New York City 4 Day Itinerary

New York City 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Manhattan Exploration

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple Locations)
    • Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Remember to book tickets in advance.
    • Take a Ferry from Battery Park or use your Sightseeing Flexi Pass for Statue Cruises.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Shake Shack (Multiple Locations)
    • Explore Wall Street, Ground Zero Memorial, and Charging Bull statue.
    • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Katz’s Delicatessen in Lower East Side (Iconic pastrami sandwiches)
    • Catch a Broadway Show. Check out TKTS Booth for discounted tickets.

Day 2: Central Park and Upper Manhattan

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Magnolia Bakery (Multiple Locations)
    • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Use pay-what-you-wish policy on suggested Fridays from 5 pm to 8 pm.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Central Park Boathouse or Tavern on the Green (Reservations recommended)
    • Central Park activities: Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, Alice in Wonderland statue, Belvedere Castle.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Levain Bakery for cookies or Harlem Tavern for Southern cuisine in Harlem.
    • Visit the Apollo Theater and learn about Harlem’s rich musical heritage.

Day 3: Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Doughnut Plant (Multiple Locations)
    • Head to Brooklyn using the Brooklyn Bridge.
    • Explore DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and Jane’s Carousel.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO (Both are famous for their coal-fired pizza)
    • Visit the Brooklyn Museum and Barclays Center.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Smorgasburg food market in Williamsburg on Saturdays or Prospect Park’s Washington Park on Sundays.
    • Nighttime stroll along Coney Island Boardwalk and Brighton Beach for a unique experience.

Day 4: Lower Manhattan and Time Square

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at The City Bakery (254 W 48th St)
    • Visit the One World Trade Center. Book your ticket in advance for the Sky Pod elevator ride.
    • Walk around Financial District, see Trinity Church and Fraunces Tavern Museum.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at The Oyster Bar (at Grand Central Terminal) or Eataly (Multiple Locations)
    • Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner in Times Square area. Some popular options include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or Planet Hollywood.
    • Explore the bright lights and billboards of Times Square.

Things to Know:

  1. New York operates on Eastern Time (EST) throughout the year.
  2. Consider purchasing a MetroCard for unlimited rides on subways and buses within a day, 7-day, or monthly pass.
  3. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft are also available but can be pricier during peak hours.
  4. Don’t forget to tip in restaurants (15-20% of the total bill).

Stay:

  • Budget: The Green Tortoise Hostel, Midtown West, or similar budget accommodations.
  • Moderate: Citadines Connect New York Times Square, Midtown West, or comparable mid-range hotels.
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or The Plaza Hotel, Midtown Manhattan, for high-end stays.