5 Day New York City Itinerary (Planned by a Local + Map)
👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Map | Where to Stay | Getting Around | Tips | FAQ | Get Printable Version
New York City is enormous, and having a proper itinerary mapped out beforehand will help you navigate the city without stress. As a local, I’ve created the ideal guide to help you plan your trip.
There are endless things to do in New York City, making it challenging to narrow down the list of must-see spots. Using my expertise, I’ve created a 5-day itinerary that includes the best attractions, museums, cuisine, and shopping.
Pack a pair of comfortable shoes, and let me walk you through how to spend each morning, afternoon, and evening over 5 days in The Big Apple.
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Where to Stay for 5 Days in New York City
For a 5 day visit to New York City, these are my top picks for where to stay:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Broadway Plaza Hotel
- 📍 Best Location – Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
- 💎 Luxury – The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
- 🌳 Best Near Central Park – The Plaza
- 🛏️ Budget – Pod 51 Hotel
- 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in Manhattan
For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in New York City.
5 Day New York City Itinerary
Day 1 – Get a Feel for Manhattan in Midtown & Central Park
Morning – Treat yourself to a NYC bagel and get ready to walk
Try to wake up early (before 9 am). The very first thing you’ll want to do in New York City is have a bagel, or our famed bacon, egg, and cheese, to fuel up for walking. Broad Nosh Bagels on 9th Avenue and Liberty Bagels Midtown are my top choices in the area.
Walk around Times Square before it becomes too busy for a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll see the iconic TKTS red stairs on W 47th Street and the bright, neon advertisements along Broadway & 7th Avenue before the morning rush. I recommend avoiding Times Square midday.
You can walk five minutes southwest to see Rockefeller Center. This is especially cool to see during the holiday season when the tree is lit, but it’s worth visiting year-round.
After taking in the sights, walk five minutes to the east, and you’ll end up at Bryant Park, behind the New York Public Library between 5th and 6th Avenue. This is a lovely park for a quick stroll, and the library is an architectural marvel (and free)!
Now it’s time to check out the Empire State Building in Midtown South, a 10-15 minute walk from Bryant Park. The iconic 102-story skyscraper provides you with unbeatable views of the city from either the 86th or 102nd floor observation deck. The 360-degree vantage point includes views of iconic landmarks such as Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Chrysler Building.
Be prepared for lots of congestion on the streets and sidewalks. Midtown is always bustling with locals and tourists. If you want to beat the lines, consider visiting the Empire State Building around 8 am, opening time.
👉 Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting New York City, stay in Midtown for easy access to popular attractions. Riu Plaza New York Times Square Hotel‘s location is unbeatable, and Pod 51 is the best budget hotel in the area.
Afternoon – Central Park
After taking in NYC skyline views from The Empire State Building, grab some lunch at State Grill & Bar on the ground floor of The Empire State Building.
Refuel with a cup of coffee at Starbucks Reserve, which occupies three separate floors. It has a traditional roastery on the ground floor, a tasting room, and a coffee & cocktail lounge.
Then, head back to the streets for a visit to Central Park.
You can walk to Central Park in 15-20 minutes from The Empire State Building. Or, you can walk 5 minutes to the 34th Street-Herald Square Station and take the B, D, or F train to 59th Street, Columbus Circle to enter the park at 59th Street and 8th Avenue.
Once you’re inside, Central Park has plenty of things to do. Visit the Central Park Zoo and climb Belvedere Castle, stroll the 36-acre Ramble, take a boat ride, or see the Conservatory Garden in spring bloom. In the wintertime, go ice skating at Wollman Rink and walk under the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to book a luxury 5-star hotel close to Central Park, you can’t beat The Plaza for park access and incredible skyline views overlooking 5th Avenue. I highly recommend trying “The Afternoon Tea Menu,” served with scones, pastries, and sweets, at the hotel’s iconic Palm Court venue.
Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street and has 20 access points. If you enter from Columbus Circle, you’ll have plenty of ways to exit after spending a few hours exploring the park’s different excursions. I recommend downloading the Citi Bike app and renting a bike. Trails are dedicated to riders, so take advantage.
Evening – A Broadway show & Times Square at night
Finish off your Central Park visit by booking a reservation for dinner at ROBERT on the top floor of the Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle. Ask for a window table to enjoy breathtaking park views while you dine on exquisite American cuisine.
After dinner, take the 1, A, C, B, or D train downtown to 42nd Street Times Square, only one stop from Columbus Circle. If you’re up for walking, it’s only about 10-15 minutes since you’re on the west side of Midtown.
Now it’s time to see a Broadway show, a New York City must. Make sure you purchase tickets well in advance. The Theatre District overlaps with Times Square, and you have plenty of famous shows to choose from, like Wicked, Hamilton, and The Lion King.
Once you finish the show, head back to Times Square (42nd Street & Broadway) and immerse yourself in the neon, bright lights, and flashy advertisements at night. The streets will be chaotic, and the environment will be overstimulating, but that’s its charm! Make sure to snap some photos.
👉 Pro Tip: I recommend purchasing the New York CityPASS. You’ll get access to eight famous attractions for a fixed price of $154 for adults (18+) and $129 for children (6-17).
Day 2 – Chelsea Attractions
Morning – Breakfast at Café Chelsea and walk the High Line
On day number two, you’ll want to venture into the Chelsea neighborhood. Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Café Chelsea, an all-day French American bistro restaurant in the historic Hotel Chelsea.
No matter the time of year, a walk across The High Line gives you incredible street, skyline, and Hudson River views. After exiting Café Chelsea, walk west and enter the High Line at 10th Avenue & 23rd Street.
The walk takes about 30 minutes and is free to access. The former railway, now a green space with gardens and art murals, extends through Greenwich Village, West Chelsea, and Hudson Yards.
Walk the High Line headed south and exit at 14th Street. Once you’re off the elevated pathway, walk west toward the Hudson River, which will bring you to Little Island at Pier 55. The artificial 2.4-acre park sits on Hudson River Park and is a great place to relax and catch your breath.
👉 Pro Tip: My top hotel choice, Broadway Plaza Hotel, is in the NoMad neighborhood bordering Chelsea and Midtown Manhattan. This 4-star hotel has a stellar reputation, great location, reasonable prices, and modern amenities. Perfect for families and conveniently located near Midtown, without the congestion.
Afternoon – The Vessel & Edge at Hudson Yards
Once you’ve exited Little Island, walk 10 minutes east to 8th Avenue & 14th Street and take the seven train uptown for two stops, exiting at 34th St-Hudson Yards.
You’ll be craving lunch, and there’s no better place than one of New York City’s best restaurants, Estiatorio Milos, in Hudson Yards, for incredible Mediterranean seafood and picturesque Hudson River Views.
Once you have your energy back, you have two sightseeing options:
- The Edge: NYC Observation Deck – Experience a suspended (slightly terrifying) glass floor and 360-degree views of New York City at one of the tallest observation decks in the world. You can expect to spend an hour and a half here.
- The Vessel: This funky, honeycomb-shaped sculpture is a must-see from the inside. It is a true architectural marvel with winding stairs that let you see the city from unique angles. General admission is $10.
If you’re up for it, you can purchase tickets to see both attractions. Each one offers something unique, but it’s not necessary to visit both, in my opinion. The choice is yours!
Evening – The Meatpacking District for dinner
To begin the evening, take the seven train from 34th St-Hudson Yards uptown (one stop) to Times Square-42nd Street, and transfer downtown on the A, C, or E train to 14th Street and 8th Avenue. Start walking west for about five minutes until you enter the lovely cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District.
While the Meatpacking District is a further walk from Hudson Yards, you’ll want to spend the evening here for unbeatable sunset views, dinner, and buzzing nightlife if you choose to stay out late.
Walk through Chelsea Market for universal cuisine options, or stop by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on 9th Avenue if you need some coffee to refuel.
If you want a fine dining experience, have dinner at RH Rooftop or STK Rooftop. Make sure to book a reservation, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re up for drinks after dinner, The Tippler is a quaint cellar-style cocktail bar underneath Chelsea Market.
Day 3 – Explore Museum Mile
Morning – Start at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City museums are world-renowned, and you’ll want to spend a day on Manhattan’s Museum Mile along 5th Avenue in the Upper East Side. (If you’re staying for under five days and museums are at the top of your list, feel free to use this guide for day two.)
The Penrose Bar on Second Avenue serves excellent eggs Benedict and fried chicken with waffles. With a warm, homey ambiance, it’s a great spot to fuel up for a day of walking.
