New York City is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis that offers something for everyone – beautiful parks, world-class museums, stunning architecture and a mix of cultures you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. If you’re visiting New York for the first time, get inspired by our itinerary of what to see in New York in 5 days.
The city is so vast that you could spend a lifetime exploring it and discover something new every day. You only have five days to get to New York? Then this guide is for you to help you make the most of your time and see the most famous sights of the Big Apple.
At the same time, you’ll get an overview of what’s where in New York, so you can customize your itinerary even if you’re planning a trip to New York for less or more than five days.
Tip: Would you like to save on admission to attractions and sights in New York? See the review and comparison of tourist cards in New York (link opens in a new window) to help you save big on your trip to New York.
5 days in New York itinerary – route map
On the map you will find the marked routes for visiting New York in five days. The routes are colour coded and you can filter the route for the selected day in the left column.
Detailed description of the routes including photos can be found further in the article.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with an itinerary of what to see in New York in 5 days. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places that in the itinerary for 5 days in New York City. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
WHAT TO SEE IN NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS
5 DAYS IN NEW YORK – ITINERARY FOR 1ST DAY
We’ll dedicate the first day to Midtown and visit several iconic sites from the Empire State Building, Times Square to Rockefeller Center. Ready? Let’s do it!
Flatiron and 5th Avenue
Take the subway and get off at 23 Street near the famous triangular Flatiron skyscraper. One of the best views of the Flatiron is from Madison Square Park, which is right next door.
From there, continue along 5th Avenue, the premier shopping area that connects Manhattan from Central Park to Midtown. Here you’ll find shops from many top designers including Cartier, Bergdorf-Goodman, the Apple Store, Saks and Tiffany & Co. In addition, there are also more affordable brands, so there is something for everyone when shopping.
In a quarter of an hour you will arrive at the most iconic building in New York – the Empire State Building.
Empire State Building
We’re in New York City and the Empire State Building needs to be on every itinerary of what to see in New York. Even if you only have one day to visit the city.
This Art Deco skyscraper is 381 m tall (443 m with an antenna) and was the first building to have more than 100 floors (102 in total).
Visit of the Empire State Building
The view from Top of the Rock may be a bit better (further on in this itinerary), but a visit to the Empire State Building is an experience in itself. You’ll learn about the history of the building, the fantastic architecture, and end with one of the best views of New York City.
The doors of the Empire State Building open at 9am. This is also the best time to visit, along with evening times (it’s open until 1:00).
Allow at least an hour to tour the Empire State Bulding, but allow 1.5-2 hours.
☞ Reservations for the Empire State Building are required – book your tickets here.
From the Empire State Building, we continue along 5th Avenue. Our next destination is Times Square. But we will make a short detour on the way.
Bryant Park
Just minutes from the Empire State Building is Bryant Park, an oasis of green amidst the skyscrapers. The first thing you will see is the city library on your left with a large statue of a lion.
If you’re not pressed for time, I suggest you take a look inside. The library is also open to tourists for free and houses beautiful interiors.
5 minutes from the library is Grand Central Station, a famous station building with a magnificent Beaux Arts interior. Ascend the main staircase for the best view of the entire interior, including the turquoise ceiling.
Bryant Then will probably be full of people, but that’s common in New York in parks like this. Especially if the weather cooperates.
Tip: There is a Whole Foods store right by Bryant Park. If you’re looking for a healthier dining option in NYC, Whole Foods is fine. They have a wide selection of pastries, fruit bowls, cookies, muffins and sandwiches.
It even offers a pretty wide selection of ready-to-eat meals that you can scoop up yourself and take as a picnic in the park or eat on the second floor with a view.
Hotels in New York 😴
Times Square
We have rested and can continue to one of the busiest places in New York – Times Square.
Times Square is famous for its flashing billboards, bustling atmosphere and iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop. The square is always bustling with activity and offers a variety of entertainment, from street performers to first-class Broadway shows. Just beware of taking photos with street performers – it can cost you a lot.
The square is elongated. You can walk all the way to the top, where there are distinctive red steps overlooking Times Square.
Most people flock here at sunset and in the evening, when the atmosphere is at its best. For us, I’d recommend exploring the square during the day when the crowds aren’t so huge and coming back in the evening. The atmosphere is better in the evening.
Where to eat around Times Square
We’ve got 2 tips on where to eat in the Times Square area. There are of course many more options, but these places attracted us the most with their atmosphere. They are open until the evening, so you can come here any time of the day.
At Joe’s Pizza, you’ll taste the real New York pizza that the locals come here for. It’s been almost 50 years and the owner of Joe’s is still taking care of it at 70 years old. They have additional branches in Midtown and Downtown.
Or go to Los Tacos No. 1 for some of the best Mexican tacos around. A family-run place that serves tacos or quesadillas for $5-7 per person.
Tip: If you’re planning to go to a Broadway show, there is a TKTS booth right in Times Square. Here you can get tickets for the performance of the day and at very good prices.
Rockefeller Center
Love Home Alone 2: Lost in New York? Then you can’t miss Rockefeller Center, just minutes from Times Square.
Rockefeller Center is the largest complex of private Art Deco buildings built in the modern era. The entertainment and shopping centre consists of more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafes.
There is a nice relaxation area and from mid-October to mid-March you can skate on the local ice rink (the rest of the year you can roller skate). A huge Christmas tree is lit right next to the ice rink in the run-up to Christmas.
Top of the Rock
The Rockefeller Center also includes the Top of the Rock observation deck, which spans 67th 69. and the 70th floor. Top of the Rock offers the best view of the New York City skyline, with the Empire State Building at its head. On the other side, you’ll see Central Park in all its glory.
Here it’s not about the experience like Empire, but purely about the views, which are worth it.
I recommend going here in the evening, when the setting sun leans on the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers.
Plus, you can stay up there as long as you want (like other observation decks in New York) and wait for the whole city to light up.
☞ How to skip the lines at Top of the Rock: Top of the Rock is one of the most visited attractions in New York City and the lines start forming in the morning. Skip the lines by booking tickets in advance. Simply show your ticket on your mobile phone, or you can print it out.
Do you still have time and would you like to visit some of the best museums in New York? Just a short walk from Rockefeller Center is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art MoMA. Here you can enjoy works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock or Starry Night by Van Gogh, among others.
Right next to Rockefeller Center is the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which you can’t miss among the skyscrapers. It is open until the evening hours and admission is free.
Here ends our first day of our 5-day itinerary in New York. If you feel like it, you can also walk the whole route in the dark, when it has a completely different atmosphere.
NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 2ND DAY
Central Park and the Upper East Side
The next day we move to the Upper East Side, which has a much quieter atmosphere than Midtown.
Start with breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. This is a place that’s alive from early morning till late at night. As soon as you arrive, you are immediately transported to the 1950s. With singing staff, colourful food and a great atmosphere. The perfect start for a new day. For breakfast you can have French toast or waffles, for example. They also have a lunch and dinner menu.
You can get even more atmosphere from the video:
After the meal, we move on to Central Park, which is only a quarter of an hour’s walk away. The park covers 843 acres and offers a variety of landscape features and attractions, including lakes, playgrounds and even a zoo. There are almost 93 kilometres of footpaths.
There are so many activities that you can spend the whole day here and still have something to do. Just take a walk, have a picnic in the grass, take a rowboat ride on the lake, visit the local zoo, see Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace or the Alice in Wonderland statue and much more.
You can pick up a map of the park at the visitor centre and plan your route accordingly. Visitor centres are usually small kiosks or can be found in Belvedere Castle, for example.
Where to eat around Central Park
North Central Park tends to be quieter and you won’t find as many options for food. But the further south you go, the better the offer. For a delicious hot dog, go to Billy’s Hot Dog Cart – it’s a small stand around the corner (you can find the exact location marked on the map).
Trying a bagel in New York is almost a must – I recommend Broad Nosh at the southern tip of the park. They have all kinds of bagels including blueberry bagel, whole wheat bagel, poppy seed bagel, etc. There are also a variety of fillings to choose from, from fresh cheese, salmon, vegetables, cheese, so you can make a bagel a great, honest-to-goodness lunch. Or have a bagel with strawberry fresh cheese and enjoy a sweet bagel.
The last tip is a few blocks away, but well worth it. Especially if you like good burgers. The Burger Joint is part of a luxury hotel, with an entrance leading through it. It used to be a secret enterprise. But once you walk in, you’ll be absolutely engulfed by its interior, full of messages on the walls and relaxed atmosphere.
