New York 7 Day Itinerary: This Covers EVERYTHING!
The four places in the world I hear questions about most often as far as what to see and do there are the subjects of four blog posts that felt the most daunting for me to write: Paris, London, Rome and New York. Thereās SO MUCH to cover in each of these cities! In this post I’m going to go over my recommendations for a New York 7 Day Itinerary. I admit I haven’t seen and done EVERYTHING this city has to offer; but, based on what I HAVE seen and experienced, these are my recommendations for you. š
Times Square
What says “New York City” more than the heart of it in Times Square? Some say it’s too touristy, I say it’s one of my favorite places to swing by in the city. To each their own. š (But if you ask me, no New York 7 day itinerary would be complete without a stop here). š
Grand Central
Check out the wonder that is Grand Central Terminal. It’s a train station but it’s one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see. I’m sure of it. š
Rockefeller Center
It’s a little pricey (as most things in New York are) but I definitely recommend checking out the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. It’s where you’ll find my absolute FAVORITE views of the city. You can take a tour of the Rockefeller Center too if that interests you. If you’re visiting New York during winter, be sure to go ice skating at the famous rink there!
Radio City Music Hall
You HAVE to swing by this iconic place in the city. It’s home to the Rockettes, the venue for the Tony Awards, concerts, and more. You can even take a tour if you’d like a closer look.
Empire State Building
Another iconic landmark in New York City. I recommend buying your tickets in advance if you’d like to check out the observation deck(s).
Statue of Liberty
No trip to New York is complete unless you’ve seen the Statue of Liberty! You can buy tickets in advance if you prefer (but definitely do if you’d like to visit the crown), or you can also purchase same day tickets to the island right at the ferry terminal in Battery Park.
Ellis Island
With a New York 7 day itinerary you’ll have plenty of time to visit America’s busiest immigrant inspection station (1892 to 1954). It processed about 12 million immigrants into the United States! Tickets to Ellis Island can be combined with Statue of Liberty tickets, just be sure that’s the option you select.
Broadway Performance
I studied theatre in college… OF COURSE I’m going to recommend you see a show on Broadway! š Check out my post, How to Score Cheap Tickets to Shows and Events to learn how to get a good deal on tickets. š
Central Park
This will become it’s own blog post at some point… There’s SO much to see in Central Park! Consider renting a bike if you’d like get around the ENTIRE park. It’s huge!
Flat Iron Building
Another New York icon. There’s nothing more to do here than to see it, but see it you must. Again, New York icon. š
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is my personal favorite museum in New York City. With a New York 7 day itinerary you could totally spend an unrushed half or full day here exploring all the exhibits and pieces of art this place has to offer. Plan accordingly. š
Lincoln Center
Check out the home of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center. * Note that the American Ballet Theatre company also performs here during spring/summer if you’d like to catch a performance. (That’s the company Misty Copeland dances in.)*
September 11th Museum and Memorial
I’ve always been impressed by how beautiful and well done this memorial is. That part of the site is free but there’s an admission fee for the museum if you’d like to go inside.
One World Observatory
This tower, the tallest building in the US, is the main tower of the rebuilt World Trade Center. The views from the top are beautiful, (but Rockefeller’s are still my favorite). š
The Oculus
Swing by and check out the train station/mall that rivals the beauty of Grand Central. It makes for some super cool pictures, too!
The High Line
Central Park is the first, but The High Line is definitely the second coolest park in Manhattan. This former train line was converted into an elevated park about a mile and a half long. Be sure to check out all the cool views of the city it has to offer.
Washington Square Park
I imagine you’ll recognize the arch in this park from various movies and TV shows. It’s a fun place to check out and say you’ve seen it in person.
Trinity Church
Check out one of the oldest churches in New York City. “She’s buried in Trinity Church near you…” – Eliza Hamilton š Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton, Phillip Hamilton and Angelica Schuyler are all buried here if you’d like to visit their graves.
The New York Stock Exchange
See where the world’s largest stock exchange takes place. You’re not allowed to go inside, but it’s still fun to see from the outside knowing it’s a place you’ve heard so much about.
