Heading to the Big Apple for the first time and looking for the perfect four day New York itinerary? Look no further!
I first travelled to New York when I was living in the USA at 17, and then I didn’t go back until 25. Both times I felt like a newbie and was sort of lost on what was most worth seeing for a first time NYC visitor with limited time, so I created this four day New York itinerary to help others make the most of their stay in this amazing city!
Why four days in New York? It’s the minimum amount of time I’d recommend for a first trip if you can spare it, it will be time well spent. You’ll be able to hit up all the hot spots with a few added bonuses!
Now, of course, exactly where you go and what you see is based on the things you like and where you’re staying. Originally, I was going to split this guide up into things to do day by day in New York, but then I realised it depends on when you arrive and leave, plus what things are the most important to you.
Instead, I’ve grouped together the things you should definitely plan to see within your four-day New York itinerary, and that are close together, then it’s really up to you what order you see them in!
You can duck and dive between the different areas because, as you’ll be able to see, there’s more to do in some areas than others.
New York is home to people from so many different places and ethnicities that have brought their food and culture with them, so expect to find many different cuisines in New York to sample too!
If you get to the end of your four days in New York and you’ve managed most of this, then you’ve covered the basics, and next time you take a trip to New York, you’ll be able to delve a bit deeper into this awesome city.
Things to put on a 4-day itinerary for NYC
All of these places are pretty iconic, but if you really want to feel like you’ve arrived in New York, I’d recommend starting with Midtown Manhattan.
Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Terminal
You really feel like you’re in New York when you emerge from the subway into Grand Central Terminal. I love looking up at the painted constellations and watching all the people buzzing around to who knows where!
New York Public Library
This is the largest library in New York and the second largest in the US. I definitely wouldn’t have minded coming here to study during university! Within your four day New York itinerary, you should pass it at some point, so I recommend going in to check it out. Who knew a library could be so beautiful?
Rockefeller Center
Opened in 1939 and Art Deco in style, the Rockefeller Center is another iconic New York building you have to see during your 4 days in the city. Venture up to the “Top of The Rock” as an alternative to the Empire State Building, and that way, you’ll get it in your photos too!
Book a Flexible Date Ticket for the Rockefeller Center here
Empire State Building
The inside of the Empire State Building is almost (ALMOST) as breathtaking as the view from the top. It’s Art Deco at its best!
Some say the best time is sunset when you can experience it during the day and as the night falls and all the lights turn on across the city. It’s obviously very popular though, so do plan ahead!
You can Book your ticket here and skip the line!
Times Square
I want to say this is another iconic place, but let’s face it, everywhere on this NYC itinerary is!
Times Square is a touristy place usually packed with people both day and night.
You can eat, see a show, visit some of the huge stores or just people watch. I wouldn’t spend a ton of time but it’s worth the stop.
Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway Show is definitely a first-timer in New York activity.
You can plan ahead, Check Show Ticket Prices and Tours Here or, if you’re less worried about which show you see when you’re there, get discount tickets from the TKTS Offices around the city.
My first time in New York I saw the Phantom of the Opera!
Other options:
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – Another spot for views over Manhattan, and this time with a drink! Sip a cocktail while you gaze across to the Empire State Building… because, well, it’s New York!
St Patrick’s Cathedral – You’ll wander down 5th Avenue anyway, so check out St Patricks Cathedral on the way to the Rockefeller Centre.
Uptown Manhattan
Uptown Manhattan is more about chilling out than buzzing around like in midtown. During one of my New York visits, I spent about 3 hours in Central Park just reading a book!
It’s tempting to pack as much as possible into your four day New York itinerary, but try to make time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the city too.
Central Park
Central Park is HUGE. There are so many paths everywhere to walk, run or cycle around.
Don’t miss Strawberry fields, a landscaped section of the park dedicated to John Lennon. There’s also a lake where you can hire boats and see the famous Alice in Wonderland statue.
NYC Museums
Dotted around Central Park are some of the most famous museums in New York.
There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the biggest museums in the world, and the American Museum of Natural History, made famous by the film Night at the Museum, which both suggest donations but are technically free. There’s also the Guggenheim Museum which is $22USD.
Other options:
The Cloisters – Much further away but apparently well worth it. A museum of European medieval architecture.
Lower Manhattan
Once again, there’s a LOT to do in Lower Manhattan. You might want to plan to spend more than one of your 4 days in NYC doing parts of it.
For example, visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island early one day before you head up to Central Park. This saves time and makes for a fantastic day!
Brooklyn Bridge
It’s a 25-minute walk across Brooklyn Bridge to the park on the other side, where you can look back at downtown NYC. It’s not for everyone but for me, the bridge was just too iconic to miss out on!
