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8 Nights in New York City: A Festive Itinerary for December 2024

Viewed by 278 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Secaucus, NJ, USA

3:00PM

Check-in at Red Roof Inn PLUS+

Arrive at your hotel and get settled into your comfortable room.
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Secaucus is easily accessible from JFK via taxi or rideshare.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Walk around Secaucus

Explore the nearby area and get a feel for this charming New Jersey town.
Put on your walking shoes and head around the neighborhood.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Charley's Philly Steaks

Enjoy a classic Philly cheesesteak at this delicious spot in Secaucus.
A short walk from the hotel to the restaurant.
USD15, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at the Hotel

Relax at the hotel or take a dip in the pool to unwind after your travels.
Back at Red Roof Inn.
USD0, 2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring New York City

New York City, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before your NYC adventure.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel lobby.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take NJ Transit to NYC

Hop on the train and head to Penn Station in New York City.
Take NJ Transit from Secaucus to New York Penn Station.
USD5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Times Square

Admire the iconic lights and billboards in this bustling intersection.
Walk from Penn Station to Times Square.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Top of the Rock

Get breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck at Rockefeller Center.
Walk to Rockefeller Center from Times Square.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC

Indulge in a wide array of Italian cuisine at this bustling market.
A short walk from Rockefeller Center.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Embrace the holiday spirit with some fun on the ice at Bryant Park's Winter Village.
Walk to Bryant Park from Eataly, just a few blocks away.
USD20 for skate rental, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Central Park

Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park and enjoy the winter scenery.
Walk from Bryant Park to Central Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's

Savor classic Italian-American family-style dining at this famous restaurant.
Located close to Times Square.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Secaucus

Head back to your hotel after a day of exploration.
Take NJ Transit back to Secaucus.
USD5, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 3: Local Art and History

New York City, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy another complimentary breakfast at your hotel to start the day.
At the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Head to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore contemporary masterpieces in one of the world's leading museums.
Take NJ Transit to Penn Station, then walk to MoMA.
USD25, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Coffee Break at MoMA Café

Recharge with a cup of coffee and a light snack.
In the museum itself.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Grab a delicious chicken and rice platter from the iconic food cart.
Walk to the original Halal Guys location.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Discover the wonders of science and nature, including the famous dinosaur fossils.
Take a subway to the museum.
USD28, 3 hours

4:30PM

Walk Around Central Park

Stroll through the vast park, especially magical in the wintertime.
Walk from the museum to Central Park.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy a classic New York slice at this legendary pizzeria.
Travel back to the city center for dinner.
USD5, 1 hour

8:00PM

Return to Secaucus

Relax at your hotel after a full day in the city.
NJ Transit back to Secaucus.
USD5, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 4: Exploring Brooklyn

Brooklyn, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast, fueling up for your day in Brooklyn.
In the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Head to Brooklyn via NJ Transit

Take the train to explore the vibrant borough of Brooklyn.
Travel from Secaucus to Penn Station, then subway to Brooklyn.
USD10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Brooklyn Museum

Explore an impressive collection of art, including some contemporary works.
Walk to Brooklyn Museum from the subway.
USD16, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Smorgasburg (Seasonal)

Sample delicious foods from various vendors at this outdoor food market, weather permitting.
Head to Smorgasburg, depending on location; it may be seasonal.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy the stunning views as you walk back to Manhattan across this historic landmark.
Walk from Smorgasburg to the bridge entrance.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Wall Street

Visit the Financial District and see important landmarks like the Charging Bull.
Walk around Wall Street from the bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the 9/11 Memorial

Pay your respects at this poignant site honoring those lost on that fateful day.
Right next to Wall Street.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

Experience history with your meal at this tavern once frequented by George Washington.
Walk to Fraunces Tavern from the 9/11 Memorial.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Return to Secaucus

Head back to your hotel after a fulfilling day in Brooklyn.
Take the subway and NJ Transit back to Secaucus.
USD10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Brooklyn

Day 5: Holiday Cheer & Festivities

New York City, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Get energized with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Eating at the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Holiday Markets

Explore festive holiday markets such as the one at Bryant Park.
Take NJ Transit and walk to Bryant Park.
Free to explore, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check out the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

See the stunning Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
A short walk to Rockefeller Center.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Refuel with a delicious burger and fries from the popular New York chain.
Head to Shake Shack nearby Rockefeller Center.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Museum of Ice Cream or similar attraction

Delight your senses with all things ice cream and fun interactive exhibits.
Take a short subway ride to the Museum of Ice Cream.
USD45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the New York Public Library

Explore this architectural masterpiece and the serene Rose Main Reading Room.
Take a subway to the library.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Capital Grille

Indulge in an upscale dinner experience with aged steaks and fine wines.
Travel back towards Times Square.
USD85, 2 hours

7:30PM

Catch a Broadway Show

Cap off your day with a magical night at a Broadway show of your choice.
Walk to the Theater District.
USD100, 3 hours
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Day 6: Holiday Adventures

New York City, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for another exciting day at the hotel dining area.
Enjoy breakfast here.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit The American Museum of Natural History

Learn about the universe and explore the dinosaur exhibits.
Travel to the Upper West Side via subway.
USD28, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Coffee Break

Take a moment to recharge with coffee at the museum café.
In the museum.
USD10, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cowboy BBQ

Experience a hearty BBQ in a casual setting.
Take a subway from the museum to your lunch spot.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Christmas Market in Union Square Park

Explore holiday gift shopping at the festive market.
Take a subway to Union Square.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk through Greenwich Village

Discover the charming streets of this historic neighborhood decorated for the holidays.
Walk through the village exploring local shops.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at L'Artusi

Enjoy exquisitely prepared Italian dishes in a chic setting.
Travel back to the West Village.
USD70, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening at a Rooftop Bar

Celebrate your time in NYC with stunning skyline views and evening cocktails.
Choose an accessible rooftop bar nearby.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Last Full Day of Exploration

New York City, NY, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel.
In the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit The Cloisters

Discover medieval art in this beautiful museum located in Fort Tryon Park.
Take a subway to Fort Tryon Park.
USD12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fort Tryon Park

Take a peaceful walk enjoying the scenery surrounding The Cloisters.
Stroll around Fort Tryon Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Capital Grill

Savor fine steaks and a fantastic atmosphere for a memorable lunch.
Travel back downtown to the restaurant.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take the ferry to these iconic symbols of freedom and immigration.
Board the ferry from Battery Park.
USD24, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at River Café

End your trip with a delightful meal at this scenic Brooklyn restaurant.
Take the subway to Brooklyn.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 8: Departure Day

Secaucus, NJ, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before departure.
In the hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Relax

Pack your bags and check out of the hotel, preparing for your return journey.
Complete check-out process at the hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Head to JFK Airport

Travel back to JFK Airport for your flight to Hyderabad.
Take a rideshare or taxi to the airport.
USD50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrive at JFK Airport

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in and security.
JFK Airport is well signposted for arrivals.
USD0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure Flight

Board your flight back to Hyderabad, reflecting on a wonderful trip.
Gate information on your boarding pass.
Included, Variable
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