5 Days in New York: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit

Best Things to Do with 5 Days in New York

Itinerary in New York: day 1

Take a Hop-on-Hop-Off Tour of New York

Now that you have arrived in New York for your 5-day adventure, it is time to visit all the iconic points of interest you have been waiting to see. A great way to get a feel for the city is to take advantage of one of the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours. They take you past many of the city's most popular attractions. One of the most convenient aspects of a Hop-on-Hop-off tour is the fact that you can get off at any of the stops if there is something that you want to see. When done, you can jump on the next tour bus that comes by to continue your journey. Along the way, you will be treated to audio explaining the various points of interest you are passing. Perhaps the best thing about these tours is that they give you a better idea of the city's layout. They can also be useful in helping you decide what things you want to see and do while you are in New York. There are a variety of different passes that you can purchase. The pass you buy determines the amount of time you will have access to the tour buses.

The Empire State Building

Built in 1930. the Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. It is located on 5th Avenue in the Midtown District of Manhattan and is one of the must-visit sites we recommend for your New York itinerary of 5 days. Each year, more than 4 million visitors stop by this Art Deco masterpiece that once held the distinction of being the world's tallest building. To get the most out of this experience, purchase a Sightseeing Pass that provides access to the 86th-floor observation deck. You will be greeted by spectacular, panoramic views of the city. The hours for these viewings are subject to change but generally run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Itinerary in New York: day 2

Times Square

Times Square is known as New York City's cultural and commercial heart. It is one of the most famous squares in the world and is home to everything from shopping outlets and world-class restaurants to street performers and unique museums. It is also the location of the iconic Broadway Theatre that has presented some of the most renowned productions of the past century. The list of spots to visit is nearly endless, so we recommend simply relaxing to allow yourself to take it all in.

Central Park

Now that you have experienced the hustle and bustle of Times Square, it is time to head to the most renowned green space in New York. During your visit to Central Park, you will encounter walking and jogging trails, outdoor sculptures and much more. There are even guided available tours of this 843-acre sprawl. It is a must-visit spot where you can see a different side of this world-famous metropolis.

Itinerary in New York: day 3

The Statue of Liberty

Now that it is your 3rd day in New York, it is time to head to Liberty Island to see one of the most famous statues in the world. This iconic symbol of hope is one of the city's most visited attractions and a must for your New York itinerary of 5 days. After you have seen the Statue of Liberty, we recommend taking the ferry to nearby Ellis Island to visit the National Museum of Immigration.

The Museum of Natural History

Located in Theodore Roosevelt Park, the Museum of Natural History is one of the most renowned attractions in the city. It houses a huge array of exhibitions that represent both people and animals throughout the various ages of the Earth. The museum also features a planetarium and a 3D digital theatre. After you are done seeing the exhibitions, you can hit the museum shop for some souvenirs or go to the on-site cafe for a bite to eat.

Itinerary in New York: day 4

Discover the best of Long Island

To kick off day 4 of our 5-day itinerary in New York, we head directly outside the city to Long Island. It is home to nationally acclaimed beaches that are covered in white sand. You will also find a huge selection of shopping outlets, renowned wineries, unique museums and historic lighthouses. A few recommendations include Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard and the Whaling Museum & Education Center. You should also pay a visit to Jones Beach State Park to experience the region's finest coastal scenery.

Explore Queens

On your way back to the main part of the city from Long Island, a stop in Queens is in order. This official borough of the city is actually located on the island and is positioned opposite Manhattan across the East River. It is one of the city's most vibrant and culturally diverse areas and a must-visit spot for your New York itinerary of 5 days. A few unique places you can visit include the Museum of the Moving Image, the Queens Botanical Garden and the New York Hall of Science. You will also find a nearly endless array of popular restaurants where you grab dinner. A few highly recommended eateries include Astoria Seafood, Elias Corner, Adda and the Reef Bar & Restaurant.

Itinerary in New York: day 5

Greenwich Village

Located on Lower Manhattan's west side, you will find the iconic Greenwich Village neighbourhood of New York. It has long held a reputation as one of the city's most eclectic and bohemian areas. This is one of those spots in the city that are perfect for exploration. You will want to stop by spots like Washington Square Park and Bleecker Street. Head to Joe's Pizza for a true slice of heaven when you sink your teeth into authentic New York pizza!

Peter Luger's

Wrap up your New York itinerary of 5 days with dinner at the world-famous Peter Lugar Steakhouse located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. This iconic restaurant has been serving delicious food for more than 130 years and continues to maintain its status as one of the city's finest places to get a mouth-watering steak. You are sure to be as impressed with the legendary service as you are with the amazing food that your server will bring to your table. It is a great way to complete an unforgettable itinerary in the Big Apple.

