A 4 Day NYC Itinerary for an Unforgettable Experience (with the best spots in Central Park)
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When you’re visiting the city, especially for the first time, there are so many things to do that it is impossible to fit it all into a 4 day NYC itinerary.
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try and fit in as much as possible. NYC is one of the most incredible cities to visit and your first trip there it will be a little overwhelming.
With so many amazing things to do, it can be difficult to narrow down what is a must-visit for your first trip. The most important thing to remember when you’re visiting New York City is that you will not be able to do everything in one trip (that is unless you’re spending months and months exploring everyday!).
This 4 day itinerary for NYC will give you details on the best things to do and ways to spend your time in the city. We have personally visited most of the items on the itinerary but we’ve also included some attractions that we wish we would have visited and known about when we were in New York City too.
Throughout the course of this blog post, we will include the cost of attractions for if you pay for them separately and in our ‘how much it will cost’ section you will see a comparison of those compared to the 4 day All Inclusive Go City pass so that you can see the value of the passes.
There will be some attractions that will not be included in the Go City pass such as Broadway tickets or a comedy show. However, we will give some average prices for these and total everything up at the end so that you can budget accordingly or look at where you may like to make changes to your own 4 day itinerary.
We have also calculated how much you will save with these passes just by using this itinerary. If you’re wanting to do other tours instead of some of free things we’ve added to the itinerary then your savings will be even higher! However, we’ve also written a full review of these NYC attraction passes to help you too!
If you’re just here for a quick 5 minutes then use the table of contents to pop down to the quick itinerary at the bottom. This will give you everything in a list format and where you can book. We would recommend taking some time to peruse over the tips for visiting New York City to find some great money saving tips for anyone that is travelling to New York on a budget.
How to Get To NYC
Getting to New York City from most countries is pretty simple. If you’re travelling from within the US, you will find that there are a lot of short direct flights so travelling to NYC is easier than if you’re from outside of the US.
If you’re visiting from the US then flights are a lot cheaper and easier to come by. You can check the flight tracker below to see when is the cheapest month for you to fly from your local airport to NYC.
If, like us, you’re coming from the UK then the flight time is of course a little bit longer but you can easily get a direct flight from the UK to New York City.
We flew from Edinburgh airport to NYC JKF airport and it took approximately 8 hours on a direct flight. The flight time is very similar if you’re flying from London but it just depends which London airport you fly from as some can take a little longer than others.
There are three airports that you can fly into to visit NYC. JFK is the most popular airport to fly into especially if you’re staying in Manhattan. Alternative airports from JFK include LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airport.
If you’ve not booked a package deal that includes transportation then there are a few options to get from JFK to Manhattan (where we presume you will be staying).
You will be able to get the Airtrain from JFK airport which will then take you to Jamaica Street. From there, you will be able to get the subway to where you’re staying. This is definitely a budget way to travel into the city or you can arrange a taxi, uber or lyft if your budget allows or you feel more comfortable.
If you’ve flown into LaGuardia Airport then you will be able to get a free bus from the airport. You will then need to take the subway the rest of the way to get into Manhattan itself. Take the Q70 bus to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue where you will then be able to catch the subway.
Lasty, from Newark Liberty International, you will be able to take the express bus straight to Manhattan.
JFK and Newark Liberty are the easiest airports to travel from but all of the airports have options to get you into Manhattan. Due to this, it might be worth weighing up the cost of your flight and transfer costs from the airport to see which is the best option for you.
How to Get Around NYC
There are lots of options for travelling around New York City that you will never find yourself stuck on how to get from A to B.
We wouldn’t recommend renting a car in NYC because honestly, the roads are just too hectic and you’ll find yourself consistently stuck in traffic.
The best way to explore round New York City is by using public transport. We spent a lot of time walking around the city and after a day, our feet were so sore that it put a bit of a damper on the next few days because our feet were fed up with us already!
We purchased a Go City New York All Inclusive Pass and with this, it included 24 hour access to the hop-on hop-off bus tour. We then used this to take us to the popular tourist attractions in NYC and we saved our feet a lot of pain.
The subway is a great way to get around easily too and it is not too expensive at all. It will cost just under $3 for a one-way fare on the subway or alternatively, you can pay an extra $1 to get a reloadable metrocard.
If you’re visiting NYC for 4 days or more then it is worth considering purchasing a 7 day unlimited metrocard. This costs around $33 and will save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you have a bit more money in your budget then using a taxi, Uber or Lyft is also a good option. Bear in mind that if you’re planning a budget trip to New York then the cost of this can soon add up.
Whilst you’re venturing around NYC, you will mostly be doing a lot of walking so make sure that you’re wearing some comfy shoes so that you don’t make the same mistake as us!
Where to Stay in NYC
There are so many amazing places to stay whilst you’re in New York but a lot of this will vastly depend on your budget. We were on a very small budget when we visited New York (especially as we were travelling on New Year’s Eve!
When we visited New York, we arranged for a package deal through Love Holidays and it was definitely worth the money. The only downside we found with this is that our baggage wasn’t included with our flights and we weren’t made aware prior to booking so this was a last minute add-on that we hadn’t thought of.
Even with that in mind, the package deal with Love Holidays was well worth the money because the cost of accommodation in New York City can be pretty pricey.
You can have a little look at the package deals that Love Holidays offer for NYC using the link below!
When you’re visiting New York City, we would suggest trying to stay in Manhattan where possible, especially if it’s your first time visiting NYC.
If you’re looking to stay in a more authentic area of NYC and to experience a bit more of local life then you may want to stay in Greenwich Village or Chelsea. This is a really trendy area absolutely bursting with life. If you’ve already done a lot of the main tourist attractions in NYC then you may want to stay a bit further away from the touristy craziness.
If you’re on a very tight budget then you would want to look at staying in Long Island City instead. To visit some of the main attractions, you may have to account for some travel time by using the subway. However, there are so many beautiful sights to see all over the city that you will need to travel around a little bit regardless.
Hostels in New York City
Best Hotels in New York City
If you’re still not sure on where you want to stay in NYC then we’ve made it even easier for you by using the map below to explore the different places to stay in Manhattan.
How Much It Will Cost (Our Experience)
The price of a 4-day trip to NYC will greatly depend on the budget that you have for accommodation. We’ve listed some recommendations below for different accommodation starting from budget options to more luxurious.
If you’re spending more than a couple days in New York City then we would highly recommend purchasing a Go City All-Inclusive pass so that you can make the most of as many attractions as possible.
