5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in New York City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown

Morning

• Arrival: Arrive at one of the three major airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) and take a taxi or subway to your hotel.
• Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel on 3rd Avenue. Try their classic bagels with cream cheese.
• Central Park: Spend some time exploring Central Park, starting from 5th Avenue and walking north towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Afternoon

• The Plaza Hotel: Stop by The Plaza Hotel (59th Street and 5th Avenue) for a photo opportunity. You can also visit the Palm Court or take a stroll around the hotel’s grounds.
• Times Square: Head to Times Square, one of the most iconic areas in NYC. Grab a snack or do some shopping at the Hershey’s Chocolate World store.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at Carmine’s (200 W 44th St) for a taste of Italian-American cuisine.
• Broadway Show: Catch a Broadway show, such as The Lion King or Wicked. Be sure to book tickets in advance through Telecharge or Ticketmaster.

Day 2: 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St) for some classic Jewish deli food.
• 9/11 Memorial: Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum (180 Greenwich St). Be sure to reserve tickets in advance.

Afternoon

• One World Trade Center: Stop by One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, and take a stroll around its grounds.
• Battery Park: Head to Battery Park for some beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th St) in Brooklyn for some classic Italian-American cuisine.
• Brooklyn Bridge: Take a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning city views.

Day 3: Museum of Modern Art and Chelsea

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Cafe Luxembourg (200 W 70th St) for a taste of French cuisine.
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Visit MoMA, one of the world’s premier modern art museums. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance.

Afternoon

• Chelsea Market: Stop by Chelsea Market for some shopping and food options.
• High Line: Take a stroll along The High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St) for some over-the-top Italian-American cuisine.
• Meatpacking District: Explore the trendy Meatpacking District and its many bars and clubs.

Day 4: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Balthazar Bakery (80 Spring St) for some delicious pastries.
• Statue of Liberty Ferry: Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty up close. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance.

Afternoon

• Ellis Island Immigration Museum: Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which tells the story of immigration in America.
• Battery Park: Head back to Battery Park for some more stunning views.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway) for a classic American steakhouse experience.
• Brooklyn Bridge: Take another walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular city views.

Day 5: Last Day in NYC

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel on 3rd Avenue for some classic bagels with cream cheese.
• Central Park: Spend some time exploring Central Park, starting from 5th Avenue and walking north towards the Loeb Boathouse.

Afternoon

• Shopping: Do some last-minute shopping at one of the many department stores or malls in NYC.
• Food Market: Visit a food market, such as Chelsea Market or Smorgasburg, for some unique and delicious snacks.

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
• Last Show: Catch one last Broadway show, or head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest after a busy 5 days in NYC!

Tips and Transportation:

• Subway: The subway is the best way to get around NYC. Buy an Unlimited Ride MetroCard for unlimited rides.
• Taxi: Taxis are available but can be expensive. Use Uber or Lyft instead!
• Walking: Walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods, but be aware of pedestrian traffic and watch out for construction zones.

Places to Stay:

• Budget: The Y Hostel (630 W 43rd St) offers dorms and private rooms at affordable prices.
• Mid-range: The Pod Hotel Brooklyn (247 Metrotech Center Dr) has stylish rooms at a reasonable price.
• Luxury: The Plaza Hotel (59th Street and 5th Avenue) is an iconic hotel with luxurious rooms and amenities.

Food:

• Ess-a-Bagel (3rd Avenue): Classic bagels with cream cheese
• Carmine’s (200 W 44th St): Italian-American cuisine
• Carbone (181 Thompson St): Over-the-top Italian-American cuisine

Note: Prices are subject to change, and availability may vary. Be sure to check reviews and make reservations in advance for popular restaurants and shows!