12-Day Offbeat New York City Adventure with Charming Stay in Brooklyn's Jewish Quarter

Day 1: Arrival and Local Brooklyn

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Shelsky’s of Brooklyn

Enjoy a traditional Jewish deli breakfast of bagels and smoked fish at this beloved local spot, right in the heart of the Jewish quarter. It opens at 8am, perfect for a hearty start.
USD15, 1h

10:15am

Check in at The Bedford Hotel

Stay at this charming boutique hotel located near Williamsburg and the Jewish neighbourhood, with historic character and modern comfort.
USD250 per night, Check-in time flexible

11:30am

Walk through Williamsburg Jewish Quarter

Explore the local shops, synagogues, and bakeries in the Orthodox Jewish area to get a feel of everyday life away from the usual tourist gaze.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mile End Delicatessen

Savour Montreal-style Jewish deli fare, famous for their smoked meat sandwiches in a relaxed environment.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Explore diverse art collections with a less crowded experience than Manhattan's museums. Opens 11am-6pm.
USD16, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lella Alimentari

This cozy, authentic Italian-influenced spot blends local Brooklyn vibes with homestyle cooking, perfect for a relaxing first night.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Local Culture and Nature

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at B & H Dairy

Traditional Jewish kosher dairy restaurant known for its simple and fresh breakfast fare, open from 7:30am.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Walk the Waterfront Greenway

Stroll along Brooklyn’s waterfront, experiencing scenic views of Manhattan and the harbour away from crowds.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Radegast Hall & Biergarten

Enjoy hearty Eastern European dishes and craft beers in a lively biergarten atmosphere that locals love.
USD25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Green-Wood Cemetery

Take a guided tour of this historic cemetery known for its beautiful landscaping and famous residents, open 7:30am-7pm.
USD15, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Prospect Park

Unwind in Brooklyn’s huge park with options for people-watching, walking or visiting the boathouse cafe.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Mogador

Enjoy Middle Eastern inspired cuisine in a cozy ambiance, a local favourite in Brooklyn from 5pm onwards.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Manhattan Hidden Gems

Manhattan, New York, USA on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe

Visit the famous Jewish appetiser cafe on the Lower East Side at 9am for classic smoked fish and bagel platters.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Tenement Museum Tour

Take a guided tour at this museum focused on immigrant life in the late 19th century, opening at 10am.
USD30, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk the Lower East Side Markets

Explore local vendors and artisan shops at Essex Market for unique local products.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen

Try the iconic pastrami sandwich at this classic eatery, open daily from 8am, with authentic New York deli atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit The Frick Collection

Explore this quieter Manhattan museum with a stunning art collection set in a mansion, open 10am-6pm.
USD22, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Relax at this hip coffee shop known for excellent brews, open till 7pm on Saturdays.
USD7, 45min

7:00pm

Dinner at Prune

Enjoy innovative New York cuisine in an intimate setting in the East Village, reservation recommended.
USD50, 2h
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Day 4: Harlem and Cultural Insight

Harlem, Manhattan, New York, USA on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Amy Ruth’s

Experience Southern-style breakfast with soul food classics in Harlem, opening 8am.
USD18, 1h

10:00am

Tour the Studio Museum in Harlem

Focus on contemporary African-American art with ever-changing exhibitions, open 11am-6pm (closed Tues/Wed; Thursday is late open to 8pm).
USD8, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Melba’s

Enjoy classic soul food dishes loved by locals in a welcoming environment.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk the Harlem Historic District

Explore historic sites and architecture in Harlem with a self-guided walking tour focused on jazz and civil rights history.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Marcus Garvey Park

Unwind in this community favourite park with peaceful gardens and views over Harlem.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sylvia’s Restaurant

Dine at the legendary soul food restaurant known for live music and classic dishes since 1962.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 5: Queens Exploration

Queens, New York, USA on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arepa Lady

Taste authentic Colombian arepas at this renowned Queens street food stall, opening at 8am.
USD10, 45min

9:00am

Walk through Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Visit the park famous for the 1964 World’s Fair, enjoy nature trails, and see the Unisphere sculpture.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Queens Botanical Garden

Explore themed gardens and peaceful nature exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
USD8, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Enjoy authentic soup dumplings and Shanghainese dishes in Flushing’s Chinatown.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Museum of the Moving Image

Learn about film and TV history and technology in this interactive museum, open 12pm-6pm.
USD15, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Brooklyn

Head back to your hotel to rest and refresh.
MetroCard fare USD2.75, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Frankel’s Delicatessen

Savour classic Jewish deli dishes in a relaxed Brooklyn setting, open until 10pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Bronx Local Life

Bronx, New York, USA on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Louie & Ernie’s Pizza

Grab a slice at this Bronx institution before exploring the borough (opens 7am).
USD8, 45min

