How to Spend 4 Days in NYC Itinerary (Ultimate Guide Curated by Locals)
Looking for how to spend 4 days in NYC? We got you. While you could easily spend all of your PTO time for the year and still not see it all, heck, even locals who aggressively try to do all the awesome things to do in NYC, they can’t do it.
4 days in New York City is still a good amount of time to see and experience alot, with the right planning. That’s why this guide for how to spend 4 days in NYC itinerary exists and we are here to help guide you along.
Say you just wrapped up a one-day work conference and while you’re here, you might as well stay! You just attended a wedding in the area and want to do something other than eat overcooked hotel steak! You impulse-booked flights and it was way cheaper to travel Monday through Thursday!
Okay, no matter the reason, there is plenty of time to fully enjoy the Big Apple, aka New York City in 4 days — we think it’s ample time to hit some of the city’s most well-known sights, cultural institutions, and parks while still catching some under-the-radar hidden local gems that you can use as future New Yorker street cred. Just remember — walk fast and speak faster! Just kidding, be nice, support local businesses, and tip well. Have fun!!
A friendly tip for using this 4 days in NYC itinerary! Feel free to fully customize this trip based on what you want to see and do! We included food recommendations, activities, and even late night fun (if that’s your thing, if not skip those suggestions).
And be sure to also check out our guide to all the essential New York City travel tips you’ll want to know before your visit too!
Are 4 days enough for New York City? Well, yes and no. You surely won’t be able to do everything there is to see and do, but you can definitely fit alot in during a carefully planned 4 days in NYC itinerary. In 4 days, you’ll have enough time to see the main attractions plus a few other things.
There really is no best time of year to visit New York City as something is always happening or going on every season. However, April through June and September through November are the best times to visit NYC for comfortable weather. December is an exciting time of year to visit New York City thanks to all the holiday festivities. January through the end of February tends to be the most affordable time to visit New York City to get good hotel deals and enjoy with less crowds.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Pssst… spending more or less than 4 days in New York? Check out our other helpful itineraries. Each one is unique so you can also customize your 4 days in New York by picking and choosing from these curated New York trips too!
Also, if you’re still planning, be sure to check out our guide for the best places to stay in New York City by neighborhood.
We also put together our favorite picks for best NYC hotels with a view if you want to elevate your trip with skyline views right from your bed!
Or if you’re on a budget, check out our guide to the best affordable NYC hotels under $200 a night with great locations!
New York Itinerary for 4 Days
Day 1 of 4 Days in NYC: Midtown
Breakfast at Sullivan Street Bakery
533 W47th Street, New York, NY
I’m willing to get into a fight defending my belief that New York City has the best bakeries in the US — don’t believe me? Taste for yourself at the legendary Midtown headquarters of Sullivan Street Bakery, the delicious ode to Italy’s best treats including pitch-perfect bomboloni, focaccia, and chocolate cannottos.
Stop by for some pastries and an espresso before heading out on your 4 days in New York itinerary.
The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Just west of Sullivan Street Bakery is one of New York’s coolest, most underrated historical institutions — the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you can check out explorable historic aircrafts and space shuttles all housed in a World War II-era aircraft carrier situated on the Hudson River (bonus — there are great views!).
Head over during your 4 days in New York to learn about the nation’s military and maritime history and hang out in the adjacent Hudson River Park! Book your tickets in advance.
The New York Public Library – Main Branch
476 5th Ave, New York, NY
There’s nothing quite like the grandeur of the New York Public Library — it’s a must-visit on your 4 days in NYC itinerary. The gorgeous 1911 Beaux-Arts building houses over 2.5 million volumes, rotating cultural exhibits, and a permanent collection of treasures including the original Winnie the Pooh characters, so be sure to stop by for instant literary inspiration or one of the best things to do in NYC with kids who love these timeless characters.
Bryant Park
The unofficial backyard to the NYPL, the beautiful Bryant Park is another highlight on any New York itinerary 4 days adventure. In addition to a much-needed patch of green in Midtown’s busiest sector, the park is home to a plethora of seasonal fun, including summer concerts, movie nights, workout classes, holiday markets, and its famous winter village, including its famous ice skating rink which is one of the most popular outdoor activities in NYC!
