7-Days New York Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to the Big Apple and not sure where to start exploring the city? In this guide to what to do in New York in 7 days, I’ll help you plan your itinerary so you can make the most of your time and not miss a thing. Let’s get started!

Explore all of New York’s boroughs with the Tour of Contrasts

Manhattan is the best-known of the five boroughs that make up New York. This is because it is the most famous borough, home to 90% of the attractions, and it is in the south where the city’s origins lie. But even so, New York is much more than that: in fact, it is huge. And one of the best ways to get your bearings in the big city is by taking a guided tour that takes you to see the most important sights.

I recommend you start by booking the New York Contrasts Tour, which will take you on a journey through the Big Apple’s five major boroughs: Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn. As this tour lasts around 5 hours, you’ll be able to visit New York’s most iconic neighbourhoods in just one morning, accompanied by a local guide who will give you a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the city, its neighbourhoods and its cultures.

A great option for first-time visitors, as it offers a fairly comprehensive and interesting introduction to the city. What’s more, once the Contrasts Tour is over, or at another point during your trip, you can return to the neighbourhood or area that caught your eye the most to explore it in detail on your own. If you like the idea, you can find out more about this activity in this article on the Contrasts Tour in New York.

Try authentic Chinese food in Chinatown

One key feature of the Contrasts Tour is that you can choose between two locations to finish the route: under the Brooklyn Bridge in the DUMBO neighbourhood or in Chinatown. My advice is to opt for Chinatown, as the end of the tour coincides with lunchtime, and in New York’s Asian quarter you’ll have the chance to sample authentic Chinese food at very reasonable prices.

If you love eating and are a real foodie, you’ll have a brilliant time in Chinatown because you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars where you can sample some of the best Asian specialities. If you like spicy food, don’t miss Xi’s an Famous Food (45 Bayard Street), and a great option for vegetarians is Buddha Bodai(5 Mott Street).

After lunch, make the most of it and book a tour of Chinatown. There’s a truly unique atmosphere here that really draws you in as a traveller. Discover Columbus Park, the Chinese American Museum or Canal Street Market, amongst many other interesting spots. Want to find out more about everything you can do in this neighbourhood? Take a look at my article on Chinatown.

Return to Manhattan

In the afternoon, head back to Manhattan to continue your tour of central New York. How about a stroll down the famous Fifth Avenue? It’s one of the city’s main thoroughfares and home to some of the Big Apple’s most exclusive hotels and shops.

But, as well as shops, on Fifth Avenue you’ll find several tourist attractions to visit, such as the Empire State Building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Rockefeller Centre and the Public Library.

Close to Fifth Avenue is also Times Square, the heart of New York and an icon of the city. Visiting Times Square at night is an absolute must on any trip to the Big Apple. You simply can’t miss it! The lights and signs of this iconic square light up everything, and the atmosphere here is unrivalled. There isn’t a traveller who doesn’t fall for the charms of Times Square! If you don’t want to miss a single detail, book a night-time bus tour of Manhattan.

Toast your trip from a rooftop

The first day of your visit to New York has been long and full of excitement. Why not round it off in style with a drink whilst admiring the Manhattan skyline from one of its best rooftops? If you like the idea, here’s my article on the 10 best rooftops in New York so you can choose the one that takes your fancy.

Start the day in Brooklyn and DUMBO

If you’re travelling to New York, you simply must visit Brooklyn, the city’s coolest alternative neighbourhood. It’s a borough with an industrial past and a strong cultural identity that’s well worth a visit. The most enjoyable way to get to Brooklyn is by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan. In fact, you can book a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan so you don’t miss a thing.

And when you come down, you’ll find yourself in DUMBO, a bohemian and artistic neighbourhood that has managed to combine old industrial architecture with the most modern design of today to create a unique atmosphere in New York. Once there, you’ll see that DUMBO exudes a special charm that you won’t be able to resist photographing. As you wander its streets, you’ll come across murals, graffiti and genuine works of art that you’ll want to capture both on your camera and in your memory.

Don’t put your camera away, because on Washington Street you can photograph the magnificent Manhattan Bridge with the skyscrapers in the background, and on Plymouth Street you’ll have the chance to see the traces of Brooklyn’s industrial past that still survive in this neighbourhood today.

