New York is one of the most fascinating and vibrant metropolises in the world. From the twinkling lights of Times Square to the tranquility of Central Park, from world-class museums to iconic neighbourhoods. In this detailed 5-day itinerary, we visit the city’s must-see attractions and legendary neighbourhoods without missing a moment of this wonder. The itinerary is packed with attractions, so if you want to see them all, a pass is recommended to save some money. We relied on GoCity.
Early in the morning we drive to Battery Park. We board a boat towards Liberty Island to admire the Statue of Liberty up close. Inaugurated on 28 October 1886, the statue is 93 metres high and dominates the harbour skyline with its presence. Lady Liberty, with her seven-pointed crown and raised torch, represents freedom and democracy.
You can visit Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum, which offers an overview of the statue’s history, construction and significance. You can climb up to the crown, from which there are spectacular views of the harbour and New York City. However, the visit is not covered by passes and as tickets are limited, it is recommended to book well in advance.
Ellis Island
We take the ferry back and travel to Ellis Island, 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 here, hoping to realise the American dream. Today, the island is home to the Immigration Museum, located in the main building of the immigration station. Through interactive exhibits, historical photographs, documents and personal artefacts, the museum explores the immigration process 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. It also offers a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline.
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 the streets of the world-famous Financial District. The Wall Street Bull, also known as the Charging Bull, was created by sculptor Arturo Di Modica in 1989. Located in Bowling Green Park near the New York Stock Exchange, it is one of the most recognisable symbols of the financial power and optimism of the stock market.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), located at 11 Wall Street, is the world’s largest stock market and an icon of the global economy. Founded in 1792, the NYSE has been the beating heart of world finance for over two centuries. The stock exchange building, with its neoclassical façade and majestic Corinthian columns, is a National Historic Landmark.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Heading north we arrive at the 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 11 September 2001. This place serves to remember and honour the lives lost and tell the stories of heroism and resilience.
The Memorial, designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker, comprises two large reflecting pools, positioned exactly where the Twin Towers once stood. 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. Located beneath the Memorial, through multimedia exhibits, recovered artefacts and oral histories, the museum offers an in-depth understanding of the impact of the attacks and the response of the global community.
One World Observatory
In the same square is the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower and part of the complex rebuilt after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. It is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, with a height of 1,776 feet (541 metres).
At the top of the building is the One World Observatory , which offers a breathtaking view of New York City. You ascend to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds, greeted by a visual simulation of New York’s growth from the 1500s to the present day. The Main Observatory on the 100th floor is the heart of the experience. Once you arrive at the observatory, you are treated to a 360-degree view encompassing the entire city: from the gleaming skyscrapers of Manhattan, across historic bridges, to the waters of the Hudson River and beyond.
Brooklyn Bridge
We head to the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in the United States and a much-loved symbol of New York City. Opened in 1883, the bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, crossing the East River. At 1,800 metres long, it offers an elevated pedestrian walkway, allowing 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.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
We end the day at Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85-acre park that winds along the East River, offering truly spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. It is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacle of the sunset over the city.
Day 2
Top of the Rock
We wake up early in the morning and start the day with a visit to the first of the many skyscrapers with panoramic terraces that we will visit on our trip! In the heart of Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock offers a 360-degree view encompassing the entire city. Located between the 67th and 70th floors, it offers three observation levels, each with spacious terraces that allow for unobstructed views. The 70th floor, in particular, is completely open-air. From the top, one can admire the iconic Manhattan skyline, with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Chrysler Building.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is the centre of cultural and commercial activity in the heart of Manhattan. Built during the Great Depression, this monumental art deco complex comprises 19 buildings housing a variety of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. During the winter it hosts the famous ice skating rink and the lighting of its Christmas tree is an annual event that attracts thousands of spectators and marks the beginning of the Christmas season. In addition to seasonal attractions, it is renowned for its shopping and gourmet restaurants.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Returning to Fifth Avenue, we find ourselves in front of St Patrick’s Cathedral, a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture and one of New York’s most loved and visited places of worship. Completed in 1878, this imposing cathedral features two towers rising over 100 metres and the façade is adorned with intricate detailing and statues of saints. The main nave, over 100 metres long, is decorated with stained glass windows telling biblical stories. The altar, side chapels and organ, one of the largest in the world, contribute to the beauty of the building.
