7-Days New York Itinerary

Are you planning your trip to the Big Apple and not sure where to start exploring the city? In this guide on 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 City. It’s the most famous borough because it’s home to 90% of the attractions, and the city’s origins lie in the south. But New York is so much more than that—in fact, it’s enormous. And one of the best ways to get your bearings in this big city is by taking a guided tour that takes you to the most important sights.

I recommend starting 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. Since this tour lasts about 5 hours, you’ll be able to visit New York’s most iconic neighborhoods in just one morning, accompanied by a local guide who will give you a very engaging introduction to the city, its neighborhoods, and its cultures.

This is a great option for first-time travelers, as it offers a fairly comprehensive and interesting first look at the city. Plus, once the Contrasts Tour is over—or at another point during your trip—you can return to the neighborhood or area that caught your attention the most to explore it in detail on your own. If you like the idea, you can learn more about this activity in this article on the Contrasts Tour in New York.

Try authentic Chinese food in Chinatown

An important feature of the Tour of Contrasts is that you can choose between two locations to end the tour: under the Brooklyn Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood or in Chinatown. My advice is to choose Chinatown, since the tour ends around lunchtime, and in New York’s Asian neighborhood, you’ll have the chance to try authentic Chinese food at very reasonable prices.

If you love to eat and are a true foodie, you’ll have a blast in Chinatown because you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars where you can sample some of the best Asian specialties. 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, take the opportunity to book a tour of Chinatown. There’s a truly unique atmosphere here that will captivate you as a traveler. Discover Columbus Park, the Chinese American Museum, or Canal Street Market, among many other interesting spots. Want to learn more about everything you can do in this neighborhood? Check out my article on Chinatown.

Return to Manhattan

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

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

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

Toast your trip from a rooftop

The first day of your visit to New York has been long and full of excitement. Why not top it off with a nice drink while gazing at 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 appeals to you most.

Start the day in Brooklyn and DUMBO

If you’re traveling to New York, you can’t miss Brooklyn, the city’s coolest alternative neighborhood. 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 get off, you’ll land in DUMBO, a bohemian and artistic neighborhood that has managed to combine old industrial architecture with the most modern design of today to create a unique atmosphere in New York. Once you’re there, you’ll see that DUMBO exudes a special charm that you won’t be able to stop photographing. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll come across murals, graffiti, and authentic works of art that you’ll want to capture both on camera and in your memory.

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

Continue through Williamsburg and the Jewish Quarter

The morning has barely begun, and continuing with Day 2’s route through this borough, you’ll arrive in Williamsburg— a neighborhood where hipsters and New York’s most conservative Jewish community coexist, though 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, contrast-filled areas well worth visiting. You’ll be surprised to see how, within just a few streets, the atmosphere changes radically: from the austerity of the Jewish neighborhood to the most eye-catching street art and old factories converted into restaurants, galleries, and other design-forward venues. After taking a stroll through Williamsburg, it’s time to venture into the streets of South Williamsburg, one of the world’s most popular Jewish neighborhoods, where the buildings are austere and simple.

If you book a tour of Williamsburg in Brooklyn or simply walk through the neighborhood, my advice is to take in the scenery to get a sense of their way of life and customs. The heart of the community is on Lee Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, where most of its synagogues and shops are located. If you can, I recommend popping into a kosher shop and buying a sweet treat or a bagel. They’re 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, right 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 different iconic spots.

Back to Soho and the West Village

In the afternoon, head back to Manhattan to explore one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, 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’s an oasis in the heart of modern New York, where it’s a pleasure to stroll leisurely among its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and beautiful buildings. Plus, it’s an excellent place for shopping.

