5 Days New York Plan

Based on my 5-day New York itinerary, you can plan your trip to New York in no time. If you're visiting New York for 5 days and wondering what to see each day, here is my ideal daily plan for your reference. My example includes visits to important landmarks and attractions in New York, as well as dining tips and other highlights.

If you want to explore New York in 5 days, you are probably wondering what you can do during that time. Therefore, I have created my New York 5-day program. You will see which attractions are close together and can be visited consecutively.

Due to the long flight time and time zone differences, I do not recommend a trip for less than 5 days. Unless you are planning a trip to the East Coast, Florida, or the Southern States and are making a stopover.

What many forget: New York City is not just Manhattan; there are many things you can do outside of Manhattan. This program for New York shows you the best of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

For 5 days, we recommend the following program (my recommendation) - click on the days to jump directly to the text section.

If you discover things in the article for one week that you absolutely want to do, you can swap or add them. We recommend attending at least one musical or sports event (we love it). In rainy weather: off to the museum: Broadway Museum, MoMA, MET, Guggenheim, or the 9/11 Museum. But: everyone has different interests.

I like to plan my itineraries according to locations using Google Maps to avoid unnecessary travel. This way, we waste as little time as possible. Of course, you can also change the order of the days. You should not visit the major attractions on a Saturday or Sunday. New Yorkers also like to visit New York for a short visit on those days, making attractions much busier.

This route requires a lot of walking (my recommendation) and the use of the subway. As of October 2023, it is not advisable to use UBER or Lyft. The fares cost twice as much as before COVID (often over $40). Regardless of the time, you can still check both services for prices.

Gain access to our private Google Maps locations for New York.

We make traveling to New York even easier for you by granting you access to our private Google Maps for New York! With just a few clicks, you have all our New York tips, recommendations, and unpublished places for cafes, restaurants, markets, and snack stands in your Google Maps account. Don't waste time saving all our recommendations yourself; instead, easily add them to Google Maps on your phone, tablet, and laptop.

In the food location guide, you'll also receive a list of all the highlights and insider tips, so you know where to go when you're hungry. Sounds good?

The New York maps contain over 100 places, including:

Before I show you our ideal program for 7 days in New York, I have written down a few useful pieces of information with tips that you should consider prior to your trip.

If you have less or more time, you should take a look at these reports for further planning:

Tip for budget travelers in New York: Get 10% off the New York Pass (3, 5, 7, or 10 days) and Explorer Pass! ️ Just enter the code VIELGOUNTER10 when booking Only redeemable through the official site: Buy Pass on the official website here.

To enter the USA, you need a machine-readable passport (new e-pass with chip) which is valid for the entire duration of your stay. An ID card is not sufficient. Children also need a passport with an e-chip. This is because of the ESTA visa, which you must apply for before traveling. Read my instructions carefully on how to apply for the ESTA visa online. Check the current visa and entry regulations with the State Department.

In the USA, we like to use Airalo , as we can conveniently order data volumes via app and then be online via eSIM immediately. With the code VU10, you get 10% off all eSIM packages.

You won't even experience a lack of lines for popular attractions in the winter. Also, sports events or musicals (primarily Hamilton or Sweeney Todd) are booked out up to 3 months in advance. If you want to avoid spending time in lines for attractions, you should either buy a New York all-inclusive pass (see my report) or book the tickets individually with time slots in advance. Check out my New York travel planning tips.

You should definitely see if one of the sightseeing passes I recommended for New York is worth it. Because with these, you can save a lot of money and time. With many attractions, you can also skip the line.

Tip for budget travelers in New York: Get 10% off the New York Pass (3, 5, 7, or 10 days) and Explorer Pass! ️ Just enter the code VIELGOUNTER10 when booking Only redeemable through the official site: Buy Pass on the official website here.

For a week, the Metro Card in New York is worth it (33 $ plus 1 $ deposit). You can buy the card at vending machines at the airport or at any subway station. It's worth it starting from 4 days, depending on where your hotel is located. As of 2024, the yellow card is supposed to be permanently replaced by the new system (read more about that).

