is a shopping center and a transport hub. You can go inside to take that iconic shot from the middle of the shopping center – it is truly something else.

4. See the city from above

NYC is known for its iconic skyline, so as a first-time visitor, you must visit one of the skyscrapers to enjoy the view. I recommend doing this closer to sunset so that you get a nice light. Take note that you might have to reserve if you come during peak hours.

There are many options if you want to see the city from above. Here are the options:

• Empire State Building Observatory – This building needs no introduction, it’s the most iconic building in NYC. You have the option to go to the 86th floor or go even higher to the 102nd floor (though I think 86th is enough). Tickets cost $44-77 depending on which floor you want to go to.
• Top of The Rock Observatory at Rockefeller Center – Tickets cost $40. I think this is the best option to see NYC from above!
• One World Observatory – Tickets cost $53-63 depending on the package you choose. This observatory is the highest point in NYC, located on the 100-102nd floor of One World Trade Center.
• Edge in Hudson Yards – Tickets start from $38-42. This is one of the newer buildings in NYC.
• Summit One Vanderbilt – The only one on this list not covered by New York Pass . But you can still get your ticket ahead of time here for cheaper. Tickets for adults start at $39-45 via the online website, but they will add tax and processing fees and vary depending on the day and time of day. So it’s still a few dollars cheaper to book through my link .

For this itinerary, One World Observatory is the most convenient as you would already be in the area (It’s right on top of the World Trade Center). But I think Top of The Rock has the best view – you can see the Empire State Building and the entirety of Central Park from here!

Tip 💡: If you’re having issues choosing, you could consider getting New York Pass because ALL of the options above, except Summit One, are included in the New York Pass . You can visit even all of them if you want!

Day 2: New York Landmarks in Midtown

On this itinerary, you’ll get to explore Midtown, which as the name might have implied… is the middle part of Manhattan, between Downtown and Uptown.

Generally speaking, Midtown is from anywhere between 14th to 59th Street. And you bet there is a lot to do here! You’ll be walking plenty, so definitely put on your most comfortable shoes.

1. Best of NYC Cruise

The Best of NYC Cruise is a 2.5-hour cruise that loops around the entire Manhattan island, starting from Pier 83. They have 4 cruise times a day, at 10 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. During the cruise, you’ll see many of New York’s most famous landmarks, including a few that are out of the way and first-time visitors wouldn’t normally see, like the Yankee Stadium. It’s a great way to kick off a busy day!

💡 Tip: The cruise is included in New York Pass (worth $40-46)

2. The Vessel

After the tour, take a walk down to The Vessel – one of the newer attractions in NYC, built as part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. A few years ago, you would have seen The Vessel all over Instagram, with its unique architecture that resembles a honeycomb.

You can access the ground level of The Vessel for free on Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm, with no reservation required ( check the opening time here ).

Unfortunately, the other levels of the Vessel are not open to the public due to suicide cases that have happened too frequently since its opening in 2019 and again after it tried to reopen in 2021.

If you want to see the city from above, this is another chance! Edge is an observatory with 360 views from the 100th floor, which also includes an outdoor sky deck. It is one of the newer observatories in the city.

💡 Tip: Admission to Edge (worth $38-42) is included in the New York Pass

4. High Line Park

The High Line Park is a scenic 2.3km elevated trail built on a former New York Central Railroad.

From Edge, you can take a walk to High Line Park. You can enter the High Line park from the very beginning near the W 34 St & 12 Ave corner , or if you don’t want to start from the very beginning, you can enter from the entrance next to the Bloomberg Building which would be very convenient from the Edge.

The elevated platform means it’s possible to have a nice peaceful walk through the city. For once, I was able to walk around in NYC without the anxiety that some biker is going to run me over or piss someone off for not knowing how to walk like a New Yorker .

Walking from one end of the High Line park to the other should take about 20 minutes.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Tip: Highline & Chelsea walking tour (worth $39) is included in the New York Pass

5. Chelsea Market

The High Line park goes under Chelsea Market, so as soon as you see signs for Chelsea Market you can simply follow it.

And it’s time for lunch! There are many options at Chelsea Market, but a crowd’s favorite is Los Tacos No. 1 . I can vouch that it’s worth a visit! You can read more about it in my food recommendations below.

6. Iconic buildings in Manhattan

After you’re done exploring Chelsea Market, walk over to the west side of Midtown, which should take about 20 minutes. Architecture buffs would be ecstatic about this part of the itinerary! I’ll highlight three of the most popular buildings in NYC if you want to check them out, and in this exact order, for more efficient use of your time:

• Flatiron Building – You should already be familiar with this building. The name of this building gives away its shape – sharp triangular, like a flat iron.
• Chrysler Building – One of NYC’s Art Deco skyscrapers with a distinctly pointed spire and arched crown. I was especially fond of this building as it is the location of one of my favorite video games – Parasite Eve.
• Empire State Building – This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper is a cultural icon that has appeared in many classic movies, most notably in the 1930s King Kong movie where Kong climbed the building.

💡 Tip: If you’d like to go up to the Empire State Building, admission to the observatory (worth $44) is included in the New York Pass

7. Grand Central Terminal

From the Empire State Building, The Grand Central Terminal is a mere few blocks away. Grand Central Terminal is a recognized National Historic Landmark. There are tons of things to see here, but here are my favorites:

• Main Concourse – Look up and you will see the 12 constellations painted in gold leaf on a Tiffany blue background. You can also check out the Apple store on the east balcony if you’re an Apple fan, it is one of their most unique store locations.
• The Whispering Gallery – The ceramic arches next to Grand Central Oyster Bar are an acoustic phenomenon that will let you talk to other people on the opposite ends of the corner. Try it out with a friend!

After checking out the whispering gallery, you can go to Grand Central Oyster Bar for some Clam Chowder. It is the oldest restaurant in Grand Central. At the dining concourse, there are plenty of food options too! You can get a burger from Shake Shack or try Magnolia Bakery ‘s famous banana pudding.

Click here for more things to do at Grand Central Terminal.

Now that you’ve done all the New York City essentials and must-sees, I thought it would be fun to highlight yet another different side of the city. We’ll be visiting a few notable museums today. You’ll still be walking a lot, but at a more chilled-out pace than the other days. Most of these museums are located in the upper east side, in the vicinity of Central Park, on a stretch of fifth avenue called “Museum Mile”.

I’ll be recommending some museums to visit today, but of course, you can feel free to not visit all of them – only go to the ones that interest you! While visiting all of them is possible, it would be quite a rushed visit to do in one day. Also, take notes on the days the museums are closed. Museums in NYC are sometimes closed for one day in the middle of the week.

1. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (The Guggenheim)

If you appreciate modern, contemporary art and architecture, you’ll want to start your day at The Guggenheim. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it has one of the most unique museum designs, spiraling upward in a cylindrical building, with artwork lining up the walls as you continue to walk up.

The Guggenheim isn’t a big museum and there aren’t many permanent collections, so be sure to check what’s on view to see if it interests you. I think the museum is worth checking out once for its unique architecture.

The Guggenheim is closed on Tuesdays

🏛 Tip: Admission to Guggenheim Museum (worth $25) is included in the New York Pass

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Just down the street from The Guggenheim is a name you should already be familiar with. The Met is known around the world not just for its annual star-studded Met Gala, but also for housing over two million artworks.

I loved everything about this museum, especially the area that houses the Temple of Dendur . This area was formerly called the Sackler wing, but the name was removed after the Sackler family’s role in making OxyContin addiction widespread in the US came to light. But the fact remains that it is such a beautiful, photogenic, and serene space.

And if it’s a good day, don’t miss The Cantor Roof Garden Bar on the rooftop!

The Met is closed on Wednesdays

3. American Museum of Natural History

If you are interested in this museum and you’re coming from the Met, I recommend walking through Central Park from the Met and visiting Belvedere Castle on the way (see my map itinerary!)

Those of you who are interested in dinosaur fossils (real ones!), animals, and gems could spend all day here. Take note that the museum is open every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm .

🏛 Tip: Admission to the American Museum of Natural History (worth $23) is included in the New York Pass

4. New-York Historical Society

So I have a confession to make… I haven’t actually been to the Museum of Natural History, partially because of New-York Historical Society.

You see, on my last visit to NYC, I was well on my way to visit the Museum of Natural History. New-York Historical Society is located right next to the Museum of Natural History, and in my jetlagged state, I walked into the New-York Historical Society and paid for the ticket, thinking it was the Museum of Natural History (even though I knew there are supposed to be dinosaur bones at the lobby!). I realized my mistake way too late and went along with it anyway.

And I’m so glad about that mistake! New-York Historical Society exceeded my expectations in many ways. There were so many interesting arts and paintings related to New York City, but the standouts for me were the replica of the oval room of the White House, the Picasso Tapestry, and the large collection of breathtakingly beautiful and very priceless Tiffany lamps, made by Tiffany Studios (yes, THAT Tiffany).

If you can, please make time for the museum tour at 2 PM . It greatly enhanced my experience visiting the museum.

The New-York Historical Society is closed on Mondays

🏛 Tip: Admission to the New-York Historical Society (worth $22) is included in the New York Pass

5. Central Park

The museums are already on the fringe of Central Park, so I don’t need to tell you how to get there. Central Park is a massive park in the middle of Manhattan. And allegedly, it is the most filmed location in the world!

There are tons of things to do here and the park is massive, but here are a few things I think are worth checking out at the park:

• Sakura / Cherry Blossom Trees – If you’re visiting NYC in April or May, you will be interested in viewing the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees, because they will be in full bloom. Here is where to find the cherry blossom trees in Central Park .
• Bethesda Terrace – One of the many architectural features in Central Park. I’m a huge fan of the ceramic tiles that form a pattern on the ceiling of the terrace.

• John Lennon tribute – In the eastern part of Central Park is a small tribute to John Lennon. You can start at the Dakota Apartments on 72nd Street, where he lived with Yoko Ono. It was at the entrance to the apartment that he was killed. In front of the Dakota on the Central Park side, you’ll find the Imagine Mozaic on the floor, a tribute to Lennon’s most popular song, and Strawberry Fields, a tribute to The Beatles’ song he wrote.
• Sheep Meadow – excellent for a picnic with friends or a solo afternoon nap

🚲 Tip: If you have the New York Pass , a Central Park bike tour (worth $52), a walking tour (worth $27), TV & movies tour (worth $36), and a bike rental (worth $46) is already included.

6. Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA)

From Central Park, head towards the South end of the park and you’ll find MoMA just a few blocks down.

MoMA is the mother of all modern and contemporary art museums, and it’s a must-visit. MoMA houses some of the most recognized artworks of our lifetime, including The Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Dance by Henri Matisse, Water Lillies by Monet, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, Campbell Soup by Andy Warhol as well as works by Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock.

MoMA is open every day

🏛 Tip: Admission to MoMA (worth $25) is included in the New York Pass

7. Times Square and Broadway

Finally, when you’re done with MoMA, it’s time to walk over to Times Square at Broadway and 42nd Street. Times Square is arguably the most touristy yet must-visit site in Manhattan. Just avoid going there during New Year’s Eve, it’s just not worth it when it’s that crowded.

Times Square is better to visit at night or as the sun is about to go down so that you can see all the billboards and LED signs lit up into the night. I recommend having some hot dogs straight from the street vendors at Times Square, not necessarily for their culinary value, but more for that quintessentially New York experience. Hot dogs were brought to NYC by German immigrants, in the form of push carts in the 1860s. In NYC, the sausages used are made from all beef.

Here is a cool photo I took at (almost) the same place in Times Square, a decade apart. Can you spot some differences?

Times Square is also in the Theater District. You must check out some Broadway shows while you’re in the city, such as Hamilton , Lion King , Phantom of the Opera , Wicked , and Book of Mormon are some of the most popular shows.

🏛 Tip: A Broadway and Times Square walking tour (worth $39) is included in the New York Pass

Day 4: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Lower East Side

Congrats! you’re pretty much almost done with all the must-sees in Manhattan. But you’re not done with New York, no! So it’s time to leave Manhattan and cross over to the other side for a more chilled-out day of arts, food, and walks by the river.

💡 Note: This itinerary is best to do on a Saturday

1. Explore Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a gentrified neighborhood in Brooklyn, filled with things to do and shops to check out. You can start your way from Metropolitan Av station. Here are some recommendations on what to see and visit here.

• Quimby’s Bookstore – Indie bookstore providing curated titles
• The City Reliquary – A small non-profit museum where you can see memorabilia of the city. They have both permanent and rotating exhibitions. See what’s on at City Reliquary here .
• Joe’s Pizza Mohammad Ali Mural – PS: Joe’s Pizza is also not a bad place to grab a bite unless you’re here on a Saturday in which case you’ll want to check out Smorgasburg.
• Artists & Fleas – A marketplace for craft makers, where you can shop goods from local small businesses. Only open on weekends.
• Smorgasburg – If you’re here on a Saturday, you might want to check out Smorgasburg , a large open-air food market that started at Williamsburg but has now opened up in many other locations in NYC.
• Domino Park – A nice park to chill by the east river
• Mona Lisa of Williamsburg – One of the most famous murals in Williamsburg.
• More street art – If you are interested in street art and murals, you can see more on my NYC map .

From Williamsburg, you can continue to walk down south for 1 hour. If that sounds crazy, you could take the East River (ER) ferry from South Williamsburg to DUMBO for $2.75 and 12 minutes of your time – click here for the ferry route info . I say, take the ferry.

DUMBO is an abbreviation of “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. NYC is full of these amazing acronyms! You can read my NYC stories post for more NYC anecdotes like this.

In DUMBO, you must stop by to take one of these shots:

It’s the spot where you can see the Manhattan Bridge, along with the Empire state building perfectly framed in one of its lower arches. There will be tons of people here, but if you come early enough in the morning then I reckon you’ll get a pretty nice photo without anyone in it.

Aside from the viewpoint, there are also plenty of places to eat at DUMBO. My recommendation is Juliana’s which is a very popular pizzeria or Shake Shack if you have yet to give it a try by now.

3. Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan

Once you’re done exploring DUMBO, make your way to Brooklyn Bridge. If you have time, you can stroll along the river at Brooklyn Bridge Park first before going to the bridge itself. You’ll get this nice view of the Brooklyn Bridge set against Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Most visitors walk or bike through the Brooklyn Bridge. You can walk across the bridge, which will take you approximately an hour, or you can rent a bike. Either way, there will be a lot of people on the walking platform!

➡️ Tip: If you have the New York Pass , a Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO tour (worth $35), Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental (worth $40), and Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour (worth $27) are already included.

4. Explore the rest of Manhattan

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll find yourself in Lower Manhattan. You can explore the rest of Manhattan according to your interest. I’ve marked a bunch of restaurants, bars, and points of interest on my NYC map . Or, read on to find more things to do in NYC below!

Things to do in the Lower East Side

Lower East Side is one of Manhattan’s most happening neighborhoods. Take your time to enjoy Manhattan’s best food, art, and music scene.

• Hester Street Fair – If you are here on a Saturday, you can check out this open-air street fair, where you can hunt for vintage goodies.
• Katz Deli – A famous deli serving Jewish American cuisine. You can read more about it in my food recommendations below.
• The Bowery Ballroom – Fans of indie music can catch a show at this intimate venue. See what’s on at Bowery Ballroom
• Alphabet City – This area is a small portion of the east village where the streets are named Avenue A, B, C, and D. You can find restaurants and Bars here.