After breakfast, walk southwest for 15 minutes until you reach The Metropolitan Museum of Art. If there is one museum you should visit, it’s the MET. The entrance at 81st Street usually has fewer crowds, especially on the weekends.
Try to go close to the 10 am opening time to really appreciate the over 5,000 years of art, historical archives, and exhibitions, such as Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Emanuel Leutze’s painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. This trip could extend into the afternoon, depending on how late you stay.
Afternoon – Check out other museums and walk on 5th Avenue
Unless you spent all your energy at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (understandable), I recommend visiting another museum. Depending on your personal tastes, there’s a museum for you.
Two popular contemporary art and design choices are the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Both locations are within a 10-minute walk from the MET. Museum Mile borders Central Park, so walking is tranquil and picturesque when the weather is nice.
If you want to visit some unique and underrated museums, the Museum of the City of New York centers its exhibitions around local architecture. It emphasizes New York City’s history and culture; you’ll walk away with tons of local knowledge.
Just next door, El Museo del Barrio highlights artistry from Latin America and the Caribbean. It has a stunning, hand-painted auditorium and a rotating schedule of events and performances.
These two museums are on E 103rd and E 104th Street, so you’ll have to walk further Uptown.
If you want something smaller and more gallery-style, I recommend the Neue Galerie New York on 86th Street, showcasing German and Austrian art from the 20th century.
Evening – Have a nice meal on the Upper East Side
Since it’s day three and you’ve done plenty of walking, I recommend taking it easy for the evening. New York City was designed to be highly walkable, so you’ll get your daily step count in. However, it’s tiring!
If you want to treat yourself to fine dining, Daniel is a luxurious Michelin-starred French restaurant just off Park Avenue with rave reviews.
If you still have some energy after dinner and the sun hasn’t set, take an evening stroll in Central Park by walking west and entering the park at East 65th Street & 5th Avenue.
Day 4 – Discover Greenwich Village, Soho, or the Brooklyn Bridge
Morning – Take in the atmosphere at Washington Square Park
You’ll want to spend day four in a more laid-back area of the city and potentially do some shopping alongside sightseeing.
There’s nothing like a morning in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood adjacent to the West Village full of creatives, college students, and young professionals. Grab breakfast at Caffe Reggio, an old espresso bar with a bohemian-hipster feel.
After eating, walk south on McDougal Street (it takes about two minutes), and you’ll see the Washington Square Arch from a distance. Washington Square Park is a great place to relax and watch the street performers, artists, musicians, and students who occupy the park at all hours of the day. This is the perfect start to a day in Lower Manhattan.
Afternoon Option 1: Shopping in SoHo
If you plan on shopping, SoHo is the ideal neighborhood. It’s a 20-minute walk from Washington Square Park. Or, you can take the N or R train from 8th Street-NYU Station downtown and get off at Prince Street.
Once on Prince Street, you’ll have stylish boutiques and popular brand-name stores like Artizia, Reformation, Tory Burch, and Glossier, all within proximity. If you want to stick to luxury retail and a solid mix of indie and artistic brands, the best streets for shopping are well-connected in SoHo and will be packed with shoppers at all hours of the day and night.
If your wallet needs a break, SoHo has free art galleries, like The Drawing Center on Wooster Street and Eden Gallery on Broome Street. Both are worth seeing.
Afternoon Option 2: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
If shopping isn’t on your radar, I recommend walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the best activities if the weather’s nice in Lower Manhattan. The bridge connects the borough of Manhattan to Brooklyn.
To get there, take the A, C, or E train downtown from West 4th-Washington Square Station and exit at Fulton Street Station. You’ll see signs for the Brooklyn Bridge entrance. If you don’t immediately see it, look for City Hall Park, and the entrance will be across the street.
Brooklyn Bridge has pedestrian lanes to the right and bike lanes to the left, so for your safety, avoid walking in the bike lanes. The walk takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
You’ll be treated to views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River as you walk across. Right before sunset is the best time to go!
Evening – Check out New York’s comedy scene
To finish the evening, you’ll want to have a meal, grab a drink, and enjoy New York City’s incredible comedy scene.