Continue through Williamsburg and the Jewish quarter

The morning has only just begun, and continuing with Day 2’s route through this borough, you’ll reach Williamsburg, a neighbourhood where hipsters and New York’s most conservative Jewish community coexist, albeit each in their own space: the hipsters in Williamsburg and the Hasidic Jews in the South Williamsburg area, which you reach by crossing under the Williamsburg Bridge.

Williamsburg is one of those authentic areas full of contrasts that is well worth a visit. You’ll be surprised to see how, within just a few streets, the atmosphere changes radically: from the austerity of the Jewish quarter to the most eye-catching street art and the old factories converted into restaurants, galleries and other designer venues. After taking a stroll around the Williamsburg area, it’s time to venture into the streets of South Williamsburg, one of the world’s most popular Jewish neighbourhoods, where the buildings are austere and simple.

If you book a tour of Williamsburg in Brooklyn or simply wander through the neighbourhood, my advice is to take in the surroundings to get a feel for the local way of life and customs. The heart of community life is on Lee Avenue, the neighbourhood’s main thoroughfare and home to most of its synagogues and shops. If you can, I recommend popping into a kosher shop and buying a sweet or a roll. They’re absolutely delicious!

Try the best pizza in New York!

All that sightseeing works up an appetite, doesn’t it? You can’t leave Brooklyn without ordering a pepperoni pizza at the legendary Grimaldi’s, just under the Brooklyn Bridge at 1 Front Street. A mecca for pizza lovers in New York! Another option is to book a food tour of Brooklyn and discover various legendary spots.

Back to Soho and the West Village

In the afternoon, head back to Manhattan to explore one of New York’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Soho, where numerous films have been shot. The best way to discover all the details is by booking a tour of Soho. In this part of the city, the Midtown skyscrapers are barely visible, and some of the Big Apple’s oldest buildings are located here, giving it a unique and very special charm. It is an oasis in the heart of modern New York, where it is a pleasure to stroll leisurely amongst its art galleries, trendy restaurants and beautiful buildings. It is also an excellent place for shopping.

Set aside some time to visit the West Village, Manhattan’s neighbourhood with a bohemian and hippie soul. Unlike the rest of the city, these streets escaped the strict grid pattern on which the city was planned. As a result, they’re chaotic and great for wandering aimlessly, whilst admiring the shop windows of the charming shops and the beautiful architecture. The West Village is so picturesque that its beautiful buildings have been used as backdrops in films and TV shows, so if you enjoy following film and TV locations around New York, this neighbourhood is a great place to start, where you’ll find:

• Monica’s famous flat in Friends (specifically on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street).
• The location of Carrie Bradshaw’s flat from Sex and the City (at 66 Perry Street). In fact, you can book a tour of the Sex and the City locations.

I think the architecture of the West Village is wonderful. There’s always some little gem to discover. For example, New York’s narrowest house, with a façade just 2.9 metres wide, at 75½ Bedford Street, or the townhouses and brownstones on Leroy Street and Morton Street.

Have breakfast like a king at Chelsea Market

The third day of your trip to New York promises to be long and full of excitement. You’ll need to build up your strength to get through a whole day of sightseeing, and to do that, a good breakfast is essential. New York is a city where you can eat brilliantly, as there’s a huge variety of cuisine to suit all tastes.

However, I recommend that to kick off day 3, you head to Chelsea Market, one of Manhattan’s most popular food markets. At its food stalls, you can order delicious sandwiches, salads, pizzas, muffins, doughnuts and biscuits. Examples include Amy’s Bread, Doughnuttery and Filaga Pizzeria, though there are plenty more options.

As well as having breakfast at Chelsea Market, I suggest you take a stroll around the market as it has some really cool shops where you can buy souvenirs, such as Posman Books, Chelsea Market Baskets or the Artists & Fleas market. If you’d like to find out more about Chelsea Market, I recommend reading my article on this market in the Meatpacking District. There’s plenty to see here! And next, book a tour of Chelsea.

Marvel at High Line Park

Next to Chelsea Market lies one of New York’s most original and modern urban parks: High Line Park, a garden brimming with greenery, art and relaxation areas built on a former elevated railway line, offering the best views of the city. As it has become a very popular spot and the railway track is narrow, the park can easily get crowded, so my advice is to go first thing in the morning after having breakfast at the market.