Currently, all stations are under renovation. The MetroCard is transitioning to the OMNY Card (One Metro New York) or payment via Tap (contactless payment system). It's that simple. Do you have your credit cards (here's our recommendation for the USA) stored on your Apple Watch, Wallet, or via Google Pay? Then you just have to 'tap' your device (or the credit card) on the payment station (Tap to ride with OMNY) and pass through the turnstile. It has never been easier to ride the subway and bus!

If you, like me, ride via 'Tap' and contactless, note: Charges are deducted until reaching $33 (the cost of the Metro Card for a week). Once this amount is reached (valid payments from Sunday to Sunday, so a full week), every trip beyond that is free. I have tested this and it works great.

For the PATH trains, this system is not currently available. However, you can buy a Metro Card with a round trip at the stations. The rides cost the same, and the MetroCard looks exactly the same. Note: The old vending machines at PATH stations often take credit cards on the 10th try. We had to try with three people and several cards repeatedly. Very annoying, but it eventually works. Patience is key.

More info on the official MTA website.

As you plan your trip, you should also read these articles about New York:

Most flights from Germany arrive around 1 - 2 PM at one of the JFK or Newark (New Jersey) airports. Since the time difference is -6 hours, you should try to stay awake and moving until the evening to fight off jet lag. Therefore, you should check in at your hotel (see my hotel tips for New York), and then head outside for some fresh air. Start exploring at the most famous attractions in Uptown Manhattan (streets above 59th Street).

Tips for airport transfer in New York

Rent a bike or explore Central Park on foot (my tip: take the bike). The most famous park in New York City, where many locals walk their dogs or jog in the morning. It's particularly busy in summer and on weekends.

The most beautiful spots in Central Park:

Tip: If you have a New York Pass (see comparison), you can rent bikes for a whole day at Central Park Bike Tours (or take a 2-hour tour) to explore Central Park up to the upper end in Harlem. You can also pick up a picnic for free at Perfect Picnic. If you don't have a sightseeing pass, you can join a 2-hour tour at Central Park Bike Tours (see tour details).

On both sides of Central Park, you will find some of the most famous museums in New York. Particularly notable are the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) and the Guggenheim Museum on the east side, and the American Museum of Natural History on the west side. But time is tight; only choose one of these places if it's raining or you have time left at the end of your trip.

Are you an art lover? Then I recommend visiting the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and/or the Guggenheim (depending on current exhibitions). For children, the American Museum of Natural History is highly recommended. From the rooftop terrace of the MET, you also have a great view of Central Park.

Visit the museums' websites to find out their opening hours and which special exhibitions are currently taking place. Most museums are not open daily. There are many more museums in New York that are really worth visiting. We will visit these on another day (Museum of Broadway, MoMA, The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty).

Note: The New York Pass includes the Guggenheim, the MET, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Insider tip: Many people don't know that the MET has a lovely rooftop bar that opens in summer. You have a fantastic view of Central Park from this terrace.

Now it's time for Times Square. Walk or take the train that goes directly from Grand Central to Times Square (S train). Everyone knows Times Square with its many flashing advertisements and the red illuminated stairs. Here, you'll see mostly tourists and street performers looking to earn a few bucks. If you encounter Batman, don't ask him for a photo, as it'll cost you.

Times Square is located between 42nd and 49th Streets at 7th Avenue. There are many stores like Aeropostale. Avoid eating at Times Square, as everything has tourist prices that are overpriced, except for the Pink Taco place. It opened just a day before our last departure. It was delicious. The story is simply told: The food truck was so successful that they can now afford a two-story store just around the corner from Times Square. It's worth it.

Feeling like something different to eat? Head to Hell's Kitchen:

The old gangster neighborhood has long been a victim of gentrification and has now become a popular and, above all, safe area. Here you can eat really well:

Central Park stretches from 5th Avenue to 8th Avenue. So, if you've finished your bike tour or museum tour, you can now stroll a bit. This keeps you awake. Walk along the famous 5th Avenue, lined with upscale department stores, luxury hotels, designer shops, and flagship stores on both sides.

Top of the Rock is an observation deck at Rockefeller Center. For me, the view is still among the most beautiful in Manhattan. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building, The Edge, SUMMIT, and Downtown Manhattan with the One World Observatory, and on the other side, you can see Central Park. Given that, I always recommend visiting this observation deck. It's ideal for sunset views. Depending on the time of your visit, you should adjust the sequence. I love looking down at night when the city and the advertisements are lit up.

