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One Day in NYC: Itinerary

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Your Trip to NYC: The Complete Guide

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

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New York City is an iconic destination chock full of attractions — but it can also be overwhelming to visit. Which days are best to visit busy places like the Met and the Empire State Building, and how do you avoid tourist traps and discover local hangouts? Did you know the city has tons of outdoorsy activities for all seasons? And what about deciding between so many acclaimed bars and restaurants of all types?

Whether you want to spend the weekend in the city or a whole week exploring, planning your trip is important to ensure you make the most of your time. Let’s explore the best the city has to offer and help you decide when to visit, learn what to see and do, and discover where to eat, drink, and stay during your trip.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Figuring out the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do on your trip. New York City is a great destination year round, but each season has its own perks (and disadvantages). Winter is great for visitors who want to experience the wonders of the  holiday season in New York City  and after New Year’s crowds really dwindle and prices drop. Spring and fall are ideal in terms of mild weather and being able to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. And while summer can get very hot and humid and it also brings lots of crowds, there are tons of free events and beaches , pools , and parks are in full swing.
• Language: English is the official language of New York, but you’ll also hear a lot of Spanish   , Mandarin, and plenty of other languages in this melting pot.
• Currency : U.S. dollar
• Getting Around: Public transportation makes getting around New York City easy, fast, and affordable. Quite often, you’ll find it’s best to take a bus or the subway to avoid traffic and save money. Before you give it a go, familiarize yourself with the routes by looking at maps so you don’t get lost or take the wrong  train . Sometimes though, it can be more convenient or appropriate to take a taxi, Lyft, Uber , or  car service . A cab is a good option for a group and might save money. You also might feel safer in a car late at night, although buses and the subway run all night long   . Renting a car if you’re staying in the city is generally a bad idea as parking is difficult to find and/or very expensive. Plus, traffic is typically horrendous.
• Travel Tip: Remember, New York City is more than just Manhattan and all five boroughs are worth visiting, especially Brooklyn and Queens , which are quite easy to get to from Manhattan. To avoid crowds, get an early start to your day and consider visiting the mot popular sites during the week if you can.

Things To Do

Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, New York City has so much to offer. It is brimming with attractions and activities, from world-class museums and monuments to stunning parks to shopping galore . There are things for kids and families , romantic activities for couples, and friend groups can be kept busy for days. Architecture fans, history buffs, entertainment lovers, foodies , shoppers , art hounds, and culture vultures will all be happy here. Don’t miss these activities:

• Museums and Galleries: Visitors would be hard pressed to visit all the museums in NYC; from art to history to science and even food, there are hundreds of museums and galleries   to see. Beyond the classics like the Met , MoMA , American Museum of Natural History , and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , await the Brooklyn Museum , Queens Hall of Science , Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, and the Museum of Food and Drink, to name a few.
• Boat Rides: Remember that New York City is surrounded by water   and seeing the sights by boat is a great experience. A number of companies offer  boat tours and cruises  around the city, pay a few bucks to ride the East River Ferry to a number of locations, or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free. 
• Theater and Shows : Broadway shows are a highlight for many visitors and for good reason. There’s also plenty of Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and experimental and avant-garde venues putting on some of the best theater in the world. And don’t forget the music scene — almost every band comes through NYC to play at one of its most famous concert venues, like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall , Lincoln Center , Bowery Ballroom, Kings Theatre, and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Where to Eat and Drink

New York City is known for its plethora of food options, including iconic dishes that are must-eats on any trip. Be sure to grab a slice of pizza , a bagel with lox, a bodega egg and cheese on a roll, a classic deli sandwich, and a hot dog . And don’t forget to partake in brunch , a NYC tradition. But the best part about New York City is that you can find foods from across the globe here thanks to immigrants from around the world, be it inside Michelin-starred dining rooms or hole-in-the-wall eateries serving everything from Ethiopian to Burmese to Korean to Italian to Israeli to Mexican and beyond . You can go big at a steakhouse or find cheap eats throughout the five boroughs. And every neighborhood has something unique to offer if you look hard enough — even Times Square .

Drinking is just as important as eating in NYC and there are plenty of craft cocktail bars, historic taverns, breweries and taprooms, wine and Champagne bars, and even alcohol-free drink spots. And, there are some incredible coffee shops to start your day at.

Explore our articles on the most romantic restaurants , the best family-friendly restaurants, and the most expensive restaurants in NYC.

Where to Stay

Hotels are easy to find in New York City, but finding the right room for you is a different story. Where you stay is going to depend on which borough and neighborhood you prefer, if you’re alone, with a significant other , or with your family , and how much you want to spend . Midtown Manhattan is the most popular place to stay because it’s where most of the tourist attractions are but it is also one of the most expensive areas. If you’re willing to move north or south, there are some good  budget-friendly hotels in Manhattan available. And of course, if you want to stay somewhere with a  view of Central Park , near nightlife in Chelsea , or in the center of trendy SoHo , expect to pay a premium but be very happy. If you’re amenable to heading over the bridge to Brooklyn, there are some excellent options, and many people prefer its more low key vibe. Other options aside from hotels include short-term apartment rentals (a good value if you’re staying for three nights or more and may want to cook instead of eating out), hostels  for those on a tight budget, and Airbnb rentals—although beware that these might be operating illegally   .

Explore the different neighborhoods you can stay in, and see our recommendations on the best hotels in NYC with Pools and the Best NYC Airport Hotels .

Getting There

There are myriad ways to get to NYC: flying, by train, by bus, or driving. The main airports are:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport is the largest and has the most international flights, but it can be intimidating and exhausting to traverse its many terminals. It is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and there are various ways to get there .
• La Guardia International Airport in Queens is more manageable and recent upgrades have greatly improved its look, functionality, and services. It also has plenty of flights from most major carriers but less international options than JFK and EWR and some airlines, like Delta and United, use the other area airports as their hubs and so have fewer flights from La Guardia as a result. It is a little closer to Midtown Manhattan at 8.5 miles away and there are various ways to get there .
• Newark Liberty International Airport  in Newark, New Jersey, is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and sometimes flights there can be cheaper (but taxis generally cost more from there to NYC). It is the hub for United so almost all United flights will arrive and depart from here and it also has robust international offerings.

Amtrak trains to other major East Coast cities run fairly often to and from Penn Station and there are also trains to cities farther afield. Buses are usually the cheapest option, with Greyhound , Megabus , Bolt Bus, and smaller companies serving the city. And of course, driving is always an option but keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive.

Culture and Customs

New York City has a culture all its own and there are several unwritten rules that locals follow, including how to walk on a busy sidewalk (hint: don’t stop in the middle of it), subway etiquette , how to hail a cab, and proper bicycle behavior.

Tipping is important in NYC; be sure to tip taxi drivers, wait staff at restaurants, and bartenders.

Is New York City safe?  It's a question visitors ask all the time and, in general, it is a safe city   . However, swindlers and thieves can often spot “out of towners” so a little common sense is required.

Money Saving Tips

• There are tons of awesome free activities , events , and places to visit in NYC, from parks to museums.
• Several museums and attractions have certain days or times that are Pay What You Wish or are sometimes free .
• If you plan on riding the subway and taking buses at least several times a day, you can save money by getting an MTA MetroCard for a day or week of unlimited rides.
• Check out TKTS and other discount venues for cheaper Broadway tickets and don’t forget about standing room only .
• Head to the outer boroughs for many excellent yet more affordable restaurants and eateries.

Watch Now: Planning Your Visit to New York City

U.S. Census Bureau. " Languages Spoken at Home ." 2018

MTA. " How to Ride the Subway ."

NYC & Company. " Museums & Galleries in NYC ."

The Official Website of the City of New York. " New York City Water Bodies ." 2014

Airbnb. " New York, NY ." 2020

The Economist Intelligence Unit . "Safe Cities Index 2017."

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

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: May 20, 2021  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

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
• Macy’s
• Chelsea Market
• The High Line
• Strand Book Store
• Flatiron Building
• Meatpacking District
• Penn Station

Day 3 New York City Itinerary – Lower Manhattan & SoHo

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

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

Morning – Lower Manhattan Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon – Lower Manhattan Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening – SoHo

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 NYC Attractions Summary

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

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

Day 4 New York City Itinerary – Brooklyn & Williamsburg

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

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

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

Morning – Dumbo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon – Williamsburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening – Brooklyn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 NYC Attractions Summary

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

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

4 Days In New York City Neighborhood Itinerary

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

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

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

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

4 Days In New York Itinerary Map

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

Click or touch your screen to activate the map.

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

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

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

New York City Attraction Passes

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

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

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

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

Want To Save Money In NYC?

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

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

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

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

Need Help Planning Your Visit To New York City?

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

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

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

Our Popular NYC Guides

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

Best Of New York City

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

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

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

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

Happy Planning ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy This NYC Guide? Pin If For Your Visit!

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

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

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

Share this article!

Karine and Matthieu

Saturday 8th of April 2023

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

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Monday 17th of April 2023

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

Monday 25th of April 2022

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

Friday 29th of April 2022

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!

Saturday 20th of November 2021

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

Monday 22nd of November 2021

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!

New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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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

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Brooklyn Travel Guides

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Queens Travel Guides

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Long Island Travel Guides

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New York City Hiking Guides

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NYC Day Trips

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

NYC In Winter

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NYC In Fall

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NYC In Spring

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New York City Guides & Resources

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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?

• NYC TOURS BUS TOURS HELICOPTER TOURS CRUISES & BOAT TOURS VIP TOURS DAY TRIPS NYC WALKING TOURS
• ATTRACTIONS & PACKAGES PASSES PACKAGES MUSEUMS ATTRACTIONS OBSERVATION DECKS GUIDED WALKING TOURS NEW YORK BIKE TOURS AND RENTALS
• MORE DISCOUNT COUPONS TRANSPORTATION GET A QUOTE NYC TRIP PLANNING
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Plan Your Trip to NYC

Planning a trip to New York City can be exciting -- and overwhelming. We've curated the best advice to help you simplify your research and plan the trip of a lifetime.

Every season in New York City has something special to offer so make the most your visit, no matter what time of year.

There aren’t many other cities in the world where you have 3 options.  Wondering which airport you should choose?

NYC airport transportation  guide to understand the pros and cons of travel at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark.

Where To Stay

A quick search for “New York City Hotels” will produce thousands of options. New York City has a mind-boggling number of places to stay, go and see… a simple “New York Hotels” Google search can leave even the most savvy traveler feeling overwhelmed. With literally thousands of options to choose from, how does one begin to decide? We think the best way is to first think about your wants, needs or goals for this trip, then narrow it down by neighborhoods that fit the bill -- then start your hotel or vacation rental/lodging search. We’re here to help with the first two.

• Flatiron Neighborhood District Guide
• Financial District Neighborhood Guide
• Greenwich Village Neighborhood Guide
• Lower East Side Neighborhood Guide
• Times Square / Midtown Manhattan Guide
• Upper East Side Neighborhood Guide
• Upper West Side Neighborhood Guide
• Chinatown Neighborhood Guide
• Queens Neighborhood Guide
• SoHo Neighborhood Guide

There is no shortage of amazing things to do in NYC. If it’s your first visit, we highly recommend taking a look at our tours and attractions, which you can purchase at a lower cost.

• New York Skyline
• Statue of Liberty
• Traveling with kids? Use our guide to kid-friendly things to do in NYC
• Insider's Guide to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
• 72 Hours in New York City travel guide - a comprehensive recommendation for getting the most out   of a 3-day visit.
• NYC Day Trips
• An Insider's Guide to Times Square
• Popular Attractions In New York
• Empire State Building
• One World Observatory
• Things to do in NYC at Night

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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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The Perfect 4 Day Itinerary for New York City

What to do in nyc in 4 days.

It can be overwhelming trying to create a 4-day itinerary in NYC. If you’re wondering if and how you can do New York in 4 days, you’ll find the answer here! I’ll show you how to spend 4 perfect days in New York City with my experience of more than 20 visits to my favorite city. And that without stress, with restaurant tips and the most important sights and most interesting neighborhoods.

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So, I have created the following 4 Day Itinerary NYC to make it easier for you. Feel free to use it as is or customize as you’d like – either way, we hope it helps!

This is the best 4 day itinerary for New York City:

Table of Contents

4 Day Itinerary NYC  Day 1 : Theatre District & Midtown

New York City’s Theatre District is the neighborhood where most Broadway theatres are found in Midtown West. West 54th Street bounds this area to the north, West 40th Street to the south, Eighth Ave to the west, and Sixth Avenue to the east.

Here you’ll find many theaters, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues, as well as Times Square. There’s really no better part of the city to begin your 4- day trip , so let’s take a look a look at what to do in NYC’s Theatre District and Midtown on your first day:

Times Square

As we mentioned, this is the New York City neighborhood where Times Square is located. And even if you’ve never been to NYC, you should already know this is a bustling place. The best part is that there are plenty of things to see and do regardless of whether you go to Times Square during the day or night.  

If you’re looking for activities to do in Times Square, check out Madame Tussauds and National Geographic’s Ocean Odyssey. Or you can simply people-watch or meet someone dressed up as your favorite character – just don’t forget that if you take photos of these characters or interact with them, they’ll expect to be paid.  

When it comes time to eat in Times Square, try the best tacos in America at Los Tacos No. 1. , a slice of authentic NY pizza at Patzeria’s, or choose from hundreds of options at the 24-hour Times Square Diner. If you want something more upscale, head on over to Aureole , Carmine’s, or the Hunt & Fish Club .  

BIG BUS: Get a quick overview of Manhattan

NYC is home to many hop-on, hop-off bus tours offered by Big Bus. So, once it’s time to leave Times Square and move on, get on one of these buses and ride to the next location. Thanks to onboard commentary, this is a great way to see and get to know the area. Not to mention, it’s a nice reprieve if you’re not used to walking so many miles per day.  

Bryant Park

For the next stop on day 1, we have Bryant Park. It’s a charming little gem found right behind the New York Public Library. Bryant Park makes you think you’ve left NYC and entered Paris, and it makes a wonderful place to read a book, enjoy a picnic, or just rest your feet for a few minutes.  

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is just as beautiful and busy as you would expect. Sure, you’ve probably seen it featured in countless shows and movies over the years, but seeing it is believing, as the television does not capture the stunning beauty of the building’s turquoise ceiling or the sheer number of people who travel through here daily.  

Anytime you’re near Grand Central, be sure to stop at Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner for an authentic, inexpensive breakfast or brunch. If you’re in a hurry, grab a quick bite at Bagel Express; their food is simple, tasty, and affordable.  

One Vanderbilt The Summit

Summit One Vanderbilt is NYC’s newest attraction that recently opened in October 2021. The building altered the look of the city’s skyline, which provides guests with a whole new experience.  

Summit One features a deck, mirrored rooms, and the world’s tallest rack-and-pinion elevator system that features cars that are 90 square feet each, which makes them the world’s largest glass floor elevators!

There are several different packages to choose from, and the one you choose decides how much of the experience you get to enjoy. For example, the Summit Experience allows you access to all 4 floors, and you can step into glass skyboxes that sit 1,000 feet over Midtown below.  

Alternatively, you can choose the Summit Ascent package, which includes access to the entire experience and the glass elevators at their highest point. This is a must-see attraction for anyone looking for the best views of NYC and should definitely be a part of your first day.  

This is perhaps the most famous and expensive street in all of New York City – 5th Avenue or as it’s commonly called “Millionaire’s Row.” This road stretches the entire length of Manhattan both north and south.  

Regardless of whether you buy anything or not, 5th Avenue should be on your itinerary. There’s something about marveling at the most expensive retail space in the world, and it almost makes you feel as if you’re on Ginza in Tokyo or Champs-Elysees in Paris.  

The best shopping areas are found closest to Central Park, where you’ll find stores such as Cartier and Armani. You’ll also find the famous NYC Apple store, where they offer laptops and free internet access.  

Another great thing about exploring 5th Avenue is that you’ll find the Empire State Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and many museums.  

Empire State Building

Speaking of the Empire State Building, this is the next stop on your first-ever trip to NYC. Completed in 1931 as the world’s tallest building, this 102-story skyscraper symbolizes the resilience and hope of NYC and its people. Today, the building is used primarily for office space, but it is also home to two observation decks and many unique exhibits.  

You have a few options for how you can enjoy this iconic building. First, you can travel to the main observation deck at the 86th Floor Observatory. This is the city’s most famed open-air observatory, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the city.  

For those who want to see even better breathtaking views, check out the 102nd Floor Observatory, where you’ll find floor-to-ceiling views that can extend up to 80 miles on clear days. Regardless of whether you go inside, it’s still a legendary building to see in person.  

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

4 Day Itinerary NYC  Day 2 : Hudson Yards, Chelsea, Meatpacking District

On day 2 of this 4 Day Itinerary NYC, you’ll explore the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards, which are all located in Midtown Manhattan . At one time, this was Manhattan’s hub of industry, but in recent times it has become one of the most cultivated cultural neighborhoods in NYC.  

