Planning an NYC itinerary can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of attractions, museums, restaurants, tours, bars, and entertainment options to choose from, and it can be difficult to decide what is actually worth adding to your trip.
Instead of giving you a strict day-by-day itinerary, this guide breaks down some of the best things to do in NYC by category. That way, you can build your own New York City itinerary based on your interests.
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Best Activities to Add to Your NYC Itinerary
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City and a classic addition to any first-time visitor’s NYC itinerary.
Taking a tour that includes both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island allows you to learn more about the history behind these important New York landmarks.
Travel Tip: If you don’t have time for the tour, take the free Staten Island Ferry to get a view of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline.
SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour
A SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown walking tour is a great way to experience several unique New York City neighborhoods in one outing.
SoHo is known for its cast-iron architecture, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Little Italy has a long Italian-American history, while Chinatown is filled with restaurants, bakeries, markets, and shops.
Taking a guided tour also gives you the opportunity to learn about the history and stories behind these neighborhoods.
High Line
Walking the High Line is one of the best free things to do in NYC.
This elevated park was created from a former freight rail line and stretches along Manhattan’s West Side.
Along the way, you’ll find gardens, public art, architecture, and city views.
Central Park
No NYC itinerary would be complete without a visit to Central Park. It’s still one of my favorite places in the city. You’ll find so many little gems just by wandering around.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
For some of the best views in NYC, add SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to your itinerary.
SUMMIT combines observation decks with immersive art installations, reflective rooms, and panoramic views of Manhattan.
One World Trade Center
The One World Trade Center Observatory offers panoramic views of New York City from high above Lower Manhattan. Pick up some discounted tickets here.
On a clear day, you can see across Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and beyond.
While you’re in the area, consider visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum as well.
Gangsters and Ghosts NYC Tour
If you’re interested in the darker side of history, add the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour to your NYC itinerary.
The tour explores the history of organized crime, bootlegging, speakeasies, and some of the city’s most haunting ghost stories.
The Seaport
The Seaport is a great area to explore when you’re downtown.
You’ll find historic buildings, cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River.
It’s an easy place to add to an NYC itinerary that includes Lower Manhattan.
Comedy Cellar
I love going to the Comedy Cellar every time I’m in New York. Their standup comedy is excellent and sometimes a famous comedian will drop in for a surprise set.
Make sure to make reservations ahead of time.
NYC Secrets of Grand Central Station Walking Tour
Grand Central Terminal is much more than a transportation hub.
Take an NYC Secrets of Grand Central Station walking tour to learn about the history, architecture, and hidden details inside one of New York’s most famous buildings.
Secret Food Tour of Little Italy and Chinatown
Food lovers should add a Secret Food Tour of Little Italy and Chinatown to their NYC itinerary.
You’ll get to sample different foods while learning more about the history and culture of these neighborhoods.
I always enjoy taking a food tour, especially when I’m solo traveling. It’s a great way to meet some other travelers and enjoy a meal together.
The Robotic Church
If you’re looking for something quirky to add to your NYC itinerary, then check out The Robotic Church.
It’s made up of 50 computer-controlled pneumatic sculptures.
Best Museums for Your NYC Itinerary
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often called The Met, is one of the most famous museums in New York City.
The museum is enormous, so you probably won’t see everything in one visit.
Consider taking a guided tour to have a more meaningful experience.
Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side offers a fascinating look at the lives of immigrant and working-class families who lived in New York City tenements.
The museum focuses on personal stories and the communities that helped shape New York.
It’s a great choice if you’re interested in NYC history and want something different from the city’s larger art museums.
New York Transit Museum
Transportation fans should add the New York Transit Museum to their NYC itinerary. The museum is located in an old subway station in Brooklyn and explores the history of New York City’s transportation system.
One of the highlights is the collection of historic subway cars.
Best Live Music for Your NYC Itinerary
Groove
For a fun night of music and drinks, check out Groove.
It’s a great option when you’re looking for live music in NYC without committing to a large concert venue.
Marie's Crisis: NYC Itinerary for Broadway Fans
Marie’s Crisis is a legendary piano bar in the West Village.
It’s known for musical sing-alongs, making it a particularly fun stop for Broadway fans.
Smalls Jazz Club
Jazz lovers should add Smalls Jazz Club to their NYC itinerary.
Located in Greenwich Village, this intimate jazz club is a great place to experience live music in a classic New York setting.
Best Bars for Your NYC Itinerary
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
For skyline views, head to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar.
The rooftop offers views of the Manhattan skyline and Empire State Building, making it a popular place to enjoy drinks while taking in the city.
The Slipper Room
For a more unconventional night out, check out The Slipper Room on the Lower East Side.
The venue hosts burlesque, variety shows, comedy, and other performances.
This is perfect for those looking for something different.
The Back Room
If you’re a Broad City fan, add The Back Room to your NYC itinerary. This was the speakeasy used for the episode where Abbi transforms into Val after a night of drinking.
Tucked away on the Lower East Side, The Back Room is a speakeasy-style bar with a hidden entrance and a vintage atmosphere.
NYC Itinerary Planning
One way to plan your NYC itinerary is to group locations together by neighborhood. I personally save all the locations to Google Maps to help me with my planning.
Here’s an example of how to group some of the activities mentioned above.
Lower Manhattan: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Seaport, One World Trade Center
Lower East Side: Little Italy, Chinatown, Tenement Museum, The Slipper Room
Chelsea: Chelsea Market and the High Line
Upper East Side: Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Midtown: Grand Central Terminal, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and 230 Fifth
Greenwich Village: Comedy Cellar, Marie’s Crisis, Groove, and Smalls Jazz Club
Hotels for Your NYC Itinerary
- Four Points Midtown – has a central location in Midtown with clean and affordable rooms
- The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – boutique hotel with more of a neighborhood feel away from the touristy Midtown
- Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea – staying in this area puts you close to the High Line and Chelsea Market as well as great restaurants and bars
- Ace Hotel Brooklyn – located in Downtown Brooklyn, the hotel gives you a different perspective of New York City while still providing easy access to Manhattan
Final Thoughts: NYC Itinerary
There is no single perfect NYC itinerary. Instead of trying to check every attraction off your list, choose the activities that interest you most.
Mix well-known attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park with unique experiences like the Slipper Room and Marie’s Crisis Bar.