Planning to spend 4 days in New York City? Then I have the perfect NYC itinerary for you. I visited NYC 20+ times before finally moving to the city 10 years ago. In those years, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about making the most out of 4 days in New York City.
The majority of my visiting family and friends spend an average of 4 days in NYC and I take great pride in showing them as much as possible. Honestly, at this point I’ve refined and used this exact itinerary with my own family and friends more times than I can count.
It covers all the top attractions for a proper first visit to NYC and checks all the boxes. Plus, I know it works because most of my family and friends request a copy of the itinerary to share with their friends. Let’s jump right in!
Back by popular demand for 2024, my limited edition black and white NYC prints are now live! Due to my pregnancy I won’t be offering custom prints this year but these photos should fit the bill for anyone that loves New York (photos are taken by yours truly).
Who is this New York City itinerary for?
This guide was created for first time visitors planning to spend 4 days in New York City. It covers the city’s most iconic spots, as well as beloved local gems. This itinerary should give you a robust feel for the best of NYC while giving you reason to return for more.
New York City is large, make no mistake about it, so there’s no way you’re going to see everything during your first visit. Relax and give yourself some grace, you’re going to have a heck of a time regardless!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Is 4 days in New York City enough time?
The honest answer is no, but it’s better than nothing and we’ll take what we can get.
Spending 4 days in New York City is a great introduction to the Big Apple. You’ll see a lot of things but you won’t see everything, so go easy on yourself and enjoy the ride. With that in mind, let’s try to make the most efficient use of your 4 days in New York City!
If you want to become a real New Yorker, there’s only one rule: You have to believe New York is, has been, and always will be the greatest city on earth. The center of the universe.
– Ellen R. Shapiro
4 Day New York City Itinerary
(Table of Contents)
NYC 4 Day Itinerary (Table of Contents)
- Who is this New York City itinerary for?
- Is 4 days in New York City enough time?
- 4 Day New York City Itinerary
- New York City Itinerary: Day 1
- NYC Itinerary for 4 Days: Day 2
- NYC 4 Day Itinerary (Day 3)
- 4 Days in New York City Itinerary: Day 4
- Best Time to Visit New York City
- Where to stay in New York City for First Time Visitors
- How to spend 4 days in New York City (More Options)
- Free Things to Do in NYC
New York City Itinerary: Day 1
Your first day in the Big Apple is meant to be special and I want to give you a great introduction to the city I love so much. As such, we’ll be covering four iconic NYC experiences during your first of four days in New York City.
Top sights for Day 1:
- Central Park (spoiler alert: it’s just as magical as you imagine!)
- Visit a Museum (two options: The Met or The American Museum of Natural History)
- Fifth Avenue & Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
- Times Square & Broadway Show
Morning Activity: Visit Central Park
Start your first morning in the Big Apple by strolling through the most visited park in country, Central Park. I can confirm that there’s nothing more iconic (or beloved) in New York City than Central Park. But take note, the park is massive. Spanning 843 acres, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the park yet leave wanting more.
I suggest focusing on the top spots in the park so that you’re not rushing around aimlessly. Not sure what you can’t miss in Central Park? Here’s a helpful post that highlights the 15 most iconic things to do in Central Park (with far too many photos because I couldn’t help myself).
Afternoon Activity: Visit a Museum
After you’re done exploring Central Park, it’s time to visit one of the city’s famous museums. There’s two great options to choose from — the Metropolitan Museum of Art (located within Central Park) and the American Museum of Natural History (located at the border of Central Park).
It’s easy to get museum fatigue, so I’d pick the one that appeals more to you. Here’s some quick info on both, to give you a better idea of what you’d enjoy more.
Option A: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is often considered the best museum in New York City. With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.
Learn More: 20 Famous Art Pieces at the Met.
Option B: The American Museum of Natural History
If you’re more into taxidermy and natural wonders, you may enjoy touring the epic American Museum of Natural History more than the Met. The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is considered one of the greatest natural history museums in the world.
Don’t miss the Hall of Ocean Life where you’ll have an opportunity to see a life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale — it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Also, the taxidermy mammals are remarkable and have been captivating both children and adults for years.
Further reading: 15 Epic Things You Can’t Afford to Miss at the American Museum of Natural History
Late Afternoon: Explore Midtown
After the musuem, grab some lunch and then catch the subway to Midtown. There’s a few cool areas to explore:
Fifth Avenue is peppered with luxury brands competing for attention by way of stunning window displays. I do not use the term luxury lightly — Fifth Avenue is often referred to as one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is considered the most beautiful church in NYC, this cathedral took 21 years to build because construction halted during the Civil War. Visitors are welcome inside but must be respectfully dressed (no exposed shoulders or short shorts).
