nyc travel itinerary

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

• Last Updated: April 17, 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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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 5 to 7 Days in New York Itinerary

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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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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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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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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 ?

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.

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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4 Day NYC Itinerary: How To Spend 4 Days In New York City

Dale P. December 28, 2022 Art & Culture , Discover NYC , Families , Food & Drink , History , Manhattan , Travel Tips 1 Comment

Want a local New Yorker + licensed tour guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip tailored to your interests? Then check out our Custom NYC Travel Planning . We can help you experience the best of New York!

By Dale P & Jessie Festa. This comprehensive guide sharing the ultimate 4 day itinerary for NYC contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you looking for the perfect 4 day NYC itinerary ? Then you’re in the right place!

This itinerary — created by NYC locals — is great for first-time visitors to New York. It contains suggestions on how to spend 4 days so that you can see all the highlights.

This is the best NYC itinerary for visitors who want an introduction to the city — with some more unique and local experiences mixed in too.

You can use this as a sample schedule and tweak it according to your own interests and preferences, and we’ll offer some alternative ideas that you can mix in to help with this.

On that note, here’s what to do in New York for 4 days. Get ready for a truly unforgettable trip!

Need help capturing the best of NYC in 4 days — with you in the photos? Book one of our  Private Photo Journeys , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an  NYC Influencer Shoot  or  Professional New York City Shoot . Email  [email protected]  with inquiries.

Table of Contents

Getting To NYC

There are three main airports that serve New York City: LaGuardia Airport , John F. Kennedy International Airport , and Newark Liberty International Airport.

LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy are both in NYC, while Newark is nearby in New Jersey.

All three airports make it easy to get into Manhattan, where you will probably be staying during your 4 days in NYC.

From LaGuardia, you can take the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, where you can then connect to the subway to get into Manhattan.

From JFK Airport, the AirTrain will take you to Jamaica Station, where you can connect to the subway.

And from Newark, the Express Bus will take you directly into Manhattan, stopping at Port Authority, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal.

It’s also possible to take a taxi or Uber/Lyft from the airport into Manhattan, though note this will be more expensive than public transportation. Also, while it’s typically more convenient to take a car when you’re carrying luggage, it’s not always faster due to traffic. Check Google Maps to find the quickest route.

If you are traveling to NYC from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, you can take an Amtrak train or a bus to New York. This can often be less expensive than flying.

Getting Around NYC For 4 Days

NYC is known for having one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Very few New Yorkers own cars, and most rely on the subway and bus to get around.

As a visitor, getting around the city by public transit is a breeze.

The subway is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around New York, and there are numerous subway lines connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

A one-way subway fare is $2.75. You can opt to purchase a refillable MetroCard for $1, or simply tap your credit card or digital wallet at an OMNY turnstyle scanner.

If you’ll be in New York for 4 days, you’ll likely take the subway quite a bit. Well, you’ll be happy to know that after tapping 12 times within a week (starting Monday), the rest of your rides are free. Alternatively, you can opt to purchase a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for $33.

In addition to the subway, you can also use your MetroCard on MTA buses .

Another way to get around NYC is by taxi or rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, although this can quickly get expensive and it can take even longer than the subway depending on traffic.

Renting a Citi Bike is another way to get around the city. There are hundreds of Citi Bike stations around NYC for convenient pickup and dropoff. It costs $3.99 for the first 30 minutes and $0.23 per minute after that. Citi Bikes are a nice way to travel around, explore bike-friendly areas like Central Park, or ride the city’s greenways like the Hudson River Waterfront Greenway.

You can also get around New York by ferry. This is a great option if you want to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn or Queens. The NYC Ferry costs $2.75, but you cannot use your MetroCard and you will need to buy tickets on the NYC Ferry app or at a ferry terminal.

The Staten Island Ferry is another boat that connects Manhattan and the borough of Staten Island, and it’s totally free. You can check the schedules here . Also note that while it’s often skipped over, it can be interesting to explore Staten Island, even if just for a few hours.

Pro tip: Take a ride on this ferry for an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. It’s one of the best free views in NYC !

Finally, walking is a great way to get around New York City, which is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world.

4 Day NYC Itinerary Hotels

New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

For a first-time visitor with 4 days to spend in New York, Manhattan is the best place to stay; however, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind spending more time on the subway, you can find some great deals on hotels in Brooklyn and Queens.

Some of the best neighborhoods to stay in on your trip to NYC include:

Midtown: If you want to be in the heart of all the action in New York, Midtown Manhattan is a great place to stay. This neighborhood is popular with tourists because it’s centrally located and there are tons of hotel options for every budget.

Click here to view top-rated Midtown hotels !

Upper East Side: If you want to stay in a neighborhood with a quieter and more residential feel, the Upper East Side is an excellent choice. This neighborhood is ideally located near Central Park, some of NYC’s best museums along Museum Mile, and luxury shopping. It’s also a top pick for Gossip Girl fans!

Click here to view top-rated Upper East Side hotels !

Chelsea: Chelsea is a hip neighborhood in Manhattan that is close to the top attractions of Midtown, as well as the bohemian West Village and Greenwich Village. This is the best place to stay in New York if you don’t want to be in an extremely touristy area like Midtown, but still want an action-packed neighborhood that’s close to everything.

Click here to view top-rated Chelsea hotels !

Long Island City: If you want to save some money, Long Island City is a fantastic neighborhood to stay in. Hotels are much more affordable than in Midtown Manhattan, but you are just a short subway ride away from all the action. Many hotels in Long Island City also have incredible views looking out over the East River and the Manhattan skyline.

Click here to view top-rated Long Island City hotels !

Remember that most neighborhoods in NYC are well-connected by subway, so you don’t have to worry about the location of your hotel too much because you’ll be able to get everywhere that you want to go easily via public transport.

New York City Itinerary Planner

While we’ve laid out an unforgettable 4 day NYC itinerary below, if you’d prefer something created just for you, NYC Photo Journeys also offers custom itinerary planning .

You can choose between a private Zoom call to ask questions or a day-by-day New York trip itinerary crafted based on the responses you input into our planning survey.

Alternatively, you can take our free quiz to get suggestions for NYC experiences tailored to your personality and interests!

An Unforgettable 4 Day NYC Itinerary

Are you looking for the best New York City itinerary for 4 days? The following sample schedule can be adapted to suit your interests and travel style.

For example, if you’re not really into museums, swap out an afternoon visit to a museum for a Yankees baseball game or another activity instead. This itinerary is meant to serve as an outline for you to customize and modify according to your own specifications.

If you don’t have a full 4 days to spend in the city, you can also condense this into a weekend in NYC itinerary to hit many of the highlights in a shorter period of time.

Some of the activities and sights covered on this itinerary for visiting New York City include:

• Times Square and Midtown
• Central Park
• Popular museums like the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Financial District
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Chelsea High Line Park
• Greenwich Village
• Empire State Building
• Top Of The Rock Observation Deck

On that note, here is how to spend 4 days in New York City:

NYC Itinerary Day 1

Start off your first day in New York on a private photo tour with NYC Photo Journeys (yes, that’s us!).

Our licensed guides are also professional photographers, and you’ll leave the experience with interesting New York knowledge and beautiful photos of your group to keep.

You’ll get to visit some of the most popular places in NYC including Times Square, Central Park, the Upper East Side, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and DUMBO — all while making and preserving cherished memories.

Along with the photos, another highlight is getting a lay of the land as well as local tips on how to ride the subway, where to eat, unique things to do in NYC , and more.

If you’re only interested in the photos and don’t really care about the tour aspect, we also offer a Professional NYC Photoshoot — which includes more photos, looks, and poses. It also comes with a pre-shoot call to go over your vision and exactly what you want to get out of the shoot.

And yes, your local photographer is still happy to share tips for experiencing the best of NYC in 4 days even if you don’t book the tour!

Spend the afternoon in Midtown Manhattan. This neighborhood is mainly for visitors and commuters who flood into Midtown’s offices every weekday; but, it’s where many of the top NYC attractions and famous landmarks are.

No trip to New York is complete without spending at least a little time in Times Square , if only to briefly take in the colors and chaos and snap some photos. Although it’s extremely touristy, visiting Times Square is a must and there are several cool attractions nearby — not to mention loads of fun and interesting tours .

One avenue over from Times Square is Bryant Park , a public park in Midtown that is a great place to visit. During the winter months, it is transformed into the Bryant Park Winter Village, complete with an ice skating rink, food hall, local vendors, heated igloos, and a giant Christmas tree.

During the rest of the year, it’s home to many free public events, yoga classes, movies, outdoor games, and more.

Right next to Bryant Park is the Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. This grand building is free and open to the public to visit, and always has interesting exhibitions of library artifacts.

Afterward, walk down Library Way — a section of E. 41 Street embedded with bronze sidewalk plaques featuring quotes from literature and poetry — to Grand Central Terminal .

Grand Central Terminal is a historic train station with a fascinating history, which you can learn about on an NYC Secrets Of Grand Central Walking Tour . Make sure to grab some tasty food in the Dining Concourse, chat with a friend through the walls of the Whispering Gallery, and take in the Mediterranean winter sky painted in gold leaf on the ceiling of the Main Concourse.

If you aren’t tired of books from earlier, head to the nearby Morgan Library & Museum next, an impressive private library and collection.

Another can’t-miss place to visit is the Flatiron Building and nearby Madison Square Park , which are about a 15-minute walk from the Morgan Library & Museum. Take in the distinctive triangular shape of the Flatiron Building, and make sure to also look north for a prime view of another iconic New York City landmark, the Empire State Building.

Hungry? You’ll be in the perfect spot for a delicious Italian meal at Eataly , which is also home to the seasonal rooftop SERRA by Birreria .

Alternatively, Madison Square Park is home to the original Shake Shack if you’re craving a burger.

As New York is a very walkable city, you can visit all the attractions above on foot! In fact, much of this NYC trip can be done by walking. There is a lot to see in New York, and the great thing about walking is you won’t miss any of it.

Make your way over to Midtown West, where the gleaming Hudson Yards neighborhood has grown in recent years. Here, you can explore the unique and modern Vessel structure, do some shopping, and visit Edge , one of the best observation decks in NYC with stunning 360-degree views.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can also choose to do the City Climb at Edge . This entails scaling the exterior of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above ground, before leaning out and looking down from New York City’s highest outdoor platform. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart!

Finish off your first night in NYC with a boat cruise.

An architectural tour by boat or a sunset sightseeing cruise with a Champagne toast are both fabulous ways to end the evening. You’ll get to see breathtaking views of NYC and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty from the water, and watch as the lights of the city sparkle after sunset.

You can see a full list of cruise options here .

Alternatively, head back to Times Square to see it lit up at night and enjoy a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in NYC like 230 Fifth , Magic Hour , St. Cloud , or Haven Rooftop . And if you’re looking to explore NYC after midnight , these venues are also open late!

Pro tip: Consider booking a nightlife tour to really experience the best of NYC after dark. Click here for some top-rated options .

NYC Itinerary Day 2

Start off your second morning in New York with a stroll through Central Park for a few hours. The park — which is a New York City bucket list item for many — is 2.5 miles long, and stretches from 59th Street in Midtown to 110th Street in Harlem.

Exploring Central Park is fun in all seasons. During the winter, you can go ice skating at Wollman Rink and observe the snowy landscapes of the park.

In the spring and fall, the foliage is absolutely stunning. This is a great time to check out some of the top Central Park photo spots on your own or book a private NYC photoshoot if you’d like to have someone else take your photos.

And during the hot summer months, there’s nothing better than bringing a blanket to Sheep Meadow — one of the best picnic spots in NYC — and sitting in the sun while enjoying an al fresco lunch. You’ll also find a full calendar of (mostly) free concerts and events through the annual SummerStage programming.

While in Central Park, don’t miss walking across the romantic Bow Bridge , strolling through Bethesda Terrace , or taking in the views from Belvedere Castle . While these are all fun on your own or with friends, they’re also very romantic if you’re looking for couples’ activities in Central Park .

Other activities to try include renting rowboats on the lake, renting a Citi Bike to explore the park on two wheels, or booking a guided tour to learn some of the park’s fascinating stories and secrets.

You could easily spend all day in Central Park. There is truly so much to do and see — not to mention it’s one of the top free things to do in NYC.

On either side of Central Park, which is half a mile wide, you’ll find the neighborhoods of the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side . Both of these neighborhoods are known for being upscale, quiet, and residential. They are also home to some of NYC’s best museums.

In particular, a stretch of Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side is known as “Museum Mile” because it’s home to famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Frick Collection, the Neue Galerie, the Jewish Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and more.

For first-time visitors, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (AKA the Met) is a must. This is one of the best and most impressive art museums in the world — showcasing over 5,000 years of art from around the globe.

Alternatively, you can visit the American Museum of Natural History , which is located on the Upper West Side. This is another great museum and a good option for families with young kids, especially as the institution is home to the skeleton of a 122-foot titanosaur — the biggest dinosaur ever found!

If you still have the energy to explore, head further uptown to West Harlem , where you can see landmarks like the legendary Apollo Theater and the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine .

The next stop on this New York itinerary for 4 days is an evening on Broadway . No visit to NYC is complete without taking in some of the entertainment that the city is famous for. A Broadway show is one of the best activities you can do in NYC.

On any given night, you can choose from many Broadway plays and musicals in New York’s Theater District and treat yourself to a world-class performance. You can find discounted tickets online or at the TKTS booth in Times Square.

You can expect to pay between $50 to $150+ for Broadway tickets, with prices being higher on weekend nights or for prime seats and popular shows.

For a classic pre-show meal, head to Sardi’s , which has been serving the theater community for over 100 years.

Alternatively, head to 9th Avenue to explore the many restaurants of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Our personal favorite is Tavola , which serves regional Italian cuisine and bakes all of its dishes in an oven made from Mount Vesuvius clay!

Pro tip: Love theater? Consider booking a Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional Tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the unique history and culture of Broadway.

NYC Itinerary Day 3

Start your morning off by exploring the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Here you can visit the 9/11 Memorial , which honors the victims of the 2001 attacks, or spend time at the 9/11 Museum , a somber yet eye-opening and educational experience.

Within the World Trade Center complex, you can also see One World Trade Center , the gleaming tower that holds the title of the tallest building in NYC. At the top, you’ll find the One World Observatory , which offers incredible views over the city.

While you’re exploring the World Trade Center, also stop by the Oculus — a transportation hub and shopping mall with a unique architectural design that depicts a dove leaving a child’s hands — and pose in front of the inspiring street art of the Mural Project .

Afterward, continue making your way downtown to the Financial District , which is within walking distance. This is the oldest part of New York City, originally settled in the 1620s by the Dutch.

Here you can catch glimpses of New York history on Stone Street , a cobblestone street that’s one of the oldest in the city, and at Trinity Church , the final resting place of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and other significant figures from history.

Speaking of churches, nearby St. Paul’s Chapel is one of the most fascinating historic buildings in the city. Dating back to 1766, it’s New York City’s oldest public building in continuous use as well as Manhattan’s oldest surviving church building. George Washington actually worshipped here, and his pew is sectioned off.

During 9/11, this church was actually where the rescue workers slept, where thousands of meals were donated daily, and where people came from around the city to give their time and talents to help with the recovery efforts.

