A 5-day itinerary to visit New York

You can see New York in 5 days. Follow this itinerary to get a great overview of the city and make the most of your time. Just keep in mind the public holidays in New York.

Day 1: Arrival

AFTERNOON – Times Square

• To make the most of your 5 days in New York, book a flight that arrives as early as possible.
• Arriving in the early afternoon gives you time to clear US immigration, collect your luggage, and head to your hotel. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, go to Times Square to see one of the city’s most vibrant and iconic spots. For sweeping views right away, climb to the top of the One Times Square observation deck.

Day 2: Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan

MORNING – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Use the jet lag to your advantage and take the first ferry to the Statue of Liberty. You’ll see New York’s most famous monument and enjoy spectacular views of the skyline. A perfect start to your trip.
• Continue to Ellis Island, where you can learn about US immigration history. From here, you’ll also have stunning views of Manhattan.

AFTERNOON – Financial District

• Back at Battery Park, explore the Financial District. Walk up Broadway to the Charging Bull statue, then turn onto Wall Street to see the New York Stock Exchange.
• Head toward the World Trade Center complex. You’ll find the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the striking Oculus station, and One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States.
• If you’d like, head up to the top of One World Observatory, located at the summit of One World Trade Center.

Day 3: Midtown and Central Park

MORNING – Top of the Rock, Empire State Building and 42nd Street

• Midtown Manhattan is packed with major landmarks and attractions. Start your day at an observation deck: choose between Top of the Rock and the iconic Empire State Building. Top of the Rock offers stunning views with the Empire State Building in the foreground. The Empire State Building gives you a more central perspective and deeper historical context. Pick whichever appeals to you.
• If you visit the Empire State Building, take advantage of any remaining jet lag and wake early to see the distinctive Flatiron Building before heading to the Empire State Building.
• Back on the streets, walk up or down Fifth Avenue, New York’s premier shopping destination and main avenue. You’ll pass Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower, and many major brands, including the NBA Store.

AFTERNOON – 42nd Street and Central Park

• Finish your Midtown tour by exploring 42nd Street. Along the way, you’ll discover Bryant Park, the stunning Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the UN Headquarters.
• For breathtaking views of Midtown and the city, visit Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck. New York’s newest observation deck is an experience in itself.
• If you didn’t make it to Times Square on arrival day, now’s the time. Then head into Central Park.

Day 4: Brooklyn to the High Line

MORNING – Brooklyn Bridge and Lower East Side

• Get up early and head to Brooklyn. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning with the sun behind you and the Financial District skyline ahead.
• Back in Manhattan, explore the Lower East Side. Stop by Chinatown, Manhattan’s Chinese neighborhood. You’ll also see the streets of Little Italy, where you can easily find a meal. Continue through SoHo, known for its fashion boutiques.

AFTERNOON – The Villages and the High Line

• Head north through SoHo into New York’s charming neighborhoods: the East Village and Greenwich Village. Spend time in Washington Square Park.
• Take the subway (A, C, or E line) from W 4 St Washington Square station and get off at 14 St. Explore the Meatpacking District and walk the High Line, an elevated park that takes you to Hudson Yards. There you’ll see the striking Vessel sculpture.

Day 5: Departure

MORNING – A Museum, Central Park, or Harlem

• On your last morning, consider visiting a New York museum. You have plenty to choose from. If you love art, try the MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art.
• If museums aren’t your thing, or you want to explore more of the city, spend more time in Central Park. You can also combine Central Park with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s largest museum.
• Another option: head up to Harlem, including Columbia University and the Upper West Side, to see other neighborhoods of Manhattan.

AFTERNOON – To the Airport

• After lunch, head back to your hotel and make your way to the airport. Depending on your flight time, you can still wander the streets and revisit a spot near your hotel, such as Times Square or the Financial District.
• Tip: on your last afternoon, stay close to your hotel. If you run into transport delays, you risk missing your flight.