4-Days New York City Itinerary: the latest tips and tricks

Four days in New York go a long way: there is so much to see and do in the Big Apple, but by choosing your itinerary carefully and booking tickets in advance, you'll be on the safe side and make the most of your time.

Here's what you can't miss in the city so you can get the most out of your trip.

The island of Manhattan has a lot to offer. Movie sets, street art, history, gastronomy, the best museums in New York, etc. After all, it's the image of New York that comes to mind when we hear about the Big Apple.

Start your first day in the south and learn all about the history of the city. I'll tell you how.

Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Starting the day with a cruise on the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty is a smart decision. Early in the morning, there are few tourists visiting the islands, so you're sure to enjoy the trip much more.

There are two ports where you can catch the ferry: Battery Park and neighboring Jersey City. Ferries run every 25 to 30 minutes, with the first one leaving at 9:30 AM and the last one at 3:30 PM. On this trip, you'll not only discover the importance of the monument that France gave to the United States on the centenary of its independence, but you'll also stop at Ellis Island, the island that welcomed at least the ancestors of 40% of the current US population.

I recommend that you book your visit to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty or purchase tickets to the Statue of Liberty in advance to avoid surprises and long lines.

A moment to remember: visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

When you return to Manhattan, the ferry will drop you off again at Battery Park. From there, you can walk 12 minutes along Greenwich Street to the 9/11 Memorial.

Although it is a somewhat bittersweet experience, I assure you that it is worth it, as you will end up becoming an expert on the history of the Big Apple. In addition, both the Memorial and the Museum, which are two different things, present this historic moment in the most respectful way.

Upon arrival, you will find yourself in front of the Memorial built at Ground Zero, a space to remember those who are no longer with us. From there, you can visit the 9/11 Museum, a space where you will learn all about the social and political impact that the fall of the Twin Towers had on the United States and the world.

A stroll through Chinatown

In southern Manhattan, in addition to the financial district, you will find architectural and gastronomic evidence of all the immigration that has taken place throughout the city's history.

Start by taking a stroll through Chinatown. You can get there in about 16 minutes by taking subway line 4. The neighborhood offers restaurants with flavors exported from China and South Asia, Buddhist temples that will surprise you, and even a museum where you can learn about the history of the Asian-American population in New York. Canal Street and Mott Street are the main streets I encourage you to explore.

Be careful not to get so caught up in exploring that you forget to eat! As you know, Chinatown offers incredible places to eat and enjoy the best of Asia without leaving New York. There are vegetarian options as well as fusion cuisine. Go ahead and try new things and take advantage of the opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of one country while visiting another.

Little Italy and SoHo

Just a 6-minute walk away is another neighborhood, or at least what's left of it, that is a must-see. Absorbed over time by Chinatown, but just as relevant for understanding New York history: I'm talking about Little Italy. Walk down Mulberry Street, which still bears traces of the Italian Americans who populated this neighborhood during the 20th century.

Walking northwest, you'll find another area worth visiting: Soho. This is a neighborhood whose architectural structure is sure to catch your eye. Admire the Cast-Iron Buildings on your tour and take the opportunity to pop into a shop or two.

Here you'll also find some of the best places to eat in New York.

Attend an NBA game in Brooklyn

To end the day, how about booking tickets to an NBA game? But I recommend you do so at the Barclays Center so you can get out of Manhattan for a bit. It will take you approximately 25 minutes to get there by subway from Soho.

In addition to cheering (and probably losing your voice) at the Nets' stadium, you can discover some of the many things to do in Brooklyn.

Although it doesn't have as many attractions as Manhattan, the Bronx is a borough that you must visit. The Bronx Zoo is considered the largest in North America, and you also have the New York Yankees stadium.

Start the day at the zoo

Around 650 species await you at the Bronx Zoo. It may take you half the day to see everything, because it's huge and there are lots of animals to see.

The zoo opens at 10:30 a.m., so I recommend that you plan ahead for the time it will take you to get there from your hotel. For example, from downtown Manhattan, it will take you about an hour by public transportation, so have an early breakfast and take a snack with you in your backpack.

By the way, the subway connections in New York are very good, so if you're going to visit more than one borough, it's a good idea to buy a travel pass. The 7-day unlimited MetroCard is a good option, as you'll get your money's worth if you use it twice a day. It costs $33. Here's a New York subway guide to help you find your way around.

Savor Italian cuisine in Belmont

In addition to Manhattan, the Bronx also has its own little piece of Italy in the city. So if you're hungry after leaving the zoo, I recommend you head to Belmont, the Bronx's Little Italy.

Take the exit from the zoo towards Belmont and walk from there for about 10 minutes. The neighborhood will welcome you with a selection of pizzerias where you can enjoy authentic flavors and take a break after your long tour of the zoo.

Visit the Botanical Garden

Once you've recharged your batteries, I recommend visiting the Botanical Garden, located right next to the zoo. Take a tour of its main gardens and greenhouses, particularly the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and then take some photos next to the Rock Garden and its waterfall.

If you go in spring, I recommend visiting the Orchid Show, as the flowers are spectacular.

End the day with a visit to Yankee Stadium

The New York Yankees, based in the Bronx, are a well-known team in the professional baseball league. So to end the day, I recommend visiting their stadium. You can take the bus from the Botanical Garden. It will take you about 45 minutes to get there.