☞ More information: Best things to do in New York (entrance fees, opening hours, how to get around)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
After enjoying the fresh air and good food, head to the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met houses over 2 million works of art, so you can easily spend the whole day here. If it’s your first time here, you’ll probably only need a few hours.
The MET is a premier art gallery where you’ll be treated to paintings by American artists, historical armor from around the world, Egyptian artifacts, Parisian rooms that were all relocated from France, and more.
Museum Mile
If you still have time and energy, explore other world-famous museums around Central Park, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and the American Museum of Natural History on the other side of the park.
I’ll stop by the Guggenheim Museum. Located just a short walk from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it will appeal to anyone who likes unusual architecture. It resembles a snail shell or a giant corkscrew.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has been one of New York City’s most popular attractions in recent years. It is not just any observation deck.
You’ll find two floors of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, glass ledges high above Madison Avenue, multimedia screens and endless views from 93. floors (from the outdoor terrace and the indoor lounge).
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is just a few subway stops away from Central Park and the Upper East Side – hop on the subway and enjoy one of the best attractions in New York City in just a few minutes. Especially in the evening it has the best atmosphere.
☞ How to skip the lines: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has been one of the most visited attractions in New York in recent years. Skip the line by booking tickets in advance, which the operator itself recommends. Just show your ticket on your mobile phone at the venue, or you can print it out.
NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 3RD DAY
We’re on the third day of our five-day itinerary in New York, and this time we’re moving to the very south of Manhattan – Downtown and the Financial District. Today, we’ll see one of the greatest symbols of the United States – the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Start your day with an early morning ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I recommend booking your tickets in advance, to make sure you don’t sell out.
The Statue of Liberty, the world’s most famous statue, dating from 1886, symbolizes the independence of the United States under the American Declaration of Independence of 1776.
The date of the declaration is engraved on a tablet which the statue holds in its left hand. The right hand towers overhead the flood that made Americans find the light and leave the dark days of slavery behind. At the feet of the statue lies a broken chain in recognition of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States as a symbol of friendship. The statue was shipped in 350 pieces in 214 crates and took a total of 4 months to assemble.
Hotels in New York 😴
Ferries to Liberty Island
Ferries depart daily between the hours of 9:00-17:45 (may vary depending on the season – please select a specific time when booking). They are white and have the Statue Cruises markings. The pick-up point is located from Clinton Castle in Battery Park.
First, you will take a ferry to Liberty Island, where you will find the Statue of Liberty and a museum with interesting exhibitions focused on the Statue of Liberty (free admission). Afterwards, take the ferry from Liberty Island to neighboring Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigrant Museum (again, free admission)
At the Immigrant Museum, you’ll learn about the experiences and stories of people who have gone through the immigration process here on their way to the United States.
Both islands have landscaped promenades and there are refreshments and plenty of benches in the shade of the trees. Plus, there are great views in all directions – New Jersey to the west, Manhattan to the north, Staten Island to the south and Brooklyn to the east.
Set aside about half a day to visit the Statue of Liberty and the two islands.
Book your tickets for the Statue of Liberty here. Before boarding the ferry, you will be subject to a security check.
Memorial and Museum 11th September
On your return to the mainland, visit the Memorial and Museum 11th September, located in the World Trade Center complex.
On the site of the former towers there are now two mirror pools where the water flows down the sides. The pools are flanked by bronze panels with the names of nearly 3,000 victims of the 11th September and 6 victims from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The deciduous trees around symbolize peace. One of the trees is even original.
Between the pools lies a museum in a curved glass building, where you can find out all the information related to the 11th September. Underground you will see the remains of the foundations of the Twin Towers.
The museum grounds are littered with sad reminders, such as twisted steel columns, a broken fire truck and the “Survivors’ Staircase”, which miraculously survived the building’s collapse and was the only escape route.
☞ How to skip the lines at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: 9/11 Museum is one of the most visited landmarks in New York City. A limited number of people are always allowed inside – by booking tickets in advance you can secure your entry for the time you want. I recommend to set aside at least 2 hours for the visit itself – the museum is divided into smaller parts and you can adapt the tour to your own needs.
One World Observatory
Right next to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is One World Trade Center with an observation deck for another iconic view of New York City. It is the tallest building in the city.
