New York, USA-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Manhattan

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a classic New York bagel at Russ & Daughters Cafe (127 Orchard St) or Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple locations)
  • 9:00 AM: Head to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island ( Tickets: $23-$33 per person)

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen (205 E Houston St), a New York institution since 1888
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (180 Greenwich St) to pay respects and learn about the tragic events of September 11, 2001
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with a retro vibe
  • 9:30 PM: Catch a Broadway show or experience the bright lights of Times Square!

Day 2: Central Park and the Upper East Side

Morning

  • Breakfast: Fuel up for your day at Sarabeth’s (Multiple locations), a popular spot for creative breakfast dishes
  • 10:00 AM: Spend the morning exploring Central Park, one of New York City’s most famous green spaces. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through the park

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Ave), one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums
  • 3:30 PM: Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave) and see works by famous artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Kandinsky

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway), a classic steakhouse since 1887
  • 8:30 PM: End your evening with a peaceful walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline!

Accommodations

Consider staying in Midtown or the Upper East Side for easy access to many attractions:

  • Hotel Plaza Athenee (111 E 44th St): A luxurious hotel with elegant rooms and top-notch service
  • The NoMad Hotel (1170 Broadway): A stylish boutique hotel with a great location and excellent breakfast options

Transportation

  • Subway: The most efficient way to get around the city. Buy an unlimited-ride MetroCard for $33 per week or use contactless payment methods like OMNY
  • Taxi: Hail a yellow cab on the street or book in advance with services like Uber or Lyft

Tips and Essentials

  • Tipping: Show appreciation for good service by tipping 15% to 20% in restaurants and bars
  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable New York weather. Pack layers, rain gear, and sunscreen!
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions at night: stay with a group, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas

Other Recommendations

  • Take a food tour: Explore the diverse culinary scene on a guided tour
  • Visit a market: Browse the stalls at Chelsea Market or Smorgasburg for artisanal goods and street food
  • Catch a sports game: Catch a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium or a Mets game at Citi Field