New York City 6 Day Itinerary

New York City 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown Manhattan

• Morning: Arrive at JFK/LGA/EWR airport and take a taxi or subway (7 train from LGA, E/F/M/7 trains from JFK, NJ Transit from EWR) to your hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
• Hotel: Stay at the Pod Hotel Brooklyn or similar.
• Lunch: Grab a slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza or try a classic NYC diner like Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal.
  • Take a stroll through Bryant Park, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Manhattan.
  • Explore the New York Public Library, a stunning Beaux-Arts building with a beautiful reading room.
• Evening: Catch a Broadway show, like Hamilton or Wicked.

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

• Morning:
  • Start the day with breakfast at Sarabeth’s or Le Pain Quotidien.
  • Take a leisurely walk through Central Park, visiting famous landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse.
• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in Central Park or grab a bite at The Loeb Boathouse.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).
  • Explore the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Evening: Dine at Carbone, an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant.

Day 3: Downtown Manhattan and the 9/11 Memorial

• Morning:
  • Take the subway (R train) to Wall Street and visit the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Stop by the iconic Charging Bull statue.
• Lunch: Grab a slice at Lombardi’s Pizza, America’s first pizzeria.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  • Take a stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, with great views of New Jersey Palisades.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House, a Brooklyn institution.

Day 4: Brooklyn and DUMBO

• Morning:
  • Take the subway (A/C train) to Brooklyn Heights and walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Explore trendy DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or The Brazen Head.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Brooklyn Museum, featuring a diverse range of art and exhibits.
  • Take a stroll through Prospect Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens, a classic Italian restaurant.

Day 5: Upper West Side and Harlem

• Morning:
  • Take the subway (1 train) to the Upper West Side and visit the American Museum of Natural History.
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Harlem, with its rich cultural heritage.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at Sylvia’s Restaurant or Red Rooster Harlem.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the famous Apollo Theater, a legendary music venue.
  • Take a stroll through Central Park North, with its beautiful gardens and lakes.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que or Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken.

Day 6: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
• Departure: Take a taxi or subway back to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

• Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
• Tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.
• Use the MTA Subway App to navigate the subway system.
• Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS for discounted admission to many attractions.

Tips

• Buy a refillable MetroCard for convenient travel on public transportation.
• Take advantage of free museum days or pay-what-you-wish hours.
• Explore neighborhoods and take in the local culture.
• Be mindful of pedestrian traffic and follow basic safety precautions.

Transportation

• Subway: $3 per ride, $33 for a 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard
• Taxi: approximately $10-$15 for a 5-mile trip
• Ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) available throughout the city

This itinerary provides a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and delicious food options. Feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences!