7 Day New York Itinerary

How to Spend 7 Days in New York

Looking to spend a week in New York City? Check out our New York itinerary for the best recommendations and tips on how to see the best of NYC in 7 days. This day by day itinerary also includes tips to save money!

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Our Budget Tip for 7 Days in New York

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The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

Itinerary New York 4 to 6 days

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

Day 1 NY Itinerary – Bus Tour & Midtown

On day 1 you’ll be visiting:

Hop on Hop off Bus in New YorkDay 1 – Morning

You have arrived in NYC and you’re ready to explore – where to begin? Start your trip by exploring New York’s most iconic skyscraper: The Empire State Building! Going there early in the day means no wait time and amazing views as the city wakes up. To gain an impression of the city and what you might want to explore further in the coming 7 days, we definitely recommend a sightseeing tour. This is a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, meaning that if you drive past a sight you want to explore more, you can do so freely before getting back on the bus and continuing your tour.

Our lunch recommendations:

  • UrbanSpace Food Market  (E 45th & Vanderbilt Ave) – Food court $$
  • Dining Concourse at Grand Central Terminal (89 E 42nd St) – Food court $$

7 Day New York ItineraryDay 1 – Afternoon

After the bus tour and some much-needed lunch, we recommend that you continue with day 1 of your 7 day New York Itinerary by exploring the world-famous Grand Central Terminal and New York Public Library with the adjacent Bryant Park. It is simply not enough to see those landmarks from the outside – you need to be inside!

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Don Antonio (309 W 50th St) – Italian Cuisine $$
  • Ippudo Westside (321 W 51st St) – Japanese Cuisine $$

Times Square at nightDay 1 – Evening

When the sun sets, it is time for you to head to Times Square to see the lights at night. We promise you will be blown away by the view! The perfect way to end the first evening of your New York itinerary by visiting a rooftop bar, from where you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of the city.

 

Our rooftop bar recommendations:

  • Refinery Rooftop Bar (63 W 38th St) – Amazing view of the Empire State Building $$
  • SkyRoom Rooftop Bar (330 W 40th St) – Great view of the Empire State Building $$

 

Day 2 NY Itinerary – Boat Tour & The High Line

On day 2 you’ll be visiting:

One World Trade Center from the WaterDay 2 – Morning

Day 2 of the 7-day New York Itinerary will begin with a different perspective of New York: from the water. A great boat tour we recommend is the Circle Line Landmarks that starts at Pier 83. It’s the perfect opportunity to take stunning skyline pictures and also learn about the history of New York. Heading there first thing in the morning helps you avoid long lines! Especially during the summer, boat tours are extremely popular.

 

Our lunch recommendations:

  • Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave) – Food market $$
  • Bubby’s (73 Gansevoort St) – Comfort food $$

High Line during springDay 2 – Afternoon

The Pier is only a short walk away from Hudson Yards and the High Line – a beautiful park that has been built on an abandoned section of railway tracks above the city. It will take you from Chelsea to the Meatpacking District. On the way, you should stop at Chelsea Market to get some delicious food. From there, you can walk through the Meatpacking district to the Flatiron Building, next to Madison Square Park.

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Eataly NYC Flatiron (200 5th Ave) – Italian Market $$
  • Shake Shack (Madison Ave & E 23rd St) – Burger $

Lion King TheaterDay 2 – Evening

This evening, you have time to enjoy a show on New York’s famous Broadway. If you are coming from further away and are still suffering from jet lag, then simply switch the day with another one later in the itinerary. This way you won’t accidentally fall asleep during the show! Alternatively, you can visit a rooftop bar in the area.

 

Our rooftop bar recommendations:

  • 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (230 Fifth Ave) – Unobstructed view of the Empire State Building $
  • SERRA by La Birreria Rooftop Bar (200 Fifth Ave) – Perfect view of the Clock tower at Madison Square

 

Day 3 NY Itinerary – Museum & Central Park

On day 3 you’ll be visiting:

Metropolitan Museum of ArtDay 3 – Morning

Before starting day 3 of your New York itinerary by exploring Central Park, you may want to consider checking out one of New York’s renowned museums. The so-called ‘museum mile’ is located right on 5th Avenue, along Central Park. You will find the Met, the Guggenheim and many other museums on that street. The MoMA and American Museum of Natural History are also located in proximity to the park, which makes it a perfect combination for your NY itinerary.