In the Financial District, you can also walk along Wall Street , where the famous bronze Charging Bull statue is located. This is one of a few famous local statues, as you can also pose for a photo with the Fearless Girl statue outside the New York Stock Exchange Building .

Next door is Federal Hall , where the USA’s first president was sworn in.

By the way, there is a lot of George Washington history in Lower Manhattan. If you’d like to continue further in his footsteps while visiting New York City, make sure to grab a bite at Fraunces Tavern where Washington famously ate. It’s also where, on December 4, 1783, he thanked a group of his officers for their service after the Revolutionary War ended in an emotional farewell speech. Today, the tavern acts as both a restaurant and a museum, and is a National Landmark.

Pro tip: To really maximize your time in Lower Manhattan and learn the rich history of its many sights, it’s recommended to book a tour with a licensed guide — like an NYC 9/11 Memorial, World Trade Center & Financial District Walking Tour .

In Battery Park , at the very tip of Manhattan, you can catch the free Staten Island Ferry. This boat ride offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline from the water.

If you do head to Staten Island , consider spending some time in this often-forgotten borough — which contains some hidden gems like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden .

In the afternoon, it’s time to head to Brooklyn. And there’s no better way to reach Brooklyn than by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from near City Hall in Lower Manhattan. This iconic bridge, which opened in 1883, stretches across the East River and offers great views of the city.

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk across the bridge, which spans 1.3 miles.

Once you get across the bridge, you’ll be in DUMBO, which stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” To get here, walk down Washington Street , a beautiful cobblestone street offering an incredible view of the Empire State Building framed by the arch of the Manhattan Bridge.

From there, enter Brooklyn Bridge Park , which showcases 85 stunning acres and epic skyline views stretched out across the DUMBO waterfront and Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Additionally, this is one of the best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots in New York City.

After admiring the elegant brownstones of Brooklyn Heights, grab lunch in DUMBO, a once-industrial waterfront neighborhood that has grown into a popular hotspot in recent years with loads of local shops, flea markets, street art, trendy bars, and restaurants.

You can wait in line for lunch at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria , savor a bowl of soup at Tsuta (the world’s first Michelin star ramen restaurant), or grab a bite to eat at Time Out Market — a large indoor food hall.

At the top of Time Out Market is also a rooftop restaurant as well as a rooftop park offering amazing views of the skyline and a unique perspective of the Brooklyn Bridge up close.

By the way, if you’d prefer to explore with a guide, some of the best Brooklyn walking tours cover the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO.

Pro tip: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO is a highly recommended option on an NYC Photo Journeys photo tour or photoshoot . We recommend opting for a route with these locations for a stunning mix of architecture, skyline, and classic New York scenery.

Make your way back to Manhattan in the evening for some nighttime entertainment. There’s so much more to nightlife in NYC than just seeing a Broadway show.

A fun activity to do tonight is going to a show at a famous comedy club like Comedy Cellar or Gotham Comedy Club . You can find cheap tickets for comedy shows, and it’s guaranteed to be a fun time.

You could also get tickets to a performance at Lincoln Center , home of the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and others.

For a more low-key evening, listen to some live music at a jazz club like Village Vanguard , Blue Note Jazz Club , or Smalls Jazz Club .

Want to do more sightseeing? Book an evening tour of New York City . There are so many options, from nightlife tours to ghost tours and beyond.

No matter what you’re interested in exploring after dark, you can find it in NYC.

NYC Itinerary Day 4

Start the final morning of your 4 day NYC itinerary by walking down the High Line .

Once an abandoned elevated train track on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line has been transformed into a beautiful public park and a popular place for Manhattan skyline tours .

It starts on 34th Street in Hudson Yards — where you can shop the mall and see the beehive-like Vessel — and runs down to Gansevoort Street in Chelsea, for a distance of about 1.5 miles.

Stroll all the way down the High Line to Chelsea , one of the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan. Here, you can grab a bite to eat at Chelsea Market , before exploring the neighborhood’s many art galleries.

Pro tip: For an enlightening and delicious morning, opt for a Chelsea Market & High Line Food Tour , which immerses you in the history and food of these two hot spots as well as the Meatpacking District.

If you’re up for a museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art is worth a visit. The museum showcases a mix of modern and contemporary art across over 25,000 works and from over 3,700 American artists.

Another cool attraction in Chelsea to check out is Little Island , a floating park on the Hudson River at Pier 54 made from 132 concrete “tulips.” Here you can wander the scenic walking paths to take in the gardens and views, see a performance at the on-site amphitheater, or sample local eats and canned adult beverages from the food stalls.

From Chelsea, make your way to the West Village and Greenwich Village.

These two neighborhoods were historically the bohemian heart of Manhattan. Spend some time exploring the charming and eclectic streets of these neighborhoods, where you can discover independent bookstores, record stores, boutiques, and more.

Visit Stonewall Inn , a gay bar that was the site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement. Today, it’s considered a National Historic Landmark. Across the street, you can relax in Christopher Park and see the Gay Liberation Monument, a sculpture honoring the gay rights movement and commemorating the Stonewall Uprising.

Stop in Washington Square Park , one of the best places for people-watching in NYC. There are always talented musicians and performers in this park, which is located in the youthful heart of NYU’s campus.

Making your way further downtown, you can discover the neighborhoods of SoHo (South of Houston Street) and Nolita (North of Little Italy.) You’ll find some of the best shopping in NYC here, along with great restaurants and cafes.

SoHo is actually home to the world’s largest collection of full and partial cast-iron buildings, so make sure to spend some time admiring this beautiful architecture — either on your own or on a private NYC photoshoot! This will certainly be a highlight of your visit to New York in 4 days.

Pro tip: Another thing these neighborhoods are known for is food, and the best way to explore this is through a tasty tour. A few highly-rated culinary excursions include the Greenwich Village Walking & Food Tasting Tour and the SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Food & Culture Tour .

It’s time to end this best 4 day itinerary for New York City with a memorable experience: getting one last view of the skyline from an incredible viewpoint.

Two of the best observation decks in NYC are the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center — right near Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Saks Fifth Avenue. While both observation decks offer stunning views of the city, Top of the Rock has an advantage because you can actually see the Empire State Building in your view of Manhattan.

The Top of the Rock is also slightly cheaper than the Empire State Building ($40 vs. $44); however, both attractions are included in the New York Pass , a sightseeing pass that grants you access to dozens of popular tourist attractions for one price.

Another epic observation deck option is the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt , which includes three floors of fun! A few highlights include front-row views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, mirrored floors that give a reflective effect (cool for photos), a room full of reflective silver orbs you can throw around, and a cafe at the top with an unforgettable vista.

Here is a short video of the experience taken by NYC Photo Journeys founder, Jessie Festa.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessie 🎉 Solo Travel Blogger (@jessieonajourney)

4 Day NYC Itinerary Map

To help give you a visual of where all of the top NYC attractions mentioned above are, here is a map:

Click here for the interactive version of this Google map .

Alternative 4-Day NYC Itinerary

Does the NYC 4 day itinerary above sound a little too touristy to you?

If the thought of queueing to go to the top of the Empire State Building or standing in the crowds of Times Square makes you shudder, here’s an alternative 4 day itinerary for NYC that contains less touristy neighborhoods and attractions:

• Day 1: Work your way from Greenwich Village and Chelsea to the hip and edgy East Village
• Day 2: Start in Brooklyn’s charming Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO neighborhoods before walking over the Manhattan Bridge into Chinatown and then heading to Nolita to explore upscale boutiques, cute cafes, and art galleries
• Day 3: Head uptown to visit Central Park, local museums, and Harlem (lunch at Red Rooster is highly recommended)
• Day 4: Explore the Lower East Side and walk over the Williamsburg Bridge to enjoy the many things to do in Williamsburg — including shopping along Bedford Avenue and taking in skyline views from the waterfront — before heading into Bushwick to explore street art, delicious food, and epic nightlife

This alternative 4 days in NYC itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to focus more on exploring neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, and experiencing nightlife than ticking tourist attractions off a list.

You might also visit less-known museums like the Met Cloisters (located way uptown in Inwood), the New Museum in Nolita, SPYSCAPE in Midtown, or the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights (Brooklyn).

Another idea: learn about immigrant history at the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side, which offers a great introduction to NYC and how it came to be the cultural melting pot it is today.

In terms of unique experiences, some of your many options include taking a cooking class with grandmas from around the world through League of Kitchens , eating in a local home through EatWith , taking in the views from Governors Island , or getting into nature by exploring some of the hiking trails in Manhattan .

Here is a full list of non-touristy things to do in NYC .

How Much Will I Spend In New York For 4 Days?

As you probably know, New York City is not a cheap destination to visit. In fact, it regularly ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world .

Breaking it down to a per-day budget, you may have these costs for a higher-end (but not over-the-top) trip:

• Hotel: $250 per night
• Meals: $100 per day
• Entertainment: $150 per day
• Transportation: $50 per day

This assumes you stay in a 4 star hotel, eat one or two nice meals out per day, splurge on entertainment like Broadway shows and other experiences, and take Ubers instead of the subway. It doesn’t include buying souvenirs and other shopping, which would be an extra cost.

In total, this type of trip could cost $2,200 or more for 4 days.

However, you can also have a more budget-friendly trip to NYC:

• Hotel: $150 per night
• Meals: $50 per day
• Entertainment: $50 per day
• Transportation: $15 per day

This would mean staying in a 3 star hotel, eating only one meal out per day, choosing more budget-friendly activities, and sticking to public transportation.

Overall, this type of trip could cost you $1,000 for 4 days.

So while a trip to New York City is still not cheap , you can save money depending on how much you are willing to budget for your trip and by finding ways to cut down on your spending.

Also keep in mind that depending on how many people you’re traveling with, certain costs may be shared, such as hotels and taxis.

If you’re traveling solo in NYC , you’ll need to remember that you alone with be responsible for all of the costs as you plan your budget. This is an important consideration when it comes to how to travel solo successfully .

How To Save Money In NYC

If you want to save money in NYC while still having a good time, there are several ways to accomplish this.

There are plenty of fun and cheap things to do in New York , like visiting museums that have pay-what-you-wish times (almost every museum offers this on select days) or going for a bike ride in one of NYC’s many parks. These are great additions to your 4 day NYC itinerary.

You can also visit NYC on a budget by choosing a hotel outside Manhattan. Hotels in Brooklyn and Queens are often much cheaper, and if you choose a location with good subway connections, getting into Manhattan will be a breeze.

Sticking to public transportation instead of taking taxis or Ubers/Lyfts is another excellent way to save money.

You can also cut back on your budget by limiting how much you go out to eat. Grabbing a quick meal like pizza or a falafel wrap from a street cart is much cheaper than sitting down at a nice restaurant. When you do go out to eat, avoid low-quality tourist traps in areas like Times Square or Little Italy and keep in mind that alcohol is often the thing that really increases the bill.

Finally, consider getting an attractions pass like the New York Pass . This allows you to access dozens of popular attractions like the Empire State Building Observatory, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the Museum of Modern Art for a discounted price.

New York is an amazing city, and even when traveling on a budget it’s possible to have a very memorable NYC vacation.

Travel Tips For Visiting NYC For The First Time

This sample NYC itinerary showed you how to spend 4 days in New York. Here are some additional tips for visiting New York for the first time:

Use public transportation and walk.

New York City has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, and the subway will get you almost anywhere you need to go for just $2.75. It’s often faster than traveling by car too.

NYC is also extremely walkable, and you can get around easily on foot, especially in Manhattan.

Think about the best time to visit.

When planning your trip to NYC, consider the time of year you’re visiting. New York is a great place to visit during all seasons, but some times are better than others.

For example, the summer months, especially July and August, can be very hot and humid to the point of being uncomfortable. In the winter, January and February are the coldest months of the year and the weather is similarly extreme (although there are much fewer crowds at this time of year due to it being brutally cold).

Fall and spring are great times to visit NYC for nice weather and lower crowds. December is also a popular time to visit to enjoy Christmas in New York, but it can get very crowded at this time of year.

Another time to consider visiting is early November — right between the summer and holiday season crowds. This time of year also typically has mild weather that isn’t too hot or too cold.

Don’t stay in an Airbnb.

Unlike other cities where you can rent an entire apartment on Airbnb for a vacation, renting apartments for less than 30 days is actually illegal in New York City and contributes to a housing shortage among locals.

Instead, stay in a hotel. Hotels have comparable prices to Airbnbs in NYC and are usually a better option. Or if you do stay in an Airbnb, make sure you are renting a room in someone’s home, and not an entire apartment.

Observe the rules of the sidewalk.

Many visitors to New York come from places that aren’t as pedestrian-friendly and don’t realize the unspoken rules of the sidewalk in NYC. New Yorkers walk quickly and always seem to be in a rush.

As a visitor, don’t block the whole sidewalk when walking in a group, don’t stop abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk, keep to the right when walking, and watch out for others.

If you follow these simple rules, you’ll avoid getting elbowed by a New Yorker who’s in a hurry.

Get out on the water.

There is a good reason we recommend having your birthday party on a boat in NYC !

New York is a city that’s surrounded by water: the Hudson River, the East River, New York Harbor, and even the Atlantic Ocean if you go out to the beaches of Brooklyn and Queens.

You can get an amazing perspective of the city from the water. Whether you take a sightseeing boat tour, a sunset dinner cruise, or even just a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry, make sure you get out on the water at least once during your trip to New York.

Click here for a full list of boat and cruise tours in NYC .

Don’t get pickpocketed or scammed.

New York has come a long way from its crime-ridden reputation of the 1970s and 1980s, and it’s a very safe city to visit. But that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down completely.

One of the most important travel tips to remember is to always be vigilant, especially in crowded places like the subway or in touristy areas like Times Square. Don’t keep valuables like your phone or wallet in a place where they could easily get snatched, like an unzipped purse or your back pocket.

Also, avoid touts trying to sell you unofficial tickets, tours, and attractions — chances are high it’s a scam or a total rip-off.

Use newsletters and websites to discover fun NYC experiences.

In terms of newsletters, a few favorites include The Skint and Nifty NYC .

For events to add to your 4 day NYC itinerary, a few websites to check out include Fever and Bucketlisters .

Buy cheap souvenirs in Chinatown.

If you want to purchase that classic “I Heart NY” t-shirt, a New York City snowglobe, or some other NYC souvenir, head to Chinatown to find the best prices in souvenir shops. You can find particularly good deals on Canal Street.

Chinatown is also a great neighborhood to explore on its own — especially if you book a tasty food tour .

You may also consider buying some more unique and authentic NYC souvenirs .

You won’t be able to do and see everything.

While 4 days is a great amount of time for an introduction to NYC, know that you won’t be able to see and do everything you want to on one trip.

New York is such a large city that you could spend a lifetime here and still never run out of things to do. For your first trip, prioritize the special activities and experiences that really matter to you, and don’t try to cram in absolutely everything at the expense of being able to enjoy your trip.

Fun Guided Tours For Your 4 Day NYC Itinerary

One of the best ways to explore a new destination is through an interesting tour with a local sightseeing guide. A few we recommend adding to your 4 day New York City itinerary include:

Classic NYC Tours

• New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
• New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
• Flatiron Food, Architecture & History Tour
• Wall Street Insider Tour with a Finance Professional
• Greenwich Village Pizza Food Tour

Unique NYC Tours

• Private Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn
• Asia in Queens: Exploring NYC’s Largest Chinatown
• New York Catacombs by Candlelight
• NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Contrasts, Color and Character
• New York City Lower East Side Culture and Food Tastings Tour

➡️ Click here for a full list of New York City tours .