One World Trade Centre & 9/11 Memorial Site
The first time I went to New York was in 2005 when the land where the Twin Towers once stood was still being worked on.
On my second visit, I was able to go to the 9/11 Memorial Site, where there is a park commemorating the victims of the terror attack. It’s a very moving place, and it certainly deserves a moment of your time. This strangely peaceful and solemn space seems so small to have housed such huge buildings.
You can also take the elevator to the top of the One World Trade Centre “Freedom Tower”, which is the tallest building in New York (some New York trivia for you there!).
Get a ticket and skip the line for the One World Observatory here
Trinity Church
Located close to the World Trade Centre site and used as a point of refuge after September 11th, the Trinity Church is one of the oldest in the USA. The colonial graveyard is the final resting place of famous Americans from that time, including the grave of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.
Wall Street
Home to the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. You can’t see too much, but it’s interesting to walk along, and people watch. You can also take a picture of the famous charging bull.
Battery Park
You’ll walk through here to get to the ferries to the Statue of Liberty or the Staten Island Ferry, and there are great views of the harbour. It’s usually full of street performers and people relaxing.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Although the line can be long (I strongly recommend getting there early), it’s worth it to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
It appears small from the top of the likes of the Empire State Building, but up close, it really is as big as you might have imagined.
I also really enjoyed the stop at Ellis Island, where you can learn more about the immigrants who came through here to start their life in the United States.
Check out Tours & Ticket Prices Here
Staten Island Ferry
The second time I visited New York, I opted for the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. If you don’t have time to visit the island itself or you just want a closer view, then the Staten Island Ferry passes close to it and has great views looking back the Manhattan, plus it’s free!
Other options:
The High Line – Once a train track, it’s now been converted to a walkway complete with gardens, food stalls, and public art.
Chinatown – Not ashamed to admit I went here because there was a heatwave when I went to New York, and I was craving bubble tea and hadn’t had it since I left Australia!
Little Italy – Another part of New York that gets its name from the immigrant population that made its home there.
Flatiron Building – The triangular skyscraper is of the most photographed buildings in New York.
Greenwich Village – The treelined streets are full of great cafes, and Washington Square Park is a lovely spot to have a rest. It was once the epicentre of the 1960s counterculture movement and is known to be very LGBT friendly.
Chelsea Market – A food hall and shopping mall that is the filming location for many cooking TV shows.
Whitney Museum of American Art – Another outpost for The Met.
Essential New York Travel Info
The best time to visit New York City
The cheapest time to visit New York is between mid-January (after the holiday season) and February; however, the weather will also be cold.
The warmest weather (some would say too warm!) is in June, July, and August, but it’s also very busy.
March to May means warmer temperatures, but there can also be rain, so pack accordingly.
September to November is seen as ideal temperature-wise, and the city in the changing season is beautiful; however, it will be extremely busy over Thanksgiving thanks to the Macy’s Parade.
Getting around New York City
Honestly, I walked most of this itinerary in the four days I was in New York! At times I took the subway, but much of it is more walkable than you think.
Taking public transpiration like the subway is great if you don’t want to walk, however! And of course, you can take one of the many yellow cabs but consider the time of day for traffic.
Getting to New York City & Where to Stay
There’s no denying that New York, like any iconic city, is a more expensive destination, but there are ways to take a trip to New York on a budget or make it a cheap weekend getaway.
How you get there obviously depends on where you’re coming from, so after figuring out where you’re most likely flying from, I’d say the thing that will affect your budget most is where you stay.
If you’re coming from abroad, then you could consider a New York holiday deal package that includes flights and accommodation.
If you’re booking your own, remember you don’t have to stay in Manhattan, and you can look at places like Brooklyn and Queens, where you can easily get into the city. I loved my stay in Queens on my second visit.
As well as hotels in New York, you can look at Airbnb and other apartment options, which will also save you money on eating out all the time if your NYC trip is on a budget!
However, if you want to splash out and treat yourself, then there are plenty of amazing luxury hotels in Manhattan too!
What to pack for New York
Electronics
- Mobile phone/Camera for photos – I use the Sony A6000, which is a compact mirrorless camera that’s easy to use and takes great photos you can transfer to your mobile right away. Also, take an extra SD Card, New York is photogenic!
- A plug adaptor – If you’re from outside of North America, you’ll need one of these for your electronics. I love how this one has USB ports too!
- A power bank or portable charger to keep your devices going while you’re out all day – I have several of these ones.
Outfits & Accessories
- Comfortable clothing for during the day and something more dressy for evenings/going out
- A winter jacket (I like ones like this with a hood), hat, scarf, and gloves if you’re travelling in the colder seasons
- A light jacket and layers for the summer (good for indoors in museums etc or the shoulder seasons) otherwise, the usual summery dresses, shorts, and shirts
- Comfortable but stylish walking shoes for the city, boots, flats or comfy sandals. You may well be doing a lot of walking!