More things to do and places to visit in Manhattan

• Comedy Cellar in West Village – A comedy club in West Village. You won’t know the lineup until you show up, but many famous comedians (such as Dave Chapelle) have been known to make a surprise appearance. It’s considered to be the best comedy club in the country. Make reservations here .
• Sleep No More in Chelsea – The ultimate immersive theater experience, based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth , that I can’t describe with words. Even if I try, you’ll likely have a different experience than me, due to the flexible “choose your own adventure” format of Sleep No More. You just have to experience it yourself and go with the flow. As it is located near Chelsea in Midtown, I would suggest fitting this on the Day 2 itinerary above. Buy tickets here .

• Amateur night at The Apollo in Harlem – This requires traveling uptown to Harlem and only happens on Wednesdays, but it was worthwhile to make the trip out there! Similar to Comedy Cellar, you just never know which future superstar is making their debut night here, which has included names like Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonders, Lauryn Hill, and Michael Jackson & The Jackson Five. Buy tickets here .

• Bohemian in NoHo – An exclusive restaurant in NoHo, located in Andy Warhol’s former studio. You can only dine here if you know the name of someone who has been here before.
• Strand Bookstore in Union Square – A large bookstore specializing in used and rare books.
• The Django in Lower Manhattan – A Jazz Bar in Roxy hotel. Good for drinks and live acts.
• The Back Room – One of the original speakeasies from the prohibition era still in operation today. They serve drinks in unassuming white tea cups, just like how people used to enjoy their poison of choice back in the prohibition days!

Other things to do in New York

• Coney Island in Brooklyn – If you’re visiting New York during summer, you can check out Coney Island in the southwestern part of Brooklyn. It features a whimsical seaside amusement park close to the beach, with games, food, and fairs.
• Brooklyn Bowl

Where and What to Eat in NYC

There are many good places to eat in NYC, and I enjoyed eating my way through NYC during my stay. Here are a few standouts that I truly enjoyed during my stay:

Los Tacos No.1  – Yes, I queued for this. Yes, it is located in the extremely touristy Chelsea Market. But YES, it was worth it. They only serve 4 types of tacos. I tried cactus (nopal) tacos for the first time here – while this was not my cup of tacos, I do recommend trying it at least once and highly recommend the other three tacos.

Levain Cookies  – Worth. the. damn. hype. Just go get yourself their walnut chocolate chip cookie and you can thank me later. If there is a line, don’t fret because it moves super fast… so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go! I originally planned to buy the cookies and then walk over to Central Park to eat them, but let’s be honest – they only lasted a few steps outside the bakery *mouth waters from thinking about their cookies* . The original branch is on the Upper West Side, but you can find Levain in many parts of NYC now.

Kosher American Jewish Deli – Comprising approximately 13% of NYC’s population, the Jewish community in NYC is the largest in the world outside of Israel. The Jews immigrated to NYC from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, and these immigrants created what is now known as a Jewish delicatessen (or deli for short). At these delis, you can find the classic pastrami on rye and my new-found love: Matzo ball soup, among other dishes – some of which are unique to Jewish Americans.

Here are a few delis that I loved when I was in NYC:

• Katz Deli (in Lower East Side) – This is the place that introduced me to Matzo ball soup, so they needed to be mentioned. The  Harry Met Sally  thing is pretty cool too, I guess.
• Sarge’s Deli (in Midtown) – Out of all the Jewish delis I tried, their pastrami sandwich is the best! They also have the most homely ambiance, and their Matzo ball is pretty good.
• 2nd Ave Deli  (in Upper East Side) – OK, by now you guys have probably caught on that I visited all the famous delis because of my Matzo ball soup obsession… and the one at 2nd ave deli was my favorite Matzo ball soup out of them all. It comes with carrots! and a choice of 3 types of carbs!

Babka – A type of bread swirled with chocolate and cinnamon, popular with the Jewish community in eastern European countries. Many have said babka is the best sweet to get in NYC. Breads Bakery is a popular place to get Babka from in NYC.

The Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th  – Because you haven’t been to NYC without tasting that magical secret white sauce, made popular by none other than the New York cabbies themselves. They have carts all over the city now, but the OG one is this one on 53rd and 6th.

When I first came to New York, I stayed at the Hilton, which you can see in the background of the photo below.

Each time we pass by this corner around dinner time, this one food cart would have a long line snaking out. So one night just before flying back, I decided to join the line – and then I understood why. Their gyro platter with the white and red sauce is SO delicious and relatively affordable for New York’s price. I liked it so much that I hand-carried one on a flight back to LA for my family to try!

Is getting a travel pass worth it in New York?

(All currency in this calculation is in USD)

The New York Pass allows you to visit as many attractions as possible during the duration of your pass. Sounds good? Well, it depends. I would only recommend this if you’re the type of traveler who likes to move fast and want to see everything.

If you follow my itinerary above, your New York Pass utilization could look like this :

And if you decide to take the Big Bus Tour on one of the days, it would add even more to the total value of the pass to be $427. A 3-day pass costs $249 at the time of writing, so you could potentially be saving $118-178 with the New York Pass .

Of course, this is all dependent on your planning ability to use up the pass to its full potential. This is why even though the New York pass is available for up to 7 days, I can only advise getting the 3-day pass and doing as many things as possible during those days to make it truly worth it.

However, if you decide that you want to chill and only visit a few select attractions, you can consider Go City New York Explorer Pass instead. You’ll save money through this pass, provided you pick high-value attractions that cost $35 or more. The pass is good for 60 days after activation so that you can take your time!

My recommendations for such attractions:

• Top of the Rock – $40
• Central Park Bike Tour – $52
• Best of NYC cruise – $47
• The vessel – $39
• Edge – $42
• High Line Tour – $39

Okay, that was one long post on everything I know about NYC! I hope this post has been useful to you. And as usual, if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

10 Comments

• January 2, 2024

Gratitude for the insider tips! Your advice led us to mouthwatering food and the breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock. NYC became a dream come true.

• November 6, 2023

Great Itinerary! Found helpful. Thanks for sharing!

• August 12, 2023

Hi Melissa! Thank you SO much for making this- it’s extremely helpful as it will be my sister and I’s first time in NY! I was wondering if you had a pdf or printable version of this?

Hey Jazmin, I don’t have a printable version but that’s a great idea – i should make one! I hope you have fun with your sister 🙂

• May 20, 2023

Just wanted to drop a message here saying that your blog for first-time visitors of NYC has proven to be spot on. My family and I had a blast during our 4 days in The Big Apple. Many thanks!

Nico, thanks for taking the time to write this!

• March 1, 2023

im travelling this summer and so excited to do this itinerary.. thanks a million

• February 15, 2023

Hi! Your blog makes me want to book a flight to New York!

• February 4, 2023

I just wanted to say this was incredibly helpful, and thank you so much for writing it! It’s been surprisingly difficult to find solid travel itineraries for NYC so I really appreciated how thorough and detailed this was. Thank you!

• February 5, 2023

Thank you Aleesha for taking the time to write this comment. I appreciate it!

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70 Top Things to Do in New York City

Take in a show when you are in New York City. credit: Catherine Parker

From the museums to the park to the Statue, travelers could wander through New York City for weeks and still not see it all.  There is just so much to see and do. Visitors can see the best views from the top of the tallest buildings. However, the views from the water are fairly spectacular as well, so a ferry or cruise is a must. Shopping and people-watching are also tops. Here are the Top Things to Do in New York City for your next vacation.

Top Things to Do in NYC

• A Broadway Show

Bryant Park

Circle line circles.

• Empire State Building

FAO Schwartz

Flatiron building.

• Grand Central Terminal
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery for Cheesecake

Macy’s Flagship Store

Madison square park, the morgan library and museum, museum of mathematics, new york public library, radio city music hall.

• Rockefeller Plaza
• Top Of The Rock 

Roosevelt Tram

St. patrick’s cathedral, the edge .

• The Vessel 
• Shed Performing Arts 

Times Square

United nations headquarters.

• Alice in Wonderland Statue
• Hans Christian Andersen Statue

American Museum of Natural History

Hayden planetarium, belvedere castle, bethesda terrance and fountain.

