Comprehensive 7-Day New York City Itinerary: Museums, Parks, Food & Iconic Landmarks

Day 0: Arrival and settle

New York City, USA on May 18, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at JFK Airport

Arrive at JFK airport and begin your NYC adventure.
USD0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Chelsea Hotel

Check into your hotel in Chelsea, unpack and relax after your flight.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Evening walk around Chelsea

Take a casual stroll in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood to stretch your legs and get a feel for the city.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner near Chelsea

Grab a light dinner at a nearby restaurant; consider Chelsea Market eateries for variety and convenience.
USD30, 1h
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Day 1: Central Park and Museums

New York City, USA on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Animo!

Start your day with a delicious and energizing breakfast at Animo! (check opening hours, usually opens by 8am).
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Central Park Walk/Bike ride

Enjoy a morning walk through Central Park or rent a bike to explore iconic sites within the park. Bike rentals typically start around 9am.
USD15, 2h

11:30am

Street Food Lunch Near AMNH

Grab lunch from an affordable and delicious street food cart on Columbus or Amsterdam Avenue near the American Museum of Natural History (avoid Central Park West trucks for better quality).
USD12, 1h

12:30pm

American Museum of Natural History Visit

Explore the fascinating exhibits at AMNH; open daily 10am-5:30pm (entrance fee required).
USD28, 2h

2:30pm

Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)

Visit the MET to see a vast collection of global art spanning 5,000 years. Open 10am-5:30pm (closed Wednesdays).
USD30, 2h

4:30pm

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

End the museum day with a visit to the Guggenheim, open until 5:30pm; admire its unique architecture and art collections.
USD25, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Upper East Side

Dine at a cozy spot nearby, such as The Meatball Shop or The Smith for casual American fare.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 2: South Central Park and Midtown

New York City, USA on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Katz's Delicatessen

Enjoy the iconic NYC deli breakfast or brunch at Katz's Delicatessen, open from 8am.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Greenacre Park Visit

Relax at Greenacre Park on E 51st St between 3rd and 2nd Avenue, a lovely urban oasis, ideal for a peaceful morning.
USD0, 30m

10:00am

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Explore modern and contemporary art at MOMA, open 10:30am - 5:30pm. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines.
USD25, 2h

12:30pm

Late Lunch at Marks Off Madison

Enjoy a casual late lunch at this New York-style deli famous for its pastrami sandwiches, located near Madison Ave.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Option 1: American Museum of Natural History

If not visited on Day 1 or want to revisit, explore additional exhibits in AMNH (open until 5:30pm).
USD28, 2h

2:00pm

Option 2: Shopping on 5th Avenue

Explore high-end shops and iconic department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, perfect for souvenirs and luxury shopping.
USD0+, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner Options

Book in advance for: Rezdora (Italian, upscale, requires reservation) or Dirt Candy (vegetarian, innovative, also needs booking). Coqodaq offers Korean/American fusion if available. Alternatively enjoy late night drinks at Attaboy or Double Chicken Please.
USD50, 2h

9:30pm

Evening: Times Square Visit or Broadway Show

If you prefer nightlife, visit the lively Times Square area or attend a Broadway show; book tickets in advance for popular productions like Wicked or Hamilton.
USD100+, 2h
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Day 3: Central Central Park

New York City, USA on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Levain Bakery

Start with some of NYC’s signature cookies or pastries at Levain Bakery (multiple locations), open by 8am.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Full Central Park Exploration

Explore the heart of Central Park including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and The Mall on foot or bike. Option for guided tours are often available from 10am.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch Nearby

Enjoy lunch at The Loeb Boathouse if open for the season or other park-adjacent bistros for classic NYC fare.
USD40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Optional: Frick Collection or Shopping

Visit the Frick Collection on the Upper East Side or indulge in shopping along Madison Avenue close by.
USD22, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at a local favorite

Try dinner at a classic New York steakhouse or trendy bistro nearby depending on your preference.
USD50, 2h
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Day 4: Midtown Highlights and Cruise

New York City, USA on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pershing Square

Begin your day with a famous breakfast at Pershing Square, known for hearty cocktails and classic American fare, located near Grand Central.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Empire State Building Tour

Visit one of NYC’s most iconic skyscrapers. The Empire State Building opens at 8am; morning visits are less crowded.
USD44, 1.5h