Set aside some time to visit the West Village, Manhattan’s neighborhood with a bohemian and hippie vibe. Unlike the rest of the city, these streets escaped the strict grid pattern with which the city was originally designed. So they’re chaotic and great for aimless wandering, as you take in the windows of the charming shops and the beautiful architecture. The West Village’s scenery is so picturesque that its lovely buildings have served as backdrops in movies and TV shows, so if you enjoy following movie and TV show routes around New York, this neighborhood is a great place to start, where you’ll find:

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

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

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 fuel up to get through a full day of sightseeing, and for that, a hearty breakfast is essential. New York is a city where you can eat incredibly well, as there’s a wide variety of cuisine to suit every taste.

However, I recommend starting Day 3 at Chelsea Market, one of Manhattan’s most popular food markets. At its food stalls, you can order delicious sandwiches, salads, pizzas, muffins, donuts, and cookies. Some examples include Amy’s Bread, Doughnuttery, and Filaga Pizzeria, though there are many more options.

In addition to having breakfast at Chelsea Market, I suggest you take a stroll through the market because it has some really cool shops where you can buy souvenirs, such as Posman Books, Chelsea Market Baskets, or the Artists & Fleas flea market. If you want to learn more about Chelsea Market, I recommend reading my article about this market in the Meatpacking District. There’s so much to see here! And then, book a tour of Chelsea.

Be amazed by High Line Park

Right next to Chelsea Market is one of New York’s most unique and modern urban parks: High Line Park, a garden filled with greenery, art, and relaxation areas built on top of an old elevated railway line, offering the best views of the city. Since it has become a very popular spot and the train 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 its route (about two and a half kilometers), you can enjoy its unique design, which blends art and nature, while taking a really cool walk that crosses Chelsea and reaches Hudson Yards from the Meatpacking District (or vice versa, depending on where you start the loop).

In my opinion, the views of the skyscrapers in Manhattan’s different neighborhoods 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 realize how far you’ve gone until you see it on a map! If you’re curious to learn 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 will take you to Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s new trendy neighborhood. 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 desolate train yard next to the Hudson River. But New York is a vibrant city in constant transformation. That’s how Hudson Yards came to be, a place that already boasts several must-see tourist attractions for any trip to the Big Apple, such as The Vessel, a sort of giant beehive that has become the symbol of this neighborhood.

The Vessel is a 45-meter-tall 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 see the Hudson River, The Shed cultural center, 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 lines at the ticket office.

Eat at Hudson Yards

It’s time to take a break from Day 3’s New York itinerary to grab a bite to eat. Hudson Yards also offers plenty of great dining options.

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

Additionally, at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, there are other restaurants such as Shake Shack, Kawi, and Peach Mart, among other options.

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

After taking a break for lunch, it’s time to test your fear of heights at The Edge, one of New York’s most spectacular observation decks. Going up to The Edge is a thrilling experience. Located in the 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper at a height of 345 meters, from its 700-square-meter glass 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 like I was standing on the edge of a cliff. My adrenaline shot through my veins as I walked across the glass floor and looked down at New York traffic hundreds of feet below. It’s a truly thrilling sensation, and you’ll feel goosebumps rise on your skin. Who said anything about fear?

Just like 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 game at Madison Square Garden is one of the most fascinating spectacles you can attend in the U.S., whether you’re passionate about basketball or just want to experience the electric atmosphere and excitement this sport generates in New York. So, don’t hesitate and end the third day of your vacation in the Big Apple in style by heading to Madison Square Garden to enjoy a New York Knicks game.

If you want to include an NBA game in your trip, my advice is to buy tickets online before you travel. Why? The key is to buy them as early as possible to get the best seats at a lower 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 higher price and in sections with less-than-spectacular views.

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

Listen to heavenly music in Harlem

Take advantage of this day to do something different during your stay in New York, such as a tour of Harlem with a Gospel Mass to get to know the most authentic side of this neighborhood in northern Manhattan.

Immersing yourself in Harlem’s culture with 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 traditional brownstone 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 thus a more genuine experience.

Cycle through Central Park

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

Spanning 341 hectares, Central Park is New York’s largest urban park. Seeing it all would be exhausting and perhaps unnecessary. To get a general overview of the park and save energy for further exploration of New York after this visit, I recommend renting a bike to tour it —this way, you’ll see the main attractions and save time.