Where To Eat During 4 Days In NYC

NYC is known for having some of the best food in the world. Since it’s such a diverse city, you can get authentic and delicious food from all around the globe.

Some of the best places to eat that should definitely be included in a first time New York itinerary include:

• Joe’s Pizza: This little pizza joint is a Greenwich Village institution that has been serving oversized slices since the 1970s. For a taste of what makes New York pizza so good, you must eat here. Note that they also have a Times Square location.
• Russ & Daughters: You can’t come to NYC without trying a classic New York bagel and lox. Russ & Daughters has some of the best.
• Sylvia’s Restaurant: Harlem is a part of NYC that you shouldn’t miss, and Sylvia’s is one of the best restaurants in Harlem with a menu of hearty and delicious soul food.
• Xi’an Famous Foods: This family-owned restaurant has multiple locations around New York City that are perfect for grabbing a quick meal. They serve authentic Chinese food from the city of Xi’an.
• Tavern on the Green: If you want to splurge on a nice meal, this historic restaurant in Central Park has a wonderful ambiance and an “old New York” feel to it. It’s sure to be a highlight of your 4 day NYC itinerary!

These are just a few of the thousands of delicious and unique restaurants in NYC . You can truly find anything you’re looking for, whether you want to have an NYC boozy brunch , find New York City’s most Instagrammable restaurants , sip coffee in cute NYC cafes , or something else.

And of course, make sure to book at least one food tour to sample a variety of locally-made food and drink! This is a must on your visit to New York.

Best NYC Nightlife

There’s a reason that NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps.” These are some of the best nightlife experiences to add your 4 day NYC itinerary:

• 230 Fifth: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and the surrounding skyline. During the winter, they offer heated igloos.
• House of Yes: For a unique experience, head to this funky venue in Bushwick, Brooklyn that has DJs, dancers, acrobats, and cabaret performers.
• Comedy Cellar: Catch a late-night comedy show at this famous comedy club in NYC.
• Tao: One of the most popular nightclubs and lounges in NYC, located in the Chelsea neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to dance the night away.
• Village Vanguard: For a low-key night listening to some great jazz music, head to this iconic jazz club in the West Village with a long and storied history.
• Westlight: This chic rooftop lounge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn offers 360-degree views, including one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline you can find.

Nightlife is big in NYC, and you’ll never be bored with so many late-night activities to choose from.

Travel Insurance For Your 4-Day NYC Itinerary

When visiting NYC — or anywhere else in the world — getting insurance is a smart idea.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

What would you add to this 4 day NYC itinerary?

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7 days in New York Itinerary: how to spend a week in NYC

Are you planning a visit to New York City?  Our 7-day itinerary for New York is an ideal guide for first-time visitors to the Big Apple.  In this day-by-day itinerary, we include all the iconic landmarks and major attractions in New York, as well as some lesser-known places to visit.

As we’ve just returned from a week in New York with two teenagers, it’s the perfect time to share our itinerary.  Although we’ve both been before it was our first family trip to New York, and we wanted to show the boys as much of the city as possible.

With so much many amazing attractions and things do, our New York travel guide will help you create a memorable holiday.  Read on for our recommendations on how to spend a week in New York , so you can plan your own brilliant itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn some money at no cost to you if you click on one. ( Read our full Disclosure Policy)

Contents: click to jump to a section

About our 7-day NYC itinerary

New York has five boroughs, each with its own unique neighbourhoods.  To make the most of our week in New York, we grouped the itinerary for each day by area.  This way we were able to make the most of our time and see as many sights as possible.  Obviously, you can swap the days round as you wish.

We were based at the Fifty Sonesta in Midtown East, which is a brilliant location for a first-time visitor.  As the hotel is so central, we travelled everywhere by foot or on the subway.  Our itinerary includes a lot of walking, as we always find you can see more this way.

Now, read on to find all the details of how we spent a week in New York.

7 days in New York City – An Overview

• 1:   Getting to New York/Times Square
• 2: Midtown East
• 3: Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island/9/11 Memorial and Museum/Financial District
• 4:   Brooklyn/Williamsburg
• 5: Museum of Natural History/Central Park
• 6:   Chelsea Market/Greenwich Village/High Line/Little Island
• 7:   Intrepid Museum/Broadway Show

New York Itinerary - Day 1

Getting to new york.

As we were coming from England, we flew to JFK Airport, the biggest airport in New York.  JFK Airport (Kennedy International) is about 20km southeast of Lower Manhattan.

From JFK Airport you can take the AirTrain, which goes directly to Jamaica Station in approximately 10 minutes.   AirTrain JFK connects with all passenger terminals at the airport.  From Jamaica Station you can use the metro to get to your final destination.

Our nearest subway stop was 51 st Street Station, which was a 3-minute walk to the hotel.  We got from JFK Airport to the centre of Manhattan in about 40 minutes.

If you’re using the AirTrain and subway, ensure that your luggage is light and easily transportable.

Of course, you can take a taxi from the airport.  However, this is more expensive and usually takes longer because of the traffic.   If you do, take a yellow New York cab, which will have a fixed meter fare.

Accommodation in New York

We stayed at the Fifty Sonesta Hotel & Suites on East 50th Street.   We picked this hotel for its amazing location, as it is only two blocks from the Rockefeller Centre, Times Square and the theatre district.  It was so easy to step out of the hotel and walk.

Our room was ideal for a week’s stay in New York as it had a small kitchen, so we could get our own breakfast and make coffee.  It had two queen size beds and a sofa bed, so we could all share one room.

Click here to see more details of the the Fifty Sonesta Hotel and book.  Of course, there are hundreds of other hotels in New York and something to suit every budget.

Check here for the wide choice of New York Hotels on Booking.com .

Times Square

Firstly, as soon as we’d settled into our hotel Fifty Hotel & Suites , we took a walk to Times Square.

Although Times Square is probably the most touristy spot in NY, it’s an area you must visit during your 7-day itinerary in New York.  Times Square looks best at night, when the bright lights are at their finest.  However, it’s worth a visit in the daytime too.

New York Itinerary - Day 2

Midtown east, places you’ll visit on day 2 of your new york itinerary:, summit one vanderbilt.

• Grand Central Station/New York Library

Bryant Park

• Chrysler Building
• Empire State Building
• The Rockerfeller Centre
• 5 th Avenue

We started the first full day of our 7-day New York itinerary with a trip to the Summit One Vanderbilt Tower .  This is New York’s newest skyscraper and offers some of the best views over Manhattan.

Not only that, Summit One Vanderbilt provides an immersive art experience, making the most of mirrors and lights to enhance your visit.  Quite honestly, it was a fantastic way to start our week in New York.  Plus, it gave us a bird’s eye view of all the places we’d planned to visit.

If you’re visiting New York for the first time you really must climb up to one of the skyscrapers to get views over Manhattan.  There are four main viewing platforms, and they all have their advantages.  However, they are not cheap, so it’s worth choosing one before you plan your itinerary.

Grand Central Station and New York Library

From Summit One Vanderbilt, it’s a few minutes’ walk to Grand Central Station.  With 44 platforms, it has more than any other station in the world. Take time to visit the main concourse, even if you’re not catching a train.  It’s such an impressive building and looks way too good to be a train station.

From here, walk to New York Library, another stunning building with beautiful architecture and interiors.  Luckily, admission to both these New York landmarks is free.

From New York Library, you can cross to Bryant Park, which is a good place for lunch.  There’s a café and several food kiosks, or you could pick something up in Bryant Park Wholefoods Market, which is opposite.

Bryant Park is a small, but lively park, with a daily timetable of entertainment. At midday, you’re likely to see jugglers, board games and New Yorkers chatting over a coffee.

A walking tour of Manhattan central

For the rest of the afternoon, we did a self-guided walking tour of central Manhattan, taking in the best of its iconic buildings.

The highlights included the Chrysler Building, the Rockerfeller Centre and the Empire State Building.  Luckily, these famous New York sights are all within walking distance of each other, so you can visit them all in one go.

You can also pop into St Patrick’s Cathedral, famous for its splendid architecture.  In the graveyard of this historic landmark, you’ll find the gravestones of many famous New Yorkers, including Alexander Hamilton (founder of the Bank of New York).

Of course, you might prefer to climb up to the observation decks in the Empire State Building or the Rockerfeller Centre, as an alternative to Summit One Vanderbilt.

New York Itinerary - Day 3

Battery park/financial district.

Places you’ll visit on day 3 of your New York itinerary:

• Battery Park & the Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island & the National Museum of Immigration
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• One World Trade Centre
• Wall Street and the Financial District

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic sights in New York and a must-see attraction for any first-time visitors with kids.

Buy your tickets for your visit to Liberty Island through Statue Cruises , who are the authorised vendors for Liberty Island visits.  As well as your ferry ride to Liberty Island and the museum, admission includes a stopover at Ellis Island and a visit to the National Museum of Immigration.

Both museums are family-friendly and include an audio guide.  The kids found them interesting and informative, especially the guide to the construction of the statue.

If you’re on a budget, you can see Lady Liberty from afar with a free trip on the Staten Island Ferry.  This 25-minute boat trip will take you around the statue and give you views of the Manhattan skyline.  However, you won’t get off for a close-up or visit the museums.

Battery Park

The Statue of Liberty ferry departs and returns to Battery Park.  On return, you can wander around this area, which has several memorial statues and a small playground.

Afterwards, take a picturesque stroll alongside the River Hudson until you get to North Cove Harbour.  From here, head to the second floor of the shopping centre to find Hudson Eats, a food court with something for everyone.

After lunch, head to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza. The best route is through the Oculus building.  Also known as the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, this high-tech building serves as a train station and shopping mall and is one of the most unique buildings in New York.

9/11 Memorial Plaza & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial Plaza covers the area where the World Trade Centre twin towers once stood.

As you’d expect, the new 9/11 memorial, “Reflecting Absence”, is an impressive structure.  Set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, waterfalls on all sides gush constantly into the pools and granite craters below.

It serves as a tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Centre in 2001.  However, it is also a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance.

9/11 Memorial Museum

The 9/11 Memorial Museum provides an insight into the events that led up to the events of the September 11 th bombings.  It provides exhibits and artefacts rescued from the day and accounts from survivors and victims.

To be honest, we were in two minds whether to take the teenagers to the museum, as we thought it could be quite harrowing, but they both found it interesting.

It is worth buying tickets in advance, as they do sell out.

One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower)

From the 9/11 Memorial, you can look up at the One World Tower, the tallest building in New York City.  Alternatively, you can climb up the One World Observatory for amazing views over the New York skyline.

Financial District

Afterwards, it’s just a short walk from the 9/11 Memorial to New York’s financial district.  Take the kids for a stroll down Wall Street or stop for a photo with the iconic Charging Bull (or even a stroke of his genitals for luck!).

We also visited the graveyard at Trinity Church, where we found some of the oldest graves in New York.

New York Itinerary - Day 4

Places you’ll visit on day 4 of your new york itinerary:, brooklyn bridge.

• Brooklyn Heights
• Prospect Park
• Barclays Centre (basketball game)

One of best days in our New York itinerary was a day trip to Brooklyn.  We started day 4 with a walk over Brooklyn Bridge.

The walk from Manhattan over Brooklyn Bridge is 1.1 mile (2km) long and takes about 25 minutes.  Another option for crossing Brooklyn Bridge is to hire bikes.  However, walking gives you more time for photos and views.  Plus you can stop to look at the street vendors.

DUMBO (District under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

Once over Brooklyn Bridge, you can head down into DUMBO, one of the best places for photos of the bridge.  You’ll find a variety of places to eat in Dumbo, so we stopped for tea and cake in One Girl Cookies.

Just a short walk from DUMBO, we stumbled upon Luke’s Lobsters.  This lobster kiosk reportedly sell the “Best Lobster Roll” ever.  The boys couldn’t resist, so they had a tasty (albeit expensive) lobster roll shortly after.

From here we took a stroll up to Brooklyn Heights, an affluent area with elegant brownstones and tree-lined avenues.

Prospect Park, Williamsburg

Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s equivalent of Central Park.  It even has its own little zoo.  Although Prospect Park Zoo is aimed at younger children, the teens had an enjoyable time here, especially when the baboons got a bit frisky!

On Sundays, Smorgasburg, a giant open-air food market takes place in Prospect Park.

Barclays Centre (a basketball game)

One of the highlights of our day trip to Brooklyn was a visit to the Barclays Center for a basketball game.  Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s worth getting tickets, as the atmosphere was sensational.

New York itinerary - Day 5

American museum of natural history & central park, places you’ll visit on day 5 of your new york itinerary:.

• The American Museum of Natural History

Central Park

American museum of natural history.

New York has a fantastic choice of museums, many of which are adjacent to Central Park.  So, on day 5 of our New York itinerary, we made a visit to the American Museum of Natural History.

This is a wonderful place to visit in New York with kids but allow plenty of time as the museum is gigantic.  As are many of its exhibits!

Humungous dinosaurs, mighty sharks, and even gigantic gems.  There really was so much to see.  And that’s without a visit to the special exhibitions, such as the Hayden Planetarium.

AD:  We were kindly gifted our tickets for this museum, but all opinions are our own.

Other museums you could visit near Central Park include the Metropolitan Museum, the Guggenheim (East side) and MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art).

Of course, you can’t spend a week in NYC without a visit to Central Park.  There’s so much to see in Central Park that you could spend hours here.

Some of the must-see attractions in Central Park are Strawberry Fields (a memorial to John Lennon), the boating lake, the zoo, and Belvedere Castle.  We walked to the end, explored the North Woods, and found turtles in the lake.

If you don’t fancy a walk in Central Park, you could hire a bike or go for a run.  Spring is the perfect time to visit, as all the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Black Tap Burger Bar

If you’re going to New York with teens, take them to Black Tap Craft Burgers for one of their crazy shakes.  This bar sells the biggest, tastiest shakes we’ve ever seen.  Don’t be surprised if you get a slice of cake or lolly on top of your shake!

New York Itinerary - Day 6

West village (chelsea/greenwich), places you’ll visit on day 6 of your new york itinerary:, hudson yards & the vessel, the high line, chelsea market, little island.

• Greenwich Village

Washington Square Park

Start your day out in Chelsea at the beautiful honeycomb shaped Vessel .  You’ll find the Vessel near Hudson Yards, on the west side of Manhattan.  This new landmark in New York is a stunning sculpture and unique art piece.

Unfortunately, you can’t currently climb the Vessel, but you can access the lower floor for photos.

From the Vessel you can walk South on the High Line.  The High Line is an elevated park, built atop a former rail line, as part of an urban regeneration project.  It’s a lovely green space, with some street art, plants, and views of New York above the houses.

On the other side of the High Line overlooking the River Hudson is Little Island .  Built with an unusual tulip design, Little Island is a landscaped park on stilts.  With a variety of plants and flowers, this urban oasis is one of New York’s newest green spaces.

It’s a fun place for children, with several interactive features such as the musical instruments and spinning spirals.  There’s a café in the centre, a playground and amphitheatre.  Admission to Little Island is free.

