Do you have 4 days in New York and are trying to figure out what to do in 4 days in New York City so that you can make the most of the city, see as many attractions as possible, and have fun while you do? Worry not: I am here to help.
Truth be told, seeing New York in 4 days is no piece of cake. The city is immense; there are lots of things to do, and you may easily get overwhelmed by it. This is an ever-changing city, with so much going on every single day.
But if you follow my 4 day New York itinerary, you are guaranteed a good time. I have lived in the city and have been there multiple times, so I know the places that will make you wow.
I will also share a bunch of hacks so that you can have a smooth experience, suggest whenever you need to book the attractions in advance and provide average timings for visiting a place where relevant. Keep in mind that these are, however, based on my experience.
Finally, let’s look at the best things to do in New York in 4 days.
4 Days In New York Itinerary Overview
Are you wondering “are four days in New York enough?” and worry that you won’t be able to see everything in the city in that amount of time? Let me start by stressing that it is impossible to see New York in just 4 days.
However – Don’t worry! My New York itinerary will help you make the most of the city in just four days.
Here is a quick overview of this 4 days in New York itinerary:
Day One
Explore Lower Manhattan and the Financial District in depth:
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- World Trade Center Observatory
- Oculus
- Wall Street
- Chinatown
- Little Italy
Day Two
Visit a museum, then explore Manhattan’s best sights:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art or Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or The Guggenheim
- Central Park
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Grand Central Terminal
- Times Square
Day Three
Concentrate on Midtown and its most iconic attractions
- Empire State Building
- Bryant Park
- Flatiron Building
- High Line
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Greenwich Village
- Washington Square Park
Day Four
Cross the bridge and explore Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Heights
- DUMBO
- Bushwick
- Williamsburg Bridge
A Fantastic Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
Day one – The Financial District and Lower Manhattan
Map of day 1
Click here to look at the map you need to follow on your first day in town.
Top Tip
For a completely hassle free first day in New York, I actually recommend joining this Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & 9/11 Tour with Priority One World Observatory Tickets. The tour is organized by top operator Take Walks.
It may seem expensive, but when you consider how long it is and the amount of attractions visited (each with a guide and with tickets included) you will see it is quite a deal. The tour also goes to the Oculus!
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Let’s start your 4 days in New York with a visit to the Statue of Liberty. You may not know it, but the symbol of the United States, and the most iconic New York attraction is actually located in New Jersey territory. Donated to the US by France in the 19th century, it now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart from Battery Park. The first leaves at 8:30 am, and if you want to stick to this itinerary you should plan to be on board of that – be there early as there is a line to board.
Tours last between 3 and 4 hours and typically stop at the Statue of Liberty, where you disembark and get to visit the Pedestal and the museum. You need a separate ticket to climb to the crown. Afterwards, the tours usually continue to Ellis Island before heading back to Battery Park.
The views of both the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan from the ferry are truly incredible!
You need to book your Statue of Liberty tour well in advance. You can get tickets for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty on the official website.
For an easier booking experience, I am a big fan of getting tickets in advance to visit the Statue of Liberty on third party booking sites. These tickets obviously include the ferry from Battery Park.
If you prefer a guided tour, you also need to book that in advance as there’s a lot of request and availability is limited. Tours last on average 4 hours.
My top recommendation is this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island early access tour – is lasts around 4 hours and includes a visit of the Pedestal and the museum, but not the crown – for which you need a separate ticket.
If you are looking for something more budget friendly, there’s this 60-minute cruise around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – but let me stress you won’t get off at the statue.
You can have lunch in Battery Park once you get off the ferry – there are plenty of nice eateries.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is the most touching museum in the city. It means a lot to me, so I obviously had to include it in this 4 days in New York City itinerary.
It probably is because I was actually in New York during the attacks (back then I was interning at the United Nations and working at the UN Headquarters) and it was a shocking experience.
9/11 Memorial is made up of twin reflecting pools meant to be the footprints of the Twin Towers; and of a man made waterfall that is the largest in North America. The Memorial also has the plaques with the inscription of the victims of the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks.
The well curated Museum has an exhibit that will walk you through the events of 9/11. Factor in about 2 hours for your visit of the Museum.
While not for everyone, this is actually a popular attraction that can get sold out. You should book your visit well ahead of time.
You can get tickets on the official website or consider this 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero and optional museum entry sold on third-party booking site Tiqets, which is extremely reliable.
If you’d rather join a guided tour, make sure to check out this Take Walks tour – it’s one of the most thorough and a top reviewed one.
For a more budget friendly option, consider this 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero and optional Observatory entry. The experience lasts up to 2.5 hours depending on what you decide to include.
World Trade Center Observatory
With 4 days in New York, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch a great view of the city. Among the most impressive there’s that from the World Trade Center Observatory, which spans all the way to the Statue of Liberty.
Currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere with a height of 541 meters (1775 feet), it was built where the World Trade Center used to be before 9/11. Once you are up, browse around and if you want you can grab a drink from the bar too.
You need to book your visit of the World Trade Center Observatory in advance. Make sure to buy your World Trade Center Observatory tickets ahead of your visit. The overall visit normally lasts about 1.5 hours.
Oculus
While not an attraction in the classic sense of the word, the Oculus is an interesting place to visit and an easy addition to this New York in 4 days itinerary.
The Oculus is one of New York’s largest transportation hubs – it was built on what used to be a shopping mall until the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, this architectural wonder is the work of brilliant architect Calatrava. It was inaugurated in March 2016.
Inside, you will find shops, eateries and places where you can grab a coffee or a drink if you need.
Wall Street
One of the most famous streets in the world, you will have seen Wall Street on TV countless times – in movies, in the news, in TV series and what not.
Wall Street is where you can admire the statues of the Charging Bull and that of the Fearless girl; and the exterior of the New York City Stock Exchange. Not far from it, Trinity Church, is an Episcopalian Parish built in neo Gothic style.
Next to it there’s a small cemetery that is Alexander Hamilton’s burial place. What’s special about the church and the cemetery is the location – between the tall skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan.
Chinatown
One of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York, Chinatown was originally established around Mott Street in 1870, when the Chinese immigrants tried to escape persecution and discrimination from other places in the country.
The community grew and became a permanent one in the city, and now the area is packed with Asian style restaurants, nice shops and attractions. It’s a cool place to wander around – you will love its vibe, the Chinese signs, and the fun Asian goodies for sale.
Little Italy
Right across Canal Street from Chinatown, Little Italy was founded in a similar way – around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, with the massive wave of arrivals through Ellis Islands. Italians established themselves around Mulberry Street and the area grew, but it now is much much smaller than it used to be.
It remains a fun, small neighborhood, home to a massive selection of Italian-American style restaurants – but remember the food here is Italian-American, which is an evident adaptation due to the availability of ingredients and well – simple cuisine evolution! There are some nice boutiques and great bars too.
Chinatown and Little Italy are easy to explore independently, and after checking them out you can linger on a little bit longer to have dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Care for a guided tour? I recommend this food tour of Manhattan that lasts a whopping 3 hours, however keep in mind it starts at 10:30 am so probably not suitable for the purpose of this New York in 4 days itinerary.
There’s also this guided food tour of Little Italy that has excellent reviews, but again it normally starts at 12:00 pm so probably not a good alternative either.
Day two – Museums, Central Park and Midtown Manhattan
Map of day 2
Here you can find the map for your second day in town. I gave the MET as the starting point, but the map is easy to adjust in case you want to go to another museum – they are all more or less in the same area.
OPTION 1: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Among the most important art galleries in the world, and definitely one of the best museums in NYC the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) was first opened in 1870 and since then it has accumulated an extensive collection spanning across more than 5000 years of Italy, with pieces ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
A full day is usually recommended to visit the museum – or you can simply visit one part at a time, which is what I did when I lived in the city. But you don’t have that unfortunately. So pick a map at the entrance and walk straight to the collections you are most interested in.
The MET is open every day but Wednesday. You are better off getting MET tickets in advance. Re-admissions are allowed in case you really want to come back on the same day to continue exploring. You may also want to pop up to the cafeteria as it has a great view of the city!
OPTION 2: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Displaying iconic works of contemporary art, the MoMA first opened in 1929 and it quickly became one of the most important art galleries in the world.
Here you will find pieces of Vincent Van Gogh and Warhol and the works of Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, Dali and Pollock. But the museum also has exhibits on architecture, pop culture, and more.
MOMA is open daily but has longer hours on Saturdays. I recommend to buy MOMA tickets in advance as it is quite a popular museum.
OPTION 3: The Guggenheim
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and first opened in 1959, the Guggenheim is famous for its art collection as well as for the incredible building. Exhibits change regularly, and not all of them may be interesting to you.
Plan to check the museum website before you go to see what’s on, and if there is an exhibit you care to visit, get tickets in advance. Otherwise, the exterior of the building is still fun to see.
The Guggenheim is open every day but Tuesday. You will be better off getting Guggenheim tickets in advance as there may be a line at the ticket counter.
Central Park
If you have 4 days in New York City, visiting Central Park is a must – plus it’s free, so you have no excuse.
The park was actually first opened in 1858 to give New Yorkers the chance of getting a countryside feeling without even having to leave town – and today that’s exactly how it feels: a peaceful haven.
Unmissable sights in the park are Strawberry Fields, aka John Lennon’s memorial; Bethesda fountain and terrace; Belvedere Castle; the Lake and Gapstow Bridge.
This 315 hectares park is a fun place to explore on foot or on bike. You can rent bikes directly online.
One thing not to do, on the other hand, is riding horse pulled carriages! I explain why this is unethical in my post ethical animal tourism.
If you are a fitness fanatic, since you have 4 days in New York you really should put your running shoes on and go for a run in the park. It’s a fun thing to do to mingle with the locals.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Located on Fifth Avenue, near the south corner of Central Park, New York most famous church is a must see, even for just a quick visit. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a neo Gothic style church that was first inaugurated in 1878.
At the time, the Irish Roman Catholic community actually met at another church by the same name in Mulberry Street, but as the community of worshippers grew a bigger space was needed – hence the church was built.
Pop in to take a quick look around. There are 3 naves, painted glasses, works of art from many places in the world, and an enormous statue by O. Partridge that will remind you the (much smaller) Pietà of Michelangelo that you may have seen in St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican.
Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
At a short distance from St. Patrick’s Cathedral you’ll find Rockefeller Center, a series of Art Deco buildings that were commissioned by oil magnate Rockefeller.
This is a popular Christmas spot in town thanks to the iconic ice rink and Christmas tree that gets lit normally around the end of November – if you happen to be in town for the holiday season, you really can’t miss it.
My first time in New York was actually right around Christmas so needless to say I headed to the Rockefeller Center to see the lights.
One of the buildings at the Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock, a 1930s Art Deco skyscraper from where you can enjoy views of Midtown and Downtown. The observation deck spreads across 3 floors, with indoor and outdoor spaces for wonderful views.
If you want to go up the Top of The Rock, you need to book your tickets in advance, because admission is timed. You can get your Top of The Rock tickets on GetYourGuide, my favorite third-party booking site.
A fairly new attraction that you may want to visit instead of the Top of the Rock is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It opened in October 2021 and it became immediately popular.
There are exhibits and art installations on the floors from the the 90th to the 93rd floor. The best thing however is taking in the views from the observation deck.
You should get tickets to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in advance as it is a fairly popular attraction.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central is one of the major transport hubs in New York. You will probably go through the station during your 4 days in New York so you may as well take a look, because I guarantee you this is not just your regular station – though well, this was my regular stop when I worked at the UN!
The building dates back to 1913 and it is truly beautiful, with shops, really good restaurants, an oyster bar and more.
Times Square
The most famous square in town is right in the heart of Manhattan and an unmissable place to visit when you have 4 days in New York.
The square quickly rose to fame at the beginning of the 20th century when Broadway as well as off-Broadway started being packed with theaters. It was a popular nightlife hub.
Today, the square remains fun with all its neon lights, signs and every day chaos.
Day Three – The Empire State Building and the Village
Map of day 3
Here is a map for today’s itinerary.
Empire State Building
If you only go up one skyscraper in Manhattan during your 4 days in New York, it has to be this one. The views from the observation deck are breathtaking. I have been up many times – including once with my sister who’s not a fan of heights – and they are my favorite in town.
The skyscraper was completed in 1931 and back then it was the tallest building in the world. You can surely recognize its iconic image from the many movies and TV series that feature it. Remember the skyscraper that King Kong climbs in the movie? Yep, that’s the Empire State Building!
I recommend booking your visit of the Empire State Building Observatory in advance. The overall experience will take you 1.5 hour but keep in mind there may be a line for the elevator.
Bryant Park
Close to New York Public Library and Times Square and not nearly as touristy as Central Park, Bryant Park is a nice addition to this 4 days in New York City itinerary.
The park went from being a drug dealing and prostitution hub in the 1980s and early 1990s, to a lovely spot where people enjoy exercising (head there in the morning to spot locals practicing yoga) or spending a relaxing afternoon or night.
