New York City in 12 Days Itinerary

  • Day 1: Statue of Liberty
    30 minutes (6 miles) from Manhattan

    The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. Take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb up to the crown of the statue. Enjoy a stunning view of the city skyline from the observation deck.

  • Day 2: Central Park
    20 minutes (2.5 miles) from the Statue of Liberty

    Central Park is an expansive urban park in the heart of Manhattan. Walk, run, or bike through the park's trails, visit the Central Park Zoo, or take a rowboat ride on the lake. Also, check out the Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain.

  • Day 3: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    15 minutes (3.1 miles) from Central Park

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and finest art museums. Explore its vast collections, take a guided tour, or attend a workshop. Don't forget to see the Egyptian exhibit and the temple of Dendur.

  • Day 4: Empire State Building
    20 minutes (2.1 miles) from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper in Manhattan. Take an elevator to the observatory on the 86th floor and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Experience another level of the observatory with views up to 100 miles out.

  • Day 5: One World Trade Center
    30 minutes (4.4 miles) from the Empire State Building

    The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Take a high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 100th floor and behold a 360-degree view of the city. You can also visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which is located at the base of the building.

  • Day 6: Brooklyn Bridge
    20 minutes (3.1 miles) from One World Trade Center

    The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark that has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. Take a walk or bike ride across the bridge and enjoy the scenic views. Be sure to stop by the Brooklyn Bridge Park after your walk.

  • Day 7: High Line Park
    20 minutes (2.2 miles) from Brooklyn Bridge

    The High Line Park is a unique elevated park built on an abandoned railway line. Walk or bike through the park's trails, enjoy the city views, and experience the city's architecture. Don't forget to stop by the Chelsea Market for some food and shopping.

  • Day 8: Times Square
    20 minutes (1.9 miles) from High Line Park

    Times Square is a bustling commercial and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan. Walk across the neon-lit streets, visit the M&M's World, Broadway, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the Hershey's Chocolate World.

  • Day 9: Coney Island
    40 minutes (13 miles) from Times Square

    Coney Island is a Brooklyn neighborhood famous for its beach, boardwalk, and amusement park. Take a ride on the roller coasters, visit the New York Aquarium, have lunch at Nathan's Famous hot dog stand, or enjoy a peaceful time on the beach.

  • Day 10: The Frick Collection
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Coney Island

    The Frick Collection is a small yet impressive museum that displays a unique range of art and artifacts from Europe and the U.S. Be sure to check out the Vermeer paintings and the exquisite furnishings and decorative arts on display.

  • Day 11: The Bronx Zoo
    40 minutes (15 miles) from The Frick Collection

    The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and houses over 4,000 animals. See the African Plains, World of Birds, and Madagascar exhibit. Enjoy a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail for an adventure through the rainforest.

  • Day 12: Radio City Music Hall
    25 minutes (4.1 miles) from The Bronx Zoo

    Radio City Music Hall is an iconic theater located in Rockefeller Center. Take a guided tour, see a show, or attend a concert. Experience the stunning interior, including the colossal Christmas tree during the holiday season.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Statue of Liberty (3 hours, $25)
  • Central Park (3 hours, free)
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (4 hours, $25)
  • Empire State Building (2 hours, $38)
  • One World Trade Center (2 hours, $35)
  • Brooklyn Bridge (2 hours, free)
  • High Line Park (2 hours, free)
  • Times Square (3 hours, free)
  • Coney Island (4 hours, $10)
  • The Frick Collection (2 hours, $22)
  • The Bronx Zoo (4 hours, $28)
  • Radio City Music Hall (2 hours, $30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $268

Transportation

Transportation is very convenient in New York City, with buses, subways, and taxis readily available. The cost of a one-week MetroCard is $32, which provides unlimited rides on subways and buses. Taxis cost around $2.50 base fee plus $2.50 per mile. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular in the city.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, or the Museum of Natural History. You could also spend a day exploring the neighborhoods of Brooklyn or Queens. However, if you have less time, remove a few items from the itinerary or combine multiple attractions in one day.

Airports

New York City has three primary airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is the largest and busiest airport, situated in Queens, around 16 miles southeast of Manhattan. LGA and EWR are located in Queens and Newark, NJ, respectively, and are smaller in size compared to JFK.

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