The cultural itinerary to visit New York in 4 days
Day 1: the Upper East Side
Le Metropolitan Museum of Art
First of all, anyone wishing to visit New York in 4 days should go to Metropolitan Museum of Art, which includes more than two million works from around the world. Some are over 5000 years old!
My advice: take the tour « EmptyMet », which takes a guided tour of the main works from 8:30 am, when the doors are still closed. That said, don't forget to book first.
Central Park
When you leave the Met Museum, go for a coffee in Central Park, next door. Do not forget your camera to immortalize your meeting with the squirrels New Yorker !
And then if the weather allows it, don't hesitate to take a bike ride! Also, book in advance by clicking here.
Le Guggenheim Museum
Then take a look at the Guggenheim Museum, built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Its facade is a real masterpiece to see absolutely. Its helical construction and spiral staircase will also surprise you.
You will notably discover works by Chagall, Kandinsky, Pollock and Modigliani. Admission is included with the New York City Pass and New York Pass, so take advantage!
The famous 5th Avenue
Afterwards, take a ride on the famous Cinquième Avenue, where all the major luxury brands are grouped together. Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany's, Fendi and many others are installed over 4 kilometers long.
Le Top of the Rock
After your shopping, climb to the top of Rockefeller Center to admire the view from the Top of the Rock. Try to be there at sunset if possible, it's sublime!
Access normally costs $ 30, but it is also included in both passes.
Jour 2: Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, Chinatown et Little Italy
Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum
Early in the morning, meet at Battery Park to board the ferry to Ellis Island. Located about 1,5 km from Liberty Island, it offers a beautiful view of the famous Statue of Liberty. Plus, the ferry fare is included in the New York City Pass and New York Pass, so don't miss this opportunity!
The first ferry leaves at 9am, so plan to be there about 15 minutes early to get a good seat.
Once on the island, go visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. You will learn a lot about the journey of millions of immigrants who came to live the American dream. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 17 p.m.
The September 11 Memorial and its museum
On your return, walk down Wall Street, to One World Trade Center. Built in place of the Twin Towers, this imposing tower will impress you.
Then visit the 11/XNUMX Memorial, made up of two water basins with the names of the victims engraved. You can also visit the underground museum September 11, which admission is included with the New York City Pass.
Chinatown et Little Italy
To end your day, go for a stroll in the districts of Chinatown and Little Italy. Pass through Columbus Park, where locals indulge in Tai Chi lessons.
Discover many restaurants and exotic shops, and taste the specialties! If you wish to dine there, remember to book in advance.
Day 3: Midtown and Chelsea
The Museum of Modern Art or American Museum of Natural History
On this third day, I recommend the Museum of Modern Art in the city, if you like modern art. It holds magnificent paintings by Matisse, Picasso, Lichtenstein or even Andy Warhol.
That said, if you're not into modern art, go for it. Natural History Museum. As interesting as it is impressive, it will educate you in archeology, marine fauna and dinosaurs. Admission is also included with both passes, and it's the perfect place to stay in New York with the kids!
Times Square
After visiting one of the two museums, take a tour of Times Square and admire its giant illuminated screens. Enter its many shops, without forgetting M&M’s World or the Disney Store!
It is also the perfect place to bring back typical gifts of the city to your friends.
Grand Central Terminal
Then, on your way, enter Grand Central Terminal station and be wowed by its quaint atmosphere. Marble, bustling crowd, magnificent iconic clock and shops of all kinds.
Then, after taking a few photos, resume your way back to the Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building and the Highline
Just like the Top of the Rock, climbing to the top of the Empire State Building is even more impressive at sunset. Once at the top of 102 floors, take in the view before heading back down and heading towards the Chelsea district.
Visit the Chelsea Market, which closes at 21 p.m., to buy some small meals or snacks to take away. Then climb on the highline, find yourself a nice place to snack while contemplating the view.
Day 4: Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty
It's your last day, and you owe it to yourself to see the Statue of Liberty closer ! Get on the ferry for Liberty Island from Battery Park and visit the statue while there. It's free, but visiting the crown requires advance reservation.
Brooklyn
On your return, travel up Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Bridge, cross it and enjoy this very, very pleasant neighborhood. Find yourself a small local bar or restaurant, and let yourself be guided!
Don't forget to visit the Brooklyn Brewery, in order to taste the local beers.
The local and unusual itinerary to visit New York in 4 days
Day 1: Harlem and Upper East Side
A gospel mass in Harlem
Visit New York in 4 days, locally? Yes it's possible. Also, in order to start your stay like a real local, go to the Abyssinian Baptist Church or the Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, to enjoy a gospel mass.
Mingle with the crowd and take in the show, appreciate the ambiance 100% authentic.
Central Park and 5th Avenue
On your way out, go get yourself a coffee and a lunch to go, which you will enjoy in Central Park if time allows it.
Once you've had your fill, head to 5th Avenue for some luxury shopping, on this famous 4-kilometer avenue.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and its rooftop
Then, in the afternoon, visit the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, second museum on most visited in the world. It is a must if you want to visit New York in 4 days. It holds more than two million works from all over the world, and will amaze you. In addition, its entry is included in the New York passes.