It’s a quiet, peaceful place in the middle of the chaos of Manhattan – no wonder locals love it and refer to it as Manhattan’s Town Square. If you happen to be in New York on a Monday during the summer, and you can join in the fun of a movie night.
Flatiron Building
This is one of the oddest looking buildings in New York, completed in 1902 and measuring 87 meters (285 feet). Located on Fifth Avenue at the end of Madison Square, stop for a few moments on the way to the High Line and take a look at it.
It really looks like an iron, doesn’t it? Also, did you know that it was built using a steel skeleton? You can’t visit inside as it’s all office spaces, but it still makes for a nice photo opportunity.
High Line
The High Line is one of the latest additions to New York’s fun (and 100% free) attractions. This former railway viaduct goes through Midtown Manhattan from Chelsea Market (a great lunch spot) all the way to Greenwich.
Abandoned, in the 1980s, the viaduct opened again in 2009 after it was completely remodeled by Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf who turned into an elevated park. It’s a nice place for a walk – it will take you around 30 minutes to walk its entire distance.
Stop to admire the views, the green space, the architecture and the art along the way.
Of course walking on the High Line is completely free, but if you want you can take this tour that also goes to Chelsea Market. It lasts 2 hours and comes highly recommended.
There’s also this tour that goes all the way to Greenwich Village, a nice place to visit when you have 4 days in New York City.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art is one of the most unique museums in town. This museum of contemporary art houses an incredible collection of works by American artists of the 20th and 21st century.
It is located right by the High Line in the Greenwich Village, so if you are into art you may want to pop in. Otherwise, just skip it and continue on to explore the Village.
Whitney Museum of American Art is open every day but Tuesday. I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance here to save some extra time.
Greenwich Village
This is one of the most charming and famous neighborhood in Manhattan, the set of many movies famous TV series such as Sex And The City – it’s where Carrie Bradshaw apartment is located.
It’s a fun neighborhood to explore – stone houses, lovely coffee shops, nice restaurants, boutique and all. You can definitely explore on your own, there’s no need for a guide here unless you have a particular interest.
If you want a tour, I recommend this Greenwich Village tour that lasts 2 hours and has excellent reviews.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square is really close to Greenwich Village so you can stop there on your way back uptown.
The main thing to see here is 1892 Stanford White’s Marble Arch that dates back to 1892, erected to celebrate George Washington. Set in the arch there are two statues of George Washington – one representing him in time of peace and the other one in time of war.
But there’s more. For example, you can see a statue of 19th century engineer Alexander Lyman Holley. Also located in the square there’s a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian unification hero.
This is a tribute to the large Italian community of New York. The statue was commissioned by Carlo Barsotti and completed in 1888 by Giovanni Turin.
The square is actually beloved by locals. Families take their children there to play. Older people can be spotted playing a game of chess. It really is a lovely spot.
OPTION 1: Broadway
One of the most fun things to do in New York in 4 days is seeing show in Broadway. All you have to do is pick one of the 41 theaters (some have century-old signs) and the show you want to see.
It’s not exactly budget friendly, but you have two options: either plan well in advance and look for a show you really want to see (I am a fan of musicals for example), or opt for a last minute thing and grab the cheapest ticket you can find.
OPTION 2: Metropolitan Opera House
Feeling more sophisticated? Dress up a bit (though there is no actual dress code) and head to the Metropolitan Opera House instead. It is located in Lincoln Center, in a massive modernist building that is quite a sight from the outside and has a just as massive stage on the inside.
I saw ballet and opera shows when I lived in New York (I actually lived really close!) and they were impressive, with the most complex scenography and incredible sound.
Day 4 – Brooklyn
Map of day 4
You can find your map for this day here. Bushwick is quite far off so you if street art is not your thing it’s probably better to skip it – for example, you could go back to Chinatown or Little Italy and go on a food tour.
You could consider this guided food tour of Little Italy that has excellent reviews. It starts at 12:00 pm, so you should have enough time to get back to the other side of the city.
Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Heights
One of the most memorable sights of New York, Brooklyn Bridge connects lower Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River. It was completed in 1883 and it is the first suspension bridge ever built. It measures a whopping 1,834 meters (which is just over a mile).
The bridge can be accessed from Lower Manhattan. If you are not staying in the vicinity, you can take train number 4, 5, or 6 and get off at Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop. You will find the bridge right across the street from the subway station.
Otherwise, the pedestrian entrance is located across the street from the City Hall Park, on Centre Street.