There are several access points to the High Line and halfway along, you should descend for a visit to Chelsea Market.  Whether you like browsing vintage clothes, antiques, artisan jewellery or local food, this is a wonderful place for a wander.

Plus, with an excellent choice of street food, it’s also the perfect place for lunch.

After a walk through the fashionable area of Greenwich Village and a quick photo of the “Friends” apartment, we sauntered to Washington Square Park.

Washington Square Park is a lively public park, with vendors, street artists and plenty of picknickers.  It’s a relaxed green space, where you can watch the world go by.  Or, you can stop for a game of chess, with one of the locals.  Expect to pay a small fee for the game.

New York Itinerary - Day 7

Intrepid sea, air & space museum, places you’ll visit on day 7 of your new york itinerary:.

• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• A Broadway show

One of the advantages of spending a full week in New York is that you have time for some of the lesser-known attractions.  So, on the final day of our New York itinerary we visited the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum .

The museum is set aboard the decks of the historic aircraft carrier.  Not only do you get to see the Intrepid ship with its jet fighter planes, but Concorde and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise.  If this isn’t enough, you can board an authentic nuclear submarine too!

A Broadway Show

Finally, you can’t take a trip to New York without a show on Broadway.  Try to get tickets in advance as many get booked out.  We chose the Lion King, which was fantastic.

You can discount tickets for Broadway shows from TodayTix .

Travel resources for New York

Here are some of the websites we use when planning our trips.

Discover accommodation to suit all budgets at Booking.com

Get some of the most affordable prices on flights with Expedia

Look at some of the best tours and trips in New York

Browse and book the best activities in New York

Best travel guides for New York

If you’re looking for more information on the best things to see and do in New York, we always find the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides very inspiring.  As the name suggests, the Top Ten New York City travel guide provides top ten lists to everything, from museums and monuments to restaurants and bars.

Another good option for helping you get the most out of your visit is the Mini Rough Guide to New York .  These travel guides come in a handy, pocket-friendly format, so are ideal for popping in your bag or pocket.  And you can never go wrong with a Lonely Planet New York City Guide , which provide practical information from locals.

If you are looking to enthuse younger children about your visit to NYC, try the Kids’ Travel Guide to New York City .  It will help prepare them for all the iconic landmarks on your trip.

We'd love to hear from you!

Let us know if you like our New York itinerary or if you have any questions about it.  We’d be happy to help.  Or, maybe you have some suggestions to add?  Please share in the comments below.

You may also like:

• A 1-day itinerary in Brooklyn, New York
• A road trip in California: A three week itinerary
• 10 awesome things to do in New York with teenagers
• Monterey 3-day itinerary: How to spend 3 days in Monterey, California
• 18 best things to do in New York City

Pin for later:   7-days New York itinerary:  How to spend a week in New York

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At Chimptrips we have a passion for travel and discovering new places. We love to explore and have adventures, both at home and abroad and want to inspire others.

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4 Days in New York Itinerary: Ultimate NYC Guide by a Local

4 Days in New York Itinerary

Table of Contents

Even though I grew up 50 miles outside of NYC (and now live there) and took every chance to explore it, I still have so much on my New York City bucket list. This 4 Days in New York itinerary will help you pack in a ton in just a short amount of time!

This guide is broken down by day and includes tips on where to stay, what to do and most importantly, where to eat and drink! Make sure you’re prepared with excellent walking shoes and check out the New York City Pass for the best value access to over 100 New York attractions. It’s an easy way to save money during your days in New York.

New York City Travel Tips

• Currency: American Dollars
• Language: English
• Best time to go: April, June, September, December(the Holidays are magical)
• Electric: 120V, Plug type A
• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Tipping: 12-20% is typical at restaurants.
• Don’t be afraid of the subway – get an app to help you, like city mapper or use google maps!
• If you stay in an outer borough, make sure you stay near a convenient subway station .
• To prevent looking like a tourist : Don’t stop on the streets for people trying to sell you tickets or make you watch their dance sequence.

What to Pack for 4 Days in New York City

What to pack for New York will vary depending on what time of the year you go. NYC gets all 4 seasons so what you pack for December will be different than what you pack for July. Always check the weather before you trip and don’t worry if you forget something, there’s so much shopping in New York, you’ll be able to buy what you need and then some.

What you’ll always need for a New York itinerary:

• A camera to capture all of your best New York moments!
• A cute day bag if you don’t want to make any trips back to the hotel. And this doesn’t mean you should carry a purse as well. Go with just one cute bag to look more city chic.
• Jeans.. because jeans are life.
• Comfortable shoes for walking, but please don’t where gym shoes, fashion sneakers are okay. My converse and adidas are my go to shoes.
• Shoes for going out.
• One nice outfit if you dine or drink anywhere fancy. Some clubs or old school establishments may have a dress code.
• A layering sweater. (even in summer you might need a light sweater for while you’re inside in the A.C. or if the temperature drops in the evening)

Top of the Rock

How to get to New York City

Fly, bus, train or even cruise into New York City.

Fly into NYC

There are 3 major airports in/close to New York City with the addition of Stewart Airport a bit further. All of these airports have public transportations in the city. Sometimes these airports can be a nightmare so just stay on your toes. JFK and Laguardia are both under construction which can make your life difficult so know where you are going. Please realize that the below travel times are estimations.

• JFK   Airport – Takes about 1 hour to get to Penn station via public transportation and from Penn Station you have plenty of transfer options.
• Laguardia Airport – Takes 45 minutes to get to Grand Central or Penn Station on public transportation. Both stations have a ton of different transfer options.
• Newark Airport – This airport is just over the river in NJ. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Penn Station on public transportation .
• Stewart Airport- If for some reason you are flying into Stewart airport you need to coordinate with the NYC Express Bus . Purchase your tickets in advance and board with mobile ticket.  Journey time to Port Authority in Manhattan is approximately 90 minutes.

The major Bus Station in NYC is Port Authority. It’s located in Midtown West next to Times Square.  You can connect to subway stations A, C, E , N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains, as well as the shuttle to  Grand Central Terminal. Don’t be mistaken, the shuttle or S is a train, not a bus.

The main train stations in NYC are NY Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Both are located in Midtown. Be careful when you are purchasing your ticket that you don’t mistake Newark Penn Station for NY Penn Station because Newark is in New Jersey.

Brooklyn Bridge

How to get around new york city.

Google maps will tell you all of the different way to get around the city and you can use it right on your phone! The Subway is the most popular form of travel for locals and is typically the fastest!

• Walk!  I love to walk everywhere I can. There is always so much to see so when possible this is my favourite way to get around.
• Uber/Lyft is definitely your friend. Although not always cheaper than taxis, at least you know what you’re paying for. I find this much easier with groups because you decide you want to pay the price or not instead of just watching the meter.  You will need to be careful at busy times like rush hour or when it’s raining for price surges.
• Taxis   are personally not my favorite because if you get stuck in traffic the fare will just keep going up. Once you sit in the taxi you’ve already spent $2.50. Taking taxis in NYC can deplete your spending money pretty darn quickly.
• The Subway/Bus   is not always perfect but for the price it really is terrific.  A subway or bus ride costs $2.75 to get anywhere. You could literally go from the Upper West Side to Brooklyn or from Queens to the Seaport for the same low price of $2.75. It will definitely help you fit more into your 4 days in New York City itinerary.
• The Ferry system. Yes, you heard me NYC has a ferry system! This is a wonderful option to stay above ground and see the city from the water for the same price as a subway ride. If the weather is nice it’s like a free cruise!

If you’re in NYC for a week you can buy an unlimited 7 day subway/bus pass for $33 . Even if you’re only doing 4 days in NYC it’s probably still worth it as I’m sure you will take the subway or bus more than 12 times.

Where to Stay

You’ll want to stay somewhere central to everything you want to see in your 4 days in NYC, especially if it’s your first time in New York. I’d suggest somewhere in midtown or lower Manhattan verses Brooklyn because it will make it more convenient. With that being said, some of my favorite hotels are in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.

If you have your heart set on an outer burrow,  just make sure the hotel in close to a convenient subway station!

Hotels in New York City

People love to ask for a “cheap” hotel, but those really don’t exist and if they do you probably don’t want to stay in them! However, there are some budget options! These are a few of the most popular hotels for each price range.

• Pod Times Square
• The Jane Hotel
• Moxy Downtown
• Freehand Hotel
• The Nomad Hotel
• Gramercy Park Hotel
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Must Try Foods during while in New York

When you think of New York you must think of all the food! For instance, we are most famous for our pizza, bagels and burgers along with plenty of international cuisines. If you’re spending 4 days in NYC you’ll definitely be able to fit a few of these delicious locations into your 4 days in NYC itinerary!

Where to eat Pizza in New York

If you fail to eat pizza during you 4 days in NYC, you’ve gone terribly wrong. Oh and please don’t waste your pizza calories on dollar slices or Sbarros, please!!

• Artichoke Pizza for the most decadent slice of well, artichoke pizza. No red sauce on this slice just creamy artichoke sauce.
• Joe’s Pizza for your classic New York slice.
• Prince Street Pizza serves a perfect square pepperoni slice.

Where to eat Bagels in New York

Bagels are my kryptonite. What can I say, I’m a total carb fanatic. There’s nothing like a fresh, still-warm bagel with cream cheese. Drool.

• Ess-a-bagel for old school bagels. Choose from dozens of cream cheese flavours, smoked fish or reuben.
• Russ & Daughters is a Jewish bakery and cafe best known for bagels with lox.

Where to eat Pastrami in New York

• Katz Deli is the spot for the best pastrami you’ll ever have. It’s a little intimidating walking in here. When you enter the deli  you actually walk through a turnstile. You get on line at one of the “cutters” who are standing behind a raised counter and tell them what you want. The sandwich is $25 but you can probably share it, they give you a ton of meat with 2 pickles on the side.

Where to eat a Burger New York City

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic burger, or something with a twist, New York has got you covered.

• Emmy Squared for the best burger in NYC. Two dry aged beef patties in a pretzel bun. The most refined meat you will ever eat. The quality of the meat and richness coupled with the toppings make you savor every bite.
• Raoul’s for a French take on the burger. They only serve 12 a day and you must be sitting at the bar. Arrive when the bar opens at 5:00 to snag your seat. They start taking food orders at 5:30.
• Shake Shack is the best fast food burger in my opinion. Go to the original location at Madison Square Park which has outdoor seating only and a view of the Flatiron Building.

Where to eat Pasta

• Bar Pitti is a classic spot for home made pasta and Italian favourites in a casual setting. They don’t take reservations which I kind of love. The first time I went here I ended up sitting next to Uma Thurman! The specials are a big portion of the options, so pay attention to those!

Where to go for Coffee

New Yorkers take their caffeine seriously, so it’s no wonder there are plenty of cute places to have a coffee .

• Felix Roasting Co . has a regal and glam feel to it. A temporary escape from the streets of New York.
• Maman is a french chic cafe that gives you all the best vibes.
• Remi Flower and Coffee is one of my favorite places to grab a cup of joe. The setting inside a flower shop is lovely.

New York Itinerary: Day 1. Uptown Manhattan + Central Park + Times Square

Central park walking tour.

Start off day one at Central Park. Loeb Boat House, Bethsheda Fountain, Bow Bridge and Alice and Wonderland statue are all quite close to each other which makes it easy to see them all at once.  They are also some of the best photos spots in Central Park.   You can enter on East 72nd Street to see them all.

• Loeb Boat House – The row boats are seasonal and only open from 10 until sundown. I’ve gone there for about 11:30 and didn’t have to wait too long. The row boats are $15 for 1 hour plus a $20 deposit. CASH ONLY
• Bethsheda Fountain is a beautiful fountain with 2 sweeping staircases on either side. You’ll definitely recognize this spots from the movies!
• Bow Bridge is another classic spot. It’s a cast iron bridging acting as a connection between the two sides of the lake.
• Alice and Wonderland Statue comes straight out of the Lewis Carrol storybook. A bronze statue of the characters Alice, the white rabbit and the Mad Hatter.
• Belvedere Castle is somewhat of a hidden gem, even though it was created in 1872.  You can get a view of the The Great Lawn from the observation deck.

Subway Stations closest to Central Park include West 92nd St. (B, C),  East 92nd St.(Q, M, R),  West 86th St.(1,2),  East 86th St. (4,5,6, Q) West 81st St. (B, C), West 72nd St. (B,C)East 77th St. (4,5,6), 59th St. Colombus Circle(1,2,3),  57th St./7th Ave (N,Q,R,W), 57th St. (F), 5th Ave/59th St. (N,W,R).

Food near Central Park

Food inside the park consists mainly of take away vendors selling hot dogs or pretzels. The two sit down restaurants are  Loeb Boat House and Tavern on the Green both of which are classic American restaurants with a mid range to high end price point and atmosphere.  This is a common theme for many of the restaurants surrounding Central Park. Obviously, if none of the above suit   your taste it may be worth grabbing bagels and snacks before you enter the park. There happens to be a handy food market at Colombus Circle called Turnstyle Underground Market with a variety of to-go options.

Must Visit Museums

• The Met (Upper East Side) or Metropolitan Museum of Art has a $25 admission Fee.  Located on the Eastside of the park. If you plan on doing many of the top attractions and museums it may be worth purchasing the New York City Pass . Fast travel option at many locations to skip the line!
• National History Museum (Upper West Side) Entrance to the museum is on a “pay as you wish” basis. This museum is located on the west side of the park.
• MoMa   (Midtown) or the Museum of Modern Art.

Times Square + Broadway Show

Can you really spend 4 days in New York without seeing Times Square and a Show?! I like going to Times Square at dusk because it’s amazing to watch the lights come alive, however it will be very busy around this time. If you are planning on seeing a show You can prebook your tickets or take a chance at the discount ticket booth in the middle of Times Square.

New York Itinerary :  Day 2. Midtown Manhattan + Grand Central + Empire State Building

Start off day 2 of your 4 days in New York with a walking tour in midtown.   It’s a great way to get your bearings and learn some interesting facts about New York City. There are so many options to consider from history tours to food tours or very niche ones like a Superhero tour. An additional option is to do a self guided tour with the help of this NYC itinerary. I’ve listed these New York itinerary locations in the order from North to South.

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a performance venue where you can see a variety of shows. From the famous Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular to comedy performances to musicals.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is home to Top of the Rock Observation deck and ice skating rink. This is the where the Rockefeller Tree is housed every holiday season. Millions of people flock to New York City during the holidays to take part in this tradition as well as others.

Grand Central Station

A walk through Grand Central Station is a must during your New York itinerary! This massive commuter hub has a gorgeous main hall with a starry blue sky. Restaurants and bars are scattered through out the terminal including the classic Cipriani, Grand Central Oyster Bar and The Campbell Bar.

Empire State Building or   Top of the Rock

Choose between the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock for an amazing view. Both are expensive but it’s the kind of thing everyone should see once. However, I don’t think you need to do both. The Empire State building just had a massive renovation but if you want to actually see the Empire State Building in your view than the top of the Rock is a better option. If you don’t feel like spending the money on either of these, you can always opt for a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars.