Along the route (about two and a half kilometres), you can enjoy its unique design, which blends art and nature, whilst following a really cool path that crosses Chelsea and reaches Hudson Yards from the Meatpacking District (or the other way round, depending on where you start the circuit).

In my opinion, the views of the skyscrapers in Manhattan’s different neighbourhoods are the best part, along with that feeling of being in a little oasis surrounded by greenery and art, far from the hustle and bustle. The walk is so enjoyable that you won’t realise how far you’ve walked until you see it on a map! If you’re curious to find out more about this urban park, I recommend reading the article ‘10 things to do and see on the High Line’. You can also book a tour of the High Line.

Discover Hudson Yards and The Vessel

Strolling through High Line Park, you’ll reach Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s new trendy neighbourhood. To explore it in full detail, book a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line. You’ll be amazed!

It’s hard to believe that this ultra-modern area, brimming with avant-garde buildings, was until recently a dreary train depot next to the Hudson River. But New York is a vibrant city in constant transformation. This is how Hudson Yards came into being, a place that already boasts several must-see tourist attractions on any trip to the Big Apple, such as The Vessel, a sort of giant beehive that has become the symbol of this neighbourhood.

The Vessel is a 45-metre-high futuristic structure that offers fantastic views of the city from different heights, angles and perspectives. You’ll have a great time here playing with your camera. From the top, you can admire the Hudson River, The Shed cultural centre, High Line Park and the surrounding skyscrapers. If you look closely, you’ll even spot the One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building on the horizon. My advice is to buy your tickets for The Vessel well in advance to avoid endless queues at the ticket office.

Eat at Hudson Yards

It’s time to take a break from Day 3’s New York itinerary for lunch. There are also plenty of great options to choose from at Hudson Yards.

One of my favourites is Mercado Little Spain, a food hall located in the 10 Hudson Yards building, dedicated to the flavours of traditional Spanish cuisine. Eating a portion of patatas bravas, a Spanish omelette pincho, a Valencian coca and some crispy churros right in the heart of New York is priceless. Even more so if they bear the seal of quality from the prestigious chef José Andrés in collaboration with brothers Ferrán and Albert Adriá.

Furthermore, at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards shopping centre, there are also other restaurants such as Shake Shack, Kawi and Peach Mart, amongst other options.

Be dazzled by The Edge, Manhattan’s highest observation deck

After a break for lunch, it’s time to test your head for heights at The Edge, one of New York’s most spectacular viewing platforms. Going up to The Edge is a truly thrilling experience. Located in the 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper at a height of 345 metres, from its 700 m² glass-enclosed terrace you’ll feel the wind and enjoy unprecedented 360-degree panoramic views of New York.

I remember that the first time I stepped onto the outer part of the observatory, which juts out like an arrow against the New York skyline, I felt as though I were standing on the edge of a precipice. My adrenaline shot through me as I walked across the glass floor and looked down at New York’s traffic hundreds of metres below. It’s a truly thrilling sensation and you’ll feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Who said anything about fear?

Just as with The Vessel, I recommend buying your tickets for The Edge in advance to ensure you can enter at the time you want, on the day you’ve planned.

Game Time! Experience the magic of the NBA at Madison Square Garden

Watching a basketball match at Madison Square Garden is one of the most fascinating spectacles you can attend in the US, whether you’re passionate about basketball or simply want to experience the incredible atmosphere and excitement that this sport generates in New York. So, don’t hesitate and round off the third day of your holiday in the Big Apple in style by heading to Madison Square Garden to enjoy a New York Knicks match.

If you want to include an NBA match in your trip, my advice is to buy your tickets online before you travel. Why? The key is to buy them as early as possible to get the best seats at a cheaper price. If you wait too long, you run the risk of tickets selling out or finding only a few left at the box office at a high price and in sections with less spectacular views.

Don’t hesitate – for me, this is the easiest, safest and quickest way. If you want to know more about how to buy tickets to watch NBA games in New York, I recommend reading the article I wrote on the subject. It will only take a few minutes and I explain everything you need to know!

Listen to heavenly music in Harlem

Make the most of this day to do something different during your stay in New York, for example, a tour of Harlem with a gospel service to get to know the most authentic side of this neighbourhood in northern Manhattan.

