Hey babes! I traveled to New York City as an early birthday present and it was everything and more that I dreamed of! There are tons to do that can get overwhelming. If it is your first trip to the city let me help you! I have created the best itinerary New York City in 4 days for you to get the most out of the city on your days there.
The first thing is to be okay with that you just can’t expect to see EVERYTHING that the urban jungle has to offer. This makes it even more seductive if you ask me. And if it is your first time traveling be sure to check out my Blog post An Easy Guide to Travel Essential!
I have made it as easy as I can by separating everything by days and adding a few tips in between. This itinerary worked for me as I wanted to do a bit of everything, but feel free to move things around of replace stuff as you wish!
Day 1 : Take in the city journey!
Early Flight:
I recommend arriving early and getting an early flight! There is a lot of traffic in this city, and there are 3 major airports that serve the area. You may choose the preferred airline of your choice, and all airports offer public transportation directly to Manhattan, which I recommend staying in for your first trip for Best Itinerary in NEW YORK City!
Hotel:
For this itinerary I recommend staying in a hotel somewhere in the middle between the southern tip of Manhattan and the south end of Central Park, so midtown. Most hotels offer early check-in which I highly recommend! This way you can drop off all your luggage and get your day started
Brunch:
You’ll be hungry so eat at your hotel. We stayed in Hells Kitchen a neighborhood on the west side of midtown Manhattan. There were so many tasty brunch spots.
Sightseeing Cruise:
To start your week off right, I recommend cruise tickets. I recommend Circle Line Cruises ! They take you all around the island and you’ll be able to see a lot of the big attractions from a different perspective. We did the ‘Best of NYC’ cruise that lasts 2.5 hours and it was totally fun and worth it!
Dinner:
Next up head over to Obao a ridiculously yummy Vietnamese restaurant (The Pad Thai is so delicious!) , I recommend having a reservation, this restaurant is only a 15 mins walk from the Circle Line cruise drop off pier
Rooftop Bar:
After dinner you might want to check back to your hotel to freshen up, but for the rest of the night I recommend a rooftop bar. There are so many but you might like to try The Skylark a cocktail lounge on the 30th floor near Times Square. This bar is open only on weekends to the public. Or you might want to try St. Cloud Rooftop bar. This eclectic bar overlooks Time Square and is first come, first served.
Day 2 : On the move in New York!
Breakfast:
To start off your morning head over to Broadway Deli and Café if you stay in Midtown it should be a short walk from your hotel. They have delicious French toast and fast service!
Hudson Yards:
You can walk off your food in Hudson Yards by walking to the Vessel. There is the Vessel, which is a spiral staircase structure, right next to it is a mall for the shopaholics, The Shed is a nonprofit art center, and The Edge is one of many tall rooftops with beautiful views.
The High Line:
From the same area where the vessel is, you’ll start your journey to Chelsea Market on the fabulous High Line! The High Line was an old elevated railway that they transformed into a public park on Manhattan’s west side. As we walk along this picturesque path, we will have many opportunities for taking photos and we will arrive at our next destination in no time.
Chelsea Market:
Our next stop is the famous Chelsea Market! This is a food hall with delicious food choices, a shopping mall, and is used for many other purposes. I recommend taking your time here and really appreciating the vendors. They really do have beautiful original finds.
Los Tacos No. 1:
While at Chelsea Market you’ll probably be a bit hungry after all that walking and I HIGHLY recommend Los Tacos No. 1! This has to be on every Itinerary in NEW YORK City. They have some of the most delicious tacos I have ever tried, and don’t forget to get yourself an agua fresca! The line is usually long but please do not let it scare you as they serve fast!
Little Island:
After the market take your time exploring the area. I recommend heading over to Little Island, which is a very unique public park on the water. This also offers breathtaking views of the city!
RH Rooftop Restaurant:
For lunch head over to RH in the meat packing district. RH is an upscale home furnishings company, but they have a beautiful rooftop restaurant that serves delicious food! Seating is very limited so make sure you make reservations!
World Trade Center Station:
After lunch take the subway all the way down to the World Trade Center station. This station has quite unique architecture so take photos!
September 11 Memorial:
Walk over to the September 11 Memorial. This place commemorates the September 11 attacks in 2001 and it is the former location of the Twin Towers. There is a lot to see around here so take your time and take it all in.