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park is one of the prettiest areas in Manhattan and one of my favourite locations to take photos. It’s home to original Shake Shack and has a perfect view of the Flatiron Building. Eataly is across the street if you’re in the mood for seasonal Italian. Serra Birreria in Eataly is a seasonally themed rooftop popular with tourists.

Chelsea Market has a ton of artisan shops and food. Shop at Artists & Fleas then grab a lobster roll at the Lobster Place. The Highline  is one of the most incredible urban parks in the world, and somewhere that both locals and tourists enjoy. The elevated park is 1.45 miles long on the West side and built on an old train path.  This is a FREE attraction. My favourite part of the Highline is actually right near Chelsea market. Enter the Highline on 16th street for some epic photo spots.

Chelsea Galleries

So many galleries in Chelsea, this could be a whole other day in New York. Check out the Chelsea Galleries exhibitions listing for ideas.

Hudson yards

Hudson Yards is the newest neighborhood in NYC. This is where you can see the Vessel. At the moment it doesn’t cost anything to visit the Vessel, but you have to book a ticket. Some tickets for the Vessel are kept for release on the day so i f you can’t book in advance make sure to get there early.

Hudson Yards also has a huge shopping mall with designer stores, and the Jacob Javits Center.

See a sports game in the  evening for the ultimate NYC atmosphere.

What’s more New York than a ball game? Depending on the season, you can add one of these sports games to your NYC itinerary. Don’t underestimate how much the temperature can drop at night, sometimes even in the summer. You’ll want to pack at least a light sweater with you.

• Mets of Yankees (baseball) – From late March/early April through late September/early October.
• Knicks (basketball) – From October through April.
• Rangers (hockey) – From October through April.
• Jets or Giants (football) – From September through December.

New York Itinerary: Day 3. Lower Manhattan, Financial District and Statue of Liberty

It took me so long to explore all the way downtown Manhattan including Tribeca, Wall Street, and the Seaport, but now I really enjoy it! I don’t remember ever going to Ellis island or Liberty island, but I’ve put it on the top of my summer list!

Tribeca or “triangle below canal street” is a neighborhood with a different vibe. It’s a quieter and more family friendly location than most Manhattan neighborhoods located all the way on the West side.

Form this area there is easy access to Pier 25 which has a mini golf course, park and Grand Banks, a bar on a stationary boat!

Financial District

The Financial District in New York is actually one of the more confusing locations to navigate in Manhattan with many more short, broken streets than it’s midtown counterpart.

• The Oculus is a mall and transport hub with a striking modern design.
• The 9/11 Memorial
• One World Trade Center +  One World Observatory 
• 11 Wall Street is the address of the New York Stock Exchange, but the Wall Street district is 8 blocks wide.
• The Charging Bull is a very popular photo spot so you may have to wait in line to snap your pic.

South Street Seaport

The Seaport District is a historic and seriously cute part of Manhattan. There are restaurants, shopping and experiences going on year round.

Statue of Liberty

From Battery City Park on the tip of Lower Manahattan you can take a ferry right over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . Ferry tickets are $19.25 per adult and there is no extra fee for pedestal access. You get two for one with this tour to the Liberty Island and Ellis Island!

Happy hour drinks in Financial District

Spend happy hour with the New Yorkers who work in the financial district. Get in before the crowds to grab a seat at the bar.

• Stone Street is a pedestrian cobblestone street in the financial district.
• Dead Rabbit is must visit bar consistently winning best bar in the world.

New York Itinerary: Day 4. Downtown Manhattan + Brooklyn

End your 4 days in NYC with a trip downtown and then over to Brooklyn. I’ve added Brooklyn to the list because it really has become so popular. Gone are the days that a trip to New York means only visiting Manhattan. If you only have 4 days in NYC it’s difficult to explore the other boroughs too much, but squeezing in Dumbo and Williamsburg is totally doable for your New York itinerary.

Downtown NYC

If you’re feeling up for it, downtown is another great location for a walking tour . It’s a very diverse area of  NYC and is where the best food is! I’ve listed some notable places to eat here but obviously there are soo many more.

• Maman is a french chic cafe.
• Russ & Daughters is the go-to spot for bagels and lox.
• Butcher’s Daughter is a tasty healthy cafe joint.
• Katz Deli is known for ultimate pastrami sandwich in an old school setting.
• Raoul’s is a classic french New York institution.
• Emmy Squared has the best burger in NYC.
• Balthazar is an iconic French brasserie.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar by David Chang.

West Village/ Greenwich Village

The West Village is trendy area for clubs and restaurants. Home to the  “Meatpacking District” a popular clubbing area, as well as Washington Square Park, IFC Center, The Stonewall Inn and Smalls Jazz Club.

• The Garret is a speakeasy behind a Five Guys! It can get crowded, but it’s worth a try for this secret location.
• Wilfie and Nell
• Village Tavern is a whole in the wall dive bar.
• Dante NYC opened it’s doors in 1915 and has been a class New York establishment for years.

Lower East Side or LES

The Lower East side is one of the most electric areas in NYC. I like it’s grit and mix. There are certainly some iffy looking establishments, especially in Alphabet city.

Soho is where the fashion crowds hang out. Designer stores and trendy bars fill the streets. Artists & Fleas, The Apple Store and MoMa Design Store, Pearl Street Market are some of the most notable.

• Sweet and Vicious is great for frozen margaritas and outdoor space.
• The Backroom NYC is a prohibition style bar serving cocktails in cute tea cups.

Little Italy/ Chinatown

Known for hand pulled noodles, bubble tea and Canal street shopping. If you’re looking for a great rooftop try the Crown at 50 Bowery.

• The Crown at 50 Bowery  is a rooftop with one of the coolest downtown views in Manhattan.
• Peachy’s is a chic lounge under a Chinese restaurant.

The Tenement Museum

The Tenement Museum is a really cool and lesser known Museum amongst tourists. It’s where you can learn about the immigration and migration to NYC through apartment and walking tours. Super informative and unique!

Take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridg e from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. I like to do this myself every few months! It will take you about 1 hour to walk over the bridge. Please don’t walk in the bike lane, you will get yelled at by commuters!

You’ll have the option of seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and the entire skyline when you get to the other side and explore the Dumbo area.

• T ime Out Market – Hand selected food joints by the editors of Time Out Magazine all under one roof.
• Washington Street Vantage Point – Arguably one the most Instagrammable  places in NYC.
• Amazing views of Manhattan Skyline line this part of Brooklyn. You need to get out of Manhattan to truly see it all!

Williamsburg

As you may have heard, Williamsburg is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. Places like the Brooklyn Brewery, Smorgasburg, vintage stores and plenty of bars and restaurants will keep you busy for the rest of your day and night! Here are a few notable bars and restaurants in Williamsburg .

• Pies and Thighs serves, you guessed it, fried chicken and delicious pies!
• Eat at Sunday in Brooklyn for super popular brunch. Yummy dishes like their Sunday Pancakes or Crispy Fried Chicken.
• Go to Maison Premiere for oyster happy hour.
• The Bedford has one of the best burgers ever. It’s made with a mac and cheese bun!
• Skinny Dennis is a live music bar and one of my favorites in all of NYC for its super casual vibe.
• The Knitting Factory is another live music venue.  The bar and the stage areas are separated by glass so you can easily grab a  drink with a friend and be able to hear them talk while keeping and eye on the performance and still be
• Freehold serves coffee, cocktails and beats wit ha living room like and an outdoor space.
• The Water Tower at the Williamsburg Hotel has uncompromised skyline views of Manhattan.
• The Woods is great for dancing and tacos.

Evening Activities to add to your NYC itinerary:

• See a sports game – Baseball, Hockey, Basketball or Football game depending on the time of year.
• Go to a Broadway Show
• See a Comedy Show
• See Live Music
• Rooftop Bars- Typically open air rooftops open sometime in May.

Alternative New York itinerary ideas:

Other activities for 4 days in nyc:.

• Attend a live taping
• Explore filming locations.
• Take a food tour
• Roosevelt Island is a great spot to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in season.  Make it an adventure by travelling across on the cable cars from Second Ave and East 60th St. Use your Metrocard just like you would for the subway.
• Astoria is the trendiest part of Queens right now, known for it’s Greek food!
• Flushing has the second biggest Chinatown in NYC and it’s definitely a place for foodies.
• Long Island City is an up and coming area with quite a few good breweries to check out! MoMa PS 1 is also here which hosts music events in the summer. Head to East River Park for a view of Manhattan.
• The Rockaways are home to the best of NYC’s beaches. The best way to get here is by taking the ferry! Jacob Riis Park is one of my favorite spots because of the other amenities and food on offer.
• Greenpoint is a great alternative to Williamsburg because it’s still a little under the radar. Try hanging out on the Barge if its a nice day.
• Prospect Park has plenty of events like Smorgasburg and Prospect Park Soiree.
• Coney island is a classic boardwalk and seaside neighborhood with the famous Cyclone Rollercoaster and Nathan’s hotdogs.

Staten Island

• Taking the Staten Island Ferry is free and you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

Check out Get Your Guide for a tons of ideas of tours and attractions in NYC.

Planning on coming to nyc during the holidays read my holiday guide to nyc  or find out where to eat in drink for the holidays ..

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About the author: lauren mcgill.

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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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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 City Travel Guide

Visiting NYC?

Then you're in the right place! Check out my New York City Travel Guide resources.

Maybe you're traveling on a budget and want to enjoy free NYC views and cheap things to do in New York .

Or perhaps you're seeking adventure through Manhattan hiking trails or a day trip from NYC to hike in the Hudson Valley — the Bull Hill Full Loop and Breakneck Ridge Trail are both epic and nearby!

Remember, too, that while there is a lot to do in Manhattan — like exploring SoHo , the Upper East Side , and Times Square — the other boroughs also have a lot to offer.

A few of my favorite neighborhoods include Long Island City in Queens and Williamsburg in Brooklyn .

To help you plan your perfect trip to New York City, find some helpful resources below.

You can also click here to grab my free PDF New York City travel guide .

Manhattan Travel Guides

When visiting manhattan, don't miss....

Brooklyn Travel Guides

When visiting brooklyn, don't miss....

Queens Travel Guides

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Long Island Travel Guides

Long island offers great day trips from nyc don't miss....

New York City Hiking Guides

When hiking in new york , don't miss....

NYC Day Trips

Looking for day trips from nyc these guides will help you visit the hudson valley , catskills, and more.

NYC In Winter

Visiting nyc in winter don't miss....

NYC In Fall

Visiting nyc in autumn don't miss....

NYC In Spring

Visiting nyc in spring don't miss....

New York City Guides & Resources

Check out these other things to do in new york city....

Common New York City Travel Guide Questions

*Note: Some of the below links are affiliate links to trusted partners!

Q: Are there guided tours in New York City ?

Yes! In fact, I'm a licensed NYC tour guide myself and I lead private photo tours around the city that include photos of your group to keep.

Traveling solo? The tours are also great if you're looking for things to do in NYC by yourself . No need to ask strangers to take your picture!

Additionally, you can click here to view hundreds of popular New York City tourism, events, tickets and other guided tours around the city.

Curious what kind of questions are on the tour guide exam?

Check out this video:

Q: How many days do you recommend visiting NYC for?

No USA travel guide would be complete without mentioning NYC, as here's why:

If you lived in New York City for your entire life you still wouldn't have enough time to experience everything the city has to offer.

That being said, if you don't mind packing activities into your itinerary, you can do and see a lot in a weekend. Ideally, you'll plan out a 4 day NYC itinerary or more though.

Just keep in mind that many popular attractions featured in major New York City guides — like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Circle Line cruises — take a few hours each.

If you want to go beyond Manhattan and also visit Brooklyn , Queens , The Bronx , and/or Staten Island , you'll want to visit for at least one week. This will help you also explore some of the more unusual things to do in NYC .

Q: What are the best ways to visit NYC on a budget?

There are so many cheap things to do in New York City !

First of all, opt for public transportation like the subway, bus, NYC Ferry, and CitiBike.

You can also ride the free Staten Island Ferry, which offers gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and is exceptionally lovely after dark if you're looking for free NYC night tours .

Moreover, book budget-friendly New York hotels like the Hotel Edison , YOTEL New York City , or Pod 39 .

Finally, save money on food by using the Crave app, find inexpensive local events through newsletters like The Skint and Nifty NYC , and opt for free experiences like riding the Staten Island Ferry, attending park events, and walking the High Line.

The Crave App can help you snag budget-friendly meals in NYC

Q: Where are the best free views of New York City?

If you're seeking out views of the skyline from Queens , check out Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Hunter’s Point South Park.

That being said, there are loads of great free views in NYC  featured in this New York City Travel Guide.

A few others include:

• East River Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• The Roosevelt Island Tram in Manhattan
• Governors Island in Manhattan

Also, don't forget to enjoy some stunning views in NYC at night !

And if you don't mind spending a bit of money, there are some great Manhattan skyline tours , like yacht excursions and helicopter tours, as well as NYC architectural tours that showcase the city's most iconic buildings.

Q: How do I take the New York City subway?

The easiest way to get a handle on the subway is to use an app like Google Maps or CityMapper, both of which provide step-by-step instructions from your location to your destination.

Most New York tourist information booths also include instructions!

While you don't need a MetroCard anymore (you can simply tap your credit card to enter), many people like to get one to keep as a souvenir from New York . You can purchase your MetroCard at almost all subway stations, which are marked by a green and white globe at the entrances.

Note that unless you purchase a single ride, your MetroCard is refillable.

As long as you ride the subway four or more times during your entire trip, it will be more economical to avoid single ride tickets and purchase a refillable card or even a weekly or monthly unlimited card.

One neat thing about the NYC subway:

There are no zones, so no matter where you're going you'll pay $2.75 (unless you have an unlimited card, in which case all your rides are included).

The subway is one of New York City’s easiest and cheapest ways to get around

Q: What areas of New York City do you recommend tourists avoid?

Overall, the streets of New York are safe to wander.

That being said, NYC is unfortunately a prime example of the differences in opportunities and justice caused by generational systematic racism.

Most violent crimes take place in the city's poorest neighborhoods, so tourists won't commonly find themselves in NYC's most dangerous places.

A few neighborhoods that tend to make dangerous area lists include Mott Haven (The Bronx), the South Bronx (The Bronx), and East Harlem (Manhattan), though I'll also say that as a local I've walked around all of these neighborhoods without a problem.

Furthermore, if you want to avoid getting pickpocketed , it's worth noting that this tends to happen semi-frequently in touristy Times Square. That's why I recommend pickpocket-proof garments .

Q: Is the New York City subway safe at night?

Yes, though you should always keep travel safety in mind.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and if you've had a few drinks consider hailing a taxi.

The above are also things I would suggest during the day, though are especially pertinent if you're exploring NYC after midnight .

You also might consider investing in some travel safety essentials for peace of mind.

Yes, you can ride the NYC subway at night. Just be sure to use common sense.

Q: Where can I go hiking in NYC?

People are often surprised to learn that New York City has over 1,700 parks — many of which include hiking trails.

That being said, some parks are more rugged than others.

If you're looking for a hiking experience that feels like you've escaped the city for the Catskills, check out  Inwood Hill Park (Manhattan), Van Cortlandt Park (The Bronx), and Pelham Bay Park  (The Bronx).

Pelham Bay Park is actually NYC's largest park at 2,772 acres!

