New York City, USA-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Iconic NYC Landmarks

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Take a ferry from Battery Park ( tickets available online or at the park entrance) for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Afternoon: Head to the nearby 9/11 Memorial & Museum ( tickets: $24-$32, book in advance). Be prepared for an emotional experience as you reflect on one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Carbone, a retro Italian-American restaurant with over-the-top decor and exceptional cuisine. Book a table well in advance to secure a spot!
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the Westin New York Grand Central (average price per night $250-$350) for easy access to Midtown.
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (bus or subway) to get around. Consider purchasing an OMNY Card ($33 for 7 days) for seamless travel.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for long lines and security checks at the Statue of Liberty ferry terminal.
    • Book your tickets for the museum and dinner in advance to avoid disappointment.

Day 2: Central Park and Upper East Side

  • Morning: Spend a leisurely morning exploring Central Park, one of NYC’s most iconic green spaces. Rent a bike or take a stroll through the park, which offers plenty of scenic views and photo opportunities.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (tickets: pay-what-you-wish), home to over 2 million works of art from around the world. Be sure to see the stunning Temple of Dendur and the Impressionist galleries!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Bernardin, a seafood restaurant with three Michelin stars, offering an exceptional fine dining experience. Book a table months in advance for a spot!
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the Peninsula Hotel (average price per night $400-$600) for luxurious accommodations and stunning views of Fifth Avenue.
  • Transportation: Take the subway or bus to get around, or hop on a taxi/Uber ride.
  • Things to Know:
    • Be mindful of Central Park’s rules and regulations regarding bikes and picnicking areas.
    • Plan your visit to the Met accordingly, as some exhibits may be closed due to renovations.

Day 3: Times Square, Broadway, and Hell’s Kitchen

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Times Square, one of the busiest areas in NYC. Catch the iconic billboards and street performers.
  • Afternoon: Catch a matinee performance on Broadway, where you can see some of the world’s most famous musicals, such as The Lion King or Wicked! (tickets available online or at the theater box office).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Smith, a popular American bistro with multiple locations throughout NYC. Try their signature burger and onion rings!
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square (average price per night $200-$300) for easy access to Midtown.
  • Transportation: Take the subway or bus to get around, or hop on a taxi/Uber ride.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise in Times Square, especially during peak hours.
    • Consider booking your Broadway tickets well in advance to secure a spot.

Day 4: Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown

  • Morning: Explore the charming streets of Greenwich Village, where you can find quaint shops, historic brownstones, and lively street performers. Visit the iconic Washington Square Park for stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of SoHo, known for its upscale shopping, art galleries, and fashion boutiques. Be sure to check out the beautiful Cast Iron buildings!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods, a Chinese noodle shop with delicious hand-pulled noodles and savory dumplings. Try their signature Liang Pi cold skin noodles!
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the The Marlton Hotel (average price per night $250-$350) for stylish accommodations in the heart of SoHo.
  • Transportation: Take the subway or bus to get around, or hop on a taxi/Uber ride.
  • Things to Know:
    • Be mindful of local street performers and vendors in Greenwich Village.
    • Consider visiting Chinatown during peak hours (usually between 5-8 pm) for the best shopping experience.

Day 5: Brooklyn

  • Morning: Take a short subway ride to DUMBO, one of Brooklyn’s most iconic neighborhoods. Explore the historic cobblestone streets, visit the stunning Brooklyn Bridge Park, and take in breathtaking views of Manhattan!
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, known for its hipster vibe, boutique shopping, and street art. Be sure to check out the beautiful murals throughout the area!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens, a classic Brooklyn pizzeria with delicious Italian-American cuisine. Try their famous square pizza slices!
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the The Wythe Hotel (average price per night $250-$350) for stylish accommodations in Williamsburg.
  • Transportation: Take the subway or bus to get around, or hop on a taxi/Uber ride.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak hours in Brooklyn.
    • Consider visiting DUMBO early in the morning or late at night for more relaxed exploring.

Additional Tips and Reminders:

  • Always be mindful of local rules and regulations regarding food, shopping, and photography.
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen throughout your trip to protect yourself from the city’s busy streets.
  • Be prepared for security checks and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Consider purchasing a New York CityPASS (around $130) for discounted admission to many top attractions.
  • Download the NYC Subway App for easy navigation of public transportation.

Hope you enjoy your trip to New York City!