Rockefeller Center is one of the most visited sites in the Big Apple, making it a must-visit during your 4 days in New York City. Home to the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the area is cool to see year-round. The most famous building in the area is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which offers the best views of NYC (I’ll cover this in more detail shortly).
Evening Activity: Visit Times Square
I want to be honest with you: Times Square is overwhelming and very touristy. Most folks I take here end up telling me they expected something different (ha!). I think the majority of people visiting New York City for the first time have a vague idea of Times Square based on what they’ve seen in movies but the reality is often less …. romantic.
But at the end of the day Times Square is iconic and can’t be missed during your 4 days in New York City! Times Square swells with tourists all hours of the day, but especially at night. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with sardines in no time flat.
Also, brace yourself for whiffs of marijuana, it comes with the territory. Take your time soaking in the massive screens and head to Los Tacos No. 1 when you’re ready to escape the blinding lights of NYC. Los Tacos No. 1 serves the best tacos in NYC! I swing by anytime I’m in the area because they’re irresistible.
Local’s Tip: The folks dressed up in character costumes can be very aggressive. They try to pull people in for photos and then demand payment, avoid getting caught up in the scheme by diverting eye contact.
Evening Activity: Catch a Broadway Show
Let’s slowly start winding down your first of 4 days in New York City by doing one of my favorite things in the Big Apple, catching a Broadway Show! Admittedly, Broadway Shows are so dang expensive, but the experience is truly unforgettable. I would suggest budgeting at least one Broadway Show while visiting New York City. If helpful, here’s a roundup of my favorite Broadway Shows in NYC.
Another way to save money on tickets is to purchase last minute tickets directly at the TKTS Ticket Booth in Times Square. An official partner of Broadway, you can buy discounted tickets the day of the performance.
Capping the evening with a Broadway Show is a great way to wrap up your first of 4 days in New York City. If you’re a night owl and would like to test the indulge that never sleeps, I suggest taking the subway to nearby rooftop bar. If you’re feeling tired after a day of exploring NYC, make a beeline for the hotel.
Regardless of how you spend the evening, make sure to get a good night’s rest because tomorrow, we walk!
NYC Itinerary for 4 Days: Day 2
During your second day in New York City, I’d like to introduce you to NYC’s most charming neighborhood, Greenwich Village. It will give you a chance to see why people choose to live here despite comical rent prices (I’m writing this through watery eyes — the rent is too damn high!).
Top sights for day 2:
- Greenwich Village & Washington Park
- Shopping in SoHo (South of Houston Street)
- The High Line & Chelsea Market
Start the Day With Bagels
First things first, let’s start your day the true New York way — grab a bagel! There’s so many great bagels spots in NYC, but since I don’t know where you’re staying, I suggest reading: 15 best bagels in New York City (based on firsthand experience). And yes, I really did try 40+ bagels to write that article.
Morning Activity: Explore the Greenwich Village
There are so many beautiful neighborhoods to explore in New York City, but nothing tops the charm of the West Village. Known for quaint tree-lined streets, beautiful brownstones (worth $15-30 million!) and meandering cobblestone streets, the area brims with cozy corner cafes, historic jazz clubs and some of the city’s best cocktails bar.
A perfect blend of old-world charm with the modern present, visiting the West Village should be on everyone’s list of the best things to do in New York City. The list of fun activities is never-ending, I suggest reading: 20 Great Things to Do in the West Village (+Helpful Advice).
Short on time? No worries, here’s a quick roundup of things you should see while exploring the area.
Best things to do in Greenwich Village:
Visit Washington Square Park: This is one of my favorite parks in New York City. This area is especially lively and constantly has performers and musicians generously sharing their craft. One of my favorite memories from New York was stumbling across a piano concert in this park one summer evening. Watching the pianist serenade visitors in the dark of night was nothing short of magical.
Check out the iconic Friends Apartment Building: The show was set in New York City, even though it was actually filmed in California. Regardless, you can see a handful of the iconic buildings from the show. Most notable is the apartment where Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey lived.
Get drinks at the best bar in the world (no, seriously): What better way to cap off an adventurous 4 days in New York City than by getting a drink at Dante? Dante was rated the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again in 2020.
Visit the starting place of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America: The site of the infamous 1969 riots that catapulted the LGBTQ+ community into the limelight and led to the re-evaluation of the relationship between the police and the LGBTQ+ community.
