New York Itinerary – 7-Days for first timers

Are you eager to visit New York City or have you already booked your flight but are wondering where to start planning? Are you asking yourself which sights you really want to see, what are the must-dos, and where to find the best food? To answer all your questions, I’ve created an efficient 7-day New York itinerary that you can easily adapt to make your own.

New York: Tips & Overview

• Places to Stay: Romer Hell’s Kitchen; Budget option: Boro Hotel in Queens
• Best Months to Visit: April – June, September – October, December offers a unique charm with holiday decorations (though it’s great all year round)
• Must-Dos: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, enjoy rooftop views from one the numerous observation platforms, take a helicopter ride, and enjoy the parks
• Best Places to Eat: 7th Street Burger, Joe’s Pizza, Shukette, Chelsea Market (try Los Tacos No. 1) and Levain Bakery
• Quick facts: 8.8 million people – 5 boroughs – English – US Dollar

Find more information on my blog article New York Quick Guide To The Must-dos & Food Spots

Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.

7-Day Itinerary – Must Dos and Must Eats

I recommend taking your time and spending 7 days in the city. This allows enough time for the must-see attractions, exploring different neighborhoods, enjoying the parks, and trying out the best food spots. I’ve been to New York five times, in various seasons including spring, summer, fall, and December for the holiday decorations. My most recent trip was in April/May 2024.

Based on my experiences, I’ve arranged daily itineraries, grouping sights and activities that are close together. Feel free to mix and match them to create your own New York itinerary and make the most of your time.

Midtown Classics & Essentials – Day 1

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise towards the Manhattan skyline. (I recommend this on your first day if you’re traveling from Europe and are likely waking up early due to jet lag. Otherwise, you can do it also on any other day.)
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour – this is a great way to get a first impression and overview of Manhattan
• Walk around Midtown and visit the classic sights: MoMa, Paley Park, Rockefeller Center, New York Public Library
• Relax in Bryant Park, gazing at the New York Public Library
• Visit the iconic Empire State Building and go to the Observation Deck for the skyline view you’ve been waiting for
• Experience the hustle and bustle of Times Square
• Food Tips:
  • Have breakfast at one of the numerous “Friedman’s” in the city
  • Grab something from the buffet at “Whole Foods” or Upside Pizza near Bryant Park and enjoy your meal in the park, marveling at the New York Public Library

Midtown Classics #2 – Day 2

• Walk around SoHo, a famous New York neighborhood full of trendy shops and cobblestone streets.
• Relax in Madison Square Park, a nice green space surrounded by buildings.
• Check out the Flatiron Building, one of NYC’s most iconic and oddly-shaped landmarks.
• Visit the Harry Potter Store, a must for any fan of the wizarding world.
• Hang out in Union Square, a lively spot with markets, street performers, and more.
• Take a look at Chrysler Building, a stunning piece of Art Deco architecture.
• Explore Grand Central Station, a historic train station with awesome architecture, as seen in countless movies and shows.
• Catch a Broadway show, like the classic NYC hit “Wicked,” for a great evening program.
• Food Tips:
  • Grab a bagel from Pick A Bagel for breakfast

West & Chelsea – Day 3

• Explore the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you can check out an aircraft carrier, space shuttle, and more.
• Visit The Vessel, then walk the High Line, one of NYC’s coolest parks with great views (and my personal favorite).
• Grab a bite at Chelsea Market, a food market with tons of delicious options.
• Unwind at Little Island Park, a newer park built on concrete pillars with great views of the skyline – perfect for a city break.
• Wander through the West Village, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and cozy cafes.
• Hang out at Washington Square Park, a lively spot with street performers.
• Food Tips:
  • Try the various food options at Chelsea Market, e.g. try Los Tacos No. 1 for some of the most famous tacos in NYC
  • Have dinner in one of the best areas for eating out – The West Side. Eat at Shukette or L’Artusi (make sure to make a reservation beforehand or go for lunch during the week)

Central Park & Museums – Day 4

• Visit the American Museum of Natural History—we spent 2-3 hours there, but you could easily spend more if you’re really into museums.
• Admire the famous MET – we just took a look from the outside, but if you’re into art it’s definitely one of the must dos.
• We also just took in the Guggenheim‘s unique exterior – also optional to visit.
• Spend some relaxing hours exploring Central Park, finding famous spots from movies like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Wollman Rink, and Gapstow Bridge. Go to Heckscher Playground and climb Umpire Rock for awesome photos with the Millionaires Mile in the background.
• Take a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway for stunning views of the city.
• Wander along 5th Avenue, NYC’s iconic shopping street, with numerous luxury stores and famous landmarks.
• Food Tips:
  • Eat at Burger Joint, a hidden burger spot in a 5-star hotel just south of Central Park
  • Grab one of the famous 7th street burgers on the Upper East Side

Brooklyn & Helicopter Ride – Day 5

• Take a helicopter ride for unbeatable views of the New York City skyline from above.
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge towards Brooklyn, enjoying the iconic views along the way.
• Relax at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with its beautiful waterfront and skyline views.
• Grab a bite at Time Out Market, a cool food hall with tons of delicious options.
• Take some time to explore Brooklyn and DUMBO – don’t miss the iconic snapshot of the Manhattan Bridge framed by cobblestone streets.
• Food Tips:
  • Eat at Time Out Market and take the stairs to the rooftop for a beautiful skyline view

9/11 & Financial District – Day 6

• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a powerful place and well-designed museum tour keeping the tragic events in memory.
• Check out The Oculus, a special architectural .
• Walk down Wall Street and snap a photo with the famous Charging Bull.
• Relax at Battery Park with its peaceful views of the harbor.
• Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free, close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.
• Visit the Comedy Cellar for a night of laughs — I heard it’s amazing, though we couldn’t make it due to illness. Make sure to book your show well in advance though.
• Food Tips:
  • Have breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien – one of the locations is very close to the helicopter terminal
  • Grab a slice of Pizza from the famous Joe’s Pizza

Williamsburg – Day 7

• Explore Williamsburg around Bedford Avenue, known for its hip vibe, street art, and cool shops.
• Check out Smorgasburg Food Market (only on Saturdays), where you can try a ton of tasty eats from local vendors.
• Hang out at Domino Park, a riverside spot with great views and plenty of space to relax.
• Visit the Summit One Vanderbilt observatory — be sure to book ahead if you want the perfect sunset view.
• Food Tips: Eat at Smorgasburg Food Market – a summer market with numerous food stalls offering all kinds of cuisines (only on Saturdays)

What gets you most excited about your NYC Trip! Or have you already been to New York? Do you have more tips for this New York itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.