• Bow Bridge 

Central Park Carousel

Central park zoo, chess and checker house , conservatory water, dimenna children’s history museum, guggenheim museum, the imagine mosaic in strawberry fields, literary walk, loeb’s boathouse .

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Central Park Playgrounds
• Statue of Liberty 
• Ellis Island Museum
• The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Battery Park

Seaglass carousel, castle clinton national monument, national museum of the american indian, south street seaport museum, staten island ferry, nyc ferry at wall street, brooklyn bridge, oculus-world trade center, one world observatory, east side tenement museum national historic site, new york city fire museum.

• Fearless Girl

Federal Hall National Monument

Little island, whitney museum of american art, african burial ground national monument, chelsea market, friends apartment , a broadway show in the theater district.

New York Broadway productions are more elaborate than the traveling shows, with different sets and more special effects. Catching a show is one of the top things to do in New York City, and many people make it a top priority during their trip to NYC.

For school-age kids, one of the Disney productions is an excellent introduction to live theater. Packed with tunes they know by heart, elaborate sets and glittering costumes, kids stay glued to their seats. For older kids, Harry Potter kept my dudes (18 and 14 years old) entertained for the entire show, and they said they would attend another production with me (yeah!).

The theater district runs from 40th to 54th Streets and from 6th to 8th Avenues. Choose from matinees or evening performances.  Purchase tickets before your trip.

Bryant Park offers different activities depending on the season, from a winter ice rink and a holiday market to summer picnicking; it’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Additionally, there are bistro tables and a handful of quick-service food outlets, along with a carousel ($4 a ride, open daily with seasonal hours).

Located between 5th and 6th Ave. between 40th and 42nd Streets.

Sure, you can take a bus tour, but a scenic cruise is better. There is no street traffic, and you can enjoy lots of fabulous city views. As a bonus, you can see NYC’s bridges from the water. This is one of the top things to do in  New York City.

Tip: Check out the schedule before arriving to see which cruise appeals to you. Reservations are recommended during peak periods.

Departs from Pier 83 at W 42 nd St. First Cruise at 10 a.m. Admission is based on age and type of cruise, and you can use a CityPass.

How to Feed a Kid on the Cheap Cheap in NYC

The view from the Empire State Building headed west. credit: Catherine Parker

Empire State Building 

The Empire State Building, known worldwide as the favorite building, is a symbol of NYC. Opening in 1931, it’s an Art Deco masterpiece and a National Historic Landmark.

Head to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor, the backdrop to many a movie. There is also an observation deck on the 102nd floor.

Located at 20 34th St. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the season. Reservations are required. Adult admission starts at $44, and kids admission starts at $38, with demand pricing. This is a CityPASS attraction.

The legendary toy retailer now lives at Rockefeller Center with life-sized stuffed animals, games, toys, and even candy. It’s a must even for big kids.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free to enter.

Though it's undergoing renovation, the Flatiron Building is still one of the most recognizable buildings in New York City.

Located at 175 5th Ave.

National Park Sites of New York City 

Grand Central Terminal is a transportation hub along with a top tourist attraction. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Grand Central Terminal 

Walk through the Beaux Arts Masterpiece, the largest train terminal in the world. It’s a hub for subways and commuter trains, as well as a shopping and casual dining center. 

The main concourse's ceiling features an astronomical ceiling, a four-sided brass clock, and Tennessee marble for the stairs and floors. 

Located at 89 E. 42nd St. Terminal Open From 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free to enter.

Created from an abandoned New York Central Railroad Spur, the nearly one-and-a-half-mile elevated walking path and park is a must. Created in 2009, High Line is a destination for locals and travelers alike. As a bonus, it’s free, unless you want to grab a snack or a quick coffee along the route.

Located from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. with multiple entrances, some with elevators. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the warmer months. Closes at 7 p.m. during the winter. Free

Top Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan

With a retired Space Shuttle and the Concorde along with a submarine, the Intrepid offers all kinds of kid fun. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum 

Clamber across the deck of the USS Intrepid to see a retired Concorde and one of NASA’s retired space shuttles. The Space Shuttle Enterprise is one of several on display across the U.S. Then explore the USS Growler, a submarine. Along with several different military aircraft.

Located at Pier 86 W.46th St. at 11th Avenue, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $36, students are $34, and kids ( 5 to 12 ) are $26. You can also use a CityPass.

Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery 

With all the walking, it’s time for dessert. I recommend NYC-style cheesecake. Topping the best cheesecake list for years, it’s dense, not-too-sweet, and creamy. I ordered plain, and I didn’t share. It also holds for next-day snacks if you have a refrigerator. I might have eaten leftovers for breakfast.

Located at 1515 Broadway at 45th St. and 1626 Broadway at 49th St. Open Sunday and to Thursday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit the Herald Square location for floors of shopping. Its front displays are legendary during Christmas.

Located at 151 W. 34th St. Open Monday through  Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

With the original Shake Shack, this park is a good stop for lunch. Find lots of tables, mostly in the shade.

Located at 11 Madison Ave. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Best 4 Day NYC Itinerary

Take in the art at the MoMA, like Starry Night by Van Gogh. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

See some of the most recognizable works of art, head straight for the Fifth Floor of the Museum of Modern Art. Find Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, Dance by Henri Matisse, along with works from Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso. Great for kids with short attention spans.

Kids under 16 get in free, and the MoMA gives out guides for family visits. You can also walk through the gift shop for unique souvenirs. 

Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Open From 10:30 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $28 online. Kids under 16 get in free. 

Explore Pierpont Morgan’s three-story library, rotunda and study. The opulent interiors are a must for readers and Harry Potter fans since it looks like Hogwarts .

Located at 225 Madison Ave. Open Tuesday though Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays. Adult admission is $22, students are $13 and kids (12 and younger) enter for free.

In a facility dedicated to math, learn how it provides structure along with pattern to the world. With hands-on exhibits learn about the importance of math in the everyday world.

Located at 11 E. 26th St. This location will close in 2024 for a renovation.

Between the granite lions on Fifth Avenue, this iconic Beaux Arts Library isn’t a traditional lending library. It’s a research library, and its name is the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. With its beautiful reading rooms, it is a popular destination for reading and studying. Additionally, it is also a popular destination for travelers. This is one of the Top Things to do in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Public Library offers free weekday tours, and I recently went on one. During the 60-minute guided tour, I learned about the building’s architecture and the addition of archival storage under neighboring Bryant Park. We toured its many decorative rooms, rich with details and art. There’s even an iconic set from the Sex in the City movie inside the library.

The tour is free and reservations are required. The visitor center’s website offers the best place for information. There is also a free exhibit on the ground floor of the library with some of the most treasured items from its collection, the Polonsky Exhibition of New York Public Library’s Treasures.

Located at 476 5th Ave. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday). Free to enter.

Top 30 Museums in NYC

The exterior of the Radio City Music Hall. credit: Catherine Parker

Next, tour the legendary theater and home to the Rockettes . After the Top of the Rock tour, stay at Rockefeller Center and tour Radio City Music Hall. Art Deco theater features rich architectural details from a bygone era along with some of Bob Mackie’s Rockettes costumes.

Located at 1260 6th Ave. Seasonal tours are Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Adult admission is $33. students and kids (12 and younger) are  $29. Reservations required.

Rockefeller Plaza  

Walk through Rockefeller Plaza, which features seasonal displays like the Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and summertime cafe. The Prometheus statue is another must-see during your visit.

The LEGO Store features NYC landmarks built in LEGOs, a must for all ages. There is also a Food Hall inside Rockefeller Center’s concourse level. It is free to enter. 

Located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. Plaza. Open 24 hours a day.

I prefer Rockefeller Center to see NYC from above. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Top of the Rock

With the best views of Central Park, heading up to the observation area of the Rockefeller Building is also the best way to see landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. A quick elevator ride later, explore three different floors all with incredible views.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Center. Open from 9 a.m. to midnight.  Adult admission is $40, kids (6 to 12) are $34. Reservations are a must during the busy season. A CityPass can be used for the Top of the Rock.