Afternoon Activity: Shopping in SoHo
SoHo (which stands for South of Houston Street) neighbors Greenwich Village to the south, making it the next natural stop. SoHo is a very charming neighborhood best known for great shopping, pricey lofts, quaint cafes and ample art galleries.
Spend some time exploring the neighborhood on foot before stopping by Balthazar Bakery for an afternoon pick-me-up. The bakery is right next to the ever-famous Balthazar Restaurant, which is most definitely worth visiting during your 4 days in New York City but make reservations well in advance.
Pizza Lunch at Rubirosa
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, head to Rubirosa Pizza for lunch. I’m ashamed to admit it took me way too long to visit this popular pizzeria but within seconds it became my favorite pizza place in NYC.
The funny part? I like the margarita pizza best (so simple, so good). Of all the interesting pizzas a gal could love! Rubirosa has mastered, with incredible simplicity, the art of tomato sauce. This place is a must-try while visiting New York City for 4 days.
Late Afternoon Activity: Walk the High Line & Visit Chelsea Market
The High Line is one of the most unique parks in New York City. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was born from an eyesore (abandoned train tracks). Route yourself to Hudson Yards to begin your walk along this elevated promenade.
The distance between Hudson Yards and Chelsea Market (the end point for our purposes) is about 1 mile. Leisurely stroll between soaring buildings until you start to see signs for the Chelsea Market.
The Chelsea Market is a famous food hall mixed with unique restaurants and shops. There’s 35 vendors waiting to impress you with tasty treats and fare. P.S. This building used to be the Nabisco Factory, where the oreo was invented!
Evening Activity: Dinner at Pastis
Just a stone’s throw from the Chelsea Market, Pastis is an iconic French restaurant that’s been around since 1999. Famous for the charming Parisian-inspired vibes, Pastis is a hotspot for locals and celebrities. I enjoy celebrating special occasions at this restaurant and think you might enjoy it too!
NYC 4 Day Itinerary (Day 3)
The beauty of visiting New York City for 4 days is the relaxed pace. The third day will focus on some key historic areas while paying a visit to one of my favorite parts of town, Brooklyn. It would be inexcusable to skip Brooklyn in a proper New York City itinerary and I’ll tell you why.
Top sights for Day 3:
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Wall Street & New York Stock Exchange
- Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Promenade
- DUMBO
Morning Activity: Explore Wall Street
Take the subway to Leo’s Bagels for a quick breakfast sandwich before taking a short walk to Wall Street (the most famous street in the Financial District). Admire the iconic New York Stock Exchange and take some photos before walking over to the iconic Charging Bull statue.
There’s always a line at the Charging Bull, so make a game-time decision on whether you want to stand in line or take a photo from afar before making your way over to the historic Trinity Church. Fun Fact: Alexander Hamilton is buried in the cemetery at Trinity Church. For a proper guide, read: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District (Local’s Guide).
You May Enjoy Reading: 20 Magical Things to Do in NYC During Christmas (+5 to Avoid)
Afternoon Activity: The 9/11 Museum & Memorial
Admission to the 9/11 Museum is $33 per adult and worth every penny because the experience is incredibly moving. The exhibit that sticks out most to me is a glass-enclosed cutout of a store display with thick layers of dust and debris from the day of the attack.
Whether you go to the museum of not, make sure to see the 9/11 Memorial (right next to the museum). Opened in 2011, the memorial’s design is named “Reflecting Absence” and features twin waterfalls that plunge 30 feet (the largest man-made waterfalls in North America) into pools that sit in the footprints of the former North and South Towers.
The overwhelming might of the monolithic One World Trade Center keeps these somber memories safe in its shadow. You can’t spend 4 days in NYC without seeing this. Afterward, pop into the Oculus Mall. It’s right across the street from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, making it an easy stop.
The skyline of New York is a monument of a splendor that no pyramids or palaces will ever equal or approach.
Ayn Rand
(New York City 4 Day Itinerary) Day 3 Afternoon: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country. Construction began in 1869 and when it was completed in 1883, this was deemed the longest suspension bridge in the world.
One of the most popular activities for first time visitors to NYC is to walk the length of the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO afterwards. The scenic one-mile walk usually takes 30 minutes and offers some of the best views of the city.
Explore DUMBO
Make sure you stop and take photos (an obnoxious amount if needed) because the experience it worth remembering. Once across, make a beeline for Juliana’s Pizza – the white pie is my favorite, it’s the perfect NYC pizza.
