New York Travels

PlAN YOUR TRIP TO NYC

Itineraries for You

Creating custom itineraries for New York City is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on the things that matter most to you. With so much to see, do, and eat, NYC can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow routes based on how long you’re staying and what kind of traveler you are. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, here with the kids, looking to save money, or ready to splurge, we’ve got a plan that makes the most of your time.

Each itinerary focuses on a realistic pace, no running from one borough to the next unless you’re really up for the hustle. We also include local insights, budget tips, and smart routes using public transit or walkable paths. Expect a mix of iconic must-sees, local favorites, and hidden gems you won’t find in every tourist guide. Below, find the suggested length of stay for your traveler type, and scroll down for your tailored NYC experience.

Itineraries for New York City: Statue of Liberty

© Anthony Quintano, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

First-Time Visitors – 5 Days in NYC

Day 1: Classic Manhattan

  • Central Park (Midtown) – Free – Take the B/D or A/C to 59th St–Columbus Circle
  • Rockefeller Center + Top of the Rock ($40)
  • Times Square (Free) – Walkable from Midtown
    Insider Tip: Go to Top of the Rock just before sunset for the best skyline view.

Day 2: Statue of Liberty + Downtown

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ($24.50 ferry) – Battery Park (4/5 to Bowling Green)
  • Wall Street & Charging Bull (Free)
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum ($33)
    Insider Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance, early mornings are less crowded.

Day 3: Museums + Upper East Side

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art ($30) – 4/5/6 to 86th St
  • Guggenheim ($30)
  • Walk down Museum Mile
    Insider Tip: Visit the Met in the late afternoon. It stays open later on Fridays.

Day 4: Brooklyn & Views

  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (Free) – 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall
  • DUMBO & Time Out Market – Budget: $$
  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Free)
    Insider Tip: Grab pizza at Juliana’s, not Grimaldi’s, same owner, shorter line.

Day 5: Catch-Up + Broadway

  • Explore SoHo & Greenwich Village
  • Broadway Show ($70–$150) – TKTS booth at Times Square for discounted same-day tickets
    Insider Tip: Matinees are cheaper and often easier to get last-minute.

Families with Kids – 6 Days in NYC

Day 1: Central Park Adventure

  • Central Park Zoo ($14–$20)
  • Belvedere Castle (Free)
  • Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre ($$)
    Insider Tip: Bring a picnic! There are free lawns to sprawl out on.

Day 2: Museum Day (Kids Edition)

  • American Museum of Natural History ($28 adults, $16 kids) – B/C to 81st
  • Hayden Planetarium ($$)
  • Nearby Shake Shack for lunch
    Insider Tip: Reserve your AMNH ticket online. It gets packed.

Day 3: Brooklyn & Botanic Fun

  • Brooklyn Children’s Museum ($13)
  • Prospect Park Zoo ($10–$13)
  • Smorgasburg Market on weekends
    Insider Tip: Prospect Park has fewer tourists, great for decompressing.

Day 4: Statue + Ferry Adventure

  • Staten Island Ferry (Free)
  • SeaGlass Carousel at Battery Park ($6)
  • Walk the Financial District
    Insider Tip: Take the ferry at sunset for skyline views without crowds.

Day 5: Science & Play

  • New York Hall of Science ($20) – 7 train to Mets-Willets Point
  • Queens Zoo ($10–$14)
    Insider Tip: Combine both in a day, they’re next door.

Day 6: Open Day or Broadway Matinee

  • Great for catching a kid-friendly show or repeating a favorite spot.

Budget Travelers – 4 Days in NYC

Day 1: Free City Views

  • Walk the High Line (Free)
  • Hudson Yards & Vessel (Free entry to plaza)
  • Chelsea Market – Budget: $–$$
    Insider Tip: Grab a sandwich from Amy’s Bread and picnic on the High Line.

Day 2: Museum Free Days

  • MoMA – Free Friday evenings
  • Bronx Zoo – Pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays
  • Brooklyn Museum – Free first Saturday of each month
    Insider Tip: Use the Culture Pass if you have a library card., it gets you into museums for free.