Chelsea is on downtown Manhattan’s west side and is an expensive area with many things to do, such as historical sights, off-Broadway theatre, dining, and more. This area also encompasses the ultra-chic Meatpacking District , where you’ll find posh nightlife, fine dining, and luxury shopping.  

Chelsea is adored by art fans and is well-known for its concentration of galleries. Tourists love these neighborhoods because it’s very walkable and still an up-and-coming section of New York City. Now, let’s take a look at what your second day in NYC has in store for you!

Circle Line - Best of NYC Cruise

The best way to start your second day in New York City is by hopping aboard the Best of NYC Cruise offered by Circle Line. This is the only sightseeing cruise that goes completely around Manhattan, which means you get to see all of NYC’s most iconic landmarks from the comfort of a boat in under three hours!

Landmarks you can expect to see along this cruise are the Statue of Liberty, High Line, Ellis Island, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Gracie Mansion, Yankee Stadium, and much more. And the best part is that award-winning tour guides narrate each Best of NYC Cruises, so you’ll learn every significant detail during the trip.  

Explore Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is one of the most exciting places to visit in New York City, especially if you only have 4 days on the itinerary. It’s home to two of the most photographable places in NYC, so you’ll want to buy tickets for both the Vessel and Edge .  

The Vessel is a honeycomb-shaped building that features 154 floors and sits in the center of Hudson Yards. Climb to the top and take in the views of the Hudson River, or take advantage of all the photo opportunities on the ground. You should know that if you plan to climb this structure, you have to buy tickets, and it’s definitely worth buying them online. Also, they only allow groups of two up at a time (one additional information: right now the Vessel is closed).

Bonus Tip: If you visit NYC around the holidays, Hudson Yards puts on a fantastic light display that you shouldn’t miss!

The Edge Observation Deck

As you’re walking north in Hudson Yards, you’ll notice an eye-catching building that’s made of glass and has a triangular-shaped platform coming from the top. If you take our advice and buy tickets to this attraction, you’ll be standing on that triangle very soon.  

As you walk inside of Hudson Yards’ central shopping mall, it may remind you of Singapore or Dubai with the upmarket feel and pristine finish. Keep moving to the fourth floor, as this is where you’ll find the entrance for Edge. Outside of the attraction, many neat exhibits teach visitors about renewable energy and how waste and air filtration work inside the building.  

The elevator ride that carries you from the fourth floor to the 100th is really exhilarating and a favorite of many people, as it’s like no other experience. Upon reaching the top of Edge, you are met with breathtaking views that are even better during sunset.  

After you finish here, be sure to walk up to 34th Street, past Penn Station, and see the famous NYC Macy’s store! At this point of day two, you may be ready for a meal. If so, check out places such as the Backyard Cafe at Hudson Yards, Wild Ink, Whitmans, The Tavern, or one of many eateries at the Chelsea Market.  

After you’ve had a bite to eat, head on over to the High Line, this is a fan favorite and offers some of the most beautiful views of the local area. Essentially, the High Line is an abandoned railroad track that’s been turned into an urban walkway and park. There are few other places in the world where you can experience such a mixed and improbable use of space – who builds a garden in the sky?

The High Line is an excellent place to take a stroll and see nature. The entire hike is about a mile and a half, but you don’t have to walk the entire way; just be sure to spend time enjoying the art and views.  

Meatpacking District

NYC’s Meatpacking District is a trendy commercial area located on the far west side between the West Village and Chelsea . In this section of NYC, you’ll find luxury designer clothing stores, a portion of the High Line, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and more!  

The cobblestone streets are lined with hip clubs and restaurants that have recently taken over the enormous spaces that once used to be home to none other than meat packaging facilities. So, take advantage of places such as Plunge Rooftop Bar and Lounge , Brass Monkey NYC , and the Famous Sky Bridge .  

Pier 54 - Little Island

Little Island is one of NYC’s newest attractions and is very special, as it’s a park built in the Hudson River atop 132 gorgeous tulip-shaped concrete stilts. It’s located at Pier 54 in Hudson River Park and is easily accessible via the High Line.  

This is a great stop for your second day in New York City because it’s designed with walking paths, gentle trees, and over 35 different species of trees, so it’s a true oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. The highlight of Little Island Park is the amphitheater built next to the water, and there are also art exhibits and event spaces.  

Visit a Broadway Shows

As your second day comes to an end, grab some dinner at Dos Caminos , Catch NYC, RH Rooftop Restaurant, or Serafina Meatpacking and then make your way to take in a Broadway show. Even if this isn’t usually your scene, you are in New York City and the home of Broadway, so don’t miss out.  

It is worth mentioning that Broadway Shows can be expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. So, plan for this and try to book tickets in advance as they may be cheaper. Some popular shows right now include Hamilton , Wicked , Lion King , and more.

Recommended: These are the best broadway shows in NYC

4 Day Itinerary NYC  Day 3 : Financial District, DUMBO in Brooklyn

Welcome to your third day in NYC! Today you’ll experience New York City’s Financial District and DUMBO/Brooklyn. The city’s bustling financial heart is home to many glittering skyscrapers and Wall Street. During the workweek and evenings, the sidewalks are busy with young professionals working and filling the bars and restaurants of Stone Street and South Street Seaport.  

Once you get into DUMBO/Brooklyn, you’ll be surrounded by warehouses that have been converted into high-end restaurants, independent boutiques, and trendy cafes. On the north end, you’ll find Jane’s Carousel and on the waterfront is a former tobacco factory converted into a gallery and performance scene.  

Days 1 and 2 were busy, but day 3 has even more in store for you; be sure to drink lots of coffee in the morning and get started early! It’s probably best to grab a quick bite to eat, such as a bagel or donuts. So, let’s look at day 3 of our 4 Day Itinerary NYC:  

Battery Park

Many people know this park at the southernmost tip of Manhattan as a landing and/or departure point of the Staten Island Ferry (a free crossing enables a sensational view to the skyline). Battery Park is one of the oldest public parks in New York and is of historical importance for New York: the first Dutch settlers are said to have arrived here when they founded New Amsterdam.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (Ferry & Stop)

No trip to NYC is complete without stopping at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and this is especially true if it’s your first time visiting the city. However, as you would imagine, this is a top-rated destination, so it can take a good chunk of your day if you don’t plan properly. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you take the first ferry over to the island in the morning. Not only will this shorten the time it takes to visit Lady Liberty, but you’ll be on Liberty Island with just one group of people. Also, keep in mind that buying a ticket to the attraction is the only way you’re allowed to set foot on Liberty Island.  

After you’ve seen everything there is to see on Liberty Island, hop back on the ferry. It stops on Ellis Island before making its way back to Manhattan. To get the most from this experience, be sure to get off the ferry and check out the National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island. Yet, only do this if you are a quick explorer or very interested because there is a lot of ground to cover today!

One World Observatory

NYC has a million things to experience, but there’s only one way to see all of them at once. Your journey begins as you hop aboard a SkyPod in One World Trade Center, which travels 102 floors in just 47 seconds until you are transported to the top of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building.  

After arriving 102 stories high, you find yourself face-to-face with one of the world’s most iconic skylines. Even if you’ve seen the city millions of times, you’ve never seen it quite like this! The Observatory consists of three massive levels where you’ll discover lots of surprises along the way.  

If you are hungry, be sure to stop by the cafe for a delicious bite to eat. Then step onto the Sky Portal and wander high above the crowds below. Finally, go on an interactive tour of NYC with the assistance of a Skyline Concierge who can answer questions and inform you about the city’s long and storied history. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by One Mix Bar for a glass of Prosecco and one last look at the Earth’s bend before setting off to your next attraction.  

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Though most of our 4 Day Itinerary NYC focuses on the fun and lively side of the city, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remind us that some of the city’s most crucial parts of history are very dark.  

The Twin Towers used to stand in NYC’s Financial District on Manhattan’s southern tip, but today you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial in their place. The memorial is evocative and free to see, but if you feel up to it (as this is a very powerful and emotional experience), you should consider visiting the museum as well. Yet, regardless of whether you go into the museum or not, the 9/11 Memorial should be part of your 4 day NYC trip.  

Wall Street

Wall Street covers eight city blocks in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. It runs between the East River in the east to Broadway in the west over to South Street and is the second most famous street besides Broadway.  

Exploring this area can be tricky, but it is a lot of fun. Begin by finding the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street. Though you can no longer go inside, seeing the building is something special itself. Also, be sure to take advantage of the photo op with the famed charging bull statue!  

Other activities to partake in this area include Battery Park, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and Stone Street. If you’re hungry when on Wall Street, try out places such as Neapolitan Express, SkyCafe, or one of the many food trucks you’ll find in the area.  

South Street Seaport

As you move south along Wall Street, keep an eye out for South Street Seaport. This section of the neighborhood is located right on the edge of the Financial District and is a lively part of town that’s spent the last several years rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy.  

When you visit the seaport, you can enjoy live music, learn the local history, or grab some food at the Fulton farmer’s market. This area is only a short, 15-minute walk from the stock exchange and makes for the best excuse to rest your feet near the water.  

Brooklyn Bridge

After you’ve seen everything in the Financial District, it’s time to head over the famed Brooklyn Bridge. Of course, you can take a taxi or rideshare across the bridge to make the trip shorter, but if you feel up to it, you can also walk across. The bridge is just over one mile long, and you can even take a guided tour!

DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights

After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find that Brooklyn is home to some of NYC’s most exciting neighborhoods and sites. One that’s gained a lot of attention and adoration is DUMBO, which could also be partly due to its catchy name.  

This waterfront neighborhood has a fascinating and rich history and many activities for visitors to enjoy. Not only is DUMBO a premier art district, but there are also lots of great places to eat, such as Grimaldi’s Pizza , The River Cafe, Jacques Torres chocolate factory, Butler Bakery , and more. Are you looking for shopping? Be sure to check out the newly renovated Empire Stores on Water Street.

Circle Line - Harbor Lights Night Cruise

Finish out your third day in New York City with the Harbor Lights Cruise. Hop aboard one of Circle Line’s state-of-the-art boats and take in the views of NYC twinkling at night. This unforgettable experience lasts about two hours, and you’ll see landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.  

Just make sure your camera is ready because you’ll be mere yards away from some of the best photos of your life. And don’t worry; you won’t miss a thing because there will be an award-winning tour guide narrating the City’s story. So, sit back, relax, and take some amazing photos while creating memories that will last forever.  

4 Day Itinerary NYC  Day 4 : Upper West Side, Midtown, SoHo, Little Italy

Finally, for day 4 of our 4 Day Itinerary NYC, you’ll spend the last day of your trip touring the Upper West Side , Midtown, SoHo, and Little Italy. And just when you thought your vacation wouldn’t get any better, we’re rounding the trip off with some laid-back activities that will help you wind down from the past several exciting days.  

Let’s see what these areas of NYC have in store for you on day number four:  

Central Park

You probably thought we forgot about Central Park, but you know the saying – saving the best for last! Central Park is a masterpiece that Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux created. Though the park has gone through extensive restorations over time, the initial purpose of acting as an open-air oasis amid a large, metropolitan city has always stayed the same.  

This national landmark is a must-visit attraction regardless of what season you visit or why you’re visiting. This park has something for folks of all ages, from horse and carriage rides and bike rentals to the Central Park Zoo and activities such as ice skating and Strawberry Fields.  

American Museum of Natural History

After finishing up at Central Park, you may want to stop at one of the many local restaurants such as the Loeb Boathouse, Tavern On The Green, or Maoz Vegetarian and make your way to the American Museum of Natural History.  

This museum is the world’s largest natural history museum, as it spans 4 city blocks and encompasses 25 interconnected buildings. Even if you’re not a fan of museums, this one is a must! It’s home to over 34 million specimens of animals, plants, fossils, human remains, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and human cultural artifacts. Though keep in mind that only a fraction of the museum’s artifacts are on show at any given time.  

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ...

The next stop on our list is the MoMA, or Museum of Modern Art. This art museum is located in Midtown Manhattan on 53rd between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. MoMA plays a significant role in the development and collection of modern art. It’s often referred to as the world’s largest and most influential museum for modern art. And there’s no wonder considering that the MoMA features five floors of art. So, take as much time as you’d like to explore the exhibits and collections before moving on.  

... or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), or both!

We hope you’re not tired of seeing beautiful art because your next stop is the Met. New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is the United States’ largest art museum that controls a permanent collection of over two million works divided into 17 different departments.  

Seeing over two million pieces of art could take days by itself. So, it’s highly recommended that you plan for this part of your trip and already know what you want to see. At the very least, be sure to find Van Gogh, Hatshepsut Seated, the Temple of Dendur, and the Greek and Roman Statue Court.  

Discover the neighborhoods of SoHo, The Village and Little Italy

SoHo is an upscale residential and high-end shopping area where you’ll enjoy some of NYC’s best people-watching. Stroll up and down the area’s cobblestoned streets , admiring the rows of shops and houses. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, be sure to stop by the Dominique Ansel Bakery and order one of the legendary Cronuts.  

If you’re in the mood to keep walking, you can continue on to West Village or Greenwich Village . If not, find a posh SoHo restaurant and enjoy some food. Some of the best places to eat in Soho include Antique Garage, Blue Ribbon Brasserie, and Dig.  

On day 4 of our 4 Day Itinerary NYC, your final stop is Little Italy. The best part is that if you’re not in the mood for trendy SoHo food, Little Italy is the quintessential dining spot ! You’ll find local favorites such as Lombardi’s Pizza, Onieal’s, and Angelo’s of Mulberry Street .  

Yet, Little Italy is so much more than just an excellent place to eat. This area is also home to many historic landmarks, street art, gorgeous architecture, mafia locations, TV and movie locations, and the perfect place to find upscale consignment shops!

4 Days NYC Itinerary

Planning for your first trip to Manhattan can be overwhelming yet exciting. Relieve some of your stress and refer to our 4 Day Itinerary NYC and create the trip of a lifetime!

Just don’t forget to invest in the New York Pass for 4 Days and pack comfortable shoes!

Helpful Tips for Visiting NYC in 4 Days

If it’s your first time visiting NYC, then you may not know some insider secrets that will save you time and money! So, we thought we’d share a few of our own:

Invest in the New York Pass for 4 Days

And just as you’d expect, most of the popular tourist attractions in NYC charge an entry fee, and when you’re paying for yourself and other family members or friends, those costs will add up quickly. However, when you have the New York Pass, it provides you with access to these places, and it’s far cheaper than buying tickets at the door.

Get New York Pass now

or check out our ultimate New York Pass Comparison .

Are 4 days in New York City enough?

I think 4 days for New York is great, because you have more time than if you only visit the Big Apple for a weekend. Of course 5 days, 1 week or even 10 days are even better! In the 4 days NYC as in our itinerary you experience the most important neighborhoods and attractions of the city – and that quite relaxed!

Is $1000 enough for 4 days in New York?

Yes! Because if you know how, you can save a lot of money in NYC! First of all, check out the different sightseeing passes for New York . You can easily save 50% on admission to the best attractions in NYC.

In addition, I recommend my hotel finder for New York . It shows you the best hotels in NYC for every budget . They are proof that good hotels in New York don’t have to be expensive. Another budget tip are the food markets of NYC . Here you can eat very tasty and at relatively good prices. I love them!

What should I pack for 4 days in New York?

This is the most important tip that I have: Wear Comfortable Shoes ! This probably goes without saying, but NYC is best explored on foot, and you will spend a great deal of time walking from one place to another. When you consider that the average New Yorker walks about 10 miles per day just during their daily lives, you’ll see that comfortable shoes are a must!

What else do you need? This depends a bit on your travel time: 2 shorts or long pants, 2-3 t-shirts and a sweater are sufficient for the warm months. In the colder months you should definitely have several warm sweaters and a jacket!

How much is a 4-day trip to NYC?

If you’re in New York for 4 days, the hotel and food will use up most of your travel budget. A 3 star hotel in Midtown Manhattan starts at $100 per night , a 4 star hotel is $150 and prices for a night in a 5 star hotel start at $300 , so expect overnight costs of $300, $450 and $900 respectively for 3 nights.

For breakfast in the diner you can calculate with $15 per person and in the restaurants with $40 per person . Of course, it can quickly be more expensive.

Sightseeing costs: I can’t stress this enough: be sure to check out the various New York City sightseeing passes. It’s a simple and easy way to save 50% off the regular admission price. For the New York Pass for 4 days you can visit as many attractions as you want. It costs you just $200!

How do you plan a 4 day trip?

What is important to me when planning a trip with 4 days in NYC, I have already implemented in the above itinerary. The attractions you see per day should be close to each other, so you don’t waste a lot of time by communing.

Furthermore, you should plan enough time where you just do nothing else but let New York City work its magic on you. This is best done in one of the many cafes or during a walk along the High Line or 5th Avenue.

3 Days in New York: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

7 Day New York Itinerary

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

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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Best Things To Do in New York in 5-Day ITINERARY

New York is one of those cities to visit at least once in your life, and I’m sure you’ll come back because you’re going to fall in love with this city as we did.

I will tell you the itinerary to visit New York in 5 days in today’s post . However, remember that this city is constantly changing, so there are always new things to do.