The bright red tram cars climb up and over the East River to get to Roosevelt Island. Get off and re-board to return to mid-town for some of the best views of Midtown.

Located at the intersection of 59th St. and 2nd Ave. Ride for free if you purchased an MTA MetroCard for the subway or $4 roundtrip.

Head Up the Hudson: 23 Top ThIngs do Do in Hyde Park 

Walk through St. Patrick's Cathedral one of the top architectural sites in NYC. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Regardless of religion, St. Patrick’s is a masterpiece of architecture. Take a few minutes to walk through the Neo-Gothic Cathedral in the center of Midtown. During my last visit, I saw a girls’ choir performing, and the acoustics were unbelievable.

Located at Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is free to enter, though donations are accepted. An iPad-led audio tour, narrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, is also available.

Not for everyone, though if the idea of standing on a glass floor 100 floors above the street below sounds fun, there’s your chance. And there’s more, you can harness up and climb on the outside of the building, 1,100 feet above the ground. The observation deck seems tame with its angled glass walls that allow visitors to lean against the glass and see below. Also find a champagne bar if you need a drink, before or after.

Note: The outdoor areas close in inclement weather.

Located at 30 Hudson Yards. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adult admission starts at $36, kids (6 to 12) admission starts at $31. Reservations are required.

The Vessel is 16 stories high and located in Hudson Yard. credit: Catherine Parker

A 16-story sculpture with 154 flights of stairs connected with 80 landings, it was originally opened to the public in 2019, However, it closed in 2021 and remains closed.

Located at 20 Hudson Yard.

This is a performance and display space for the creative arts ranging from performance art to visual art to pop culture.

Located at 575 Hudson Yard.

As a top NYC destination, Times Square offers lights and energy 24-7. However, head to Times Square in the evening or after a show to see just how bright it truly is.

Find street performers, art installations, shopping and dining.

Located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Always open and free to enter.

As the headquarters for the United Nations,  the complex includes gardens along with the General Assembly, the Secretariat and Conference Buildings. For an in-depth tour, reserve the guided one-hour tour (available in six languages)

Located at 46th St. and 1st Ave. Open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for the tour is $28 for adults and $15 for kids 5 to 12 (kids under 5 not allowed on tours).

Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls 

Bethesda Terrace is a top spot in Central Park. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Top Places to Go in Central Park

As the first landscaped public park in the U.S., the merchants and landowners wanted to develop an area like the ones of Paris and London for all to use. In 1853, money was designated for its development, and land in the center of Manhattan was acquired. With irregular terrain, the land was less desirable for development though home to farmers and their animals and crops.

In 1857, the park’s commission selected Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Many of the iconic details of the Central Park were part of their Greenward Plan . Thousands of workers reshaped the landscape, and the park officially opened in 1859.

Alice in Wonderland Statue and Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Located near Conservatory Water on the east side of the park, kids can actually climb this bronze statue featuring Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. The Hans Christian Andersen Statue is steps away. 

Located near E 74th St.

Top Things to Do in Central Park 

A trip to the American Museum of Natural History will keep the kids engaged for hours. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

This sprawling museum could take all day, so hit the highlights, like the Hall of Dinosaurs, “Lucy,” the early human, and the giant blue whale. Then, explore the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda along with the Hall of North American Mammals. 

Carve out a little time for the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about the world beyond our atmosphere. It’s located on-site and requires an additional timed ticket for a show.

The Natural History Museum offers a Museum Food Court on the lower level featuring family favorites. 

Located at Central Park West at 79th St. Open Daily from 10 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission with Planetarium is $34, students are $27 and kids (3 to 12) are $20. Timed-entry reservations are required.

As Central Park's highest point, the views are the draw. It was originally designed by Central Park’s architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, who wanted a whimsical castle.

Located mid-park at 79th St. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Free 

If you are limited on time, head to Bethesda first. One of the original elements in Central Park, it was built in 1859. The grand fountain is one of the top NYC pictures.

Located at 72nd Transverse Drive (one of the roads that bisects the park).  

As one of the most romantic spots in NYC, Bow Bridge is a favorite with couples. Built in 1859, it’s located midpark at 74th Street Transverse, west of Bethesda Terrace.

A must for families, the 1908 Carousel is covered and features 57 horses. 

Located in southeast corner of Central Park at 65th St. Open April though October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 7 p.m. on Friday to Sunday. Admission is $3 per person, cash only.

Walking Tour of Central Park

Exploring Central Park can take a whole day or more. You can arrange a professional tour or do it yourself. 

This compact zoo can be explored in two hours, perfect for younger kids and babies. The highlights are the sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys and grizzly bears. Head to the adjacent facility, Tisch Children’s Zoo, for more exploring with the littles.

Located at 64th St. and 5th Avenue. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) from the first week of April through November. Open until 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. Adult admission is $19.95, seniors are $16.95 and kids (3 to 12) are $14.95.

It is an official Central Park visitor center in the children’s district, but you will still find people playing board games on the tables surrounding the building.

Located at midpark at 64th Street.

Walk to Conservatory Water to see the sailboats. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Head to a charming area dedicated to the young at heart. Rent a wind-powered sailboat or just enjoy the scenery.

Located on the east side in-between 72nd and 75th streets. Free

Geared towards older kids, learn about the 350 years of history on New York City along with the U.S. at large.

Located at 170 Central Park West. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 8 p.m. on Friday). Adult admission is $24, students are $13, kids (5 to 13) are $6 and 4 and younger enter for free. Timed-entry reservation recommended.

The Guggenheim Museum across from Central Park credit: Catherine Parker

Head to the top of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and meander down through the collection. Its focus on modern and contemporary art allows for quick exploration. 

Located at 5th Avenue and 89th Street. Open Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday until 8 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Adult admission is $ 30, students are $19, and kids 12 and younger are free.

With Swedish storybook architectural elements, the Dairy harkens back to the time when the park had grazing animals. In the late 1800s, it was used by children and served milk and refreshments. Now, it is a visitor center for Central Park.

Located just south of the 65th Street Traverser as it bisects the park.

Imagine Mosaic in Central Park's Strawberry Fields credit: Catherine Parker

Stroll this quiet zone and official peace park to honor John Lennon's work. Along with his work with The Beatles, John Lennon advocated for peace. 

Located along Central Park West in-between 71st and 74th streets, in the shadow of his former home, The Dakota. 

This wide and straight walk is a formal promenade in the park. It is lined with benches and American Elms. On the lower section of the walk, you will find statues of literary figures like William Shakespeare. In addition, there is the Women’s Rights Pioneer Statue. It’s lovely during all seasons.

Located from the 66th Street Traverse to the 74th Street Traverse.

It’s a restaurant, cafe, and bar just north of Bethesda Terrace, along with rental rowboats. It's one of the most photographed spots in Central Park. From April through November, boats can be rented by the hour ($20 an hour), weather permitting. Cash only.

Hungry? Head to Loeb Boathouse Café Express, next to the fancier Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, for drinks or an ice cream cone. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Spring to Fall and open until 4:30 p.m. during the winter.  Temporarily closed for renovation.

Located at Park Dr. N at 72nd St.

As the largest art museum in the U.S. The Met is a must for art lovers. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

A sprawling museum that will test the will of a toddler so head for the highlights. The Temple of Dendur is on the first floor. Or head to the European Paintings on the second floor. See Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. 

Several cafes are located in the Met for a break. Family guides are available, and special tours are on select days. 

Located at 1000 5th Avenue. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p..m. and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Adult admission is $30, students are $17 and kids 12 and younger are free. Reservations are recommended.

Playgrounds of Central Park

Kids live in NYC too. So sample some of the amazing playgrounds in Central Park that are sprinkled throughout the park.

Heckscher Playground

A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Find water play, climbing structure and swings in areas based on age. Located midpark in-between 61st and 63rd streets. 

