One Week Exploring New York City in September: Iconic Sights & Local Flavors

Day 1: Iconic Midtown Landmarks

New York City, USA on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with classic New York bagels and cream cheese at this beloved Midtown spot, open from 6:30am to 6:00pm, known for authentic flavors and a bustling atmosphere.
USD10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Empire State Building

Head to this iconic Art Deco skyscraper and enjoy panoramic city views from the 86th-floor observatory; open daily from 8:00am to 2:00am.
USD44, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Bryant Park and New York Public Library

Stroll through the beautiful Bryant Park and visit the historic New York Public Library next door, a serene urban oasis, free to enter and open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Modern

Dine at The Modern, a Michelin-starred restaurant at MoMA, offering exquisite contemporary American cuisine in a refined setting, open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
USD60, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore world-class modern art exhibitions at MoMA, open from 10:30am to 5:30pm with extended hours on Fridays till 8:00pm.
USD25, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Fifth Avenue

Enjoy window shopping and the lively street scene down Fifth Avenue towards Central Park, a perfect way to experience NYC’s vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Joe’s Shanghai

Savor renowned soup dumplings and authentic Chinese cuisine at this popular restaurant in Midtown Chinatown, open till 10:00pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Downtown & Brooklyn

New York City, USA on September 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Leo’s Bagels in Brooklyn

Take the subway to Brooklyn and enjoy freshly made bagels with various toppings at Leo’s Bagels, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
USD10, 0h30m

9:30am

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Experience stunning views as you walk this historic bridge back to Manhattan; best to go early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit One World Observatory

Ascend to the top of One World Trade Center for breathtaking city vistas, open daily from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
USD38, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Downtown

Enjoy a variety of Italian dishes and fresh market fare in a vibrant setting, open daily from 11:30am to 10:00pm.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Visit the solemn and moving memorial pools and museum dedicated to the events of September 11, open from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
USD26, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Through Battery Park

Relax and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor as you stroll through Battery Park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Indulge in classic New York-style coal-fired brick oven pizza at this iconic Brooklyn location, open till 11:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Central Park & Museums

New York City, USA on September 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Enjoy upscale American breakfast classics with beautiful views close to Central Park, opening at 8:00am.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Bike or Walk Central Park

Visit landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, and enjoy the ample green spaces and sculptures within Central Park; park opens at 6:00am and closes at 1:00am.
USD20 (bike rental), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse

Dine lakeside inside Central Park, known for American fare in an elegant setting, open for lunch from 11:00am to 3:30pm.
USD40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore an extensive range of art from ancient to contemporary; open from 10:00am to 5:30pm.
USD30, 3h

5:30pm

Stroll along Museum Mile

Walk along Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile to enjoy outdoor sculptures and historic architecture.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Sabarsky

Enjoy Austrian specialties and desserts in an elegant, old-world atmosphere within the Neue Galerie, open until 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Harlem and The Bronx

New York City, USA on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Harlem’s Amy Ruth’s

Relish classic Southern breakfasts and soul food in this popular Harlem eatery, open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Apollo Theater

Tour or catch a show at this iconic music venue symbolizing Harlem’s rich cultural heritage; tours are available by appointment, and box office opens at 10:00am.
USD15, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Bronx Zoo

Spend the afternoon at one of the largest metropolitan zoos, open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD40, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at City Island Lobster House

Dine on fresh seafood served in a cozy, nautical-themed setting on City Island, open from 11:30am to 9:00pm.
USD45, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along Harlem River Waterfront

Enjoy peaceful views and walking paths along the river, perfect for relaxing after lunch.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sylvia’s Restaurant

Experience soulful Southern comfort food at this famous Harlem institution, open until 9:30pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Queens & Flushing

New York City, USA on September 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Queens Comfort

Start with inventive comfort food and a great brunch vibe in Astoria, Queens, open from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Explore Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Visit this large urban park home to the Queens Museum and Unisphere, great for outdoor walks and cultural stops, park open 6:00am - 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Taste famous soup dumplings and authentic Shanghainese dishes in Flushing, open from 11:00am to 9:30pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Queens Botanical Garden

Enjoy peaceful gardens and seasonal exhibits; open daily 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD6, 1h30m

3:30pm

Tour Flushing Chinatown

Experience one of NYC’s largest Asian communities with bustling markets and unique cultural shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Manhattan

Head back to Manhattan for the evening to conclude your Queens day trip.
USD2.75 (subway), 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Smith

Enjoy an American bistro experience with a lively atmosphere near Lincoln Square, open till 11:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Chelsea & High Line

New York City, USA on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iron Chef House

Fuel up with a delicious Asian breakfast offering creative dishes, open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Walk the High Line Park

Enjoy this elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line, offering greenery and art installations, open daily from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Chelsea Market

Browse food vendors, shops, and artisanal products in this iconic market open from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Los Tacos No.1

Experience some of NYC’s best authentic Mexican street-style tacos inside Chelsea Market.
USD15, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

Explore the premier museum dedicated to American art, open from 10:30am to 6:00pm.
USD35, 2h

3:30pm

Relax in Hudson River Park

Take a leisurely walk or relax by the waterfront with views of the Statue of Liberty.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Meatball Shop

Enjoy casual dining with an array of meatball options and comfort sides, open until 11:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Times Square & Broadway

New York City, USA on September 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Friedman’s

Have a hearty breakfast focused on gluten-free and comfort food options, located near Times Square and open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Times Square

Experience the bustling heart of NYC with its bright lights, street performers, and shopping opportunities.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Madame Tussauds New York

Interact with lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical icons; open daily 10:00am to 10:00pm.
USD38, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery

Try the famous NYC cheesecake and classic diner fare near Times Square, open daily from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or shop near Herald Square

Explore Macy’s flagship store and nearby shops for last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early dinner at Sardi’s

Dine at this historic Broadway restaurant, beloved for its celebrity caricatures and American cuisine, open until 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Watch a Broadway Show

Cap off your trip with a Broadway performance; showtimes typically start around 7:30pm or 8:00pm.
USD100+, 3h
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