Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore new corners of this iconic metropolis, a well-planned itinerary can help you make the most of your time. In this New York 7 day itinerary, I’ve crafted a balanced and exciting schedule that will take you through the must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and unique neighborhoods of NYC. From the bright lights of Times Square to the serene beauty of Central Park, get ready for an unforgettable week in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
On this post you will find:
New York is a city full of activities and sights, so time always seems to fall short. Every year, more and more attractions and new corners of the city are waiting to be explored. However, 7 days in New York is the ideal amount of time to see the must-visit highlights of this great city.
This itinerary will give you an idea of what to do during a full 7-day trip, not including travel days. Keep in mind that this is just a guideline, and your itinerary may change depending on the season you visit. For example, if you travel to New York in winter, the days are shorter, and you’ll have less daylight to explore.
The goal is to help you optimize your time so you can see as much of New York as possible in 7 days.
Buy the New York Pass to save money in activities
NEW YORK 7 DAY ITINERARY
- Day 1 of New York in 7 days
Grand Central Terminal – Bryant Park – New York Public Library – 5th Avenue – St Patrick’s Cathedral – Top of the Rock – Times Square
Morning
The first day will focus mainly on Midtown Manhattan, the heart of the island. In the morning, start by visiting the famous Grand Central Terminal, a stunning building that is an iconic landmark of the city.
From there, you can walk to Bryant Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Right next to it is the New York Public Library. Entrance to this building is free, and it’s definitely worth exploring inside. Afterward, take a stroll down 5th Avenue towards Central Park, window shopping at high-end stores like Tiffany, Cartier, Prada, and Saks.
If you’re visiting in the summer, take advantage of the weather and enjoy a picnic in Central Park, picking up something quick from any of the nearby shops.
Afternoon
After lunch, walk back along 5th Avenue to the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Once you’ve finished your visit, cross the street to explore Rockefeller Center and its observatory, Top of the Rock. If you’re visiting New York during Christmas, you’ll be able to see the famous holiday tree in Rockefeller Plaza. This is also where the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store is located.
Ideally, aim to visit Top of the Rock a little before sunset to experience the city both in daylight and as it lights up at night. It’s a good idea to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and head straight to the elevator line. The ticket to Top of the Rock is included with the New York Pass.
Afterward, make your way to Times Square to end the day in the city’s brightest and busiest area. For dinner, you can choose from some of the nearby restaurants like Carmine’s or Ellen’s Stardust Diner, known for its unique atmosphere and singing waitstaff.
- Day 2 of New York in 7 days
Central Park – Met Museum – American Museum of Natural History – Guggenheim Museum
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the famous Central Park. The park is vast, so it’s best to plan your route to hit some of the main highlights, such as: Strawberry Fields (a tribute to John Lennon), Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and the statues from Alice in Wonderland. Alternatively, you could opt for a guided bike tour of Central Park to see more of the park in less time.
After spending a few hours exploring Central Park, head to the American Museum of Natural History, located on the park’s west side. This massive museum boasts an incredible collection of dinosaur fossils, animals, and much more. It’s also famous as the setting for the Night at the Museum movie series.
Afternoon
After visiting the American Museum of Natural History, cross Central Park to the other side and head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as the Met. If you’re only going to visit one museum in New York, for me, this is the one you can’t miss.
The Met is one of the most important museums in the world. The building is enormous and houses art from classical antiquity to modern works. The ticket to visit the Met is included in the New York Pass.
After leaving the Met, if you still have time and energy, you can walk a few blocks to the Guggenheim Museum. This museum is important not only for its collection of impressionist and modern art, but also because the building was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You’ll notice that it’s a very unique museum both inside and out. Even if you’re not interested in going inside, I recommend seeing it at least from the outside. The ticket for the Guggenheim is also included in the New York Pass, and on Saturday afternoons, the museum offers a Pay What You Wish admission.
If you want to explore each of New York’s attractions in detail, check out: Things to do in New York.
- Day 3 of New York in 7 days
Statue of Liberty – Wall Street – 9/11 Memorial – Oculus – One World Trade Center
Morning
This day will focus on the southernmost part of Manhattan. Start your day early by taking the subway to Lower Manhattan, and head to Battery Park, where the ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart. The ferry will take you to Liberty Island, and on your way back, you can stop at Ellis Island, home to the Immigration Museum. The entire trip will take about 4 hours. It’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance to save time and avoid long lines.