Ancient Playground

This playground is better for museum-goers. Take a few minutes so the kids can run and climb before or after exploring The Met. Located next The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Billy Johnson Playground

The draw at this playground is the granite slides. Go faster with a piece of cardboard. Find two slides, the original and faster one and a new shorter slide that accommodates kids of differing abilities. Located at 67th Street and 5th Avenue. 

Adventure Playground

A playground close to the American Museum of Natural Science with lots of climbing structures, this is a great spot to run out some energy before or after a museum visit. It is located on the west side of the park at 67th Street.

Explore the Statue of Liberty with your kids. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Top Places to Go in Lower Manhattan

Statue of liberty national monument.

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and liberty known worldwide. It sits on a 12-acre island in the middle of New York Harbor. For a first-time visit to NYC, visit the Statue of Liberty. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids. The trip will take half a day, and it’s a memorable experience seeing the details of Lady Liberty up close.

While on Liberty Island, visit the museum to learn about its construction. Then, climb the 215 stairs to the top of the pedestal to capture views of downtown Manhattan and the copper patina (Additional tickets are required.)

Separate reservations are required for Pedestal Access and Crown Access. Depending on the time of the year, these reservations sell out months in advance.

Operated by Statue Cruises, the ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. First, explore the Statue of Liberty, then reboard the ferry to tour Ellis Island, an additional stop. The first ferry leaves at 9:00 a.m., and the last one departs at 3:00 p.m., with extended hours during peak seasons.

Ellis Island

From 1892 until 1954, Ellis Island welcomed 12 million immigrants to the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum walks visitors through the facility that processed close to 5,000 people a day. While at Ellis Island, you can look up family names to see if they immigrated through Ellis Island.

Give yourself half the day to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Reservations are a must, and book in advance to visit the pedestal. A Junior Ranger Booklet is available. All passengers will go through airport-style security screening.

Take a moment and remember those who lost their life on that day. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum 

The outdoor memorial offers a peaceful fountain with the names of those lost along the perimeter of the fountain. It is lighted at night, and the flow of water drowns out the sounds of city life.

Inside the 9/11 museum, a collection of artifacts, narratives, archives, and interactive technology remembers the 2,996 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It retells the story of the tragic day along with the months of recovery. 

Located at 180 Greenwich St. The 9/11 Memorial is open from every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. The 9/11 Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult admission starts at $21, and kids 6 and younger are free. Reservations recommended. If you are visiting several museums during your visit, consider a CityPass .

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the museum, skip it with small children.  

At the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park offers green space to explore with gardens, walkways and lots of views of the New York Harbor. Walk through the perennial gardens, the Battery Woodland and the Bosque Fountain during your visit. 

The playground is a kid magnet and offers some unique climbing structures as well as several accessible features. It is one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids. For snacks, food trucks line the streets next to Battery Park, or grab a snack at one of the kiosks in the park. 

Located at State St. and Battery Plaza. Free to enter. 

Built in 2015, hop on a fish to whirl around the pavilion to classical music. This carousel moves up and down from the floor and twirls around in smaller circles so it feels like dancing. This is also one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is $5.50 per person. 

Next to the Statue of Liberty ferry is the Castle Clinton National Monument. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, explore the Castle Clinton National Monument, steps from the ferry dock, for more immigration history. For war buffs in the family, it’s also a fort from the War of 1812 with antique cannons.

Located in Battery Park and open seven days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter. Juior Ranger booklets available.

Located in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House, a Beaux Arts Building that’s a National Historic Landmark, explore the New York branch of the Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Museum. With 700 Native American artifacts and arts, it’s part of the George Gustav Heye collection, started in 1903. This museum is organized geographically and includes items from North America as well as South and Central America.

Located at 1 Bowling Green. Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free to Enter. Reservations not required.

Learn about the rise of NYC and its role as a port city. The South Street Seaport Museum offers five historic vessels. Tour the Ship Wavertree and the Lightship Ambrose, located nearby.

Located at 12 Fulton St. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Weekends only in winter. Adult admission is $18, students are $15 and kids (3 to 17) are $5. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket purchased in advance. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket.

The Staten Island Ferry is free and a quick and easy way to enjoy Lower Manhattan views. credit: Catherine Parker

Tight on time but want to get a closer view of the Statue of Liberty without taking the official tour. Then hop the Staten Island Ferry offering passenger service. Departing every 15 to 30 minutes, it’s a free harbor cruise. Since it’s free, it’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

For the Wall Street Ferry Port, you can catch a ferry to popular spots like DUMBO, Governors Island, and even Midtown and the Upper East Side, along with several locations in Queens and Brooklyn. With open-air decks, it’s a run ride with exceptional views of Lower Manhattan.

Located at South Street at Pier 11. Ferries run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s $4 to ride one way and tickets (or on the app) are available at the ferry dock (or on the app).

Walk over the first bridge that spanned the East River, started in 1870 it was completed in 1883. The towers feature Gothic Revival Towers made of limestone and granite with a pedestrian walkway above the vehicle traffic below. In total, the Brooklyn Bridge is 1.1 miles long, and the DUMBO area offers a lot of dining and activities. Best of all, you can take the ferry back to Manhattan.

The Oculus was designed by Santiago Calatrava. credit: Catherine Parker

As a transportation hub, retail, and dining area along with stunning work of architecture, the Oculus is a modern version of the Grand Central Terminal. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, visitors should enter from the street level to see the voluminous space Calatrava created. For the exterior, it’s meant to look like a dove flying from a child’s hands.

Underground, find several NYC subway lines as well as PATH trains to New Jersey.

Located at the intersection of Fulton St. and Greenwich St. Free to enter and open daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Rising up in Lower Manhattan, head to the 102nd floor of the 1 World Trade Tower for a view of Lower Manhattan and the New York City harbor. Anchoring the revitalization area most affected by 9/11, this building offers a guiding light to the future, especially as the sun sets and glass glows.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. General admission is $39.

Learn more about the recent immigrants at the Lower Eastside Tenement Museum. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Walk through history in a preserved tenement building on the Lower East Side. Tour the building that housed 7,000 working-class immigrants from 1863 until 1935. Though not great for younger kids, my teen really enjoyed this museum. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with older kids.

With specialized tours focusing on Irish immigrants, Jewish immigrants, and sweatshop workers, along with neighborhood tours, you can get an understanding of an immigrant’s life over a hundred years ago.

The Visitor Center at 103 Orchard St. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6: p.m. General admission tours are $30. Timed Entry Tickets Required.

As the official museum of the New York City’s Fire Department, learn about its history in the 1904 firehouse. See the antique equipment, some of it horse-drawn. Then take a moment to reflect at the  NYCFM 9/11 Memorial that honors the 343 fallen firefighters.

Located at 278 Spring St. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $15, students are $10 and kids (3 to 17) are $6.

Fearless Girl Statue

Looking the C harging Bull in the eyes, Fearless Girl, gathered international attention. But she’s moved to outside the New York Stock Exchange, looking up at the building.  The bronze statue is a beacon for strong-willed girls worldwide. 

Located at 11 Wall St. Free

Located on Wall Street, this building served as the first Capitol of the United States, the Supreme Court and the Executive Branch offices. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall as well.

The visitor center is located at the Pine Street entrance. The Federal Hall National Monument is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and during the summer, it’s open Saturdays as well. Free to enter.

Little Island credit: Catherine Parker

Created from piers, Little Island is one of the newest areas to explore in Lower Manhattan. Located at Pier 55, the island and its gardens appear to float about the water. Enjoy a stroll to its high point for views of the Hudson or attend a live performance. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids since they like exploring the island with its winding walkways.

Located at West 13th St. at Hudson River Park. Open daily at 6 a.m. and closes at midnight during the summer, 11 p.m. in the spring and fall and 9 p.m. during the winter. Free to enter.

Anchoring the southern end of High Line Park, The Whitney showcases contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries with a focus on living artists. 

Located at 99 Gansevoort St. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and every day during the summer. Adult admission is $30 and kids under 18 are free. Reservations recommended.