If you're traveling during baseball season, you can even book tickets and watch a game. A complete experience.

By the way, Yankee Stadium (outside) is one of the stops on the famous Contrasts Tour, which I recommend if you prefer to discover the best neighborhoods in New York with an expert guide.

The most populous district in New York with a strong identity... how could you not give it a try? There are tons of things to see and do in Brooklyn!

Cross the Brooklyn Bridge for a more authentic experience

Starting the day with a little exercise is a great way to get going, don't you think? Then cross from Manhattan to Brooklyn via the iconic bridge that connects the two boroughs.

Your tour starts right in front of New York City Hall, where you can see the Brooklyn Bridge. Take photos with Brooklyn and the bridge in the background. Then head to the Brooklyn Bridge View and cross it. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the other side.

When you arrive at Brooklyn Bridge Park, take photos with Manhattan in the background.

Eat at Time Out Market

Traveling and sightseeing consume a lot of our energy, which is why lunchtime is our best ally. Take advantage of being in Brooklyn and take a stroll through Time Out Market.

In this food hall, you'll find food from all over the world. Perfect if you're still not sure what you want to eat, let the options catch your eye. It's only a 3-minute walk from Brooklyn Bridge Park. This is just one of the best places to eat in Brooklyn, but as you stroll around the area, you'll find many delicious cafes and restaurants.

Appreciate the best of the Brooklyn Museum of Art

The Brooklyn Museum of Art is the third largest museum in the Big Apple. Here you'll find art from a wide variety of origins , including Egypt, Italy, and the Near East.

To get there, take subway line 2 or 3. The station is right at the museum entrance. The museum is open from 11 a.m. Ideally, you should allow at least 2 hours for your visit. The good thing about this museum is that you have until 8 PM to explore, so you can take your time. Just remember to book your tickets online in advance so you don't have to wait to get in.

For your tour of the interior, I recommend following this practical guide. That way, you won't miss a single detail among the more than 1.5 million objects on display in the museum.

They say you always return to places that made you happy, and Manhattan is undoubtedly an island that amazes everyone who visits it. Spend your last day visiting the most iconic places in the Big Apple. Your photos will be the envy of everyone on Instagram.

Take an early morning stroll through Central Park

There is so much to see and do in Central Park that it can take a whole day or more, so consider leaving some things for the next time you return. In this case, I recommend a more limited but equally enjoyable tour.

Start by visiting the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields, entering via Central Park West between 71st and 72nd Streets. Next, head towards Bow Bridge as you skirt The Lake and take photos from different angles.

To leave the park, take the famous Mall path. If it's autumn or spring, you're sure to be blown away by the scenery. Finally, change direction and head towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), where the best is yet to come.

Lose yourself among the works at the MET

Start your tour of Central Park around 8 a.m. so that by 10 a.m., when the MET on Fifth Avenue opens, you'll be ready for your visit. It's even better if you buy your tickets online or use one of the tourist cards available for visiting New York that includes it, so you can skip the line.

Keep in mind that the MET is a huge museum, so I recommend checking out this guide before you visit. That way, you won't miss anything important and you'll save time for other attractions in the city.

I recommend spending at least two hours exploring both the permanent and temporary collections. Another thing to keep in mind is that backpacks and suitcases are not allowed in the museum, but there are free lockers available where you can leave your belongings.

Walk towards St. Patrick's Cathedral

After your visit to the MET, you can continue straight down Fifth Avenue towards New York's neo-Gothic cathedral: St. Patrick's Cathedral. The walk takes about 30 minutes, during which you can admire the buildings and shops with the most expensive rents in the city and perhaps the world.

When you arrive, you can admire its design both inside and out, as long as no religious ceremony is taking place.

I also recommend that when you leave, you take a stroll around Rockefeller Center, especially if you are visiting New York in December and you love the Christmas atmosphere (in which case, be sure to check out the article on Rockefeller Center at Christmas). It is located right in front of the cathedral. You can even take a break there to eat and then continue exploring the shops and Fifth Avenue a little more. Right there, you can (and should) go up to the Top of the Rock for the best aerial views of Manhattan.

Get a panoramic view from The Edge

One of Manhattan's newest skyscrapers, The Edge, is located next to Hudson Yards and close to the C and E subway lines.

The Edge is one of the most affordable observatories in New York today. In fact, tickets to The Edge are cheaper if you buy them online rather than at the box office.

Take advantage of the fact that other tourist attractions such as The Vessel and the High Line park are nearby in Hudson Yards. Enjoy yourself until just before sunset and then go up to the observatory. You'll be amazed and may even feel a little dizzy. But it's well worth it, I guarantee it.

Admire the bright lights of Times Square

To end the day, walk to Times Square. It's only a 10-minute walk away. From the intersection of 7th Avenue and 45th Street, I promise you'll be amazed.

Take photos next to the red stairs, buy a Krispy Kreme doughnut, and admire the neon signs that never sleep. There are also some giant stores you can visit, such as Forever 21, Levi's, H&M, etc.

Save the evening for a musical experience

Since you're in the area, take advantage and go see a real Broadway musical! But don't buy your tickets on the street, as there are many scams. Book online so you can continue walking around the area until showtime. After all, it's your last day in the city and you'll surely want to take advantage of it to do some shopping.