Immersing yourself in Harlem’s culture accompanied by a professional guide is the best way to experience the city’s cultural diversity and discover the roots of the African-American community.

In just 4 hours, you’ll see Harlem’s main attractions, such as the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club, the Morris Jumel Mansion and the historic streets lined with typical apartment buildings, and you’ll have time to visit a local church to witness an authentic live gospel service. I recommend going on Sundays, as you’ll find a larger congregation and therefore a more genuine experience.

Cycle through Central Park

After this tour of Harlem, you can continue your New York itinerary in Central Park by entering via the entrance next to this neighbourhood, which is quieter than the southern entrance.

Spanning 341 hectares, Central Park is New York’s largest urban park. Seeing the whole of it would be exhausting and perhaps unnecessary. To get an overview of the park and ensure you have enough energy to keep exploring New York after this visit, I recommend hiring a bike to cycle around it, as you’ll be able to see the main attractions and save time.

There are many ways to visit Central Park, but taking a private bike-taxi tour strikes me as a fun and different way to discover it, as you’re accompanied by a professional guide. I did it and it’s well worth it because it shows you not only the park’s most iconic spots but also others that usually go unnoticed by tourists.

Have a picnic in Central Park

Once you’ve finished your bike ride through Central Park, you can head to The Great Lawn, the park’s largest grassy area, to rest for a while and have a picnic when the sun is shining.

There are plenty of food stalls scattered throughout Central Park where you can buy hot dogs, waffles, sandwiches, drinks and ice cream. If the weather isn’t on your side, don’t worry, as there are several restaurants within the park where you can stop for a bite to eat, such as The Loeb Boathouse, Café Express or Le Pain Quotidien.

Stroll through the Upper East Side and the Museum of Natural History

Continuing your tour of New York on the fourth day, you can make the most of your visit to Central Park to take a stroll through the Upper East Side, New York’s affluent neighbourhood known for its imposing stately buildings and wide avenues.

Next, book your ticket for the American Museum of Natural History, to the west of Central Park. It is one of the city’s must-see museums and one of the most visited, so to skip the queues at the ticket office and head straight to the exhibitions, it’s best to get a skip-the-queue ticket for the museum.

My favourite section is the one dedicated to fossils and dinosaurs, but this museum has dozens of permanent and special exhibitions. My advice is to plan your visit well and set aside at least three hours to explore the museum at your leisure, but if you don’t have much time, it’s best to head straight to the galleries you want to see. If you’d like to find out more about the American Museum of Natural History in New York, don’t miss my article: Natural History Museum Tickets and Tours

Cruise the waters of New York at dusk

At any time of day, the views of the New York skyline are stunning, but I must admit I have a particular soft spot for its lights at dusk. That’s why taking a sunset cruise along the waters of Manhattan is one of the most beautiful memories you’ll take home with you. A brilliant way to round off an action-packed day after endless walks around the city, whether with family, friends or as a couple. You have several options:

• Circle Line night cruise around Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty, from CAD 73
• Buffet dinner cruise on New York’s Hudson River, from CAD 155

Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a brilliant time whilst continuing to explore the city’s best views and enjoying a relaxing moment on board a boat.

Take the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour and catch a ferry to Liberty Island

Your trip to New York is drawing to a close, and to ensure you don’t miss out on any key sights, I recommend taking the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour on the morning of day 5 – the heart of the Big Apple. It’s the perfect option if you’re only in New York for a few days or if you’re travelling with children who tire easily of walking.

The best part of the tour is exploring Manhattan with an expert guide, so you’ll have some context about each place you visit when you’re exploring the city on your own and will be much better equipped to find your way around. The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour lasts three and a half hours and ends at Battery Park, at the southern tip of the borough bordering the Financial District.

After this activity, you can take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, which departs from the pier in this park, the oldest in New York. The views of Liberty Island, Lady Liberty and Ellis Island from Battery Park are stunning. You’ll take loads of photos!

Take a break for lunch at Westfield World Trade Center Mall

On your return to Manhattan, before visiting Ground Zero, it’s time to take a break for lunch and recharge your batteries. You can head to Westfield World Trade Center Mall, a shopping centre located right beneath The Oculus. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from, including Eataly, Shake Shack, Wasabi Sushi & Bento and Starbucks, amongst others.

