Nine-Day Itinerary: Exploring New York City and Indiana Bloomington

Day 1: Iconic Manhattan Sights

New York City, USA on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a classic New York bagel and cream cheese at Ess-a-Bagel, known for its fresh, hand-rolled bagels. Opens at 7am.
USD$8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take the ferry from Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, reflecting America’s immigrant history. Ferries run from 9am to 3:30pm.
USD$25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Relax with traditional American fare at Fraunces Tavern, a historic restaurant and museum where George Washington once dined.
USD$20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Wall Street and 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Explore the financial district including Wall Street's Charging Bull and visit the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum, open until 8pm.
USD$26, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Dead Rabbit

Enjoy award-winning cocktails and an Irish-inspired menu at this renowned Lower Manhattan venue. Open until midnight.
USD$40, 1h30m

Day 2: Cultural Midtown and Central Park

New York City, USA on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Indulge in a hearty breakfast including pastries and eggs Benedict at this popular elegant restaurant near Central Park. Opens at 8am.
USD$25, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Central Park

Stroll or bike through Central Park, visiting highlights like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and the Central Park Zoo. Park open from 6am to 1am.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park

Enjoy lakeside dining with American cuisine inside the Central Park with scenic views. Open daily 11:30am–5pm.
USD$35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore world-class artworks ranging from Van Gogh to Warhol at MoMA, located in Midtown Manhattan. Open 10:30am - 5:30pm.
USD$25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Times Square

Experience the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square, a must-see entertainment hub, perfect as evening sets in.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Dine family-style on classic Italian dishes at Carmine’s near Times Square, open until 11pm.
USD$40, 1h30m

Day 3: Art and Skyline Views

New York City, USA on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Buvette

Enjoy French-style breakfast small plates and excellent coffee at this charming West Village spot. Opens at 8am.
USD$20, 1h0m

10:00am

The High Line and Chelsea Market

Walk the elevated High Line park with views over the Hudson, then browse food and shops at Chelsea Market. The High Line is open from 7am to 10pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Enjoy diverse food options from lobster rolls to tacos inside the bustling Chelsea Market, open all day.
USD$25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

See contemporary American art and rooftop views at the Whitney Museum, open until 6pm.
USD$25, 2h0m

5:00pm

One World Observatory

End your Manhattan time with panoramic views from One World Trade Center’s observatory, open until 9pm.
USD$40, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Eataly Downtown

Savour Italian dishes and fresh market items just blocks from One World Trade Center, open until 10pm.
USD$35, 1h30m

Day 4: Indiana University Highlights

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The French Lick West Baden Bistro

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and espresso at a local favourite café in Bloomington. Opens at 7am.
USD$15, 1h0m

10:00am

Indiana University Bloomington Campus Tour

Take a guided or self-guided tour around Indiana University’s beautiful campus with historic buildings and art museums. The campus and museums are open during daytime hours.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Farm Bloomington

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine with vegetarian options at Farm, a celebrated local restaurant.
USD$25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Eskenazi Museum of Art

Explore diverse art collections, including African, Asian and contemporary works; located on the IU campus. Open 10am–5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Hike in Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Relax with a scenic walk or hike through forest trails and around Griffy Reservoir just north of Bloomington. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uptown Café

Finish the day with creative American small plates in a lively setting located downtown. Open until 10pm.
USD$30, 1h30m

Day 5: Local Arts and Nature

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Runcible Spoon

Taste fresh, creative breakfast dishes including gluten-free options at this charming café. Opens at 7:30am.
USD$18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

Explore interactive exhibits suitable for all ages which focus on science and technology; opens at 9:30am.
USD$10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mother Bear’s Pizza

Enjoy hearty, beloved pizza and subs at this family-run Bloomington institution. Open daily from 11am.
USD$20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

Discover a serene place of meditation and beautiful Tibetan architecture. Open 10am–4pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore downtown Bloomington shops and art galleries

Browse local artisan shops, galleries and boutique stores for unique gifts and handcrafted items.
Free to browse, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Feast Food Company

Indulge in seasonal, locally-sourced dishes with excellent wine and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. Open until 10pm.
USD$40, 1h30m

Day 6: Outdoor Adventure

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Square Donuts

Sample artisanal donuts and locally roasted coffee at this popular morning stop. Opens at 7am.
USD$12, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Brown County State Park

Spend the day hiking, biking, or horseback riding in Indiana’s largest state park famous for scenic beauty and forest trails. Park open dawn to dusk.
USD$7 parking, 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Bloomington and relax

Rest and refresh back at your accommodation after an active day outdoors.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bloomington Brewing Company

Enjoy a casual dinner with local craft beers and pub fare in downtown Bloomington. Open until 11pm.
USD$30, 1h30m

Day 7: History and Gardens

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Uptown Café

Fuel up with their inventive breakfast offerings including vegan and gluten-free options. Opens at 8am.
USD$20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Monroe County History Center

Discover local history exhibits and special collections. Open 10am–4pm.
USD$5, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Leonard Springs Nature Park

Walk peaceful trails and see springs and limestone formations at this serene park open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Owlery

Enjoy vegetarian and vegan dishes in a laid-back atmosphere at this popular eatery. Open until 7pm.
USD$20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Lilly Library on Indiana University Campus

View rare books, manuscripts and rotating exhibitions; open 8am–10pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at TILE

End the day with contemporary American cuisine in an artsy setting; open until 9pm.
USD$35, 1h30m

Day 8: Relaxed Local Experiences

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Chocolate Moose

Enjoy a casual breakfast with great coffee and baked goods in a friendly atmosphere. Opens at 7am.
USD$15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Take a tour or catch a daytime event at this historic local theatre; check schedule in advance.
Varies, 1h0m

11:00am

Browse Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

Sample and shop fresh local produce and crafts; market open Saturday mornings.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nick’s English Hut

Taste classic American comfort food and craft beers at this beloved local bar and grill. Open until 3pm.
USD$20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Cascades Park

Stroll or picnic beside waterfalls and serene walking paths, perfect for a final afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Big Woods Bloomington

Celebrate the end of your visit with craft beer and hearty dishes at a popular local brewery and restaurant. Open until 10pm.
USD$35, 1h30m

Day 9: Departure Day

Bloomington, Indiana, USA on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your day of travel.
Varies, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Airport or Next Destination

Prepare for your departure with time to get to airport or onward travel plans.
Varies, Varies