Places to visit around New York

Kingston

Located 146 kilometres north of New York City, you will find the historic community of Kingston. This area is a highly recommended spot for a day trip away from the city's hustle and bustle. It is situated in the Hudson River Valley and was the first capital of the state in 1777. The area is also home to some of the most historic churches in the United States, such as the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston, which was initially organised in 1659.

Woodstock

Further to the northwest of the Kingston area, you will find the charming community of Woodstock, New York. It is located within the stunning Catskills Mountains and is home to an eclectic offering of restaurants, shops and art galleries. You can easily spend a whole afternoon simply wandering around this unique area while taking in its laid-back vibe.

Where to stay in New York

1. Concorde Hotel New York 4*

Located on 55th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington, the Concorde Hotel New York 4* is home to 122 rooms that are spread out across 37 floors. You will enjoy spectacular views of the city during your stay as well as a location that is ideal for exploring the best that the city has to offer.

On-site facilities and amenities you can look forward to with this selection include a concierge service, multilingual staff members, Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, a fitness centre and a tour desk.

What we like: We love the fact that this property places you in the heart of the city and is close to many of its most iconic points of interest and best restaurants. It is an ideal choice for an unforgettable city break to the Big Apple. During your stay, you will be accommodated in a Deluxe Queen Room.

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2. Riu Plaza New York Times Square Hotel 4*

Located in the heart of Times Square, the Riu Plaza New York Times Square Hotel 4* is home to 650 luxurious rooms that are ideally suited for a 5-day itinerary in this iconic city. The property features a contemporary design and a host of impressive facilities.

A few of the notable on-site amenities that will enhance your stay at this fabulous accommodation include air conditioning, a lift, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception desk and a fitness centre. You will find in-room facilities such as a TV, a hairdryer and a mini-fridge. There are also 3 outstanding restaurant and bar facilities for you to enjoy.

What we like: We love the panoramic views you can enjoy from this fabulous New York City property as well as its fantastic Times Square location.

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3. Conrad New York Midtown 5*

With 53 rooms and 496 suites, the Conrad New York Midtown 5* is one of the city's most prized luxury accommodation options and the perfect choice for a fun-filled 5-day itinerary. It is located close to Central Park and is near many of the city's top points of interest.

During your stay at the Conrad New York Midtown 5*, you will enjoy an array of 5-star amenities that include a fitness centre, 24-hour reception, Wi-Fi and the on-site Dabble restaurant. In-room features include a TV, coffee machine, mini-fridge and safe.

What we like: We love this property's close proximity to Central Park and notable points of interest like Fifth Avenue. It is a great option for those who want to explore New York City on foot.

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4. Westgate New York Grand Central 4*

The Westgate New York Grand Central 4* is a turn-of-the-century property that is located in the heart of the city's Midtown district and close to many of its most popular sights. It is an ideal base for a New York itinerary of 5 days booked through Voyage Privé.

The on-site restaurant and bar facilities featured at this property include the Tudor City Marketplace and Tavern and the Lobby Lounge. You can also look forward to features like luggage storage, a 24-hour reception desk, press/magazines and Wi-Fi.

What we like: We love the excellent Midtown location of the Westgate New York Grand Central 4* that allows you to easily visit all of the attractions and points of interest on your itinerary.

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5. Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South

The Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South is another amazing choice if you are booking a New York itinerary of 5 days. It is located in the heart of Manhattan, which makes it ideal for those who want to spend plenty of time exploring.

You will love this hotel's on-site amenities, which include a gym, a garden, Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, a Grab-and-Go restaurant and a 24-hour reception desk.

What we like: We love this accommodation's excellent proximity to spots like Times Square and the iconic Theatre District.

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Practical tips for visiting New York

A few things to consider when visiting New York include the fact that the local currency is the U.S. dollar and the official language is English. With that said, you can expect to hear virtually every language spoken across the world during your visit to this renowned hub of global diversity. Given the high population density and the large number of tourists that regularly flock to the city's attractions, we recommend going to the places you want to see early, whenever possible. If you are travelling from the United Kingdom and want to use any of your electric devices that require a UK outlet, you will need a travel adapter. Given the city's location in the Northeastern United States, you also want to ensure that you take clothing that is appropriate to the season during your visit.

When to visit New York

Generally speaking, the best time to visit New York City is from April to June or September to early November. During these months, the weather tends to be comfortable while the tourist crowds are smaller.

How to get to New York

Getting to New York from the United Kingdom is easy as daily flights are available out of the country's major travel hubs. The average in-air time is around 7 hours and 30 minutes for non-stop flights. The city's primary arrival airports include John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty.

What to eat in New York

Trying regional cuisine is one of the best parts of travelling, and this city comes up big in terms of must-try foods. During your New York itinerary, you simply must try New York-style pizza, bagels and cheesecake, as well as an authentic Manhattan clam chowder. A trip to one of the area's local delicatessens for some corned beef or pastrami is also highly recommended.

5 Days in New York: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit, customer reviews