5-Day Perfect New York City Itinerary: Iconic Landmarks, Food, and Culture

Day 1: Midtown Highlights

New York City, USA on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Best Bagel & Coffee

Start your day with one of NYC's best bagel shops near Midtown for a classic bagel and schmear, perfect for fueling your morning.
USD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Times Square

Experience the bustling heart of NYC with colorful billboards, street performers, and nonstop energy; best in the quieter morning hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

Tour the art deco landmark and head up to the Top of the Rock for panoramic city views open 8am-12am daily.
USD40, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Modern

Enjoy a refined lunch at this Michelin-starred restaurant at MoMA, serving contemporary American cuisine in a sleek setting.
USD50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore world-class modern art pieces including works by Van Gogh, Warhol, and Picasso; open daily 10:30am-5:30pm.
USD25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll along 5th Avenue

Window shop and absorb the iconic NYC shopping vibe along 5th Avenue in the mid-afternoon when it's less crowded.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Savor hearty family-style Italian meals perfect for groups, located in the Theater District, open till 11pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Statue of Liberty & Downtown

New York City, USA on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Leo’s Bagels in Financial District

Enjoy freshly baked bagels with multiple cream cheese flavors before the ferry ride.
USD6, 0h30m

8:30am

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Take the ferry from Battery Park and explore the historic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, tours run from 8:30am to 5pm.
USD24, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Historic tavern offering classic American fare with a rich Revolutionary War history vibe, open 11:30am-10pm.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Pay respects at the moving memorial pools and explore the museum detailing 9/11 history; open 9am-8pm.
USD28, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk Wall Street and Charging Bull

Explore the financial district's iconic sites on foot and enjoy photographing the Charging Bull sculpture.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Eataly Downtown

Sample delicious Italian dishes and fresh market foods in this lively Italian marketplace open till 10pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Central Park & Museums

New York City, USA on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Classic American breakfast favorites in a warm ambiance just steps from Central Park.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Stroll and Bike Central Park

Enjoy a relaxing bike ride or walk through Central Park's scenic pathways and landmarks open all day.
USD15 bike rental, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park

Eat lakeside with beautiful views, serving American fare in a lovely setting, open 11:30am-3pm for lunch.
USD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore one of the world's largest and finest art museums, home to vast collections; open 10am-5:30pm.
USD30, 3h0m

5:00pm

Walk Museum Mile on the Upper East Side

Stroll along 5th Avenue from the Met and explore the architecture and exterior of nearby iconic museums like Guggenheim.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at JG Melon

A casual spot famous for its classic burger on the Upper East Side, open till midnight.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 4: Brooklyn Exploration

Brooklyn, New York, USA on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Butler Bakeshop

Head to Brooklyn for a creative bakery breakfast with pastries and coffee in a chic setting.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk Brooklyn Bridge

Walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn for stunning skyline views; open dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Discover photo-worthy scenes, quirky shops, and waterfront parks with Manhattan views.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cecconi's DUMBO

Enjoy upscale Italian dishes in a stylish, waterfront setting with great ambiance.
USD45, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Explore diverse art collections and special exhibits in one of NYC's largest museums; open 11am-6pm.
USD16, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Prospect Park

Unwind with a stroll or boat ride in Brooklyn's beloved large park, open from dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The River Café

Splurge on a romantic waterfront dinner with spectacular Manhattan views and fine dining cuisine in Brooklyn.
USD85, 2h0m
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Day 5: Harlem Culture

Harlem, New York City, USA on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Harlem Food Bar

Casual spot with hearty breakfast options and local vibe to start your Harlem day right.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Apollo Theater

Tour world-famous music venue that launched many legendary careers; guided tours available weekdays 11am-5pm.
USD15, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Studio Museum in Harlem

Contemporary African-American art exhibits in an important cultural institution; open 11am-6pm.
USD10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sylvia’s Restaurant

Enjoy world-renowned soul food in a lively setting open daily 11:30am-9:30pm.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard & Marcus Garvey Park

Explore historic Harlem streets and relax in the central park hub of Harlem.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Experience one of the largest Gothic cathedrals open to visitors from 9am-6pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Midtown & Dinner at Keens Steakhouse

End your NYC adventure with a classic steakhouse dinner downtown Manhattan, famous for its mutton chop, open 5pm-11pm.
USD60, 1h30m
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