Fearless Girl Statue
This popular little sculpture by Kristen Visbal is of a 4 foot tall girl promoting women empowerment. You can find her right in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
Charging Bull
This sculpture was created by Arturo Di Modica. It was in response to the Black Monday stock market crash and was meant to symbolize fighting on through the hard times. It’s located just in front of the Bowling Green (a park) in the Financial District.
Brooklyn Bridge
Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, quite possibly the most iconic bridge in the city. The views from here are FABULOUS.
DUMBO
Be sure to check out this trendy little section of Brooklyn. The architecture is beautiful, it’s right on the Hudson and offers perfect views of the city. This is also where you’ll find this popular photo opp of the Manhattan Bridge peeking through the buildings. (On the corner of Washington St. and Water St.)
The Vessel
Check out this popular new architectural eye candy in Hudson Yards. Just make sure to book tickets in advance if youād like to go inside! ***A few other brand new attractions in Hudson Yards that I havenāt been to yet but will one day are the Edge and City Climb if youād like to check those out too.***
Colonial Sites
This will eventually be a blog post all on its own. If you’re like me you don’t immediately think of colonial history when you think of Manhattan… And yet there’s so much of it! One place I’ve been to and can recommend checking out is the Weehawken Dueling Grounds. These grounds are where Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had their infamous duel. What’s there now is a bust of Hamilton, the boulder believed to be the one he was propped up against after he was shot, and a look out point with an incredible view of Manhattan. From what I’ve read it sounds like the dueling ground itself was at the bottom of the cliff closer to the Hudson; but none-the-less itās a cool place to visit. I’d definitely recommend doing some Googling if you’d like to check out some more colonial sites in New York. š
*BONUSES*
You may also be interested in seeing…
The “Friends” apartment located at 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment located at 66 Perry St, New York, NY 10014
The Seinfeld diner located at 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
(Um… How do I not have a picture of this…?)
Coney Island
(I haven’t been here yet, but it’s on my list!)
Places to Eat.
I’m not a foodie by ANY means but for what it’s worth these are my favorite places to eat in the City:
Chelsea Market
You can find it all at Chelsea Market… Food, shopping, offices… But my #1 recommendation is to go to Chelsea Market for the FOOD. There’s SO many places to choose from and I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve eaten there.
Lombardi’s Pizzeria
Try some good ole New York style pizza at Lombardi’s Pizzeria, the first pizzeria in America!
Joe’s Pizza
For a delicious (and GIANT) slice or two of pizza on the go, Joe’s Pizza is where it’s at.
Serendipity
This is a super fun, uniquely decorated little place with a BOMB menu that doesn’t disappoint. My personal opinion is that it’s best known for its desserts; particularly the Frozen Hot Chocolate, which you’ve GOT to try. š¤¤
Black Tap
This place has the BEST shakes you’ll EVER have in your LIFE. The rest of the menu is good too but I mean… THOSE SHAKES… š¤¤
DO Cookie Dough
Instead of scoops of ice cream, you get scoops of cookie dough at DO. It’s amazing…
Shake Shack
I’m from California which means I’m supposed to be partial to In-n-Out burgers… But I’m a rebel and I actually think Shake Shack’s are better. The custards and shakes are amazing too if you’d like to try those out as well.
Street Food
You HAVE to have the New York experience of getting a hot dog from a street vendor in Times Square, or Central Park, or the Financial District. Or anywhere else in New York as it’s such a quintessential thing to do in this city. š It might not be the best food you’ve ever eaten in your life, but it’s part of the experience. š
Getting Around
The public transportation in New York is such a blessing and a curse… A blessing because you can seriously get EVERYWHERE with it, and a curse because it can seriously be SO confusing at times. Google Maps is your friend. Follow the public transit directions it gives you to a *T* and ask someone on the train platform for some clarification if the signs in the subway stations seem to contradict themselves… (They can to do that sometimes… Blessing AND a curse, remember? š ) Uber, Lyft and taxis are all options as well, though you’ll find the cost of them will add up quickly. As difficult as it can be sometimes I still say the subway is your best option. You can do it!
And that’s all I’ve got. (Phew!)
Have you been to New York before? If there’s anything you think I missed let me know! There’s SO much to cover in this city… š
Until next time, safe travels friends. š
CE
