New York City 5 Day Itinerary

September 22, 2024

A 5-Day Itinerary for the Ultimate New York City Experience

Morning:
- Arrive at one of the three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR) and take a taxi, ride-share, or public transportation to your hotel
- Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
- Head to Times Square to get a feel for the city’s energy and iconic bright lights
Afternoon:
- Visit the nearby TKTS booth in Times Square to score same-day tickets to a Broadway show (try to get there early to beat the lines)
- Take a stroll through Bryant Park, a beautiful green oasis in the middle of Midtown
- Grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the area, such as Shake Shack or Joe Allen’s
Evening:
- Catch a matinee or evening performance on Broadway (depending on the show’s schedule)
- End the night with a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for stunning views of the city

Morning:
- Start the day at the iconic Empire State Building, where you can take in panoramic views of the city from its observation decks
- Visit the nearby New York Public Library, a stunning Beaux-Arts building with an impressive reading room
Afternoon:
- Head to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the world’s premier modern art museums
- Explore the surrounding Museum Mile, which features several other iconic institutions like the Guggenheim and the Met
- Grab lunch at a nearby café or food truck
Evening:
- Take a sunset stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline
- End the night with dinner at a trendy restaurant in SoHo, such as Carbone or L’Artusi

Morning:
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums
- Explore the adjacent Central Park, where you can take a leisurely walk or rent a bike
Afternoon:
- Head to the American Museum of Natural History, home to over 30 million specimens and artifacts
- Stop by the nearby Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art
- Grab lunch at a classic Upper East Side eatery like Sarabeth’s or Levain Bakery
Evening:
- Catch a jazz show at the Blue Note or the Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village
- End the night with a visit to the iconic Plaza Hotel, where you can grab a drink at the Palm Court or take a stroll through the opulent lobby

Morning:
- Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the harbor
- Stop by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks
Afternoon:
- Explore the charming West Village neighborhood, known for its historic brownstones, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife
- Grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the area, such as Carbone or The Spotted Pig
Evening:
- Catch a performance at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, home to the Rockettes and other world-class entertainment
- End the night with dinner at a trendy restaurant in Meatpacking District, such as L’Artusi or The Commodore

Morning:
- Spend the morning exploring Central Park, where you can take a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or enjoy a picnic
- Visit the nearby American Museum of Natural History to see the giant dinosaur skeleton, Sue the T-Rex
Afternoon:
- Head to the Upper West Side and visit the iconic Dakota building, where John Lennon lived and was tragically murdered
- Stop by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School
- Grab lunch at a classic Upper West Side eatery like Levain Bakery or Cafe Luxembourg
Evening:
- Catch a performance on Broadway (if you can get same-day tickets) or at one of the many Off-Broadway venues in the area
- End the night with a visit to the iconic Tavern on the Green, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks amidst stunning views of Central Park