4-Day New York City Itinerary for City Experience Seekers

  • Day 1: Central Park
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Times Square

    Start your New York City adventure by exploring Central Park, a huge park located in the middle of Manhattan. You can take a walk, enjoy the stunning scenery, or take a bike ride around the park. Be sure to check out the Belvedere Castle for amazing views of the city skyline.

  • Day 2: Empire State Building and Chelsea Market
    20 minutes (by subway) from Central Park

    Visit one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, the Empire State Building, to get a bird's eye view of the city from the 102nd floor. Afterward, head to Chelsea Market for lunch and shopping. The market offers a variety of food options and unique shops.

  • Day 3: Statue of Liberty and High Line
    30 minutes (by ferry) from Battery Park to see the statue and 30 minutes (1.5 miles) from Battery Park to High Line Park

    Take a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigrants who passed through it. Afterward, check out the outdoor elevated park, High Line Park, for great views and photo opportunities of Chelsea.

  • Day 4: Times Square and Broadway
    10 minutes (0.9 miles) from Central Park to Times Square and 5 minutes (0.4 miles) from Times Square to Broadway

    End your trip with a bang by visiting the Times Square. Here you'll find bright lights, huge billboards, and street performers. Afterward, experience one of the most popular shows on Broadway.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Central Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Empire State Building (2-3 hours, $42)
  • Chelsea Market (1-2 hours, $15-$20 for food)
  • Statue of Liberty (4-6 hours, $18)
  • High Line (1-2 hours, free)
  • Times Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Broadway Show (2-3 hours, $50-$150)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $125-$245

Transportation

Public transportation is the best way to get around New York City, and the subway system is the most convenient and affordable option. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $33 and can be used to ride on subways and buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but can be more expensive during busy times.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can check out other popular attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have less time, adjust the itinerary by choosing the activities you're most interested in and prioritizing them.

Airports

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is located 16 miles from the city center, LGA is 8 miles, and EWR is 18 miles. All three airports offer various transportation options including taxis, rental cars, and public transportation to get to the city.

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