Start your morning with a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island for close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and a walk through the museum exhibits, then return via the scenic Staten Island Ferry (free) for skyline photo ops. After landing, stroll through Battery Park toward Stone Street for a late-morning coffee and a hearty brunch at one of the cobblestone cafés before wandering uptown toward Central Park, stopping at the historic Fraunces Tavern or browsing the financial district's landmarks en route.
After your downtown morning, head uptown to explore the southern edge of Central Park with a leisurely walk from Columbus Circle into the park, passing the ornate Carriage Gates and the seasonal ice-sculpted lawns; pop into the nearby Time Warner Center for a coffee and shopping break with skyline views. Continue east to Midtown for a visit to the observation decks at Top of the Rock for golden-hour city panoramas, then wander down to admire the Art Deco grandeur of the Chrysler Building from the exterior before grabbing an early dinner at a classic Midtown eatery.
As the city lights come alive, head to Bryant Park for a relaxed evening atmosphere-grab a hot chocolate from a park kiosk, find a seat by the seasonal winter village or rink, and soak in people-watching beneath the illuminated library façade. Afterward, stroll toward Times Square to experience the neon spectacle up close, then duck into a nearby rooftop like 230 FIFTH or a classic jazz spot such as Birdland for cocktails, skyline views, and live music to cap the night.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty Crown/Pedestal tickets vary) | $24 |
| Staten Island Ferry (round trip) | Free |
| Statue of Liberty Museum (included with ferry ticket to Liberty Island) | Included |
| Battery Park (stroll) | Free |
| Stone Street coffee / brunch (typical café/brunch meal) | $20 |
| Fraunces Tavern (visit / light meal or drink) | $25 |
| Walk through Financial District landmarks | Free |
| Central Park (south edge walk from Columbus Circle) | Free |
| Time Warner Center / shops & coffee (typical coffee/snack) | $8 |
| Top of the Rock observation deck | $40 |
| Chrysler Building (exterior viewing) | Free |
| Early dinner at a classic Midtown eatery (typical per-person meal) | $35 |
| Bryant Park (seasonal winter village/ice rink may have charges for skating) | Free |
| Bryant Park Winter Village ice skating (rental + admission typical) | $18 |
| Hot chocolate from a park kiosk | $6 |
| Times Square (visit, neon spectacle) | Free |
| 230 Fifth Rooftop (cover or typical drink cost) | $20 |
| Birdland Jazz Club (cover + one drink typical) | $30 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $325 |