5 Days in New York City: Complete First-Timer Itinerary
A realistic 5-day NYC itinerary that covers all the major icons—Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn, museums—plus neighborhoods, food markets, and time to breathe. Perfect balance for first-time visitors who want depth without exhaustion.
"Planning a trip to New York City? April is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. The nightlife scene here is not to be missed."
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5-Day NYC Itinerary at a Glance
Itinerary Map
Who This 5-Day NYC Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors or return travelers who want to see the major sights—Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, museums—plus explore neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, West Village, and Chelsea without turning the trip into a checklist marathon.
Expect 18–22k steps per day with built-in slow moments for bagel shops, rooftop bars, and neighborhood wandering. If you're traveling with kids or prefer a gentler pace, you can drop one museum or split a day in half.
Central Park, Metropolitan Museum & Upper West Side
Ease into NYC with the city's green heart, world-class art, and a residential neighborhood stroll.
Morning
Central Park Highlights
Experience Central Park at its most peaceful—joggers, dog walkers, and empty paths.
How to Do It:
- • Enter at 72nd Street & Central Park West.
- • Route: Strawberry Fields (John Lennon memorial) → Bethesda Fountain → Bow Bridge → The Lake → Sheep Meadow → exit at Columbus Circle.
- • Grab coffee and a bagel from Absolute Bagels (108th St) or Zabar's (80th St) before or after.
Tips
- → Early morning (before 09:00) means golden light, empty benches, and locals doing their morning routines.
- → Download the Central Park app for navigation and hidden spots.
- → Bring a blanket if you want to picnic on Sheep Meadow.
Afternoon
- • Ess-a-Bagel — Classic NYC bagels with schmear on 1st Avenue — the everything bagel with lox is a must.
- • Museum Mile food trucks — Halal carts and food trucks along 5th Avenue — cheap, filling, and authentically New York.
The Met (Metropolitan Museum)
From ancient Egypt to Van Gogh—5,000 years of art under one roof on Museum Mile.
How to Do It:
- • Book timed-entry ticket online to skip ticket lines.
- • Route: Egyptian Wing (Temple of Dendur) → Greek & Roman galleries → European Paintings (Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh) → American Wing. Note: Cantor Roof Garden is closed until 2030 (Tang Wing construction).
- • Join a free highlights tour or download the museum app for self-guided routes.
Tips
- → The Met is enormous—focus on 3–4 wings, not the whole museum.
- → The Roof Garden/Bar is closed until 2030 for Tang Wing construction — plan to skip this in 2026.
- → Wear comfy shoes—you'll walk 4.8+ km inside.
- → Museum café is overpriced—eat nearby on Madison Ave after.
If you're a NY State resident or a student from NY/NJ/CT, admission is pay-what-you-wish — donate what you can and still see everything.
Book a private guided highlights tour for a curator-level deep dive into the collection's masterpieces.
Evening
- • Jacob's Pickles — Southern comfort food and craft beer on Amsterdam Ave — the biscuits and fried chicken are legendary.
- • Zabar's — Iconic NYC deli — grab smoked fish, knishes, or a bagel platter and picnic in Riverside Park.
Upper West Side Walk + Dinner
See where real New Yorkers live—tree-lined streets, delis, bookshops, and family-run restaurants.
How to Do It:
- • Walk down Columbus Avenue or Amsterdam Avenue from 80th to 70th Streets.
- • Stop at: Zabar's (gourmet deli), Levain Bakery (famous cookies), local bookshops.
- • Dinner at a neighborhood bistro or Italian spot—reservations recommended for weekends.
Tips
- → Upper West Side is residential, safe, and less touristy than Midtown.
- → Levain cookies are massive—share one between two people.
- → If you're tired, grab takeout and eat in Central Park at sunset.
- → Budget $33–$54/person for dinner.
Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial & South Street Seaport
America's most iconic symbol, moving 9/11 memorial, and waterfront evening.
Morning
Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island
The ultimate American icon up close, plus the powerful Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
How to Do It:
- • Book via the official Statue City Cruises website (linked from the NPS page) 2–4 weeks ahead—avoid third-party resellers.
- • Take the first 09:00 ferry from Battery Park (arrive 08:30 for security).
- • Choose: General Admission, Pedestal Reserve, or Crown Reserve. Pedestal/Crown reservations add ~$0.31 per ticket (very limited availability).
- • Spend 1–1.5 hours on Liberty Island, 2–3 hours at Ellis Island Museum.
- • Ferries return throughout the day—no rush.
Tips
- → Crown climb is 162 steep stairs—requires fitness and advance booking (months ahead for summer).
- → Pedestal is the sweet spot—great views without claustrophobia.
- → Ellis Island's Family History Center lets you search for ancestors who immigrated through here.
- → Pack snacks—ferry food is limited and overpriced.
Take the free Staten Island Ferry for excellent Statue views without landing on Liberty Island — runs every 30 min from Whitehall Terminal.
Book a Crown ticket for the climb up 162 spiral stairs inside the statue — reserve 2–3 months ahead.
Afternoon
- • Eataly Downtown — Italian market and restaurant complex in One World Trade Center — fresh pasta, pizza, and gelato.
- • Shake Shack (Financial District) — NYC's beloved burger chain — the ShackBurger and crinkle fries are a perfect quick refuel.
9/11 Memorial + Financial District
Moving tribute to September 11 victims, plus the birthplace of American capitalism.
How to Do It:
- • 9/11 Memorial (twin reflecting pools) is always free and open.
- • Optional: 9/11 Museum (~$24–$37 depending on date/time, book timed tickets online, closed Tuesdays) — allow 2 hours for the emotional experience.
- • Walk through Financial District: Wall Street, Charging Bull, Federal Hall, Trinity Church.
Tips
- → 9/11 Museum is powerful but heavy—skip if you're emotionally drained.
- → Charging Bull is mobbed midday—best photos early morning (07:00–08:00).
- → Financial District is quiet on weekends; weekdays have office workers everywhere.
- → Grab coffee at Eataly Downtown or a food truck near Wall Street.
Evening
- • Katz's Delicatessen — NYC's iconic pastrami on rye since 1888 — follow the ticket system and tip the carver.
- • Russ & Daughters Cafe — Legendary Jewish appetizing — the smoked fish platter and egg cream are essential New York experiences.
South Street Seaport + Dinner
Historic seaport with Brooklyn Bridge views and great restaurants.
How to Do It:
- • Option 1 (Seaport): Walk to South Street Seaport for waterfront dining and Brooklyn Bridge views at sunset.
- • Option 2 (Lower East Side): Subway to Delancey Street for Katz's Deli (pastrami), Russ & Daughters (bagels & lox), or speakeasy bars.
Tips
- → South Street Seaport is touristy but has great views—best for sunset drinks.
- → Lower East Side is authentic NYC food culture—delis, bars, and late-night energy.
- → Katz's Deli ($27+ sandwiches) is iconic but lines are long—go before noon or after 14:00.
- → Budget $33–$54/person for dinner.
Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO & Williamsburg
Cross NYC's most famous bridge, explore Brooklyn's coolest neighborhoods, and eat excellent food.
Morning
Brooklyn Bridge Sunrise Walk
Catch the bridge nearly empty with golden sunrise light and perfect Manhattan skyline views.
How to Do It:
- • Subway to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station (Brooklyn side).
- • Walk Brooklyn → Manhattan so skyline views are in front of you.
- • Stay in pedestrian lane (marked)—cyclists get angry if you wander.
- • 45–60 minutes for the 1.9km walk with photo stops.
Tips
- → Sunrise (06:00–07:00) means empty walkways—best photos and peaceful experience.
- → Midday summer crossings are brutally hot with no shade.
- → After crossing, explore DUMBO before brunch.
DUMBO + Brooklyn Bridge Park
Cobblestone streets, the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo, and waterfront parks with skyline views.
How to Do It:
- • Walk Washington Street for the classic Manhattan Bridge framed shot.
- • Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront—piers, lawns, Jane's Carousel (~$3 ride).
- • Brunch at Juliana's Pizza or Time Out Market (food hall).
- • Browse art galleries and boutiques on Water Street.
Tips
- → Washington Street photo spot gets crowded 10am–noon on weekends.
- → Brooklyn Bridge Park is perfect for picnics if you grab food beforehand.
- → Grimaldi's vs. Juliana's pizza debate—both are excellent, Juliana's has shorter lines.
- → Budget $16–$27 for brunch.
Afternoon
- • Juliana's Pizza (DUMBO) — Coal-fired pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge — widely considered Brooklyn's best.
- • Smorgasburg (weekends) — NYC's best outdoor food market with 100+ vendors — runs Sat at Williamsburg waterfront (Apr–Oct).
Williamsburg Walking Tour
See where Brooklyn's creative renaissance happened—murals, indie shops, rooftop bars.
How to Do It:
- • Subway to Bedford Avenue (L train).
- • Walk Bedford Ave and Wythe Ave: vintage shops, record stores, boutiques, street art.
- • Visit East River State Park for Manhattan skyline views.
- • Saturdays: Smorgasburg Williamsburg (Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 11:00–18:00, April–Oct)—100+ food vendors. Sundays: Smorgasburg Prospect Park (Breeze Hill).
Tips
- → Williamsburg is more expensive than it used to be—still cool but gentrified.
- → Best street art is on side streets off Bedford—wander and explore.
- → Smorgasburg is NYC's best outdoor food market—bring $21–$33.
- → Browse Artists & Fleas market for vintage clothes and local crafts.
Evening
- • Lilia — One of NYC's best Italian restaurants — handmade pasta in a converted auto body shop. Book weeks ahead.
- • Llama Inn — Creative Peruvian cuisine on the Williamsburg waterfront — the ceviche and anticuchos are outstanding.
Rooftop Bar + Williamsburg Dinner
Brooklyn rooftop bars have the best Manhattan skyline views—better than Manhattan's own rooftops.
How to Do It:
- • Book ahead: Westlight (William Vale Hotel) or The Ides (Wythe Hotel) for sunset cocktails.
- • Dinner at a Williamsburg favorite: Lilia (pasta, book weeks ahead), Llama Inn (Peruvian), or Peter Luger (legendary steakhouse).
- • Or go casual: pizza, tacos, ramen—Williamsburg has everything.
Tips
- → Rooftop bars require reservations 1–2 weeks ahead for sunset.
- → Cocktails are $20–$27—budget accordingly.
- → Dress code is smart casual—no gym clothes or flip-flops.
- → NYC subway runs 24/7 — less frequent late at night but always running.
MoMA, Times Square & West Village Evening
Modern art, Times Square chaos, and the city's most charming neighborhood.
Morning
MoMA Highlights
The world's best modern art collection—Starry Night, Warhol's soup cans, and cutting-edge contemporary works.
How to Do It:
- • Buy timed tickets online to skip lines.
- • Route: Floor 5 (1880s–1940s, Starry Night, Picasso, Monet) → Floor 4 (1940s–1970s, Warhol, Pollock) → Floor 2 (Contemporary).
- • Sculpture Garden (Floor 1) is a peaceful break.
Tips
- → Friday UNIQLO Friday Nights (17:30–20:30) are free for New York State residents with reserved tickets, but absolutely mobbed—great if you're local and on a budget, less ideal if you want a calm visit.
- → MoMA is less overwhelming than the Met—focused modern art only.
- → Design Store (separate entrance, free) has beautiful books and gifts.
- → Grab lunch in Midtown after—plenty of options nearby.
Visit on a Friday evening if you're a New York State resident — free admission from 17:30 with a reserved ticket.
Book a private MoMA highlights tour for expert context on Starry Night, the Warhols, and the Picassos.
Afternoon
- • Los Tacos No. 1 (Times Square) — Authentic Mexican tacos right in Times Square — the adobo chicken and carne asada are outstanding.
- • The Smith (Midtown) — Reliable American brasserie near Bryant Park — great for a sit-down lunch between sights.
Times Square + Bryant Park
See Times Square once, take your photo, then relax in Bryant Park's green oasis.
How to Do It:
- • Walk through Times Square—LED screens, street performers, chaos.
- • Check TKTS booth for discount same-day Broadway tickets if interested.
- • Walk to Bryant Park (behind NY Public Library) for free WiFi, lawn chairs, and people-watching.
- • Grab afternoon coffee or snack from park kiosks.