Day 3: Outer Boroughs & Local Life

  • Explore Queens: Jackson Heights for food
  • Flushing Meadows Park (Free)
    Insider Tip: Try Sri Lankan street food in Staten Island near Victory Blvd.

Day 4: Street Art & Skylines

  • Bushwick street art walk (Free)
  • Domino Park (Free)
  • East River Ferry to Manhattan ($4)
    Insider Tip: Ferry doubles as a cheap skyline cruise.

Luxury Seekers – 5 Days of Indulgence in NYC

For travelers looking to experience New York City in style, luxury itineraries in NYC are all about private tours, fine dining, designer shopping, and world-class entertainment. Whether it’s a sunset helicopter ride over Manhattan or a suite at The Plaza, NYC offers countless ways to indulge.

Day 1: Arrival & Iconic Indulgence

  • Hotel Check-in: The Plaza, The Peninsula, or Aman NYC (Budget: $$$$) – All centrally located in Midtown Manhattan
  • Afternoon: Stroll 5th Avenue’s luxury boutiques (Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co.)
  • Evening: Dinner at Eleven Madison Park (Flatiron) – $$$$ – 6 train to 23rd St
    Insider Tip: Request the kitchen tour after your tasting menu, it’s a quiet VIP treat most don’t know about.

Day 2: Private City Views & Spa

  • Morning: Charter a private helicopter tour (Budget: $$$$) – Depart from Downtown Heliport
  • Afternoon: Spa treatment at AIRE Ancient Baths or The Peninsula Spa
  • Evening: Rooftop cocktails at The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel or Dear Irving on Hudson – 1/2/3 to 14th St or A/C/E to 34th St
    Insider Tip: AIRE offers early weekday discounts: less crowded, more serene.

Day 3: Arts & Exclusive Access

  • Morning: Private tour at The Met (through MetPrivate or Context Tours)
  • Afternoon: Explore Upper East Side galleries or shop Madison Avenue
  • Evening: Broadway VIP Experience – Front-row seats and backstage access at shows like Hamilton or Moulin Rouge (Budget: $$$–$$$$)
    Insider Tip: Use concierge services like Inside Broadway Tours for white-glove theatre access.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Hamptons or Hudson Valley

  • Option A: Chauffeured drive to Southampton for beach clubs and vineyard tours
  • Option B: Take a private wine-tasting tour in the Hudson Valley
  • Budget: $$$$ (luxury car hire + private tastings)
    Insider Tip: For the Hamptons, weekdays avoid the party crowd and get you easier table reservations.

Day 5: Personalized Exploration & Farewell Dinner

  • Morning: Custom shopping tour with a NYC fashion consultant or a bespoke fragrance workshop at Le Labo
  • Afternoon: Tea at Baccarat Hotel or lunch at Jean-Georges
  • Evening: Private sunset yacht cruise from Chelsea Piers (Budget: $$$$)
    Insider Tip: Arrange your yacht with Moondance or Classic Harbor Line for high-end, Instagrammable experiences.

Culture & Nightlife Travelers – 5 Days in NYC

Day 1: Art & Design

  • The Whitney Museum ($30)
  • Chelsea Galleries (Free)
  • Drinks at Gallow Green (rooftop)
    Insider Tip: The Whitney offers “pay-what-you-wish” Friday evenings.

Day 2: Broadway + Times Square

  • Afternoon matinee ($80–$130)
  • Explore Theater District
    Insider Tip: For experimental theater, check out Ars Nova or The Public Theater.

Day 3: Music + Lower East Side

  • Visit Blue Note or Bowery Ballroom (budget: $$)
  • Dinner in the East Village – many affordable options
    Insider Tip: Check DoNYC for last-minute ticket drops and secret shows.

Day 4: Museum + Rooftop Night

  • The Met or MoMA
  • Cocktails at 230 Fifth or Panorama Room
    Insider Tip: Bring ID everywhere, even for seated rooftop bars.

Day 5: Chill + Neighborhood Discovery

  • Williamsburg thrift shopping & cafes
  • Bushwick art bars and microbreweries
    Insider Tip: Seek out speakeasies like “Maison Premiere” for a true NYC experience.