5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Explore the Best of NYC!

  • Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Central Park Zoo
    30 minutes (5 miles) from Liberty Island to Central Park Zoo

    Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can explore the statue and learn about the history of its significance. Next, move to Central Park Zoo which is home to over 100 species of animals. Children can enjoy watching penguins getting fed or meet their favorite Madagascar characters in the Children's Zoo.

  • Day 2: Times Square and Empire State Building
    15 minutes (2 miles) from Times Square to Empire State Building

    Times Square is known for its bright lights and flashy billboards. Take a walk through this bustling tourist destination and visit one of the many Broadway theaters or restaurants. Afterward, go to Empire State Building, an outstanding art decoration that is regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Take an elevator up to the observation deck on the 86th floor and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city skyline.

  • Day 3: Coney Island and United Nations
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Coney Island to United Nations

    Coney Island is a world-famous amusement park and beach where visitors can enjoy various activities such as riding the roller coasters, playing games, or relaxing on the beach. Next, move to the United Nations headquarters, where you can learn about the evolution of international diplomacy and explore the impressive General Assembly Hall.

  • Day 4: Madison Square Garden and Freedom Tower
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Madison Square Garden to Freedom Tower

    Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sports arenas in the world. Visitors can attend a concert or a game and be part of the exciting atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Freedom Tower which is a 104-story skyscraper that can offer a breathtaking view of New York. It’s also home to the 9/11 tribute museum which showcases a meaningful tribute to the tragic day in American history.

  • Day 5: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    On your last day in NYC, take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to discover other notable landmarks you may have missed. The tour is an efficient and convenient way to explore the city at your own pace. It covers all the must-see locations of NYC, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Statue of Liberty (3 hours, $25)
  • Central Park Zoo (2 hours, $15)
  • Times Square (2 hours, free)
  • Empire State Building (2 hours, $39)
  • Coney Island (4 hours, $25)
  • United Nations (2 hours, $20)
  • Madison Square Garden (3 hours, $50)
  • Freedom Tower (2 hours, $38)
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (full day, $60)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $287 per person

Transportation:

NYC is a bustling city with plenty of options for transportation. You can use a MetroCard, taxis, buses or ride-share services to get around. A 7-day metro card (unlimited rides) costs $33, while taxi fares may vary depending on traffic. Uber or Lyft costs starting from $7, based on distance and pickup time.

Useful tips:

If you have more time in NYC, consider visiting the Museum of Modern Art or the American Museum of Natural History. If you have less time, consider skipping the Madison Square Garden tour or Coney Island. Remember to book your tickets in advance whenever possible and pack appropriate gear for outdoor activities. If you arrive early or stay late in NYC, avoid peak hours in the transportation system.

Airports:

Three airports serve New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). JFK and Newark are both international airports, while LaGuardia is primarily for domestic flights. JFK is located 16 miles southeast of NYC, EWR is 18 miles southwest, and LGA is the closest, only 8 miles east of Manhattan.

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