I’m sure this New York itinerary will help you plan your trip. We start with handy tips for visiting the city and continue the daily tour.

What to Visit in New York in 5 Days

New york itinerary 5 days.

• Day 1: Check-in, Times Square, Hell Kitchen, or Free Tour around the area
• Day 2: Contrast Tour, visit the neighborhood of NYC
• Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, 11/9 Memorial, Empire State, Highline
• Day 4: Top of the Rock, Central Park, a musical
• Day 5: Woodbury Commons, shopping at the outlet.

Practical Tips for Visiting NYC

• Check Out: New York City Travel Guide
• Check Out: Printable Travel Planner (PDF)

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit New York?

From my point of view, to visit New York, you need at least 5 days. We stayed for 5 days on our first trip and for the second one, a week. On the last trip, we took the opportunity to visit Washington, DC.

Other people who have traveled longer days have also taken the opportunity to visit Philadelphia, Boston, and/or even Niagara Falls . But, of course, it all depends on your budget and the days you have to travel.

Transportation in New York: How to Get around the City?

New York is a city to explore on foot. An easy way to get around is the subway; if you are traveling with more people, a taxi or Uber at night is advisable.

Another way is with the Hop on Hop of the tour bus . It takes you to the most important places in the city with an audio guide in your language and sometimes with a guide in English (depending on what you hire)

Is the New York City Pass Worth It?

The New York Pass is a card that saves you money on tickets to the city’s top attractions.

My recommendation is that you buy the New York Pass if you intend to visit many paid attractions. The good thing about the New York Pass is you can save a lot of money on tickets and tours because, with this card, you can enter for free at about 80 attractions.

I recommend looking and seeing if you are interested in the attractions included and calculating and comparing the costs!

We bought them because we wanted to do paid sightseeing. You only cover the cost of the one-day card with the entrance to three attractions.

Top attractions included in the pass:

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center Observatory)
• Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• A cruise that runs all over the island
• American Museum of Natural History
• MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum
• 11S Museum and Memorial
• Intrepid Sea, Air, Space Museum
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
• Tour bus (The purchase of the New York Pass includes the ticket for the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off tour bus).

It’s the typical bus with a covered and outdoor part that runs through Manhattan from north to south on two different tours and is ideal for going back and forth in the city without exhausting yourself. The New York Pass includes the 1-day bus for a 1-day pass and 2-day for the rest.

The New York Pass also includes:

• Gospel Mass with the NYC Gospel Walking Tour with which you visit a church whose choir has a Grammy Award, or you can attend Wednesday Mass with the Hallelujah! Gospel Wednesday.
• Greenwich Village Tour

Pay by Debit or Credit Card

You can pay by credit or debit card almost everywhere except for tips. But it depends on your card; you can get bank fees.

Therefore, we recommend you travel with a Wise card to save money on exchange currency and money withdrawal at ATMs.

Where to Stay in Manhattan

I recommend you stay in Manhattan ; by searching and booking in advance, you can find exciting hotels and apartments well located and at a fair price.

We did the best thing on the second trip to the city: rent an apartment for all four of us.

We rented an apartment in the West Village, for 4 people at an excellent price, 1200$, to divide between the 4 in the most expensive week of the year (New Year’s Eve). And this area, it’s close to everything.

Sadly, that price does not exist anymore. We visited NYC this year, and the prices go up like crazy.

Want to see all the hotels and apartments in New York?

Check out Booking’s website . Put your dates in the search engine, apply the filters that interest you, and voilà , you will find the hotels and apartments that best suit your tastes and budget.

Travel Insurance for the United States

Traveling with travel insurance is almost mandatory, especially in places like the United States, where healthcare is expensive.

It’s always good to travel insured for what can happen, and even if you’ve paid for your credit card ticket, the insurance it includes is not comparable to good travel insurance.

We are pleased with:

• HeyMondo . They have excellent prices, but the biggest advantage is that the insurance customizes it to your needs. Only pay for what you need and get a 5% off.
• Chapka : We recently started working with Chapka and are delighted. They have outstanding customer service and respond at full speed. And you get a 7% discount for our blog readers .

So you can take a look at the two and choose which one fits your trip and budget.

• Check out: Best Travel Insurance for New York City
• Tips for Traveling to the United States
• Traveling with Travel Insurance

ESTA to Travel to the United States

You must obtain the ESTA to enter the United States with a European passport. If you have another nationality, you need to see if you need ESTA or a VISA.

The ESTA is requested online (link to the official website) and allows you to enter the United States for 90 days. Without this procedure, you can’t enter the United States .

What is ESTA? It’s an electronic VISA. To get it, they give you a questionnaire that you have to answer sincerely, and they charge you 14 dollars; it is valid for two years.

You can do this procedure at least 72 hours before your trip, but I recommend doing it earlier, at least a few months later.

You may check out this 33 Weird and Unusual Things to Do in New York

Get a €10 discount with the code TOURISTEAR on Photo Journey . Take the best photos of NYC with a professional photographer.

What to Visit in New York in 5 Days?

Day 1: times square, hell kitchen, or free tour around the area.

On the first day in New York, you’ll be pretty tired from the trip, so this day has to be the lightest. Get to your hotel or apartment, leave your things and go for a walk.

Here, I leave you two options because we did different things on the two trips to NYC.

On the first trip to New York, we did catch the ferry to Staten Island. It’s free, it works for 24 hours, the journey takes about 25 minutes, and you can take many photos.

Then we went to Times Square by taxi. Seeing it right now, it may not make sense, but we wanted to do it all. Remember that we didn’t have jet lag as we’ve been traveling around the United States for almost a month.

The second time we traveled to New York, we went to Times Square and had dinner at Ellen Stardust (1650 Broadway, Broadway with 51st).

It’s a restaurant set in the ’50s where waiters sing, and the customer service is excellent. You’ll have a fun time!

From there, we walked back through Hell Kitchen to our apartment in the West Village.

Another option (depending on your arrival time) is to do a Free Walking Tour on the first day to contact the city.

Note about NYC Transportation :

• If you plan to move by subway, you can buy the MetroCard at any station.
• If you’re staying in Manhattan, taxi rides usually cost about $10.
• You can also get around in UBER , ideal for longer trips at night.

Day 2: Contrast Tour, Visit the Neighborhood of New York City

On the second day, take the contrast tour or the neighborhood tour. It is one of the most recommended excursions, where you visit the different neighborhoods of New York City; you can do it on your own or hire it.

The tour lasts approximately 4 or 5 hours with a guide.

If you are traveling in the high season, you must book the tour in advance. Here, you can do it with Civitatis, with a professional guide.

What is the Contrasts Tour in New York?

With the Contrast tour, you’ll visit the city bridges, the Harlem neighborhood, Brown Stone Houses, The Apollo Theater, The Yankee Stadium, and the Graffiti Zone in the Bronx.

The Apache District, the police station, the South Bronx, the Mansions of Queens, US OPEN Stadium, Flushing Park, the Jewish Quarter, the River Café, etc.

We hired the private Contrasts tour on our second trip to New York, as we were 4 people, and we were quite aware.

The guide was lovely, we took a thousand pictures of ourselves, and then we asked him to drop us off on the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side.

We arrived at around 14 hours and had already booked to eat at River café, it is a bit expensive, and you have to go well dressed, but it is worth it, it also has great views of Manhattan and excellent service.

Then, we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge walking to burn off the food. After that, you can follow your journey in the Soho area and do your first shopping.

There are always posters with offers, and if you go during the sale, you will buy a suitcase to take all your purchases.

Then, you return to your accommodation, leave your things, rest a little, and dress up to go to dinner and have a drink. Again, I recommend the West Village or the Meatpacking District, some very “cool” places to go out at night.

Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, 11/9 Memorial, Empire State, Highline in New York

On the third day, you get up early and take a tour of the Statue of Liberty . You can’t go to New York and not visit the most famous statue in the world.

We recommend buying the ticket online to avoid the lines, which are usually eternal (this ticket is included in the New York Pass), to visit the Statue of Liberty.

On the way through the entire area of lower Manhattan:

• Battery Park,
• Financial District,
• Tribeca, Chinatown,
• Little Italy (you can eat in Little Italy to recover energy)

This tour can be done on your own or with a guide in your language.

If you’re good at organization, visit the Highline Park and Empire State Building on this day. You must buy the tickets in advance to avoid the queues to give you time to do everything.

Buy a ticket to the Empire State Building and skip the line.

Day 4: Top of the Rock, Central Park, a Musical

In New York, there are 3 famous observatories where you can enjoy this great city from above:

• Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
• Empire State
• One World Observatory.

If you want to climb one of the city’s observatories, visit the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. From here, you have the best views of the city. You’ll see Central Park and the Empire State Building, among others.

Admission is included in the New York Pass.

Note: It is recommended to visit these observatories late in the afternoon, one hour before dark, to enjoy the day and night views of New York.

Central Park , New York

In the afternoon, enjoy Central Park. If you go during the winter, you can skate on its famous skating rinks.

Throughout the year, there are hundreds of tours: movies, TV series, bike rides, walking, and skating. Definitely a must-see in New York City.

Musical at Broadway

In the afternoon/ evening, enjoy a musical on Broadway . We went to see The Lion King, but there are many other options.

Read our experience in the Lion King musical.

Day 5: Woodbury Common, A New York Shopping Outlet

New York is not only famous for its skyscrapers but also for shopping. One of the best outlets to buy all year round (and the next) is the Woodbury Common.

It is a Premium outlet where you will find the best brands at the best prices. It is divided into colors, depending on the color and the prices, purple is the most expensive and red the cheapest if I remember correctly.

It’s about 80 km from Manhattan, and renting a car is the same or less than hiring a tour for one person, and you have more freedom.

Going to Woodbury Common by rental car is our preferred (and cheapest) option, but if you don’t dare drive in the United States and prefer to be driven, you can hire the tour here .

Another option is to go to the Jersey Garden next to Newark Airport; the prices are excellent in New Jersey, although there are not many Premium brands.

If your flight departs from this airport at a reasonable time, it is a good option to say goodbye to the city 😉

Go shopping, I’ll leave it for the last day, so you know how much money you can spend. What you can do and recommend, if you go shopping, is prepare a budget just for that.

If shopping isn’t your thing, I’ll leave you a must-see tour for your fifth day in New York.

MOMA Museum

You can take the subway to 5th Avenue and Central Park South and start going down 5th Avenue.

On 53rd Street, on the right, is the MOMA, with an outstanding collection of contemporary art. Friday afternoon is free.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Continue along 5th Avenue; on the 50th left is St. Patrick Cathedral, and on the right, passing to 6th Avenue is Radio City Music Hall, two sees of the Big Apple.

Rockefeller Center

Returning to 5th Ave at 48th is the Rockefeller Center building, with its famous winter skating rink, and in the summer, it’s a café.

You can dine at Prime Burger, a New York classic, at 51st between 5th Avenue and Madison Ave, across from St. Patrick.

Next to St. Patrick’s is the official NBA store if you’re interested in buying any basketball souvenirs.

Waldorf Astoria and the Met

On the 48th, go left to Park Ave, and between the 49th and 50th is the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel. See the view to the south with the MetLife building “blocking” Park Ave.

Go right to Madison Ave and go down to 43rd. On the left is the Metlife building, and below it is Grand Central Terminal.

Grand Central Terminal

Enter and observe the famous lockers and steps that appear in many films. In the background, across the station, is the Chrysler building. Go down to 34th on 5th Ave, and there’s the Empire State Building.

Along the way is the famous New York Public Library on 5th Avenue between 40 and 42 st and Bryant Park.

Madison Square Garden

Near the Empire State Building are Madison Square Garden, Basketball and Boxing Temple, and B&H, an Orthodox Jewish shop with the best photo camera prices in town.

Also located in Macy’s, considered the largest shopping center globally, The Street of The Diamonds is filled with shops with storefronts filled with diamonds and precious stones.

How to Get to New York City

Getting to New York City is an adventure you won’t want to miss! Here’s how you can do it easily.

By Plane: Get plane tickets to New York City . Most people arrive in NYC by flying into one of its airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in nearby New Jersey.

Once you land, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or even the subway into the city .

By Train: If you’re coming from nearby cities like Boston or Washington, D.C., Amtrak offers convenient train service to Penn Station. It’s comfortable and provides scenic views along the way.

By Bus: Several bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus connect NYC with other major cities. They usually drop you off at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.

By Car: Driving to NYC is an option, but parking can be expensive and hard to find. If you choose to drive, make sure to research parking options and affordable rental cars in advance.

By Subway: Once you’re in the city, the subway is an excellent way to get around. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can take you to almost any part of NYC.

Remember, NYC is a bustling city with lots of options for getting around. Choose the one that suits your needs and enjoy your time in the Big Apple!

Best Time to Visit New York City

Besides my recommended visits to the destinations in NYC, the best time to visit overall is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November).

The nice weather steers you away from the extreme heat, and cold, and several tourists and locals in the summer and winter.

Consider visiting in May when Central Park is a floral paradise, or October when fall foliage graces the streets. Beat the tourist rush and enjoy NYC at its finest.

Is New York City Safe?

Stick to well-lit areas, avoid deserted spots at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. Use official taxis or rideshares. NYC is generally safe, but staying aware adds to your peace of mind. Enjoy your visit!

Travel Insurance to New York City

In the United States, healthcare without insurance can be expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. New York City, with its high healthcare costs, makes travel insurance a wise choice . Even simple clinic visits can be costly.

Additionally, while NYC is generally safe, it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected incidents like document theft.

Read the best travel insurance for New York City.

What to Pack for New York City

Remember, NYC’s weather can be unpredictable, so packing versatile clothing and a good pair of walking shoes will make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing : NYC experiences all four seasons, so check the weather forecast before packing. In summer, lightweight clothing is key, while winter demands warm layers , including a good coat, gloves, and a hat.
• Comfortable Footwear : You’ll be exploring the city on foot, so bring comfy shoes . Walking boots, sneakers, or comfortable flats are your best bets.
• Travel Adapters : Don’t forget to pack the right adapters for your electronics. The U.S. uses Type A and Type B sockets with 120V voltage.
• Travel Documents : Ensure you have your passport, visa (if needed), flight tickets, and hotel reservations. A photocopy of these documents can be handy, too.
• Universal Travel Adapter : New York City is a bustling metropolis, so having a universal travel adapter for your gadgets will keep you connected without hassle.

Book Your Trip Here!

Find a Hotel in the USA

On Booking.com

Book Your Tours

Get Your Guide

Find Flights To the USA

Via Skyscanner.

Get Travel Insurance

On HeyMondo

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Plan your trip to new york.

• Recommendations for Travel to the United States
• Visit the Highline, New York Elevated Park
• Accommodation at the best price
• The Lion King Musical
• The neighborhood of NYC Tour
• The best-guided tours in New York City

Last Updated on 12 April, 2024 by Veronica

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Author: Veronica

Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.

Soy Verónica, una apasionada de los viajes, me gusta compartir mis experiencias viajeras en mi blog. He estudiado Empresas y actividades turísticas y ando metida en el mundo del Marketing Digital. Me gusta aprender algo nuevo cada día, conocer nuevos lugares y culturas diferentes.

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New York City Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Famous for….well, everything, New York City is the beating heart of the world — which is why I call it home. Every culture, language, and food is represented here. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all.

Unsurprisingly, there is a never-ending list of things to do here. No amount of time you spend in NYC will be enough so don’t worry about running out of things to do. Whatever you like, you can find it in NYC. There’s everything here and I don’t have to really “sell” the destination to you. It’s NYC! You’re already in love.

As a budget traveler, visiting NYC can be tough, especially when you don’t know the hidden gems that make living here affordable. There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg — if you know where to look!

This travel guide to NYC can help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on New York City

Top 5 Things to See and Do in New York City

1. Meander through Central Park

It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it spans over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around or having a picnic. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions here too. From the spring to the fall, there are free guided walks on Saturdays as well. Personally, 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. If you want to take a guided tour around the park to learn more about the statues and sculptures, ponds, parks, and famous filming sites, take a guided tour with Get Your Guide ($26 USD). It will really give you a good understanding of the park.

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere. Visit this somber memorial and take in the view from the Freedom Tower. On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it’s changed over the years. 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. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $26 USD (free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm but tickets must be booked online). Get tickets beforehand so you can skip the line and save time!

3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. If you only see one museum in New York, make it this one. It has a wide array of art, artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits. It’s chaotic and filled with people, especially on the weekend, but since it is so big, you can usually find some quiet spots away from the crowds. Budget at least a half-day here as a few hours won’t do this place justice. Admission is $25 USD and you can buy tickets in advance.

4. See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is a massive Neoclassical statue gifted to the USA from France. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands 305-feet tall (95 meters). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi though its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). It’s spectacular to see up close and is as big as you imagine, but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island. Here, you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed. Admission is $24 USD.

Here’s an overview of what the tours are like .

5. Walk the High Line

Other things to see and do in new york city, 1. take a walking tour.