Our lunch recommendations:

  • Dos Toros Taqueria (1111 Lexington Ave) – Mexican Cuisine $$
  • Angela’s Sandwich Shop (1428 6th Ave) – Comfort food $

 

Bow Bridge Central ParkDay 3 – Afternoon

Central Park is home to the largest amount of green space in Manhattan. While you can take bike tours and walking tours, there is so much that goes on in Central Park, we are not sure we can list it all for you! You will see picnics, parties, runners, bikers, horse and carriages, a zoo, lakes, boats, historic landmarks, stages, and the list goes on and on! Exploring a museum and Central Park will take up most of your day.

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Bill’s Bar & Burger (16 W 51st St) – Burger $$
  • Ipanema (43 W 46th St) – Brazilian Cuisine $$

 

7 Day New York ItineraryDay 3 – Evening

To end Day 3 perfectly, why not walk through St. Patrick’s Cathedral before watching the sunset or night sky from the Top of the Rock – our favorite viewing platform. You can spend as much time as you like up there.

 

 

Day 4 NY Itinerary – Statue of Liberty & Ground Zero

On day 4 you’ll be visiting:

Statue of Liberty closeupDay 4 – Morning

When you have 7 days in New York, you don’t have an excuse not to visit the State of Liberty! It’s New York’s most iconic symbol that everyone needs to see! The ferry to Liberty Island departs from Battery Park and will also take you to Ellis Island. If you are truly interested in learning about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, take a guided tour that also includes access to the pedestal.

 

Our lunch recommendations: 

  • Pier A Harbor House (22 Battery Pl) – Focus on seafood $$
  • Sauce & Barrel (97 Washington St) – Italian Cuisine $$

 

One World Trade Center and OculusDay 4 – Afternoon

Once you get back to Manhattan, you can walk through Battery Park to eventually get to Ground Zero. You can pass the Charging Bull Sculpture on your way. Once arrived at Ground Zero, we suggest you visit the One World Observatory for the highest views in New York City.

 

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • El Vez and Burrito Bar (259 Vesey St) – Mexican Cuisine $$
  • Blue Smoke (255 Vesey St) – BBQ $$

 

9/11 Memorial at nightDay 4 – Evening

After some delicious dinner in the area, head back to Ground Zero to see the 9/11 Memorial when it’s lit up for the night. Standing in front of the two pools is an indescribable and very emotional experience.

 

 

Day 5 NY Itinerary – Brooklyn Heights & Lower Manhattan

On day 5 you’ll be visiting:

Manhattan BridgeDay 5 – Morning

7 days in New York truly gives you time to explore each borough if you are up for it. Today, we recommend you head towards Brooklyn! This beautiful and trendy part of town is the place to be. It may not be as big as Manhattan, but don’t worry, there is just as much to do and see. After exploring DUMBO, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can enjoy another picture perfect view of Manhattan’s incredible skyline.

 

Our lunch recommendations:

  • Juliana’s (19 Old Fulton St) – Pizza $$
  • Shake Shack – (1 Old Fulton St) – Burger $

 

Brooklyn Bridge during sunsetDay 5 – Afternoon

Day 5 of our New York itinerary starts in Brooklyn for a reason: Walking over Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan will give you a much better view than the other way around! Once arrived in Lower Manhattan you will be super close to the newly restored South Street Seaport District that you can check out before heading to Wall Street.

 

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Thai Sliders & Co (8108 John St) – Thai Cuisine $
  • Eataly NYC Downtown (Four World Trade Center) – Italian Market $$

 

9/11 Memorial & Museum New YorkDay 5 – Evening

When you are done exploring the Financial District, you will be in walking distance to the National 9/11 Museum – a must-see for anyone who is visiting New York. You’d be surprised at how many things you can learn about the day that changed the nation. By going there late in the day, you avoid the big crowds. Plan on being there for about 2 hours.

 

 

Day 6 NY Itinerary – Helicopter Ride & SoHo

On day 6 you’ll be visiting:

Now any of these days from our New York itinerary can be done in any order, we just wanted to give you a guideline of all there is to see in the city as well as ideas on how to save. By day 6 you’re probably thinking how much more is there to do? Well, you yet have amazing things ahead of you!