The views of the bridge and from the bridge are incredible – they are some of the best views of New York – so make sure to walk it!
Once you get off the bridge, walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park to make your way to Brooklyn Heights, the first suburb of New York City.
This is a lovely neighborhood with Victorian style buildings, historic churches. From Brooklyn Heights Promenade you can get unforgettable views of Lower Manhattan that go all the way to the Statue of Liberty.
If you want to actually do a guided tour of Brooklyn, I recommend joining this 2-hour Brooklyn Bridge bike tour that also goes to Chinatown and Manhattan Bridge.
Another option could be this Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn half day tour that takes you to two of the most interesting neighborhoods of New York (other than Brooklyn, that is!).
DUMBO
DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of the coolest areas of Brooklyn and a popular photo spot. Most people go there to take photos of the bridge appearing between the buildings, but the actual area is nice to explore.
Cobblestoned streets, quirky cafés, nice boutiques make it a fun place to spend some time – oh, and the views are obviously stunning.
This Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo 2 hour walking tour takes you to the lovely DUMBO neighborhood too.
Bushwick
If you love street art and art in general, visiting Bushwick is definitely what to do in 4 days in New York. It’s a bit off the beaten path and not nearly as many tourists visit it compared to the rest of Brooklyn, but it is worth the effort.
Bushwick actually had a really bad reputation in the 1980s and 1990s. Crime rate was high here, and the area was isolated, dirty, and felt abandoned. It took a lot of effort to change things around – including redevelopment projects that involved up and coming artists.
Today, Bushwick is safe, artsy, unique and full of character. There are many murals to see scattered around, and many cool art galleries to check out.
If you enjoy street art, you will definitely appreciate having a guide that brings to life whatever piece you are seeing. That’s how murals become meaningful, as you learn about the artist, the history of the neighborhood, etc.
For this reason, I recommend going on a guided tour. You can consider this graffiti and street art 2 hour walking tour. You will be going around the area with a street art expert and discover the secrets of the various murals.
Williamsburg Bridge
To locals, Williamsburg Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the city. It one was opened in 1903 to connect Brooklyn to Manhattan on the other side of the East River and it’s in fact the second most important bridge to be built there after Brooklyn Bridge.
I must admit I stumbled upon it last time I was in New York, as I stayed in the area and decided to walk to Manhattan and this was the shortest route. It’s a fun sight as it is all pink. The views of the city and of Brooklyn Bridge from it are stunning.
How To Spend 4 Days In New York – Pratical Guide
This itinerary was drafted with the assumption that you have 4 full days in New York – with 4 nights in town, too. If you only have 3 nights in town, check out my post 3 days New York Itinerary instead.
Here are a few useful tips that will help you master this itinerary:
HEAD OUT EARLY: Plan to be out at 8:00 am every day, so wake up early. There’s so much too see that every second is needed.
BOOK ATTRACTIONS ONLINE – Most paid attractions in New York require advanced reservations and skip-the-line tickets. I will point out whenever a ticket is needed.
TIME AT ATTRACTIONS ARE ESTIMATE – Whenever I mention the recommended visiting time at a place, remember it’s based on general experience. At times, you find you may need more (or less). Having said so, try to keep your timings or you may end up missing some places altogether.
LUNCH IS ON THE GO – There are so many actually excellent places to have a quick bite in New York – whether it’s a sandwich, street food or whatever else – that this is never an issue. I will suggest places to stop for lunch wherever relevant. Sit down for a meal in the evening.
WEAR YOUR MOST COMFORTABLE CLOTHES (AND SHOES) – You will be walking a lot during your 4 days in New York. For that reason, I recommend packing your most comfortable shoes and clothes. My post on what to wear in New York gives you more guidance on what to pack for a New York trip in any season.
Book everything in advance
There are many attractions in New York that require advanced bookings, and in some cases you will be better off going on a guided tour.
My favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide, offers a wide range of activities, has flexible cancellation policies and 24/7 support.
If you wish to follow this New York in 4 days itinerary, these are the tours and tickets you need to book ahead:
- Empire State Building Observatory tickets – New York’s most famous skyscraper has the longest line, but you can beat them with pre-booked tickets.
- Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & 9/11 Tour with Priority One World Observatory Tickets – This tour is the perfect choice for your first day in the city.
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island early access tour – The best tour to visit the most iconic attraction in the city.
- World Trade Center Observatory tickets – You need to have advanced bookings for this one.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum tour – This tour operated by Take Walks is the best way of visiting a place that is so important for the history of the city.
