5 DAYS IN NEW YORK – A PERFECT FIRST TIME ITINERARY

by Alex Millsupdated on October 1, 2024June 3, 2022Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the perfect way to spend 5 days in New York?

I’ve been lucky enough to live in New York for 6 months now and have been absolutely loving exploring. I know, typically people visit New York for 4 nights / 5 days so I decided to put together this post.

There is so much to do in New York, so this itinerary is pretty packed but honestly, you need to make the most of your time here!

Perfect 5 days in New York City Itinerary

READ ON FOR THE PERFECT 5 DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Midtown

Start by visiting Grand Central Terminal. It’s honestly the most beautiful station! Don’t forget to look up at the consolation ceiling.

Just a short walk from Grand Central is the New York Public Library. This is another iconic building you need to see. Also, take a look inside, it’s very grand! I passed here so many times before going in and I was so pleased I finally did.

Round the corner from The Library is Bryant Park. This is a lovely little park lined with cafes, making it the perfect lunch spot. There are often performers in summer and an ice skating rink in winter. Top Tip: visit the toilets, they’re amazing!

After lunch, visit the Empire State Building. Possibly the most iconic of all New York’s buildings. See views all over New York City.

While you’re in this area, try and fit in a bit of shopping. Macy’s is the largest department store and there are lots of other shops close to it.

I think the evening is the best time to see Times Square. Also, try to see a broadway show, I’ve seen Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Moulin Rouge. I really enjoyed both!

Grand Central in the Snow — The Empire State Building

DAY 2 – Central Park and the Upper West Side

Central Park is my favourite place in all of New York. It is huge so you can easily spend a full day exploring here. Make sure to walk down The Mall to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, it is breathtaking.

There are two cafes near the Terrace. The Lobe Boathouse and Le Pain Quotidien, both are great options. Also, check out the Alice in Wonderland Statue.

In the afternoon, head over to the Upper West Side. The American Museum of Natural History is really popular. If you’re travelling with kids, I’d highly recommend The Children’s Museum of Manhattan. My son absolutely loves it there!

Blossom in Central Park — The Bethseda Fountain

DAY 3 – Chelsea and The West Village

The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a pretty cool structure. Hudson Yards is another shopping opportunity!

Next, walk The High Line. This is a disused railway track that has been transformed into an elevated park. It’s much nicer in the spring when all the plants are in bloom.

After The High Line, visit Little Island Park. This is a new park located on the Hudson River. At peak times you need to book an entry time. You can check the website HERE.

Also in this area is Chelsea Market. A pretty indoor market with lots of restaurants and shops.

If you’re a fan of Friends or Sex and the City (or both), you can see both the Friends apartment block and Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in this area!

After you’ve been here, head back towards Mid Town for drinks at 230 Fifth. An NYC Rooftop bar with amazing views of the Empire State building. It might be a squeeze to fit this in but they have happy hour from 2 – 5 where cocktails are just $10. This is a bargain for New York.

The High Line in Spring — Friends Apartment

DAY 4 – Downtown

Take a trip downtown to see the Statue of Liberty. You can either book a tour to take you to Liberty Island where you can visit/go up the statue itself. Alternatively, you will get a good view of it from the Staten Island Ferry. This is a free ferry that takes you to Ellis Island and back.

Then, visit One World Observatory (also known as the Freedom Tower), which is the tallest building in New York and another place to see excellent views.

Just around the corner from here is the 911 Memorial Fountains and Tribute Museum. This is definitely an emotional place to visit but also a big part of the city.

South Street Seaport is a lovely little area to walk around and stop for food. If you have time, a river cruise is also really fun. Read more details in my review HERE.

DAY 5 Midtown, Central Park and the Upper East Side

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a last little bit of retail therapy. Start your day at Rockefeller Plaza. If you haven’t had enough of the tall buildings (or don’t like shopping) you can visit Top of The Rock for more great views. Including views of the Empire State building.

From there, walk up 5th Avenue towards Central Park. 5th Avenue is a mainly luxury shopping street but even if you don’t have the budget for luxury brands, it’s nice to see all the window displays. They also often have pop-ups and special displays on the street. It was extra magical at Christmas time!

I think it’s worth visiting Central Park again. It’s so big, you can walk a different route. If you’re short on time, you could miss this out though.

Head through the park towards The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum Mile. The Met and the Museum of the City of New York are especially beautiful buildings. If you’re only vising one, The Met is the most iconic.