If you can last a bit longer, you need to visit Bar Sixty Five (Rainbow Room) at Rockefeller Center. The bar opens at 5 PM and closes around midnight. We visited here during another visit in the day to have coffee. Of course, the drinks here are pricier than average, but you're here for the view. That comes at a higher price in New York.

Today we will explore Lower Manhattan (also known as Downtown Manhattan). This refers to everything located south of 14th Street in Manhattan. When you talk about Downtown, it also includes the Financial District (locals call it Fidi).

It's best to start your morning exploring the financial district, which is known for Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. There used to be many financial and banking institutions here. In recent years, these have moved out of Manhattan to Hudson Yards and Midtown because the rents are much cheaper there.

Visit Wall Street in the morning to get a feel for what it might be like to live and work here. People rush everywhere to get to work or to the stock exchange. If you want to learn more about it: There are plenty of tours that start here in the morning. Among others, this tour can be booked at Get Your Guide.

The most famous symbol of Wall Street is the Charging Bull. It unfortunately does not sit directly on Wall Street (see the map).

On your way to 'Ground Zero', you will pass Trinity Church. This church survived the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, without a scratch.

If you are a fan of the Broadway musical 'Hamilton', you must pass by here. Alexander Hamilton's grave is located in its cemetery.

After exploring Wall Street, head to the saddest place in New York's recent history: the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (about a 10-minute walk). The memorial was constructed at the location where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center stood before they collapsed during a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Every year on September 11, two tribute lights illuminate as silhouettes of the towers to symbolically represent them.

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum is an especially impressive and poignant museum, which is one of the most important attractions in New York. Visiting is a must in my opinion.

Adjacent to this site is another new building called One World Trade Center, the tallest building in North America. There is an observation deck called One World Observatory that you can visit and should. From up here, you'll have a breathtaking view of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey, and the Hudson River.

The Oculus next to One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the newest transportation hub in New York City. Additionally, it's a super modern shopping center designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. We extensively shopped here when rain suddenly began.

The Oculus is also a popular photo spot because the building is so sleek and white inside that it looks really cool.

Tip: There is now a beer garden where you can take a break in the summer and check out street art from my favorite artist Kobra.

After the somber morning, it's time to take the subway to Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan's most sought-after neighborhoods.

One of the most famous sights in Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park. On any given day, you'll find artists, musicians, chess players, families, students from New York University, and poets bringing the park to life.

Are you a fan of the show Friends? For ten seasons, the comedy sitcom Friends entertained millions of fans. While the popular TV show was filmed in Burbank, California, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey lived in Greenwich Village.

Even today, the building at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove and Bedford Street is still known as the Friends apartment building. The show notoriously featured exterior shots of this building.

Walk along Bleecker Street, one of the most famous streets in all of New York City. For foodies, the street is a must-visit.

Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and butcher shops owned by Italians opened around Greenwich Village and dominated most of Bleecker Street. Notable restaurants and shops include John's Pizza and Ottomanello and Sons Butcher Shop.

Bleecker Street also has a legendary music scene. Simon & Garfunkel (who had a song named Bleecker Street), Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, and many others performed in the smoky bars along Bleecker Street.

There are a lot of great restaurants here. Among others, Minetta Tavern, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Mamoun's Falafel, and Artichoke Pizza. If you can't decide, just walk along MacDougal Street. You'll surely find something. My tip: Saigon Shack, where we once sat with a friend who worked in New York. On my last visit, I tested Dante, one of the best bars in New York and ideal for lunch or brunch. Definitely reserve a table. (Alternatively, walk further into West Village for more restaurants)

Many people love the Comedy Cellar to see a comedy show. There are other comedy clubs in Greenwich Village like the Greenwich Village Comedy Club. If you manage well with English, the visit is worth it.

Start your 4th day with a hearty breakfast in the West Village. Our tip is Jack's Wife Freda. Alternatively, Le Pain Quotidien (if you weren't at Central Park's other branch on the first day) or in Whole Foods Market (Chelsea). There are many other cool spots in this corner of Manhattan.

