New York City 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in the Big Apple: A Sample NYC Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on popular attractions and balances sightseeing with some downtime for exploring different neighborhoods. It can be easily adjusted based on your interests!

Day 1: Welcome to Manhattan!

  • Morning: Arrive in New York City (NYC), settle into your hotel, and grab a quick bite at a classic NYC bagel shop. Try Ess-a-Bagel for fresh bagels and schmears or Murray’s Bagels on a day trip to the Bronx Zoo is a fantastic way to spend the day.

  • Afternoon: Explore Central Park, renting a bike to traverse its many paths, taking in the beauty of the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, and enjoying the iconic views from the Bethesda Fountain.

  • Evening: Relax and enjoy a classic New York meal! For dinner, head to Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown for delicious soup dumplings.

Things to know:

  • Manhattan is big: Be prepared to walk or use public transportation (subway, bus) as walking between attractions is a common way to experience the city.
  • The subway is your friend: Download a map app and familiarize yourself with the NYC subway system.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. Take a ferry ride over, explore the museum, and enjoy the views from the crown!
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Greenwich Village, browsing the independent bookstores and cafes, soaking up the bohemian atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy a Broadway show!

Day 3: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s massive, so choose a specific wing or exhibit to focus on based on your interests.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and wander through its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Spotted Pig in the West Village

Day 4: Highs & Lows

  • Morning: Climb to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Queens, like Astoria (known for its Greek cuisine), Flushing (for authentic Asian food), or Long Island City (for a trendy arts scene).

Day 5: History & Exploration

  • Morning: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and admire the iconic skyline.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side, which tells the story of immigrant life in NYC.

Day 6: Central Park Relaxation

  • Morning: Take a leisurely walk through Central Park, enjoying the scenery, people-watching, and perhaps a boat ride on the lake.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • **Enjoy the view from the top of the Empire State Building.
  • Reflect at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay your respects to those lost in the September 11th attacks.
  • Get a taste of local life: Explore the diverse food scene in different neighborhoods, and try some street food.

Day 7: Farewell for Now

  • Say goodbye to the city: Enjoy a final brunch at Sarabeth’s or explore another neighborhood you haven’t had a chance to visit yet.

Things to know:

  • Book tickets in advance: For popular attractions like the 9/11 Memorial, booking ahead is essential.
  • Consider a picnic: Central Park is perfect for a picnic, but remember to respect park rules and regulations.

Day 7: A Day of Culture & Relaxation

  • Visit a museum: Choose from one of the many world-class museums in NYC (MoMA, The Met, Guggenheim are all great options).
  • Explore a different neighborhood: Each borough has its own unique personality.

Things to know:

  • Central Park is massive: Consider planning which areas you want to see and how you’ll get around.
  • Look for hidden gems: Explore the many parks and gardens in NYC, like the High Line or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.**

Enjoy a delicious meal: After your morning in the park, visit the Chelsea Market for a variety of lunch options.

Day 7: Farewell to Manhattan:

  • Take a final stroll through Times Square (especially at night) and soak up the vibrant energy.
  • Visit a museum you haven’t seen yet: Explore the unique culture and experiences of each borough.
  • Enjoy a variety of cuisines: Explore the diverse food scene in NYC, from classic New York pizza to international flavors.

Transportation tips:

  • Use the subway: It’s fast, efficient, and affordable.
  • Buy a MetroCard: This will save you money on individual fares.
  • Walk: Walking is a great way to see the city and explore different neighborhoods.
  • Consider walking tours: Many companies offer free walking tours in NYC, which can be a fun and informative way to experience the city.

Things to do in NYC:

  • Explore the High Line: This elevated park built on old railroad tracks offers stunning views of the city.
  • Visit other attractions: Choose from iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or explore hidden gems in different neighborhoods.
  • Enjoy a variety of cuisines: New York is a melting pot of cultures and cuisine.

Food Recommendations:

  • Joe’s Pizza (Manhattan): This classic pizzeria offers delicious, affordable slices and pies in various locations across the city.
  • Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side): Enjoy the best pastrami sandwich in NYC at this legendary deli.

Get a taste of the different boroughs:

  • Brooklyn: Explore the diverse culinary scene with a visit to the Brooklyn Flea Market, a great place to find vintage treasures and unique food stalls.

  • Queens:

  • Manhattan:

  • Bronx: Visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts for a chance to experience the cultural diversity of the borough.

  • Queens: Enjoy the vibrant art scene in the Astoria neighborhood.

  • The Bronx:

  • Staten Island: Visit the historic Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

Things to consider:

  • Book tickets in advance for popular attractions: This will save you time and potentially money, as online prices are often cheaper.

  • Biking is a great way to experience NYC:

  • Explore different neighborhoods: Remember to wear a helmet and be aware of your surroundings!

  • Enjoy the beauty of the city:

Things to know:

  • Weather: Check the weather forecast for your trip, and plan accordingly.

  • Neighborhoods: New York City is full of unique neighborhoods. Ask for recommendations on which ones to explore based on your interests.

  • Safety: Be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

  • Travel:

Food:

  • Explore a variety of food options:

  • Food Halls: NYC has amazing food halls like Chelsea Market and Eataly where you can find everything from pizza and bagels to gourmet treats.

  • Street Food:

  • Dining: Enjoy the diverse culinary experiences of each borough.

  • Restaurants: Explore the unique and diverse food scene.

  • Markets:

  • Restaurants:

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Remember, these are just suggestions for a 7-day itinerary. You can customize it to fit your interests and budget by choosing specific activities, museums, and restaurants that appeal to you.

Enjoy your trip!

Day 1: Central Park Exploration

  • Start at the Bethesda Terrace:
  • Bethesda Fountain: Admire the beautiful fountain and its statue of the Angel of the Waters.
  • The Mall and Literary Walk: Stroll along this iconic walkway, enjoying the views and the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore the many gardens within the park:

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Other Things to Do in NYC:

  • Visit a museum:

  • Take a walk:

  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge:

  • Enjoy the many museums:

  • Experience the city’s diverse culinary scene:

  • Explore different neighborhoods:

  • Enjoy the park’s beauty and hidden treasures:

  • The Mall: This grand walkway is lined with trees and leads to the Bethesda Fountain.

  • Take a walk in Central Park.

  • The High Line: Enjoy a unique experience walking above the city on this old railroad track turned park and garden.

Exploring the City’s Neighborhoods:

  • Explore the West Village: A charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, historic townhouses, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

Enjoy your trip!

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  • Get a taste of local culture: Explore different boroughs and neighborhoods to get a sense of the city’s diverse character.
  • Central Park:
  • Explore Central Park: Enjoy the park’s many attractions, from the iconic Bethesda Fountain to the serene Conservatory Garden.

Things to note:

  • Time Management: Be mindful of travel time between locations.

Transportation Tips:

  • The subway is your friend: A convenient and affordable way to get around.

  • Purchase a 7-day unlimited MetroCard:

  • Walking is encouraged: Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and enjoy its beauty.

  • Explore the streets of Greenwich Village: Walk through the charming streets, explore charming cafes, independent shops, and bookstores.

  • Visit the Washington Square Park: Enjoy the iconic park with its arch, fountain, and lively atmosphere.