Now the only dilemma facing you is how to burn those calories! Not to worry, I’ve got your back. Stroll along the Brooklyn Promenade for the best views of the famous NYC skyline. The Brooklyn Promenade is especially beautiful in the evening, so bookmark this place for a romantic evening spot.
You May Enjoy Reading: 20 Top-Notch Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn
Calories burned and photos taken, walk down to DUMBO for a fun and trendy spot full of photo opportunities. DUMBO stands for Down Under the Brooklyn Bridge Overpass. If you’d like a photo from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge spot, head to the cross section between Washington Street and Front Street.
Walk further down for Jane’s Carousel and the Time Out Market. It’s a food hall chock-full of little restaurants serving up delicious fare. When you’ve soaked it all in head towards the subway and make your way back to the hotel.
I suggest taking it easy for the evening but if you still have energy to burn, why not a fun jazz club or roof top bar? Your 4 days in New York City are slowly wrapping up, live it up if you feel so inclined!
4 Days in New York City Itinerary: Day 4
Let’s make your last of 4 days in NYC special. Today, we’ll cover all the classics. From the Grand Central Terminal to my favorite observation deck in the city, try to get an early start to the day so you can squeeze more in!
Day 4 Top Sights:
- Grand Central Terminal
- The New York Public Library & Bryant Park
- Rockefeller Center & Radio City Music Hall
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
NYC Itinerary Day 4 Morning: Grand Central Terminal
Visiting New York City for 4 days without visiting Grand Central Terminal would be a crime! So let’s head that way after breakfast, shall we? The celestial ceiling in the main hall is the star of the show, averaging 750,000 visitors daily. Chances are high that your subway stop might warrant a visit, but if that’s not the case, this gem is definitely worth a detour.
Visit the New York Public Library
Upon exiting Grand Central Terminal, you’ll be a 5-minute walk from the New York Public Library. Everyone should see the New York Public Library at least once in their life.
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it — more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day.
Relax at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.
In many ways Bryant Park feels like a little piece of Paris in the heart of New York City. In the summer, a library attendant shares carts full of books for reading enjoyment. Even non-members can pick up a book to enjoy while they relax in the park.
Tip: if you’re visiting during summer, Bryant Park hosts “Movies in the Park” every Monday. The lawn opens at 5pm and movies start at sunset. Bring a cozy blanket and arrive early because it gets busy! There’s no better way to end a summer evening in New York City than watching a movie in the park.
Afternoon Activity: Top of the Rock Observation Deck
After indulging in Bryant Park, take a 10-minute stroll north to Rockefeller Center. This area is a stark contrast to the peacefulness of Bryant Park because it’s so lively.
While in the area, you can’t miss the sweeping views of the the city from the Top of Rock Observation Deck. I dare you to show me a more mesmerizing skyline than New York City’s and the view from the Top of the Rock is the absolute best, especially at sunset.
Visitors can access three separate indoor/outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. The subsequent panoramic views from this iconic building makes this one of the most popular observation decks in NYC. As such, you can expect crowds practically every hour of the day.
Further Reading: 18 JAW-DROPPING Views of New York City (For All Budgets)
Last Evening of Your 4 days in New York City
The last evening of your 4 days in New York City is yours to take advantage of. This would be a great time to revisit favorite spots or buy souvenirs (here’s my personal list of 10 fool-proof NYC souvenirs).
Best Time to Visit New York City
- My favorite time to visit New York City is during the holiday season (late November to December) because of the Christmas markets and decorations.
- My second favorite time to visit is during fall (mid-October to mid-November) because of the mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.
But there’s no bad time to visit New York City. Just know that winters can be brutally cold (between January and mid-March). And the summer heat and humidity can be tough to handle for those not used it (between July and August).
Where to stay in New York City for First Time Visitors
Lodging for 4 days in New York City will not be cheap if you plan to stay in a hotel. Anyway you slice it, sleeping in the city that never sleeps is expensive. In fact, lodging will probably be the biggest hit to your budget.
If helpful, I wrote an entire article about the best places to stay in New York City (with hotel recommendations).
Airbnb Note: Due to the current housing shortage crisis in New York City, the city prohibits rentals of entire apartments or homes for less than 30 days without the owner present in the unit. Essentially, it’s okay to book through Airbnb if you’re staying in a private room while the owner is present. You might be surprised to hear that prices are not any cheaper for this arrangement.