A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You’ll learn some history, see the main sights, and explore all the city’s nooks and crannies. I think free walking tours are a wonderful activity in any city (I always take them when I arrive somewhere new). If you’re on a budget, I recommend Free Tours by Foot. For paid tours, go with Take Walks . They have specific tours in the city that focus on art, food, and history, and they are pretty affordable too. (I wrote a whole blog post about New York City walking tours that you can check out here. )

2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

That two-hour-long line to see the Statue of Liberty not appealing? Walk a few blocks to the Staten Island ferry. This free ferry takes you across the harbor and offers a nice view of both the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. You won’t get to stop at Ellis Island but you’ll get a nice (and free) view. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way.

3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get a picturesque view of the New York skyline and harbor. It’s a long walk, but good food and drinks await you on the other side. Stopping to take in the view and meandering along the way makes the walk about 40 minutes. I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Otherwise, come early to beat the crowds. It’s a super popular spot for taking photos so be sure to bring a camera (or you can hire a NYC photographer if you really want to snag some impressive pics).

If you want a more nuanced experience, take a guided tour across the bridge . Not only will you learn some fascinating history but your guide can show you all the best spots to take photos.

4. Museum hop

While the MET is in a category of its own, New York City has dozens of museums worth visiting. The Natural History Museum, the MoMA, and Guggenheim are just three of the big ones. There are a handful of museums on the museum mile near Central Park that would take days to really explore. Pick the ones you want to see the most and visit those unless you have weeks in New York to see them all. Admission varies, but expect to spend around $25 USD per person per museum.

5. Visit Radio City Music Hall

Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s (at the time, it was the largest auditorium in the world). It’s the home of the precision dance company The Rockettes, who have been performing here since 1932. It’s also been the venue for all kinds of award shows, including the Tonys and the Grammys.

6. Take in the theater

You can’t come to NYC and not see a Broadway show. There are tons of amazing shows here from grand musicals to traditional Shakespeare to offbeat shows. There’s nothing better than witnessing NYC theater, and it’s such an integral part of life here you should check it out. Current highlights include Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, and more. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price tickets. To see what shows are playing during your visit, check out broadway.com.

7. Wander Times Square

No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out and tons of (overpriced) restaurants and stores. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk. Try to come at night when it’s all lit up. That’s when it looks the best!

8. Experience the Prohibition Bars

I love the 1920s. One of the reasons I love NYC so much is because there are tons of other people here who love the Jazz Age. There are lots of Prohibition-style bars serving classic drinks and hosting live jazz and swing music. While the fancy cocktails they serve may not be cheap ($15–20 USD), I’m hooked on the atmosphere. Stepping into these bars with the music playing, people dancing, and everyone dressed the part transports me to an era when things were classy, carefree, and fun. Some of my favorites are The Back Room, Apotheke, The Dead Rabbit, and Bathtub Gin.

9. Visit 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. Admission is $30 USD.

10. Visit Trinity Church

Built in 1698, the original Trinity Church was a small parish church constructed by the Church of England. When the British seized New York after George Washington’s retreat, it was used as a British base of operations. After the war, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton regularly worshipped here. The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and holds many a famous Americans, 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).

11. Head to Top of the Rock

This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show , shop, snack, and then take the elevator to the “Top of the Rock” for a bird’s-eye view of the city (I personally think the view is better than the Empire State Building since you get the Empire State Building in your pictures). Tickets cost $40 USD.

12. Just wander

Walk from the east side to the west side and marvel at the beautiful New York City architecture such as Grand Central Station, Union Square, the New York Times building, the Chrysler Building, the Flat Iron building, and more. There are so many historic buildings in New York City that just wandering around and looking at them is a fun afternoon activity for every budget traveler.

13. Relax in 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 Revolution, the battery was expanded after the war’s end. Today, there are over 20 monuments and plaques in the park, covering everything from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to immigration and much more. You can wander around the fort and then stroll through the surrounding park and take in the beautiful waterfront views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

14. Visit Wall Street

Take a photo with the famous charging bull statue (which was created in 1989) and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers destroyed the economy. There’s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster. Guided tours around Wall St with Get Your Guide cost $35 USD and cover the highs and lows of the (in)famous finance hub, highlighting the lives of famous elites from John D. Rockefeller to Warren Buffet. I found the tour really interesting!

14. 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 facade was rebuilt, it’s one of my favorite attractions in the area. I especially love the old vaults. I highly recommend you visit. Admission is free.

16. See Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro. There’s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit The Campbell and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). It was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.

17. Visit The Cloisters

Few people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. (They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled!). 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. Admission is $25 USD (which includes same-day entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

18. 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 dislike modern art. I just don’t “get” it. 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. Admission is $25 USD. The MoMA’s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am–10:15am.

19. Hang out in Prospect Park

Get out of Manhattan and explore Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, which spans almost 600 acres. While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby 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. Tickets are $16 USD.

20. Visit the Bronx Zoo

Head north for a look at one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the United States. 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! Admission is $41.95 USD ($26.95 if you just want access without admission to any rides or extra attractions). Tickets are $17.95 USD on Wednesdays.

21. 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!

22. Attend a taping

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 offer free tickets to their tapings (although they must be reserved well in advance). See each show’s website for details and to make reservations.

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to New York City filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc.), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book! )

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• San Francisco Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

New York City Travel Costs

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $140 USD per night. They don’t fluctuate much between off-season and peak season either. Expect basic amenities like TV, AC, and coffee/tea makers. For a three-star hotel without breakfast included, prices start around $200 USD per night. They’re double that if you want a property with breakfast or a pool.

There are lots of Airbnb options in New York City. Private rooms start at $65 USD per night but average closer to $120-150 USD. For an entire home/apartment, prices start at $120 USD but average closer to $330 USD. Make sure to book early if you want to find the best deal.

Food – New York has every kind of cuisine you can think of — and at every price range too. Pizza slices can be found for as little as a dollar, though typically they cost about $3 USD. A bagel with cream cheese or a hot dog is usually around $3-5 USD. There are plenty of street vendors with meals between $5-10 USD. Sandwich shops, kebabs, salad shops, and cafe meals generally are less than $10 USD.

You can eat a mid-range restaurant for $15-25 USD per main course. Appetizers can range from $8-15 USD. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $100 USD.

Prices just go straight up from there as NYC has some really fancy and expensive restaurants. I mean, you can pay upwards of $350 USD for a prix-fixe dinner! But you can find main courses at many high-end restaurants for about $50 USD each, or $125 USD for a few courses and drinks.

A latte/cappuccino is $5 USD while bottled water is $2 USD. For drinks, you’ll find beer for around $8 USD, wine between $12-15 USD, and cocktails for between $15-20 USD. (For tips on how to get cheaper drinks, see the money saving section below.)

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $65-80 USD per week for groceries that includes basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. Go to Fairway for inexpensive groceries.

Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking New York City, expect to spend around $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few subway rides, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the High Line and the Staten Island Ferry. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

A mid-range budget of about $195 USD covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating cheap street food for most meals, enjoying a couple of cheap drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities (like museum visits or paid walking tours).

On a “luxury” budget of $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out at casual sit-down restaurants, go out for drinks, take more taxis, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

New York City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

New York City can easily drain your wallet. It is expensive and your money really, really quickly if you aren’t careful. Prices for everything have dramatically increased post-COVID. Luckily, this is the city of starving artists so there are always deals and ways to save.here are some ways to save money in New York City:

• Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to the city. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a MetroCard – You’ll be taking the subway a lot and fares can add up. Get one of the Unlimited MetroCards and save yourself a bundle during your trip. 7-day unlimited cards are $33 USD.
• Get cheap theater tickets – Broadway tickets can easily run hundreds of dollars, especially for new and popular shows. The TKTS stand in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but it’s usually a wide selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also has offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.
• Visit the museums for free – NYC is full of some of the best museums in the world. In addition to the MoMA, many offer free entry on certain days of the week: the Whitney Museum of American Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday afternoons, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has pay-what-you-wish between 4-6pm on Saturdays, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design has a pay-what-you-wish policy on Saturday nights. 
• Visit the tourism website – New York City’s tourism website has a great list of free activities, museums, and shows. Visiting their website can help you figure out what is free in the city. While NYC is expensive, there’s always free things going on. The tourism board’s website is a great place to find those things.
• Eat on the cheap – Between the food carts, dollar slice shops, kebab places, and cheap eateries (Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are some of the cheapest places in the city) you can eat really cheap in NYC. Some of my favorite places to eat cheap are The Dead Rabbit (oyster happy hours), Percy’s Pizza, Noodle Q (Chinese food with big portions), and Gray’s Papaya (cheap hotdogs).
• Hit the happy hours – Happy hour is the best time to get discounted food and drinks in the city. We NYers love happy hour because it’s one of the best ways for us to save money while still going out. Drinks will be about 50% of what you normally find. I love the happy hour at The Gray Mare. For current best happy hours, try Eater. They have a good list!
• Consider getting the New York Pass – This sightseeing pass allows you free entry to over 115 attractions. If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, this can save you money. A one-day pass is $134 USD per person while the two-day pass is $179 USD.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like NYC. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car, and adjust your budget accordingly.
• Hit the oyster happy hours – Love oysters? Eat them during the happy hours that happen all over the city where they cost around $1.50-2 USD.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in NYC and, with few hostels, there aren’t many options for a budget traveler. Use a hospitality website like Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. There is a huge network in the city with tons and tons of hosts. To increase the chance of success, request as far in advance as possible!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are 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.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in New York City

Accommodation is very expensive in New York, and there aren’t a ton of hostels in the city. If you stay outside Manhattan or come during off-season, accommodation costs drop significantly. Here are some places to stay in NYC:

• HI New York City Hostel
• Heritage Hotel NYC
• The Local NYC
• Pod Brooklyn
• Chelsea International Hostel
• The Marlton

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in New York City.

How to Get Around New York City

If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Like the subway, the fare is $2.75 USD, but an express ride is $6.75 USD (you can’t use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard for express rides).

The Staten Island Ferry is a staple of morning commuters. It operates 24/7 and is free. The NYC Ferry Service is also a reliable way to commute and connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx along the East River. The ferries make many stops along the East River and are the same price as the subway.

Taxis – Taxis are definitely not the cheapest option for getting around New York City. The minimum fare starts at $3.90 USD and goes up another $3 USD per mile. Skip them if you can. However, during peak times, they are cheaper than Uber since they have set fares.

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 even better savings.

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 $3.50 USD per 30-minute ride, or $15 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach!

When to Go to New York City

Anytime is the best time to visit New York! Each season offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun, and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations.

Deep winter – January and February – is cold, with temperatures ranging between 18-23°F (-7 to -5°C). But coming in winter means better hotel rates, ice skating, and hopping around cozy cafes and bookstores.

Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park, and dining outside. Summer is hot, with average daily temperatures around 77-86°F (25-30°C).

Personally, I think the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer the best experience: there are fewer crowds and the weather is more bearable, averaging around 56-63°F (13-17°C) in the spring and 53-78°F (11-25°C) in September and October. Walking around snapping photos is a great way to see the city, but doing so when it’s sweltering can be challenging. If you love the heat, however, then summer is the time to visit!

How to Stay Safe in New York City

New York City is a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas. Petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks and on the subway will be your biggest concern. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

While post-COVID, crime went up for a bit, NYC is “back” as they say and there are very rarely instances of violence or crime in any place you’d want to go as a visitor. In Manhattan, most of Brooklyn, and Queens, the city is really safe and you’re unlikely to encounter any real problems. In all my years living in the city, I don’t know anyone that has had something really bad happen to them.

As a general rule, always watch people pour your drinks, keep an eye out for pickpockets, don’t flash your valuables when out and about, and stay vigilant if you’re using the subway late at night.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply. For specific safety tips, consult one of the many solo female travel articles on the web.

Beware of anything that seems too good to be true in Times Square — it probably is. Try not to buy any tickets, massages, facials, or experiences from hawkers in the area. They prey on tourists here. If you do, you risk getting your credit card charged multiple times, getting less than you paid for, or getting ripped off altogether. Also, if you want to take a photo with the life-sized costumed characters in Times Square, they will demand money from you.

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

New York City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!

While I have a lot of free tips on New York City, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorites restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of New York City that I got from living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

New York City Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the greatest cities in the world , New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all.

Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the tourist attractions: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums . As someone who visits regularly, I like to come with friends, try new restaurants, and discover new experiences.

Many of the best places to visit in New York are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. If you have plenty of time and enjoy the water, touring New York City using the NYC Ferry System offers a unique way to see the sights.

Any time of year and any time of day or night there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

See also: Where to Stay in New York City

1. Statue of Liberty

2. central park, 3. rockefeller center & top of the rock observation deck, 4. metropolitan museum of art, 5. broadway and the theater district, 6. empire state building, 7. 9/11 memorial and museum, 8. american museum of natural history, 9. high line, 10. times square, 11. brooklyn bridge, 12. fifth avenue, 13. grand central terminal, 14. lincoln center, 15. one world observatory, 16. the frick collection (frick madison), 17. new york public library, 18. wall street, 19. radio city music hall, 20. st. patrick's cathedral, 21. carnegie hall, 22. bryant park, where to stay in new york city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new york, map of tourist attractions in new york city, best time to visit new york, ny.

America's most iconic sight, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of every first-time visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a world symbol of freedom and is one of the top attractions in America .

It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park , on the southern tip of Manhattan.

To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Take a pleasant stroll around the base, and if you have reservations, enter the pedestal or the crown. The crown is open for tours, but book well in advance if you want to enjoy this special experience.

On a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you have the option to stop at Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum . This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

Displays focus on the process, the experiences, and the stories of the people who came through here on their journey to the United States. You can even search the on-site computer database to see a record of immigrants who came through here.

Tickets to go inside the statue sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is a must during the high season and a good idea at any time of year. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows reserved access to board the ferry and includes access to the Museum at Ellis Island.

Author's Tip: Buying tickets near the ferry can be tricky, with hawkers swarming you as you exit the subway claiming to be "official representatives" and trying to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket booth. Be sure to buy in advance at the link above or ignore the hawkers until you reach the booth in Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in New York State

An oasis of green amongst New York's concrete canyons, Central Park is a sanctuary of peace and quiet for visitors and locals alike.

A walk, pedal, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink . This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle , Strawberry Fields , the Central Park Zoo , and the Lake . If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your route.

Central Park also offers activities throughout the year, from 5km runs and yoga classes to penguin feeding at the Central Park Zoo. Have a look at the park's events schedule for details on what's happening during your visit.

If you're visiting during the summer months, you may want to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This is a relaxing way to spend an evening in New York City and performances are free.

Read More: Best Parks in New York City

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourists' itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza , an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck .

The "deck," as it's known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn't cooperate.

Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. If you aren't a strong skater, don't worry, the rink is tiny, and for many people, this is their first time on skates, so the skill level is pretty low.

After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site.

Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It's a popular subject for photographers.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York

Read More: Best Places to Go for Christmas

The Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years.

Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue . Highlights of this collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

Always-changing exhibitions bring some of the world's most famous works to the public.

The Met Cloisters , located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an outstanding structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York

Read More: Top-Rated Museums in New York City

Attending a Broadway show is one of the top things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics.

Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows , tickets should be purchased well in advance from the website.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District and home to two well-known playhouses: the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert.

A Chorus Line played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant, where many famous actors met, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged The Music Box Revue in 1921.

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building , both offering astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Reached by high-speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long; moves slowly; and during peak times, it can be ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than it needs to be. Be aware you can easily burn up half your touring day just at this one attraction.

It's well worth buying the Empire State Building Ticket – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines .

The World Trade Center's twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size.

Known as the National September 11 Memorial , this area is a moving tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001, and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America . Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts.

The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street.

Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the eye-catching Westfield World Trade Center , which contains Oculus Plaza . You can't miss this building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. This is a public building with shops and high-end stores, but it's worth popping in for a quick look at the architecture.

Tickets to the 9/11 Museum must be purchased online or at the window in advance. This is one of New York's most popular things to do, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment. If you are traveling as a family, be sure to book the discounted family rate for up to five.

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the ability to select a time to visit, and you must make your time slot. On Mondays, museum entry is free from 3:30 to 5pm, but tickets still need to be booked in advance, starting at 7am, and are limited to four per person.

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, New York

One of New York City's best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has always been an important institution, but now it's even more exciting.

One of the newest additions to the New York City attraction scene is the recent opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science , in May of 2023. This impressive renovation and expansion is quickly becoming one of the city's top things to see, with a design reminiscent of the imaginative style of Antonio Gaudi.

The stunning four-story wing features flowing concrete in intriguing formations. Once inside, you can explore the brand-new insectarium, butterfly conservatory, research library, and a wealth of educational opportunities. It's an exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape that is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.

The museum's permanent exhibit halls showcase all that's interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils. It also hosts special exhibits that run for a set block of time.

Some of the current exhibits that are well worth seeing include one on sharks, featuring models of these amazing creatures that you can actually touch. Another fascinating display is the rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, New York

An exciting, and recently expanded, attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets.

This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city.