The price of tourist attractions in NYC can really start to add up but with the Go City pass, you pay one set price for unlimited attractions across those days.
In order to make the most of the Go City Pass, we recommend writing a list of all the attractions you want to visit and totalling up how much it will cost if you didn’t buy the pass vs. the cost of the Go City pass.
If you’re purchasing a Go City pass then the attractions for 4 days will cost you approximately $289 – $379. They often have a sale on for their passes so if you catch them during a sale, you will find that the passes are much cheaper.
This will include access to so many different attractions that you won’t really need to pay for much else unless there is something in particular that you are wanting to visit that isn’t included in the Go City All Inclusive Pass.
In terms of food, the average cost of this can really vary depending on your budget and where you choose to eat. When we visited NYC, we were on a really low budget so we didn’t have many meals out.
We had breakfast included at our hotel so that was us sorted quite easily. We stayed at the Hotel Edison and have included more information on the hotel in the section above for you (just in case you skipped straight here!). The hotel gave us tickets where we could claim breakfast from 2 different cafes and we have got to say, it was absolutely delicious!
For lunch, we pretty much lived off of street food where possible or if we had some food left over from breakfast. We also stocked up on some snacks at a shop which we often took out with us.
It sounds quite boring but honestly, it done us really nicely and we would much rather spend the money on a nice dinner somewhere instead.
For dinner, we had a few meals out in NYC but the cost of food there is pretty expensive and of course, you have to consider adding on a tip too. Some days, we were too tired after exploring all day and we grabbed a pizza and headed back to the hotel room.
For a large pizza (and we mean it when we say large), it cost us between $13 – $20 to take away. We were absolutely stuffed and could never finish a whole pizza between us, which at home in Edinburgh is absolutely unheard of.
We went out for tacos one evening and it cost us approximately $40 (not including a tip) for 2 beers and 3 tacos each. As we say, we were on a tight budget so we kept our expenditure as minimal as possible. We only ate out a couple of times during our trip to keep our costs small and travel on a low budget.
We have done a cost analysis below for how much you should budget for anyone travelling frugal like ourselves and eating mostly on street food. You’ll also find an average spend for those that are on a budget but have a little bit of breathing room and for our care-free travellers that may have a larger budget and want to eat out regularly, if not every night.
How Much It Will Cost (Quick Facts)
Frugal Travellers
Budget Hostel – $55 per bed, per night (Total for 4 nights – $220)
Sightseeing with Go City Passes – $300 + $12.41 for comedy club & $70 for Broadway Tickets = $382.41
Sightseeing without Go City Pass – $530
Breakfast per Day – $2 – $10
Lunch Per Day – $5 – $15
Dinner Per Day – $10 – $30
Total using Go City Passes as Cheapest Option – $670.41 – $822.41
Budget Travellers
Budget Hotel – $164 per night (total for 4 nights = $656
Sightseeing with Go City Passes – $300 + $12.41 for comedy club & $70 for Broadway Tickets = $382.41
Sightseeing without Go City Pass – $530
Breakfast per Day – $5 – $15
Lunch Per Day – $15 – $25
Dinner Per Day – $20 – $40
Total using Go City Passes as Cheapest Option – $1,198.41 – $1,358.41
Care-Free Travellers
Luxury Hotel – $656 per night (Total for 4 nights = $2,624)
Sightseeing with Go City Passes – $300 + $12.41 for comedy club & $70 for Broadway Tickets = $382.41
Sightseeing without Go City Pass – $530.41
Breakfast per Day – $15 – $30
Lunch Per Day – $25 – $40
Dinner Per Day – $40 – $70
Total using Go City Passes as Cheapest Option – $3,326.41 – $3,566.41
Looking to Save Money on Attractions in NYC?
New York City is an amazing place to visit and the top of most people’s bucket lists! However, it is not the cheapest city to explore especially if you’re on a budget! To make the most of the attractions in NYC and save yourself some money, don’t forget to read our review of the New York City Passes to see whether it will be best for your trip!
4 Days in NYC Itinerary
When you’re in NYC, you really will want to make the most of everything that this incredible city has to offer.
We would recommend getting up quite early in the morning so that you can see as much as possible. You will also find that the city is much quieter early in the morning so you will get to avoid queues a little more.
If you’re also like us and running a travel blog or Instagram blog then you will also want to grab some photos without hundreds of tourists in your photos. Getting up early in NYC really is the only way forward!
As queues can get pretty crazy at some of the main tourist attractions, where possible try to purchase skip-the-line tickets. This will save you so much time and energy because it can be a little draining waiting around all the time. Not just that but your feet will be so sore by the end of the trip so it’s worth resting them where you can!
Day 1 – Upper Manhattan & Central Park
On your first day in the Big Apple, you want to explore as much of Manhattan as possible and make sure that you don’t miss the infamous Central Park.
This first day itinerary will give you plenty of different museums to visit around the upper Manhattan area and the best spots to visit within Central Park.
If you’re using the Go City All-Inclusive Pass then you will find that most of these attractions are included with the pass. We’ve included individual prices for the attractions below so that you can calculate what is best for you.
Morning
Start your morning off with some yummy breakfast before heading to Central Park for a wander before it gets too busy!
Breakfast 07:00
Wake up early and grab yourself some breakfast. If breakfast is not included with your hotel then we would recommend heading to Carve (open from 06:30am) for a delicious start to the day.
We absolutely loved their cream cheese bagels and they were perfect for grabbing to take with you on the go. Another perk about having your breakfast here is that the food is all quite budget friendly as well as good quality.
There are plenty of choices between breakfast rolls, omelets, fresh fruit and pastries. We would recommend stocking up on a few snacks to take with you throughout the day if you haven’t already headed to a grocery store. We also recommend checking out some of their cakes for a little later too!
08:00 Central Park Spots to Visit
After grabbing yourself a bite to eat, head to Central Park to enjoy a morning wandering around some of the amazing attractions here.
There are plenty of things to see whilst you’re wandering around Central Park. The most important thing to remember is that you won’t have time to visit them all and all the other attractions you want to see in NYC in 4 days.
We’ve listed below some of the main spots to visit in Central Park and a little bit of information about them so that you can decide for yourself which ones you would like to prioritise.
If you’ve purchased a Go City All Inclusive pass then you will be able to enjoy a couple of different tours around Central Park.
