New York City United States 5 Day Itinerary

5 Days in the Big Apple: A Sample NYC Itinerary

This 5-day itinerary focuses on hitting the highlights of New York City while offering a mix of iconic attractions, diverse neighborhoods, and hidden gems.

Things to know about this itinerary:

  • It’s just a sample! Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and time.
  • This itinerary prioritizes walking and public transportation. Be prepared for lots of walking and consider purchasing a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for easy subway access.

Where to stay:

For this itinerary, we’ll assume you’re staying in a centrally located hotel like the “Hotel Pennsylvania” near Penn Station and Macy’s Herald Square. This allows for easy access to various attractions and transportation hubs.

Day 1: Times Square & Midtown Marvels

  • Morning: Arrive at your chosen hotel, explore the lobby and surrounding areas.

    • Must-See: Times Square (take in the iconic sights and vibrant atmosphere), Rockefeller Center (visit the Top of the Rock for breathtaking views), and Central Park (relax by the Bethesda Fountain, rent a bike, or take a stroll through Strawberry Fields).

  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a classic deli like Katz’s Delicatessen for an authentic New York experience.

    • Activity: Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or enjoy a Broadway show.
    • Food: Grab a pastrami on rye sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen, a world-famous deli with delicious and affordable lunch options.

  • Evening: Dinner in the Theater District followed by a walk through Times Square to see the lights and billboards.

    • Activity: Experience the dazzling lights of Times Square, enjoy a pre-theater dinner, or take a leisurely walk through the park.
    • Food: Enjoy a fancy meal at a restaurant with a view in the Time Warner Center (near MoMA) and watch the sunset over the city.

Day 2: History & Culture Downtown

  • Morning: Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore the history of immigration and take the ferry for iconic views and a glimpse into the past.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Financial District, including Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull statue.

  • Food: Enjoy a casual lunch at Katz’s Deli (a classic!), or head to the Seaport District for delicious seafood and waterfront dining

  • Evening: Dinner in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, known for its art galleries and cast-iron architecture.

Day 3: Serenity & Exploration in Brooklyn

  • Morning: Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).

  • Afternoon: Explore the Brooklyn Museum or enjoy the delicious food options in Williamsburg.

  • Evening: Catch a live music show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, a popular venue for indie and alternative music.

  • Food: Dinner in Brooklyn could be anything from a classic pizza slice at Lombardi’s Pizza to a fine dining experience in Brooklyn Heights.

Day 4: Brooklyn Bridge & Art Scene

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant street art scene in Bushwick, hopping between galleries and checking out the murals.

  • Afternoon: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying the skyline views and soaking up the atmosphere of this historic landmark. Stop for a bite at Juliana’s Pizza near the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious meal in the Meatpacking District, a former industrial area now known for its nightlife, or take a walk through Central Park.

  • Food: Dinner could be at “The Spotted Pig” (known for its celebrity sightings) or a more casual spot in the East Village.

Day 5: Explore Your Interests

  • Morning: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and enjoy the breathtaking views from the rooftop.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring one of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Consider:
    • Greenwich Village: Stroll through charming streets, browse independent bookstores and boutiques, visit a cozy cafe in the neighborhood.

Things to Consider:

  • Transportation: Check out the bus routes on the MTA website (www.mta.info) for easy access to different areas of the city.
  • Food: Explore local eateries and markets for a taste of authentic New York cuisine.

Day 5: Enjoy the day!

  • Visit a museum that interests you: Explore the vibrant diversity of New York City with a visit to the “Tenement Museum” or “The Brooklyn Museum”
  • Wander through different neighborhoods: Discover the unique character of each area and explore its hidden gems.

Enjoy your trip to New York City!

Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a MetroCard for convenient transportation. It’s cheaper than individual fares and you can use it on all subways and buses in the city.

Things to do in NYC (beyond this itinerary) :

  • Visit iconic landmarks: Take a walk through Times Square, visit the Statue of Liberty, explore the Empire State Building

  • Explore Central Park: Enjoy the many activities available within the park’s 843 acres, such as:

    • Central Park Zoo: Discover a variety of animals in a beautiful setting.
    • The Met Museum Rooftop: Enjoy stunning views of the city and its skyline while enjoying a picnic

  • Experience world-class museums: Enjoy the many cultural offerings at the “Museum of Natural History” or the “Metropolitan Museum of Art”.

Things to do in Brooklyn (beyond this itinerary):

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park: Take a walk along the waterfront, enjoy the playgrounds and fields, and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.
  • Coney Island: Ride the Cyclone Roller Coaster at Luna Park, visit the aquarium, or enjoy a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Things to do in NYC (beyond this itinerary):

  • The High Line: Explore the elevated park and ride the “High Line” train for a unique perspective on the city.
  • Coney Island: Enjoy a day at the beach, visit the Coney Island Museum, or take a spin on the historic Ferris wheel.**

Remember:

This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it to your interests by adding things like:

  • Brooklyn Flea Market: Browse for vintage treasures and unique items.
  • Exploring different neighborhoods: Check out the vibrant murals of “Bushwick”, the trendy shops and restaurants of Williamsburg, or enjoy the diverse flavors at “Smorgasburg”

Enjoy exploring your chosen!

Where to eat in Brooklyn:

  • Brooklyn Pizza Co.: A classic pizzeria with delicious New York-style pizza.
  • Junior’s Restaurant: For a sweet treat, try their famous cheesecake and other desserts.
  • Brooklyn Brewery: Enjoy a locally brewed beer and a tour of the brewery.
  • Smorgasburg: This popular food market features a variety of vendors with everything from artisanal donuts to lobster rolls.

Accommodation Options:

  • The Williamsburg Hotel: Enjoy stunning views of the city from the rooftop bar, enjoy the trendy atmosphere of “Williamsburg”

  • Airbnb: A great way to find unique and affordable accommodations in different neighborhoods

  • Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at a boutique hotel.

Things to do in NYC (a few ideas):

  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Explore the museum’s vast collection, which spans thousands of years and cultures.
  • Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: Enjoy the iconic views of the city and harbor.
  • Wander through Central Park: Explore the park’s many attractions, including the zoo, museums, and gardens.
  • Enjoy a Broadway show: Experience the magic of live theater in New York City.

Remember:

  • Check reviews: Before booking an accommodation, read online reviews to get a sense of other travelers’ experiences.
  • Consider your budget: New York City has accommodations for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels.

Enjoy the city that never sleeps!