One World Observatory is one of the most popular attractions in New York City – book your tickets in advance, so you don’t have to wait in line. After that, just show your ticket on your mobile phone when you enter.
Wall Street and Charging Bull
End the day with a stroll down Wall Street, the financial epicentre of the world. It is a short walk from One World Observatory (about 10 minutes). On the way you will pass Trinity Church, which literally contrasts with the surrounding skyscrapers.
While you’re on Wall Street, visit the three-ton Charging Bull statue that stands nearby on Broadway. The sculpture symbolizes the courage and fortitude of New Yorkers and the defense against greed and excesses in the wake of the 1987 Wall Street crash.
Where to eat Downtown
For a great burger, go to Shake Shack. They have several branches around New York City and there’s one just off Wall Street.
A short walk from the 9/11 Memorial, O’Hara’s Restaurant is a great place to eat. It has an unmistakable atmosphere that was heavily influenced by the 11th September.
Not far from Wall Street and Battery Park (where the ferry to the Statue of Liberty leaves from) is the typical American restaurant Fraunces Tavern, where you can smell a lot of history. It’s been around for decades and it cooks great.
Tip: Would you like to save on admission to attractions and sights in New York? See the review and comparison of tourist cards in New York (link opens in a new window) to help you save big on your trip to New York.
NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 4TH DAY
Yesterday was an emotional day, so today will be a relaxed day. But it will still definitely be worth it.
SoHo
On the fourth day, we start in the SoHo district, known for its luxury boutiques and historic cast-iron architecture. And the cobbled streets that give the area just the right touch.
You won’t find world-famous landmarks in SoHo. But it’s a perfect place for shopping or just strolling the streets, which are quite different from the rest of Manhattan.
Washington Square Park and Greenwich Village
From SoHo, head to Washington Square Park with its large archway for people-watching and a more relaxed atmosphere. The park is part of Greenwich Village, which is full of small shops, restaurants, bars, jazz clubs and stand-up comedians.
If you weave your way through the surrounding streets, you might find the Friends’ house or Carrie’s house from Sex and the City (both of which I marked on the map at the beginning of this article).
High Line and Chelsea Market
After walking the streets of Greenwich Village, you must be hungry. Greenwich Village offers great restaurants, bakeries and cafes to eat out.
If you’re looking for something quintessentially New York, head to the best market around – Chelsea Market. It is located in an old factory and opens at 7am. A variety of shops and delicious food under one roof, this place has to be on every itinerary of what to see in New York in 5 days.
Once you have eaten and come back out, you will see the former elevated railway line between the buildings. It has not been used for years and for this reason the locals have turned it into a city park with the aptly named High Line.
The park runs through 8 blocks and is 2.33 km long. You will enjoy views of the city from a height of 10 metres, well-kept gardens and plenty of greenery with benches.
The park is accessible at several points by stairs or elevator (the stairs are located a short walk from Chelsea Market – you can’t miss it).
Hudson Yards
From the High Line we arrive at the last place on today’s itinerary where you can spend the rest of the day. There is a lot to see. I’m thinking of Hudson Yards, an area full of interesting architecture and spectacular views.
Don’t miss The Vessel, a spiral staircase in the shape of a honeycomb. For $10 you can go up to 16. floors and enjoy a different view of New York City (check accessibility, only the lower part is accessible in 2023). Not as iconic as Empire or Top of the Rock, but different and fresh.
Next to The Vessel is The Shed, an arts centre with a moving roof.
Edge observation platform
Do you like adventure and fantastic views? Hudson Yards is also part of Edge observation deck with a partially transparent floor. Nothing for the faint of heart, but it’s a unique experience. The perfect place to watch the sunset.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
If you still have enough time in today’s itinerary, visit the nearby Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which will take you through American military and naval history.
The museum, which is moored along the Hudson River in New York City, houses the aircraft carrier Intrepid, which served in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. You can see its decks, its impressive collection of aircraft and even walk through the Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the Enterprise.
Boat cruise
Sightseeing cruises on the Hudson River around Manhattan also depart from here. Enjoy a different perspective or end your day with a cruise – the view of a lit-up New York is worth it. Book a cruise around Manhattan here.
NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 5TH DAY
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
No itinerary can do without the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York. The Brooklyn Bridge is a 486.3 m long steel suspension bridge with Gothic arches, which was the first bridge of its kind in the world. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River.