Big Apple Helicopter TourDay 6 – Morning / Afternoon

One of the most memorable experiences we have made in New York was taking a helicopter ride. The view from the helicopter beats all viewing platforms. Flying over the concrete jungle gives you a totally new perspective of New York. If a helicopter ride is a little too expensive, a great alternative is attending a sporting event. New York is home to some of the best sports teams and there is always a game going on.

 

Our lunch recommendations:

  • 12 Chairs (56 Macdougal St) – Middle Eastern Cuisine $$
  • BoCaphe (222 Lafayette St) – Vietnamese & French Cuisine $$

 

Soho Shopping Things to DoDay 6 – Afternoon / Evening

A helicopter ride or a sporting event will take up most of your day, but there is still time left to explore lesser toured neighborhoods, such as SoHo, Little Italy, Nolita & Chinatown. Simply stroll through the neighborhoods and get to know their individual charms. What you’ll find? Shopping spots, beautiful buildings, great food and street art around every other corner.

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Gelso & Grand (186 Grand St) – Italian Cuisine $$
  • Great NY Noodletown (28 Bowery) – Chinese Cuisine $

 

Day 7 NY Itinerary – Brooklyn

On day 7 you’ll be visiting:

  • Prospect Park & Smorgasburg
  • The Brooklyn Museum
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Barclay’s Center

Day 7 of our New York itinerary may be the last but it is definitely not the least! At this point you have covered most of Manhattan, so why not head to a different neighborhood to experience something a little different?

SmorgasburgDay 7 – Morning

Let’s head out towards Williamsburg! The first place we recommend you visit is Prospect Park! On Sunday’s this is where Brooklyn’s famous Smorgasburg is held. Smorgasburg is a food festival that is held during the warmer months on the weekends. Saturday’s it is in Williamsburg and on Sunday it is in Prospect Park.

 

 

Our lunch recommendations:

  • Smorgasburg Food Market (Well House Dr) – Food market $
  • Fette Sau (354 Metropolitan Ave) – BBQ $$

 

New York Botanical Garden BronxDay 7 – Afternoon

Another favorite to visit is the Brooklyn Museum. This museum is home to over 1.5 million works and is known for its expansive collection of Egyptian and African art. And last but not least, Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden! Enjoy the 52 acres of pure bliss!

 

 

Our dinner recommendations:

  • Broccolini (446 Dean St) – Italian Cuisine $$
  • Koto Sushi (263, 2489, Flatbush Ave) – Japanese Cuisine $$

 

Barclays Center BrooklynDay 7 – Evening

In Williamsburg, you will see beautiful brownstones, boutique shops, and restaurants as well as lots of street art. It definitely has a different feel to it compared to Manhattan. You may also find yourself near the Barclay’s Center. Basketball and ice hockey games are held here along with concerts. Its unique architecture makes it stick out against the grit, but it is a very cool building to pass by!

 

Sightseeing Pass Deal NY Pass Deal


FAQ

What does one week in New York cost?

We are often asked what 1 week in New York costs. Below you will see our approximations based off this 7 day New York itinerary:

  • $300-$700 per person for the flight
  • $40 per person for the airport transfer
  • $150 per day for a double room in a hotel
  • $1oo per day for food & drink

Altogether, it comes to roughly $2,170 per person. The price for a flight & hotel also depends on where you are coming from, how far you book in advance and where your hotel is located. Please note that the costs can also be significantly higher.

Are 7 days in New York enough?

You can explore most of New York within 7 days. The itinerary above covers all must-sees for your first visit to the Big Apple. Frankly, though, you can live in New York City and still explore new places every day. For you that means, it’s always worth it to come back and explore something new!

What MetroCard should I buy for 7 days in New York?

The MTA offers a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard for $33 (+$1 for the card). With the 7 Day Unlimited MetroCard, you can use New York’s entire subway network. You shouldn’t need any additional tickets to find your way around New York!

Which Sightseeing Pass should I buy?

For this particular itinerary, we recommend the Sightseeing Pass Flex. Why? Because this pass allows you to save the most money on attractions! The total savings are $91! However, if you are trying to adopt this 7 Day New York itinerary, you should double check which sightseeing pass will be the most cost-effective one. You can find out with just a few clicks!