I recommend grabbing tickets to a show at Comedy Cellar on MacDougal Street, one of the best clubs in Manhattan that routinely hosts top comedians. Before you go, grab dinner at Boucherie, a popular fine-dining French restaurant on 7th Avenue.
The area is fantastic for bars, and you’ll have many options for a night out. Employees Only is a dimly lit speakeasy in a Prohibition-style bar. Dante West Village is a legendary cocktail bar, perfect for a date night. Blind Tiger Ale House serves craft beer but has a dive bar feel and atmosphere.
Day 5 – The Financial District & Lower Manhattan
Morning – Take a historic tour of Wall Street
Your final day in New York City will be spent in Lower Manhattan, starting with exploring Wall Street – home to the United States’ financial system.
Start by grabbing coffee and a croissant at the historic Conwell Coffee Hall, a former banking hall converted into a cafe that feels more like a marbled museum with a 1960s vibe.
Once you have your coffee in hand, walk one minute north to Wall Street to check out landmarks like the Charging Bull, Federal Hall National Memorial, and the New York Stock Exchange. This is the most “white-collar professional” area of the city. Consider booking a guided tour of Wall Street if you want to learn more.
Make sure you take a quick walk through Stone Street, a Historic District and the oldest surviving cobblestone street in the city. This is a great place for nightlife as well.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re booking a hotel in Lower Manhattan, stay at The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt. The luxurious hotel has been around since 1883 and maintains an Old New York feel with immaculate marble interiors. The hotel leaves a lasting impression.
Afternoon – 9/11 Memorial & Museum or One World Observatory
For your afternoon, visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, part of the World Trade Center Complex, to explore the grounds. It’s a slower-paced part of the city that invites deep reflection.
The 9/11 Museum takes about 1-2 hours with exhibits, artifacts, media, and personal narratives dedicated to the victims and families of the September 11 attacks in 2001. Once you finish at the museum, head outside to view the 9/11 Memorial Pools.
If you don’t plan on visiting the museum, you can visit One World Observatory, located next to the museum at One World Trade Center. The elevator will take you 102 stories in 47 seconds to see breathtaking 360-degree views of the New York City skyline.
Finish your tour of the grounds with a walk through The Oculus, a transportation hub and shopping center that resembles a white-steel dove. If you’re traveling in September, expect larger crowds and longer lines closer to the memorial date.
If you’re feeling hungry, grab a quick lunch at Eataly Downtown, a famous Italian market that serves Neapolitan pizza and pasta right next to Ground Zero.
Evening – South Street Seaport & Battery Park
For your final evening, you’ll spend it in the historic South Street Seaport with picturesque East River views and the best seafood in New York City.
To get there, walk 20 minutes southeast (keep straight) to arrive at South Street. If you don’t feel like walking, I recommend a yellow taxi or an Uber, which can get you there in 10 minutes. This is the one time in this itinerary I would advise against the train – there’s no direct line.
For a laid-back dinner, Cobble Fish is a great seafood restaurant known for its lobster roll with outdoor seating when the weather is nice. For high-end dining, Carne Mare is an exceptional steakhouse that boasts views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Tin Building by Jean-Georges is a popular, high-end food hall offering global cuisine. If you need a visual aid to decide on dinner, try here.
The romantic, tranquil, and lively atmosphere is a great place to end your trip while enjoying skyline views at the water’s edge. If you arrive before dinner, consider the South Street Seaport Museum for touring historic ships on the water.
If you have energy after dinner, take a 15-minute walk southwest to Battery Park. The views at sunset are stunning, and the park is one of the quietest in the city for a tranquil atmosphere on your final night.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, consider booking a Statue of Liberty cruise departing from Pier 16, South Street Seaport. The 50-minute ride will give you up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island.
How to Get Around in New York City
🚇 Subway – If you’re not walking, take the subway to most destinations. It’s fast, well-connected, and affordable ($2.90 one way). Download the Google Subway Map & MTA bus apps to help navigate the subway system and check schedules.
🚕 Yellow Cab, Lyft, Uber – If it’s late at night, consider taking a cab or using a rideshare app. Also, always choose a yellow cab and avoid unmetered cars. Our article on New York City safety has additional information.
🚌 Bus – The bus is another good option. You can download the OMNY app for contactless payments on the subway and bus. I would still choose the subway first to avoid New York City traffic, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.
