New York-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Midtown Manhattan

Morning

  • Start your day at Times Square, one of the most iconic public spaces in the world
  • Grab a coffee and pastry at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a retro-themed diner with singing waitstaff

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the world’s premier modern art museums
  • Take a stroll through Central Park, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Manhattan

Evening

  • Catch a Broadway Show at one of the many iconic theaters in the area
  • Dine at Carbone, an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor and exceptional service

Where to Stay

  • The Westin New York at Times Square, a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location

Transportation

  • Take the subway (7 train) from JFK/LGA airports to Times Square
  • Use the MTA’s Trip Planner or Google Maps to navigate the city’s public transportation system

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS, which grants discounted admission to many top sights

Day 2: Downtown Delights

Morning

  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks
  • Take a short walk to Wall Street, the heart of the financial district

Afternoon

  • Explore the High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line, with great views of the Hudson River
  • Browse the trendy shops and art galleries in the West Village

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Lombardi’s Pizza, America’s first pizzeria (est. 1905)
  • Catch a live music or comedy show at Village Vanguard or Comedy Cellar

Where to Stay

  • The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, a stylish boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location

Transportation

  • Take the subway (R train) from Midtown to Downtown
  • Consider using ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft for shorter trips

Tips

  • Be respectful of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s somber atmosphere
  • Explore the charming side streets and historic brownstones in the West Village

Day 3: Brooklyn Bound

Morning

  • Take a short subway ride (A/C train) to Brooklyn
  • Visit the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, with stunning views of Manhattan and the East River

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy boutiques and artisanal food shops in Williamsburg
  • Visit the Brooklyn Museum, which features a diverse range of art and cultural exhibits

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L & B Spumoni Gardens, a classic Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes
  • Catch a live music show at Rough Trade NYC or Baby’s All Right

Where to Stay

  • The William Vale, a stylish hotel in Williamsburg with comfortable rooms and great views of the city

Transportation

  • Take the subway (L train) from Manhattan to Brooklyn
  • Consider using ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft for shorter trips

Tips

  • Be prepared for hipster crowds and long lines at popular spots in Williamsburg
  • Explore the scenic waterfront parks and piers along the East River

Day 4: Upper East Side

Morning

  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums
  • Take a stroll through Central Park, which borders the Met on two sides

Afternoon

  • Explore the upscale boutiques and designer flagships along Madison Avenue
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and featuring innovative contemporary art exhibits

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Caravaggio, a cozy Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes
  • Catch a live jazz show at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola

Where to Stay

  • The Surrey, a luxurious hotel on the Upper East Side with comfortable rooms and great service

Transportation

  • Take the subway (4/5/6 trains) from Brooklyn or Midtown to the Upper East Side
  • Consider using ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft for shorter trips

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions on the Upper East Side
  • Explore the scenic parks and gardens along the East River, such as Carl Schurz Park

Additional Tips and Essentials

  • Purchase a MetroCard for convenient travel on public transportation
  • Download the Citymapper app for easy navigation of NYC’s streets and transit system
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with layers and waterproof gear
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers and bartenders (15-20% is standard)
  • Explore the many free museums and attractions on Fridays or weekdays, when possible