Central Park Bike Tour
If you want to see the main sights of Central Park and enjoy some good exercise whilst you’re at it then this guided bike tour is for you.
You will head to the highlights of the park during this two hour guided tour making it a perfect way to get around. Highlights of the tour include Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Gardens, Belvedere Castle and Much More.
Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
If you’re a lover of all things film and TV then this walking tour is the best way to experience the popular sights of Central Park whilst learning more about which programmes and films they have been featured in.
The park has been featured in over 300 different TV shows and movies and you will get to visit around 40 locations from them in the park.
To enjoy this tour, you would meet the guide at 12pm so it would be worth adding something else to your morning if you choose to do this tour in the afternoon. It will last approximately 2 hours and give you a great insight into the wonders of Central Park.
Best Spots in Central Park
- Pulitzer Fountain
Finally, the last attraction that we recommend paying a visit to in Central Park is the Pulitzer Fountain.
Okay, so technically it is not quite within the park but if you have walked down 5th Avenue shopping centre then you will be able to stumble upon this fountain just before entering the park.
The Pulitzer Fountain can be found in the Grand Army Plaza and is a very popular tourist spot in New York City.
Standing over 22-foot high, this is a perfect photo spot for any travel bloggers. We would recommend visiting this beautiful fountain in particular during the holiday season when it is decorated for the festivities!
- Central Park Zoo
One of the things that amazed us the most about Central Park is that it is that large that it has it’s own zoo! If you think about what parks are like from where you are from, you certainly wouldn’t imagine them having their own zoo.
There are over 130 different animals at Central Park’s zoo offering visitors plenty of information and sights to see whilst you’re there.
In honesty, we didn’t have enough time to visit Central Park Zoo ourselves but we certainly wish we could have had more time to go! It’s on our bucket list for the second visit to New York City that’s for sure.
You can expect tickets for the zoo to be approximately $20 including the 4D theatre which we don’t think is too badly priced considering how expensive the rest of NYC can be.
- Balto
When we were wandering around Central Park and stumbled across Balto, it strongly reminded us on Greyfriar’s Bobby which can be found in Edinburgh’s Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
It is not very often that you see a dog honoured by a statue so that is one reason it reminded us. Balto is a heroic sled dog that aided locals in Alaska after an outbreak of diphtheria.
There was not enough antitoxin available in Nome, Alaska which is where Balto comes in. This heroic dog led the other dogs through a treacherous blizzard over 670 miles to to deliver the antitoxin to those that were sick.
In our opinion, this is truly a beautiful memorialisation to Balto for those to learn more about what the team of sled dogs done to aid people.
If you’re visiting with any children then this statue is a great photo spot which you can then pass the story of Balto onto your children.
- Bethesda Terrace
This beautiful piece of architecture alongside the Bethesda fountain are well worth a visit in Central Park. The terrace and fountain have been featured in a number of popular TV shows and films.
Some popular movies that feature Bethesda Terrace include The Avengers, Enchanted, Home Alone 2, Sex and the City, John Wick and so much more. When we visited, we were going as we were doing a self-guided Gossip Girl tour and this is the place where Blair and Chuck get married!
This is a great place for relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee whilst people-watching. You will find that as this is such a popular attraction in Central Park that it can get very busy. Due to this, if you want to avoid the crowds for some great photos then we recommend heading here really early in the morning.
- Strawberry Fields
This homage to John Lennon is unsurprisingly a very popular attraction for tourists visiting Central Park.
Right in the centre of the Strawberry fields, you will find “Imagine” mosaic decorated with plenty of flowers.
This touching tribute to John Lennon is perfect for any Beatles fans or anyone wanting to take a few minutes to sit back and relax for a while.
- Bow Bridge
This was one of our favourite Instagrammable spots in Central Park. Bow Bridge is a really popular location to visit in the park for tourists and it is understandable why.
You will get to view the ducks swimming in the water and underneath the bridge whilst appreciating your surroundings.
Bow Bridge was built in the Victorian era and remains a popular romantic spot for couples to visit in Central Park still to this day. If you’re a travel photographer, Instagrammer or just a travel photo fanatic then this is the spot that you need to visit.
- Loeb Boathouse
If you’re planning to stay in Central Park for lunch time then it would be worth heading to Loeb Boathouse to enjoy some lunch in the park.
From here, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views from this scenic Central Park Restaurant. You will also be able to rent a row boat too which one of the most romantic things for couples to do in New York City.
- Alice in Wonderland
Nearly everyone is familiar with Lewis Caroll’s work “Alice in Wonderland” and this bronze statue is a wonderful homage to the fictional works.
The idea behind the statue is so that children would be able to experience the wonder of this popular fictional story. For any book lovers, this is a must visit. You will find that there are a lot of children climbing around the statue so if you’re looking to get some photos, head very early in the morning.
- Belvedere Castle
Again, it really is astounding just how large Central Park really is. Not only does Central Park have it’s own zoo but it has it’s own castle too!
Belvedere Castle is an iconic attraction to visit within Central Park and the name translates to “beautiful view” in Italian. It is true that the castle does what it says on the tin and offers visitors a stunning view of Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn and Ramble.
BEST CENTRAL PARK TOURS
- Central Park Walking Tour
- Private Central Park Pedicab Tour
- Central Park Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour
- Guided Standard Central Park Horse Carriage Ride (up to 4 adults)
- Central Park Moonlight Ride With Photos
If you took some time to wander around Central Park then this should take around 2 hours or so without doing any walking or bike tours.
If you decided not to do any tours when visiting central Park then you will still have enough time to visit another attraction in the morning. Located close to Belvedere Castle, we would recommend visiting the American Museum of Natural History.
10:30 American Museum of Natural History – $28
If you have visited the Natural History Museum in London then you will know that the American Museum of Natural History is absolutely going to be worth your time!
This Natural History Museum is one of the largest in the world with around 28 buildings and 45 exhibition halls. You will learn more about science, animals, culture and some seriously interesting fossils whilst you’re visiting the museum. This is a great activity for families travelling to NYC too!
It will take around 2 hours 30 minutes to explore the museum so it is perfect thing to do on a rainy day in NYC as well.
Opening Times: 10am – 5:30pm
Afternoon
Explore 2 of New York City’s most wonderful art museums and admire exhibitions from some of the best artists known to man.
12:30 Lunch – If you spent most of the morning in Central Park then we would recommend visiting the Loeb Boathouse for a delicious lunch.
