New York City United States 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Traveling in New York City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Midtown Manhattan

  • Morning: Arrive at one of NYC’s three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR). Take a taxi or public transportation to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel. The YOTEL New York in Midtown Manhattan offers modern rooms and is within walking distance to many attractions.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try Carbone, an upscale Italian-American restaurant with a retro vibe, located on 10th Avenue.
    • Nightlife: Head to Hell’s Kitchen for a night out. It offers a variety of bars and clubs.

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

  • Morning: Start your day at Central Park, which is open from 6 am in summer. Take a stroll through the park, visit the Loeb Boathouse for lunch or a snack, and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Guggenheim Museum located on Fifth Avenue, featuring modern and contemporary art exhibits.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try Peter Luger Steak House, known for its steaks and seafood, in the Upper East Side.
    • Nightlife: If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening, consider visiting The Rooftop at The Quin Central Park Hotel. It offers a great view of the city.

Day 3: Lower Manhattan

  • Morning: Visit Ground Zero, also known as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
  • Afternoon: Take a short walk to Battery Park and visit the Skyscraper Museum. For lunch, try some seafood at The Oyster Bar in South Street Seaport.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try L’Artusi, an Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients, located on 6th Avenue.
    • Nightlife: Consider visiting the Pier 17 Rooftop for cocktails and views of the Hudson River.

Day 4: Brooklyn

  • Morning: Take the subway to Brooklyn (about 20 minutes). Visit the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers great city views. Walk across the bridge for a unique perspective on Manhattan.
  • Afternoon: Explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), known for its street art, galleries, and stunning views of the city skyline. For lunch, try some artisanal sandwiches at The General in Prospect Park.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try L&B Spumoni, a classic Brooklyn pizzeria with great Italian food, located on 86th Street.
    • Nightlife: Visit the Brooklyn Brewery for live music and beer tastings.

Day 5: The High Line and Chelsea

  • Morning: Take a short subway ride to Hudson Yards and visit The Vessel, a unique public sculpture with great city views. Then, explore The High Line, an elevated park built on a former rail line.
  • Afternoon: Visit the New York Historical Society for some American history insights. For lunch, try some modern American cuisine at Lucky’s 77 in Midtown.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try The NoMad, known for its seasonal small plates and extensive cocktail menu, located in Midtown.
    • Nightlife: Consider visiting the Top of The Strand rooftop bar for a nightcap.

Day 6: Times Square and Broadway

  • Morning: Visit Times Square, known as the “Crossroads of the World,” with its bright lights, giant billboards, and endless energy. Catch a matinee performance of a Broadway show.
  • Afternoon: Explore the shops and restaurants in the area. For lunch, try some classic New York diner food at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Try Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restaurant known for its large portions and cozy atmosphere.
    • Nightlife: End your trip with a show on Broadway or visit the Top of The Rock Observation Deck for stunning city views.

Transportation

  • Subway: The subway is the best way to get around NYC. Buy an OMNY card, which can be used on buses, trains, and subways.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis are available at taxi stands or through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
  • Walking: New York City is a walkable city. Many attractions are within walking distance.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds in popular areas and tourist season (summer).
  • Use the subway wisely, as it can be crowded during rush hour.
  • Try to avoid eating at restaurants directly near major attractions, as they tend to be more expensive.
  • Consider purchasing a New York Pass, which grants you free admission to many top attractions.

Things to Know

  • NYC has strict recycling rules. Be sure to separate recyclables from trash in your hotel room.
  • If you’re visiting during summer, be prepared for heat and humidity.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick with bottled or filtered water.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and fun activities for a 6-day trip to New York City. Enjoy your visit!