The Ultimate New York City Itinerary (3, 4 or 5 Days)
New York City is a destination that needs no introduction. It’s a city that never sleeps, packed with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and endless food options. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, planning your days in NYC can feel overwhelming.
To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a detailed New York City itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 days:
Plan the Perfect New York City Itinerary
Day 1: The Classics – Manhattan Must-Sees
Morning: Central Park & Midtown Manhattan
Start your NYC adventure with a stroll through Central Park, the city’s green oasis. Rent a bike or simply walk through the park’s winding paths, stopping at iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields.
Next, head to Midtown Manhattan to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Visit Times Square for its bright lights and bustling energy, then walk to the Rockefeller Center. If you’re up for it, take the elevator to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city.
- Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 101121
- Tour Hours: Daily; 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm
- Email: info@rockefellercenter.com
- Phone: 1.877.692.7625
- Website: rockefellercenter.com
- Purchase tickets here
Afternoon: Museum or Broadway Show
For art lovers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is a must-visit. With over 2 million works of art, you could spend hours exploring its galleries. Alternatively, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is perfect for contemporary art enthusiasts.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Hours: Thurs. to Sat.: 10am – 5pm; Sun. to Tues.: 10am – 5pm; Closed Wednesdays
- Email: communications@metmuseum.org
- Phone: 212-535-7710
- Website: metmuseum.org
- Get your tickets here
- Museum of Modern Art: 11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, NY 10019
- Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 10:30am–5:30pm; Fri,: 10:30am–8:30pm; Sat. & Sun.: 10:30am–5:30pm
- Website: moma.org
- Get your tickets here
If museums aren’t your thing, consider catching a Broadway matinee. Shows like The Lion King or Hamilton are unforgettable experiences.
- Address: Multiple theatre locations in New York City
- Hours: Show times vary
- Email: info@broadway.org
- Phone: 212-912-9770
- Website: tdf.org
- Contact Broadway.com & Theatre Direct International here for more info
Evening: Dinner in Hell’s Kitchen
End your day with dinner in Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood known for its diverse food scene. From cozy Italian trattorias to trendy sushi spots, there’s something for everyone.
Location: West Side of Midtown Manhattan bordered by 34th Street to the south, 59th Street to the north, Eighth Avenue to the east, and the Hudson River to the west.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks & Neighborhood Vibes
Morning: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
No trip to NYC is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take an early ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island, where you can explore the grounds or even climb to the crown (book tickets in advance). On your way back, stop at Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration in the U.S.
- Boarding Location: 17 Battery Place #324 New York, NY 10004-3507
- Email: ContactUs@libertyellisfoundation.org
- Phone: (212) 561-4588
- Website: statueofliberty.org
- Purchase ferry tickets here
Afternoon: Financial District & 9/11 Memorial
After returning to Manhattan, head to the Financial District. Walk by the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street, then visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The memorial’s reflecting pools are a moving tribute to the lives lost, and the museum offers a deeply emotional look at the events of September 11.
- Address: 180 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007
- Memorial Hours: Daily; 8 am-8 pm
- Museum Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9AM to 7 p.m. and select Tuesdays
- Email: info@911memorial.org
- Phone: (212) 312-8800
- Website: 911memorial.org
- Purchase museum tickets here
Evening: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
As the sun sets, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. On the Brooklyn side, explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a trendy neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and waterfront parks. Grab dinner at Juliana’s Pizza or Time Out Market for a mix of local flavors.
- Brooklyn Bridge: Spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Website: nyc.gov
- Juliana’s Pizza: 19 Old Fulton St Brooklyn NY 11201
- Hours: Daily; 11:30am – 3:15pm and 4pm – 9pm
- Phone: 718-596-6700
- Website: julianaspizza.com
- Contact form
- Time Out Market: 55 Water Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 8am – 10pm; Fri. – Sat: 8am – 11pm; Sunday: 8am – 10pm
- Email: infonyc@timeoutmarket.com
- Website: timeout.com
Day 3: Culture & Neighborhood Exploration
Morning: The High Line & Chelsea Market
Start your day with a walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track. The park offers unique views of the city and is lined with art installations and greenery. At the southern end, you’ll find Chelsea Market, a food hall with everything from lobster rolls to artisanal donuts.
- Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10011 (between 15th & 16th St.)
- Hours: Mon.-Sun.: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Website: chelseamarket.com
- View the market’s directory here
Afternoon: Greenwich Village & SoHo
Spend the afternoon exploring Greenwich Village, known for its bohemian vibe and historic brownstones. Stop by Washington Square Park to see the iconic arch and watch street performers. Then, head to SoHo for some shopping. This neighborhood is filled with boutique stores, art galleries, and chic cafes.