Alternatively, if you’ve ended your morning at the American Museum of Natural History at either Good Enough to Eat or Calle Ocho. Both of these places have incredible food and that shows in their popularity.
If you’re looking to eat at any of these places then it may be worth calling in advance to book a table and prevent disappointment.
After a tasty lunch, walk off some of the calories by heading to these two very popular museums. It will take around 15 minutes to walk from the American Museum of Natural History to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET). From The MET, it will take around 8 minutes to walk to the Guggenheim.
14:00 The MET – $30
One of the most renowned art museums in NYC is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, otherwise known as The MET.
Not only is this museum famous for the incredible artwork it has on display but also for the presence that it has within popular TV shows and movies.
You will find artwork dating back 5,000 years for you to enjoy and appreciate. One of the facts that astounds us the most about The MET is that it holds over 490,000 pieces of artwork from around the world!
According to Go City, it takes around 3-5 hours just to view the permanent collection, never mind if there are any exhibits. How long you spend at The MET will greatly depend on whether you are already an art fan or if you’re just visiting to see what all the fuss is about. No shame, we fit into the latter category too!
For anyone that is looking to just view some of the main collections, we would suggest spending approximately 2-3 hours exploring the MET.
Opening Times: The MET is closed on Wednesdays but you can access the museum between 10am – 5pm Sunday – Tuesday and Thursdays. The MET is open later on Fridays and Saturdays which will close at 9pm.
16:00 Guggenheim Museum – $30
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most famous hubs for art within the city. The unusual architecture is enough to draw in tourists and art fanatics from across the world.
Here, you will find plenty of beautiful works from Cezane, Monet, Picasso and much more. Another highlight of visiting this magnificent museum is the beautiful view from the cafe over Central Park.
After you’ve admired the stunning artwork displayed throughout the museum, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking an incredible view of New York’s iconic park.
If you’re not as familiar with the art world then it may be worth considering a guided tour of the museum. This also includes a skip-the-line ticket which will save you a lot of time queueing.
When visiting the Guggenheim, it will take around 2 hours to fully explore the museum and appreciate the artwork exhibited here.
Guggenheim Museum Opening Times: 11am – 6pm Sun – Fri & 11am – 8pm on Saturdays.
Evening
Dive into the stunning area of Harlem for a night of good food, jazz and culture!
From the Guggenheim Museum, it is about a 50 minute walk into Harlem so make sure that you grab the subway into this area to give your feet some rest!
18:30 Dinner in Harlem
As this evening you’ll be heading around Harlem and hopefully enjoying one of the incredible jazz shows, we would recommend grabbing some food at one of the shows. This way you will get to enjoy a nice meal with an amazing show at the same time.
If you’re looking for some more unique food in Harlem, NYC then we would recommend heading to Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant. Here you will get to enjoy some tasty, spicy Ethiopian food with very generous portions.
Alternatively, for those that may be on a budget or wanting to sample Harlem’s Street Food scene, you will find that there are plenty of street food carts located around. From tacos, BBQ, Greek food and much more, you will be spoilt for choice.
19:30 Explore Harlem
In our opinion, Harlem is one of the best areas to explore within NYC with so much culture, history and fun things to do.
Home to the Apollo Theatre, you will find plenty of places to explore whilst you’re wandering around Harlem. If you have time then it is worth checking to see if you can visit a show at the iconic Apollo Theatre. This is a great thing to do in the evening and Harlem is renowned for jazz.
Whilst you’re in Harlem, it is good to experience some of the jazz and gospel culture that is prevalent. If you’ve purchased a Go City pass, there are two tours that are available with the pass. One is a gospel tour that is available on Sundays and another where you will be able to attend a gospel concert at one of the local churches.
This is a great experience that will leave you feeling really good and perfect for if you’re stuck on something to do in the evening.
Alternatively, if you’ve not booked for a Go City All Inclusive pass then we would recommend taking part in the Evening Harlem Jazz Tour. This tour lasts around 3 and a half hours where you will be guided around Harlem and some of the main spots. You will be taken to a local jazz evening in Harlem which is a great experience to enjoy.
If you’re not booking a tour then we recommend spending at least 2 hours wandering around Harlem and enjoying the sights!
BEST UPPER MANHATTAN & HARLEM TOURS
- Upper and Lower Manhattan
- Private Central Park Tour with Native and Professional Photoshoot
- Harlem Food Tasting & Walking Tour
- Walking Tour of Uptown Manhattan Filming Locations
- Central Park & Upper East Side Walking Tour
- The Soul of Harlem Walking Tour in New York
- Harlem Hip-Hop Walking Tour
- Harlem Sunday Morning Gospel Tour
Day 2 – Midtown Manhattan
Explore the popular tourist attractions in downtown Manhattan with 2 wonderful viewpoints, museums and all the must-visit areas of the city!
Spend your 2nd day in New York City like a true tourist visiting some of the main attractions that NYC is so famous for.
You will find that a lot of these areas are very busy so prepare yourself with a lot of patience and allocate yourself extra time to travel in between places.
Despite most New Yorkers being in a rush, most tourists however, are not! If you’ve visited London or any other big city before then you will know all too well how slow some people can work and it can be frustrating (to say the least) to get stuck behind tourists, even if you are one yourself.
Keep your patience and weave your way through the crowd where necessary to make your life much easier!
There are so many different things to do in downtown Manhattan that it will be impossible to do it all in 4 days, even if you were spending all 4 days just in downtown Manhattan.
Our itinerary below gives you an idea on the best way to hit the main attractions in downtown Manhattan especially for any first timers to NYC.
Morning
Breakfast 08:00
It will be another early start in NYC today so that you can head to the Empire State Building to avoid queues. We recommend heading to Sarabeths for some delicious breakfast before you have a full day of exploring ahead of you.
Sarabeths is located close to the Empire State Building so if you get there at a good enough time, you will be able to sit down and enjoy a good meal.
From breakfast bowls, french toast, pancakes, eggs and so much more, there are plenty of delicious plates to fuel your morning.
09:00 Empire State Building – $44 – $79
Unsurprisingly, the Empire State Building can get pretty busy during the day so we recommend getting there early to prevent the length of time you’re queueing.
If you’ve purchased the Go City All Inclusive pass then it is recommended that you book your spot at the Empire State Building in advance to secure your ticket.
If you’re buying tickets to the Empire State Building on it’s own then it would be best to purchase these in advance too.
The Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC and with good reason. You will get some beautiful sweeping views across the city from this unique observation deck.
After being a featured icon in hundreds of movies and TV shows, we loved walking around the museum to the building and learning about it’s role in these popular programmes and films.
When you’re visiting the building, prepare for between 2-3 hours of queuing and the time you spent wandering around the observation deck too.
Opening Times: The times can vary for the building depending on what time of year you’re visiting. Generally speaking, you can expect for the Empire State Building to be open between 9:00am – 12:00am during the Spring / Summer period and 10:00am – 9:00pm during the Autumn / Winter season. Before attending the Empire State Building, make sure that you check their opening hours on their website.
11:00 Grand Central Terminal
Another popular filming location in NYC includes the Grand Central Terminal. This phenomenal train station is one of the most visited destinations in New York City for a reason.
Marvel at the grandeur of the station and explore through the vastness of the terminal itself. Of course, whilst you’re visiting you need to see the infamous clock and admire the beautiful architecture.
Whilst you’re there, why not give the whispering gallery a try? If you’re travelling with someone then head to the arches in the opposite ends of the gallery and whisper. The sound should reverberate back and they will be able to hear you at the other end of the gallery.
This is quite an impressive feat especially considering how busy Grand Central is!
If you’re interested in learning more about Grand Central terminal then you will enjoy the NYC Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour. You will get an insight into the best kept secrets of the terminal that tourists wouldn’t usually spot!
11:30 St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Being that neither of us are religious, we weren’t expecting to be taken with St. Patrick’s Cathedral as much as we were!
This magnificent cathedral is a true beauty to marvel at even if you aren’t religious. St. Patrick’s Cathedral holds a rich history of American Catholicism and it is fascinating to learn the connections that it holds to some of the most important figures in history including the Kennedys.
It is free to enter the cathedral but we would recommend taking part in the audio tour to learn more about the significance of the cathedral and main architectural points.
If you’ve purchased a Go City pass then this will be included already with express entry too.
Alternatively, you will be able to purchase the audio tour online or upon arrival at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Afternoon
How quickly time flies when you’re having fun! After visiting the wondrous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walk to the Rockefeller Centre to enjoy this popular tourist area before stopping for a bite to eat!
12:00 Rockefeller Centre
This is one of the best areas to visit if you’re in NYC during the holiday season. You may have seen in Home Alone 2 that the Rockefeller Centre is beautiful lit with decorations, lights and Christmas ornaments.
In particular, you need to see the huge Christmas Tree in the Rockefeller Centre during the holidays in NYC. It truly is a sight to behold!
During the holiday season, there will also be the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink too which is great fun and a romantic thing for couples to do during the holidays in NYC.
In the Rockefeller Centre you will find plenty of shops, restaurants and one of the incredible observation decks; Top of the Rock. We have mentioned about you visiting Top of the Rock after lunch.
Take some time wandering around the centre and enjoying the beauty of it all before heading to grab some food.
13:00 Lunch
As there are so many restaurants around the Rockefeller Centre, this is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat. If you’re looking for a small plate then it is worth grabbing a yummy bagel at Black Seed Bagel.
For anyone that is looking to enjoy a sit-down meal then you might be interested in trying some tasty Greek food at Limani’s.
It is quite a fancy restaurant so we would recommend this to anyone that isn’t as worried about a budget whilst they’re in NYC but it is certainly well worth the money!
For anyone that is on a bit of a stricter budget then we would suggest heading to Toasties which is approximately a 6 minute walk from the Rockefeller Centre.
In Toasties you will be able to enjoy a choice of plenty different fresh hot and cold sandwiches. This is a great find for anyone looking to keep costs low whilst exploring NYC but to not sacrifice on the quality of food too!
14:00 Top of the Rock – $40 – $85
Once you’ve enjoyed a delicious lunch, no matter where you choose to go, get yourself at the Top of the Rock to enjoy another observation deck.
Top of the Rock offers a different viewpoint than the Empire State Building so you will be able to enjoy both without seeing the same thing.
We would advise that when you’re visiting the different observation decks around NYC that you try to go to them at different times of the day to offer a more unique experience.
You will get to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city from this outdoor observation deck This year they have also added a new attraction at the Top of the Rock called the Beam.
During the construction of Top of the Rock, there is an iconic photo of the workers sitting on a beam with the city as a backdrop. You can now recreate this photo yourself with their new Beam attraction.
You will most likely want to spend an hour and a half here including queue times and exploring the observation deck.
Tickets for Top of the Rock are included in the Go City all-inclusive pass or alternatively, you can purchase them on sites such as Viator or Get Your Guide.
Opening Times: 09:00 – 00:00 daily
15:30 Radio City Music Hall – $33
Within the Rockefeller Centre, you will also find the incredible Radio City Music Hall.
This theatre is home to the Rockettes and was one of the largest auditoriums when it first opened. It is a really impressive theatre and interesting for tourists to marvel at the architecture and beauty of the auditorium.
You can arrange for a behind the scenes access tour where you will learn more about the history of the music hall, the Rockettes and so much more.
Opening Times: 10:00am – 8pm Monday – Saturday
The tour is included with the Go City All Inclusive Pass or you can purchase your tour tickets with Viator.
Evening
After a wonderful day of exploring different observation decks, and areas of Manhattan, it’s time to wander a little more and enjoy a relaxing evening seeing a show on Broadway!
17:00 – Dinner
Make your way towards Times Square to get some dinner before wandering around the square itself. We would recommend visiting the Hard Rock Cafe near Times Square to enjoy some great filling food.
If you’ve never visited a Hard Rock Cafe before then this is definitely the best place to do so! You will find plenty of awesome rock memorabilia and there are sometimes live music events too!
If you’re on a budget then there are plenty of street food carts near Times Square that you will be able to get some yummy food. Alternatively, head to 99c Pizza for a cheap bite to eat. You can either purchase a couple slices of pizza (trust us, you only need a couple slices) or if you’re travelling as a couple or a few friends then order yourself a pie to share!
18:00 – Times Square / Madame Tussauds ($38.99) if you have time depending on what you choose for dinner!
After you’ve grabbed some food, you should have a little bit of time to explore around Times Square itself and take some snaps!
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the infamous Times Square. Known as one of the most popular places to spend New Year’s Eve, you will be taken aback by the atmosphere in the square.
If you’re visiting NYC for New Year’s Eve then make sure to check out our post on the best New Year’s Eve Parties in NYC for plenty of inspiration!
