Read right away:
Day 1: Arrival in New York
The first day of the New York itinerary for 5 days is all about arriving, settling in and getting your first impression of the city. After checking into your hotel, head straight to Times Square to experience the energy of Manhattan.
Morning/afternoon: Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in
After landing in New York, travel from the airport to Manhattan and check into your hotel. Whether you arrive at JFK Airport, Newark Airport or LaGuardia Airport, it’s a good idea to arrange your airport transfer in advance to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Evening 19:00 – 20:00: Times Square
Spend your first evening exploring Times Square, one of the most iconic places in New York City. The bright billboards, street performers and lively atmosphere make it the perfect introduction to Manhattan.
Evening 20:00 – 21:30: John’s Pizza
After visiting Times Square, enjoy dinner at John’s Pizza. This classic New York pizzeria is known for its thin-crust pizzas and historic setting inside a former church theatre.
Day 2: Midtown Manhattan & Skyline Views
Today is all about discovering Midtown Manhattan, taking in skyline views and experiencing New York from the water.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Start the first morning of your 5-day trip to New York with breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. The restaurant is famous for its singing waitstaff and Broadway atmosphere, making it a very unique breakfast spot in New York.
Morning 09:00 – 11:00: Hop on Hop off Downtown Loop
Take the Hop on Hop off bus through Downtown Manhattan and see famous neighbourhoods and landmarks from the bus. It’s my favourite way to get an overview of the city during the first full day in New York.
Morning 11:00 – 12:00: Hop on Hop off Uptown Loop
Can’t get enough of sightseeing by bus? Then, after the Downtown Loop, carry straight on with the Uptown Loop. That way, you’ll see even more of the city in a relatively short time.
Afternoon 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch at Grand Central
Stop for lunch near Grand Central Terminal. Besides being one of New York’s busiest train stations, Grand Central is also famous for its impressive architecture and many dining options. Grab a lunch to go at the Grand Central Market, or go for a fancy meal at the Grand Central Oyster Bar.
Afternoon 13:00 – 15:00: Midtown Manhattan Highlights
In the afternoon, you can explore Midtown Manhattan. Visit landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, and enjoy panoramic city views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Afternoon 15:00 – 18:00: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
In the late afternoon, take a Circle Line sightseeing cruise along Manhattan. There are several options to choose from. From the water, you’ll have fantastic views of the skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
Evening 18:00 – 19:00: Dinner near Times Square
After the cruise, enjoy dinner near Times Square. The area offers plenty of restaurants, ranging from burger places to restaurants with a view.
Evening 19:00 – 21:00: Empire State Building
After dinner, I recommend visiting the Empire State Building. Visiting this observation deck at night gives you the chance to see Manhattan beautifully illuminated after dark.
Evening 21:00 onwards: Rooftop Drinks
Do you still have energy left? Then finish the evening with drinks at one of New York’s rooftop bars while enjoying views over the city skyline.
Day 3: Brooklyn & Lower Manhattan
Today we’ll combine iconic New York sights with neighbourhoods full of character, including Brooklyn, Chinatown and SoHo.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast before heading to Brooklyn for one of the most famous walks in New York City.
Morning 09:00 – 11:00: Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Take the subway to Brooklyn and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan. Along the way, enjoy the skyline views and explore DUMBO, one of Brooklyn’s most photogenic neighbourhoods.
Want to make sure not to miss anything? Then do the route on Eric’s New York App: choose the ‘DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge’ route.
Afternoon 11:00 – 13:00: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan. The memorial pools and museum provide a moving tribute to the victims of September 11 and offer insight into the city’s history.
Afternoon 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch at Eataly Downtown
After your museum visit, stop for lunch at Eataly Downtown, a popular Italian food hall with restaurants, fresh pasta and pastries.
Afternoon 14:00 – 16:00: Helicopter Flight
It’s one of my favourite activities in the city: taking a helicopter flight past Manhattan. Seeing landmarks such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building from above is an unforgettable experience.
Afternoon 16:00 – 19:00: Chinatown, Little Italy & SoHo
Spend the late afternoon exploring Chinatown, Little Italy and SoHo. These neighbourhoods are known for their food, boutiques and historic streets, each offering a completely different atmosphere.
Evening 19:00 onwards: Sports Game & Dinner at the Stadium
In the evening, attend a live sports game and enjoy dinner at the stadium. Depending on the season, you can watch basketball, baseball or ice hockey among other sports, and experience the passion of New York sports fans.
Day 4: Fifth Avenue & Central Park
Today combines famous landmarks, luxury shopping streets and time to relax in Central Park.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast before heading to one of New York’s most famous observation decks.
Morning 09:00 – 10:00: Top of the Rock
Visit Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center for iconic views over Manhattan and Central Park.
Morning 10:00 – 12:00: Fifth Avenue Highlights
Walk along Fifth Avenue and see famous landmarks including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower, Tiffany’s, the Apple Store and the Plaza Hotel.
Afternoon 12:00 – 14:00: Central Park
Spend the afternoon in Central Park. I recommend renting a bike to see as much of the park as possible. But you can also choose to explore on foot. Pick up lunch at Whole Foods near Columbus Circle and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Afternoon 14:00 – 16:00: Museum Visit
Choose between the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the American Museum of Natural History, two of the best museums in New York City, both of which are next to the park.
Afternoon 16:00 – 18:00: Relax at the Hotel
After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel, take some time to relax and freshen up before your evening plans.
Evening 18:00 – 19:00: Dinner
Enjoy dinner in Midtown Manhattan, for example, at Bubba Gump if you’re dining with children, before heading to the theatre district.
Evening 19:00 onwards: Broadway Musical
End the day with a Broadway musical! Choose from one of the many options, like classics The Lion King or Aladdin.
Day 5: Hudson Yards & Departure
Spend your final day of the five-day New York itinerary exploring Manhattan’s west side before heading to the airport.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast & Check-out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at a breakfast spot in New York, then check out and store your luggage for the day.
Morning 09:00 – 11:00: Meatpacking District, Chelsea & High Line
Explore the Meatpacking District, Little Island, Chelsea Market and the High Line. This area combines modern architecture, food halls, art and elevated park views. The High Line ends in Hudson Yards, where you can enjoy the next stop.
Need help with the route? Then choose the ‘High Line Park – Hudson Yards’ walking route on my Eric’s New York App.
Morning 11:00 – 13:00: Edge Observation Deck
Visit Edge at Hudson Yards for one final panoramic view over New York City from one of the city’s observation decks.
Afternoon 13:00 – 14:00: Shopping
Spend your last moments in the city shopping for souvenirs or exploring a few final stores before leaving New York.
Afternoon: Airport Transfer
Pick up your luggage and head to JFK Airport or Newark Airport for your flight home. Make sure to leave enough time for traffic and airport security before departure.
Are you staying less or more than 5 days in New York?
See here for a 4 day New York itinerary
See here for a 6 day New York itinerary
See here for a 7 day New York itinerary
See here for an 8 day New York itinerary
FAQ
If you’re planning a New York trip, it’s always smart to make an efficient plan. Use my complete five-day New York itinerary so you don’t have to create this yourself.
After booking your flight and hotel, it’s time to start planning your days. I’ve created handy itineraries for New York that help you get the most out of your trip.
I would recommend booking at least five days. My New York itinerary for 5 days helps you plan your time in the city.