There are many ways to visit Central Park, but taking a private bike taxi tour seems like a fun and unique way to discover it, since you’re accompanied by a professional guide. I did it, and it’s 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

When you finish 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 many food carts scattered throughout Central Park where you can buy hot dogs, waffles, sandwiches, drinks, and ice cream. If the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t worry—there are several restaurants inside 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 take advantage of your visit to Central Park to stroll through the Upper East Side, New York’s affluent neighborhood known for its imposing stately buildings and wide avenues.

Then book your ticket for the American Museum of Natural History, located west of Central Park. It’s one of the city’s must-see museums and one of the most visited, so to skip the ticket lines and go straight to the exhibits, it’s best to get a skip-the-line ticket to the museum.

My favorite 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 3 hours to explore the museum at your own pace, 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 learn 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 breathtaking, but I must admit I have a special soft spot for its lights at dusk. That’s why taking a sunset cruise through the waters of Manhattan is one of the most beautiful memories you’ll take home. A great way to wrap up an exciting day after endless walks through the city, whether with family, friends, or your partner. You have several options:

• Circle Line night cruise through Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty, starting at $53
• Buffet dinner cruise on the Hudson River in New York, starting at $113

Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a great time as you continue to explore the city’s best views and enjoy a relaxing moment aboard a boat.

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

Your trip to New York is almost over, and to make sure you don’t miss any must-see spots, 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 traveling with kids who get tired of walking quickly.

The highlight 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 able to navigate much more easily. The Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour lasts 3.5 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 at this park—the oldest in New York. The views of Liberty Island, Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island from Battery Park are breathtaking. You’ll take tons of photos!

Take a break for lunch at Westfield World Trade Center Mall

Upon returning to Manhattan, before visiting Ground Zero, it’s time to take a break to eat and recharge your batteries. You can head to Westfield World Trade Center Mall, a shopping center located right beneath The Oculus. Here, there are many restaurants to choose from, such as Eataly, Shake Shack, Wasabi Sushi & Bento, or Starbucks, among 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 perished in the 2001 terrorist attacks that shocked the world. Following the attacks, the World Trade Center had to be completely rebuilt. The Twin Towers gave way to:

• One World Trade Center, which features New York’s highest observation deck, known as the One World Observatory.
• The powerful 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, among others. Its long, narrow streets flanked by massive skyscrapers barely let you see the sky, and you’ll run into hundreds of executives in suits 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 kid again, no matter 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 favorite.

That said, if you want to spend an evening at the theater, I recommend buying your Broadway tickets in advance to secure the best seats on your desired date and at a better price than at the box office, where you’ll also avoid having to wait in long lines.

Perhaps when you were planning your trip to New York, you didn’t initially think about adding an excursion outside the city to explore other parts of the United States, since there’s so much to see in the Big Apple. But in my opinion, dedicating a day of your vacation to a trip to Washington or Niagara Falls is a great idea because you’ll have the chance to experience 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 like the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Pentagon, among many others. Read the following post about the Washington tour from New York and discover all the secrets. It’s amazing!

Marvel at Niagara Falls

Another option is to take a day trip to Niagara Falls that takes you there and back to downtown New York in a single day. The great thing about this organized 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 speechless! Plus, since this tour explores the New York side of the Falls, no visa is required.

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

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

If you need some inspiration, I recommend checking out 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 last meal in New York

A day of shopping can wear anyone out. Take a break and make the most of your last day in New York to treat yourself just as you deserve. In my post on the 10 best places to eat in New York, you’ll find spots where you can eat very well without breaking the bank. And if you’re looking for a sure 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 at the stunning Manhattan skyline at sunset. Watching the sun set as all the lights of New York gradually come on is a magical moment and a very special way to say goodbye to the city.

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

• Go up to 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, while Top of the Rock is the best choice for seeing Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building from way up high. 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.