When you’re wandering around Times Square, check out the M&M’s shop and drool over all the different choices of M&M’s as well as plenty of merchandise.
Depending on where you chose to have dinner and what time you finish up, you may still have some more time to kill before the next activity.
If you have a good hour or an hour and a half then we recommend visiting Madame Tussauds near Times Square. This was up there as one of the best highlights of our trip to NYC.
For anyone that hasn’t visited Madame Tussauds before, it is an incredible wax museum where you can take pictures with political figures, celebrities and even fictional characters.
We really enjoyed our time at Madame Tussauds which we didn’t expect as it has not appealed to us before but like you, we had some spare time and it was included in our Go City pass so we decided to give it a try!
We’re glad we did because we had such a good laugh posing for photos with the different waxworks. We in particular really enjoyed the horror section with figurines from IT, Anabelle, the exorcist and much more.
Opening Times: 10am – 8pm
19:00 – See a Broadway Show $68 – $236
End your day exploring in the best way by putting your feet up and seeing an awesome show on Broadway.
When we visited New York City, we got to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway which was the most incredible experience.
We were quite lucky with our tickets and managed to get a private box for the same price as general admission and this really made our experience in NYC.
There are so many different shows on Broadway to choose from including The Lion King, Aladdin, Chicago, Back to the Future, Moulin Rouge and so much more!
You can view a range of the different Broadway shows on the link below so you can decide which one you want to see the most!
BEST MIDTOWN MANHATTAN TOURS
- Midtown Manhattan Art & Architecture Walking Tour
- Gems of Midtown East
- Midtown Manhattan Exclusive Tour with Skip-the-Line MoMA Entry
- Private Pedicab Tour of Midtown Manhattan
- Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise
- Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
- New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Looking to Save Money on Attractions in NYC?
New York City is an amazing place to visit and the top of most people’s bucket lists! However, it is not the cheapest city to explore especially if you’re on a budget! To make the most of the attractions in NYC and save yourself some money, don’t forget to read our review of the New York City Passes to see whether it will be best for your trip!
Day 3 – Chelsea, SoHo, Little Italy & ChinaTown
By now, you will have visited some of the most touristy parts of NYC as well as some hidden gems. We recommend spending today by taking a trip to Chelsea before exploring SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
Morning
Get the subway early to start your day snapping a photo at the infamous Ghostbuster’s Headquarters. You’ll then get to enjoy some tasty breakfast before embarking on a journey through other neighbourhoods of Manhattan.
There is so much more to Manhattan than just the popular tourist attractions. We think that it is important for tourists to also get out and explore some of the other neighbourhoods that Manhattan has to offer.
During most of the day, you will wander through these neighbourhoods enjoying the atmosphere and stumbling across a few amazing attractions along the way.
If you’re staying in downtown Manhattan then it is worth considering purchasing a subway pass for today so that you’re not walking everywhere! Trust us on this one as your feet will be aching otherwise!
08:00 – Ghostbuster’s Headquarters
You certainly won’t want to miss taking a trip to the infamous Ghostbuster’s Headquarters during your time in NYC.
Filming of the building was only taken on the exterior and the interior of the building was actually filmed between the Los Angeles film studio and a decommissioned firehouse in Los Angeles too!
You can’t actually go inside the building but it is free to go and take a photo.
There are quite a few different Ghostbuster’s sights around the city including The Tavern on the Green, The New York Public Library and Columbus Circle.
If you’re a Ghostbusters fanatic then take yourself on a free walking tour of the Ghostbuster sights around the city!
Breakfast 08:30
Just around the corner from the infamous Ghostbuster’s Headquarters you will find an awesome spot for breakfast called Bubby’s.
Bubby’s serves a lot of American grub so you’ll find plenty of yummy filling food. From plenty of delicious breakfast plates, pancakes and sandwiches you’ll be spoilt for choice!
09:30 Explore Chinatown
Once you’ve filled up on some breakfast and regained some energy from the busy past few days, walk over to Chinatown to explore this beautiful neighbourhood.
Whilst you’re wandering around Chinatown, we would recommend visiting Mott Street. This is a bustling vibrant area of the neighbourhood where you will find locals bustling around doing their shopping.
If you have some room after your breakfast then it would be worth considering trying some dumplings whilst you’re in Chinatown.
Take your time and wander around the lantern-filled streets, taking in the atmosphere of Chinatown and see what you find along the way!
If you’d rather someone else take the lead whilst you’re visiting Chinatown then you can get a guided walking tour with the Go City All Inclusive pass. This will take you to all the main spots and give you a good insight into the history of Chinatown too!
10:30 Explore Little Italy
Another really cool neighbourhood to wander around is Little Italy which is right next to Chinatown.
You will find plenty of tasty delights such as huge pizza pies, delicious cannoli and so much more! During September is a great time to visit Little Italy as you may be able to see the feast of San Gennaro.
Locals will be out in the street celebrating the feast and there will be plenty of different Italian foods for you to try!
If you have time whilst you’re in Little Italy then you may also want to take a visit to the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood. If you’re visiting outside the time of the feast, you will be able to see the items that are used for the feast and celebrated in this wonderful church.
If you’ve purchased the Go City pass then you can also take part in the Little Italy walking tour which will take you around all the main sights!
11:30 Museum of Ice Cream – $25 – $33
Not too far from Little Italy you will find the Museum of Ice Cream which is a perfect place to have a sweet treat before lunch.
This museum is great fun for kids and adults alike where you will be able to play around and enjoy unlimited ice-cream. This is well worth a visit for those that want to unleash their inner child.
It is also a really great Instagrammable spot in NYC too and you’ll be bound to get lots of great snaps for Instagram.
Opening Times: 09:30am – 8:00pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday. 09:30am – 8:30pm Friday & Saturday.
Afternoon
Explore another great museum that is perfect for Instagram snaps before venturing to eat and explore SoHo, The High Line and Chelsea Market.
12:30 Color Factory – $48 – $69
Near to the Ice Cream Museum, you will find another great museum called the Color Factory.
This immersive museum is great fun to enjoy with friends or family. Not to mention that you will also get some great Instagrammable snaps whilst you’re there too!
The museum acts as a homage to NYC where you will get to interact with different artwork and fun rooms. You’ll receive different sweet treats and mementos along the way.
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm on Fridays and 9am – 8pm on Saturdays.
