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Day 1: Arrival in New York
The first day of the New York itinerary for 8 days is all about arriving in New York and settling into your hotel before experiencing the city’s famous atmosphere for the first time.
Day of Arrival: Plan Your Airport Transfer
Before reaching Manhattan, arrange your transfer from JFK Airport, Newark Airport or LaGuardia Airport. Having your transportation planned can make your arrival much smoother after a long journey.
Afternoon 17:00 – 19:00: Arrival at Hotel
Check into your hotel and take some time to unpack, refresh and prepare for your first evening in the city.
Evening 19:00 – 20:00: Times Square
Start your New York adventure in Times Square. The giant billboards, bustling crowds and bright lights create the perfect introduction to Manhattan.
Evening 20:00 onwards: Dinner at John’s Pizza
Enjoy dinner at John’s Pizza, a classic New York restaurant known for its thin-crust pizzas and historic setting near Times Square.
Day 2: Midtown Manhattan Highlights
Today is dedicated to discovering Midtown Manhattan, one of the most iconic areas of New York City.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust
Begin the day with breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where talented singing waiters provide entertainment alongside your meal.
Morning 09:00 – 11:00: Hop on Hop off Bus Downtown Loop
Use the Downtown loop of the Hop on Hop off bus to familiarise yourself with Manhattan and enjoy views of several famous neighbourhoods and landmarks. Although a bit touristy, it’s my favourite way of comfortably getting to know the city on the first day of a trip.
Late Morning 11:00 – 13:00: Hop on Hop off Bus Uptown Loop
Continue exploring the city on the Uptown route or make your way back towards Midtown for lunch.
Take a break at Grand Central Terminal and enjoy lunch while admiring one of New York’s architectural masterpieces. There are many eateries in the station to choose from.
Afternoon 13:00 – 14:00: Chrysler Building & SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Spend time around the Chrysler Building and enjoy spectacular city views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, one of the city’s observation decks.
Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00: Bryant Park, New York Public Library and more
Stroll through Bryant Park, visit the New York Public Library and continue walking through the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Head south towards the Flatiron Building and explore Madison Square Park, a pleasant green space surrounded by impressive architecture.
Evening 18:00 – 20:00: Dinner near Times Square
Enjoy dinner in the Theatre District or around Times Square before your evening activity.
Evening 20:00 onwards: Empire State Building
Visit the Empire State Building after dark and admire panoramic views of Manhattan. An evening visit is extra impressive as the city is beautifully illuminated at night.
Day 3: Fifth Avenue & Broadway
Today combines famous landmarks, luxury shopping streets and one of New York’s most iconic evening experiences.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before beginning another full day of sightseeing. I recommend getting one of the best bagels in New York!
Morning 09:00 – 10:00: Top of the Rock
Head up to Top of the Rock and enjoy stunning views over Central Park and Midtown Manhattan.
Morning 10:00 – 11:00: Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral & Trump Tower
Walk along Fifth Avenue and visit some of Manhattan’s most recognisable landmarks, like Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Trump Tower.
Continue your Fifth Avenue walk past famous stores and historic buildings like Tiffany’s, the Apple Store and The Plaza Hotel.
Afternoon 12:00 – 14:00: Central Park
In the afternoon, we’ll explore New York’s most famous green space: Central Park. Rent a bike or explore Central Park on foot. Pick up lunch at Whole Foods on Columbus Circle and enjoy it surrounded by greenery.
Afternoon 14:00 – 16:00: MoMA or Guggenheim
Choose between two world-class museums and spend the afternoon exploring impressive art collections. Both MoMA and the Guggenheim are close to the park.
Afternoon 16:00 – 18:00: Relax at the Hotel
Take some time to recharge before heading out for the evening.
Evening 18:00 – 19:00: Dinner
Have dinner before making your way to Broadway. Craving a good burger? Then pick one of my favourite burger places!
Evening 19:00 onwards: Broadway Musical
No New York trip is complete without visiting Broadway! Experience a Broadway show and enjoy one of New York City’s most famous traditions.
Day 4: Lower Manhattan & Sports
On day 4 of my 8 days in NYC, we’ll discover New York’s historic and financial centre before spending the evening at a live sporting event.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast before travelling downtown.
Morning 09:00 – 13:00: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island or Sightseeing Boat Tour
Visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island or choose a sightseeing cruise to see the harbour and skyline from the water.
Afternoon 13:00 – 15:00: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Spend time at the 9/11 Memorial and 9/11 Museum, a moving tribute to the events of September 11.
Afternoon 15:00 – 16:00: Oculus
Explore the nearby Oculus, a striking transportation hub and shopping destination near the World Trade Center.