Check out more of the best things to do in Midtown near Bryant Park too!
Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1
229 W 43rd Street New York, NY
When you can’t make it to Mexico or the West Coast, a trip to Los Tacos No. 1 is your next best option on your 4 days in NYC trip. This local cult franchise is beloved for its tacos and tostadas and Mexican specialty sodas, all served at extremely affordable prices (which in of itself is a Midtown miracle!!). We recommend the Carne Asada!
Empire State Building
20 W 34th St, New York, NY
One of New York’s most iconic buildings, visiting the Empire State Building is a great stop on your 4 days in NYC itinerary for classic Big Apple photo ops. Purchase tickets individually or through the CityPASS program (which also includes attractions like The Edge and Top of the Rock too) to gain entry to the 1930 art deco structure’s 86th and 102nd-floor observatories, where you can snap a souvenir shot or recreate the end of many, many movies (except King Kong!!).
The Edge is also included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
The Edge Observation Deck
30 Hudson Yards, New York NY
Can’t get enough skyline views and want more of the best observation decks in NYC? Take your 4 days in New York itinerary over to 30 Hudson Yards, where you can visit the 100th-floor observation deck and 360-degree views of the city, Hudson and East Rivers, and the entire Tri-State area.
Visiting the Edge you’ll get to experience the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, if you’re feeling really brave you can try City Climb, where you repel along the deck for an up-close-and-personal experience with the top of Manhattan enjoying some of the best views in NYC like a daredevil.
Book your tickets individually (you’ll want to make a reservation in advance) or you can visit through the CityPASS program (which also includes attractions like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock too to name a few).
The Edge is also included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Happy Hour at Peak Bar and Restaurant
30 Hudson Yards New York, NY
Celebrate your 4 days in NYC itinerary (or wait for your daredevil friends who tried City Climb) by heading one floor above The Edge to Peak Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy a sunset cocktail or a snack in the wall-to-wall windows, spectacular dining room.
If you book a dinner reservation in their dining room, admission to The Edge is complimentary. However, with your Edge ticket, you can get free access to the Lounge for a drink and no reservation is required.
Dinner at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
249 W 49th Street, New York, NY
Snag dinner on your New York itinerary 4 days adventure at the eclectic Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, serving up Continental European fare in a (what else!) Victorian setting that feels elevated without being stuffy (much like its Victorian feminist namesake, the late Lillie Langrty).
This is without a doubt one of the most fun dining experiences in New York City and a must to your itinerary. They always have fun, festive decor throughout the year for various holidays from Halloween, Christmas, Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day, spring flowers, and more!
Order the Mussels Frites and if you happen to visit around a major holiday, know that nobody decorates the place better than Lillie’s — you’re guaranteed a great photo op and a fun, festive time! Plus their gin and tonics are legendary!
See a Broadway Show
You can’t spend 4 days in NYC without seeing a Broadway show! Visit the Main Stem for one of the season’s newest offerings or a longstanding crowd favorite that’s sure to leave you cheering. Check out or guide to Broadway etiquette and dress code as well as how to secure tickets and get ready to applaud!
After Show Drinks at Glass House Tavern
252 W 47th St, New York, NY
Loved the show? Unpack all of your favorite moments with a nightcap (we recommend the Cucumber-Mint Rickey) at Glass House Tavern on your 4 days in New York itinerary. And while you’re there, keep an eye out — a theater industry favorite, you might just spot a few of your favorite actors out on the town too!
This is also one of the best restaurants in the Theater District too if you want a bite to eat!
Stroll through Times Square
Are you a night owl? You’re on vacation and you only have 4 days in New York so why not make the most of it. After your show or after-show drink take a lap through Times Square and if it’s close to midnight try to catch Midnight Moment (nightly at 11:57 PM to 12 AM).
There are plenty of fun things to do in Times Square and plenty of awesome things to do in NYC at night if you’re planning to be a night owl you’re entire NYC itinerary!
Day 2 of 4 Days in NYC: Central Park, Upper East Side, Upper West Side
Breakfast Options
Modern Bread & Bagel 472 Columbus Avenue New York, NY
4 days in NYC and we’re recommending a Gluten-Free Bagel place?! Yes we are! Whether you’re gluten-free or gluten-friendly, this Upper West Side bakery is incredible, and fully GF and kosher! We recommend the Lox breakfast sandwich or the French toast sticks!
