7-Day Ultimate New York City Itinerary: Explore Iconic Landmarks, Culture & Cuisine

Day 1: Central Park & Midtown

New York City, USA on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Enjoy a classic New York breakfast in this iconic spot known for its fresh pastries and eggs Benedict, located conveniently near Central Park.
USD40, 1h

9:30am

Stroll in Central Park

Explore this sprawling green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, featuring lakes, gardens, and walking trails, perfect for a morning walk.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Times Square

Experience the electric atmosphere of Times Square, with its bright billboards and street performers. Ideal for photos and people watching.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Los Tacos No.1

Grab delicious, authentic Mexican tacos at this popular spot inside the Times Square area. Quick, tasty, and perfect for fuel.
USD15, 45m

2:00pm

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Ascend to Rockefeller Center’s observation deck for some of the best panoramic views of Manhattan including Empire State Building views.
USD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Fifth Avenue Shopping

Walk along Fifth Avenue to explore luxury shops and iconic department stores like Saks; great for some window shopping or souvenirs.
Free to browse, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Modern

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant inside MoMA, serving contemporary American cuisine in an elegant setting.
USD120, 2h
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Day 2: Museums & Culture

New York City, USA on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a quintessential New York bagel from this renowned deli, known for its huge, fluffy bagels and quality toppings.
USD15, 45m

9:30am

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spend the morning exploring the Met, home to centuries of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces. Open 10am-5:30pm.
USD30 suggested donation, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Met Dining Room

Enjoy a light lunch in the elegant dining room within the museum, offering seasonal American cuisine with great ambiance.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along Museum Mile to Guggenheim Museum

Stroll down Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile to the Guggenheim, famous for its unique architecture and modern art collection. Open 11am-6pm.
USD25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

Relax in this beautifully manicured garden located in the north-east corner of Central Park, perfect for a quiet moment.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jacob’s Pickles

Savour hearty Southern comfort food and craft beers in a lively atmosphere on the Upper West Side.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Statue of Liberty & Lower Manhattan

New York City, USA on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bubby's Tribeca

Classic American breakfast with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients, perfect for a hearty start before a busy day. Opens at 7am.
USD30, 1h

8:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit these historic sites, offering insights into immigration history and spectacular views. Ferry runs 9am-5pm.
USD24.50, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Historic colonial-era tavern serving traditional American fare and craft beers near Battery Park.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect at the 9/11 Memorial pools and explore the museum documenting the tragic events of 2001. Museum open 9am-8pm.
USD30, 2h

5:00pm

Walk across Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy iconic views walking the pedestrian path from Manhattan to Brooklyn during sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza, Brooklyn

Taste classic New York-style pizza in this beloved Brooklyn pizzeria right near the Bridge Park.
USD25, 1h
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Day 4: Brooklyn Culture & Parks

New York City, USA on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakeri

Enjoy artisanal coffee and scandi-inspired pastries in a cosy Williamsburg café, open from 8am.
USD20, 45m

9:15am

Explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander through this beautiful garden featuring cherry blossoms, rose garden, and Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Open 8am-6pm.
USD20, 2h

11:30am

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Explore diverse art collections, from ancient to contemporary, in this large museum adjacent to the Botanic Garden. Open 11am-6pm.
USD16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Smorgasburg Food Market

Enjoy a wide variety of street food vendors featuring global cuisines in this popular outdoor market (open weekends, check exact days).
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through Williamsburg Waterfront Park

Relax and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline from the scenic waterfront park.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at River Café

Dine at this upscale restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge with exquisite food and stunning views of Manhattan.
USD150, 2h
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Day 5: Upper West Side & Harlem

New York City, USA on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Good Enough to Eat

Homely American breakfast spot known for generous portions and comfort food classics, opens at 8am.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

American Museum of Natural History

Explore vast collections focused on natural science and anthropology, including dinosaur skeletons. Open 10am-5:45pm.
USD23, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sylvia’s, Harlem

Famous for classic soul food dishes, Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution beloved by locals and visitors alike.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Harlem’s historic sites

Visit the Apollo Theater and stroll along 125th Street to soak up Harlem’s rich culture and history.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner and Jazz at Minton’s Playhouse

Enjoy dinner accompanied by live jazz at this famed Harlem jazz club, open from early evening.
USD80, 2h
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Day 6: Queens & LIC

New York City, USA on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Queens Comfort

Known for inventive brunch dishes and a laid-back vibe, Queens Comfort offers a fantastic start to your day.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Visit MoMA PS1

Explore contemporary art exhibits at this alternative art space in Long Island City. Open 12pm-6pm, so plan around opening hours.
USD10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at LIC Market

A modern American diner with a focus on fresh, local ingredients located in Long Island City.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Gantry Plaza State Park

Enjoy spectacular waterfront views of Manhattan and the historic gantry cranes in this well-maintained park.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Explore the Queens Botanical Garden

A peaceful oasis featuring themed gardens and walking trails. Open 10am-5pm.
USD8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Enrique

Award-winning Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine in Long Island City, praised for authentic and vibrant flavours.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Manhattan Wrap-up & Leisure

New York City, USA on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Balthazar

French bistro in Soho serving classic pastries and breakfast dishes in an elegant setting, opens at 8am.
USD40, 1h

9:30am

Walk through Soho and Greenwich Village

Stroll charming streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, perfect for souvenir hunting.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Joe’s Pizza

Grab a classic New York slice from this famous pizza joint, a must-try for any visitor.
USD10, 30m

1:00pm

Visit the High Line

Walk this elevated park built on a former railway track, offering green space and art installations with city views. Open 7am-11pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Chelsea Market

Explore this food hall and shopping mall which offers everything from artisanal foods to unique gifts.
Free to browse, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Bernardin

End the trip with a spectacular seafood dining experience at this three Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant.
USD200, 2h
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