New York City, United States-5-day-itinerary

New York City 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown Manhattan

  • Morning: Arrive at one of New York City’s three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR) and take a taxi or ride-share to your hotel.
  • Hotel: Stay in Midtown Manhattan at hotels like the Westin New York at Times Square or the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel.
  • Lunch: Grab a slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza (7 Carmine St) or try a classic NYC diner like Ellen’s Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the iconic Times Square and take in the bright lights and bustling energy.
    • Stop by the nearby Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to explore its impressive collection.
  • Evening: Catch a Broadway show, such as Hamilton or Wicked, at one of the many theaters in the Theater District.

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

  • Morning:
    • Start with breakfast at Sarabeth’s (1295 6th Ave) or Levain Bakery (167 W 74th St).
    • Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, exploring its many scenic spots and landmarks.
  • Lunch: Head to the Upper East Side and dine at Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s largest and most famous museums.
    • Explore the nearby Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants on the Upper East Side, like Daniel (60 E 65th St) or Per Se (10 Columbus Circle).

Day 3: 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and Brooklyn

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to pay respects and learn about the tragic event.
    • Take a short walk to Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Shake Shack (multiple locations) or try some classic NYC bagels at Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St).
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular city views.
    • Explore trendy DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), with its boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront parks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Brooklyn’s hip restaurants, like L & B Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th St) or The Finch (212 Greene Ave).

Day 4: Iconic NYC Landmarks

  • Morning:
    • Start with breakfast at a classic NYC diner like Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St).
    • Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for an unforgettable experience.
  • Lunch: Grab a hot dog or pretzel from a street vendor or try some classic NYC deli fare at Katz’s Delicatessen (205 E Houston St).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the iconic Empire State Building, with its panoramic views of the city.
    • Explore the New York Public Library, a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
  • Evening: Catch a TV show taping or live music performance at one of NYC’s many famous venues.

Day 5: Greenwich Village and Meatpacking District

  • Morning:
    • Start with breakfast at a charming spot like Cafe Reggio (119 MacDougal St) or The Butcher’s Daughter (19 Kenmare St).
    • Explore the historic and trendy neighborhood of Greenwich Village, with its charming brownstones and lively nightlife.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at one of the many eateries in the Meatpacking District, like The Standard Grill (848 Washington St) or Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the Meatpacking District.
    • Take a stroll along the High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of NYC’s many renowned restaurants, like Carbone (181 Thompson St) or Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway).

Things to Know

  • Subway: Buy a MetroCard for convenient travel on the city’s extensive subway system.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions or recommendations.
    • Tip your servers and bartenders – 15-20% is standard in NYC.
  • Safety: As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Transportation

  • Airports: JFK, LGA, and EWR airports offer various transportation options to Manhattan, including taxis, ride-shares, and public transit.
  • Subway: The subway system is extensive and convenient, with 24/7 service.
  • Walking: NYC is a walkable city – just be mindful of pedestrian traffic and street performers.

Other Things of Interest

  • TV Show Tapings: Attend a live taping of shows like Saturday Night Live or The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
  • Sports: Catch a game at iconic venues like Yankee Stadium (baseball) or Madison Square Garden (basketball, hockey).
  • Seasonal Events: Visit during the winter for ice skating and holiday markets, or in the summer for outdoor concerts and festivals.