You can love New York City (NYC) or hate it, but there’s a slim chance you’ll be indifferent to it. NYC is loud, fast, in-your-face, rough and gritty, but it’s also creative, diverse and exploding with things to do. Its streetscapes and iconic buildings will charm you. Its unimaginable green spaces will enthral you. Its glorious waterside promenades will captivate you. Planning a trip to the Big Apple can be overwhelming with so much to see and do in this vibrant metropolis. From iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square to hidden gems in trendy neighbourhoods, navigating NYC requires a well-thought-out itinerary.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller looking to explore every corner of NYC, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with our 10-day itinerary through America’s most popular city.
Best time to visit NYC
NYC hits differently at different times of the year. It shimmers on a warm, summer day, and dazzles covered under a blanket of snow in the peak of winter. The best time to visit depends on what mood of the city you want to experience. From late May to early September and then again from November to December, the city sees its peak crowds. However, April and May are a wonderful time to be in NYC: the trees begin to burst into life, days start to get warmer and there’s a general spring in everyone’s step. After the summer rush subsides, September and October provide a quieter atmosphere with stunning autumn colours painting the cityscape.
Our 10-day itinerary for NYC and beyond
Day 1-2: Upper East Side, Manhattan
NYC is made up of five boroughs, each with its own distinct character and each a patchwork of diverse neighbourhoods. Among these, Manhattan stands out as the most iconic, with its streets and buildings immortalised in countless films and TV shows.
The best way to explore NYC is on foot. If walking is your thing, you’ll love it here, but even if it’s not, there’s no escaping it here.
Dominating the Upper East Side, Central Park is an astounding pocket of green bang in the thick of all the action. There are many ways to explore the city’s most beloved green space: walk, bicycle through the park’s many iconic spots or go on a guided tour.
Adjacent to Central Park, you’ll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The Met, housing a vast collection spanning over 5,000 years of global art history. Visitors can choose to explore specific sections of interest or opt for a highlights tour. Nearby, the American Museum of Natural History appeals to both children and adults with its fascinating exhibits.
Art lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with numerous museums to explore, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Frick Collection, each offering a unique artistic experience.
For a dose of retail therapy, Madison Avenue beckons with its iconic presence in films like Breakfast At Tiffany‘s, Sex And The City, and Gossip Girl. With a range of luxury brand stores, Madison Avenue epitomises style and sophistication.
Day 3: Chelsea, Manhattan
Chelsea delights with its waterfront views, artsy vibe and list of cool things to do. Begin at the High Line, an abandoned railway line that’s now been reimagined as a park. Stretching from Hudson Yards to the northern edge of Chelsea, walking the High Line is a great way to take in the neighbourhood. But do keep getting off to explore the area.
Besides the High Line, Chelsea’s newest green space, the Little Island, floats on water. The 2.4-acre park has been thoughtfully created and features an array of items for play: from spinning discs, instruments for all, and spun chairs, to hula hoops and jump ropes. The idea was to create an atmosphere of relaxation and fun in equal measure.
The futuristic structure called the Vessel dominates Hudson Yards but there’s a lot more to see and explore here. Keen to see NYC from above? There’s no beating the views from the Edge Observation Deck that’s suspended more than 1,100 feet above the city and has a thrilling glass floor that lets you look down 100 storeys. If this doesn’t feel thrilling enough, push the limits by opting to scale the outer edge of the skyscraper.
Eating and drinking are as much part of exploring Chelsea as visiting its many wonderful galleries is. Housed in the National Biscuit Factory, where the Oreo was first made, the Chelsea Market is a food hall that deserves all your attention. From Japanese-inspired Mexican food to some of the city’s best lobster bisques, there’s plenty to taste and wash down. If you’d rather be on a liquid diet try out of the area’s many quirky watering holes from the Trailer Park Lounge & Grill, the moody La Noxe or the lush rooftop bar Gallow Green.
The biggest draw of Chelsea is its numerous art galleries. Look out for the Dia Art Foundation which combines street-level galleries, a bookstore and spaces for workshops and educational programmes; the 9000 square-foot C24 Gallery which shines the spotlight on emerging artists; the sprawling Gagosian Gallery which features contemporary and modern art.