Learn about the final resting place of more than 400 African Americans in Lower Manhattan. A mass burial site from the 17 th and 18 th centuries retells the story of free and enslaved people in colonial New York.

The visitor center is on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in lower Manhattan. The Visitor Center and Memorial are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free to enter.

On the main floor, locals and tourists traipse through for standards like Sarabeth’s, Los Tacos No 1, and L’Art del Gelato. The tables might be limited at peak times.

Located at 75 9th Ave. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In the iconic TV show from the 1990s, the outside of this building was featured as their apartment building. It is located at 90 Bedford St.

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36 Hours in Minneapolis

By Ingrid K. Williams May 2, 2024

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By Ingrid K. Williams Photographs by Jenn Ackerman

Minneapolis, with more than a dozen lakes and a sprawling urban park system, appeals not only to outdoorsy types but also to travelers seeking a robust cultural scene, top-notch restaurants and fun bars and breweries. In recent years, residents have struggled to recover from the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May of 2020 and the protests and rioting that followed. But visitors today will find a resilient city primed for discovery, from the trendy Warehouse District, where nightlife hotspots have taken root within industrial brick buildings, to the growing northeastern arts district. The city is at its most welcoming in the springtime, when nature blooms and there are community events like Art-a-Whirl , an annual festival of art , music , food and beer , held from May 17 to 19 across Northeast Minneapolis.

Recommendations

• The Highpoint Center for Printmaking is a cultural hub with gallery spaces and a printmaking co-op for artists working in various media, from screen-printing to lithography.
• Owamni won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2022 and has a singular commitment to using only ingredients native to North America.
• Open Book , a three-story literary arts center, is a downtown destination for book lovers.
• Marty’s Deli is a sunny shop in the Northeast with outstanding egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches.
• Berlin , a polished new jazz club, hosts performers ranging from string trios to ambient bands.
• Mixed Blood , a theater and social justice organization, stages plays in a former firehouse in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.
• The Lake of the Isles , with leafy islands, marshy coves and a winding lakeside path, is a popular loop for a morning walk.
• Bde Maka Ska is a larger oval lake with areas for fishing, swimming, biking and canoeing along a three-mile pedestrian path.
• Bryant Lake Bowl , a classic eight-lane bowling alley, was originally built in the 1930s.
• The Walker Art Center , the city’s preeminent arts institution, has an adjacent sculpture garden with a secluded bunkerlike installation by James Turrell.
• Spoon and Stable is a bustling restaurant in the Warehouse District with a beautiful back-lit bar and lively see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
• Meteor , a bar on an industrial block by the Mississippi River, serves excellent cocktails as well as boilermakers and hot dogs.
• Laune Bread bakes hearty sourdough loaves, mandarin-marmalade Danish pastries, chocolatey babka knots and honey-sesame coconut macaroons.
• Indeed Brewing Company is a popular brewery with delightfully unusual craft beers and an inviting taproom displaying whimsical artworks.
• Pryes Brewing Company , an enormous brewery on the western bank of the river, has citrusy West Coast-style I.P.A.s and a lane for feather bowling (a game somewhat similar to bocce).
• At Kim’s , a new restaurant from the chef Ann Kim, the Korean-American menu includes a tasty twist on mac and cheese.
• Bronto Bar , down a mural-splashed alley, is a moody basement bar with fun cocktails.
• Milkweed Editions is an independent publisher with a bookshop on the first floor of the Open Book arts center.
• Minnesota Center for Book Arts has a shop filled with literary gifts, including quirky zines, letterpress cards and hand-sewn books.
• The Weinstein Hammons Gallery is a well-regarded space specializing in contemporary photography.
• Northern Clay Center displays wide-ranging ceramic artworks.
• All My Relations Gallery showcases the work of Native American artists.
• The Northrup King Building , a massive brick industrial complex in the Northeast, houses over 300 art studios, galleries and shops.
• The Four Seasons Minneapolis , the city’s first five-star hotel, opened downtown in 2022 in a gleaming 36-story tower with 222 rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, an al fresco bar and a restaurant run by the local chef Gavin Kaysen. Rooms start at $535.
• The Hewing Hotel is a boutique property with a prime location in the historic Warehouse District, a neighborhood also known as the North Loop. In addition to 124 guest rooms, the handsome brick building also boasts a rooftop sauna and lounge, as well as a rustic Nordic-inspired restaurant. Rooms start at around $320 .
• The Element Minneapolis Downtown is another solid option in the walkable North Loop area with 156 contemporary rooms, free daily breakfast, a panoramic roof deck and an attached parking garage. Rooms start at around $229 .
• Look for a short-term rental in the Warehouse District, a safe downtown neighborhood with many modern apartments within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, bars and breweries.
• There are two light rail lines, one of which connects the airport and downtown. But beyond that you’ll want a car . Parking is relatively easy; download the MPLS Parking app to pay where applicable. Those without wheels can take buses (fares from $2) and taxis . For now, there are also two ride-hailing options: Uber and Lyft ( but that may soon change ; both companies plan to exit the city on July 1, when a new ordinance requiring higher pay for drivers is expected to go into effect).

Highpoint Center for Printmaking

For a friendly introduction to the city’s engaging arts community, start in the southwestern Uptown neighborhood at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking . At this multipurpose cultural hub, staff gladly guide visitors through the gallery spaces and the printmaking co-op, an area with machinery used by local artists working in various media, including screen-printing and lithography. Don’t miss the small Highpoint Editions gallery showcasing fine artworks made on-site, including a series of haunting abstract screen-prints entitled “Corner of Lake and Minnehaha,” by the artist Julie Mehretu, who was inspired by a photograph taken at the Minneapolis intersection during the turmoil ignited by the killing of George Floyd in 2020.

Book an early table at Owamni , which earned the prestigious James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2022. The chef Sean Sherman, of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, has a singular commitment to using only ingredients native to North America, so expect no wheat flour, dairy or cane sugar. The menu changes seasonally and recently included an earthy tepary-bean dip with pepitas and wild-rice crackers ($12), smoked quahog clams ($40) and tender bison tacos with guajillo-chili salsa ($9). For a drink and something sweet, stroll up the street to Spoon and Stable , a bustling restaurant in the fashionable Warehouse District with a lively see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Grab a seat at the beautiful back-lit bar, which was remodeled earlier this year. A recent dessert stand-out was the almond cake with coconut and lime curd, pineapple sherbet and a sprinkle of ancho chile powder ($15).

In addition to the Guthrie Theater , with its acclaimed repertory and modern geometric architecture, and First Avenue , a cavernous rock club where the hometown artist Prince performed in the 1984 film “Purple Rain,” Minneapolis is also home to several smaller stages worth seeking out. Across the street from Spoon and Stable, duck inside Berlin , a polished jazz club that opened in February with acts ranging from string trios to ambient bands (cover is usually $10 to $25). Or see if there’s a play running at Mixed Blood , a theater and social justice organization in a former firehouse in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Admission is by donation, an effort to remove all barriers to attend performances, which recently included “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington,” a satire by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames.

For cheap beer and a shot of whiskey, you’ll do fine at any of the many dive bars clustered in the Northeast, a historically working-class neighborhood. But there’s a more interesting option right across the Mississippi River. Meteor , which opened on an industrial block in late 2019, has the grungy patina of a bar that’s been around for decades, with exposed brick walls, checkerboard floors and a well-worn wooden bar. The friendly bartenders mix excellent cocktails — try the Secret Tiger, a spicy passion-fruit mezcal margarita ($14) — but they’ll also pour you a boilermaker (a shot and a beer; a tequila and Tecate is $9), to pair with a relish-topped hot dog ($6).

St. Anthony Main, a stretch of restaurants and a theater, is on a cobblestone street that runs parallel to the Mississippi River.

