New York, USA-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown Manhattan

Morning

  • Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to your hotel in Midtown Manhattan
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as the New York Hilton Midtown

Afternoon

  • Start at Times Square, one of the most iconic areas of New York City
  • Walk to the nearby Empire State Building and take in the stunning views from the observation deck (buy tickets in advance)
  • Head to Bryant Park for a stroll and some fresh air

Evening

  • Grab dinner at Carbone, an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant
  • Catch a Broadway show, such as Hamilton or The Lion King (book tickets well in advance)

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS for discounted admission to multiple attractions

Transportation

  • Take the subway (7 train) from Times Square to Grand Central Terminal for easy access to other parts of the city
  • Use ride-hailing services or taxis to get around, but be aware of surge pricing during peak hours

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking
  • Be prepared for variable weather and dress in layers

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

Morning

  • Start at Central Park, exploring the scenic paths and landmarks like the Loeb Boathouse and Bethesda Fountain
  • Visit the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), one of the world’s largest and most famous museums

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along Madison Avenue, known for its high-end boutiques and art galleries
  • Stop by the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Serendipity 3, a whimsical dessert shop with sweet treats
  • Take in the stunning views of the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck (buy tickets in advance)

Things to Know

  • Central Park can be very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season
  • The MET offers pay-what-you-wish admission, but consider making a donation to support the museum

Transportation

  • Take the subway (B or C train) from Midtown to the Upper East Side
  • Consider walking or taking a short taxi ride between destinations in this area

Tips

  • Bring snacks and water to Central Park, as options can be limited within the park
  • Be prepared for security checks at popular museums and landmarks

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

Morning

  • Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks
  • Take a short walk to Wall Street, the heart of the financial district
  • Stop by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Federal Hall

Afternoon

  • Take the subway (R train) from Manhattan to Brooklyn
  • Explore trendy DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), with its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline
  • Visit the iconic Jane’s Carousel, a beautiful merry-go-round with stunning views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens, a classic Italian restaurant in Brooklyn
  • Take in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Things to Know

  • The 9/11 Memorial & Museum can be an emotional experience, so plan accordingly
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions in Brooklyn

Transportation

  • Take the subway (R train) between Manhattan and Brooklyn
  • Consider walking or taking a short taxi ride between destinations in this area

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor exploration in DUMBO
  • Be respectful of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and avoid taking photos inside the museum

Day 4: The High Line, Chelsea Market, and Greenwich Village

Morning

  • Explore the elevated park, The High Line, with its stunning views of the Hudson River and cityscape
  • Visit the nearby Chelsea Market, a popular destination for foodies and shoppers

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll through historic Greenwich Village, known for its charming brownstones and trendy boutiques
  • Stop by Washington Square Park, a hub of activity and people-watching

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Carbone’s, an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant in Greenwich Village
  • Catch live music or comedy at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club or Comedy Cellar

Things to Know

  • The High Line can be very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season
  • Be prepared for variable weather and dress in layers

Transportation

  • Take the subway (A, C, E, or L train) from Midtown to Chelsea or Greenwich Village
  • Consider walking or taking a short taxi ride between destinations in this area

Tips

  • Bring snacks and water to The High Line, as options can be limited along the elevated park
  • Be respectful of the historic neighborhood and avoid loud noise or disruptions

Day 5: Iconic New York Landmarks

Morning

  • Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (buy tickets in advance)
  • Visit the iconic landmark, up close and personal

Afternoon

  • Stop by the nearby One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
  • Explore the 9/11 Memorial Glade, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Lower Manhattan

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Peter Luger Steak House, a classic New York institution
  • Take in the stunning views of the city from the Brooklyn Bridge or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck (buy tickets in advance)

Things to Know

Transportation

  • Take the subway (R train) from Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan
  • Use ride-hailing services or taxis to get around, but be aware of surge pricing during peak hours

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking
  • Be prepared for variable weather and dress in layers