Since you have limited time, it’s a good idea to pre-book some tours and tickets. Check out Get Your Guide for tickets to all the major attractions, many of which have skip the line options!
Get Your Guide Ticket Options
So there you have it, plenty of things to keep you entertained on a four-day trip to New York City. Is it on your bucket list?
Sonja x
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I haven’t been to New York yet but it is on my list of must see places in the States, when they will grant visas for my nationality as well. Probably one of my first stops in the city would be the Central station. I have seen it in so many movies and it looks majestic. Central Park would be another place that I would go to if I had 4 days. I imagine it’s really easy to spend at least half a day there.
Central Station is in so many movies it’s almost surreal when you see it! I hope they do grant visas for you x
You have certainly highlighted so many things here that justify why so many people regard New York City as one of the most iconic and ‘must-see’ cities in the world. I love how you have grouped these major attractions together according to location which makes it walk-able and also really great for people that are only there for such a limited time. Can’t wait to get there myself and see so much of what you have included in this fabulous post.
Thanks so much! It really is one of the best cities I’ve been to 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better guide to NYC than yours. I’m so happy I stumbled upon it. It has been my dream to go on a solo writing expedition to NYC – don;t know why. I would love to view the Empire State Building both by day and night and walk endlessly in Times Square. 🙂 Cheers!!
Thanks so much! A solo writing expedition there sounds amazing! Now I’m living in Europe again I really should try and go more.
I love your stunning photography. The maps really help planning a trip to New York. It’s such a big place but all the famous attractions are so iconic.
Not all mine unfotunately!! But it really is a beautiful place to capture. I’d love to go back and take more photos.
I’ve been to NYC a few times, so have done all the things you’ve mentioned. I’d like to see the High Line the next time I return, it looks like a great addition to the city. I can never get enough of Little Italy, I always love the people’s strong New York/Italian accent.
Me too!! I actually didn’t get time for the High Line myself so I really want to do it next time :).
Lots of iconic sites on that list! We had never visited NYC until this summer, when we made three separate trips out there to visit friends and explore. I think every time we went, we left with a longer list of things to do the next time! We still need to make it to the Chelsea Highline among many others.
There’s so much more than this too! I feel like it’s one of those places you could live in for years and still keep discovering things 🙂
I haven’t been to NYC for 4 years now! I’d love to go back and walk the highline
It’s been awhile for me too but I so want to go again soon!
Very detailed and thought out list of things to do in NYC! I’ve been multiple times since it’s just a bus ride away from Washington, DC and can never find the time to do all the things I want. Next time you’re in Chinatown (or San Francisco, where they’re originally from), check out Boba Guys, my absolute favorite bubble tea place!
I feel like it’s the kind of place you could live in for years and still find things to do! Thanks for the recommendation, I seriously love bubble tea!
Your post revived my memories of NYC visit in August. I really liked cruise to Statue of Liberty with a view of Manhattan and lively Times Square Center. There are so many things to do in NYC that it really becomes so hectic but we managed to cover most of the things which you have listed. Brooklyn Bridge is also another awesome thing to see in NYC.
Thanks! I’m glad it brought back nice memories for you :). It did for me writing it too!
I agree with all of these! I grew up going to NYC a lot so over the course of many trips I’ve managed to check almost all of these off the list, but to do all this in 4 days – wow! I’ve never been to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar but it sounds like an excellent alternative to pushing the crowds at the Empire State Building. I’d love to check that out next time I’m in NYC.
It is a lot for 4 days definitely! No sleeps ins haha. It was really fun to go up there. Expensive if you want your own seating area but we stood at the bar and had cocktails and had the best view anyway!!
very nice blog…how much would be the budget for a 4 day trip visiting main attractions without broadway show tickets
Hi Dave, thanks! I’m sorry but it’s really hard for me to say as it depends on what accommodation you’re looking for, and what other activities you would want to do. I would start with looking at accommodation options and then what sort of transport works for you, and then add any activities that will cost that you absolutely want to do.
Thanks for sharing all the must visit attractions , this will be helpful for a short trip.
My husband and I just landed in New York last night! Last year I started researching things to do and made a list of of places I wanted to see. A lot of places on my list you have covered too! 😊 This is the best I have read for exploring New York! I wish I had just looked at this blog and saved it, it would have saved so much of my time, instead of looking, reading and researching in other places! 😂 IThank you so much for sharing 😊
Hey, I’m also planning a trip to new york, thanks for sharing these must-visit attractions.. will definitely try them.