Grand Central Station
We walk all the way down Fifth Avenue to the intersection with 42nd Street and make a stop at Grand Central Station, located between 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Officially known as Grand Central Terminal, it opened in 1913, making it one of the city’s most enduring symbols.
The Main Concourse is the heart of the station, with its 38-metre-high ceiling frescoed with a celestial map representing the zodiac. In the centre is the iconic four-sided clock above the Information Booth. Another must-see attraction is the Whispering Gallery, located just off the Main Concourse. Here, thanks to exceptional acoustics, you can whisper in one corner of the vault and be heard clearly on the other side, creating a fascinating and entertaining experience.
New York Public Library
Back on Fifth Avenue, we find ourselves in front of the New York Public Library, one of the largest and most prestigious public libraries in the world. Opened in 1911, the library, with its majestic stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, guarding the main entrance, is a symbol of New York. Inside, the Rose Main Reading Room, over 90 metres long and with a frescoed ceiling depicting a sky full of clouds, is one of the most iconic and evocative spaces.
Museum of Modern Art
After lunch near Bryant Park we head back to 54th Street and spend the afternoon at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), aware that we would need much more time to admire in detail all that is contained within. Founded in 1929, it houses an extraordinary collection that includes works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, to name but a few.
Times Square
We end the day in Times Square. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, it is the vibrant epicentre of New York City and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Known as ‘The Crossroads of the World’, it is a place where the energy of the city manifests itself in an explosion of light, sound and activity: giant LED billboards illuminate the square with an almost dazzling brightness, creating an electrifying, futuristic atmosphere. The Broadway theatres that line the square offer a variety of shows, from classic musicals to new hits, making Times Square a focal point for theatre lovers.
Day 3
Central Park
We devote the entire morning to the legendary Central Park, New York’s green lung, an oasis of nature amidst the urban bustle. This iconic urban park, opened in 1858, covers 843 acres. With its sparkling lakes, undulating lawns and winding paths, Central Park is the perfect place to take a stroll, explore or have a picnic.
Precisely because it is immense, I suggest you mark down in advance the places you want to see. Here are our recommendations:
Balto Statues
Bethesda Terrace
Alice in Wonderland
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Belvedere Castle
Bow Bridge
Belvedere Castle
Strawberry Fields
American Museum of Natural History
In the afternoon we visit one of New York’s most famous museums. Located on Central Park West, theAmerican Museum of Natural History is one of the most prestigious and fascinating museums in the world. Founded in 1869, it contains over 33 million specimens and artefacts, and offers a comprehensive overview of our planet’s biodiversity and the evolution of life. Among its most famous exhibits are the Hall of Dinosaurs, where huge T-Rex and Brontosaurus skeletons capture the imagination, and the Hall of Biodiversity, which celebrates the variety and beauty of life on Earth. Another must-see attraction is the Rose Centre for Earth and Space, with its spectacular Hayden Planetarium, which offers virtual journeys through the universe, unravelling the mysteries of the stars, planets and distant galaxies.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
At sunset we enjoy a nice cruise around Manhattan. The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises allows you to circumnavigate Manhattan, enjoying spectacular views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other points of interest.
Day 4
Edge
Another day another observation deck! Located in the new Hudson Yards neighbourhood, TheEdge is the highest outdoor observatory in the Western Hemisphere. Opened in March 2020, it is located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, at a dizzying height of 345 metres. The observatory is built on an open-air platform that extends outwards from the building. Its distinctive feature is its glass floor, a sheer view below the terrace, and for the more adventurous, there is also the tilted glass corner, where you can lean back and feel the thrill of being suspended in the void.
The Vessel
Behind it is The Vessel, one of New York City’s newest and most iconic attractions. This extraordinary honeycomb structure, designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, consists of 154 interconnected flights of stairs and offers 80 observation platforms. The structure is particularly fascinating during sunset, when golden light reflects off its metallic surfaces, creating an interplay of light and shadow.
High Line
Just a few metres away is the beautiful High Line, an elevated urban park stretching 2.3 km along the west side of Manhattan, from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street. Built on an old railway line, this innovative urban promenade offers very characteristic views. With its benches, gardens and spaces for cultural events, it is a perfect place to stroll and discover a different side of New York.
Little Island
Little Island is a unique public park located on the Hudson River at 13th Street. This extraordinary green space, designed by Heatherwick Studio, is distinguished by its concrete ‘tulips’, which support the park above the water. With winding paths, green lawns, live performance areas and viewpoints, Little Island offers an immersive and relaxing experience.