This oasis on Manhattan's West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations and benches , and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city . The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it's still a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of the High Line is the Hudson Yards overlook, called The Vessel, near 34th Street. This is a stunning multilevel structure.

You'll find other interesting places to visit just off the High Line. The south section runs through the Meatpacking District , with plenty of trendy restaurants and fine dining. The southernmost access point is adjacent to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit.

If you hop off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), it's just a short stroll to the popular Chelsea Market , located in a former Nabisco factory, where you'll find restaurants and unique shops.

In the spring of 2023, a new extension called the High Line — Moynihan Connector opened to much fanfare. This extension adds new access points, public spaces, and transit connections via the Moynihan train station. The new additions consist of two new 600-foot-long bridges, one made of steel and one made of wood.

Tours of the High Line are offered year-round and trace the history of the attraction from its industrial beginnings through to the structure it is today. Tours are free and are 90 minutes long in the spring, summer, and fall, and 45 minutes long in the winter.

Although a late-night stroll on the High Line on a hot summer's night or after a concert or Broadway show may sound enticing, the High Line closes at 10pm.

Location: Manhattan West Side

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is the place to go in New York in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York's New Year's Eve Celebrations and the famous "ball drop" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people.

Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

If you've had your fill of sitting on the bleachers and are looking for something fun to do either as a group or a couple, stroll over to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum . The eerily life-like wax figurines feature NYC icons like Jimmy Fallon and the set of The Tonight Show , Broadway cast members, and shows where you actually get to dress up and participate. The building's glass dome protrudes over Times Square for awesome views.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge .

You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists , runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close.

From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York's premier shopping area , where many top designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others, line this posh avenue.

Even non-shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue. The best area runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th Street and 40th Street.

Grand Central Terminal , often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts building, and it's definitely worth popping in to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the subway and train stations.

Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase , where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene.

One of the most iconic sights within Grand Central Terminal is the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock. This four-sided clock has been the site of countless meet-ups (and even a marriage proposal or two) and has been featured in many famous movies including The Godfather , Men in Black , and Midnight Run .

You'll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside the terminal.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, New York

If you plan on taking in one of the performing arts such as ballet, symphony, or opera, it's likely that your plans will involve an evening or afternoon at the Lincoln Center . Musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds dream of gracing one of the 30 indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the center.

Throughout the summer from mid-June through to mid-August Lincoln Center is one of New York's cheapest cultural hotspots with hundreds of free events during their Summer for the City series . All kinds of entertainment for all ages are on offer.

The Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Juilliard School of Music, the Lincoln Center Theater, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and it's almost a certainty that some sort of event will be taking place during your time in town.

In addition to live performances, Film at Lincoln Center showcases innovative movies on a daily basis.

Location: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York

At the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building , One World Observatory is the highest observation deck in the city offering outstanding views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the ground. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you ascend, the surrounding panels show New York as it transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from all over the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very distinct appearance. If you stand near the base and look straight up, the tower appears pyramidal.

If you want to go up and see the view, you can buy an NYC One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket to save you some time, but note, you will still need to clear security.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York

For ambience, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the building and the original collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection.

However, the original mansion is currently closed for a massive renovation and will be for several more years. A decision was made to move elements of the Frick Collection to the former site of the Whitney Museum. The temporary home is known as Frick Madison .

A visit is still worthwhile — the most notable artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, are on display, as are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco , and many other famous artists.

Temporary Address: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years.

Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman building . It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world-famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall . Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Lying in the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall , a famous entertainment venue and a designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravaganzas and films and is the home of the dance company, The Rockettes .

The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its prominent marquee is hard to miss as it curves around the building and stretches down the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble façade, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike.

The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted on opening night, to Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles have filled the hall. It is said to have some of the best acoustics in the world.

While the best way to enjoy the hall is to take in a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour . The tour offers a comprehensive look at the hall, insight into the construction, and discusses some of the artists who have taken to the stage. Tours end at the Rose Museum.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York

On a summer's day, it's hard to beat a leisurely afternoon at Bryant Park . The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel," a popular carousel. A games area makes available chess boards, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee.

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. Locals have embraced this park, and today, it's a pleasure to walk through. If you don't want to play a game, it is still interesting to watch others playing.

When the snow flies and the temperature drops, an outdoor skating rink emerges at Bryant Park. This small rink is free to use, unlike the one at Central Park. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the concession stand. Don't know how to skate? No problem. Skating aids, similar to walkers that elderly people use, are available to rent. If you can, try to visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays. At 12:40pm, artistic skating performances by the Ice Theater of New York take place.

The park is located adjacent to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York

The best way to truly experience New York is to stay in Manhattan, rather than trying to commute from the suburbs, which can be time-consuming and a little tiring. The hotels mentioned below are all centrally located in Manhattan and close to many of the major attractions.

Luxury Hotels:

• Known for impeccable service The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a New York landmark. The hotel has recently been renovated and upgraded, and now the 253 rooms have all the latest modern features the discerning traveler requires and demands.
• The Mandarin Oriental is an outstanding luxury property with a great location near the south end of Central Park.
• Farther south, near Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and Grand Central Terminal, the posh 60-story Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is another reliable five-star hotel.
• One of the hot new arrivals on New York's hotel scene is the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan . This four-star property offers affordable luxury and is located within walking distance to the High Line, Penn Station, and Times Square.
• In a similar price range, near Times Square, is the boutique Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection .

Mid-Range Hotels:

• With a prime location, within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center, The Pearl Hotel is at the higher end of the mid-range. It offers quality rooms, great service, and very reasonable rates.
• Another noteworthy mid-range hotel in a good location includes the Kasa, The Duffy Times Square . This small hotel has a B&B-style feel with only 22 rooms and as the name indicates, is close to Times Square.
• The Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street is located in a great position near the Empire State Building.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotel rates vary considerably depending on the season, but it's usually possible to find a few quality budget hotels offering reasonable rates. Some popular, modestly-priced hotel options include the Econo Lodge Times Square , just north of Times Square.
• Near Seaton Hotel is the more modern and affordable Pod 39 Hotel , with funky, compact rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, and sociable common areas.

With so much to see and do in New York, purchasing a couple of tours can really help cover all the main attractions and make sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Walking everywhere can be tiring, and figuring out the subway isn't for everyone. There are many tours to choose from, but the following offer a good mix of attractions and experiences, and they are all guaranteed lowest prices.

Explore the City :

• For getting your bearings, seeing the sights, and learning a little history, there is no beating the traditional open-top sightseeing bus. Take a Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour to cover all the top sights and save yourself a whole lot of walking, so you will still have some energy to take in dinner or a show in the evening.
• If you are spending several days in the city and plan on sightseeing each day, you can save yourself money and hassle by picking up a New York CityPASS , which covers five major attractions and will allow you to bypass the lines. The pass is good for nine days.

See the Sights from the Water :

• Take a Manhattan Island Cruise to see the city skyline and city landmarks from the water, along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These are 2.5-hour cruises that run in the morning and afternoon and include a live guided narration.

Get an Aerial Perspective :

• Indulge yourself with a Manhattan Helicopter Tour and fly over one of the most amazing cities in the world. These 15-minute shared-occupancy flights take you past the landmark buildings in downtown, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for the density of the buildings and the size of Central Park.

No matter the season, New York City shines, and there is truly no wrong time to visit this bustling metropolis. The best time to go to New York City depends on what you want your vacation to be. If your idea of New York stems from movies like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail , with idyllic strolls through Central Park as colorful leaves gently fall on your shoulders, autumn is an ideal time.

If seeing the Rockettes after a day of skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and admiring holiday window displays is what you've always dreamed of, winter is a magical time to be in the Big Apple.

But if you are looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly getaway, with perfect weather, spring is your best bet. Locals, happy to be shedding their winter armor, have a spring in their step as they make their way to outdoor dining spots and markets on sidewalks carpeted with spring blossoms.

Summer is hot and humid, but if the balmy months are the only time you can travel with your family, you can still enjoy New York City's many attractions.

High season in New York is from June to August and November to December during the holidays, when you can expect to pay high prices for accommodations and flights. March to May and September to early November are considered shoulder seasons, and you will experience pleasant weather and relatively low prices. Low season is during January and February when it's chilly, but you will get cheap deals.

An ideal New York City vacation involves mild weather and fewer travelers, and the times that have both are spring and fall. Visit the city anytime between April to early June, or around September to early November, when the kids are in school and people aren't swarming major attractions.

Flights and hotels are also less expensive than the summer months and during the holidays in December. Take advantage of the nice weather to walk the streets, have a picnic in a park, and catch sports games.

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The Boroughs of New York City: If you have time to tour areas outside of Manhattan, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry and discover the sights of Staten Island . Hop on the subway and explore the attractions of Queens . Walk or bike over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the numerous attractions in Brooklyn . Lastly, home to the Yankee Stadium and the largest zoo in the United States, it's worth taking some time to visit the Bronx

Where to Go near New York City: If you want a quick break from New York, have a look at our top day trips from New York City or our best weekend getaways . In summer, you might even want to consider heading out to explore the best beaches on Long Island .

More on New York

4 days in New York: The Perfect Itinerary (For a First Time Visit)

How to spend 4 days in new york: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You want to spend 4 days in New York and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit New York in 4 days.

During your trip, you will explore the city’s best places to visit such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the vibrant district of Brooklyn , and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in New York in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

4 Days in New York: Must-See Attractions:

4 days in new york – all the best places to visit, one last tip for a perfect 4-day stay in new york, a. immersing yourself in central park, b. discover 1 or 2 renowned museums, c. fifth avenue, d. st. patrick’s cathedral, e. top of the rock, f. times square, a. brooklyn district and dumbo, b. brooklyn bridge, c. the iconic statue of liberty and ellis island, d. experience the financial district / wall street / new york stock exchange / charging bull, e. the 9/11 memorial and museum, f. one world observatory, g. culinary adventure in little italy or chinatown, a. intrepid sea, air, and space museum, b. embark on the circle line sightseeing cruise, c. madame tussauds new york, d. new york public library, grand central terminal, chrysler building, and united nations headquarters, e. capture the city lights at the empire state building, f. attend a broadway musical, a. greenwich village, b. chelsea market, c. experience the high line, d. the vessel at hudson yard, e. the edge observation deck, f. enjoy new york’s rooftop bars, where to stay in new york, 4 days in new york with your family, extra suggestions for your 4-day visit to new york, map of your 4-day itinerary in new york, flight prices to new york, you’re traveling in the us these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at new york’s tourist attractions.

With over 56 million visitors annually, there is no doubt that New York City is a major tourist destination.

From its towering skyscrapers to the numerous  museums and activities, the city for sure has a lot to offer!

However, the popularity of attractions like the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center often leads to extensive waiting lines , costing valuable time during your trip.

But no need to worries: I will now give you 2 solutions to avoid wasting time, save money and make the most of trip to New York City!

1. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

One of the most efficient ways to save time during your 4-day stay in New York is to get the “New York Go City Explorer Pass.”

This pass grants you access to a select number of attractions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10) based on the option you choose.

Unlike many other city passes, the New York Explorer Pass is not time-bound but is instead based on the number of activities, allowing you more flexibility.

And you know the best? This pass includes more than 90 different activities!

Of course, it includes all the city’s must-see attractions,  from the Empire State Building to the ferry for the Statue of Liberty or the Top of the Rock observation deck .

To purchase the City Pass, it’s really simple: you just need to click on the green button below.

Once your New York Explorer Pass is purchased, you will receive the pass via email, ready to be used during your visit. It’s super convenient!

This email also includes a digital guide, full of essential information to plan your visits to the attractions: opening hours, directions , and whether you need to book a time slot.

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular attractions included in the New York Explorer Pass:

• Empire State Building
• The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Museum and Memorial
• American Museum of Natural History
• One World Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Sightseeing
• St Patrick’s Cathedral Tour
• And many more…

To buy your New York Explorer Pass , simply click on the following green button:

While there is another pass called the New York City Pass , it might not be the best choice for a 4-day trip as it only includes 5 attractions.

For a 4-day trip to New York, the New York Explorer Pass with 10 attractions is definitely the best one!

2. Fast Track Tickets to New York’s Best Attractions

Alternatively, if the New York Explorer Pass doesn’t suit your 4-day itinerary, you can purchase individual fast track tickets to each attraction.

Skip-the-line tickets are available for all the major attractions and activities in New York City . Just like the City Pass, they will for sure help you save a lot of time, as you will bypass the waiting lines!

Here are some of the best skip-the-line tickets you should consider for your 4-day stay in New York:

•   Central Park Zoo
• A private tour in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage
• A pedicab tour in Central Park – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Wall street guided tour
• Helicopter tour over New York
• Statue of Liberty
• Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
• Walking guided tour in Brooklyn
• Broadway show
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Madame Tussauds New York
• Edge Observation Deck
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Harlem guided tour
• Greenwich Village guided tour
• Luna Park in Coney Island

If you want to book other activities in New York, you should always use these 2 reliable and safe websites:

• GetYourGuide: Official entrance tickets and activities in New York .
• Tiqets: Skip the line tickets in New York

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in New York by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in New York.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in New York, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting New York in 4 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now start your 4-day New York itinerary.

For each day, I will tell you  everything you need to know about the places you will visit  +  give you a map  that will help you visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming  you will be staying in New York for 4 full days , and that you have bought the New York Explorer Pass  or  Skip-the-Line Tickets .

It’s  the best way to save time  and see as many tourist attractions as possible during your one week stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide  (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to  ask me in the comments section  located at the very end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 4 days?

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Manhattan

Day 1 visits:

A. Central Park B. Museums C. Fifth Avenue D. St Patrick’s Cathedral E. Top of the Rock F. Times Square

Let’s start your 4-day New York itinerary by going to the world famous Central Park.

New York’s largest public park is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic!

While in Central park, you should go to The Mall and Literary Walk , a charming pathway adorned with statues of famous writers , giving it a unique appeal.

Personally, I also really liked Bethesda Terrace and Fountain , one of the most photographed areas within the park.

Here are other nice places to visit in Central Park:

• Strawberry Fields, the tribute to John Lennon
• The Belvedere Castle
• The Central Park Zoo
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Bow Bridge
• The Alice in Wonderland Statue

To get to Central Park, your best bet is to take the subway to 72nd Street, 81st Street, or 86th Street stations.

For a unique experience of Central Park, here are some alternatives to the conventional walking tour:

• Rent a bike
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
• Opt for a pedicab tour

Some of the most prestigious museums in the world are located close to Central Park.

Depending on your personal interests, you might decide to explore the American Museum of Natural History , the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) , or the Guggenheim Museum .

Each museum presents a distinctive experience for its visitors.

The American Museum of Natural History is an excellent choice for those fascinated by science, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibits a large variety of artwork from different parts of the globe.

For lovers of modern and contemporary art , the Guggenheim Museum is the perfect choice!

Both the American Museum and the Guggenheim can be visited with the New York Explorer Pass .

For the MET, tickets are available on the official website and for a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour here .

If you don’t have the pass , you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking here:

• The American Museum of Natural History:

Spending your 4 days in New York with family promises a delightful visit for everyone!

• The Guggenheim Museum:

After your visit to one of the best museums for New York, let’s head to Fifth Avenue .

This legendary street, renowned for its luxury retail stores and historical landmarks , is a fantastic place for shopping or indulging in a little bit of leisurely window-shopping.

Fifth Avenue is several kilometers long, running along the entire eastern side of Central Park before continuing to the south of the park.

It’s this stretch that I propose you explore, from the famous Apple store, to the next stop of the day: St Patrick’s Cathedral.

As part of your 4-day itinerary in New York, your next destination should be St. Patrick’s Cathedral , a spectacular piece of Gothic Revival architecture.

Admission to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included in the New York Explorer Pass, giving you an amazing opportunity to witness the cathedral’s intricate interior and magnificent stained glass.

If you don’t have the pass , you need to buy your tickets by clicking on the link below:

Want to discover one of the best viewpoints of NYC?

For an unforgettable panoramic view of the city, you should now head to Top of the Rock .

Located on the top of the famous Rockefeller Center , this observation deck offers what’s probably the best 360-degree view of New York City.

Admission to the Top of the Rock is included in the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:

Let’s now end your first day in New York in style by going to the iconic Times Square!

From massive billboards to street performers and a whole lot more, there’s always something happening here.

While there, you should also visit the iconic stores , like the Disney Store and M&M’s World.

Enjoy your evening, have a drink or lunch nearby and most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before starting day 2!

For a great view over Times Square , you should go on the terrace of the Marriott Times Square hotel.

You can get there even if you’re not a client, it’s so big that nobody checks anything.

But don’t tell anyone 🤫

In the same hotel, you can also have a cocktail or eat at the Broadway Lounge : it also offers a great view over New York’s most famous square.

Day 2: Discovering Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan

The adventure continues! Let’s explore more of what New York City has to offer during your 4-day itinerary .

Day 2 visits:

A. Brooklyn district and DUMBO B. Brooklyn Bridge C. Statue of Liberty D. Financial district E. 9/11 Memorial and museum F. One World Observatory G. Little Italy and Chinatown

On the second day of your New York trip, you will start by going to explore Brooklyn, one of the city’s most famous borough.