13:30 Lunch in SoHo
A favourite place for most people to eat is Raku which serves some incredible fresh Udon noodles. This is a great spot to stop for lunch in SoHo. SachaEats recommends that Raku’s Niku Udon is one of the best dishes to try if you’ve never been before.
If you’re on a budget then we recommend heading to Pepe’s Rosso To Go where pretty much everything on the menu is under $15. They often offer a lunchtime deal too which is usually under $10 so it is good quality for money!
14:30 Explore SoHo
There are plenty of things to do around SoHo especially when it comes to shopping. We suggest taking a wander around and exploring the sights.
One of the best things to do in SoHo is to take a small tour of the street art. There are lots of different pieces of artwork so keep your eyes peeled whilst you’re wandering around.
If you’re still hungry after lunch then you can finish off with a Cronut from Dominique Ansel Bakery. They are so incredibly yummy!
For anyone that is wanting to hit the main sights of SoHo, you may want to consider a walking tour to guide you around. There are plenty of different tours available on Viator and Get Your Guide.
If you do end up visiting all 3 neighbourhoods then you may want to consider doing a combined walking tour of them. There is a combined tour of Chinatown, Little Italy and SoHo included with the Go City pass if this is something that you have purchased.
BEST TOURS FOR EXPLORING CHELSEA, SOHO, LITTLE ITALY & CHINATOWN
- SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown – Food & Culture Tour
- Private Tour of of SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy
- SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour
- High Line & Chelsea Market 3 Hour Private Tour
- Chelsea Contemporary Art Tour with NYC Professional Art Critic
- High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
15:30 The High Line
Whilst you’re visiting NYC, you need to take a trip along The High Line.
For those that have not heard of this before, it is a rail track that has been converted to a living eco-system. This is a beautiful 1.5 mile walk with plenty of stunning Instagrammable spots along the way.
Take your time walking along the High Line and admiring the views as you go.
If you’re planning to take our advice and go to Chelsea Market after The High Line then you may want to consider the following food tour to really make the most of it.
16:00 Chelsea Market & Dinner
Spend some time wandering around the incredible Chelsea Market and check out all the food options.
We would recommend spending some time here exploring and also getting something to eat too. The best thing to do is to check out all the different food options at Chelsea Market and see what is taking your fancy!
There are cheesemongers, Italian, lobster, Caribbean food and much much more. You will really be spoilt for choice so take a wander around and see what you would like.
If you’re uncertain then you might enjoy doing a food tour around Chelsea Market. This is especially worthwhile if you’re doing the High Line too as you’ll have a guided tour explaining some of the best spots along the way.
Evening
After enjoying some gorgeous food and views from The High Line and Chelsea Market, you will be in for an evening with great views from an observation deck and a unique show to enjoy.
17:30 The Edge – $36
The Edge was actually our favourite out of all the observation decks within New York City.
We recommend going to The Edge preferably when it gets a little bit darker, this will completely depend on the time of year you’re visiting. Either way, even if it is still light and you’re visiting during the summer, this will be a great time to watch the sun begin to get lower over the cityscape.
The one thing that we really liked about The Edge is that it also gives in-depth information about The High Line and the Vessel.
Whilst there may be a few queues to get up to the top of the edge, there is a museum along the queue which makes it a bit more of an enjoyable wait.
19:00 Dueling Piano Show – $30 – $475
For a unique experience during your time in NYC, head over to the Dueling Piano Show for a wild night.
We recommend booking your tickets in advance for one of these shows so that you won’t miss out. In particular, Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Piano Show is a good place to visit after your time at The Edge.
This particular show has now reached it’s 15th year of being sold out so you definitely want to make sure that you get this booked in advance to prevent disappointment.
Day 4 – Brooklyn + Financial District
Your final day in New York City is definitely a good one with plenty of exciting activities lined up for you.
By now, you will have seen a vast majority of Manhattan so now it’s time to take a trip out to Brooklyn and the financial district.
When we done this part of the itinerary, we actually used our Go City All Inclusive Pass and claimed our 1 day access to the Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
This enabled us to see other areas and sights of NYC that we didn’t have time to see and got us to Brooklyn without spending any further money using the subway.
Morning
08:00 Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge was easily one of our favourite sights when we visited NYC and we really enjoyed wandering around Brooklyn in general.
If you’re looking to get some photos of the bridge with minimal tourists then we would suggest heading to the bridge earlier in the morning than this itinerary shows.
When we visited the bridge, it was packed with tourists but we did still manage to get some great shots anyway.
We decided to take the time and walk the length of the bridge into DUMBO. If you choose to do the same, make sure that you watch out for cyclists because they come flying across the bridge.
You should always be mindful of other people and in particular locals that are just looking to get from A to B. This time of the morning you will find that there are quite a few locals commuting to work so if you’re taking photos, please be aware of your surroundings.
09:00 Breakfast
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you will find yourself near DUMBO. We recommend stopping for some breakfast at Bread and Spread. The menu is a little more limited with only a breakfast sandwich or normal sandwiches on offer. However, it is a great affordable option for anyone that is on a budget with the breakfast sandwich being only $5.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday then another good option is the Sunday Brunch at Superfine with plenty of different options. With pancakes, french toast, breakfast burritos and so much more, you won’t be stuck on choice for a delicious breakfast.
10:30 Explore DUMBO
Once you’ve enjoyed some yummy breakfast, explore around DUMBO to get to know this unique neighbourhood.
There are plenty of things to do in DUMBO including the Time Out Market, flea markets and much more. We’ve listed below some of the best things that you can do in the neighbourhood.
- Time Out Market
- The Archway
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- A.I.R Gallery
- Washington Street and Water Street view of Brooklyn Bridge
You may not have time to do everything in DUMBO but it is a great place to visit and wander around!
Afternoon
12:00 – Statue of Liberty – $31.80 – $85.50
The poster for NYC has to be the Statue of Liberty and you need to plan a little visit to see her in all her glory before you leave NYC.
Your trip to the Statue of Liberty is included with your Go City passes or alternatively you can purchase your tickets through Viator.
To get to Liberty and Ellis island, you will need to get a ferry from The Battery so once you’ve finished up in DUMBO head back towards Manhattan to start your next journey.
When we visited, we made the decision not to go to Liberty Island itself and just to see the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park. This was a decision we made because there were so many other things we wanted to see in NYC.
If you’re planning to do just Liberty Island then you can expect to spend approximately 2 hours here. If you would like to do Ellis Island as well then we would suggest scheduling in an extra hour to be safe.