Day 4: Midtown, Manhattan
NYC is the original city of skyscrapers and Midtown boasts of some of the tallest and most iconic of these. For sweeping views across the city, make your way up the Empire State Building built in 1931. Relive famous celluloid moments from King Kong and An Affair To Remember as you stand atop the 102nd-floor observation deck.
Gawk at the blue ceiling of the Grand Central Terminal illuminated with thousands of LED lights. One of the few remaining historic stations in the country, besides being a transportation hub, the station is home to excellent drinking, dining and shopping options. A short distance away take in the art deco splendour of the Chrysler Building built in 1930.
There’s the excitement of watching a live performance and then, there’s the thrill of watching one at Madison Square Garden. From the Eagles, U2, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift and more; to some of the best live sporting action, MSG as it’s fondly called has played host to it all. Watch a show, or sporting event or go on a guided tour to relive the many magical moments created within its walls.
History and political buffs shouldn’t miss the United Nations building with its awe-inspiring row of 192-member country flags. Guided tours take you into the heart of all the action including the room where the security council meets.
Closer to evening, walk to Times Square, a buzzy cultural epicentre of NYC. Sit on the steps surrounded by hundreds of neon screens, billboards, theatres, shops and restaurants, and people watch. For some sweet fun pop into the M&M store with candy in every possible colour you can imagine and then more. If watching a Broadway show ranks high on your list then this is the place to make that happen.
Day 5: Brooklyn
Join the crowds and walk down the iconic Brooklyn Bridge as vendors play Alicia Keys’ hit soundtrack ‘An Empire State of Mind’ on loop. After stopping to read the plaques and taking photographs, exit the bridge and make your way to DUMBO or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass: one of NYC’s most popular neighbourhoods. Once there, find your way to Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s Pizzeria both set up by Pasquale Grimaldi. Don’t be put off by the snaking lines outside. New Yorkers and tourists from far and wide make the trip here to nosh on their coal-fired brick oven pizzas.
After, walk along the waterfront at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. With some of the best views of NYC’s skyline, you can spend several hours here. On a warm, sunny day find a spot on the grass and settle down with an ice cream from the pastel-hued Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. For a leisurely ride and some endearing photos, hop onto the carefully restored vintage Jane’s Carousel.
If you spot people in the water and are eager to do so yourself, get right in at Pebble Beach, a small strip with gentle lapping waves.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite head to the NY outpost of the TimeOut Market: a 24,000 square feet space dedicated to bringing together some of the finest dining and drinking options from across the city under one roof. The atmosphere is always buzzy and the food is something you’ll remember long after. If you want to linger longer head to the fifth-floor rooftop space that hosts regular live performances.
Day 6: Lower Manhattan
NYC’s beginning can be traced to this neighbourhood that dates back to the 1600s. Historical references aside, the area is popular for it’s here that the Twin Towers stood before their collapse in September 2001. The site draws people from far and wide. Some come to pay their respects at the spot now defined by two reflective water pools rimmed with names of everyone who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy. To find out more about the world-changing events step into the 9/11 Museum.
Close to the site lookout for the towering One World Trade Centre also known as the Freedom Tower. For a bird’s-eye view of NYC go up to the One World Observatory. The 47-second elevator ride to the 102 floor takes you on a whirlwind tour of the city’s evolution spanning 600 years.
Not tall but certainly eye-catching, the Oculus building is shaped to resemble a hand-releasing a dove. A transportation hub, it’s also a popular shopping centre.
Walk along the maze of streets and make your way to Wall Street. This is where the biggest names in the world of banking and finance can be found including the New York Stock Exchange. For a mandatory photo op find the bull, an enduring symbol of Wall Street and NYC at large.
Shop, eat and relax at Brookfield Place spread across 14 acres along the Hudson River. From waterfront gardens, a winter garden, live music, events and installations, there’s always something to look forward to here.
Day 7: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Hop aboard a Statue City Cruise ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island to visit The Statue of Liberty, a defining symbol of America. The Statue of Liberty Museum brings to light the many stories behind the impressive statue, its design and construction. On display is the original torch that was replaced in 1986.
Delve deeper into American history with a tour of Ellis Island. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration highlights the stories of the thousands of immigrants who’ve moved to the country adding to its rich cultural tapestry.