Kick off the day in the fashionable DUMBO neighborhood (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

While in DUMBO, don’t miss the opportunity to capture your version of the famous photo of the red bricks buildings with the Manhattan Bridge serving as a spectacular backdrop.

To really immerse yourself in the district and uncover the secrets of Brooklyn , consider getting a local guide. You can book this walking tour (click here) for a great experience!

To reach Brooklyn, you should take the subway and disembark at York Street station.

Let’s continue your 4-day New York itinerary by crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge on foot!

This architectural marvel has been a city icon since 1883, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Characterized by its Gothic arches and intricate cables, it’s undeniably one of NYC’s top photo spots.

As you walk across this almost 2km long bridge , you can enjoy beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower (also called One World Trade Center).

Did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge holds the title of being the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge? And upon its unveiling, it was also the longest suspension bridge.

It’s now time to go to Battery Park and board a ferry to two of the most significant American landmarks – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you don’t want to walk all the way to Battery Park (about 1h30), you can take the metro line 4 at Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall station , after crossing the Brooklyn bridge and hop-off at Bowling Green station.

Once in Battery Park, you should know that your New York Explorer Pass comes with a round-trip ferry ticket, allowing you to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

I f you don’t have this City Pass , you need to book your tickets here:

You don’t have to land on the island where the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island is located. Instead, you can opt for a one-hour boat tour that passes the foot of the statue but doesn’t stop. It’s up to you to decide which you prefer!

If you opt for the short cruise around the statue (which is not included in the pass), you must book it directly using the button below:

To take your New York experience to an even greater height, you should opt for an unforgettable helicopter tour over the city!

Departing just 200 meters away from Battery Park , it’s a convenient addition to your day’s itinerary.

Whether you choose to go before or after your trip to the Statue of Liberty, it’s bound to be a thrilling experience.

You can opt for the classic tour ( click here to book your tour ) or choose to go for the sensational open-door version! Personally, I opted for the open door version and it was simply the best experience I had in New York!

To secure your seat on this once-in-a-lifetime experience during your 4-day trip to New York, you just need to click on the button below:

Once back on dry land, you should head to New York’s financial district .

Walk along the iconic Wall Street, where fortunes are made (and sometimes lost) at the New York Stock Exchange .

You can also visit the famous statue of a charging bull. Legend has it that if you touch its horns or private parts, you’ll become rich. .. If you believe in this and are prepared to queue up for it, don’t hesitate!

Just a short walk from the hustle of Wall Street, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum .

This moving tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is an essential stop during your visit to New York.

The two large reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers are a powerful sight, and you should absolutely visit the museum to understand more about that tragic day.

The visit of the National 9/11 memorial and museum is free with the New York Explorer Pass.

Without the pass, you need to book your tickets for the museum here:

If you prefer, you can also take a 90-minute guided walk around Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Book it here!

To Wrap up your day, you should visit the One World Observatory .

Perched atop the One World Trade Center , which holds the record for the tallest building in the USA, the One World Observatory is one of the best viewpoints of New York.

And it’s not just about the view: The elevator ride itself is worth mentioning, thanks to the short film showcasing New York City’s evolution over the years. Pretty interesting!

Remember, your New York Go City Explorer Pass gets you free entry to the One World Observatory.

And if you don’t have the City Pass , simply click on the green button below to purchase your tickets to the One World Observatory: 

No doubt, by this time, you will start getting hungry.

So what about grabbing into an authentic meal in Little Italy or Chinatown?

Sounds like a great plan, right? 😄

Depending on your tastes, lets opt for some great pasta or dim sum in one of these vibrant neighborhoods.

In Little Italy, make sure you try the cannoli, a delicious Sicilian dessert. It’s an Italian classic you simply can’t miss!

And when in Chinatown, the Peking Duck is an absolute must-try. It’s a personal favorite and a truly unforgettable treat!

With this, you’ve successfully wrapped up your second day in the city that never sleeps.

Day 3: What to do in New York?

Day 3 visits:

A. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum B. Circle line Sightseeing cruise C. Madame Tussauds D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters E. Empire State Building F. See a musical on Broadway

To start the 3rd day of your 4-day stay in New York, head straight to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum .

There, you will step aboard a historic aircraft carrier , a unique opportunity you shouldn’t miss during your New York visit!

I admit that this museum is my favorite of the city. I really loved to explore the aircraft carrier, see a Concorde , a Lockheed A-12  and even a space shuttle!

Don’t forget, the New York Explorer Pass offers free admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum .

And if you don’t have the pass, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

The nearest subway station to the museum is 50 Street Station , just a 15-minute walk away.

Next, it’s time to hop on a boat for the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise .

This is your chance to appreciate New York’s most emblematic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan from a another vantage point.

Don’t worry if you’ve already taken the Statue of Liberty cruise. This tour is far more comprehensive , introducing you to additional locations .

Best of all, it’s included with the New York Explorer Pass , so it doesn’t affect your budget.

If you’re don’t have the city pass , you need to book your cruise ticket here:

Have you ever dreamed about spending time with your favorite celebrities?

At Madame Tussauds New York , your dreams can come to life!

Okay, the celebrities here are made of wax, but that doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling!

Take advantage of this unique chance to stand next to your idols , and snap memorable photos with famous actors, singers and celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Beyoncé, or George Clooney.

Good news! Admission to Madame Tussauds is free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

You don’t have the pass? No worries, you can easily get your tickets to Madame Tussauds here:

After your visit to Madame Tussauds, let’s now discover the architectural and historical grandeur of the Big Apple.

You should start with the New York Public Library , famous for its splendid architecture. Don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room!

Then, go to the Grand Central Terminal.

Even if you’re not catching a train, the most iconic train station in the US is still worth a visit!

Then, it’s time to head to the Chrysler Building, an art-deco masterpiece. While you can’t go inside, just seeing the building from the outside is already very impressive.

To end your tour, you can visit the United Nations Headquarters . If you wish to, you can hop on a guided tour that will give you insights into how the UN operates.

Just before sunset, make your way to the iconic Empire State Building .

Take my word for it, you don’t want to miss the chance to admire the panorama of New York from the 102nd floor of the Empire State!

To ensure your visit to the Empire State Building, it’s critical to secure your tickets in advance from here:

And if you have the New York Explorer Pass , no need to purchase anything: entrance to the Empire State Building is included!

To wrap up your day, you should go see a musical on Broadway!

You can opt for a classic such as “The Phantom of the Opera” or “The Lion King” or a new hit like “Hamilton” ,

Even if you’re a novice to theater, you’ll discover the unique allure of narratives unraveling on the grand Broadway stage.

Don’t forget to secure your Broadway tickets beforehand. High-demand shows, like The Lion King, are often sold out well in advance.

You can find all tickets available for Broadway shows by clicking here!

No matter which show you choose, it’s a great way to end your 3rd day in New York, right?

Day 4: Exploring Artistic Corners + The Best Rooftops of NYC

Day 4 visits:

A. Greenwich Village B. Chelsea Market C. High Line D. The Vessel E. The Edge F. Rooftop bars

Your 4th day in NYC starts in Greenwich Village , an area know for its artsy side and historical significance.

As you navigate its green-laden streets , don’t forget to check its eccentric boutiques or enjoy a good breakfast at a contemporary cafe.

To make the most of your visit to Greenwich Village , you should book this guided 2-hour tour.

If you’re a fan of “Friends” TV series , you get a chance to:

• Stop by the famous Friends apartment building situated on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street.
• Immerse yourself in the Friends TV show like never before by going to the Friends Experience where the sets of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe’s flats are recreated. Be sure to book your tickets as early as possible because they sell out rapidly! You need to book your tickets here.

Around lunch time, let’s head to your next foodie adventure, in Chelsea Market.

This market is home to over 35 vendors offering a variety of international cuisines, ready to introduce you to different flavors from around the world.

To digest, what better way to continue the day than with a stroll along the High Line.

This elevated park, formerly a railroad track , offers a lovely view of the city skyline and the Hudson River.

The next stop is The Vessel at Hudson Yard (if you follow the High Line, you’ll get there straight away), a remarkable sculpture comprising 154 flights of interconnected staircases, or some 2,500 steps.

Unfortunately, for security reasons, it is currently impossible to use the staircases, but access to the first floor is free and allows you to admire the building’s originality.

Continue your 4-day itinerary in New York with a trip to one of the city’s newest additions: the Edge Observation Deck.

Rising to an impressive 345m, the Edge holds the title for the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! The skyscrapers of the city will appear like a child’s playset from this vantage point.

When you reach the Edge, you’ll find a spacious outdoor viewing platform that offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the New York City skyline , the Hudson and East Rivers and the sea.

But the Edge has another trick up its sleeve – the glass floor! A 225-square-foot part of the deck lets you peer straight down onto the streets below.

Visit the Edge for free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass. If you don’t have the city Pass, you need to book your Edge tickets here!

As daylight fades, it’s time to unwind with a well-earned drink!

Known for its superb rooftop bars , New York provides plenty of options. Here are my favorite ones:

• The 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar NYC with its amazing Empire State Building views.
• The Westlight at The William Vale , for a panoramic view over Manhattan and Brooklyn ,
• The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line and The Press Lounge both offer breathtaking cityscapes paired with an exquisite drink menu.

Remember, these rooftop bars can get packed, especially during the golden hours of sunset. So, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure the best spot or book ahead if possible.

Now that you know what to do during your 4-day itinerary in New York , it’s time for the next step in planning your unforgettable trip: booking your accommodation!

As you probably know, hotels are quite expensive in New York , and the hotels offering the best value for money are fully booked very quickly.

To get the best rate, you should really book your accommodation in New York as soon as you have your travel dates!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in the heart of New York (around Times Square / Empire State Building / Central Park).

• HI New York City Hostel : Youth hostel located right next to Central Park. Dormitory beds from €50 per night. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in New York City Center!
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45: Located next to Grand Central Station. Bright and spacious double room from €200 per night. Strong Points: the rooftop and the location.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South: Located 1 km from Times Square. Cosy, comfortable double rooms from €330 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: friendly staff, view, peace and quiet.
• Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square: Located next to Madame Tussauds. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and comfortable bedding from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for visiting New York on foot, very generous breakfast, very friendly staff.
• The Iroquois New York: Located less than 500 metres from Times Square, this 5-star hotel offers superb rooms with very chic decor, from €410 including breakfast. Strong points: ideal, quiet location, attentive staff.
• Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: Located next to the Rockfeller Center. Very comfortable, noise-isolated room from €450, breakfast €23. Strong points: very professional staff, varied breakfast, very easy to visit the centre of New York on foot.
• Hard Rock Hotel New York: Located next to the Rockfeller Center, this luxury hotel offers elegant, contemporary rooms from €500, breakfast €47. Strong points: the rooftop, the comfort, the classy design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in New York!

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the centre (don’t worry, it’s still very easily accessible by public transport), here is my list of the best hotels in Wall Street.

It’s a bit quieter than the hotels in Times Square and also slightly less expensive for equivalent quality.

• Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown: Located 160 metres from Battery Park. Comfortable, modern rooms from €225, breakfast €23. Strong points: the location close to the metro, very comfortable, practical for going to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
• The Washington by LuxUrban: Located 200 metres from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. Stylish rooms from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: metro stations right next to the hotel – perfect for sightseeing, view of the One World Trade Center, quality of bedding, peace and quiet.
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Located next to Ground Zero. Spacious and cosy double room from €330. Strong points: location next to several metro stations, views from the rooftop and some rooms, free unlimited water and coffee/tea, in-room fridge.

To help you find the perfect accommodation, I have also written a guide of the best areas and places to stay in New York depending on your budget.

You can find it here: Where to stay in New York?

You’re traveling to New York with kids?

This suggested 4-day New York itinerary is entirely family-friendly.

Use the metro for longer distances and enjoy leisurely walks around the city’s iconic landmarks!

Here’s a list of enjoyable and kid-approved activities to include in your 4-day family trip to New York:

• Central Park Zoo: A visit to this zoo offers a chance to see a wide range of animals, from snow leopards to grizzly bears, keeping the young ones engaged.
• American Museum of Natural History: With its dinosaur fossils, a massive blue whale model, and a planetarium, this museum is a feast for curious young minds.
• The legendary toy store, FAO Schwarz , is a place where childhood dreams come to life. Its giant floor piano and countless toys will captivate both kids and adults.
• Don’t forget to check out the M&M and Disney’s stores in Times Square and the Lego’s store on Fifth Avenue for a dose of colorful fun.
• Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty is an impressive sight for all ages.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Simply my favorite museum in New York. Kids love it too!
• Attend a Broadway Show: Choose from kid-friendly productions like ‘The Lion King’, ‘Frozen’, or ‘Aladdin’ for an unforgettable theatre experience!

Incorporating these kid-friendly attractions will ensure that your 4 days in New York are a hit with the whole family.

The New York Explorer Pass offers discounted rates for children , depending on their age.

For even more ideas of things to do and see in New York, you can read my other detailed guide: The 57 best things to do in New York.

To help you visualize your  daily itineraries during your 4 days in New York,  I have created this map with  all the places to visit day by day . You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to New York, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You need help to plan your 4-day trip to New York? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section located below!

Discover all my articles about USA : All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

• New York: Top 57 best things to do
• 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
• 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary

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How to Spend 10 Days in New York [Best Itinerary]

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | How to Spend 10 Days in New York [Best Itinerary]

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Spending 10 days in New York gives you the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the city and enjoy all the best things to do in NYC . Plus, you’ll have enough time to squeeze in a couple of day trips to nearby sites.

If you’re not sure how to kick off your epic 10-day itinerary in New York , fear not! This guide has you covered, offering all the information on the city’s top-notch attractions, the best hotels you can stay in, and the must-visit restaurants I highly recommend.

I also recommend getting yourself a New York Pass , one of the best New York tourist cards ; it’s a great way to access a ton of attractions at a discount.

Now, here’s the guide on how to explore New York in 10 days :

Best New York 10-day itinerary

If you’re wondering how to organize your 10-day New York itinerary , I suggest following this guide:

• Day 1 : Midtown
• Day 2 : Lower Manhattan
• Day 3 : Central Park, museums and Broadway
• Day 4 : Statue of Liberty and a helicopter ride over New York
• Day 5 : Contrasts tour
• Day 6 : Brooklyn
• Day 7 : Harlem – Gospel Mass and jazz concert
• Day 8 : Roosevelt Island and Coney Island
• Day 9 : Excursion to Washington and Philadelphia
• Day 10 : Tour to Niagara Falls or the Hamptons

I haven’t included attending an NBA basketball game in NYC because it depends on when you travel, but if you are into sports, it’s worth checking if there are tickets available or at least, tickets to the Madison Square Garden tour .

Read on to learn more detailed information about each day’s plan and map to help you organize your trip:

Highlights of day 1

• Union Square
• Flatiron Building
• Empire State Building (Optional)
• New York Public Library
• Bryant Park
• Grand Central Terminal
• Chrysler Building
• Rockefeller Center
• Top of the Rock (Optional)
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Times Square

Highlights of day 2

• Financial District
• Bowling Green and the Charging Bull
• Wall Street
• New York Stock Exchange
• Federal Hall
• Trinity Church
• World Trade Center
• 9/11 Museum
• One World Observatory (Optional)
• Greenwich Village
• Chelsea Market
• Little Island
• Hudson Yards
• The EDGE (Optional)

Highlights of day 3

• Central Park
• American Museum of Natural History
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Guggenheim Museum
• MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
• Musical on Broadway

Highlights of day 4

• Battery Park
• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• Helicopter tour

Highlights of day 5

• Contrasts tour: Bronx, Queens & Brooklyn

Highlights of day 6

• Williamsburg
• Domino Park
• Artists & Fleas Williamsburg
• Bedford Avenue
• Bushwick Collective
• Brooklyn Flea
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Highlights of day 7

• Gospel service
• Apollo Theater
• Studio Museum in Harlem
• National Jazz Museum
• Museo del Barrio
• Graffiti Hall of Fame
• Northern part of Central Park

Highlights of day 8

• Roosevelt Island
• Queensboro Bridge
• Smallpox Hospital
• Blackwell Island Lighthouse
• Four Freedoms Park
• Coney Island
• New York outlets

Highlights of day 9

• Day trip to Washington D.C.
• Day trip to Philadelphia
• Full-day tour to Washington D.C., and Philadephia

Highlights of day 10

• Day tour to Niagara Falls
• Day trip to the Hamptons

Day 1: Midtown, the best start for exploring New York in 10 days

Your 10-day New York journey begins in the heart of Manhattan. Midtown is where you’ll find a concentration of iconic city landmarks.

Start your day with this free guided tour of Midtown to get your bearings. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, a great starting point is Union Square , one of the city’s most important squares.

Next, head to the distinctive Flatiron Building , known for its unique triangular shape. Then, make your way to the Empire State Building , which is one of the most famous buildings in New York , having made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows. You can access the Empire State Building, but remember to book your tickets in advance, especially if you don’t have the New York Pass . It’s a must-visit on your New York 10-day itinerary since it is one of the best viewpoints in New York .

