New York Itinerary - Here's how to spend a perfect week in New York

If you're looking for a New York itinerary, look no further. This post will show you how to spend a perfect week in the Big Apple. We'll start with the basics - where to stay and what to do - then get into more specific recommendations for each day of the week. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, read on for our tips on how to make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps.

Photo credit Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash

Day 1: Arrive and Get Oriented

After you've arrived and settled into your hotel, take some time to get oriented. Walk around your neighbourhood and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. If you're new to the city, this is also an excellent time to get your bearings by checking out some iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center.

If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite. For lunch, try one of New York's famous delis like Katz's Delicatessen or Carnegie Deli. For dinner, head to Chinatown for some authentic Chinese food or Little Italy for some delicious Italian cuisine.

Day 2: Explore Lower Manhattan

Start your day with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York's most iconic landmarks. Then, head to lower Manhattan and explore some of the city's most historic neighbourhoods. Visit the World Trade Center site, pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, and walk through Battery Park.

For lunch, grab a slice of pizza at one of the many pizzerias in the area or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the restaurants in Little Italy. Then, take a ferry ride to Staten Island for some great views of the New York skyline. Adding some excitement to your trip is always a good thing. You may research more about the fun things to do in NYC online. Find points that fit your budget. Consider securing tickets to various destinations online.

Day 3: American Museum of Natural History and Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Spend a few hours exploring the museum and learning about different topics, from dinosaurs to space.

Afterwards, walk over to Central Park and explore one of the largest urban parks in the world. Rent a bike or go for a stroll, and be sure to check out some of the park's iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and the Belvedere Castle. For the meal, stop by one of the many food carts around Central Park or grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 4: The Upper West Side 

Start your day by taking a stroll through Central Park, one of New York's most beloved landmarks. Then, walk along Museum Mile and visit some of the city's most famous museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim Museum. 

For lunch, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. If you have time, explore the Upper West Side neighbourhoods of Harlem and Morningside Heights. End your day with a Jazz concert at one of the city's many legendary music venues.

Day 5: The Upper East Side

Head to the Upper East Side today and explore some of New York's most affluent neighbourhoods. Start by walking along Fifth Avenue and window shopping at some of the city's most exclusive stores, like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art or the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

You can enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many upscale restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, explore the neighbourhoods of Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Consider closing the day with a performance at Lincoln Center or a show at one of the city's many Broadway theatres.

Day 6: The Battery Park (Financial District)

Start your day with a walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railway line. Then, head to the Financial District and explore some of the city's most historic neighbourhoods. Visit the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

When hunger kicks in, grab a sandwich at one of the many delis in the area or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Battery Park. Consider taking a ferry ride to Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty. 

Day 7: West Village (Chelsea/Greenwich)

Photo credit Nathalia Segato via Unsplash

From the best pizza to some of NYC's finest dining experiences, the West Village will not disappoint. During the day, stroll around the quaint streets lined with adorable brownstones and do some people-watching in one of the many cafes. Walk along Bleecker Street for some great shopping options, then end your day with dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Whether you're looking to explore New York's vast array of museums, stroll through Central Park, or shop on Fifth Avenue, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city. Have a safe trip!