Additionally, people often forget about Staten Island , which is just a 30-minute (free!) ferry ride away and is full of hiking trails. This New York City Guide includes plenty of NYC hiking opportunities.

Recommendation:

Check out Staten Island's six major Greenbelt trails . These offer a diverse array of hiking for all fitness abilities.

Now, if you're looking for something easy and scenic but not necessarily rugged for hiking in New York City, a few suggestions include:

• Central Park (Manhattan). The park's three major woodlands include the North Woods, the Ramble, and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary (shown in the below video). Visiting Central Park is one of the top things to do on the Upper East Side NYC !
• Randall's Island  (Manhattan). The island park features an approximately four-mile scenic loop around the perimeter, though you can also venture inland to extend your hike. This is also a popular spot for an engagement photoshoot in NYC !
• Prospect Park (Brooklyn). This park has the same architects as Central Park. The Ravine is particularly noteworthy for some stunning urban hiking in NYC.
• Highland Park  ( Queens ). Here you can walk around a lovely reservoir and enjoy beautiful views of the Ridgewood Reservoir, the Rockaways, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Q: How much should I save for a trip to NYC?

While there are ways to explore NYC on a budget , most travelers will want to save at least $300 per day, including a hotel, daily tours, meals, and subway transportation.

Q: What should you not miss in NYC?

Why is NYC so popular ? For one, because of all of the incredible experiences to be had!

A few things you shouldn't miss when visiting New York City are wandering Central Park, taking a cooking class, doing an NYC walking tour , eating bready foods like pizza and bagels, savoring one of the best bottomless brunches in NYC , taking a boat ride (there are also many options for hosting a birthday party on a boat in NYC ), and seeing a show (off-Broadway counts, too!).

There are also numerous Instagrammable restaurants in NYC and beautiful places to take photos .

Q: How do I not look like a tourist in NYC?

Don't ever stop in the middle of a sidewalk or block pedestrian traffic to take a photo or read a map.

Also, learn the small rules that locals abide by, like letting people off of the subway before stepping on and standing still on the right side of the escalator and leaving the left side open for walkers.

Q: Can you visit New York City without a car?

Absolutely! Unless you'll be doing a road trip from NYC , you can get easily get around the five boroughs via public transportation.

Q: What can I do in six hours in New York?

With such a short amount of time, it's recommended to choose one or two main highlights — like walking the Williamsburg Bridge or eating your way around the West Village — and creating an itinerary around that.

You might also opt for a walking tour, which can help you see and learn a lot in a short amount of time.

Here are a few fun options:

• A Private & Custom NYC Photo Journey (Including Photos to Keep!)
• Professional Photoshoot in NYC (Including 100+ Images!)
• Greenwich Village Walking & Food Tasting Tour
• Brooklyn Graffiti Lesson
• Champagne Brunch Sail
• Broadway Theaters & Times Square with a Broadway Actor

Click here for a full list of tours and experiences .

Q: What can you do in New York City for $20 or less?

There are many free and cheap things to do in NYC , like enjoying an al fresco meal at one of the many lovely NYC picnic spots , walking around one of the city's 1700 parks, doing a self-guided audio tour of the city , wandering the art galleries of Chelsea, and taking in the free New York City views from the Staten Island ferry.

What would you add to this New York City travel guide?

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 .

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• 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

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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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Your Ultimate New York Itinerary: A 5-Day Guide

• 9 minute read

• February 19, 2024

5 DAY- Family Friendly New York Itinerary (2024 Updated)

Are you thinking about taking your family on a fun trip to New York City? Well, we’ve got you covered with our updated 5-day itinerary! It’s specially designed for families like yours, making sure everyone has a fantastic time.

From exploring Central Park to enjoying the bright lights of Times Square, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, checking out the cool stuff at the American Museum of Natural History, to spending a sunny day at Coney Island – we’ve got all the exciting spots covered. So, get ready for a fantastic New York adventure with your family!

Day 1: Central Park Exploration

• At Early Morning 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Sarabeth’s, nestled near Central Park. This charming eatery offers a variety of mouthwatering options, setting the perfect tone for the day’s adventures.

Tip : Try the signature dishes like their fluffy pancakes or eggs benedict for a delightful morning treat.

• 10:00 AM – Central Park Zoo starts on a family-friendly exploration of Central Park Zoo, immersing yourselves in the wonders of diverse wildlife. The zoo offers a captivating experience for all ages, with exhibits showcasing a range of animals from playful sea lions to majestic snow leopards.

Tip : Plan your visit around feeding times or special animal encounters for an extra dose of excitement.

• 1:00 PM – Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Take a scenic pause for lunch at The Loeb Boathouse, nestled by the lake in Central Park. This upscale restaurant provides a picturesque setting, allowing you to savor delicious cuisine while surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.

Tip : Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the serene views of the lake and perhaps spot some rowboats drifting by.

• 3:00 PM – Boat Ride on Central Park Lake Continue your Central Park adventure with a leisurely boat ride on Central Park Lake. Whether it’s rowing your boat or indulging in a gondola ride, this experience offers a serene escape within the heart of the bustling city.

Tip : Capture memorable photos of iconic park landmarks from the unique vantage point on the lake.

• 5:00 PM – Dinner at Tavern on the Green Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at the iconic Tavern on the Green. This historic restaurant, nestled in the heart of Central Park, offers a charming ambiance and a diverse menu to suit various tastes.

Tip : Make a reservation in advance to secure a preferred dining time and experience the enchanting atmosphere of the evening.

Night – Find Hotels In New York City, USA

Day 2: Times Square Excursion

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner Kick off your day with a unique breakfast experience at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square. This retro-themed diner is known for its singing waitstaff, adding a touch of entertainment to your morning meal.

Tip : Arrive early to secure a good seat and enjoy the lively performances throughout your meal.

• 11:00 AM – Exploration of Times Square Immerse yourselves in the vibrant energy of Times Square, known for its dazzling billboards, bustling streets, and world-famous theaters. Take a stroll, capturing the electrifying atmosphere and perhaps spotting street performers.

Tip : Visit the TKTS booth for discounted Broadway show tickets and plan a visit to a nearby souvenir shop.

• 1:30 PM – Lunch at Junior’s Restaurant Indulge in a classic New York deli experience at Junior’s Restaurant, a beloved eatery renowned for its mouthwatering sandwiches and decadent cheesecakes.

Tip : Don’t forget to try their signature pastrami sandwich or a slice of their famous New York cheesecake.

• 3:00 PM – Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Embark on a journey of curiosity at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum in Times Square. Explore bizarre exhibits and optical illusions that captivate both children and adults alike.

Tip : Take your time to fully appreciate the unique and unusual artifacts on display.

• 6:00 PM – Dinner at Carmine’s Wrap up your day with a family-style Italian dinner at Carmine’s in Times Square. This popular restaurant is known for its generous portions and lively atmosphere.

Tip : Order family-style dishes for a communal dining experience, and save room for their delectable desserts.

Select accommodations that align with your family’s preferences, whether it’s a centrally located hotel offering easy access to Times Square or a cozy boutique hotel with personalized service.

Day 3: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Visit

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Clinton Hall Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at Clinton Hall, preparing for an exciting exploration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Tip : Try their signature breakfast items or opt for a classic New York bagel with cream cheese.

• 10:00 AM – Statue of Liberty Tour Embark on a ferry journey from Battery Park to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Explore the statue’s history and significance, climbing to the pedestal or crown for breathtaking views of the city.

Tip : Book tickets in advance to secure your preferred ferry time and access to the pedestal or crown.

• 1:30 PM – Lunch at Ellis Island Cafe Enjoy a meal at Ellis Island Cafe, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes. Take a break before delving into the rich history of Ellis Island.

Tip : Consider trying a dish inspired by the cultural diversity represented at Ellis Island.

• 3:30 PM – Ellis Island Immigration Museum Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of immigration at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing the immigrant experience and the role of Ellis Island in shaping American history.

Tip : Utilize audio guides or guided tours to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.

• 6:00 PM – Dinner at Stone Street Tavern Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner at Stone Street Tavern in the historic Financial District. This charming restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu.

Tip : Explore the historic Stone Street area after dinner for a glimpse into New York’s past.

Select accommodations that align with your family’s preferences, considering options with views of the Statue of Liberty or convenient access to Battery Park for a seamless departure the next day.

Day 4: American Museum of Natural History

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, setting the stage for an educational and captivating day at the American Museum of Natural History.

Tip : Try their organic breakfast options or opt for a classic continental breakfast to fuel your museum exploration.

• 10:00 AM – Exploration of AMNH Spend the day delving into the vast exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). From dinosaurs to space exploration, the museum offers a diverse range of displays suitable for all ages.

Tip : Plan your visit around special exhibitions or interactive displays for an engaging experience.

• 2:00 PM – Lunch at Shake Shack Recharge with a quick and delicious lunch at Shake Shack, conveniently located near the museum. Indulge in their famous burgers, shakes, and crinkle-cut fries.

Tip : Check for any exclusive museum-themed menu items or promotions at Shake Shack.

• 3:30 PM – IMAX Movie at AMNH Enhance your museum experience with an educational IMAX movie at the museum’s theater. Immerse yourselves in captivating documentaries or thrilling educational films.

Tip : Check the museum’s schedule for IMAX showtimes and plan your visit accordingly.

• 5:30 PM – Dinner at Ocean Prime Conclude your day with a delightful seafood dinner at Ocean Prime. This upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated ambiance and a menu featuring a variety of fresh and expertly prepared seafood dishes.

Tip : Make a reservation to secure a preferred dining time and explore nearby attractions like Central Park after dinner.

Choose accommodations that cater to your family’s preferences, whether it’s a hotel near the American Museum of Natural History or a cozy retreat with amenities catering to children.

Day 5: Coney Island Adventure

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Tom’s Coney Island Commence your day with a classic breakfast at Tom’s Coney Island diner, known for its timeless charm and delicious morning offerings.

Tip : Try their signature breakfast items or opt for a classic American breakfast for a satisfying start to the day.

• 10:00 AM – Rides and Games at Luna Park Experience the excitement of Luna Park with its thrilling rides and entertaining games. Catering to all ages, Luna Park provides a fun-filled atmosphere for family enjoyment.

Tip : Check the park’s schedule for special events or character appearances to enhance your visit.

• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Nathan’s Famous Savor the iconic hot dogs and fries at Nathan’s Famous, a staple on the Coney Island boardwalk. Enjoy a quick and delicious meal amidst the lively atmosphere.

Tip : Share a classic Coney Island hot dog experience with the family and try their famous crinkle-cut fries.

• 2:30 PM – Beach Time at Coney Island Beach Relax on the sandy shores of Coney Island Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, appreciating the vibrant atmosphere.

Tip : Pack sunscreen, beach towels, and snacks for a comfortable beach outing with the family.

• 5:00 PM – Dinner at Gargiulo’s Restaurant Conclude your Coney Island adventure with a hearty Italian meal at Gargiulo’s Restaurant. This iconic eatery has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for generations.

Tip : Try their signature pasta dishes or seafood specialties for a memorable dining experience.

Night – Find Hotels In Brooklyn, New York, USA

Additional Tips to make your trip successful.

Transportation Tips

Navigating the bustling streets of New York City requires a bit of know-how. The city offers an extensive public transportation system, including buses and subways, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to get around. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for a more personalized travel experience.

Tip : Purchase a MetroCard for easy access to subways and buses, and plan your routes using online maps or apps to streamline your journey.

Travel Requirements

Before embarking on your journey, be sure to check the travel requirements for your trip to New York City. This includes any necessary visas, passport validity, and other entry regulations. Staying informed about travel restrictions and guidelines will help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.

Tip : Visit the official U.S. government website or consult with your local embassy to stay updated on the latest travel requirements.

Local Sayings

New York City has its unique language, with locals often using phrases and expressions that might be unfamiliar to visitors. Embracing a few local sayings can enhance your interactions and make you feel more connected to the vibrant city culture.

Tip : Familiarize yourself with common New York expressions, such as “ The Big Apple ” or “On the Subway,” to navigate conversations with locals more effortlessly.

Connectivity Info

Staying connected during your trip is essential for communication, navigation, and sharing your experiences. New York City boasts widespread connectivity with numerous free Wi-Fi hotspots, and cellular networks cover the entire city. Ensuring you have a reliable data plan or SIM card will keep you seamlessly connected throughout your stay.

Tip : Activate international roaming or consider purchasing a local SIM card for cost-effective data usage during your trip.

Nearby Shopping

For avid shoppers, New York City is a paradise with world-renowned shopping districts like Fifth Avenue and SoHo. Exploring nearby shopping options allows you to indulge in retail therapy and take-home unique souvenirs.

Tip : Research popular shopping areas close to your accommodation and plan dedicated shopping days to make the most of your retail experience.

Accepted Currency + Payment Types

Understanding the local currency and preferred payment methods is essential for a hassle-free experience. While the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted, having some cash on hand for small purchases is advisable. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, but it’s essential to inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid any payment disruptions.

Tip : Carry a mix of cash and cards, and inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent any unexpected card issues.

Safety Tips

New York City is generally safe for tourists, but like any big city, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep your belongings secure. Use well-lit and populated streets when walking at night, and avoid engaging with aggressive street vendors.

Tip : Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and store important documents securely, like a copy of your passport and travel insurance information.

Cultural Norms + Etiquette

Understanding and respecting cultural norms and etiquette is key to having a positive travel experience. New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyle, so being mindful of personal space and adopting a confident stride when walking helps you blend in. Politeness and courtesy go a long way in any cultural setting.

Tip : Observe local behaviors, be courteous, and follow common social norms to ensure a positive and respectful interaction with locals.

Health + Medical Facilities

Prioritizing health is crucial during your travels. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby medical facilities and pharmacies. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and carry a basic first aid kit for minor health issues.

Tip : Check the nearest hospitals and pharmacies to your accommodation, and carry essential medications along with a list of emergency contacts.

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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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5 Days in New York, a Perfect Itinerary

Planning to spend 5 days in York and you can’t decide what to do? New York City, the city that never sleeps. The most famous city in the world, seen in movies, TV shows, books, and more, New York draws in millions of tourists each year from almost every country in the world.

They come to shop, to eat, to experience a Broadway show, to walk the streets of Little Italy, Soho, Chelsea, and TriBeCa, to marvel at the architecture, the underground, and the skyline.

New York City has five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Most visitors stay in Manhattan and visit Brooklyn and maybe Queens, but few ventures to Staten Island or the Bronx unless they are visiting something specific.

Manhattan is nominally divided into Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown, all of which are subdivided into more than 50 neighborhoods, like the Upper East Side, Hells Kitchen, Chinatown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Harlem, TriBeCa, or NoLiTa. No matter what you want to do in NYC, you’ll find it in one of the many exciting neighborhoods.

But what do you do in New York? My five-day itinerary for New York City hits the highlights, plus a few hidden gems.  

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

New York Itinerary – Quick Guide

Planning a trip to New York? Find here everything you need: Looking for transportation from/to the airport?  Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in New York: – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry –  Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket –  9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket –  Empire State Building Tickets & Skip-the-Line –  Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour –  NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket Where to stay in New York:  MOXY NYC Times Square , Riu Plaza New York Times Square (excellent location)

New York Itinerary – 5 days in New York City

Begin your five-day New York itinerary with a visit to some of the city’s most famous museums. View ancient art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) , Van Gogh’s Starry Night at MOMA, or Post-Impressionist art at the Guggenheim. The American Museum of Natural History, featured in Night At The Museum, is home to artifacts, fossils, and information about our collective natural and cultural history and it is one of the top things to do in New York with kids . It’s the largest natural history museum in the world. 