- Top of The Rock tickets – It works on a time-slot system.
Get a New York Pass
For your 4 days in New York City itinerary, you may find a city pass to be a smart way to save on attractions, and to skip the line. You may actually want to get it well before your trip too, as once you get the pass you will need to make reservations for the attractions.
This is the original New York City Pass. You can pick between the basic option and the all inclusive (recommended). There are many options in terms of duration – ideally, get the 4-day city pass since you will be spending 4 days in New York. The pass includes a Metro Card, which super useful especially as this itinerary takes you to Brooklyn and all over the place in Manhattan.
Pick a good place to stay
There’s no denying that New York is expensive, and the more central locations will definitely cost you more – but will allow you to save time and money on transportation. Picking a central place to stay is what to do in New York in 4 days.
Not sure where to stay? I have selected a few places that may be suitable – they are all apartments so you can actually save a bit if you occasionally eat at home.
- STUDIO NEAR UNION SQUARE – A great Airbnb suitable for up to 3 guests, it is very centrally located.
- APARTMENT IN THE EAST VILLAGE – Perfect for up to 2 guests, the location is 100% charming.
- HISTORICAL FLAT IN CHINATOWN – Great for 2 guest, this apartment is incredibly cozy and the location really unique.
Be smart about your flights
Good deals on flights to New York are easy to find on Skyscanner, but you have to be persistent in your search and once you see a deal you think is good go grab it – most of the time, you will be better off booking directly with the airline.
The city has 3 airports and is well connected to the rest of the country and the world. JFK is probably your the best airport to fly into for easy connection to the city.
Decide how to get to town from the airport
You have various options to get from JFK Airport to the city. Here’s a quick outline:
AIRTRAIN – With tickets costing only $8,25 USD, the Airtrain is the cheapest option. There are 3 lines so make sure to pick the right one for your final destination.
SHUTTLE – Best if you have lots of luggage. Prices are in the range of $20 USD for a shared shuttle bus, but you may have the inconvenience of having to drive around quite a bit to drop off other travelers. A private transfer is more expensive but more convenient if you are traveling in a small group. You can book your private transfer from the airport to the city center via Welcome Pickups – I have used them in many cities and enjoy their service.
TAXI AND UBER – You can get a taxi at the terminal. Taxis have a flat fee of $70 USD, plus the tolls and a surcharge on rush hour (between 4:00 and 8:00 pm on weekdays) There now is also a New York State Congestion Surcharge that all taxis connecting Manhattan to the airport have to pay. Uber costs more or less the same, but you need the app and wifi to book.
Try to walk everywhere
I drafted this itinerary with the idea that you should mostly walk. If you need to use public transport, you can count on an incredible web of buses, taxis and – most importantly – the easy-to-use subway which is open 24/7.
Subway tickets cost around $3 USD, but they are cheaper if you get a Metro Card (which actually comes with the all-inclusive New York City Pass).
Other useful information
Finally, here is a bit more information that you may find useful:
LUGGAGE STORAGE – Found in most stations such as Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, and Times Square. You can book it via LuggageHero. It’s probably the best thing to do if you have a late evening flight but need to check out from your hotel, as you will definitely go through the station to get to the airport.
SCAMS AND PICKPOCKETS – Like any other big turist destination, New York is not immune from scams and pickpockets. Scams to be aware of are the Staten Island Ferry ticket scam (the ferry is actually free so don’t believe anyone who is trying to sell you a ticket!); the cartoon character costumes in Times Square (if you take a photo of or with them, you’ll be asked to pay and trust me, they will insist); and the typical taxi scams. Pickpockets are active in crowded places.
DATA PLAN – Check with your phone company to make sure your data plan works in New York, so you can use useful apps to book Uber, restaurants etc. In case, download maps to use offline.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – Never go without travel insurance! Get yours here. Are you not sure you need it? Let me convince with my post Read why you need it Why You Always Need Travel Insurance.
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to the United States? Make sure to read my other posts:
- The Best Day Trips From NYC
- The Perfect Itinerary To See New York In 2 Days
- 5 Days In New York: An Easy To Follow New York Itinerary
- A Great Itinerary For 3 Days In San Francisco
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In California
- 10 Things To Do For A Fabulous Trip To Miami
- Seven Adrenaline Filled Things To Do In Yellowstone (With Kids!)
- 10 Not To Miss Hikes Near Denver
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