New York City Highlights 5-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival & Midtown Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Manhattan and settle into your hotel near Times Square. Stroll through the bustling streets, soaking up the iconic neon lights and buzzing atmosphere.

Afternoon: Visit the Empire State Building for breathtaking city views, then walk to the historic Grand Central Terminal to admire its grand architecture and bustling travelers.

Evening: Dine at a nearby restaurant, then unwind with a leisurely walk to Times Square to experience the vibrant night life.

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Day 2: Museum Day on the Upper East Side

Morning: Explore world‑class collections at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, admiring modern architecture and contemporary artworks.

Afternoon: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to dive into centuries of art, from ancient artifacts to European masterpieces.

Evening: Relax at Central Park with a sunset stroll, visiting the park’s iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the lake.

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Day 3: Lower Manhattan & Statue of Liberty

Morning: Catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and enjoy the iconic symbol of freedom, followed by a walk through Ellis Island.

Afternoon: Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Brooklyn Bridge, walking across and admiring Manhattan’s skyline from the footbridge.

Evening: Return to Manhattan and explore the bustling Times Square night scene, experiencing its lights and entertainment.

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Day 4: Hip Downtown and The High Line

Morning: Visit the American Museum of Natural History, exploring its extensive natural history exhibits and iconic dinosaur fossils.

Afternoon: Walk the elevated High Line, enjoy gardens and public art while strolling over the Hudson River waterfront.

Evening: End the day with a glamorous stroll through The Plaza hotel to enjoy its historic luxury and nearby shopping.

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Day 5: Art & Culture Day

Morning: Visit the cutting‑edge MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) to see iconic modern artworks and installations.

Afternoon: Walk through **The High Line** for a second time or explore nearby neighborhoods at your leisure.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a final visit to Times Square or a relaxing evening in Central Park, reflecting on your trip’s highlights.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Empire State Building – 2 hrs – $44
  • Grand Central Terminal – 1 hr – $0 (free entry)
  • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – 2 hrs – $25
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art – 3 hrs – $30
  • Central Park – 2 hrs – $0
  • Statue of Liberty – 4 hrs – $33 (ferry + entry)
  • Brooklyn Bridge – 1.5 hrs – $0
  • American Museum of Natural History – 3 hrs – $28
  • High Line – 1.5 hr – $0
  • The Plaza – 1 hr – $0 (window viewing)
  • MoMA – 2.5 hrs – $25
  • Times Square – 2 hrs – $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $210

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore Brooklyn neighborhoods or a guided cruise around Manhattan for a unique perspective. For a tighter schedule, combine Central Park and The High Line into a single afternoon and skip a museum to reduce the trip to four days.

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