↣ If you’re not interested in visiting Liberty Island, you can take the Staten Island Ferry, which passes very close to the Statue of Liberty and is free. The ferry departs every 30 minutes from Battery Park, between 7 AM and 11 PM.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to Wall Street to snap a photo with the famous Charging Bull, located near the New York Stock Exchange building. You’ll also find the Fearless Girl sculpture, which promotes female empowerment.
Continue walking towards the World Trade Center to visit the 9/11 Memorial. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this tragedy, you can visit the 9/11 Museum.
Next, I highly recommend heading up to the One World Trade Center Observatory, which offers spectacular views of the city. It’s the tallest skyscraper in New York.
After your visit to the observatory, head into Oculus, the new transportation hub at the World Trade Center. Designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, it’s a stunning piece of architecture that you won’t want to miss. Inside, you’ll also find a shopping mall.
↣ A great way to explore New York’s financial district is by taking the free tour offered by Civitatis. This 2.5-hour walking tour covers several important spots in the area, guided by a Spanish-speaking guide. The tour runs daily at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM, and it’s completely free! For more details, check out the Free Tour of New York.
- Day 4 of New York in 7 days
Hudson Yards – The Vessel – Edge – High Line – Chelsea Market – Whitney Museum – Little Island – Greenwich Village – Union Sq – Flatiron – Madison Square Garden
Morning
Start your day by exploring Hudson Yards, the trendy new neighborhood in New York. Here, you’ll find the striking Vessel, a new architectural landmark. Unfortunately, the staircases are closed, but you can still access the base of the structure.
Right next to The Vessel is The Edge, the new observation deck offering 360° views of the city from 345 meters above ground. One section of the deck has a glass floor, and the views are simply stunning. Admission to The Edge is included with the New York Pass.
A few blocks from The Edge, you’ll find the entrance to the High Line, a park built on the elevated tracks of an old train route. In my opinion, it’s one of Manhattan’s must-see attractions and it’s completely free to visit.
At the end of the High Line, you’ll find the Whitney Museum, which specializes in 20th-century American art. Beyond its exhibitions, the museum has a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the city. Admission to the Whitney Museum is included with the New York Pass.
After finishing your walk along the High Line and visiting the Whitney Museum (or not), head to Chelsea Market, the former Oreo factory turned into a marketplace with food stalls, shops, and offices.
Just a few steps away, you’ll find Little Island, New York’s newest park. Be sure to visit and stroll through this beautiful area.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming Greenwich Village neighborhood and spend some time at Washington Square Park. From there, continue walking to Union Square, one of my favorite spots in Manhattan. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the iconic Flatiron Building, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Finish your day by catching a musical or sporting event at Madison Square Garden. If you’re not attending a show, another option is to take a guided tour of the venue, where you’ll learn about the history of the arena and even get the chance to visit the stands and locker rooms.
- Day 5 of New York in 7 days
Brooklyn – DUMBO – Williamsburg – Prospect Park – Brooklyn Bridge – Broadway
Morning
On this day, you’ll be leaving Manhattan to explore another one of New York’s vibrant neighborhoods: Brooklyn. Start your day by taking the subway to Brooklyn. If you arrive early, you’ll find DUMBO (the area under the Manhattan Bridge) almost empty. Walk along the waterfront for some beautiful views of the city skyline. Don’t miss Time Out Market New York, a food market offering a wide variety of cuisines, all with a spectacular view of Manhattan.
As you continue through the area, you’ll come across one of Brooklyn’s most luxurious residential neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights.
If you have some extra time, consider taking another subway ride or walking over to Williamsburg, a trendy neighborhood known for its street art, restaurants, and vintage shops. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or grab a coffee.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s version of Central Park. It’s a peaceful retreat with plenty of green space and paths to explore. To return to Manhattan, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a beautiful experience, and you’ll have a perfect view of the city as you cross. If you want to enjoy it with fewer crowds, it’s best to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan early in the morning.
End your day by attending one of Broadway’s spectacular shows, like The Lion King, Chicago, Wicked, or The Phantom of the Opera, among others. I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to ensure you get a seat for your chosen performance.
- Day 6 of New York in 7 days
SoHo – Chinatown – Little Italy – Empire State – MoMA
Morning
Put on your most comfortable sneakers because today is all about walking! Start your day in SoHo, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Manhattan. Here, you’ll find a mix of trendy boutiques, restaurants, and the classic New York buildings with fire escapes on the facades.
Next to SoHo is Little Italy, the area where the first Italian immigrants settled in the city. You’ll find plenty of Italian restaurants and bakeries here, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. As you continue your walk, you’ll enter Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood full of color, where you can explore all kinds of shops and enjoy a variety of Asian cuisine.
