New York City 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Traveling in New York City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown

Places to Go:

  • Empire State Building: Start your day with panoramic views from the Observation Deck. Make sure to purchase tickets online beforehand to avoid waiting.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Visit this iconic train station, known for its beautiful architecture and bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous Grand Central Market on the lower level.

Activities:

  • Explore the nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.
  • Consider taking a helicopter tour over New York City for a unique perspective.

Where to Eat:

  • Ellen’s Stardust Diner: Enjoy classic American comfort food while being entertained by singing waitstaff.
  • Carmine’s: Savor Italian cuisine in an upscale, yet family-friendly atmosphere.

Accommodations:

  • Consider staying at the Hudson Hotel, which offers modern rooms and a rooftop bar with great views of Central Park.

Day 2: Iconic NYC Landmarks

Places to Go:

  • Central Park: Spend the day exploring this peaceful oasis in the midst of Manhattan. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or enjoy a boat ride.
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: Visit one of the world’s greatest museums, featuring art from around the globe.

Activities:

  • Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular city views.
  • Explore the trendy shops and cafes in the nearby SoHo neighborhood.

Where to Eat:

  • Cafe Luxembourg: Enjoy upscale French cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Katz’s Delicatessen: Savor classic Jewish deli fare on the Lower East Side.

Day 3: More NYC Icons

Places to Go:

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the iconic statue up close, then visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay your respects at this poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks.

Activities:

  • Explore the historic neighborhoods of Greenwich Village and Chelsea.
  • Catch a performance on Broadway or in one of NYC’s many music venues.

Where to Eat:

  • Carbone: Enjoy upscale Italian-American cuisine in an over-the-top atmosphere.
  • Peter Luger Steak House: Savor classic steakhouse fare in Brooklyn.

Day 4: Culture and Shopping

Places to Go:

  • American Museum of Natural History: Visit one of the world’s greatest natural history museums, featuring dinosaur fossils and a giant blue whale.
  • New York Public Library: Explore the stunning Beaux-Arts building and attend a free author reading or concert.

Activities:

  • Take a food tour of Chinatown or Little Italy to sample cuisine from these vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Browse the high-end shops on Madison Avenue.

Where to Eat:

  • Xi’an Famous Foods: Savor spicy, hand-pulled noodles in a casual atmosphere.
  • Balthazar: Enjoy upscale French bistro fare in SoHo.

Day 5: Upper East Side and More

Places to Go:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur: Visit this ancient Egyptian temple on the UES.
  • Columbus Circle: Explore the trendy shops and cafes surrounding this bustling area.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through Central Park, stopping at the Loeb Boathouse or the Conservatory Garden.
  • Catch a TV show taping or attend a live performance in one of NYC’s many theaters.

Where to Eat:

  • Ess-a-Bagel: Savor classic Jewish bagels on the Upper West Side.
  • Le Cirque: Enjoy upscale French cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Day 6: Times Square and Beyond

Places to Go:

  • Times Square: End your trip with the bright lights, giant billboards, and endless energy of this iconic area.
  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Take a fun, interactive look at famous figures from history and pop culture.

Activities:

  • Take a Broadway show or see a live performance in one of NYC’s many theaters.
  • Visit the nearby New Year’s Eve Ball drop site for a glimpse into the city’s biggest party.

Where to Eat:

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Enjoy seafood and Southern fare on the Upper West Side.
  • Ellen’s Stardust Diner: Savor classic American comfort food while being entertained by singing waitstaff.

Transportation

  • NYC has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. Use the MTA website or app to plan your trip.
  • Consider purchasing a MetroCard for convenient travel on public transportation.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available throughout the city.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Take breaks in quieter areas, like Central Park or the High Line.
  • Don’t miss the many free events and performances throughout the city, from concerts to street performers.

More to Explore

  • Visit the nearby New Jersey beaches for a relaxing day by the ocean.
  • Take a trip to Brooklyn’s Coney Island for classic amusement park fun.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Bushwick and Williamsburg for unique shops and cuisine.