New York is one of the most fascinating and lively metropolises in the world, a place where skyscrapers touch the sky and every corner offers a unique discovery. From the twinkling lights of Times Square to the tranquility of Central Park, from world-class museums to iconic neighborhoods, New York has everything to offer and more, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories and an irrepressible desire to return.
Before starting our itinerary, don't miss ours practical advice for your trip and don't forget to check out all the necessary documents for departure, with our articles!
Ready to discover New York? Let's begin! In this 5-day itinerary, I will guide you through the must-see attractions, legendary neighborhoods and authentic experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.
Day 1
Statue of Liberty
Early in the morning we move to Battery Park and embark towards one of the most iconic and unmissable places in New York.
There Statue of Liberty, has welcomed visitors and new immigrants arriving in New York for over a century. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue is a gift from France to the United States and represents freedom and democracy. Inaugurated on 28 October 1886, the statue stands 93 meters tall from base to torch tip and dominates the harbor skyline with its imposing presence.
Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and with an internal structure created by Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty is a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. The figure of Lady Liberty, with her seven-pointed crown and raised torch, symbolizes the enlightenment of the world and the hope for a better future. At the base of the statue is a plaque with Emma Lazarus' famous sonnet, “The New Colossus,” celebrating the statue's role as a beacon of hope for the oppressed.
You can explore Liberty Island and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, which offers an overview of the statue's history, construction and significance. For the full experience, you can climb up to the crown, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and New York City. However, the visit is not covered by the passes and as corona tickets are limited, it is advisable to book well in advance.
Hours: Open every day. September - May: from 09:00 to 17:00. June - August: from 9:00 to 18:30. Closed: Christmas and Thanksgiving. Ellis Island
We get back on the ferry and move towards Ellis Island, a place steeped in history and meaning, having been the main gateway for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in the United States. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million people passed through this immigration center, hoping to realize the American dream. Today, Ellis Island is home to the Immigration Museum, which tells the stories of those who passed through and the challenges they faced.
The museum, located in the main immigration station building, has been restored to its original appearance. Through interactive exhibits, historical photographs, documents, and personal artifacts, the museum explores the immigration process, the motivations of migrants, and the impact they had on American society. One of the main attractions is the Great Hall, where millions of people were examined before being admitted to the United States. The island also offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a great place to reflect on the country's history and future.
Hours: Open every day. From 9.30am to 4.45pm.Tips for Trips: we did the Round-trip Ferry, included in the Go City Pass; be careful because with the 2pm ferry you won't have enough time to visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Financial District
We return to Manhattan and walk through the streets of the famous Financial District.
The Wall Street bull, also known as the Charging Bull, is one of the most recognizable symbols of financial might and stock market optimism. Located in Bowling Green Park near the New York Stock Exchange, the bronze bull is a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world. Created by sculptor Arturo Di Modica in 1989, the Wall Street Bull represents strength, power and the resilience of the American people in the face of economic adversity.
There New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), located at 11 Wall Street, is the world's largest stock market by market capitalization and an icon of the global economy. Founded in 1792, the NYSE has been the beating heart of world finance for more than two centuries. The stock exchange building, with its neoclassical facade and majestic Corinthian columns, is a National Historic Landmark that embodies the history and importance of financial trading.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Going north we arrive at National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located on the site of the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a powerful tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This place serves to remember and honor the lives lost and tell the stories of heroism and resilience.
The Memorial, designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape designer Peter Walker, includes two large reflecting pools, positioned exactly where the Twin Towers once stood. The pools, with their descending waterfalls, represent the loss of life and the void left by the attacks. The names of the nearly 3,000 victims are engraved on the bronze parapets surrounding the pools, allowing visitors to pay their respects in an environment of peace and solemnity.
The Museum, located beneath the Memorial, offers an immersive experience that explores the chronology of events, historical context and the personal stories of victims, survivors and rescuers. Through multimedia displays, recovered artifacts and oral histories, the museum offers a deep understanding of the impact of the attacks and the global community's response. Visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a truly moving experience.
Timetables 9/11 Memorial: every day from 8:00 to 20:00. Timetables 9/11 Museum: Wed - Mon from 10.00 to 17.00. Closed on Tuesday.One World Observatory
In the same square is One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower and part of the complex rebuilt after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, standing 1,776 feet tall ( 541 meters), a symbolic number representing the year of the declaration of independence of the United States. At the top of the building is the One World Observatory which offers a breathtaking view of New York.
You ascend to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds, greeted by a visual simulation of the growth of New York from the 1500s to today. The Main Observatory on the 100th floor is the heart of the experience. Once you arrive at the observatory you enjoy a 360-degree view that takes in the entire city: from the glittering skyscrapers of Manhattan, across the historic bridges, to the waters of the Hudson River and beyond.
Hours: Open every day. May - September: from 10am to 9pm (last entry at 8.10pm). October - April: from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 6.10pm).Brooklyn Bridge
We head to Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, is an engineering marvel and a much-loved symbol of New York. Opened in 1883, the bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, crossing the East River with its elegant steel structure and suspension cables.
The Bridge is over 1,800 meters long and offers an elevated pedestrian walkway, which allows you to cross it entirely on foot or by bicycle, enjoying spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the East River. The walkway, separated from the traffic below, is a perfect place for an end-of-day stroll. During the walk, the Gothic stone towers of the bridge, with their majestic arches, provide an impressive ba