Visiting Ground Zero and the Financial District in the afternoon

New York’s Ground Zero is a memorial site that pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks that shocked the world. Following the attacks, the World Trade Center had to be completely rebuilt. The Twin Towers were replaced by:

• One World Trade Center, which boasts New York’s highest observation deck, known as the One World Observatory.
• The striking 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
• The Memorial, one of the most moving visits I made in New York.

However, there is much more to see at Ground Zero. If you want to know more, in my article ‘10 things to see and do at Ground Zero in New York’ I’ll tell you about the must-sees. I also recommend booking a tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero.

The next stop on the route is the Financial District in the heart of Downtown Manhattan. Here there are plenty of tourist attractions to see, such as Wall Street and its Charging Bull or the New York Stock Exchange, amongst others. Its long, narrow streets flanked by enormous skyscrapers barely allow you to see the sky, and you’ll come across hundreds of suited executives rushing back and forth.

Experience the magic of a Broadway musical

People come to New York to have fun, to be surprised at every turn and even to daydream. That’s what Broadway musicals are for – they’ll make you feel like a child again, whatever your age!

The magic of Broadway, its musical numbers and its majestic productions will leave you speechless. There are countless shows currently running, but some of the most prestigious include The Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, The Lion King, Wicked, Chicago, Frozen and Les Misérables. Discover all the options for Broadway musicals and choose your favourite.

That said, if you want to spend an evening at the theatre, I recommend buying your Broadway tickets in advance to secure the best seats on your preferred date and at a better price than at the box office, where you’ll also avoid having to queue for ages.

Perhaps when you were first planning your trip to New York, you didn’t think to include a day trip outside the city to see other parts of the United States, as there is so much to see in the Big Apple. However, in my opinion, dedicating a day of your holiday to a trip to Washington or Niagara Falls is a brilliant idea, as you’ll have the chance to discover the nation’s capital or this natural wonder.

Discover Washington D.C

Booking a daytrip to Washington is one of the best day-trip experiences you can have from the Big Apple. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide and take a comprehensive tour of Washington to discover iconic sites such as the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, amongst many others. Read the following post about the day trip to Washington from New York and discover all the secrets. It’s amazing!

Marvel at Niagara Falls

Another option is a day trip to Niagara Falls that takes you there and back to central New York in a single day. The great thing about this organised tour is that you won’t have to worry about how to get there, which can be quite an ordeal. And once at the falls, you’ll be sure not to miss a single detail thanks to a professional bilingual guide.

Gazing at the beautiful rainbow and listening to the roar of the water is an unforgettable experience. I was left speechless! What’s more, as this tour explores the New York side of the Falls, no visa is required.

And so the last day of your holiday in New York has arrived! All goodbyes are difficult, especially when you’ve had such a great time and experienced memorable moments in this city, but rather than getting sad, my advice is to enjoy your last day to the full.

To start with, you could spend the morning shopping around New York to buy some original and unique souvenirs of your trip. Here you can find everything at every price! The city is full of shops to suit all tastes, and I’m sure you’ll find a special gift for your friends and family.

If you need some inspiration, I recommend taking a look at my article on the 10 best things to buy in New York. Another option is to book a shopping tour, which will take you to the Woodbury Common outlet.

Treat yourself to your final meal in New York

A day of shopping leaves anyone exhausted. Take a break and make the most of your last day in New York to treat yourself as you deserve. In my post on the 10 best places to eat in New York, you’ll find places where you can eat very well without breaking the bank. And if you’re looking for a safe bet, be sure to book a food tour of Manhattan where you’ll sample all the delights of New York cuisine.

Say goodbye to New York in style!

Say goodbye to the Big Apple from the top of one of its skyscrapers, gazing out at the wonderful Manhattan skyline at sunset. Watching the sun set as the lights of New York gradually come to life is a magical moment and a very special way to bid farewell to the city.

There are many observation decks to visit, each offering a different view of the New York skyline, but the two best options, both in central Manhattan, are:

• Go up the Empire State Building.
• Top of the Rock.

Now, which is the best observation deck? It depends: the Empire State Building’s observation deck is higher and offers better views of One World Trade Center and the Financial District, whilst Top of the Rock is the best choice for seeing Times Square, Central Park and the Empire State Building from high above. Whichever observation deck you choose, you’ll find that being up there is truly breathtaking and gives you the feeling that time stands still before your eyes.