The West Village is a really beautiful area where you wish you had an apartment (unfortunately, it's way too expensive). Here you'll find many designer boutiques and trendy restaurants that attract a hip crowd. The picturesque streets, some still cobbled, are lined with beautiful townhouses. It might be the most European neighborhood in New York. There are small, cute cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating in summer.

The Whitney Museum is interesting if you're into contemporary American art. The collection of photographs, drawings, paintings, and sculptures is fantastic. The rooftop restaurant offers a beautiful view of the High Line and Downtown Manhattan.

One of the best markets in New York City is not far from the Whitney Museum. Chelsea Market is quite touristy, but that doesn't matter at all. Because there are some great places to eat. Popular is Los Tacos No. 1 (long lines), so we treated ourselves to the best oysters in New York: The Lobster Place.

Also very delicious: Vegan Noodles at Very Fresh Noodles. My tip: have them packed and eat on the steps of the High Line. I loved the numerous pop-up stores in Chelsea Market. We spend at least 2-3 hours here on every trip to New York. Okay and affordable is Los Mariscos (Ceviche semi-good, but the tacos are brilliant).

After many delightful meals at Chelsea Market, it's time to head to the High Line. What used to be a railway track is now a park and a well-known and popular tourist attraction. It's really great to walk on it and spend time there on a nice day.

Look down at the Mother Teresa mural by my favorite artist Kobra. He was present during one of our last visits, and we just missed him by a few minutes while he took a break from working on his Einstein artwork. By now, we've managed to see all of his works (I'll write separately about that).

If this is your first time in New York, or you haven't been here in a while, you probably haven't heard of Hudson Yards. It's a relatively new trendy area where you'll find chic offices, shops, and restaurants.

One of New York's most famous buildings is The Vessel. After four suicides, The Vessel was closed to visitors in August 2021. As of now (2024), The Vessel is being demolished. You can still go inside and look up; all the stairs are blocked, and a security guard ensures that the rules are followed.

Head to The Edge, from whose glass-bottom deck (not for the faint-hearted, we found it not that spectacular) you have a fantastic view of New York City, the Hudson River, and New Jersey. You must book your time-slot ticket in advance. At sunset, it costs an additional $10 (my tip). It can get particularly crowded then and on weekends.

We love bagels for breakfast. Especially in New York, we can't get enough of them. Check to see if there's a location of Ess-a-Bagel near your accommodation. You'll be fueled to start the day. Our tip at Ess-a-Bagel: A Signature Favorite, New York Reuben Sandwich (Bagel: Sesame or Everything. Not available at all locations, but here: 831 3rd Ave, see the map).

Alternatively, you can have an extensive brunch at Dominique Ansel's Bakery, Balthazar or Shuka. After, you should walk around SoHo to explore this neighborhood. Allow 1-2 hours; in SoHo, you'll find both large shops and flagship stores (Nike, North Face) as well as cool sneaker shops and designer boutiques.

On Broadway, not only can you find the well-known stores from Uniqlo, but also theaters of the musicals (my favorite remains Hamilton). I really like SoHo as you can take great photos of the iconic buildings with the famous fire escapes outside.

Had enough of SoHo? Then head either on foot or by subway (W or R train uptown) to 23rd Street in the Flatiron District. Here you will find the iconic Flatiron Building, Eataly, and the first Shake Shack store in Madison Square Park. If you're hungry, there are several options available: Shake Shack (burgers), Traditas Pizza (good and affordable pizza slices) or Penelope (breakfast, brunch, and lunch).

On your way to the next attraction, you can decide whether to walk (up to 34th Street) or take the subway (R or W train to 34th Street Herald Square). We prefer walking so that you can also take photos from a certain distance of the building. The Empire State Building also has an observation deck, but I prefer Top of the Rock and The Edge in the north, as well as One World Observatory for the south. I find the view from the Empire State Building quite boring. But that's just my opinion.

If you want to go shopping now, you should visit the many shops on 34th Street. You'll find Zara, Macy's, Forever 21, and many more here.

While you're here, you can also take a detour to Manhattan's Korea Town. K-Town focuses on 32nd Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue, where you'll find many Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, billiards, beer pong, etc.

If you haven't been to Bryant Park on the first day, go along 5th Avenue to Bryant Park. In winter, there is a large market and a free ice rink. I like to relax here with a coffee and people-watch.