All are located Uptown – The Met, Natural History Museum, and the Guggenheim are all within easy walking distance of each other; the MOMA is on 53rd Street. 

1. Guggenheim Museum

• Cost: Adults $25, children under 12 are free – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Hours: Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm; open until 8 pm Tuesday and Saturday
• Tip: Click here to book your ticket in advance.
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 86 Street Station (4, 5, 6)

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

• Hours: Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm; open until 9 pm Friday and Saturday
• Cost: Adults $25, children under 12 are free; tickets are valid for 3 days – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Travel Tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the line .
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 86 Street or 77 Street Station (4, 5, 6)

• Hours: Daily 10:30 am to 5:30 pm; open until 8 pm on Friday
• Cost: Adults $25, under 16 years old are free – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Website: www.moma.org
• Travel Tip: Admission is free on Friday from 4 to 8 pm . Book your skip the line ticket here in advance to avoid the queues.
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 5th Ave/53rd St Station (E, M)

4. Museum of Natural History

• Hours: Daily 10 am to 5:45 pm, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
• Cost: Adults $23, Children 2-12 $13, Students $18 – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Travel Tip: Book your tickets here in advance.
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is the 81st St Museum of Natural History Station (A, B, C)

5. Central Park

After exploring the museums, head for Central Park, one of the most visited urban parks in the world and one of the most instagrammable places in New York . At over 840 acres, the park is the fifth-largest park in New York. It is bordered by Manhattan and Columbus Circle to the south, Harlem to the north, and the Upper East and West Sides, respectively.

While the lakes and wooded areas in the park appear natural, they were, in fact, landscaped in the 1850s when the park’s governing body commissioned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to design the park.

Central Park hosts concerts, memorials, rallies, protests, and more. Visitors come for the zoo, to walk the trails, paddleboat in the lake, skate at the (winter) ice rink, or to relax on the Great Lawn. A visit to Central Park is a must-do while you’re in the city.

• Hours: Daily from 6 am to 1 am
• Website: http://www.centralparknyc.org/
• Getting Here: the A, B, and C lines run along Central Park West and there are multiple stations

You cannot go to New York and not try its famous pizza. Check here where to find the best pizza in New York City . 

Day Two 

1. ellis island.

Take a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty today to learn more about the immigration history of the United States. The complex, officially known as the Statue of Liberty National Monument encompasses Ellis and Liberty Islands and is operated by the National Parks Service. 

From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island was the busiest immigration station in the US, processing approximately 12 million immigrants into the country. Today, visitors can explore the immigration museum or take a guided “Hard Hat Tour” of the south side of the island, which includes the immigrant hospital where immigrants were detained.

2. Statue of Liberty

Adjacent to Ellis Island is the Statue of Liberty, one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States and a worldwide symbol of freedom. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi , a French sculptor, and gifted to the US by France in 1924. Visitors can climb to the base or the crown of the statue.

• Cost: $21.50 Adults, $12 children 4 – 12 years for the Crown Reserve Ticket – free with the NY Turbopass for normal tickets
• Hours: Ferries depart from 8:30 am to 5 pm
• Website: Book your tickets in advance here .
• Travel Tip: Tickets sell out very, very quickly, especially for climbing to the crown, so book the minute you know your dates!
• Getting Here: you have to take a ferry from Battery Park. Get to Battery Park on the N, R, or W lines to Whitehall St Station or the 1 at South Ferry Station.

Ferries depart from Battery Park, at the tip of Manhattan. Battery Park is named for the 17th-century artillery batteries that line the shoreline, built to protect the settlement behind them. It’s also home to Fort Clinton, the first immigration station in the US, the SeaGlass carousel, and numerous memorials and monuments. 

The entire trip, from Battery Park to the National Park, will take about four hours.

3. Staten Island

Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend money on the above you can take a free ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

4. Stock Exchange

Upon return to Battery Park head for Wall Street to see the Stock Exchange. Located at the corner of Broad and Wall Streets, the six-columned facade is quite famous and you never know who you might see. The building is no longer open for tours (post-9/11 happening), but don’t feel too bummed. With the rise in electronic trading, there are less than 1,000 traders on the floor – less than a fifth of what used to be (and way fewer than in movies). To get a glimpse at the inner workings of the financial system, though, you can visit the Federal Reserve, also located on Wall Street. 

You might also be interested in: New York restaurants from movies .

5. One World Observatory

After leaving Wall Street, head for the One World Observatory, located at the top of the new One World Trade Tower, adjacent to the memorial site at the World Trade Center and having the same name and address as the North Tower. 

The observatory opened on 29 May 2015 and offers 360-degree views of the city.

• Cost: Tickets start at $34 adults, $28 youth (6 – 12 years) – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Hours: Daily 9 am to 9 pm; open until 10 pm on holidays and during the summer; opens at 8 am May 1 to September 4
• Getting Here: the closest subway stations are WTC Cortlandt St Station (1, N, R, W) or Fulton St Station (4, 6).
• Tip: Book your skip-the-line tickets here to avoid the queues .

Today, spend the day in Midtown, exploring the stretch between 34th and 50th Streets. This area has some of New York City’s most famous landmarks, from the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, the New York Public Library, and Grand Central Station. You can do this on your own, or you can take an architectural walking tour.

1. New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)

• Hours: 10 am-5:45 pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 10 am-7:45 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-4:45 pm Sundays
• Website: https://www.nypl.org/
• Getting Here:   the closest subway station is 5th Ave/Bryant Park (7)

2. Grand Central Terminal

• Hours: Daily 5:30 am-2 am
• Website: https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/
• Getting Here: the subway station at Grand Central services the green and purple lines (4, 5, 6, 7, S)

3. Empire State building

• Cost: Tickets for the observation deck start at $38; there are a number of packages available
• Hours: 8am-2am
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 33rd St (4, 6)
• Tip: Book your skip-the-line tickets here in advance to avoid the queues.

4. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

• Cost: ticket prices start at $38 adults, $32 children – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Hours: 8am-12:30am, last elevator at 11:40pm
• Tip: Book your timed-entry ticket in advance to avoid the lines.
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 47-50 Rockefeller Center Station (B, D, F, M)

5. Rockefeller Center

• Hours: 24 hours a day
• Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/

6. 5th Avenue

5th Avenue is the world’s most expensive street, from the high-end shops to the penthouses that line the buildings on this street. It is also known as Millionaire’s Row or Museum Mile.

• Hours: 24 hours; shops obviously have their own hours
• Getting Here: 5th Avenue runs along Central Park East. The nearest subway stations are at 60th St and 5th (N, R, W), or the 4 and 6 along Lexington Ave.

7. Times Square

You can’t visit New York without seeing Times Square. Known for its constant signage and the New Years Eve ball drop, Times Square is an icon of the city. 

• Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/
• Getting Here: the closest subway stations are the Times Square/42nd St stations on the N, R, W, Q, S, and 7 lines.

Broadway show (cheap same-day tickets at TKTS in Times Square)

A Broadway show is one of the highlights of New York for most people. See a long-running show or snag seats at one of the hottest shows in the city. There are a number of different Broadway theatres, all home to different shows. No matter whether you want a family-friendly show, a lively musical, or a thrilling drama, you will find it on Broadway.

• Cost: ticket prices vary
• Website: https://www.broadway.com/ or https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/tkts-ticket-booths
• Travel Tip: The “Play Express” line sells only play tickets (no musicals or shows) and moves quickly. Go early in the day to get the best availability for all shows. Be careful purchasing tickets from someone on the street – illegal tickets are not accepted at theatres.

Head for one of New York’s other boroughs today – Brooklyn. One of New York’s most diverse boroughs, Brooklyn is a hotspot for entrepreneurship, avant-garde art, tech startups, and more. In recent years, the neighborhoods of Brooklyn have seen a dramatic increase in gentrification. Along with higher housing prices and rent, this has introduced designer boutiques, local coffee shops, food markets, and more.

1. DUMBO Brooklyn

DUMBO – Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – is one of New York’s most expensive neighborhoods. While originally this neighborhood, located between the termini of the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, It is a hotbed for tech companies, art galleries, boutiques, celebrity chef restaurants, and more. It’s featured in films and TV shows as well as referenced in pop culture a lot.

2. Time Out Market

The Time Out Market in DUMBO is a new dining and culture experience curated by the team at Time Out magazine. It boasts 21 dining venues and 3 bars, as well as event space and art installations. 

• Hours: First floor, 8 am to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday, open until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. The fifth floor is open from 11 am to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
• Website: https://www.timeoutmarket.com/newyork/
• Getting Here: the closest subway stops are the York Street (F) and the High Street Brooklyn Bridge (A, C)

3. Brooklyn Bridge

After a great meal at the Time Out Market, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan (in the morning, the sun is at your back, and you can perfectly see the Manhattan skyline). If you want to do it the other way around, do the below museums in the morning and walk toward Brooklyn in the afternoon.

4. City Hall Park

At the Manhattan terminus of the bridge is City Hall Park, a great place for people-watching and one of the most vibrant green spaces in downtown Manhattan.

• Hours: Daily 6 am to 12 am
• Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/city-hall-park
• Getting Here: the closest subway stops are City Hall (R, W), Chambers St (J, Z), and Brooklyn Bridge City Hall (4, 5, 6)

A few blocks away is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a vast plaza and underground museum dedicated to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Because this dark time really defined the early 2000s and the later growth of New York, this is a must-see while you are in the city.

5. 9/11 Memorial Plaza

• Hours: Daily 7:30 am to 9 pm
• Website: https://www.911memorial.org/
• Getting Here: the closest subway stops are World Trade Center (1), Cortlandt St (W), and Fulton Street (4, 5) Stations

6. 9/11 Memorial Museum

• Cost: ticket prices start at $26 for adults, $15 for children – free with the NY Turbopass.
• Hours : Daily 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday to Thursday, open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. Last entry is 2 hours prior to closing.
• Travel Tip: this is a really popular exhibit, so purchase tickets online in advance

Spend day 5 in some of Manhattan’s hippest neighborhoods.

1. High Line

• Hours: 7am-11pm
• Website: https://www.thehighline.org/
• Getting Here: there are 14 access points between 34th and 14th streets; some are handicap accessible while others are not. The nearest subway stations are 14th St (A, C, E) or 34th St/Hudson Yards (7)

2. Chelsea Market

The Chelsea Market is a foodie lovers paradise. There are also some boutique shops inside that are worth exploring.

• Hours: 7am-11pm, Sundays 8am-10pm
• Website: http://chelseamarket.com/
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 14th St (A, C, E)

3. Washington Square Park

• Hours: 6 am to 1 am
• Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 8th St (N, R, W, Q)

SoHo, or South of Houston, is known for arty galleries, designer boutiques, quirky bars, and some of the city’s best coffee (and dining, and drinking, and shopping).

• Website: https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/soho
• Getting Here: Canal Street (A, C, E), Prince Street (N, W, Q, R), or Spring Street (4, 5, 6) will get you into SoHo.

5. Chinatown

Chinatown is also a must-see, for its evocative and vibrant atmosphere. Dimly lit dim sum places share sidewalk space with tea parlors and noodle joints. While a riot of color and sound all year long, its at its best at Chinese New Year.

• Website: https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/chinatown
• Getting Here : Canal St (J, Z) or Grand Street (B, D) will get you into Chinatown

Where to go shopping in New York

Shopping in New York is a favorite pastime, and with so many incredible places to shop you really can shop til you drop. Many flagship stores are located in the city, some with notable addresses.

Flagship Stores in New York

Saks 5th avenue.

• Hours: 10am-8:30pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-7pm Sunday
• Website: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/locations/s/newyork
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 5th Ave/53rd St (E, M)

Victoria Secret Flagship Store

• Hours: 9am-9:30pm, 10am-9pm on Sundays
• Website: www.victoriassecret.com
• Getting Here: 33rd St (N, Q, R, W) or 34th St/Penn Station (1, 2, 3) are the closest subway stops
• Hours: 10am-10pm, open until 9pm on Sundays
• Website: https://www.macys.com

Discounted shops in New York

Century 21 (21 dey st).

• Hours: 7:45 am-9 pm, open until 9:30 am Thursday and Friday. 10 am-9 pm Saturdays and 11 am-8 pm Sundays
• Website: https://www.c21stores.com
• Getting Here:  the nearest subway stations are Cortlandt St (R, W) and Fulton St (4, 5)
• Hours: 9am-9:30pm Monday to Saturday, 10am-8pm Sunday
• Website: https://tjmaxx.tjx.com
• Getting Here: 18th St Station (1, 2) is the nearest subway stop

Nordstrom Rack

• Hours: 10am-10pm, 11am-8pm Sunday
• Website: https://stores.nordstromrack.com/us/ny/new-york/60-e-14th-st
• Getting Here: the closest subway station is 14th Street/Union Square (4, 5, 6, N, R, W, Q)

Empire Outlets in Staten Island

• Hours: daily 10 am-9 pm
• Website: http://empireoutlets.nyc/
• Getting Here: Empire Outlets is located at the Staten Island Ferry, making it really easy to get to from Manhattan

How to Get Around New York

The best way to get around New York City is by subway. If you’re in town for more than 24 hours, then purchase a multi-day MetroCard , which will allow you to ride unlimited times for 7 or 30 days.

How to Get To and From the Airport 

There are three airports in the NYC area. If you’re flying internationally, you will fly into either JFK (in Queens) or Newark (in Queens).

Here’s how to get into the city by train. Of course, you can always take a taxi or prearrange a car, but that will be much more expensive. With multiple people, a taxi or a shuttle service (a shared shuttle bus) can be about the same as taking the train and way less hectic.

From JFK, the AirTrain runs to Jamaica Station, where you will connect with the LIRR into Penn Station. 

From Newark

The AirTrain services the terminals to Newark Liberty Airport Station. There, you’ll switch trains to an NJ Transit train for New York Penn Station (**NOT Newark Penn Station). At NY Penn Station, you can change to a subway or get a cab to your final destination. The entire train from Newark to the city will be about 30 minutes. 

Passes in New York

If you plan to explore museums, visit some of the top sightseeing in New York, and travel around the city, then you should look into this sightseeing pass . It includes entry to some of NYC’s top attractions, like Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Museum, the Met, MoMA, Statue of Liberty, and more/ You can include a MetroCard as well. 

Check out my full review about the New York Turbopass here.

Tipping in New York

Travelers from other countries often don’t understand the tipping culture when traveling in the US . Wait staff (restaurant servers, bartenders) don’t earn minimum wage – they rely on tips to make up their paycheck. Tour guides, cab drivers, doormen, housekeeping, and other service industry workers also expect tips. This can be daunting for someone who’s never tipped before, so here are some… tips.

One: In general, 15-20% of the total bill at a restaurant is considered a reasonable tip. You could go lower or higher if the service was really bad or really good, but in general, $15-20 on $100 is perfectly fine. At a bar, the standard is $1-2 per drink ordered. 