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, near Lake Hiawatha

Many visitors start the morning with a stroll along the Mississippi River for views of the historic Stone Arch Bridge and the dueling Pillsbury’s Best and Gold Medal Flour signs, which are on opposite banks. Locals, however, prefer the lakes. Southwest of downtown, a string of lakes are encircled by walking and biking trails, a subset of the 51-mile citywide Grand Rounds Scenic Byway . Start at the picturesque Lake of the Isles , with its leafy islands, marshy coves and winding lakeside path. It’s an easy 2.7-mile loop that can be extended by continuing south to Bde Maka Ska , a larger oval lake with areas for fishing, swimming, biking and canoeing along the popular three-mile pedestrian path.

Skip the massive Mall of America, with its theme park, aquarium and hundreds of chain stores, in favor of a novel shopping experience at Open Book . At this three-story center of literary arts downtown, several book-related organizations are housed within the handsome brick building. Browse the titles at Milkweed Editions , an independent publisher with a bookshop on the first floor. Then cross the lobby to the Minnesota Center for Book Arts , a nonprofit dedicated to the art of book-making — letterpress printing, bookbinding, papermaking — with workshops, classes and a first-floor gallery space. In its shop , you’ll find beautiful marbled paper and letterpress cards, instructional guides to linocuts and printmaking, quirky zines and little hand-sewn books containing a single poem.

Laune Bread began as a micro-bakery, delivering bread around the city by bike, before opening an airy storefront southeast of downtown in 2022. In addition to hearty sourdough loaves made from Midwestern grains, the bakery also offers a tantalizing array of sweet and savory baked goods, which recently included caramelized-onion-and-gouda tarts ($5.25), mandarin-marmalade Danish pastries ($5.20) and veggie-and-Cheddar sandwiches on sesame-crusted simit, a ring-shaped bread ($9.75). Don’t miss the chocolatey babka knots ($4) or a handful of the honey-sesame coconut macaroons ($2 each).

It’s easy to gallery-hop around this city, where it’s rarely more than a five- or 10-minute drive to the next locale. Start at the Weinstein Hammons Gallery , which specializes in contemporary photography, then check out the Northern Clay Center , with its wide-ranging ceramic artworks. Continue to All My Relations Gallery , which showcases the work of Native American artists. Or instead, you could easily spend an hour exploring the Northrup King Building , a massive brick industrial complex in the Northeast that now houses more than 300 art studios, galleries and shops. Many open to the public on Saturday afternoons, and although the quality varies, it’s worth seeking out the first-floor Galleri 167 with colorful abstract paintings and wall-mounted sculptures, and the second-floor studio where the printmaker Beth Dorsey , a Queens-born Minneapolis transplant, makes intricate lattice prints.

Pryes Brewing Company

Across the train tracks from the Northrup King Building, Indeed Brewing Company draws crowds with delightfully unusual craft beers and an inviting taproom filled with whimsical art. Start with a few smaller pours to sample the range on tap, like the tangy mango sour, the aromatic pistachio cream ale and the refreshing sea-salt-and-lemon lager (from $4 for six-ounce pours). If the bar is packed, head over to Pryes Brewing Company , an enormous brewery on the western bank of the river. Order a soft pretzel ($10) and a pint of Glamorama, a citrusy West Coast-style I.P.A. ($8), and try your hand at feather bowling, where players roll a wooden ball shaped like a cheese wheel down a sloped lane to land as close as possible to a vertical feather at the other end.

The Uptown neighborhood has struggled to regain its pre-pandemic vibrancy , but you wouldn’t know it by stepping inside Kim’s . The chef Ann Kim opened this casual restaurant with a rollicking energy last November in the same space as her former Mexican-inflected restaurant. Now, her Korean-American background takes the spotlight: a smash burger on a soft hotteok bun ($12), Korean fried chicken wings with ranch dressing ($16) and the dish my table fought over: a twist on mac and cheese with chewy rice cakes smothered in a cheese sauce spiked with gochugaru, a red-pepper powder ($15). Ask for a booth by the window with space for all the sharing plates, including bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes, $12) and soy-glazed beef-and-kimchi mandu dumplings ($12), along with a few banchan (sides).

After dinner, head down the mural-splashed alley behind Kim’s to Bronto Bar . At this moody basement bar, which opened last year, settle into one of the soft couches and peruse the menu of fun cocktails, the best of which is By the Sea, a neon-blue concoction of shochu, Curaçao, pineapple and bitter Americano liqueur with a shark gummy candy garnishing the delicate stemmed glass ($13). Or hop over to Bryant Lake Bowl , a classic eight-lane bowling alley nearby that was built in the 1930s (and recently appeared on the cover of the Black Keys’ new album ). Soak up the old-school vibes — no automatic scoring or video screens here — with a Hamm’s Tall Boy ($4.50) from the bar while rolling a few late-night games ($5 each; shoe rental $2).

The Third Avenue Bridge leading to downtown Minneapolis.

Minneapolis may be famous for the Jucy Lucy — a burger with molten cheese inside two patties. But it ought to be known for the outstanding egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich at Marty’s Deli , a sunny shop in the Northeast that the chef Martha Polacek opened in 2023. What sets this sandwich apart is the fluffy house-made focaccia flecked with rosemary and sea salt, which is filled with soft eggs, melted American cheese and a schmear of garlicky aioli ($9). Pro tip: Order the hashbrowns on the side ($5) and cram bits into the sandwich for extra crunch. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of coffee ($3) at a table flooded with light from the wall of windows. Before leaving, grab a scotcharoo (the Midwest’s salty-sweet, chocolate-and-butterscotch-topped twist on a Rice Krispies Treat, $3.50) for later.

There’s always something new to discover at the Walker Art Center , the city’s preeminent arts institution (admission, $18). The latest exhibition, “Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody,” which opened last weekend, includes over 100 works and archival material from the American pop artist (through Sept. 8). And in June, the center will open “This Must Be the Place,” an exhibition of works from its evolving collection, with paintings by Edward Hopper and Franz Marc alongside new acquisitions from contemporary artists like Jennifer Packer. Outside in the adjacent sculpture garden (free), which will host its first art fair May 11 to 12, most visitors beeline to the supersize “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture. Instead, climb the hill to enter a hidden bunkerlike installation by James Turrell, and watch clouds float across a square of blue sky overhead.

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art  in this city with stunning views in every direction.

Sarasota:   Kayak through mangroves, take a Black history trolley tour and spot dolphins  from a white-sand beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Mérida:   Rich in culture and history , this young and artsy Mexican city is an antidote to the wall-to-wall all-inclusive resorts of the Yucatán coast. ​​

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Periphery 2024 (New York City) | Palladium Times Square

Periphery is set to ignite the stage at Palladium Times Square on May 18, 2024. The concert, located at 1515 Broadway, New York City, NY, 10036, promises an electrifying evening filled with top hits like Make Total Destroy, Wildfire, Prayer Position, and more. The event is a must-see for fans of progressive metal music looking to immerse themselves in a sonic experience like no other. With tickets available for purchase starting from February 16, 2024, at 15:00, until May 19, 2024, at 01:30, attendees are urged to secure their spot early to avoid missing out on this epic performance. Don't miss the chance to witness Periphery in all their glory, as they deliver a show that will leave you in awe. Get ready to rock out and experience an unforgettable night of music that will resonate long after the final chord has faded.

Provided by Isalia | Published May 9, 2024

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Weekend All Star Stand Up Comedy 2024 (New York City) | Broadway Comedy Club

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the Weekend All Star Stand Up Comedy event, happening at Broadway Comedy Club on May 17, 2024. Located at 318 W. 53rd St, New York City, NY, 10009, this comedy extravaganza promises to be a night full of hilarious jokes and side-splitting humor. The lineup for Weekend All Star Stand Up Comedy includes some of the funniest comedians in the industry, guaranteeing non-stop entertainment from start to finish. Make sure to mark your calendars as tickets will be available for purchase starting from January 5, 2024, at 05:00 until May 18, 2024, at 00:15. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a night of laughter and fun with friends and family. Get your tickets early to secure your spot at Weekend All Star Stand Up Comedy and prepare for a night you won't soon forget.

Provided by Nathyn | Published May 9, 2024

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