New York-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in NYC

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day at Ess-a-Bagel (multiple locations) for a classic New York bagel with cream cheese or lox.
  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at JFK/LGA/EWR airport and take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E subway line to get to Midtown Manhattan.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Times Square, known for its bright billboards, street performers, and lively atmosphere.
  • 2:00 PM: Head to the New York Public Library (476 5th Ave) to admire the stunning Beaux-Arts building and explore the Rose Main Reading Room.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor.
  • 9:30 PM: Catch a Broadway show or stroll through Times Square to take in the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps.

Where to Stay

  • Consider staying in Midtown Manhattan, within walking distance to Times Square and many restaurants. Some popular options include:
    • The Plaza Hotel (5th Ave and Central Park S)
    • The Westin New York at Times Square (270 W 43rd St)
    • The Pod Hotel Brooklyn (247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn)

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for large crowds and long lines in Times Square.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask locals or police officers for directions.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Central Park, a sprawling green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Take a leisurely walk through the park, rent a bike, or take a scenic boat ride.
  • 11:30 AM: Stop by the Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Ave), one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums.
  • 4:30 PM: Take a stroll along Madison Avenue, known for its upscale shopping and dining options.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway, Brooklyn), a classic New York steakhouse.
  • 9:30 PM: Catch a show or concert at the Carnegie Hall (881 7th Ave).

Transportation

  • Take the subway to get around the city. The B train will take you from Midtown to Central Park.
  • Consider purchasing an OMNY card, which allows for easy transit payments.

Day 3: Downtown Manhattan and 9/11 Memorial

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the World Trade Center Site, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (180 Greenwich St).
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods (multiple locations), a casual Chinese eatery serving hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb burgers.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Explore the South Street Seaport, a historic waterfront district with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Tribeca Clock Tower (475 Greenwich St), a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at L’Artusi (228 W 10th St), an Italian restaurant with creative pasta dishes and wood-fired cooking.
  • 9:30 PM: Catch a show or performance in the vibrant Village, known for its arts and culture scene.

Transportation

  • Take the subway to get around the city. The E train will take you from Midtown to the World Trade Center Site.

Day 4: Brooklyn

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Brooklyn Bridge, a iconic landmark with stunning views of Manhattan.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the trendy DUMBO neighborhood, known for its upscale shopping and dining options.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Di Fara Pizza (1424 Avenue J), a classic New York pizzeria serving some of the city’s best slices.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Brooklyn Museum, featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th St), an Italian restaurant famous for its square-cut pizza and spumoni.
  • 9:30 PM: Catch a show or performance in the vibrant Williamsburg, known for its arts and culture scene.

Transportation

  • Take the subway to get around Brooklyn. The A train will take you from Midtown to DUMBO.

Day 5: Iconic NYC Landmarks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, taking a ferry to Liberty Island to see the iconic statue up close.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at J.G. Melon (1291 2nd Ave), a classic New York diner serving burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast fare.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Explore the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park W and 79th St), featuring exhibits on science, nature, and culture.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West), showcasing the city’s rich history.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St) or try another iconic New York restaurant.
  • 9:30 PM: End your trip with a sunset stroll through Times Square, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps.

Transportation

  • Take the subway to get around the city. The D train will take you from Midtown to the Statue of Liberty ferry terminal.

Tips and Other Things

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask locals or police officers for directions.
  • Consider purchasing an OMNY card, which allows for easy transit payments.
  • Try a classic New York food, such as a hot dog from Gray’s Papaya (multiple locations) or a slice of pizza from Joe’s Pizza (7 Carmine St).
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Additional Recommendations

  • Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS, which grants you admission to many top attractions.
  • Take a sunset stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
  • Visit the One World Trade Center Observation Deck (251 Vesey St) for panoramic views of the city.

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may want to customize it based on your interests and preferences. Be sure to check opening hours and ticket availability for each attraction before heading out!