A 5-Day Itinerary for City Experiences in New York

  • Day 1: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    13 minutes (4.1 miles) from Times Square

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, is one of the world's largest art museums. It has a collection of over two million works, including pieces from ancient civilizations and modern art. Visitors can easily spend the whole day here exploring the various galleries.

  • Day 2: Central Park and The American Museum of Natural History
    15 minutes (3.6 miles) from The Met

    Central Park is a massive urban park in New York City that spans over 843 acres. It has several attractions within its boundaries, including the Central Park Zoo, the Bethesda Fountain, and the Central Park Conservatory Garden. The American Museum of Natural History is also located here, which has exhibits on natural history and scientific research that are sure to fascinate visitors of all ages.

  • Day 3: The Empire State Building
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Central Park

    The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. It provides one of the best views of the city, and the observation deck on the 86th floor is open to the public. Visitors can also go up to the 102nd floor for a premium viewing experience.

  • Day 4: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
    30 minutes (3.3 miles) from The Empire State Building

    The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy and is located on Liberty Island, just south of Manhattan. Visitors can take a ferry to get a closer look at the statue and explore the island. Ellis Island, located nearby, is now a museum that showcases the history of immigration to the United States.

  • Day 5: Broadway and Times Square
    5 minutes (1 mile) from The Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island

    Broadway is known for its theatres that showcase musicals and plays. Visitors can purchase tickets to the shows which vary in length and subject matter. Times Square is also located here, with its electric lights, vibrant nightlife and innumerable entertainment experiences.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • The Met (3-4 hours, $25 per adult)
  • Central Park and The American Museum of Natural History (4-5 hours, $17-$28 per adult)
  • The Empire State Building (2 hours, $38-$58 per adult)
  • The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (4-5 hours, $18-$21 per adult)
  • Broadway and Times Square (3-4 hours, $35-$300 per ticket)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $159-$422 per adult

Transportation

To get around New York City, visitors can take a subway or bus ride, which costs $2.75 per ride. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available for a higher cost but provide greater convenience. Walking and cycling in the city are the cheapest options and may take longer depending on the distance between locations.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting other attractions in New York City like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, or The High Line. For travelers with limited time, consider taking a tour that covers the most popular attractions to make the most out of the trip. Try to avoid peak tourist seasons in the summer or during holidays, as attractions may be overcrowded.

Airports

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in the city of New York, about 16 miles from the city center. It is the largest and primary international airport serving the city. Another airport, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), is located just 8 miles from the city center but offers fewer international flights.It is advisable to keep additional time or have time flexibility for departure/arrival due to possible congestion at the airports.

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