Two: Tips are not automatically added to your bill, so you will have to do the math when you get the bill. You will see the bill, leave your credit card, and when the server brings your card back, you will add the tip and sign the bill. If you are paying cash, you should add your tip into this and leave enough cash to cover both bill and tip. Some places prefer tips in cash, so if you have small bills with you, leave them on top of the credit card receipt.

Three: Housekeeping and hotel staff expect tips as well. Plan $2-5 per day for housekeeping and $1-2 for a doorman hailing a cab for you.

There is so much to see and do in New York, and its a really fun city to explore. Whether you want to go shopping, to dine, or to revel in the city’s culture and history, there is something for everyone in New York City!

TRAVEL TIPS

🚗 Rent your car in advance

with Rentalcars and make your trip as convenient as possible

✈️ Book your flight in advance

To find the cheapest flights and most suitable option, use WayAway

🧾 Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and get the most out of your journey

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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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1 Week NYC Itinerary For Free: Travel Plans, Sightseeing, Maps & Tips

How to explore nyc for free.

Do you want to experience a full week in New York City for free? In this article, we show you how to make this possible. Even when you are traveling on a small budget you won’t have to miss the best attractions in New York. We created an itinerary for 7 days in New York City on a budget. Without paying any entrance fees but having lots of free things to do in NYC and free admissions. 

In New York City, there are a ton of free sights and opportunities to visit the best museums for free, attend the hottest events without paying a single dime and touring the city without spending any money. Check out our list of free attractions, museums, and events in NYC.

Finding your best itinerary for your trip within our recommendations isn’t easy, which is why we created a whole week of adventures for you, so you don’t have to worry when which attractions are free of charge. We make your trip planning as easy and convenient as possible. On top of that, there will be insider tips, maps and an entire route for every single day of your trip.

Regular advice about how to save money in New York City, cheap flights, hotels, and low budget restaurants can be found in our article about Low Budget Tips for NYC .

Important note: This itinerary also works for 3, 4 or 5 days in New York. Just leave out the days you don’t like. Of course, every day can be switched back and forth depending on your day of arrival.

Some tips are only valid on a weekday.

For further information click on the attraction or tour within the daily overviews.

Day 1 – Monday: Times Square, free Bustour & Rooftop-Bar

• Times Square
• Bus tour in Manhattan
• Rooftop Bar
• Optional: Big Apple Greeter Tour

Times Square:

After your flight to New York, start your first day in the city right by visiting the heart of Midtown. Times Square is the perfect place to dive right into the big city life of NYC. Take in the noises, the vibrant atmosphere, and the impressive billboards. Most of you probably only know this place from famous movie scenes or TV Shows.

Check out the famous red steps of TKTS and take some great pictures facing the entire area of Times Square in Manhattan.

Free Bus tour in Manhattan:

Save your money on the Hop on Hop Off buses and take a free bus tour in Manhattan instead. How? Hop on the  Bus M20  on  7 Av/W 41 St  and ride from North to South all the way to  State St/Whitehall St through Manhattan.

From there transfer to the  M15 back to Midtown and get off at  1 Av/E 26 St to get to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. If you purchase an unlimited metro card for 7 days or longer, the busses (not express busses) are included.

No entrances fees at a Rooftop Bar:

To finish up the perfect start into your vacation in NYC visit one of the biggest and most popular rooftop bars in Manhattan . At 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar near the Flatiron Building, you can see the Empire State Building  and  The Skylark  on Times Square without spending money on an observation deck like Top Of The Rock or One World Observatory. For us, there is no better feeling than enjoying the city from a rooftop bar with a glass of wine.

Just because there are no free observation decks in New York , it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the view of the city from the top.

Are you looking for more rooftop bars near you? Check out our guide about the best rooftop bars in New York City.

Insider-Tip:

As an alternative for the day, we recommend exploring the city with  Big Apple Greeter. This community was created by volunteers who are hosting three hours long tours for NYC visitors and explain the basics just like the Subway System. It’s free of charge but tips or donations are always welcome. It is advised to save your spot 3-4 weeks in advance to make sure that you’ll get a greeter for the day of your choice.

Day 2 – Tuesday: Free Ferry Ride, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street and Memorial

• Staten Island Ferry & Statue Of Liberty
• Battery Park
• Charging Bull , Wall Street & New York Stock Exchange
• Trinity Church
• St. Paul’s Chapel
• One World Trade Center
• Ground Zero & 9/11 Memorial
• Brookfield Place

Staten Island Ferry & Statue of Liberty:

On your second day in New York, we are heading south. The day starts with a free ride on the  Staten Island Ferry. The 20 minutes ride on New York City’s most popular ferry offers you both a free boat trip in NYC and a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.

Riding the Staten Island Ferry is one of our favorite free attractrions in NYC

Battery Park:

Right next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, there is  Battery Park  that has to be explored. This park is not only super beautiful but also has great importance when it comes to the history of the city of New York. The first Dutch immigrants arrived here when New Amsterdam was founded. Don’t miss  Castle Clinton National Monument , the main sight at Battery Park.

Charging Bull, Wall Street & NY Stock Exchange:

Not too far away from Battery Park, you can find Wall Street and the NY Stock Exchange. Make your way from Broadway towards Wall Street. The Charging Bull at Bowling Green Park is near  the New York Stock Exchange . Due to security, unfortunately, there is no option to see the Stock Exchange from the inside.

Trinity Church & St. Paul’s Chapel:

Pretty close to Wall Street you can find  Trinity Church , one of the most famous churches in the city. During the attacks on September 11, the church was a place for firefighters to rest and recharge while saving the victims of these dramatic events in 2001. Today you can find several memorials inside the church that remember the people who died on  9/11.

Leave Broadway and walk towards this odd, white building that was named The Oculus . Inside you’ll find the Westfield Shopping Mall, several subway lines, restaurants and coffee shops. From here you can either walk all the way to Fulton Center (without leaving the Oculus) or walk towards the water into Brookfield Place. All underground. Brookfield Place is another shopping center in Lower Manhattan luxury shops and a food market.

One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial:

Right in front of the Oculus, there’s the One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial . Heading up to the Observation Deck is a little pricey so just enjoy the view from here. It’s the tallest building in New York and super impressive to look at.

Adjacent to the One World  Trade Center there’s the 9/11 Memorial . The footprints of the former World Trade Center remind of the twin towers, the victims of the terror attacks and the massive rescue that followed after September 11. It’s a very emotional experience.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum: Free admission

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is highly recommended and one of the highlights that you can experience in NYC for free. Every Tuesday the museum offers Free Admission Tuesday  where you can grab your tickets starting at 4:00 PM every Tuesday. Make sure to get there early and reserve your tickets online.

 Brookfield Place & Hudson River Promenade:

At the end of your tour through Lower Manhattan and the Financial District head over to  Brookfield Place  and the Hudson River Promenade. There is lots of shopping inside Brookfield Place as well as restaurants and bars. Outside by the water, you will be able to watch the sunset which you shouldn’t miss while being in NYC.

Day 3 – Wednesday: Hudson Yards, High Line Park & Brooklyn Bridge

• Hudson Yards
• The High Line Park
• Chelsea Market
• Meatpacking District
• Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Vessel & Hudson Yards:

On day three we are going all the way up. We are starting at Hudson Yards, New York City’s newest neighborhood and the place to be for very wealthy people. Back then this area was shady and unsafe, while today Hudson Yards is upcoming and super trendy.

Even though this area won’t offer much on a small budget, there’s still one attraction you shouldn’t miss and believe it or not but it is free of charge. The Vessel at Hudson Yards.

Climb the 2.500 steps to the top and enjoy the views of Hudson Yards , New Jersey and parts of Midtown.

Tickets for the Vessel are free

To visit the Vessel, you’ll need tickets, but the tickets won’t cost you anything. There are only a limited number of tickets available per day. Make your online reservation in advance to secure your visit.

CHECK TICKETS

The High Line Park:

Right after the impressive and probably exhausting workout at the Vessel, your adventures continue on the famous High Line Park. Walk your way Downtown to Meatpacking District . The High Line was built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. On your way, you will pass by different neighborhoods, landmarks, art and locals selling everything from souvenirs to ice cream.

The High Line Park is a public park and admission free.

Meatpacking District & Chelsea Market:

Following the path of the High Line, you will reach  Meatpacking District . A place to go out at night and shopping during the day. Before you walk further into the neighborhood make sure to check out Chelsea Market . You don’t need to spend any money here even though you possibly could.

In the past this was the place where the delicious Oreo Cookies were invented, today you’ll get to experience food spots, wine bars, coffee shops, a flea market and oftentimes there are sample sales inside Chelsea Market as well.

Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Head over to the Subway Station 14th Street and take the  A or C  to  Fulton Street Subway Station.  From there you will walk your way to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Insider-Tip : Cross the bridge with the bike. Rent a  Citi Bikes (even though this won’t be free of charge) and ride all the way to Brooklyn. On your way back, take a walk. Check out our   New York Citi Bikes Guide .

But before you cross the bridge back to Manhattan, enjoy the night at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Take pictures of the skyline, check out the area and maybe grab a coffee.

Day 4 – Thursday: SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown

• Little Italy & Nolita
• New Museum of Contemporary Art

SoHo & Broadway:

Day 4 of your free week in New York City starts at my favorite neighborhood in the city.  SoHo ! The artsy and hip area is well known for its cast-iron architecture, great restaurants, and shopping. Most likely you will feel like you’ve been to SoHo before because SoHo is a very popular filming location for Hollywood blockbuster, commercials and TV shows.

Little Italy:

From SoHo to Italy. Literally. Even though Little Italy has become super touristic it is still a fun place to go to and it won’t cost you anything. Follow the path on Mulberry Street until you’re getting into Little Italy. Northern from Little Italy there is Nolita „North of Little Italy” – which is a great place to check out as well.

Are you ready to continue our world journey? Let’s head over to Chinatown. Everything on or near Canal Street, Mott Street, Pell Street, and Doyers Street is considered as worth exploring in Chinatown. Authentic restaurants, fish markets, and fun souvenirs shops are part of the Chinatown experience.

Insider-Tip:  Every first Thursday of the month the entrance to the  Museum of Chinese in America is free.

Free admission to the New Museum of Contemporary Art:

It’s only a quick walk from Chinatown to the  New Museum of Contemporary Art . Every Thursday you will also get free admission there. It starts at 7:00 PM.

Day 5 – Friday: Bryant Park, Public Library & 5th Avenue

• Grand Central Station
• New York Public Library
• Bryant Park
• Radio City Music Hall
• Rockefeller Center
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• MoMA / Museum of Arts and Design

Grand Central Station:

Start your day just like many other locals will start their day. Welcome to  Grand Central Station . It’s going to be busy and crowded when thousands of commuters will pass through Grand Central, but it will be worth it. After checking out the main hall walk your way to Grand Central Market, the Oyster Bar, and the Whispering Gallery.

New York Public Library with a free tour:

Only 5 minutes walking distance away you will reach your next location on our itinerary. The beautiful New York Public Library . Please don’t miss out on the stunning  Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor.

Insider-Tip:  There is a daily free tour through the entire library starting every hour from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Bryant Park:

Step out of the library and take a break at Bryant Park which is literally right around the corner. It’s the best place to relax and enjoy the special atmosphere.

Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center & St. Patrick’s Cathedral:

The good thing about Midtown is that most attractions are pretty close together and you can just walk everywhere. Our next stop is  Radio City Music Hall and  Rockefeller Center . Did you know that the  Comcast Building is the tallest building of the complex?

Across the street of Rockefeller Center, you can visit  St. Patricks Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. The church is a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church and you can enter it for free.

Museum of Modern Art: Free admission

Do you enjoy art? The Museum of Modern Art is the mecca for art enthusiast in Midtown. NYC’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)  is not only the most popular museum in the city but also is also devoted to stunning works which makes it so famous all over the world.

Important note: The museum will be temporarily closed to expand its galleries from June 16 through October 21, 2019.

On “Free Friday Nights” at  4:00 PM you can visit the MoMa for free. Just make sure, that you arrive around 6:00 PM because that’s when most visitors are either already inside or are leaving the museum already.

Option:  Instead of heading to the MoMa you can also visit the  Museum of Arts and Design  at Columbus Circle.

5th Avenue:

Known as the most expensive shopping area in the world, 5th Ave is also one of the main sightseeing attractions, that won’t have to cost you a single Dollar. From Tiffany, Gucci and Prada to Louis Vuitton you can enjoy window shopping for free.

Day 6 – Saturday: Roosevelt Island Tram, Central Park & Museum

• Roosevelt Island Tram
• Central Park
• American Museum of National History
• Guggenheim Museum

Roosevelt Island Tramway:

While traveling to NYC on a budget one of our favorite things to do is riding the Roosevelt Island Tramway which that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. For the price of $2.75 (when owning an unlimited metro card), you will get to see stunning views of the East River and Manhattan. Roosevelt Island is a peaceful escape of the hustle and bustle in the city which is why today we are starting our sightseeing tour for day six at the island.

Central Park:

After returning from Roosevelt Island we are heading to New York City’s biggest and most popular park. Central Park is an excellent choice during every season of the year. Climb the Umpire Rock an outcrop of Manhattan schist and enjoy the views and quietness. On Sheep Meadow you can lay on the grass and soak in the sun, explore the 13 bridges that are located in Central Park, or maybe you are interested in exploring the Strawberry Fields, a memorial dedicated to the legend, John Lennon.

During the summer there are free concerts in the park, Shakespeares in the park and many other events and shows.

Check out more information about our favorite park in our  Central Park Guide .

Free admission at the  American Museum of National History

Pretty close to Central Park you’ll be able to visit the American Museum of National History. Even when you’re not the museum type of person, the American Museum of National History is for everyone. It is impressively big, offers many interesting exhibitions and was the filming location of the movie “A night at the museum” with Ben Stiller.  

Every day you’ll  “Pay What You Wish”. This can be anything between $1 and up.

Insider-Tip : On Saturdays, there is also “free admission” at the Guggenheim Museum starting at 5:00 PM. You pay as well as you wish and should be here at least 30 minutes early.

Day 7 – Sunday: Gospel, Madison Square Park or Governors Island

• Gospel Choir
• Flatiron District Free Tour
• Governors Island

Gospel Choir:

Make your Sunday morning in New York City a special one and head to Harlem for a gospel mass. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM most churches Uptown have the best gospel choirs singing during the mass. It is a magical experience that you won’t forget. Attending a mass is free of charge (donations to the church are welcome) but please be respectful with the community and dress properly and turn off your cell phones.

We recommend attending a mass at the Abyssinan Baptist Church , Bethel Gospel Assembly  and the  Cathedral of Saint John the Divine .

Flatiron District Free Tour:

Another option to start your day is a free tour of the  Flatiron District. Meet up point is every Sunday at 11 AM in front of the Flatiron Building. The 90 minutes walking tour operated by  Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership . takes you through the neighborhood and points out the main highlights of the area such as the New York Life Insurance Building, the MetLife Clock Tower and  Madison Square Park .

Governors Island:

Super interesting for visitors on a low budget is one of my favorites spots in NYC. Governors Island is perfect for a quick city escape. The ferry charges $3 and on the weekends before 11:30 AM you can even ride for free. Enjoy the city views, beach clubs and food trucks and a lot of green spaces. Governors Island is great for families with kids. There is so much to explore and to do on the island.

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 !

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