15:00 Lunch
Today you’ll be having a bit of a late lunch so that you have enough time to see the Statue of Liberty. We suggest that you should grab some lunch when you get back from the island.
If it is within your budget then we recommend enjoying your lunch at The View at The Battery. This will give you great views of the Statue of Liberty whilst you enjoy a delicious lunch. As it can get quite busy, try to get this booked in advance to secure yourself a table.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable then there are plenty of street carts near The Battery for you to enjoy. Alternatively, head towards the 9/11 Memorial Museum (your next stop) and grab a few pizza slices at Pronto Pizza for a quick lunch that doesn’t take away from the rest of your day exploring.
16:00 9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero – $33
After you’ve filled up on some delicious lunch and plenty of picturesque views, head over to the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
It is free to visit the 9/11 Memorial Plaza but it does cost to enter the museum. We would recommend entering the museum if you have time to learn more about this tragic event that struck in NYC.
It will take you around 2 hours to wander around the museum giving you enough time to take everything in.
Opening Times: 9am – 7pm Wednesday – Monday
Evening
If you’re running ahead of schedule then we would also recommend taking a visit to One World Observatory to get your final observation deck views of the city.
Opening Times: 10am – 7pm
18:30 The Charging Bull
Head back over towards the Financial District where you will spend the rest of your evening.
The Charging Bull is a popular icon within the financial district which is said to give financial good luck.
You will often see a queue of people waiting to take photos and touch the bull for good luck. It is up to you whether you choose to wait in the queue but we would say it is something worth seeing whilst you’re in NYC’s financial district.
19:00 Wall Street
Take a wander down Wall Street and soak in the atmosphere of the world’s largest stock exchange.
You will have heard of Wall Street whether that be from the news or even popular films or TV programmes.
Before you leave New York City, you want to be able to say that you have been to Wall Street yourself.
19:30 Enjoy a Comedy Show – $12.41
This leads us on to our last item for this 4 day itinerary for New York City which is to see an incredible comedy show in the Financial District.
You can head over to Stone Street Comedy Club (just down the road from Wall Street) to spend the rest of the evening laughing the night away.
Dinner: The Comedy Club is at Beckett’s Bar and Grill so you will be able to tuck into a big dinner whilst watching the comics perform.
There is a 1 item minimum order at the comedy club (which is quite normal for NYC) so you will need to order something anyway.
BEST BROOKLYN, DUMBO, STATUE OF LIBERTY & FINANCIAL DISTRICT TOURS
- Wall Street & Financial District Walking Tour
- Professional Photoshoot at Brooklyn Bridge in New York
- Brooklyn NYC Food & Walking Tour with a 5th Generation New Yorker
- Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, & DUMBO Food Tour
- New York Eats Experience: Brooklyn Food, History & Culture Tour
There you have it, our recommended 4 day itinerary for NYC complete with all the best things that you need to do whilst you’re visiting the city.
When you’re visiting New York City, there are so many things to do that you won’t have time to get to them all. However, with this itinerary, you will be able to see most of the main spots.
Quick Glance 4 Day NYC Itinerary
Day 1 – Upper Manhattan & Central Park
07:00 Breakfast – Carve
08:00 Central Park
- Pulitzer Fountain
- Central Park Zoo
- Balto
- Bethesda Terrace
- Strawberry Fields
- Bow Bridge
- Loeb Boathouse
- Alice in Wonderland
- Belvedere Castle
10:30 American Museum of Natural History
12:30 Loeb Boathouse, Good Enough to Eat or Calle Ocho
14:00 The MET
16:00 Guggenheim Museum
18:30 Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant or Street Food
19:30 Explore Harlem & visit one of the jazz houses
Day 2 – Midtown Manhattan
08:00 Breakfast at Sarabeths
09:00 Empire State Building
11:00 Grand Central Terminal
11:30 St. Patrick’s Cathedral
12:00 Rockefeller Centre
12:30 Black Seed Bagel, Limani’s or Toasties
14:00 Top of the Rock
15:30 Radio City Music Hall
17:00 Hard Rock Cafe or 99c Pizza
18:00 Times Square. OPTIONAL: Madame Tussauds if you’re ahead of schedule
19:00 See a Broadway Show
Day 3 – Chelsea, SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown
08:00 Ghostbuster’s Headquarters
08:30 Breakfast at Bubby’s
09:30 Explore Chinatown
10:30 Explore Little Italy
11:30 Museum of Ice-Cream
12:30 Color Factory
13:30 Lunch at Roku’s or Pepe’s Rosso To Go
14:30 Explore SoHo
15:30 The High Line
16:00 Chelsea Market & Dinner
17:30 The Edge
19:00 Dueling Piano Show
Day 4 – Brooklyn & Financial District
08:00 Brooklyn Bridge
09:00 Breakfast at Bread & Spread or Superfine
10:30 Explore DUMBO
- Time Out Market
- The Archway
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- A.I.R Gallery
- Washington Street and Water Street view of Brooklyn Bridge
12:30 Statue of Liberty
15:00 Lunch at The View at the Battery or Pronto Pizza
16:00 9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero
18:30 The Charging Bull
19:00 Wall Street
19:30 Enjoy a comedy show and dinner at Beckett’s Bar & Grill
New York City FAQs
Is 4 nights in New York enough?
The short answer is no, a year in NYC wouldn’t be enough. There is so much to do in NYC that you would never be able to do it all unless you live there. However, spending 4 nights in New York gives you enough time to hit up most of the main sights and get ready to plan your next trip back for some of the things you’ve missed!
How many days do you need for your first trip to NYC?
If it is your first time visiting NYC then you would want to try and plan at least 4-7 days. No matter how long you spend in New York, you won’t have enough time to do everything so prioritise the main sights that you want to see during your trip and then make an itinerary like this one!
Can NYC be done on a budget?
You can absolutely visit NYC whilst you’re on a budget. As long as you do a lot of research in advance and plenty of planning, there are many cheap places to stay and eat, you just need to know where to look!
New York Resources
- Top 7 New York City Tourist Attractions (For Your First Time)
- Budget for New York Trip
- Best New Year’s Eve Party in NYC
- 4 Day NYC Itinerary (with the Best Spots in Central Park)
- 29 Amazing Places to Visit in Manhattan
- Things to do for Couples in NYC for Unforgettable Experiences
- Best New York Pass to Save Money on Attractions!