9:00am

Visit Wave Hill Public Garden

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson and beautifully maintained grounds in this peaceful garden oasis, open 9am-5:30pm.
USD12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at City Island Lobster House

Eat fresh seafood on the charming City Island, known as the ‘New England’ of New York.
USD40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Explore contemporary art exhibits focused on social issues and Bronx culture, open 12pm-5pm (closed Tues/Wed).
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk along the Bronx River Greenway

Enjoy a relaxing riverside walk through native habitats and community parks.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Brooklyn

Travel back to your hotel for a restful evening.
MetroCard fare USD2.75, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rucola

Indulge in Italian flavours at this local favourite known for fresh pastas and warm atmosphere.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Brooklyn’s Secret Corners

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Oneg

Start your day with Jewish-style pastries and coffee at this local bakery that opens at 8am.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Explore DUMBO’s Hidden Art Spaces

Discover lesser-known art galleries and street murals in DUMBO away from the main tourist spots.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vinegar Hill House

Enjoy rustic American fare in a historic converted carriage house.
USD30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Kayaking on the East River

Take a free guided kayak trip from Brooklyn Bridge Park offered by the Downtown Boathouse, available weekends 10am-2pm (make reservation).
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Butler Bakeshop

Relax with speciality coffee and fresh pastries in Brooklyn Heights.
USD10, 45min

6:00pm

Early Dinner at L'Industrie Pizzeria

Taste some of Brooklyn's best thin crust pizzas before the evening crowd arrives.
USD25, 1h
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Day 8: Cultural Depth Manhattan

Manhattan, New York, USA on May 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sabarsky

Enjoy Viennese coffee and pastries in a refined setting at the Neue Galerie, open from 10am, so aim to be there by 9:30am for queue.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Neue Galerie Museum

Explore early 20th century German and Austrian art including Klimt and Schiele, open 10am-6pm.
USD22, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zabar’s Market Cafe

Sample smoked fish, bialys and other local delicacies in this iconic Upper West Side deli atmosphere.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk the Riverside Park

Enjoy the scenic riverside walk with views of the Hudson and local life, a less tourist-heavy park.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit The Africa Center

Engage with contemporary African culture and exhibitions, open till 7pm weekdays.
USD12, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jajaja Plantas Mexicana

Enjoy vibrant, plant-based Mexican food in a trendy but relaxed environment in the Lower East Side.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 9: Queens Cultural Immersion

Queens, New York, USA on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sugar Freak

Start with creative donut varieties and excellent coffee in Long Island City.
USD12, 45min

9:30am

Explore MoMA PS1

Dive into contemporary art in this cutting-edge Queens museum, open 12pm-6pm but outdoor spaces and neighbourhood accessible anytime.
USD15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Queens Kickshaw

Known for artisan grilled cheese plates and local craft beers, perfect for a mid-day meal.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Gantry Plaza State Park

Take in Manhattan skyline views with a peaceful riverside vibe away from crowds.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Noguchi Museum

Admire sculptures and unique landscape design by Isamu Noguchi, open 11am-6pm.
USD10, 1.5h

6:00pm

Return to Brooklyn

Travel back for restful evening.
USD2.75, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mile End Delicatessen

Return for a favourite classic Jewish deli dinner in Brooklyn with different menu options at dinner time.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 10: East Village and Local Flavours

Manhattan, New York, USA on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Mogador

Return to Café Mogador in the East Village for Moroccan style breakfast dishes, open 8am.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Explore East Village Murals and Boutiques

Discover vibrant street art and independent shops off the beaten path.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Veselka

Sample classic Ukrainian comfort food at this well-loved diner open since 1954.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the New Museum of Contemporary Art

Enjoy inventive contemporary exhibitions in a striking modern building, open 11am-6pm.
USD18, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee at Bluestone Lane

Relax with quality Australian-style coffee in a welcoming café environment.
USD7, 45min

6:30pm

Dinner at Dirt Candy

Experience innovative vegetarian cuisine with creative dishes in a friendly setting.
USD50, 2h
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Day 11: Relaxing Brooklyn Day

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakeri

Enjoy Scandinavian pastries and coffee in a quiet, intimate bakery from 8am.
USD12, 1h

10:00am

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Stroll through the serene gardens, including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, open 8am-6pm.
USD18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Olmsted

Dine in a beautiful garden setting with inventive farm-to-table dishes in Williamsburg.
USD40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax at Domino Park

Enjoy waterfront views and green spaces in this revitalised industrial park, perfect for unwinding.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Local Art Galleries in Williamsburg

Visit smaller, independent contemporary galleries showcasing Brooklyn’s creative community.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Peter Luger Steak House

Splurge on classic New York steak experience at this legendary Brooklyn institution, but do reserve ahead.
USD70, 2h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast nearby your hotel in the Jewish quarter before preparing for departure.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Check out and travel to airport

Make sure to leave with plenty of time for airport transfer depending on your flight schedule.
Varies, Depends on airport
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