CALCULATE YOUR SAVINGS

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author
Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 20 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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30 Comments

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Milly

New York looks like something from another world, and your photos capture it beautifully!

Priscilla

Nice article, Very informative. Great shots.. Thank you

Jacqueline

Wow great blog this was very informative and detailed there are many places to travel ….with kids i guess mostly and very helpful tips, Restaurant Recommendations are very good, and very reasonable prices, offers , discounts and many….Central Park & Colombus Circle is also beautiful…interesting blog.. thanks for sharing!

Tang

I just booked the sightseeing FLEX pass but i didn’t receive the $40 voucher to redeem empire state building. When I email info.sightseeing, they just give me the ticket ID created. May I know how to redeem the ticket?

Maureen Steinert

Hi Tang,

you can redeem your credit at https://www.citysightsny.com/additional-products.html by using your pass number as the coupon code. You will then receive a voucher for the Empire State Building you will need to present on site. Remember that using the credit will count as one of your attraction choices!

Hope this helps!
Maureen

Jason

Hi Mortiz,

awesome piece of article! i’m planning our first trip to America for me and my wife in Mar’19 and we have about 6.5 days to tour New York. What do you think of the weather in march and if there’s anything special that we should take note of?

also, on accommodation, any recommendation on the area we should look at?

Appreciate and thanks, from Singapore!

Maureen Steinert

Hi Jason,

March is typically still cold in North East, so I would suggest to pack some warm clothes! Of course you should check the weather report as we get closer to March, but a snow storm is not unlikely during that month!

Check out our March 2019 article here to see what’s going on. We frequently update the article to make sure you know about everything!

I personally like the Yotel and Aloft very much. Both are reasonably priced and located close to major attractions.

Greetings to Singapore,
Maureen

Jason

Hi Maureen,

thanks for the recommendation – will definitely look into Yotel and Aloft. and i’ll definitely keep a tab on your March 2019 article too. is there anything must-see or must-do for first timers like us?

looking forward to the cold weather in march!

Sarah

What a fabulous website. So informative! I am visiting from Australia just after Christmas and hoping the weather won’t stop us ticking off our wish list of things to do….but looking forward to how beautiful I hear NY is over Christmas. Thanks for the information.

Chris

Great Itinerary! I am visiting NY in October for a week! How can i download the PDF version?

sanjeev

Hi, Can you suggest good pass for 7 days from 20th sept -27 sept. Coming with wife to explore NY

Maureen Steinert

Hi Sanjeev,

the pass that’s best for you depends more on what attractions you’d like to see rather than how long you’re staying. I would suggest trying out the savings calculator to find the right pass for you. All you need to do is select the attractions you want to see and the calculator will automatically show you the cheapest pass! It’s amazing 🙂

Maureen

Murtada Mohsin

Where do you recommend to live for one person in New York for this 7 days trip? (30$ – $80 per night )??

Maureen Steinert

Hi Murtada,

are you referring to expenses for dinner etc. or including the hotel?

Maureen

Murtada

I am referring to the expenses for hotel/suite

Susan

Awesome itinerary thank you!

Colin Selway

Hi there
We are thinking of buying a New York Pass (5 day option). Can you clarify that when we present the pass to collect our ticket, do we automatically go into the attraction or do we have to come back later at a preset time?

Alternatively, once we have the pass are we able to book our preferred attractions prior to travelling to New York?

We would like to do a full day bus tour which I am assuming this ticket does not include, are there any you would recommend?

Thanks very much for your help in advance.

Steffen

Hi Colin,
recently, it is indeed the case that you are assigned the next available time slot (except for The Edge, they always schedule with sightseeing pass holders). In my experience, the next available time slot is usually between 15 minutes and 4 hours after your request.

Regarding your question about reservations: for some of them this is not possible at all, for others you even have to reserve tickets before your trip to New York (for example at the American Museum of Natural History and the Empire State Building (as of today).

Here you find the complete list of attractions where you need a reservation.

A full day bus tour that I can highly recommend is the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn Bus Tour that I already did by myself!

Have great time in NYC and please let me know if you have any more questions!!
Steffen

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