🚗 Driving – New York City is not ideal for driving. The streets are congested, and finding parking is difficult. If you choose to drive, Discover Cars is great for rentals.
New York City Itinerary Planning Tips
Tip #1 – Book your trip for spring or fall
It’s important to pick the best time to visit New York City to enjoy major attractions. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for the weather.
The summer will be hot and humid, but the evenings are fantastic, especially by the water in places like South Street Seaport. The city has plenty to do during the holiday season, but I would avoid visiting after New Year to mid-March when the temperatures are low and some attractions are closed.
Tip #2 – Decide what neighborhoods to visit in advance
Before you plan your trip, you’ll want to map out which NYC neighborhoods to visit. My guide covers many major destinations, but there are other great neighborhoods, including the Upper West Side, the East Village, and Chinatown.
You also need to decide if you want to venture out of Manhattan to boroughs like Queens or Brooklyn. Here’s a short list of the neighborhoods I’ve included in this guide:
- Midtown Manhattan: New York City’s busiest and most touristy area, known for Broadway, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. You’ll have stores like Hershey’s Chocolate World, FAO Schwarz, Disney Store, and Bergdorf Goodman within walking distance. The Times Square 42nd Street subway station is well-connected to the rest of the city.
- Chelsea: A trendy, chic neighborhood known for The High Line, Little Island, Chelsea Market, and Hudson Yards. Great for young people and good options for restaurants. Great nightlife in the Meatpacking District.
- Upper East Side: Perfect for families, with East River views and access to Central Park. Well known for Museum Mile on 5th Avenue, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim, and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Lots of fine dining options.
- Greenwich Village: A trendy, artistic neighborhood on the lower west side of Manhattan. Known for Washington Square Park and New York University. It has a distinct charm and a strong sense of culture. Great for young people with many dive bars and craft bars nearby.
- Lower Manhattan: A business-centered area home to the World Trade Center, Wall Street, South Street Seaport, and Battery Park facing New York Harbor. Great for families and business travelers.
Tip #3 – Look for hidden art and murals
Sometimes, when you’re a tourist, you’re too focused on the major attractions to notice the smaller ones. New York City has murals and paintings scattered throughout the city.
Keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss some of the hidden places for the perfect photo!
Tip #4 – Prepare for unpredictable weather
My top New York City travel tip is to prepare for unpredictable and inclement weather. Winter can bring bitter temperatures, snow, and sleet, while summer heat and humidity require plenty of water breaks. The spring and fall have better weather overall, but sudden rainstorms still exist.
Pack an umbrella in advance. Stores in Midtown tend to inflate the price of umbrellas, knowing people will be desperate when the rain comes! See my packing list for NYC for more insight on what to bring.
Tip #5 – Tip your bartender!
New York City has incredible restaurants and nightlife, and the hardworking servers depend on tips to make a living. At restaurants, a minimum of 18% of the bill is acceptable, with 20-25% tips for exceptional service.
For a bar, you can give $1 per drink for beer or wine, especially in dive bars. (It’s a good idea to have some extra cash on you for tips.) I would stick to dive bars with happy hour specials if you’re traveling to New York City on a budget. At more high-end cocktail bars, upwards of 18% of the total bill is customary.
New York City Itinerary Map
Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.
📚 Related Reading: One-Day NYC Itinerary
FAQ About Itinerary Planning for New York City
How many days is enough for New York City?
Three days would be enough for New York City. You can see the major landmarks like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and a famous museum. You won’t be able to see everything, but you can cover a lot of ground.
Five days will give you ample time to see more of the city and take your time doing so. I would consider booking 7-14 days if you want to explore the city in depth, especially if you visit the other boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
How can I plan a 7 day itinerary for New York City?
While this guide covers a five-day trip, you could easily extend it to a week to see more.
For an additional two days, consider neighborhoods like the Upper West Side or the East Village if you’re staying in Manhattan. With more time, you can venture to Brooklyn to see neighborhoods like Dumbo and Williamsburg or Long Island City in the borough of Queens.
Is New York City worth visiting?
New York City is worth visiting. With world-class attractions, museums, parks, cuisine, bars, and entertainment, it’s impossible to be bored, and you’ll probably want to revisit to see more.
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Thank you for reading this itinerary! If you plan on staying in New York for a while, check our guide covering day trips from New York City to really make the most of your trip.