Getting around during your 4 days in New York City
Uber and Lyft
- Using Uber and Lyft is a great way to get around New York City, especially if traveling in a larger group. The last time I visited NYC with a group of friends Uber and Lyft were sometimes cheaper than the subway split between the 4 of us.
The Metro (subway)
- The subway is quite the New York City experience. I personally love taking it whenever I can but be warned – it gets terribly crowded during commute hours.
- Also, in the summer, some of the subway stations are hot and muggy. Since the itinerary takes you to every corner of Manhattan, I suggest getting a MetroCard during your 4 days in New York.
Taxis
- What is more iconic than a bright gold New York City taxi? To know if a taxi is available for pick up, check the light on top of the cab. If the light is illuminated, the taxi is eager to take you! Credit cards accepted.
Is New York City expensive?
Yes but you can visit the city on a budget too. The two biggest expenses in New York City are lodging and drinks. If you love 5-star hotels and capping your evening with old fashions, you will not consider New York City cheap.
On the other hand, I visited the city for six days with my mom and two sisters and paid $700 for a hotel, airfare, food, and activities. I figure, the cheaper I can keep it, the more often I can return.
Make no mistake, New York City is expensive but there are ways around the high prices!
How to spend 4 days in New York City (More Options)
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat and Dali, it’s no wonder MoMA is constantly crowded with happy visitors.
You don’t have to be an avid art connoisseur to appreciate the real-life paintings you grew up studying in school. The painting are well curated and displayed in a modern and airy environment for an experience anyone can enjoy.
The New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids. Take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station. The museum covers a century of subway history and each car displays era-appropriate ads, which makes for some fun age-appropriate humor.
Visitors are able to explore the inside of cars, some dating back to 1903, explore old-school walk signs and transit furniture.Swing by the gift shop before heading out, it’s well curated and has tons of fun transit inspired souvenirs.
The Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park
This iconic building is often considered one of the most beloved in New York City. One fun thing to do in this area is to visit the original Shake Shack location just steps away. Grab a burger and enjoy it in Madison Square Park.
See the Statue of Liberty
The reason I didn’t include the Statue of Liberty in this guide is because it takes so much time to visit this super popular attraction. The line for the ferry can be upwards of an hour long.
If you’re pining to see the statue of liberty during your visit, make sure to go extra early. If you take the Staten Island Ferry (free) it passes right by the Statue of Liberty.
Free Things to Do in NYC
Participate in a show recording. Tickets are free to attend a recording, but they go fast, so I suggest booking 1-2 months in advance. Shows include: Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, Lake Night with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
Summer Activity: Watch an outdoor movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park or Bryant Park. The exact dates and movies change from year to year, so make sure to check their websites!
Carnegie Hall Citywide partners with local community organizations to present free concerts throughout New York City. This is a great way to enjoy a free concert during your 4 days in New York City. For a list of current events, click here.
My Favorite Restaurants in New York City
The Big Apple is a foodie’s paradise and even with just 4 days in New York City, you are in for a treat! Some of the best meals of your life will be had here. You better believe that in a city like New York only the best survive. Just remember the golden rule of vacation: count steps and never calories.
Here’s a quick list of food guides we’ve created:
- 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
- 15 Best Burgers in NYC
- 20 Satisfying Cheap Eats
Best Coffee in New York City
A guide to 4 days in New York City and no mention of coffee? I’m not crazy! I know my friends are powered by coffee. Honestly, any reasonably looking café will hit the spot. But these are the three I suggest trying during your 4 days in New York City:
- La Colombe spread like wildfire and for good reason! There’s no better way to describe it than to say their coffee tastes “real.”
- Think Coffee we got coffee at Think Coffee during the last day of our previous visit and were sad we couldn’t go back for more. The Americano was so good.
- Blue Bottle Coffee hails from San Francisco. They offer rich and decadent cups of quality coffee. So delicious, especially their Americanos and drip coffee. I go out of my way to drink Blue Bottle coffee, regardless of the city I’m in.
- Maman, Happy Bones (in Little Italy) and Birch Coffee as all great options, too!
New York City Nightlife
Tip to the wise: drinks in New York City are very expensive, I once paid $32 pre-tip at a bar. It was a gentle reminder to keep my personal problems to a minimum. Read: 15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
“Quite simply, I was in love with New York. I do not mean ‘love’ in any colloquial way, I mean that I was in love with the city, the way you love the first person who ever touches you and you never love anyone quite that way again.”
— Joan Didion
Well, that my friends, is how to spend 4 days in New York City! And then some. I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to 4 days in New York City. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. Enjoy the Big Apple!