11:30am

St Patrick’s Cathedral and New York Public Library

Walk to St Patrick’s Cathedral and then to the nearby New York Public Library, both open for visits mid-morning to afternoon.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eataly

Enjoy Italian delicacies at Eataly Flatiron, a vibrant food hall perfect for a fulfilling lunch.
USD35, 1h

1:45pm

Summit One Vanderbilt

Pre-book tickets to visit Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck for stunning panoramic views; open from 10am to 10pm.
USD38, 1.5h

3:30pm

Bryant Park

Relax or take a short break in Bryant Park, a vibrant green space in Midtown Manhattan.
USD0, 30m

4:00pm

Cruise Departure

Board your cruise in the afternoon or early evening as planned.
Varies, Evening
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Day 5: Flatiron, Koreatown

New York City, USA on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Levain Bakery

Enjoy famous cookies and bakery items at Levain Bakery to start your day.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park

Visit the iconic Flatiron Building and relax in Madison Square Park, great for photos and a stroll.
USD0, 1h

10:00am

Museum of Broadway

Explore the Museum of Broadway to learn about the history of NYC theatre and Broadway shows.
USD25, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eataly

Enjoy authentic Italian food and gelato at Eataly, a bustling Italian marketplace and food hall.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Bryant Park stroll

Take a walk through Bryant Park to relax and people-watch in one of NYC's favorite public spaces.
USD0, 30m

2:00pm

Koreatown Exploration and Snacks

Visit Koreatown with stops at Jongro for Korean BBQ, Kunjip for local specialties, and Machi Machi for bubble tea. Grace Street offers shaved ice and cream puffs. Sundaes Best provides Korean-inspired ice cream treats.
USD50, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner in Koreatown

Enjoy dinner at a Korean BBQ like Jongro or another K-town hotspot.
USD40, 1.5h

8:00pm

Cocktails at Attaboy or Double Chicken Please

Wind down your day with creative cocktails at one of Koreatown’s acclaimed bars.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 6: East Village and Greenwich

New York City, USA on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tompkins Square Bagels

Enjoy freshly made classic NYC bagels with diverse cream cheese options in the East Village.
USD15, 1h

9:45am

Explore Union Square and Greenwich Village

Take a walking tour of Union Square and Greenwich Village, soaking in local shops, cafes, and historic streets.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods

Savor hand-pulled noodles and flavorful spicy dishes at this beloved local spot, open for lunch.
USD15, 1h

1:15pm

East Village Food Crawl

Sample diverse cuisines: ISE (Japanese), Szechuan Mountain House, Veselka (Ukrainian), Superiority Burger (vegetarian), or Madam Vo (Vietnamese).
USD30, 2h

3:30pm

Coffee and Dessert Stops

Enjoy signature coffee at La Cabra and desserts at From Lucie or Lady Wong Pastry.
USD15, 1h

4:30pm

Washington Square Park

Relax and people-watch in this iconic NYC park, a neighborhood favorite.
USD0, 30m

6:45pm

Comedy Cellar Show

Experience a classic NYC night of comedy at Comedy Cellar on MacDougal St; advanced booking essential.
USD25, 2h

9:00pm

Optional: Visit Times Square

End your day with a late-night visit to Times Square for the neon-lit spectacle and lively atmosphere.
USD0, 1h
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Day 7: Chelsea and Highline

New York City, USA on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mia's Bakery

Start with delightful cakes and pastries at Mia's Bakery near Rockefeller.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Walk the High Line

Enjoy a scenic elevated park walk along the High Line, featuring views of Hudson Yards and Chelsea, open daily from 7am to 10pm.
USD0, 1.5h

11:00am

Explore Chelsea Market

Taste diverse food stalls, from Japanese street food to lobster bisque, and browse boutiques inside this historic market.
USD30, 1.5h

12:30pm

Visit the Vessel and Hudson Yards

Explore the Vessel structure and surroundings in Hudson Yards; the Vessel is open 10am-9pm, tickets required for climbing.
USD0, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Chelsea Market or Local Bistro

Grab lunch at Chelsea Market or an adjacent bistro offering local and international flavors.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Little Island Park

Visit this 2.4-acre floating park on Hudson River with creative installations and play areas, open 6am-1am.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Taureau (French Cuisine)

Enjoy French bistro dining at Taureau in Chelsea; recommended to reserve in advance.
USD50, 1.5h

7:00pm

Evening in Times Square

Optionally visit Times Square for nighttime energy and photo opportunities.
USD0, 1h
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