Next, it's time for one of the most photographed places in New York: Grand Central Station. I adore the location wholeheartedly. Check my insider tips for New York to find a hidden corner in Grand Central Station. There are also stores in the station, like an Apple Store or the famous Magnolia Bakery, which gained fame through Sex and the City. Moreover, there's a Hidden Bar here.

For the best overall experience of an observation deck, I highly recommend SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt. It slowly becomes overwhelming to keep track of which observation decks to visit. We were also just here recently and were totally amazed: it's the most beautifully designed observation deck in New York.

The observation deck is entirely made of glass. The photos and views look fantastic. It might even replace Top of the Rock as the best view. You get a complete package that is more modern and offers more.

You definitely need to reserve your tickets in advance and specify your time slot, because everyone wants to go here now. The visit is really worth it.

If you are in New York, you should consider buying tickets for a Broadway show. Most theaters are not far from Times Square. The tip is that you can get discounted last-minute tickets for TV shows or musicals at the TKTS booth at Times Square. There are great discounts for the spontaneous. For some shows, there are also lotteries (here's the link). For my favorite musical Hamilton, you must download the Hamilton App to participate in the lottery daily. We tried for days and then bought absurdly pricey tickets. We love Hamilton and have seen it live in London before.

There are also many less well-known Off-Broadway shows. These are not as famous, but they are much cheaper. Since I enjoy musicals, I can't offer a tip. On my last visit, we managed to get tickets for Hadestown and Book of Mormon at the TKTS booth (great seats for each). Both musicals come highly recommended. Alternatively: Sweeney Todd, New York, New York, Moulin Rouge, and MJ (besides our all-time favorite Hamilton).

If you're in New York, you must definitely purchase tickets for the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets. Watching an NBA game live is fascinating. One sport that I now think is great is American Football. The NY Giants and NY Jets play at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Events take place according to the season. Be sure to get tickets early, as these games are very popular. Once, we were unlucky and tried to get tickets for the Knicks against the Dallas Mavericks with Dirk Nowitzki at the ticket booth in the morning. A few years later, we managed to buy tickets in advance for the Knicks against the Toronto Raptors. It was a spectacular event and so different from how sports events happen back home.

(Of course, you can also buy tickets for baseball. Years ago, I had the pleasure in Toronto and found it the dullest sport in the world.)

Now you can decide: Brooklyn or New Jersey? If your return flight is from Newark, then I recommend exploring New Jersey. I have detailed the most important places in Jersey here.

Here follows my recommendation for Brooklyn. If you have an extra day, you can find my detailed tips in Brooklyn here.

In the morning, you should wake up very early to have the Brooklyn Bridge to yourself without the throngs of tourists. Only then can you get a cool photo (I mean truly very early, by 7 AM at the latest). You can walk from Chinatown to the beginning of the Brooklyn Bridge and then cross the bridge on foot (or take the subway one way and walk the other like we did).

Once you cross the bridge heading towards Brooklyn Bridge Park, you'll find yourself at a fantastic corner right by the water. From here you have a great view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in good weather. Sunset or the golden hour right before it is the best time to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park, which we did on another trip. You can also change the order and come here in the evening since today is your return flight.

The Time Out Market in Dumbo, Brooklyn brings you "the best of the city under one roof": many restaurants featuring dishes from the city's top culinary experts. We love Ess-a-Bagel, Cha Cha Macha, the Rooftop Bar (free views from the rooftop), Mr. Taka Ramen, and Fornina.

If you want to sample a variety of food and explore another location with many offerings besides Chelsea Market, the Time Out Market New York is the best address. In quality, we found Chelsea Market to be unbeaten in terms of quality. The view from the rooftop terrace is, however, fantastic and free.

If you have some time left, head to Bushwick for some really cool street art. The neighborhood is the place to be for NYC graffiti and street art culture. Bushwick is known for up-and-coming artists of all kinds. Therefore, you will find a huge and ever-growing collection of graffiti on walls throughout the district: the Bushwick Collective.

We found this route to the Bushwick Collective and walked the paths on foot. If you don't feel like walking this route on your own, you can book a 2-hour tour with Get Your Guide.

There is so much more to explore in Brooklyn that you can check out here.

It's probably time to say goodbye. Head to the airport.

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