New York City United States 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Manhattan

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Mogador in the East Village, known for its Moroccan-style dishes.
  • Activities: Visit iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can take a ferry from Battery Park (ticket price around $20). Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Shake Shack at Madison Square Park, one of the original locations, for classic burgers and fries.
  • Activities: Spend the afternoon exploring Times Square, Broadway (for shows if you have time), Central Park, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).
  • Dinner: Dine at Eleven Madison Park if budget allows or try a more casual option like Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side for traditional New York deli food.
  • Evening: Catch a comedy show at Comedy Cellar or explore the nightlife in the Meatpacking District.

Day 2: Brooklyn and Beyond

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Tom’s Restaurant (Monk’s from “Seinfeld”), located in Morningside Heights, Manhattan.
  • Activities: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for stunning views of Manhattan and the bridge itself. Visit Brooklyn Museum or Barclays Center if time allows.
  • Lunch: Eat at Lucali, a popular pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Be prepared for wait times!
  • Activities: Explore Williamsburg, Brooklyn, known for its trendy shops, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Brooklyn Brewery if you enjoy craft beer.
  • Dinner: Dine at Di An Di for Vietnamese fusion cuisine or Maison Yaki for Japanese yakitori.
  • Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar like Westlight in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

Day 3: Museums and Shopping

  • Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at Magnolia Bakery for their famous banana pudding, then visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Halal Cart in Midtown West for classic New York street food.
  • Activities: Explore the American Museum of Natural History, shop on 5th Avenue or visit the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).
  • Dinner: Dine at Levain Bakery for their famous chocolate chip cookies, and have dinner at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village.
  • Evening: Catch a show on Broadway or explore the nightlife in Greenwich Village.

Day 4: Uptown Manhattan and Harlem

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Southern Hospitality for Southern comfort food, then visit The Cloisters (a branch of the MET) or Grant’s Tomb.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Red Rooster Harlem, a restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson.
  • Activities: Explore the Apollo Theater, Striver’s Row, and the historic homes of Harlem. Visit the National Jazz Museum in Harlem if you love jazz music.
  • Dinner: Dine at Melba’s Soup Kitchen, offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
  • Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar like Penthouse 808 in Harlem, offering panoramic views of the city.

Day 5: Lower Manhattan and Farewell

  • Morning: Have breakfast at The Onegosh for Israeli cuisine, then visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Leonard’s Pastry Shop for a classic New York slice of pizza.
  • Activities: Explore Wall Street, Battery Park, and South Street Seaport before heading to JFK or LaGuardia airport for your departure.