Cheers!
Antonina
Great info! Thanks so much.
My pleasure, Karen!
This is lovely. The nicest review I have read so far. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Travo. I’m so happy to hear you found the guide helpful. 🙂 Enjoy NYC!
Thank you. I read every word. Very helpful. Now. The hardest part. Getting a room for four under $400 a night. I don’t want to be at Time Square.
Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! What month are you planning to visit? If you’re flexible, the hotel rates get reduced in Jan/Feb. I think you’ll be able to find something in Midtown for under $400, best of luck and I hope you enjoy your time in NYC!
nice! this helps. Personally I am going to swap out most of day 4 (which could be tacked on to other days anyway) and include Harlem in our 4 day trip. I hear it isn’t to be missed, even if just for a late afternoon early evening venture.
Nice! Report back and let me know what you think! I enjoy exploring Harlem but wouldn’t consider it a must-do for most first time visitors. Would love to hear your thoughts after the trip! 🙂
Thank you for taking your time and provide us with this helpful post.
Soon we will travel to New York and we have already got some things to put in mind and tips.
It was my pleasure Rachid, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions while planning your trip. I’m happy to help!
Happy New Year!
We are so very grateful for your 4-day guide. We visited all the sights and followed it pretty much to a tee, with the exception of adding a trip to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square one afternoon (one of our favorite spots) and the open market below it, and using Lyft instead of the subway as we were warned against it by friends due to recent events.
You were so on point with everything and we are now living for flying back even if just to run in to Taco 1 !
Buvette, which we had already planned on visiting, was fabulous.
The only place we didn’t love was Petite Boucherie. The atmosphere was cold and the food wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either . We reserved and changed our reservation twice without issue; this may be a sign of new management or some other change.
I was a little intimidated with your step count at first but somehow we managed 24,000 steps one day… must have been MOMA!
Thank you so much for all the information and the masterful way the itinerary was planned to maximize our time and Uber fare. You made our trip so much netter than it might have been! We appreciate it so very much
Thank you!
Ceci, it sounds like you had a WONDERFUL trip to NYC and I’m so humbled to have been a part of it! Los Tacos is the best! Good to know about your experience at Petite Boucherie, I’ll give them another visit soon to see if they should be removed from my list of recommendations. The step count has a way of sneaking up on folks! I really am so touched by your compliments and kind comment, I couldn’t be happier for you and your awesome trip to NYC! Hope you visit us again soon! 🙂
This is one of the best itineraries I’ve come across so far – we are headed there in April with our two teenagers and can’t wait. We added climbing the Statue of Liberty (got tix already) but plan to do pretty much everything else on your list! Can’t thank you enough!
Wow, Christina! So glad you hear the itinerary was so helpful for you! Excited to hear how your trip goes (and very exciting that you get to climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty (it’s a cool experience). Enjoy your time in the Big Apple, we’re here for you if you have questions!
Hello! My wife and I are going to Manhattan for 4 days in late March. This guide is super helpful. I might have missed it but what are your thoughts on taxi vs subway vs rideshare? We want to do plenty of walking but know we’ll inevitably need to use one of these for certain destinations. Our hotel is in Chinatown. Thanks!
We recommend using the subway, but there might be a day your feet are tired and you want to treat yourself to a taxi and that’s okay too!
It would be nice to hear more from locals who can provide invaluable insights on lesser-known neighborhoods, restaurants, and activities that visitors may not discover on their own.
Thanks so much! We planned a last minute trip to NY during Spring Break and all of your suggestions were incredibly helpful!!
Hi Heather, I’m so touched that you took the time to let me know you found the guide helpful. It was a joy to write it and I’m happy to know you found it useful. 🙂
Your suggestions were incredibly helpful!!
Thank you for letting us know, Jack! So happy to hear you found our 4 day NYC guide helpful, hope you enjoyed your trip! 🙂 We’ll be here when you come back next time.
I just got back from my first trip to NYC (29 yrs old) with my best friend and our moms. I read a lot of blogs in preparation for our trip and liked this one the best so based our trip on the itinerary. It was a great baseline to have and I love how it was organized by the different neighbourhoods. We could adapt based on our interests but just wanted to say thank you so much! It was a great resource and we had the best time!
Melissa, we are so happy to hear you found our guide helpful! We hope New York City treated you well and you were able to fall in love with the city. If you ever plan a second trip, we highly suggest visiting during Christmas, pure magic!
Cool article!!
Thanks, Sarah!