Afternoon 16:00 – 18:00: Wall Street & Charging Bull
Walk through the Financial District and visit landmarks including Wall Street and the famous Charging Bull statue.
Evening 18:00 onwards: Sports Game & Dinner at the Stadium
Spend the evening watching a live sports game and enjoy dinner at the stadium while soaking up the atmosphere of passionate New York fans.
Day 5: Brooklyn & Skyline Views
Today takes you across the East River for one of New York’s most scenic walks.
Morning 09:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to Brooklyn.
Morning 10:00 – 11:00: DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge Route
Take the subway to Brooklyn to walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn back to Manhattan. If you like to do the route on Eric’s New York App, choose the ‘DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge’ route.
Morning 11:00 – 12:00: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Enjoy waterfront views of Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Afternoon 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch in DUMBO
Stop for lunch in one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Afternoon 13:00 – 15:00: Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and enjoy some of the most iconic views in New York City.
Afternoon 15:00 – 18:00: Helicopter Flight
See Manhattan from above during a memorable helicopter flight over the city. One of my favourite activities!
Evening 18:00 onwards: Dinner Cruise
Board a dinner cruise and enjoy a unique perspective of the skyline from the water while enjoying great food and music.
Day 6: Day Trip Beyond New York City
Take advantage of your extra day to explore beyond Manhattan.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast before setting off on your chosen trip, and grab a good cup of coffee to bring with you on this exciting day.
Day Trip 09:00 onwards: Woodbury Common, The Hamptons, Washington D.C. or Niagara Falls
Today is reserved for a full-day excursion. Go shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, visit the beaches and villages of The Hamptons, explore historic Washington D.C. or experience the impressive Niagara Falls.
Day 7: Greenwich Village, SoHo & Hudson Yards
Explore some of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighbourhoods before ending the day high above the city.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast
Of course, we start the day with breakfast again before continuing the morning plan.
Morning 09:00 – 10:00: Donut Tour or American Museum of Natural History
Taste your way through Manhattan on a guided Donut Tour along some of the best doughnut places in the city.
Alternatively, visit the American Museum of Natural History before continuing downtown.
Morning 11:00 – 13:00: Greenwich, SoHo, Chinatown & Little Italy Walking Route
Follow the walking route in Eric’s New York App through several of Manhattan’s most diverse neighbourhoods. If you did the Donut Tour, it ends nearby. Coming from the museum, you can take the subway line C to get here.
Discover famous sights along the route, including Washington Square Park, the Friends Apartment building and Bleecker Street. You can even take a break to taste one of the best pizzas in the city.
Afternoon 13:00 – 14:00: Subway to 14th Street
Travel to the next section of the itinerary by subway. Take one of the lines ACE to 14th Street.
Afternoon 14:00 – 15:00: Meatpacking District & High Line
Explore the Meatpacking District and walk along the elevated High Line Park.
Afternoon 15:00 – 17:00: Hudson Yards & Edge
After walking High Line Park, you’ll end at Hudson Yards. Visit this area and enjoy incredible views from the Edge observation deck.
Evening 17:00 – 19:00: Dinner
Enjoy dinner in one of Manhattan’s lively neighbourhoods, for example, at one of the restaurants with good Mexican food in New York.
Evening 19:00 onwards: Rooftop Drinks
Finish the day with drinks overlooking the New York skyline at a rooftop bar.
Day 8: Williamsburg & Departure
Spend your final day of this New York 8-day itinerary discovering another side of Brooklyn before travelling home.
Morning 08:00 – 09:00: Breakfast & Check-out
Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel before storing your luggage.
Morning 09:00 – 14:00: Williamsburg – Greenpoint Route
Take the subway to Williamsburg and explore Williamsburg and Greenpoint using the Eric’s New York App route. These Brooklyn neighbourhoods are known for street art, independent shops and waterfront views.
Afternoon 14:00 onwards: Pick Up Luggage & Airport Transfer
Return to your hotel, collect your luggage and travel to JFK Airport or Newark Airport for your journey home.
Are you staying less than 8 days in New York?
See here for a 4 day New York itinerary
See here for a 5 day New York itinerary
See here for a 6 day New York itinerary
See here for a 7 day New York itinerary
FAQ
You can never stay in New York for too long! Eight days in New York City is great for exploring many of the city’s highlights and even having some time to leave the city for a day trip.
If you're planning an 8-day trip to New York, careful planning will help you make the most of your time. Take a look at my itinerary for New York in 8 days to see how I would organise 8 days in NYC.
Yes, 8 days is enough for New York. You'll have plenty of time to visit the city's top attractions, explore different neighbourhoods and even take a day trip outside NYC, all without feeling rushed.