Tips
- → Times Square is best at night—return after dinner for full LED effect.
- → Avoid all Times Square restaurants—walk to Hell's Kitchen (9th/10th Ave) for better food.
- → Bryant Park has free movies and events in summer, ice skating in winter.
- → NY Public Library's Main Branch (next to park) is stunning—free to explore.
Evening
- • Via Carota — Italian-American gem on Grove Street — the carciofi fritti and pasta are exceptional. No reservations, arrive early.
- • Joe's Pizza (Bleecker St) — NYC's best slice — €3, fold it, eat standing on the sidewalk like a local.
West Village Evening
Tree-lined streets, brownstones, cozy bistros, and legendary jazz clubs—peak New York romance.
How to Do It:
- • Start at Washington Square Park for sunset.
- • Wander: Bleecker Street, Grove Court (hidden mews), Commerce Street (curved street).
- • Dinner at a classic Italian or bistro—book ahead for weekends.
- • End at a jazz club: Blue Note (famous but pricey), Village Vanguard (intimate), or Smalls ($21 cover, no drink minimum).
Tips
- → West Village is NYC's most romantic neighborhood—pure wandering bliss.
- → Joe's Pizza (Bleecker St) is legendary—$3.77 slice, fold and eat standing.
- → Jazz clubs have 2–3 sets per night (20:00, 22:00, midnight)—book online ahead.
- → Budget $44–$65/person for dinner + $33–$65 for jazz club.
Empire State Building, High Line & Chelsea Farewell
End with NYC's most iconic view, an elevated park walk, and food hall feast.
Morning
Empire State Building 86th Floor
360° views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond—the classic NYC skyline experience.
How to Do It:
- • Book the earliest opening slot online (hours vary by date — check the official schedule).
- • 86th-floor Main Deck is the iconic open-air platform—all you need.
- • 102nd-floor tickets add ~$35 (price varies) — many visitors are happy with just the 86th floor.
- • Admire the Art Deco lobby on your way out—one of NYC's finest interiors.
Tips
- → Early morning = smaller crowds and often clearer visibility.
- → Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) is an alternative with better Central Park views.
- → Express passes (from ~$85) aren't usually needed if you book online and go at opening.
- → The building itself is an Art Deco masterpiece—worth seeing even if you don't go up.
Visit Top of the Rock instead — similar views at a lower price, and the Empire State Building itself is in your frame.
Book a sunrise or late-night ticket (after 22:00) for the most magical, crowd-free experience.
Afternoon
- • Los Tacos No. 1 — Outstanding authentic Mexican tacos — the adobo chicken and cactus are standouts.
- • The Lobster Place — Fresh lobster rolls, sushi, and raw bar inside Chelsea Market — grab a seat at the counter.
High Line + Chelsea Market
A 2.4km elevated park on old train tracks with wildflowers and Hudson River views, plus the ultimate food hall.
How to Do It:
- • Subway to 14th Street, enter High Line at Gansevoort Street.
- • Walk north to 34th Street (full 2.4km, 45 min) or shorter sections.
- • Descend at 16th Street stairs to Chelsea Market below.
- • Lunch at Chelsea Market: tacos (Los Tacos No. 1), lobster rolls, Thai, Italian, donuts, artisan everything.
- • Browse shops inside the market—books, kitchenware, local goods.
Tips
- → High Line is totally free and open year-round.
- → Summer weekends get packed—weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter.
- → Chelsea Market lunch rush (noon–2pm) is chaos—arrive before noon or after 14:30.
- → Budget $16–$33 for Chelsea Market feast.
- → Public art installations on the High Line change seasonally.
Evening
- • Buddakan — Dramatic Asian-fusion in a cavernous Chelsea space — the edamame dumplings and crispy lobster are legendary.
- • Chelsea Market takeaway — Grab a final round of tacos, lobster rolls, or donuts from the food hall if it's still open.
Chelsea Art Galleries + Dinner
Chelsea has NYC's highest concentration of contemporary art galleries—all free to browse.
How to Do It:
- • Walk the gallery district: West 20th–27th Streets between 10th–11th Avenues.
- • Most galleries are free and open Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00 (closed Sun–Mon).
