New York City, United States-7-day-itinerary

New York City 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Times Square

Morning

  • Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation to your hotel
  • Check-in at the Hotel Pod Brooklyn (book in advance for best rates)

Afternoon

  • Head to Times Square and grab lunch at Shake Shack, a famous burger joint
  • Visit the New Year’s Eve Ball located in Times Square (free admission, but be prepared for crowds)
  • Explore the nearby Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ($37/person)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Carbone, an upscale Italian restaurant with retro vibes
  • Catch a Broadway show or musical performance at one of the many theaters

Day 2: Central Park and Upper East Side

Morning

  • Visit Central Park (free admission) and take a leisurely stroll through the park
  • Rent a bike and explore the park’s many trails ($15-$20/person)
  • Grab breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel, a popular bagel joint

Afternoon

  • Head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Suggested donation: $25/person)
  • Visit the nearby Guggenheim Museum (suggested admission: $25/person)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Le Bilboquet, a classic French bistro
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Upper East Side and enjoy the views

Day 3: 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and Financial District

Morning

  • Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum (admission: $24/person)
  • Explore the nearby Wall Street and take a photo with the famous bull statue
  • Grab lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen, a classic Jewish deli

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour of the New York Stock Exchange ($20-$30/person)
  • Visit the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (free admission, but tours must be booked in advance)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L’Artusi, an upscale Italian restaurant with creative pasta dishes

Day 4: Brooklyn and DUMBO

Morning

  • Take a short subway ride to Brooklyn and visit the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO (free admission)
  • Explore the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park (free admission) and take in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline

Afternoon

  • Visit the Brooklyn Museum (suggested donation: $16/person)
  • Grab lunch at Juliana’s, a popular pizzeria with coal-fired brick ovens

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Commodore, an upscale American restaurant with seasonal small plates

Day 5: MoMA, Madison Avenue, and Upper East Side

Morning

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art (suggested donation: $25/person)
  • Explore the nearby Madison Avenue, known for its high-end shopping and dining options

Afternoon

  • Grab lunch at Balthazar, a classic French bistro with upscale cuisine

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Eleven Madison Park, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant with seasonal American cuisine (book well in advance)

Day 6: Greenwich Village and SoHo

Morning

  • Visit the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village (free admission)
  • Explore the nearby West Village and take a stroll through the historic streets

Afternoon

  • Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art (suggested donation: $25/person)
  • Grab lunch at Carmine’s, an upscale Italian restaurant with family-style service

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L’Artusi, an upscale Italian restaurant with creative pasta dishes

Day 7: Return to Times Square and Departure

Morning

  • Head back to Times Square for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing
  • Grab lunch at Shake Shack or another popular eatery
  • Take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation to the airport for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • New York City has a comprehensive subway system. Buy an OMNY Card ($3/person) or download the MTA Subway App (free) for easy travel.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Tip your servers, bartenders, and taxi drivers generously.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Tips

  • Book your hotel and restaurants well in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS, which grants you discounted admission to many attractions.
  • Take advantage of the city’s many free attractions, such as Central Park and the High Line.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations from locals.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the iconic Flatiron Building
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • Catch a sports game at Madison Square Garden or Citi Field
  • Take a food tour through Chinatown or Little Italy