Lexington Candy Shop 1226 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Looking to time travel? Make sure your 4 days in NYC itinerary contains at least one stop at the Lexington Candy Shop, an old school luncheonette where the eggs are perfectly cooked, the service is lovably brusque and the interiors scream Old School New York.
Central Park
The big daddy of New York City’s parks, a New York itinerary 4 days adventure is not complete without a stroll through Manhattan’s most storied green space. Check out the romantic Conservatory Gardens at East 105th Street or hang out in Strawberry Fields (forever) before checking out one of the park’s many, many seasonal events — from concerts to roller skating to ice skating to Shakespeare, there is always something to do in the park and even cool hidden gems in Central Park worth hunting down!
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West, New York, NY
Another must-see on your 4 days in NYC itinerary, the American Museum of Natural History is your stop for dinosaur fossils, a rockin’ planetarium, and rotating exhibits celebrating the natural sciences. The Natural History is also an ideal rainy day activity in NYC , or just as a break from the elements and a place to appreciate the historic 1869 architecture and learn a little along the way!!
The Museum of Natural History admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Lunch at Jacob’s Pickles
509 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
There is often a line outside of Jacob’s Pickles, and for good reason: the Southern-comfort-meets-New York-deli spot has some of the best brisket, chicken, and of course, housemade pickles in the neighborhood and maybe the city. Order the Honey Chicken and Pickles Sandwich or the Baby Back Ribs and come hungry. Or if you like spicy, the hot chicken biscuit is a must.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
Far more than just a place for the Gossip Girls to hang out on its steps, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to over 2 million art works from every possible era and genre and without a doubt one of the best museums in NYC.
Pick your favorite time period and spend a few hours taking it all in on your 4 days in New York itinerary. And if you’re here in the summer, keep an eye out for outdoor rooftop events with eye-popping views of Central Park!
Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Ave, New York, NY
Slightly off the beaten path (and by off the beaten path, it’s still on Museum Mile!) is the Museum of the City of New York, where you can learn the city’s eclectic history (where did all the payphones go?!) in a fun, scaleable setting (you can complete the whole thing in a few hours!). It’s the perfect 4 days in NYC afternoon activity!
The Museum of the City of New York admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
11 W 53rd Street New York, NY
Check out the works of the world’s best contemporary and semi-contemporary artists (think Andy Warhol, Guillermo del Toro and Georgia O’Keefe) in print and multimedia exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), where you can spend your 4 days in New York lost in a gallery or attending one of the museum’s many events, panels, and screenings.
MoMa admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Dinner at Han Dynasty
215 W 85th Street New York, NY
Enjoy top-of-the-line Sichuan cuisine on your 4 days in New York itinerary in a fun, casual setting at the legendary Han Dynasty, where everything from the Cold Noodles with Chili Oil to the Dry Pepper Chicken Wings is worth writing home about.
Drinks at Bemelmans Bar
35 E 76th Street, New York, NY
Want to feel glamorous? Dress up and head to the iconic Bemelmans Bar, where you can sip on a signature martini surrounded by murals painted by the artist behind the Madeline book series, and people-watch to your heart’s delight. Now that’s a way to cap off one day of your New York itinerary 4 days adventure!
Day 3 of 4 Days in NYC: Downtown Manhattan
Breakfast Options
Sarabeths: 339 Greenwich St, New York, NY
Spending 4 days in NYC can be exhausting, and what better way to start your day exploring all the best things to do in Lower Manhattan than with a hearty breakfast of house-made pastries or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at the famous Sarabeths, where you can enjoy a serene, Nancy Meyers-esque meal before heading out to explore!
Oh, and if you love pancakes these are not only great but more of the best pancakes in NYC can be found in TriBeca at Bubby’s too!
Tompkins Square Bagels: 184 2nd Ave and 165 Avenue A
Your 4 days in New York would not be satisfying without at least a few trips searching for the best bagels in NYC, and if you’re downtown, Tompkins Square Bagels (now at two locations!) is one of the must-try options. We recommend the Sourdough bagel with Cream Cheese or just a classic BEC (that’s Bacon Egg and Cheese, for the uninitiated!!).