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Day 8-10:
NYC besides being a maximum city is also the perfect place to explore a number of quieter corners of New York State as well as a number of other surrounding states. In under a few hours find yourself in the pristine outdoors and atmospheric small towns of Hudson Valley, New York. Once there go hiking in Bear Mountain State Park, peruse antique stores, have some fun at Legoland, view incredible contemporary art in Dia: Beacon or tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
At the Hamptons a two-hour drive from NYC, windswept beaches and the good life await. Home to 20 former fishing, whaling and farming villages, the area has morphed into a luxury beach destination that attracts New Yorkers thirsty for some sun and sand. In good weather, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing are top draws. If it’s too cold to get into the water in winter, there’s still plenty to keep you busy in town from fabulous seafood restaurants, luxury shopping and plenty of galleries to browse through.
Must-visit restaurants in NYC
NYC is known as much for its incredibly diverse food offerings as it is for its many famous sights. From easy on-your-pocket street trucks, and gourmet dining to an ever-evolving and experimental gastronomic scene, there’s rarely a dull moment for your palette here. Here are a few favourites:
- Go to the Grand Central Terminal to catch a train but first dig into a bowl of life-affirming Manhattan Clam Chowder at Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant opened in 1913.
- Life always seems better with every spoonful of decadent banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery.
- For a quick but soul-satisfying bite tuck into a pastrami on rye sandwich at Katz’s Deli.
- Eating a hotdog slathered in mustard is as much a thing to do in NYC as visiting Times Square. An old favourite is Gray’s Papaya.
The best hotels in NYC
Like everything else, hotels in NYC include the absolute best! For the ultimate NYC experience consider The Plaza located on Fifth Avenue. For over 100 years, The Plaza has played host to Kings, Heads of State and Hollywood stars. For some old-world charm, glamour and opulence, check into the St. Regis on Fifth Avenue. A highlight is the King Cole Bar, it’s here that the Bloody Mary was first concocted.
Book your stay at The Plaza via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Plaza via Agoda.com
If Brooklyn has your heart, stay right there at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The stylish hotel offers hard-to-beat views of NYC’s skyline and the Hudson. Its farm-to-table restaurant, The Osprey is sought after for its views as well as its award-winning food.
Book your stay at The St. Regis via Booking.com
Book your stay at The St. Regis via Agoda.com
The NYC outpost of the Mandarin Oriental delivers on all fronts, particularly with its well-renowned spa that’s sure to whisk you away into a world of relaxation and calm–a welcome antidote to NYC’s high octane energy.
Book your stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge via Booking.com
Book your stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge via Agoda.com
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: Mihai Simonia/Shutterstock)
Related: 15 Best Castles In New York, From Manhattan To The Finger Lakes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How many days should I spend in NYC?
A week to 10 days allows for ample time to explore the city and experience its varied offerings.
– Are there any day trips I can take from NYC?
There are several places a few hours drive away from NYC in the wider New York state. The Hamptons is known for its beaches while Hudson Valley draws crowds for its superb outdoors.
– What should I pack for a trip to NYC?
Good walking shoes, a water bottle, a backpack to carry things you’ll need all day long and sunglasses. Winter clothes and rain gear depending on the season when you visit.
– How do I get around NYC?
The well-connected and well-priced metro is the best way to beat traffic and get around the sprawling city. Ubers and other rideshare taxi apps are also available.
– Do I need a visa to visit NYC?
Everyone with an Indian passport requires a visa to visit the United States of America. Once you enter the country you can move around from one state to the other freely.
– What are some family-friendly activities in NYC?
Visit the many splendid parks spread across the city; watch a Broadway show; take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty; go up the Empire State Building; and explore the city’s many fantastic museums.
– Where can I find some of the best dining options in NYC?
There are fine dining restaurants, small hole-in-the-wall places and street trucks scattered all over the city. Chelsea is known for its superlative restaurants and bars.
– What activities are available in NYC besides sightseeing?
Catch live sporting action; watch: musical performances, stand-up comedy shows, be part of the audience at live TV shows.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Chaitali Patel
Chaitali Patel is happiest under a tree. She's passionate about all things travel and the environment. ..Read More