Chelsea Market
For lunch we stop at Chelsea Market, one of New York City’s most famous food markets, located in the heart of the Meatpacking District. Housed in a former Nabisco biscuit factory, the market is a maze of gourmet shops, restaurants, bakeries and artisan boutiques. The market is also a historical landmark because it retains many of its original features, such as the old biscuit-making machines and exposed brick walls.
Greenwich Village
In the afternoon, we move to Greenwich Village, affectionately known as ‘The Village’, New York City’s historic and cultural district, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and tree-lined streets. With its red brick houses, cosy cafés, independent bookshops and live music venues, it is the place where the Beat movement and 1960s folk culture took hold.
Of course, we don’t miss some stops that are almost a must for us millennials: at 64 Bleecker Street we find ourselves in front of Carrie Bradshow’s iconic house; a few steps away, at the intersection of Grove Street and Bedford Street, is the Friends house.
Washington Square Park
We make a stop at Washington Square Park, one of New York’s best-loved and liveliest public parks, located in the heart of Greenwich Village. With its large central fountain, the monumental Washington Arch and extensive green spaces, the park is a meeting place for students, artists, musicians and tourists. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere and constant activity, from street performers to chess matches. The park is surrounded by historic buildings and cultural institutions, such as New York University, which contribute to its lively atmosphere.
Flatiron Building
Heading back north, we pass the famous Flatiron Building, with its distinctive triangular shape, one of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, this 22-storey skyscraper, completed in 1902, is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its unique shape and detailed façade make it one of the city’s most popular photo subjects (we find it under renovation, lucky us!).
Empire State Building
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to theEmpire State Building, the city’s symbol par excellence. At 443 metres high, it boasts two breathtaking observatories: one on the 86th floor and the other, for the more adventurous, on the 102nd floor. From the observation platforms, one can admire a 360-degree panorama encompassing the entire city: from the glittering skyscrapers of Midtown, to the waters of the Hudson River and East River, to the distant outlines of the suburbs and beyond. As the sun sets, the city lights gradually come on, creating a magical atmosphere that transforms the cityscape into a sea of twinkling lights.
Tips for Trips: If, like us, you’re a fanatic about views from above and are looking for a unique New York experience, don’t miss the panoramic rooftop at 230 Fifth Avenue. Located just steps away from the Empire State Building, this rooftop offers a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. During the colder months, heated igloos add a touch of magic, allowing you to enjoy the view without suffering from the cold.
Day 5
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Last day, newest skyscraper! In the heart of Manhattan, the Summit One Vanderbilt stands as one of the most fascinating and breathtaking experiences New York has to offer. Located inside the iconic One Vanderbilt skyscraper, it stands over 300 metres high. The 360-degree glass walls offer a crystal-clear view of the New York skyline, allowing you to admire the most famous skyscrapers, the lush greenery of Central Park and the Hudson River sparkling on the horizon.
SoHo
Acronym for ‘South of Houston Street’, one of New York City’s most elegant and artistic neighbourhoods. Known for its cast-iron architecture, art galleries and high-fashion boutiques, it is a haven for shoppers and art lovers. SoHo’s history as an arts centre dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when artists began transforming old warehouses into lofts and studios. Today, many of these structures house contemporary art galleries, displaying works by emerging and established artists.
Little Italy
Located in the heart of Manhattan, it was once a hotspot for Italian immigrants. Walking through the narrow streets of Little Italy, one finds oneself immersed in an Italian-American atmosphere, with its restaurants, cafés and pastry shops offering specialities such as fresh pasta, cannoli and ice cream. One of the main landmarks of Little Italy is Mulberry Street. We stop here for lunch: a visit to Little Italy is not complete without a stop at one of its legendary restaurants and we didn’t miss the spaghetti and meatballs!
Chinatown
A labyrinth of bustling streets, bustling markets and authentic restaurants. The heart of Chinatown is Canal Street, famous for its open-air markets and shops selling everything from jewellery to souvenirs. Here you can find stalls offering a variety of exotic fruits, medicinal herbs and other typical Chinese products. Another important landmark is Mott Street, known for its restaurants serving authentic dim sum, noodles and Peking duck.
***
This concludes our journey through the wonders of New York, a city that never ceases to amaze. Whether for art, architecture or simply the atmosphere of its streets, New York has something to offer every type of traveller.
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