One World Observatory
117 West St, New York, NY
Can’t get enough sky-high photo ops? Make sure to visit the One World Observatory, where a speedy elevator trip will take directly to insane 360-degree views of Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers, Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Statue of Liberty.
We recommend making reservations and booking tickets online in advance just after breakfast for fewer crowds and photoshoot ease on your 4 days in New York.
One World Observatory is also available through the CityPASS program and the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
While you’re here, stop by the 9/11 Memorial which is free to visit at the former site of the Twin Towers and the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Ferry to Governors Island or Staten Island
Governors Island Ferry: Battery Maritime Building 10 South Street, Staten Island Ferry: Whitehall Terminal 4 South Street
Yes, this technically counts as branching out of Manhattan — but when you’re spending a day downtown on your 4 days in NYC itinerary, it’s really worthwhile to take a quick ferry ride to one of the Big Apple’s easiest day trips!
Hop a boat to Governors Island for food trucks, art galleries, bike rentals, hammocks, a year-round spa, glamping and seasonal events.
Or take a ride on the iconic orange Staten Island Ferry for free views of the Statue of Liberty and some insane pizza in the city’s fifth borough, which is also one of the best free things to do in NYC!
Option 2: Ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
If you want to dial up your Statue of Liberty views on your New York itinerary 4 days adventure, may we recommend booking a ticket on the ferry to Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, where you can explore the rich history of the city’s melting-pot population and check out Lady Liberty up close!
If you plan to do both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you’ll need at least 2 to 3 hours. So plan accordingly and if you tend to get hungry pack a snack to hold you over to lunch. Keep in mind that these monuments close at 4 PM so you’ll want to try to go earlier in the day.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island admission is also available through the CityPASS program and the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money.
Lunch Options
Veselka: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Speaking of New York’s rich cultural history, head to the East Village to honor the neighborhood’s legacy of traditional Ukrainian food at the one and only Veselka — where we recommend absolutely everything on the menu but especially, really, you must try…the life changing pierogies. Thank us later!
Rubirosa: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY
We wouldn’t send you on a 4 days in NYC itinerary without recommending at least one pizza place!! Locals and visitors alike flock to the trendy-yet-unfussy Rubirosa, where you can enjoy perfectly baked pies like the Tie Dye (vodka/tomato/pesto sauce!!) and Mozzarella Honey Soppressata pie. And if you’re craving more pizza, be sure to read our full guide to the best pizza in NYC!
Shop in SoHo
You’ve already seen the Instagram posts of street stylin’ fashionistas along Soho’s cobblestone streets. People-watch, outfit watch, and of course, shop along Broome, Broadway, Crosby, and Prince Streets for both designer flagship and indie boutique stores perfect for snagging a souvenir on your 4 days in New York itinerary.
McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince Street, New York, NY
New York has an amazing independent book scene (as evidenced by our NYC independent bookstores guide!) and McNally Jackson is one of our favorites. Choose from best-selling titles curated by the staff, new works published by the store’s own imprint and enjoy their serene cafe for a relaxing afternoon activity on your 4 days in NYC.
Morrison Hotel Gallery
116 Prince Street New York, NY
And before you leave Prince Street and your 4 days in NYC itinerary, you must stop by the Morrison Hotel Gallery, our favorite hidden gem of fine art music photography where you can gaze at (and shop!!) exclusive prints of your favorite artistic greats in concert shots, backstage candids, and revealing portraits.
Washington Square Park
Known for its iconic arch, history of social protests and artistic, bohemian vibe, Washington Square Park is a great pit stop on your New York itinerary 4 days adventure. Enjoy a moment by the park’s fountain, people-watch the never-ending hilarity of dramatic NYU students (I can say this, I was one of them!!), or read one of the books you bought at McNally Jackson!!
Whitney Museum
99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY
One of New York’s most glamorous museums, the sleek, stylish Whitney is home to a massive collection of 20th century contemporary American art and frequently rotating exhibits. Be sure to check the Meatpacking District’s museum’s calendar to see if there is a screening or sunset rooftop party to enjoy on your 4 days in New York!