Wall st:
From here you can take a short subway ride or walk to Wall st and over to the Stock exchange. This one you can skip if you are not really into it.
Brooklyn Bridge:
We are now heading towards the Brooklyn Bridge! Take your time walking across and enjoy the magnificent city views and the boats passing underneath you. I recommend walking across the whole Brooklyn Bridge. This is a must in your Itinerary in NEW YORK City.
DUMBO:
Once in Brooklyn make your way to DUMBO a neighborhood in Brooklyn that is home to one of the most famous photo spots in the world, the Manhattan bridge on Washington St. This is definitely a must see! From here it’s a short walk to Pebble Beach which has dreamy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Jane’s Carousel.
Bryant Park:
After you are done in Brooklyn walk to York station and take the F subway line to Bryant Park. You can rest up a bit in this park that is located right on 5th Avenue. After this you can decide how you’d like to spend the rest of your night.
Day 3: Take it easy in the city
Loeb Boathouse Central Park:
We are going to head over to the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park for breakfast! You can either take the subway or walk to Central Park. This is the perfect spot to grab a bite. I recommend asking to be seated outside if the weather permits. Several shows and movies have featured this restaurant, including Sex and the City, one of my personal favorites.
The Met:
After eating breakfast, head over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art known as The Met for short. This is one of the most impressive art museums I have ever been to and it is huge. I highly recommend taking a look at the map and planning what areas you’d like to for sure see and hitting those areas first. There is a small restaurant on the rooftop that has views of the city so check that out too. Don’t forget to get your picture taken on the famous front stairs. Xoxo.
Central Park:
After the Museum take your time and stroll through Central Park. There are so many wonderful places to visit. Some areas to check out are the Bethesda fountain and Terrace, Bow Bridge, Alice in Wonderland statue, Gapstow bridge, and rent a boat at The Lake. There is so much more Central Park has to offer just take your time enjoying it.
Fifth Avenue:
Okay, you’ve spent a lot of time sightseeing now it’s time to shop! Spend some time walking down one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. There are plenty of shops and things to see along the way.
Rockefeller Center:
Walking down Fifth Avenue you’ll hit Rockefeller Center. This is home to the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice rink in winter, but in summer it is transformed into a roller skating rink. There are a lot of shops here to enjoy, but I recommend grabbing a quick bite around here. I strongly recommend heading up to the Top of the Rock observation center. The observation center has killer views of Manhattan all the way down to the financial district and of Central Park. In my opinion this is one of the premier observation decks and has a breathtaking NYC view of the Empire State Building.
Flat Iron Building:
Another New York City landmark you can see along the way is the Flat Iron Building. It is quite a unique sight that is a must see.
Washington Square Park:
Head over to Washington Square Park. This park is always bustling and bustling. In the park there are also many small vendors and events that take place randomly. I say grab a coffee or ice cream and get ready for some of the most entertaining people watching ever.
Dinner:
For dinner there are so many choices, so choose whatever you are craving. I could fill my Itinerary in NEW YORK City with just places to eat. Looking for fancy French food? Head to La Grande Boucherie, Asian? Dim Sum Palace in Koreatown is to die for. Craving Italian? Hit up La Mela for delicious pasta. The choices are endless.
Day 4: New York City Classics
Broadway show:
While in New York , you might be interested in attending a Broadway show might entice you. There are so many options, but be sure to get tickets beforehand. If a Broadway show is not your cup of tea check out other events around the city. When we were there we attended the Stranger Things Experience.
Grand Central Station:
Check out Grand Central Station. This place has been featured in many iconic movie scenes. It is a lively place that has much history and there are lots of food spots and shops to check out too. Don’t forget to head over to the whispering gallery.
Times Square down to Empire State Building:
To finish the Best Itinerary in NEW YORK City, off from Grand Central Station, take a very short ride to Times Square. Times Square is great for photos, but in my opinion not much to do other than regular chain restaurants and stores. Consider taking a look at the giant billboards and then exploring the other shops nearby.
Explore the latest posts!
- Beach Bag Essentials
- Top Things to do in New Orleans
- Self Care Habits for 2023
- Best Itinerary in NEW YORK City
- Best Spots in Central Florida: Pt 1
*This blog uses affiliate links that earns the blog commission at no extra cost to you. I am an independent blogger and the reviews/recommendations are done based on my own opinions.