- • Dinner options: Stay in Chelsea, return to a favorite neighborhood, or try Meatpacking District (upscale, trendy).
- • End with rooftop drinks if weather is nice—celebrate your NYC week.
Tips
- → Gallery hopping is completely free—just walk in and browse like a museum.
- → Pace Gallery, David Zwirner, and Gagosian are major names worth visiting.
- → Book final dinner reservations 1–2 weeks ahead for popular spots.
- → If you have an early flight tomorrow, keep dinner closer to your hotel.
Arrival & Departure: Flights and Airport Transfers
Fly into JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR). For this 5-day itinerary, aim to arrive by early afternoon on Day 1 and depart on the morning of Day 6.
From JFK: AirTrain (~$8.52) + subway ($3) = ~$12, 60-90 min; or Uber/taxi (~$70 flat fare to Manhattan plus surcharges/tolls/tip, 45-60 min). From LaGuardia: Q70 LaGuardia Link bus (free) + subway ($3, ~45-60 min) or Uber/taxi (varies). From Newark: NJ Transit + AirTrain (~$17, ~60 min) or Uber/taxi (varies).
Use OMNY contactless (tap your card/phone) on subway/buses — $3 per ride. Fares cap at ~$35 per rolling 7-day period. MetroCards can no longer be bought or refilled as of Jan 2026; existing balances can be transferred.
Where to Stay for 5 Days in NYC
For a 5-day trip, location and good subway access matter most. Best Manhattan bases: Midtown (central to everything), Upper West Side (residential, near Central Park and museums), Chelsea/Greenwich Village (trendy, great restaurants), or Lower Manhattan (Financial District, near Battery Park).
Brooklyn option: Williamsburg or DUMBO—one subway stop to Manhattan, 30–40% cheaper hotels, and a more local experience with excellent restaurants and bars.
Avoid: Far outer boroughs with limited subway access (Zone 3+). Saving $33/night isn't worth 90+ minutes of daily commuting.
Is the New York CityPASS Worth It for 5 Days?
The New York CityPASS costs ~$157 (incl. processing fee) and gives access to 5 attractions: Empire State Building + American Museum of Natural History (fixed), plus choose 3 of: Top of the Rock, Guggenheim, 9/11 Museum, Intrepid, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or Circle Line cruise. Note: Statue option is general ferry admission (no pedestal/crown).
For this 5-day itinerary, CityPASS is excellent value. Individual tickets for Empire State (~$44) + Statue of Liberty ferry (~$26) = ~$70 from this itinerary. Add AMNH (~$29), Top of the Rock (~$40), and 9/11 Museum (~$24–$37) for up to ~$201 individual vs ~$157 pass.
With 5 days you have plenty of time to use all 5 CityPASS inclusions comfortably. The pass also provides skip-the-line access at Empire State and Top of the Rock. Note: The Met is not included — buy Met tickets separately (~$30 adult).
Worth buying. You'll save ~$29–$59 on the included attractions and gain skip-the-line access. Best strategy: add AMNH to Day 1 (near Central Park) and Top of the Rock to Day 4 (near MoMA) to maximize the pass.
Book Tours & Activities in New York City
Top-rated experiences, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough to see New York City?
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How Many Days in New York City?
Not sure if 5 days is right? Here's what each trip length covers.
- Day 1: Central Park, Metropolitan Museum & Times Square
- Day 2: Statue of Liberty, Wall Street & Brooklyn Bridge
- Day 3: Empire State Building, High Line & West Village
- Day 1: Central Park, Metropolitan Museum & Upper West Side
- Day 2: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial & Financial District
- Day 3: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO & Williamsburg
- Day 4: MoMA, Times Square & West Village
- Day 5: Empire State Building, High Line & Chelsea Farewell
- Day 1: Central Park, Metropolitan Museum & Upper West Side
- Day 2: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial & Financial District
- Day 3: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Williamsburg & Smorgasburg
- Day 4: MoMA, Rockefeller Center & Times Square
- Day 5: Hudson Valley Day Trip or Deeper NYC Exploration
- Day 6: Harlem, Columbia & Upper Manhattan
- Day 7: High Line, West Village & Farewell Feast
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for New York City.
Updated: February 20, 2026
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