Continuing your adventure in Midtown, your next stop should be Bryant Park , one of the most beautiful parks in Manhattan. While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to explore the New York Public Library , conveniently located near the park.

Depending on the time, you might be feeling a bit hungry. I’d recommend trying out Los Tacos No.1 , which is in the area. Another fantastic option is Halal Guys , which is famous for serving up some of the city’s best street food.

Once you’ve refueled, make your way to Grand Central Terminal , a significant railway hub and one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Nearby, I also recommend visiting the Chrysler Building . Then, take a stroll down Fifth Avenue , one of the most famous streets in New York , until you reach Rockefeller Center . It’s home to the NBC headquarters and some significant recording studios.

If you’re a fan of viewpoints, make sure to visit the Top of the Rock , located at Rockefeller Center. Sunset is the perfect time for this experience, so try to time your visit accordingly. Keep in mind that this is a popular spot, so it’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance , especially if you don’t have the New York Pass .

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, something to see in New York in 10 days

If you have time to spare before sunset, consider visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral , the largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in North America.

Then, I recommend taking a leisurely walk through the vibrant Times Square , one of the best things to do in NYC at night and a key stop on your 10-day New York itinerary . In the area, you’ll find plenty of dining options, but my personal favorites are The Modern and Ellen’s Stardust Diner . You can also check out our guide on the best restaurants in New York if you prefer to explore other options.

It’s been a packed start to your 10-day New York trip . So, after dinner and some lively Times Square nightlife, I recommend heading back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest .

Day 2: Lower Manhattan, the most important part of your 10-day New York trip

On the second day of your 10-day New York adventure , we’re diving into Lower Manhattan . Keep in mind that this area really comes to life on weekdays, so if your second day falls on a weekend, consider shifting your plans. Be prepared to do a lot of walking today! It’s a good idea to get up early and have breakfast at your hotel or Russ & Daughters Café .

After breakfast, make your way to the Financial District , home to the renowned Wall Street . This area is packed with must-see places, including Bowling Green Park , where you’ll find the iconic Charging Bull , the famous Wall Street symbol. Don’t forget to explore the New York Stock Exchange , Federal Hall , and Trinity Church . Right across from the Stock Exchange, you’ll see the Fearless Girl statue , another emblematic figure.

Given the rich history and wealth of interesting facts in this area, I highly recommend taking this guided tour , which is considered one of the best walking tours in New York .

Another place you should visit while spending 10 days in NYC is One World Observatory , located in the monumental Freedom Tower. This observatory is located on the 100 th floor and offers breathtaking 360° views of the city, but remember to reserve your ticket in advance. The building stands on the World Trade Center site, where the Twin Towers once stood, and is now home to the 9/11 Memorial. This place holds immense symbolic value, so, it’s a great idea to include it in your 10-day New York itinerary .

Following that, you can explore The Oculus , located in the World Trade Center complex. The Oculus is the most expensive subway station in the world, designed by Santiago Calatrava, so it’s definitely worth a quick stop. You might also want to visit the 9/11 Museum , established in memory of the nearly 3,000 victims of the tragic events on September 11, 2001. Don’t forget to book your ticket beforehand. If you plan to visit both the museum and the One World Observatory, consider this combined ticket or this comprehensive guided tour .

After a busy morning, take a break for lunch at Bill’s Bar & Burger or Shake Shack , both celebrated as some of the best burger joints in New York . Remember that burgers are among the most iconic foods in New York , so, you cannot miss out on this part.

Once you’ve recharged, consider heading to the trendy TriBeCa neighborhood , known for being the home of renowned actors and artists like Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro. You can also explore SoHo , a popular area filled with luxury shops and restaurants, and characterized by its cast-iron buildings.

High Line, things to do for 10 days in New York

Another essential part of this 10-day itinerary in New York is Greenwich Village , featuring low-rise buildings, lush green spaces, and a serene atmosphere. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Chelsea Market , one of the most important and popular markets in New York City.

Depending on the time you have, consider a visit to Little Island , a floating park on the Hudson River, and the High Line , a beautiful park built on old, elevated train tracks. The idea is to end the day near Hudson Yards, home to The Vessel and The EDGE . The EDGE is recognized as the highest observation deck in the entire Western Hemisphere, so if you want to see New York from a privileged vantage point, it’s a good idea to book skip-the-line admission in advance.

You can also conclude the day with a boat trip in New York , as many cruises depart from here. We particularly enjoyed this two-hour sunset tour , which offered stunning views and passed by the Statue of Liberty.

I understand that this day has been quite intense and tiring, so you can savor a relaxing dinner at the Peak Restaurant & Bar , located in the vicinity, before heading back to your hotel .

Day 3: Central Park, museums, and Broadway, must-do’s for any 10-day New York itinerary

As you step into the third day of your 10-day New York adventure, it’s time to embrace the city’s green heart, explore its museums, and immerse yourself in the world of Broadway.

I recommend kicking off your day with breakfast at your hotel or making a stop at Zuckers Bagels , a place we truly love. Then, head over to Central Park , where you can easily spend your entire morning. This sprawling 840-acre park offers a multitude of attractions, including Belvedere Castle and The Lake , where you can rent a boat for a joyful ride with your loved ones. If you’re visiting New York in the winter , you can go ice skating at Wollman Rink .

Central Park is undeniably one of the most beautiful parks in the city, making it an absolute must-see during your New York 10-day itinerary . You can explore it at your own pace or opt for a guided tour. If you’re going solo, be sure to have your camera ready, as it’s one of the best places to take pictures in New York . If you prefer a guided experience, consider booking this bicycle tour .

After your Central Park adventure, make your way to Tavern on the Green for a delightful meal. This charming restaurant is located near some of the best museums in New York .

New York is home to many museums, so I suggest visiting the ones that pique your interest while you are spending 10 days in NYC . Some of the most famous and beloved options include the American Museum of Natural History , The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum , and MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art).

All of these museums are located near Central Park, so if one or more of them interest you, you can visit them in a single day. Keep in mind that most of them have admission fees (you can check our guide to free museums in New York for more details), but they are included with the New York Pass .

MoMA, a museum to visit during 10 days in New York

No 10-day NYC itinerary is complete without a visit to Broadway , so I recommend concluding your day by enjoying one of the most famous Broadway shows . Depending on the showtime, you can enjoy an early dinner at the Loeb Boathouse or Per Se , both known for offering exceptional dining experiences.

Choosing a Broadway show or musical can be a delightful challenge because they’re all fantastic. Talented actors, amazing sets, stunning costumes, incredible voices…everything is just wonderful about these productions. We’ve been lucky to catch shows like The Phantom of the Opera , Chicago , Aladdin , The Lion King , and Wicked , and trust me, picking just one is no cakewalk – they all left us totally amazed.

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest ways to wrap up the third day of your 10-day New York trip .

Day 4: Statue of Liberty and helicopter ride over NYC at sunset

To start your fourth day, I recommend rising early and having breakfast either at your hotel or a nearby spot. It’s time to visit the Statue of Liberty , a site that’s an absolute must on any 10-day New York trip .

To reach the Statue of Liberty, head over to Battery Park , where the ferries depart for Liberty Island, the home of Lady Liberty. Battery Park itself is one of the best parks in New York , so you can enjoy a leisurely walk there before or after your ferry ride.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the best things to do in Manhattan and will take up a good chunk of your morning, around 5 hours or so. You can streamline your experience by booking this tour which includes a round-trip ferry ride, access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island (home to the Immigration Museum and an abandoned hospital), as well as an audio guide to explore everything at your own pace.

If you want more information, feel free to check out our guide to the Statue of Liberty in New York .

Once you’re back in Manhattan, consider having lunch at Fraunces Tavern , which is located near Battery Park. This tavern is more than just a restaurant; it’s also a museum and was a frequent haunt of George Washington. As if that weren’t enough, it holds the honor of being the oldest restaurant in New York, making it a must-visit on your New York 10-day itinerary .

Helicopter tour, a must-do during your New York 10-day itinerary

In the afternoon, take a stroll down Stone Street and cap off your day with this helicopter tour ; the departure point is close by. I promise you that seeing New York from a bird’s-eye view is an extraordinary experience, offering a unique perspective that you won’t forget. If this option doesn’t quite meet your expectations, check out our guide on helicopter tours of New York for more choices.

To conclude this fantastic day, head to Schilling for dinner, a restaurant we’ve visited multiple times that has become one of our favorites .

Day 5: Contrasts tour, something unique to do in New York in 10 days

The contrasts tour is a must-do when you’re spending 10 days in New York . It’s a journey that takes you through the main boroughs of New York , such as the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, giving you a taste of the rich tradition, culture, and history of each place.

We personally took this tour at 8 in the morning to make the most of the day, as it takes about 4 hours. Keep in mind that there are several contrast tours in New York, so you can choose another one if this one doesn’t fit into your schedule.

Once the tour wraps up, make your way to Chinatown , where you’ll find an array of fantastic dining options. I recommend checking out places like Xi’an Famous Foods , Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles , Joe’s Shanghai , Nom Wah Tea Parlor , or Super Taste – all of them offer great value for your money. Another great option is having your meal at Lombardi’s and Manero’s in Little Italy .

After a satisfying meal, take the time to fully immerse yourself in the unique charm of Chinatown , one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Manhattan . While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple , a truly beautiful and remarkable monument. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, consider exploring the Museum of Ice Cream , one of the most peculiar museums in New York . It’s also an excellent choice if you’re traveling with children and looking for a captivating experience to do during your 10 days in NYC .

If you’re interested in intriguing tidbits about Chinatown and Little Italy , you can even book this guided tour of Lower Manhattan , which covers three famous neighborhoods in the city: Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy. I personally believe if you’re spending 10 days in NYC you must definitely visit these neighborhoods, as they provide a unique image of the city .

Day 6: Brooklyn, one of the coolest places to see in New York in 10 days

While Brooklyn gets a brief visit during the contrasts tour, I highly recommend dedicating another day to exploring this fantastic New York district on your own. If you are staying 10 days in New York City , plan your Brooklyn adventure for a Saturday to experience the lively Brooklyn Flea , as it’s only open on Saturdays. That said, always feel free to adjust the order of this itinerary to make it work for you.

There are lots of exciting things to do in Brooklyn , but I suggest starting your day in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood. Williamsburg is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn , known for its multicultural vibe and its abundance of art, fashion, and gastronomy as well as being one of Brooklyn’s hipster hubs. In addition to the Jewish Quarter , which you’ve already seen on the contrasts tour, make sure to check out Domino Park , explore the unique shopping at Artists & Fleas Williamsburg , and take a stroll along Bedford Avenue . Nearby, you’ll also find the Bushwick Collective , a fantastic spot for both art and dining.

From there, you can continue to DUMBO , where you can catch the Brooklyn Flea on Saturdays. In addition to the market, you’ll discover other intriguing places like Fulton Ferry , Pebble Beach , and Jane’s Carousel , all worthy additions to your New York 10-day itinerary .

You can certainly explore Brooklyn on your own, but if you’d like some expert guidance and interesting facts, consider booking this guided tour . If you’re into street art, there’s also another tour that focuses specifically on this aspect of the borough.

In the afternoon, timed with the sunset, make your way to Old Pier 1 , one of the best locations in Brooklyn, to enjoy the iconic Manhattan skyline and capture some stunning photographs. You can continue your stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade until you reach Park Slope or Prospect Park .

DUMBO, a place to go in New York in 10 days

For dinner, I recommend trying the pizza at Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s , two renowned pizzerias in Brooklyn. In fact, there’s a long-standing debate over which one serves the best pizza in New York. Spending 10 days in New York City gives you the perfect opportunity to try them both on separate days and decide for yourself.

To conclude your day, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to return to Manhattan. While it’s a bit of a trek, it’s the best way to enjoy the spectacular views of New York, and it’s one of those experiences that should definitely be on your 10-day New York checklist .

Day 7: Harlem – Gospel Mass and jazz concert, two unique experiences to have in New York in 10 days

Sunday is the best day to explore Harlem , one of the most renowned neighborhoods in New York . So, if your seventh day in the city falls on any other day of the week, consider adjusting the order of this 10-day New York guide to make it work.

Harlem has a wealth of attractions to discover, such as the Apollo Theater , with over a century of history and a stage that has hosted legendary artists such as Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. Other fascinating sites in Harlem include the Museo del Barrio , a museum focused on Caribbean and Latin American history; the Graffiti Hall of Fame , an open-air art gallery; the Studio Museum in Harlem , dedicated to showcasing Black art; and the National Jazz Museum , where you can enjoy live jazz performances. Feel free to choose the museums that pique your interest. The goal is to enjoy the trip rather than overwhelm yourself with trying to see everything.

Attending a gospel mass is another item that you must include in your 10-day New York itinerary . It’s an incredibly enriching experience on cultural, religious, and artistic levels. Keep in mind that it’s a place of worship, so make sure to respect the ceremony and its participants as much as possible.

For a delicious meal, consider dining at Sylvia’s , Red Rooster , or Melba’s , all known for their fantastic quality-to-price ratios.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the northern section of Central Park, and then cap off your day with a live jazz performance, a memorable experience for your New York 10-day journey . You can head to the Shrine or Bill’s Place for some superb live jazz .

Day 8: Roosevelt Island and Coney Island, the most unique adventures for a 10-day New York itinerary

To kickstart your day, I suggest rising early and grabbing breakfast either at your hotel or while en route to Roosevelt Island . This charming little island located in the East River is especially beautiful in spring when its cherry blossoms burst into bloom. It’s an attraction that you surely don’t want to miss if you’re spending 10 days in NYC.

While Roosevelt Island is accessible by subway, the best way to get there is by cable car. Catch the cable car at the intersection of 59 th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan, and it will transport you to the southern end of Roosevelt Island.

During your visit, you can catch glimpses of the Queensboro Bridge , which stands just above the island but doesn’t provide access to it. You can also visit the Octagon , a historic structure that started its life as a mental asylum, serving as the New York City Lunatic Asylum headquarters until 1955. Later, it was transformed into an apartment building. On the island, you’ll also discover the Smallpox Hospital , an old hospital that played a pivotal role in treating smallpox during the 19 th century, a disease that once plagued New York.

Other interesting sites include the Blackwell Island Lighthouse , an architectural gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a designated National Historic Landmark in New York. And don’t forget to visit Four Freedoms Park , a beautiful tribute to President Roosevelt.

After exploring Roosevelt Island, head to the iconic Coney Island . It’s a perfect spot to enjoy lunch, and you must try the legendary Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs , which has gained a lot of popularity for its annual 4 th of July hot dog eating contest.

Coney Island, something to do with kids during 10 days in New York

Coney Island, located on Long Island , is home to some of New York’s best beaches and a lively boardwalk perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you’re traveling with family and looking for the best things to do in New York with children , consider visiting Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park , two of the best amusement parks in New York . To skip the lines, book your tickets in advance .

If Coney Island doesn’t catch your eye and you’d rather enjoy some shopping therapy, you can spend the afternoon at one of the best outlets in New York . Tanger Outlets Deer Park is a lesser-known gem located on Long Island. But if getting there is a challenge, then join this tour to the famous Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. It’s a fantastic way to revamp your wardrobe and a great experience to have during your 10 days in NYC. Just remember to factor in the size of your suitcase!

Depending on your tastes, you can enjoy dinner at Totonno’s Pizza in Coney Island or Ruby’s Bar & Grill , a well-known restaurant chain with several locations in Manhattan .

Day 9: Excursion to Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia, an exciting side trip during your 10 days in New York

If you have 10 days in New York , you can easily dedicate a day to venturing beyond the city to explore the remarkable cities of Washington D.C., or Philadelphia. Both cities offer captivating attractions and activities for tourists. In fact, we had the pleasure of living in Philadelphia for several years, so we had multiple trips to Washington D.C., as it was just a two-hour drive away.

Washington D.C. is the nation’s capital and a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, including the White House , which is the official residence and workplace of the U.S. President. You can also explore the Capitol , home to the Senate Chamber and the House of Representatives.

Also, check out the Washington Monument , the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial , and Arlington Cemetery , among other famous sites. And when it’s time to eat, you can visit some of our favorite restaurants like Ben’s Chili Bowl or Sloppy Mama’s BBQ . If you’re looking for a healthier option, I’d suggest CAVA .

As you can guess, there are plenty of excursions to Washington from New York . My personal favorite is this tour which includes transportation from NYC.

Now, let’s talk about Philadelphia , the City of Brotherly Love. We lived here for several years, and trust me, it is well worth including in your 10-day NYC itinerary . Start your Philadelphia adventure at Independence National Historical Park , where you’ll find historic sites like the Liberty Bell , Independence Hall , Congress Hall , Old City Hall , and the National Constitution Center .

Philadelphia, a day trip for your 10-day New York itinerary

While you’re there, make sure to climb the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art . And if you’re a Rocky movie fan, you’ll find the statue of Rocky Balboa right next to the museum.

