New York, USA-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in New York City

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at one of the three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR) and take a taxi, Uber, or subway to your hotel.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Sarabeth’s (multiple locations), a popular spot for delicious pancakes and eggs.

Afternoon

  • Central Park: Spend the afternoon exploring Central Park, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Take a stroll through the park, rent a bike, or have a picnic.
  • The Plaza Hotel: Stop by The Plaza Hotel (5th Ave at 59th St) to admire its grandeur and possibly even spot a celebrity.

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Carbone (181 Thompson St), an over-the-top Italian-American restaurant that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
  • Broadway Show: Catch a night performance of a Broadway show, such as The Lion King or Wicked.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel: Consider staying at the Hotel Pennsylvania (33rd St and 7th Ave), a convenient and affordable option with stunning views of the city.
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to check-in online before arriving at your hotel to speed up the process.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from hotel staff or local New Yorkers.

Transportation

  • Subway: Buy an unlimited ride MetroCard ($33) and hop on the subway to get around the city. Start with a basic understanding of the system by checking out a map beforehand.
  • Taxis: Use taxis for shorter distances, but be aware that they can be pricey.

Day 2: Iconic New York Landmarks

Morning

  • The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Take an early ferry to visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and learn about its history at Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Lombardi’s Pizza (32 Spring St), a classic New York spot for pizza.

Afternoon

  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a must-see tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.
  • Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange: Explore Wall Street and take a peek at the historic New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway), an upscale steakhouse with exceptional service and prime cuts of meat.
  • Times Square: Spend your evening in the vibrant Times Square, known for its bright billboards, street performers, and bustling atmosphere.

Transportation

  • Subway: Take the subway from Lower Manhattan to Times Square.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds in Times Square, especially at night.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions or recommendations.

Day 3: Culture and Entertainment

Morning

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Spend the morning exploring the vast collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s greatest museums.
  • Breakfast: Grab a coffee and pastry at Cafe Grumpy (multiple locations), a popular spot for caffeine-fueled breakfast.

Afternoon

  • Lincoln Center: Visit the iconic Lincoln Center, home to some of New York City’s most prestigious performing arts venues, including the Metropolitan Opera.
  • The High Line: Explore the elevated park on the west side of Manhattan, known as The High Line.

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Ave), a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an exquisite tasting menu in an Art Deco-inspired setting.
  • Broadway Show: Catch another night performance of a Broadway show, perhaps something new and exciting.

Transportation

  • Subway: Take the subway from Upper Manhattan to Midtown.
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to make reservations for dinner at Eleven Madison Park well in advance.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals about current events or cultural happenings.

Day 4: World-Class Museums

Morning

  • The American Museum of Natural History: Spend the morning exploring the vast collections at The American Museum of Natural History, featuring iconic exhibits like the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs.
  • Breakfast: Grab a bite to eat at Serendipity 3 (225 E 60th St), a whimsical dessert shop and cafe.

Afternoon

  • MoMA (Museum of Modern Art): Visit the world-renowned MoMA, featuring an incredible collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • The Morgan Library & Museum: Explore the historic Morgan Library & Museum, a must-see for book lovers and history enthusiasts.

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Carbone’s (181 Thompson St), another over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with exceptional service and dishes.
  • Broadway Show: Catch one final night performance of a Broadway show, perhaps something you’ve been wanting to see.

Transportation

  • Subway: Take the subway from Midtown to Lower Manhattan.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds at popular museums like MoMA and the American Museum of Natural History.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals about current exhibitions or events.

Day 5: Last Day in New York City

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab a final breakfast at Sarabeth’s (multiple locations), a popular spot for delicious pancakes and eggs.
  • Last-minute shopping: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or last-minute gifts.

Afternoon

  • Central Park: Return to Central Park, perhaps for one final stroll or picnic.
  • Ferry ride: Take an early afternoon ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island (if you didn’t visit earlier in your trip).

Evening

  • Dinner: Head back to Carbone’s (181 Thompson St) for another incredible meal and night out.
  • Departure: Prepare for departure, reflecting on all the amazing experiences you had during your time in New York City.

Transportation

  • Subway: Take the subway from Manhattan to one of the three major airports (JFK, LGA, or EWR).
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to check-in online and print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help with directions or recommendations.

Enjoy your time in New York City!