Whitney Museum admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Dinner Options
Jack’s Wife Freda: 50 Carmine St, New York, NY
We love to take out-of-towners to Jack’s Wife Freda, where freshly prepared Israeli-American cuisine, strong cocktails, and natural wines make for a perfect dinner on your 4 days in NYC itinerary. We recommend the Peri-Peri Chicken, Grilled Halloumi, and Jack’s Manhattan!
SMØR: 441 E 12th Street New York, NY
Holy schnitzel! This Danish eatery specializing in perfectly cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables (along with a venerable cocktail list and natural wine program) is the fun, casual dinner spot you’ve been searching for on your 4 days in New York. Get the Danish hot dog to split and experience joy!!!
Dancing at Joyface
104 Losaida Ave, New York, NY
Speaking of joy, why not end your evening dancing the night away at Joyface, the trendy, low-key-but-you-might-see-a-celebrity Alphabet City hangout where you can end your 4 days in New York right.
Day 4 of 4 Days in NYC: More Downtown Manhattan & Brooklyn
Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company
4 Clinton St, New York, NY
Start the last leg of your 4 days in New York itinerary with otherworldly pancakes at the Lower East Side’s Clinton Street Baking Company, where you can enjoy top-notch flapjacks, omelets, and Brioche french toast in an elevated-diner environment.
Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre St, New York, NY
Explore New York’s Chinatown and its legacy at the Museum of Chinese in America, where you can learn the history of New York’s vibrant Chinese population, explore multimedia exhibits and performances and look through over 85,000 artifacts from the Chinese diaspora.
Museum of Chinese in America admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Lunch at Wo Hop
17 Mott St, New York, NY
After MOCA, head over to the world-renowned Wo Hop for incredible fried dumplings, Schezuan beef and Crispy Hunan Sliced Pork that you’ll be thinking about long after your New York itinerary 4 days adventure!
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge & Explore DUMBO
Walk off your lunch by strolling across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for unparalleled New York vibes (for a less crowded experience, consider trying this activity first thing in the morning).
Once you’ve made it over, be sure to check out all the cool things to do in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) where you can find further photo ops at the intersection of Washington and Henry Street as well as the Squibb Park Bridge at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
While you’re there, take a ride on Jane’s Carousel or kayak in the summer, or grab a hot chocolate at One Girl Cookies and browse the Time Out market view from their rooftop.
Prospect Park
Hop on the F train from DUMBO to Prospect Park. What Central Park is to Manhattan is what Prospect Park is to Brooklyn, the massive, verdant Prospect Park is a must-see on your 4 days in NYC.
Ice skate, rollerblade, rent a boat, play tennis, bird watch or just relax in Frederick Law Olmstead’s crown jewel of Kings County.
Be sure to check for seasonal events, festivals, concerts, and the Grand Army Plaza farmer’s market, where you can spend too much money on fancy cheese and be so glad you did!!
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
While you’re in the park, make a special trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a stunning conservatory of seasonal floral landscapes that features a stunning Cherry Blossom festival in the spring, vibrant summer flowers, a holiday light show in the winter along with a great place to warm up in the conservatories, and gorgeous fall foliage. It’s a pit stop for all seasons on your 4 days in New York!!
Brooklyn Botanic Garden admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
Rounding out your time in the park should be a trip to the Brooklyn Museum, where you can visit over 1.5 million historical and contemporary multimedia artworks housed in an absolutely stunning late 19th-century building designed by famed architects McKim, Mead, and White.
Be sure to look out for special limited edition exhibits that require special ticket entry.
Brooklyn Museum admission is included on the New York Pass if you’re looking to bundle attractions and save money on over 100 attractions!
Dinner
Pasta Louise: 1114 8th Ave, Brooklyn
After all the fun around the general Prospect Park area, head to the beautiful brownstone-filled neighborhood of Park Slope for some fantastic homemade pasta at this neighborhood Italian favorite. There’s a special handmade noodle of the day and you can pick which sauce you want it served in along with delicious toppings like a fresh ball of burrata or crispy prosciutto. Don’t sleep on the appetizers either!