More than 120,000 vehicles and 3,100 cyclists and 4,000 pedestrians cross the bridge every day. If you want to take a photo without people, you have to come early in the morning.
From the Brooklyn Bridge, continue to Washington Street in Brooklyn for an iconic view of the bridge. This is the Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View, which is named after the entire Dumbo neighborhood.
Dumbo and Williamsburg
The Dumbo district is a trendy neighbourhood with red brick houses, cobbled streets and waterfront views. This is the image that first comes to mind when I think of Brooklyn.
On either side of the Brooklyn Bridge is Brooklyn Bridge Park, with a landscaped promenade and views of Manhattan beyond.
If you like street art, head to the Wiliamsburg neighborhood, located near Dumbo, Brooklyn. Here you can enjoy hipster culture, an art scene and a wide range of restaurants and shops.
Or just wander around Brooklyn, which exudes a completely different atmosphere than Manhattan.
Where to eat in Brooklyn
Brooklyn offers plenty of places to eat. And that’s around the Brooklyn Bridge, too. Try Time Out Market, a self-service restaurant with a great selection and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge.
Coney Island
End your New York adventure with a trip to Coney Island. The amusement park and promenade offer a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for a last night on the town.
Take a ride on the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, stroll along the sandy beach or enjoy the view from the Ferris wheel. The beach is bordered by a historic landscaped promenade where you can watch beautiful sunsets.
How to get to Coney Island
Coney Island lies a little out of hand from the main attractions of the city. Located at the southern tip of Brooklyn. You have 2 basic options to get here:
- Take the subway from Manhattan or Brooklyn and get off at the Coney Island-Stillwell Av stop. The journey takes 40-60 minutes depending on where you are coming from.
- Take the $4 ferry that leaves from Platform 11 on Wall Street – from the Brooklyn Bridge you return to Manhattan, where you turn left along the waterfront. In about 10-15 minutes you will reach the platform. The journey takes just over half an hour.
Where to stay in New York?
- OUR CHOICE: Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea: Fantastic hotel in downtown Manhattan, great views of Manhattan and subway 5 minutes away.
- Washington by LuxUrban: Four star hotel in Downtown, great views, great access to JFK airport.
- Hotel Under Times Square: Modern and design hotel 2 minutes from Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Great access to the sights and the Port Authority bus station.
- LIC Hotel: Three-star hotel in Queens at a good price. Strategically located halfway between Manhattan and JFK Airport.
- West Side YMCA: Cheap accommodation near Central Park in simply furnished private or shared rooms. There is a swimming pool, sauna, fitness.
Hotels in New York 😴
How to enjoy New York
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll find a lot of things.
- Try the street food – bagel, New York pizza, hot dog…there’s plenty to choose from and at affordable prices.
- Take the New York City subway, which is convenient and runs past all the major attractions in the city. If you can’t get there by metro, take the ferry for a different view of the city.
- Reserve tickets in advance for the most popular attractions – Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt…- specific information can be found at each location.
- Stop by major tourist spots like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
- Enjoy New York after dark, when it has a completely different atmosphere.
- See if a New York Pass or NY CityPASS will save you money.
Best booking resources for visiting New York
Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.
Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.
This was our itinerary of what to see in New York in 5 days. Ready to fall in love with the city that never sleeps? Have a safe journey!
More information about New York
BEST PLACES IN NEW YORK: Get inspired by 30 things to do in New York City, including handy information on admission, hours and how to get around.
NEW YORK GUIDE: Here is New York Travel Guide withvpractical information and tips for visiting New York. Here you will find tips on how to save in New York.
You can save a lot on entrance fees with tourist cards – check out our comparison and review.
Summary: 5 Days New York Itinerary
Don’t miss iconic landmarks and sites in New York such as Central Park, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or cross the Brooklyn Bridge. A detailed overview for each day, including a map, can be found in the article. We’ve also added tips on where to go for the best views, food or hidden spots in New York.
While five days won’t cover everything, it provides ample time to see many of New York’s key attractions. The article provides a detailed plan on how to make the most of this time.
Yes, some attractions are very popular and may require advance booking. These are clearly identified in the article.
The itinerary combines walking, subway rides and ferry use depending on the distance between attractions. The aim is to soak up the atmosphere of the city as much as possible as a local.
