Discovering the Best of New York City in 14 Days

  • Day 1: Statue of Liberty National Monument
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Manhattan

    The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, presenting a symbol of freedom and democracy. This National Monument holds great historical importance and is located on Liberty Island. You can take a ferry tour from Manhattan to see the iconic statue up close.

  • Day 2: Central Park
    30 minutes (2.7 miles) from Liberty Island

    Central Park is one of the most famous urban parks in the world, featuring numerous attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle, and a variety of playgrounds. You can explore the park's large reservoir, trails, and vast green spaces. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for nature in the heart of the city.

  • Day 3: Greenwich Village
    20 minutes (3.8 miles) from Central Park

    Greenwich Village is a well-known neighborhood located in Lower Manhattan, brimming with eclectic shops, nightlife spots, and delicious food options. It’s a great place to experience the arts, with its street performers and trendy galleries. You can take a stroll on the charming streets to admire the historic sites.

  • Day 4: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    25 minutes (3.6 miles) from Greenwich Village

    The Met Museum is one of the largest art museums in the world, with over two million works of art. It features collections from ancient to modern times, and the exhibitions are awe-inspiring in their diversity. You can spend a whole day here and still not see everything.

  • Day 5: The Empire State Building
    15 minutes (3 miles) from The Met Museum

    The Empire State Building is a famous skyscraper that offers a panoramic view of the city's skyline. You can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 86th floor and enjoy the views of the city from above. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling to New York City.

  • Day 6: Wall Street & Financial District
    20 minutes (3.5 miles) from The Empire State Building

    The Financial District is home to several iconic landmarks such as Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull. It’s the financial hub of the city, and you can feel the hustle and bustle of the area from the moment you arrive. You can explore the area on foot, taking a leisurely stroll and admiring the architecture of the high-rise buildings.

  • Day 7: The Bronx Zoo
    45 minutes (10.3 miles) from the Financial District

    The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, with over 6,000 animals and over 700 species. You can interact with the animals, take a train ride through the Wild Asia exhibit or get your heart rate up with the ropes course. If you want to embrace your inner child or spend some time with your actual child, then this is a great day trip.

  • Day 8: The Brooklyn Bridge
    25 minutes (10 miles) from The Bronx Zoo

    The Brooklyn Bridge is an engineering marvel that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. It offers a scenic walkway for pedestrians to enjoy the stunning views of the city's skyline. You can enjoy the surroundings and witness the city from a different perspective.

  • Day 9: The High Line
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from The Brooklyn Bridge

    The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. You can walk through the gardens and take in the unique art installations while admiring the Hudson River. The park offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle and a chance to recharge.

  • Day 10: The American Museum of Natural History
    10 minutes (2 miles) from The High Line

    The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums in the world and offers an educational experience like no other. You can marvel at the dinosaur skeletons, learn about space, and navigate the numerous exhibits. You will leave feeling intellectually stimulated and curious about the world around you.

  • Day 11: Chelsea Market & Meatpacking District
    25 minutes (4.5 miles) from The American Museum of Natural History

    The Chelsea Market is a food hall located in the Meatpacking District, home to New York City's unique artisans and authentic eateries. You can indulge in exotic cuisine or grab some artisanal, handcrafted items. The meatpacking district offers a mix of high-end shops, galleries, and nightlife.

  • Day 12: The Frick Collection
    25 minutes (1.5 miles) from Chelsea Market

    The Frick Collection is a museum located in a mansion-like setting that offers a rare combination of architecture, art, and ambiance. You can witness breathtaking works by artists such as Rembrandt or Vermeer in a stunning space in this historical building. There’s nothing quite like it in New York City.

  • Day 13: Broadway Show
    20 minutes (2 miles) from The Frick Collection

    Broadway shows are a must-see when in New York City. The stage is home to some of the most talented actors and actresses. You can experience the electricity and magic of a live performance from shows like the Hamilton, the Lion King, and Wicked. It’s an unparalleled cultural experience in the city.

  • Day 14: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
    30 minutes (6.3 miles) from Broadway Show

    The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful escape in the concrete jungle, featuring many different landscapes from around the world, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, a lily pool, and an herb garden. It’s a fantastic place to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Statue of Liberty National Monument (4 hours, $25)
  • Central Park (3 hours, free)
  • Greenwich Village (2 hours, free)
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (4 hours, $25)
  • The Empire State Building (2 hours, $38)
  • Wall Street & Financial District (2 hours, free)
  • The Bronx Zoo (5 hours, $39.95)
  • The Brooklyn Bridge (2 hours, free)
  • The High Line (2 hours, free)
  • The American Museum of Natural History (4 hours, $28)
  • Chelsea Market & Meatpacking District (2 hours, free)
  • The Frick Collection (2 hours, $22)
  • Broadway Show (3 hours, $100)
  • The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (3 hours, $18)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $395.95

Transportation

Getting around New York City can be challenging. With the wide range of transportation options (subway, taxi, bus), it’s best to plan ahead and be flexible. In general, the subway is the cheapest and fastest option. Taxis can be expensive but offer a more personal experience. Also, consider walking for shorter distances when feasible. When planning the route, It’s important to factor in traffic and preplan an alternative route.

Estimated transportation cost for 14 days is $160.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time to spare, consider day trip options to nearby attractions such as Staten Island, Coney Island or Atlantic City. You can also add unique experiences like visiting the 9/11 Memorial, attending a sports game, or a concert.

Alternatively, if you have less time, you can cut any activity on this list to facilitate customization to your liking. It's crucial to check opening and closing times before embarking on any activity.

Airports

New York City has three airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). These airports have connecting flights to various destinations worldwide, making them busy and crowded. Among the airports, JFK is the most prominent (JFK) located about 15 miles southeast of Manhattan. Traveling from JFK to Manhattan by taxi or train takes around 45 minutes, with varying costs from $25 to $70, depending on traffic.

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