Philadelphia is a city that’s well worth exploring, and you can enjoy some unforgettable dishes at places like Reading Terminal Market , Pat’s King of Steaks , or Geno’s Steaks – we used to visit these places every now and then.

If you’re looking for the best way to get from New York to Philadelphia , you can book this excursion , which even includes a visit to Amish country.

And if you’re torn between visiting both Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in one day, you can book this day trip that takes you through both cities. I assure you that it’s the best way to make the most of your 10 days in New York .

Day 10: Tour to Niagara Falls or the Hamptons, the perfect ending for your NYC 10-day itinerary

Another fantastic option for your 10-day New York trip is a visit to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls . I can assure you that it’s one of the most beautiful places near NYC, but make sure to set aside an entire day to truly enjoy the experience.

There are plenty of excursions from New York to Niagara Falls , but if you’ve got just one day, I’d recommend booking this tour . It includes round-trip bus transportation, an expert guide, and an optional Maid of the Mist boat cruise. You’ll also have access to Terrapin Point , which offers breathtaking views of the falls.

It goes without saying that in just one day, you’ll only scratch the surface of all that Niagara Falls has to offer. But I assure you, even that is well worth the trip.

In just one day, you won’t have enough time to visit Niagara Falls from Canada . However, if you plan to spend more days in New York or want to dedicate more time to this natural wonder, you can book this two-day excursion . This way, you can see the falls from both the American and Canadian sides, including a stop at the New York outlets I recommended on day 8 of this journey.

Niagara Falls, New York, an excursion to take on your 10-day New York trip

I can guarantee that a visit to the falls will leave you completely satisfied with your 10-day NYC trip .

If waterfalls aren’t your thing, perhaps The Hamptons would be more to your liking. It’s a peaceful area, perfect for enjoying hikes through the Mashomack Preserve and a visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse . The Hamptons also have some of the best beaches in New York, and they tend to be less crowded, which gives you that extra touch of tranquility. If you’re up for some shopping, The Hamptons is known for its outlets, so check out this excursion that takes you through the famous Tangier Outlets.

Getting around New York in 10 days

To make the most of your 10-day New York adventure, you’ll need to learn how to navigate the city efficiently.

The New York subway is your best friend here, offering a practical way to get around. With a total of 24 subway lines, you can easily reach any point in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The only borough without a subway line is Staten Island, but don’t worry, it’s easily accessible by train, bus, or ferry. And speaking of ferries, the Staten Island Ferry , which connects to Manhattan, is not only convenient but also free.

For subway travel, I recommend the OMNY card . It’s a fantastic option that allows unlimited trips for 7 days at just $33, making it your best way to get around New York efficiently.

If you need more details on how the New York subway system works, check out our subway guide.

While buses are another way to explore the city, they are slower than the subway. However, if you have one of the New York attraction passes , consider hopping on one of the New York tourist buses to get a unique perspective of the city.

Ferries are another interesting mode of transportation, connecting Manhattan and Staten Island and offering scenic routes to Brooklyn, Queens, or Roosevelt Island.

One thing I’d advise against is using a car. Parking can be a headache, and New York traffic is notorious, making it an impractical option. If you plan to visit other cities or attractions in the area, I’d suggest booking day trips from New York instead of renting a car.

For more in-depth information on transportation in New York, don’t hesitate to consult our comprehensive guide.

Transfer from JFK Airport to New York

Now, let’s talk about the common question of getting from JFK Airport to New York. The most practical choice is the AirTrain , which connects to the Queen’s terminal. From there, you can easily catch the subway to Manhattan or your accommodation.

Another option is GO Airlink , a shared shuttle service that operates 24/7. It’s comfortable, but it does come at a slightly higher cost compared to the AirTrain, which is $13.50 per person. The GO Airlink shuttle typically costs around $45. Taxis or private transfers are also available, but they tend to be pricier options.

If you need more details on airport transportation, don’t forget to check out our guide to NYC airport shuttles & transfers.

Best hotels for spending 10 days in New York

When it comes to finding the best places to stay in New York for your adventure, the options are endless. That said, finding the right one that won’t break the bank can be a challenge. Luckily, we have some favorites that might just fit the bill.

First up is the Pod Times Square , one of our top picks for spending 10 days in New York City . This hotel is situated in Midtown, offering not only affordable prices but also an excellent location. Keep in mind that the cheapest rooms are of the capsule variety, but they also offer apartments and family rooms for those looking for a bit more space and comfort.

Another excellent choice I highly recommend is 1 Hotel Central Park , which strikes a fantastic balance between quality and affordability. And if you’re looking for something more luxurious, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in TriBeCa, near the Financial District, is your best bet. With spacious rooms that include hot tubs and top-notch facilities, it’s the epitome of luxury.

No matter your budget for this 10-day New York adventure , I assure you that you’ll find a hotel that suits your needs.

Best hotels in New York City

The best hotels in NYC

Best cheap hotels in New York City

The best cheap hotels in NYC for budgets

Best hotels in downtown NYC

The best hotels in downtown New York City

Best 5-star hotels in New York City

The best 5-star hotels in NYC for beautiful facilities

Best luxury hotels in NYC

The best luxury hotels in New York City

Tourist cards for exploring New York in 10 days

New York city passes can be your best friend when it comes to saving money on tickets to various attractions, especially if you plan to visit multiple museums, viewpoints, and other points of interest during your 10 days in New York . The best thing about these cards is that you have flexibility in choosing the duration that suits your itinerary, with options for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 days.

If this is your first visit to the city, I strongly recommend getting the New York Pass . It’s a fantastic choice because it provides access to over 100 tourist attractions, giving you a wealth of options to explore.

10-day New York itinerary map

There you go, folks! Now you’ve got all the information you need to organize your trip and enjoy your 10 days in NYC . To make things even more convenient, I’ve provided a map with your entire itinerary to help you easily find your way around the city.

Remember, this guide for your 10 days in New York City is just a suggestion. Feel free to rearrange the order of your days or adjust the places you want to visit to suit your preferences. We also have a 2-day NYC itinerary idea and a one-week NYC itinerary in case you’re looking for something different. If you have any questions or suggestions of your own, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below.

Enjoy your 10 days in New York !

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President Joe Biden plans Syracuse trip to announce historic Micron deal

• Updated: Apr. 18, 2024, 11:34 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 18, 2024, 10:02 a.m.

President Joe Biden speaks at Onondaga Community College Thursday, October 27, 2022 to celebrate Micron's agreement to build a complex of computer chip plants in Syracuse's suburbs N. Scott Trimble | [email protected]

• Mark Weiner | [email protected]

Washington – President Joe Biden plans to visit Syracuse next week to celebrate the deal to provide Micron Technology with $6.1 billion in federal aid for a massive complex of computer chip plants in Clay.

Biden’s White House is scouting locations for a possible event April 25 in Syracuse, according to two sources briefed on the early plans.

Read more about Micron Technology in Clay

• Micron wins $6.1 billion CHIPS grant for Central NY and Idaho projects, Schumer says
• Public forum will tackle how Central NY should handle Micron-fueled growth
• Why doesn’t Micron put solar panels on fab roofs to offset its enormous energy use?
• Micron is hiring: See the salary ranges for about 2 dozen positions for Clay plant
• Samsung wins $6.4 billion CHIPS grant for Texas project. Is Micron next?

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Biden Bashes Trump as a Pawn of Billionaires as He Lays Out His Tax Plan

Speaking in Scranton, Pa., his hometown, the president used a speech about economic fairness as a new avenue of attack against his Republican rival, who was in a courtroom two hours away.

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Biden Digs at Trump During His Pennsylvania Hometown Visit

In a speech about his tax plan, president biden compared scranton, pa., to trump’s mar-a-lago to highlight the different economic and social values between america’s middle class and its wealthy..

We’re not asking anything as unusual. Under my plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 will pay an additional penny. I hope you’re all able to make $400,000. I never did. You know, I have to say, if Trump’s stock in Truth Social — his company — drops any lower, he might do better under my tax plan than his. [laughter] No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a teacher, a nurse, a sanitation worker. Folks, where we come from matters. When I look at the economy, I don’t see it through the eyes of Mar-a-Lago. I see it through the eyes of Scranton. And that’s not hyperbole, that’s a fact. Donald Trump looks at the world differently than you and me. He wakes up in the morning in Mar-a-Lago thinking about himself. How he can help his billionaire friends gain power and control, and force their extreme agenda on the rest of us.

By Nicholas Nehamas

Reporting from Scranton, Pa.

• April 16, 2024

President Biden delivered a flurry of attacks on former President Donald J. Trump during a Tuesday speech in Pennsylvania about taxes and economic policy, painting his Republican rival as a puppet of plutocrats who had ignored the working class.

Visiting his hometown, Scranton, in a top battleground state that he has visited more often than any other, Mr. Biden laid out his vision for a fairer tax code, including raising rates on the wealthy and corporations and using the money to expand the economy and help working families.

But in a speech that signaled the Biden campaign’s intention to make the 2024 election a referendum on his polarizing Republican opponent, the president returned again and again to Mr. Trump. His jabs at his predecessor took aim at the former president’s wealthy upbringing, his friendships with billionaires and his 2017 tax cuts that disproportionately benefited America’s upper crust .

“Donald Trump looks at the world differently than you and me,” Mr. Biden told a crowd of more than a hundred supporters at a cultural center in Scranton. “He wakes up in the morning at Mar-a-Lago thinking about himself. How he can help his billionaire friends gain power and control, and force their extreme agenda on the rest of us.”

Aiming for a clear contrast, Mr. Biden laid out his proposals: Expanding the child tax credit. Providing a $10,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. Raising the minimum tax rate for billionaires and corporations.

“We know the best way to build an economy is from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down,” Mr. Biden said. “Because when you do that, the poor have a ladder up and the middle class does well and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, disputed that Mr. Biden’s plan would benefit Americans.

“President Trump proudly passed the largest tax CUTS in history,” she said in a statement. “Joe Biden is proposing the largest tax HIKE ever.”

Throughout his speech, Mr. Biden wove in criticism of Mr. Trump — including a needling joke about the falling shares in the former president’s social media company.

“If Trump’s stock in Truth Social — his company — drops any lower, he might do better under my tax plan than his,” Mr. Biden said.

The president’s speech kicked off a three-day swing through Pennsylvania, with appearances scheduled in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Philadelphia on Thursday. The trip came as Mr. Trump appeared in court in Manhattan for the second straight day as his first criminal trial begins — a striking split screen welcomed by the Biden campaign.

Since Mr. Biden delivered his State of the Union address last month, his campaign has shifted into general election mode, after a far quieter start to the year. In recent weeks, he has visited every major battleground state. His campaign has opened more than 100 field offices around the nation in coordination with state Democratic parties, spent $30 million in an advertising blitz and built a significant fund-raising advantage over Mr. Trump. An Arizona court decision that upheld a near-total abortion ban dating to 1864 has also energized Democrats .

As those efforts have taken place, Mr. Biden’s depressed poll numbers have improved, with a survey this month by The New York Times and Siena College finding that he had nearly erased Mr. Trump’s lead nationwide. The president had trailed Mr. Trump by five percentage points in the previous survey. Much of Mr. Biden’s recovery came from his improved standing among traditional Democratic voters, a signal that his campaign’s messaging efforts may be having an effect.

Still, Mr. Biden faces an uphill battle in convincing Americans that he is a better steward of the nation’s economy than Mr. Trump. In the latest Times/Siena poll, 64 percent of voters said they approved of how Mr. Trump had handled the economy while in office. Only 34 percent said the same of Mr. Biden, the poll found.

The tax cuts that Mr. Trump signed into law in 2017 have proved unpopular with voters. And while they increased investment in the U.S. economy and delivered a modest pay bump for workers, they fell short of Republican promises and are adding greatly to the national debt, one academic study found. Many parts of those tax cuts are set to expire next year.

Mr. Biden pledged in his speech that under his plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 would see their taxes go up.

“I hope you’re able to make $400,000,” he told the crowd. “I never did.”

As Mr. Biden spoke, Mr. Trump was seated in a Manhattan courtroom roughly two hours away, watching the selection of the first jurors in his trial. Mr. Biden has generally refrained from mentioning the charges Mr. Trump faces in four criminal cases, but his campaign did troll the former president on social media for appearing to fall asleep during proceedings on Monday.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, did not answer when asked if Mr. Biden was watching the Trump trial or being briefed on it.

“His focus is on the American people,” she said during a briefing with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Scranton.

But even in his hometown, Mr. Biden could not avoid the anger that many Democrats feel over his support for Israel during its war in Gaza. As Mr. Biden walked up the steps of his childhood home, a crowd of protesters down the block waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Genocide Joe has got to go” through a loudspeaker.

Mr. Biden is set to speak on Wednesday at the headquarters of the United Steelworkers union in Pittsburgh before visiting Philadelphia on Thursday. He narrowly defeated Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania in 2020, and winning the state is crucial to his re-election strategy.

Democratic allies of Mr. Biden said they thought his message on economic fairness would resonate in Pennsylvania.

“Scranton versus Fifth Avenue was one of the most successful frames from the 2020 campaign,” said Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, referring to the location of Trump Tower in Manhattan. “You’re going to see more of it in this campaign.”

Nicholas Nehamas is a Times political reporter covering the re-election campaign of President Biden. More about Nicholas Nehamas

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

The start of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan  drew intense security, smothering media coverage and loud demonstrations to a dingy courthouse that will be the unlikely center of American politics for the next six weeks.

President Biden will kick off a three-day tour of Pennsylvania , a crucial battleground state, with a speech that focuses on taxes and aims to contrast his policies with those of Trump.

Trump leaned heavily on major Republican donors  in March as he sought to close the financial gap separating him from Biden, new federal filings showed.

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters:  Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .

On a Collision Course:  As president, Trump never trusted the intelligence community. His antipathy has only grown since he left office, with potentially serious implications should he return to power .

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Hochul announces budget outline as lawmakers continue to hash out details

FILE - The New York Capitol is seen, Dec. 14, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Monday, April 15, 2024, announced the framework of a $237 billion budget that includes broad plans to to drive new housing construction, address the influx of migrants and crack down on illegal marijuana shops. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the framework of a $237 billion budget that includes broad plans to drive new housing construction, address the influx of migrants and crack down on illegal marijuana shops .

Hochul, a Democrat, described the announcement as the “parameters of a conceptual agreement” on the budget, which is about two weeks late, that was struck with leaders of the state Senate and Assembly after a series of backroom negotiations.

“You can’t get to the legislature for consideration unless we have agreement on the package to go forth,” Hochul told reporters at the Capitol, adding, “It takes a little time to get to the final resolution but I’ve explained what I feel there’s agreement on.”

Still, the governor’s announcement appeared to have caught lawmakers off guard, with officials still in the process of holding meetings and working out the specifics of the spending plan.

“I think it was a surprise for all of us in the Senate,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger, a high-ranking Democrat.

The Senate and Assembly, both controlled by Democrats, would need to approve the budget before it could become law.

The housing deal outlined by Hochul would include a new tax break for developers to incentivize building and a set of tenant protections to make it harder to raise rents and evict people in certain cases, though specifics were not detailed. It also includes plans to use commercial properties and state lands for residential housing.

The sweeping housing agreement had become a sticking point in negotiations, with top officials moving to craft a deal that leads to more new, affordable homes while protecting tenants and luring developers to build.

The spending plan would also set aside $2.4 billion for the state to address numerous migrants who have overwhelmed New York City’s homeless shelters, following a proposal from Hochul to provide short-term shelter services, legal assistance and more.

And Hochul said there was an agreement on a new strategy to combat unlicensed marijuana storefronts, which have become ubiquitous in the city following the state’s legalization of recreational weed sales, through a proposal to make it easier for local authorities to close the black market shops.

New York State Senator James Skoufis

Chairman of Committee on Investigations and Government Operations

( D ) 42nd Senate District

New Funding For Open Space Preservation

James Skoufis

March 13, 2024

• Industrial Development Agencies
• Housing and Industrial Development
• Open Spaces

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) announced that his bill (S.4544) which allows industrial development agencies—IDAs—to make grants to municipalities for open space preservation, has passed the Senate.

While “industrial development” does not generally conjure up images of wide open spaces and expansive vistas, the passage of Senate Bill 4544 bill would allow towns and villages to seek funding opportunities for open spaces, parkland preservation, and land conservation. The permission of such grants will allow for growth opportunities within tourism, while providing protection for New York State’s important agricultural resources. Agrotourism—the intersection of agriculture and tourism—has proven to be an important economic development driver throughout New York State in terms of both jobs and revenue.

“As growth within the Hudson Valley continues,” said Skoufis, “we have to be mindful of the impact of that development on the character of our towns and villages, as well as the environment. This bill gives municipalities economic alternatives to industrial developments, encourages tourism, and improves quality of life by maintaining open spaces for residents and wildlife. I am encouraged by this progress and hope to see this bill pass the Assembly and signed into law.”

Typically, large-scale commercial development occurs on farmland because of its clear and flat topography, making it an ideal locale for new projects. This legislation would establish a funding mechanism to prevent future loss of this irreplaceable resource.

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