New York City 7 Day Itinerary

7 Days in the Big Apple: A Sample Itinerary

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be tailored to your interests.

Day 1: Arrival & Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Arrive at JFK International Airport (JFK) or one of the other major airports (LGA, EWR).

    • Tip: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train for efficient transportation to your hotel.

  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Midtown Manhattan (consider Times Square, Central Park area, or a convenient location near Grand Central Terminal).

  • Evening:

    • Activity: Visit the Empire State Building at sunset for breathtaking views of the city.
    • Dinner: Grab a bite at Lombardi’s Pizza in Little Italy - they claim to be the first pizzeria in the US!

Day 2: Museums & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Allow plenty of time to wander through its vast collection.
  • Afternoon: Walk through Central Park, visit the Bethesda Fountain, and explore the surrounding attractions like Strawberry Fields or the Central Park Zoo.
  • Evening: Enjoy a Broadway show in Times Square. Experience the magic of theatre with a classic musical or a new play.

Things to know:

  • Where to stay:

    • Budget: Consider hostels or budget hotels in Midtown Manhattan, such as The Jane Hotel, Pod 51 Hotel, or the HI NYC Hostel in the Upper West Side.
    • Mid-range: Check out boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Chelsea, Greenwich Village, or the East Village for a unique experience.

Transportation:

  • Subway: The subway is the best and most affordable way to travel around Manhattan.
  • Walking: Many of the attractions in this itinerary are within walking distance of each other in central locations.

Things to consider:

  • Budget:

    • Free: Free walking tours, exploring Central Park, visiting public parks, enjoying street performances, browsing free museum exhibits (many museums have free evenings).

  • Time: Allow a full day for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and consider buying a CityPASS to save time and money on entry to multiple attractions.

  • Time Commitment: Research the opening/closing times and estimated duration of visits for each location.

Things to know:

  • Museum admission:

    • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
    • Consider purchasing a CityPASS to gain access to multiple attractions (including MoMA) at a discounted rate.

  • Free activities: Explore the many parks, museums with free admission days/times, and public spaces NYC offers for entertainment.

  • Food & drink: New York is known for its diverse culinary scene.

Day 3: Exploring Central Park

  • Morning: Stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Enjoy the peace and beauty of nature in this iconic garden.
  • Afternoon: Visit the American Museum of Natural History, home to incredible dinosaur exhibits and the famous Rose Center for Earth & Space.
  • Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner and watch the sunset over the Manhattan skyline.

Things to eat:

  • Breakfast: Grab a bagel with cream cheese from a local deli like Ess-a-Bagel or Barney Greengrass.
  • Lunch: Explore the diverse food options in the Flatiron District, including Shake Shack for burgers, or grab a slice of pizza at one of the many famous pizzerias on your way through the city.

Things to consider:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
  • Pack a picnic blanket and snacks: Enjoying the outdoors in a beautiful park is always a good idea.

Day 4: Art & History in NYC

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant street art scene in Bushwick, Brooklyn or Williamsburg. Start with the “Bushwick Collective” for a concentrated dose of artistic expression.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art at the MoMA and enjoy the museum’s collection (including free entry on Fridays from 4-8pm).

Things to do:

  • Visit the High Line: Explore this elevated park built on former railroad tracks.

  • Explore a Museum:

    • Free options:
      • Consider a Friday evening visit to the “Bushwick Collective” for free access to their art and murals.
      • The MoMA:** A great choice for exploring diverse art experiences.

  • Things to eat: Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area, like a classic New York slice from Joe’s Pizza.

  • Dinner: Have dinner at a restaurant with stunning views.

Day 5: Food & Entertainment

  • Morning: Explore the Tenement Museum to learn about the history of immigrants who lived in New Warms and the impact they had on the city, then have a coffee break.

  • Afternoon: Take a ferry to Staten Island for a scenic ride and a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Things to eat:

  • Pastrami on Rye: Enjoy a classic New York pastrami sandwich with a side of pickles and a delicious soda.
  • Pizza: You’re in luck!

Things to see:

  • The Staten Island Ferry: A free ride with breathtaking views!

    • Enjoy the free concerts and events offered throughout the city, like:
      • The Bryant Park Piano Concert Series
      • SummerStage (free summer music series)
      • Shakespeare in the Park

  • Food & Entertainment: Grab a slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza.

Things to see:

  • The Statue of Liberty: Take a ferry ride and explore the island where you can enjoy a picnic with a view.

Day 6: Exploring History & Culture (Free)

  • Visit a Museum: Enjoy a free concert or event at the “Lincoln Center” for free outdoor performances in the evening.

  • Free activities:

    • Explore the history of New York City at the “Museum of the City of New York.”
    • Enjoy the vibrant and diverse “Cultural Festivals” that happen throughout the year.

  • Things to eat:

    • Enjoy a delicious meal with a view from one of the many restaurants overlooking Central Park, like Tavern on the Green.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Departure: Enjoy a final stroll through the city and reflect on your experiences.

  • Food & drink: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local cafe for a classic New York bagel and schmear.

    • For a unique departure experience, consider grabbing a bite at Grand Central Terminal’s Oyster Bar!

Things to see:

  • Visit the “Grand Central Terminal” - a beautiful architectural marvel with a rich history in the heart of NYC.

Free Activities: Enjoy a free concert or event at the Brooklyn Public Library, the Public Theater, or a picnic in Central Park.

Food & drink:

  • Enjoy the view:

Consider spending your last morning in New York City enjoying the “Grand Central Terminal”

  • Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy the iconic architecture and explore the many shops and restaurants inside, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the city from the observation deck.

Food & drink: Enjoy a picnic lunch with classic NYC food.

Things to consider for Food & Drink:

  • “Tavern on the Green”: A legendary restaurant in a beautiful setting.

Tips for Visitors:

  • Free Activities:

    • New York City offers many free activities, like the “Museum Mile Festival,” which showcases the diversity of museums and cultural institutions along Museum Mile (Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th Streets). Enjoy the festival atmosphere before heading to the park!
    • Enjoy a picnic lunch in your hotel’s park.

  • Public Transport: Purchase a “MetroCard” for unlimited rides on the subway.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider purchasing a “7-Day Unlimited MetroCard” for convenient and cost-effective travel around the city.
    • Travel to Central Park: Enjoy the beauty of the city and its diverse neighborhoods by using the subway.

Free & Food:

  • Purchase a “MetroCard” and enjoy the free concerts or events at the “Central Park SummerStage.”

Food & Music:

  • Enjoy the view of the cityscape from the top of the “Staten Island Ferry” - it’s a great way to experience iconic landmarks and get a taste of “the Staten Island Ferry’s” vibrant atmosphere.

Other things to do:

  • Free activities: Explore the “New York Public Library” for free access to books, exhibitions, and events.

  • Enjoy the beauty of Central Park’s many gardens, parks within the city, and enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn or at Belvedere Castle.

  • Explore the park: Take advantage of the free public spaces and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

For your food experience:

  • Free & Food:

    • “Enjoy a picnic”: Grab some snacks and a “picnic” basket from a local deli and have a picnic in Central Park.
    • Consider enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of “the Bronx Zoo” or the “Brooklyn Botanic Garden”

Things to eat:

  • Enjoy a free coffee break with a bagel and lox at “Zabar’s” in the Upper West Side.**

Enjoy your trip!