Once your visit is over, go up to « Roof Garden Cafe », the roof terrace of the museum. Admire the view of Central Park and the city skyline.
Then, when closing, head to the Bemelmans bar for a lovely evening 100% New York!
Then enjoy one of the light dishes on offer, inspired by the four corners of the world. Don't forget to taste the New York Cheesecake, a delight !
In my opinion, the Bemelmans is definitely on your list to visit New York in 4 days while enjoying delicious local addresses!
Count one thirty dollars for a main course, $ 14 to $ 19 for a dessert and about $ 25 for a house cocktail. Add to that the $ 15 or $ 25 admission to enjoy the jazz concert.
Day 2: Brooklyn and Lower East Manhattan
Brooklyn Bridge et brunch au Five Leaves Greenpoint
This second day will be in my favorite neighborhood: Brooklyn! Cross the bridge early to see the city awaken. Then, I'll meet you at Five Leaves Greenpoint, where you will taste a succulent brunch to gain strength!
Brooklyn Flea Market et Brooklyn Brewery
If you want to visit New York in 5 days by doing some local attractions, don't miss the Brooklyn Flea Market, where you will find lots of vintage objects of all kinds.
After playing the antique dealers, go learn a little more about the history of the Brooklyn Brewery, local brasserie, and taste some of their beers!
Smorgasburg et Prospect Park
At the end of the day, continue in the atmosphere and discover the smorgasburg market, very popular with locals. Wind your way, grab a few snacks, and take in the views of the New York skyline.
If the market is too crowded, go and enjoy your snacks at the Prospect Park, which is located next door. Take the opportunity to take a pedal boat or horse ride!
Note that the Smorgasburg market only takes place on weekends from April to November, from 11 a.m. to 18 p.m. Also, bring cash, as the stands do not have a card machine.
Chinatown et Little Italy
Finally, end your day by returning to Manhattan and going for dinner or a drink in Chinatown or Little Italy, which will know how to disorient you for an evening.
Day 3: Midtown
MoMA and Times Square
The New York Museum of Modern Art and Times Square are two typical places that you must add to your list in order to visit New York in 4 days.
So spend the morning at the MoMA, a very pleasant museum, before going for a walkabout at Times Square. Take the opportunity to make your gifts, because you will find many shops of all kinds and at all prices.
Le Flatiron Building et Madison Square Park
Then take the subway to 23rd Street station and admire the Flatiron building. Taking the form of an iron (hence its name) and Beaux-Arts style, it is one of the emblems of the city.
Then, at lunchtime, meet at Madison Square Park to enjoy the best burger of your life, at the Shake Shack. So take advantage of free wifi and a well-deserved moment of rest.
Soho and TriBeCa
Then discover the small neighborhoods of Soho and TriBeCa, where you will discover many shops and cafes of all kinds. It is the perfect place to walk around aimlessly, for the pleasure of soaking up the New York atmosphere.
Empire State Building
At the end of the day, walk through the 102 floors of the Empire State Building to take in the view it offers over the entire city.
Admission is included with the purchase of a New York pass. Otherwise, you can buy a single ticket.
Day 4: Coney Island, Lower Manhattan and Hudson Cruise
Coney Island and its amusement park
Reopened in 2010, Luna Park is the New York theme park that locals and tourists alike love. Also, open every day from June to August as well as on weekends from March to May and September to October, it is one of the unusual places to visit New York in 4 days.
So do as many attractions as you want, before going to enjoy a hotdog from at Nathan's and go for a walk on the beach for 6 kilometers.
Lower Manhattan
When you get back to Manhattan in the afternoon, take a trip to the 11/XNUMX memorial as well as in front of the One World Trade Center.
These two monuments are now part of the city's history and landscape, and their significance makes them must-see places for anyone wishing to visit New York in 4 days.
Then stroll through Lower Manhattan and Wall Street, the city's financial district.
Chelsea Market
Then, head to the Chelsea Market! You will find all kinds of cuisine and prepared dishes there. Lobster, cookies, brownies, fresh fruits and vegetables… You will be spoiled for choice. Also, the quality is appreciable, as are the soft prices!
Do not hesitate to think about the gifts you want to give for your return, because you will find many local and original products there.
That said, don't overeat, as the rest of the program includes a superb dinner!
The Highline and a cruise on the Hudson
Indeed, after your quick tour of Chelsea, head for the old railway which has become the Highline in order to walk with the locals. Take a stroll enjoying the sunset, before heading to Pier 61.
Embark aboard the Spirit of New York, to enjoy a three-hour dinner cruise, punctuated by a festive and romantic atmosphere.
Here is what to visit New York in 4 days! And don't forget to choose a pass, which will save you time and money. Hoping to have been able to help you, I wish you a wonderful visit to the Big Apple!
Finally, don't forget to plan ahead your attractions and outings, as this will often allow you to obtain the best prices!