Keep walking until you reach Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in New York. Stop here for lunch to refuel and enjoy a classic New York pastrami sandwich.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head back to Midtown to visit the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), home to one of the most important collections of modern art in the world. Admission to the MoMA is included with the New York Pass.
Finish your day by watching the sunset from the Empire State Building, New York’s most iconic skyscraper. I recommend buying your tickets online in advance to skip the lines and make the most of your time. The views from the top at sunset are unforgettable!
- Day 7 of New York in 7 days
Harlem – Queens – The Bronx – Brooklyn – SUMMIT
Morning
Today, it’s time to leave Manhattan again. Start your day by visiting Harlem, a neighborhood famous for its jazz clubs and numerous Baptist churches, where you can attend a Gospel service. After exploring Harlem, take the subway to Queens.
A very convenient way to explore this route is by taking the New York Contrasts Tour offered by Civitatis, where you’ll visit Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn with a guide.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can head back to Manhattan and explore any places you might have missed. Since it’s the day before your return trip, I like to leave this time free so you can choose what to do. Maybe you’ll want to revisit Central Park, check out another museum, or do some last-minute shopping.
Say goodbye to New York by visiting the SUMMIT observation deck, a sensory experience with incredible views of the city. Be sure to book your SUMMIT tickets in advance, as it’s one of the most popular attractions in New York.
New York 7 day itinerary map
New York neighbourhoods
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Most of the must-see attractions are located on the island of Manhattan, which is further divided into different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. There are three basic divisions of Manhattan that you should know, as they will help you navigate the subway and the city in general:
- Upper Manhattan: This is the northernmost region of the island. Here you’ll find neighborhoods like Washington Heights and Harlem, as well as Central Park and several major museums.
- Midtown Manhattan: The central area of the island, home to landmarks like Times Square, the MoMA, and iconic buildings like the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building.
- Lower Manhattan: The southernmost part of the island, where you’ll find the Financial District, SoHo, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and more.
This itinerary is organized based on these zones to help you avoid crisscrossing the island every day. It will allow you to explore one area at a time.
Getting around New York
- Walking: The best way to get around Manhattan is on foot, as there’s always something to see on every block. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes because walking will likely be your main mode of transportation in the city.
- Subway: For longer distances, such as traveling from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the subway is your best option. It’s easy to use, and the entire city is connected by the subway system.
All you need to get around the subway in New York is a MetroCard, a rechargeable card that you can buy at any subway station.
If you plan to use public transport a lot, it’s worth purchasing a 7-day MetroCard pass or a monthly pass, which offers unlimited rides (on both subway and bus) for the duration of the pass.
Need transportation from the airport to the city? Check out these private transfers:
How to save money in activities in New York
Tickets for paid activities in the city can be quite expensive, which is why there are several tourist passes that can help you save some money. Depending on how many days you’ll be in New York and which activities you’re interested in, one pass may be more suitable than another. The main tourist passes for New York are:
- New York Pass: With the New York Pass you have access to more than 100 city attractions, tours and museums. You can see the complete list of attractions included here. Prices vary depending on the number of days you want to use the pass. If you want to know more about the New York Pass read this post.
- Explorer Pass: This pass includes free entrance to 3, 4, 5, 7 or 11 of the city’s main attractions. Learn more about the Explorer Pass here.
- New York CityPASS: This pass includes entry to 6 city attractions. It is a good option if you want to visit fewer attractions without being on the run. Learn more about the New York CityPASS here.
If you want to know which pass is best for you read: New York attraction passes comparison
Where to stay in New York
Accommodation in New York is usually expensive. That’s why I recommend that you book your hotel in advance.
$: HI NYC Hostel USD $35-70/night per person. HI NYC Hostel is in uptown New York about 1 block away from Broadway Street. I’ve stayed at HI in different cities and always come back because the staff and service is great.
$$: YOTEL New York USD $100-270/night double occupancy.The YOTEL is a hotel with a super modern and futuristic design with small rooms but with all the comforts. It is located just 6 blocks from Times Square.
$$$: Hotel Iberostar Park Avenue USD $230-350/night double occupancy. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Iberostar Park Avenue is great. The rooms are huge and the location is perfect.
You can also check this list of cheap hotels in New York
Other posts about New York:
- Best things to do in New York City
- Where to stay in New York: best areas and hotels
- Is the New York Pass worth it?
- Cheap hotels near Times Square
- New York attraction passes comparison
- New York winter packing list
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