Catch an Event at Barclays Center
620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Cap off your 4 days in New York itinerary with a game or concert at the world-class Barclays Center, where you can catch the Brooklyn Nets or a world tour concert with some of the best stadium food around.
There are also great restaurants near Barlcays too so you can plan to eat somewhere within a 10-minute walk of your event!
Dance at Friends and Lovers
641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Dance until dawn at Friends and Lovers, a convivial dance club in Brooklyn where everyone dances like nobody’s watching and looks great doing it!! Toast to a well-spent 4 days in New York with some of the best dance music in the city.
Extra Time During your 4 Days in New York?
Have extra time on your 4 days in New York itinerary? Maybe one or two of the suggestions weren’t for you. No sweat, here are a few other awesome things to check out.
- Check out Summit One Vanderbilt. This is the newest and one of the best views of the skyline to check out! From art installations, mirrored floors and ceilings, and views of the best skyscrapers in the city front and center – this is not to be missed! Purchase tickets online in advance.
- See the city from above by joining one of the best helicopter tours over NYC! See the city and all its highlights from a bird’s eye view! Check out New York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island tour.
- The Museum of Ice Cream is still one of the top attractions in NYC for visitors! This sweet tooth exhibit has one extra photo spot after another! Get your tickets in advance here.
- Also, check out all the amazing things to do in Brooklyn for more ideas.
See More & Save Money on Your NYC Itinerary
Sightseeing and things to do during your 4 days in NYC itinerary can add up, especially if you’re seeing some of the best attractions and experiences in NYC.
There’s a way you can save some serious money and that’s by purchasing an attraction pass where you bundle multiple experiences for your visit and save with steep discounts, which we’ve mentioned throughout the guide.
There are a few different money-saving attraction passes available in NYC that are WORTH every cent if you plan on seeing multiple famous attractions in the city and are perfect for those who just can’t pick and choose and want to hit up a few of the city’s top attractions within a few days.
These attraction passes are paid upfront for a one-time fee and on your trip they get you into multiple different attractions for free meaning that you save some serious money overall. By purchasing an attraction pass you can save anywhere from 35-45% on your attraction passes and saving you hundreds of dollars on your visit!
CityPASS offers a 3 attraction pass or a 6 attraction pass with over 12 city attractions to choose from including some of the famous observation decks (which you can visit at night) like the Empire State Building, The Edge, and Top of the Rock.
Another great option is the New York Pass which you can purchase anywhere from a 1 Day Pass to a 10 Day Pass that gets you into over 100 attractions. Once you purchase your New York Pass you download the Go City app and use that to get up to 45% savings on popular attractions as well as a few hidden gem attractions like the Empire State Building, The Edge, and many of the observation decks!
See our full breakdown of the New York Pass and our breakdown of the New York CityPASS to see if it’s worth it for your visit to save hundreds of dollars on multiple attractions!
4 Days in New York Itinerary Summary:
Day 1 Midtown: Breakfast at Sullivan Street Bakery, The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum, New York Public Library Main Branch, Bryant Park, Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1, Empire State Building, The Edge, Dinner at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, See a Broadway Show, After Show Drinks at Glass House Tavern, late night walk through Times Square
Day 2 Central Park, Upper East Side, Upper West Side: (Breakfast at Lexington Candy Shop, Central Park, American Museum of Natural History, Lunch at Jacob’s Pickles, Museum Mile. Dinner at Han Dynasty, Drinks at Bemelmans Bar
Day 3 Downtown Manhattan: Breakfast, One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty or Staten Island Ferry, Lunch, Shop in SoHo, McNally Jackson Books, Morrison Hotel Gallery, Washington Square Park, Whitney Museum, Dinner, Dancing at Joyce
Day 4 More Downtown Manhattan & Brooklyn: Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company, Museum of Chinese in America, Lunch at Wo Hop, Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge, Explore DUMBO, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Dinner, Barclay’s Center Game or Concert, Dance at Friends and Lovers
About Guest Author
Sarah Beling is a playwright, New Yorker, and passionate food enthusiast who is always looking for her next meal. You can find her in an NYC park, enjoying a chopped cheese sandwich and reading about NYC’s best new places to eat.
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