New York-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown

  • Morning: Arrive at one of New York’s three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR) and take a taxi or subway (AirTrain + Subway) to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to the Hilton Manhattan (3-star hotel in Midtown).
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the iconic Times Square, known for its bright billboards, giant TV screens, and lively street performers.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restaurant with generous portions and reasonable prices ($15-$25 per entree).
  • 2:30 PM: Walk to the New York Public Library (42nd St. location), a stunning Beaux-Arts building with a beautiful reading room.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Carbone, an upscale Italian-American restaurant inspired by the 1950s and ’60s ($30-$50 per entree).
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a Broadway show or enjoy the street performers in Times Square.

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel, a beloved bagel shop on the Upper West Side.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore Central Park, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Take a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or enjoy a picnic.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tortilleria, a casual Mexican spot with delicious tacos and burritos ($10-$15 per entree).
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • 5:00 PM: Stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most famous museums (pay-what-you-wish admission).
  • 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at L’Artusi, a trendy Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients ($20-$35 per entree).

Day 3: 9/11 Memorial & World Trade Center

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
  • 10:30 AM: Walk to the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and take in the stunning views from its observation deck (tickets $32-$57 per person).
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Shake Shack, a popular burger joint with a location near the 9/11 Memorial ($5-$10 per entree).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage, which explores the history and culture of the Jewish people.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar, a trendy restaurant serving creative Asian-fusion cuisine ($15-$25 per entree).

Day 4: Brooklyn

  • 9:00 AM: Take the subway (A, C, or E train) to Brooklyn and visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers stunning views of Manhattan and the East River.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO, with its cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, and hip restaurants.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Juliana’s Pizza, a classic New York pizzeria ($10-$15 per entree).
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Brooklyn Museum, which features a diverse collection of art, history, and culture.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House, a legendary steakhouse with top-quality meats and service ($50-$75 per entree).

Day 5: Greenwich Village

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village, known for its historic brownstones, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the West Village, with its picturesque streets, quaint shops, and upscale restaurants.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Cafe Habana, a casual Cuban spot with delicious sandwiches and salads ($10-$15 per entree).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the New York Earth Room, an unusual art installation featuring 3,600 square feet of soil.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Luzzo’s, a cozy Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas ($20-$35 per entree).

Day 6: SoHo and Chinatown

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the trendy neighborhood of SoHo, known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and street performers.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown, with its colorful streets, authentic eateries, and lively markets.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Jing Fong, a classic Chinese restaurant with dim sum and seafood ($10-$15 per entree).
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, which showcases a vast collection of comic art and memorabilia.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods, a casual Chinese spot with hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb burgers ($10-$15 per entree).

Things to Know

  • Subway tips: Buy an unlimited ride MetroCard (pay $33 for 7 days) or use your credit card to pay for each ride.
  • Tipping: Tip servers 15% to 20% at restaurants and bars.
  • Weather: Pack layers, as New York weather can be unpredictable.
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and take necessary precautions.

Additional Tips

  • Buy a New York CityPASS, which grants you discounted admission to many attractions.
  • Use a hotel’s concierge service for insider tips and recommendations.
  • Walk as much as possible, but also consider using ride-hailing services or taxis when needed.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines, especially during peak travel seasons.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $150-$200 per night (avg.) for a 3-star hotel
  • Food: $15-$30 per entree, with some meals at higher-end restaurants costing up to $50-$75
  • Transportation: $2.75-$3.00 per subway ride or $33 for an unlimited ride MetroCard
  • Attractions: $20-$30 per person for most museums and attractions

Total estimated cost: $1,500-$2,500 per person (avg.) for a 6-day itinerary in New York City