- Washington Square Park: 5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St., Manhattan, NY
- Website: nycgovparks.org
- SoHo: short for ‘South of Houston Street’ in Lower Manhattan
Evening: Chinatown & Little Italy
For dinner, venture into Chinatown for authentic dim sum or hand-pulled noodles. Afterward, walk over to Little Italy for dessert. Grab a cannoli from Ferrara Bakery or enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café.
- Ferrara Bakery: 195 Grand Street, New York (between Mulberry & Mott St.)
- Café Hours: Sun.–Thurs.: 9:00 am-10:00 pm; Fri.-Sat.: 9:00 am-11:00 pm; Brunch: Daily; 9:00 am-3:00 pm
- Email: info@FerraraCafe.com
- Phone: 212-226-6150
- Website: ferraranyc.com
Day 4: Uptown & Hidden Gems
Morning: The Met Cloisters & Harlem
If you’re extending your trip to 4 days, start your morning at The Met Cloisters in Upper Manhattan. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum focuses on medieval European art and architecture, set in a serene, castle-like building overlooking the Hudson River.
- The Met Cloisters: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY, 10040
- Hours: Thursday–Tuesday: 10 am–5 pm; Closed Wednesdays
- Email: communications@metmuseum.org
- Phone: 212-923-3700
- Website: metmuseum.org
- Purchase tickets here
Afterward, head to Harlem to explore its rich cultural history. Visit the Apollo Theater and enjoy soul food at Sylvia’s Restaurant.
- Sylvia’s Restaurant: 328 Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Blvd.), New York, NY 10027
- Hours: Sun. – Tues.: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; Wed. – Sat.: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Phone: 212-996-0660
- Website: sylviasrestaurant.com
- Contact form
Afternoon: Museum of Natural History
Spend your afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest museums in the world. Don’t miss the dinosaur exhibits, the Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hayden Planetarium.
- American Museum of Natural History: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5102
- Hours: Open daily, 10am–5:30pm
- Phone: 212-769-5100
- Website: amnh.org
- Contact form
- Reserve your tickets here
Evening: Upper West Side
Wrap up your day with a stroll through the Upper West Side. This residential neighborhood is quieter than Midtown but still offers plenty of charm. Stop by Zabar’s for gourmet snacks or enjoy a drink at a local bar.
- Zabar’s: 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
- Café Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Website: zabars.com
- Contact form
Day 5: Day Trip or Local Favorites
Morning: Day Trip to Coney Island or The Hamptons
If you have a fifth day, consider taking a day trip. Coney Island is a fun option, especially in the summer. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster, walk along the boardwalk, and enjoy a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous.
- Coney Island: 1019 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
- Email: info@allianceforconeyisland.org
- Website: coneyislandfunguide.com
- View the event calendar here
- Nathan’s Famous: 1229 Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224-2823; Multiple locations across New York
- Hours: Varies by location
- Website: restaurants.nathansfamous.com
- Contact form
Alternatively, head to The Hamptons for a more relaxed vibe. Explore quaint villages, visit wineries, or relax on the beach.
Afternoon: Explore Queens
If you prefer to stay in the city, spend your afternoon in Queens. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria or explore the diverse food scene in Flushing, home to some of the best Asian cuisine in NYC.
- Museum of the Moving Image: 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
- Museum Hours: Thurs.: 2:00 pm–6:00 pm; Fri.: 2:00 pm–8:00 pm; Sat. & Sun.: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm
- Email: info@movingimage.org
- Phone: 718-777-6800
- Website: movingimage.org
- Flushing neighborhood: North-central portion of Queens
Evening: Sunset at Gantry Plaza State Park
End your trip with a visit to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. This waterfront park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset.
- Gantry Plaza State Park: 4-44 47th Road, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Hours: Open daily; Dusk to dawn
- Phone: 347-935-3039
- Website: parks.ny.gov
- Contact form
Tips for Your NYC Adventure
- Transportation: Use the subway to save time and money. Get a MetroCard for unlimited rides.
- Timing: Start your days early to avoid crowds, especially at popular attractions.
- Tickets: Book tickets for major attractions (like the Statue of Liberty and Broadway shows) in advance.
- Comfortable Shoes: NYC involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.
New York City is a place where every corner holds something new to explore. Whether you’re here for 3 days or 5, this itinerary ensures you’ll experience the best of what the city has to offer. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, NYC is a city that will keep you coming back for more. Before planning your New York City itinerary, consider comparing which season is best for your trip.
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