Planning to spend four days in New York City and wondering whether it’s enough time to see everything? One of the world’s most intense and invigorating, energetic, and ever-changing cities in the world, the sprawling metropolis has so much to offer, you could live there for a year without seeing and experiencing everything.
However, four days in New York is enough to see all the top attractions and get a feel for the city. While you’ll have your work cut out for you and will end up walking a good few miles, it’s just enough time for you to take a bite out of the Big Apple and fall in love.
So, what to see and where to go? This four-day itinerary will guide you through the top sights and food spots you simply can’t miss on a visit to New York City.
Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City
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With just four days in New York, time is of the essence, so here are a few tips to help make the most of your stay.
- Comfortable shoes are essential!
New York City is best explored on foot, and you’ll spend a lot of time walking around. It’s essential to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your four-day adventure.
- Expect long lines at popular places
New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and is busy year-round. Prepare for long lines at the top attractions.
- Get the 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card
New York City has an outstanding public transportation system that provides a quick way of getting around the city. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card is worthwhile if you plan on using the subway. For only $33 you’ll have unlimited access to the metro for seven days.
Now that you’re prepped, let’s hit the streets!
Four-Day Itinerary for New York City
Day 1
Morning in Central Park
Your first stop on your Big Apple adventure must be Central Park. One of New York’s most recognized attributes, Central Park is the lush green heart of Manhattan. Designed by the award-winning landscape architect team, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park spans 843 acres and is home to everything from a lake to an ice-skating rink.
You could spend the entire day in the park and not see everything, so why not use your pass to rent a bike from Central Park Full Day Bike Rental on two wheels!
Visit the most popular attractions in the park like the picturesque Loeb Boathouse, the historic Belvedere Castle, Sheep's Meadow, and the rolling Strawberry Fields.
When you’re done exploring, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York’s top museums. Founded in 1870, the MET is home to over two million pieces of art spanning 5,000 years. Don’t miss Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat.
If you prefer archeology over art, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the border of Central Park in the Upper West Side. Use your pass to gain access to the museum and marvel at the incredible collection of natural wonders. Don’t miss the life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life.
Afternoon in Midtown
After lunch, it’s time for a bit of retail therapy on one of the best shopping streets in the world! Head down Fifth Avenue to browse the stunning window displays of the top luxury brands in the world and do some shopping if your credit card will allow it.
Make a stop at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral along the way. Hailed as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Neo-Gothic style cathedral took 21 years to complete due to the Civil War. Use your pass to enjoy express entry into the cathedral where you can wander around in awe of the breathtaking architecture.
Evening in Times Square
Times Square is one of New York’s most visited attractions and can’t be missed during your NYC sojourn. Brace yourself for the massive screens and neon lights lighting up the night sky. Be prepared for crowds – Times Square heaves with tourists, especially at night, but it’s an experience of a lifetime that will leave lasting memories.
Another must-do when in New York is to catch a Broadway Show if you can afford it. Broadway Shows are an integral part of New York and even if you’re not the greatest theater fan, watching a show like The Lion King or Wicked on Broadway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Use your pass to enjoy a Broadway and Time Square Walking Tour. Walk in the footsteps of stars as you visit legendary Broadway locations like the Edison Hotel and Shubert Alley.
Day 2
Morning in Greenwich Village
When in New York, do as New Yorkers do and grab a bagel for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of bakeries and cafés selling mouthwatering versions – try salmon and cream cheese if you really want to be a New Yorker.
The best way to explore this charming neighborhood is on a walking tour. Use your pass to join a Greenwich Village Walking Tour and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the ‘birthplace of American Counter-Culture.’
Visit Washington Square Park, the symbolic heart of Greenwich Village and a gathering place for avant-garde artists and students from NYU. Eat your bagel on the steps of the fountain and watch street art performers and musicians ply their trade.
Discover film locations (Friends and Mozart in the Jungle) and learn about the area's famous residents like Edgar Allan Poe and John Wilkes Booth. Visit the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America, the Stonewall Inn.
Afternoon in Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown
Your next stop is the neighboring areas of SoHo (South of Houston Street), Little Italy, and Chinatown. Save some time by using your pass to enjoy a SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour and dive right into the heart of Manhattan.
Enjoythe ritzy shops and their museum-worthy window displays in SoHo and shop until you drop. Venture into Little Italy and be prepared to salivate as you wander around NYC’s tastiest neighborhood. Discover the rich history of Chinatown and explore its secret underground tunnels.
Evening in Chelsea
As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden that now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods.
Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry’s IAC Building.
When you’re done walking the High Line, pop into Chelsea Market for something to eat. The world-famous food hall is home to a mix of restaurants and shops selling an array of mouthwatering gourmet goodies.
Day 3
Morning at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center
Visiting New York City without spending a few hours in the 9/11 Memorial and Museum would be remiss.
Based next to the overwhelming might of the monolithic One World Trade Center, the museum details the horrific events that took place on that day and honors the almost 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Use your pass to gain entrance to the museum and be prepared for a deeply moving and reflective experience.
Join a 9/11 Museum Workshop with your pass where you’ll learn about the nine-month recovery period after the events of 9/11 and the people involved.
Don’t miss the never-ending waterfall that cascades into twin reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of victims of both the 1993 and 2001 attacks are engraved in stone around the waterfall.
Afternoon in Wall Street and Brooklyn
As you wander towards Wall Street and the Financial District, be sure to check out the architecturally significant and rather curious design of the Oculus Mall, which is like the spine of a long-forgotten fish.
Walk around the Financial District and see the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Have a photo taken with the famous Charging Bull and admire the historic Trinity Church.
Next stop, the famous Brooklyn Bridge and the charming neighborhood of DUMBO. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country and one of New York’s most iconic attractions.
A lovely way to explore this area is on a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour. Stroll across the architectural icon and be sure to take tons of photos – it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in NYC. Learn the history of the bridge from your guide as you soak up spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Stroll around the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood called DUMBO which is famous for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and scenic waterfront views. This is the place for out-of-this-world New York pizza, so find a spot for dinner!
Day 4
Morning at in the Diamond District
Your first stop today should be the beautiful Grand Central Station. Take in the breathtaking design and the grandeur of the celestial ceiling of the central terminal. Grab breakfast and a coffee in the food hall downstairs.
A short walk from Grand Central Station is the Museum of Modern Art. Fondly known as MoMA, the striking Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building houses one of the most significant collections of modern art in the world, with works by world-renowned, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, Magritte, Pollock, Matisse, and Warhol.
Use your pass for free access to the Museum of Modern Art and spend the morning marveling at masterpieces.
Afternoon at the Empire State Building
You can’t leave New York without visiting the Empire State Building. This world-renowned building is a short walk from Bryant Park and is the perfect place to see the sunset over Manhattan.
Built during The Great Depression, Empire State Building is a glorious example of Art Deco design with a magnificent lobby boasting 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Use your pass to gain access to the Empire State Building and head up to the 86th floor to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
Take in the city from the observatory deck and see Connecticut and Pennsylvania more than 80 miles away on a clear day or watch the city lights begin to twinkle as it gets darker.
Evening at Madison Square Garden
Spend your last evening in New York watching a Knicks basketball game or the New York Rangers on the ice at Madison Square Garden. The 20,000-seat venue in the heart of Herald Square witnessed Marilyn singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to JFK and hosted two Ali-Frazier fights.
If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll find plenty of top-notch restaurants in and around the square for your last NYC dinner.
