New York City Travel Guide: must do’s in New York for 1 week
New York City (USA) is an amazing city to visit no matter how long you decide to spend here. With 1 week in NYC, you can see all the famous attractions and lesser-known things in the city, watch different shows, and try the best food and bars.
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Is 7 Days Too Much for New York City? 7 days is the perfect amount of time to thoroughly explore New York City. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, it may be best to consider purchasing a New York City Travel Pass to save money while following my New York Travel Guide.
Things To Know Before You Visit New York City
- You will be walking a lot! Pack comfortable walking shoes.
- Buying a New York City pass is the best way to save money on attractions and combining them on the same day
- 18% (minimum) tip is expected at restaurants. It’s best to tip with cash, but you can always use a credit card.
- Foreigner? Best to get an eSim before arriving in NYC. There is a free public internet service called LinkNYC, but it can be slow and unreliable.
Manhattan
Central Park
Take a stroll in Central Park, the most iconic park in New York City. Central Park is amazing since it occupies a large area in a large city like New York City. Once you step into Central Park, you really feel like you’ve been transported to a different world, away from the hustling and bustling of the city.
Must see’s in Central Park
- Central Park Zoo
- The carousel
- Central-Park-west-cherry-blossom
- The Mall
- Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
- The Boat House
- Belvedere Castle
- The Wollman Rink
Fun Fact: During spring, you can check out the amazing cherry blossom and Magnolias
Metropolitan Museum
If you are an art lover then go to the MET or Guggenheim. Check the museums’ website for ticket information as some museums have “free” days/hours or pay what you want.
Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long waiting lines.
Fun fact:The MET has a nice rooftop bar that’s open during the summer.
Fun fact: Tickets to most of NYC museums are covered by the New York Pass and New York Sightseeing Pass.
Guggenheim Museum
If you are an art lover then go to the MET or Guggenheim. Check the museums’ website for ticket information as some museums have “free” days/hours or pay what you want.
Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long waiting lines.
Fun fact: Tickets to most of NYC museums are covered by the New York Pass and New York Sightseeing Pass.
The American Museum of Natural History
If you have kids or just like Natural History then visit the Natural History Museum. Check the museums’ website for ticket information as some museums have “free” days/hours or pay what you want.
Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long waiting lines.
Fun fact: The American Museum of Natural History has a few really cool paid exhibits, such as the Invisible World and the Butterfly exhibit. I think they are totally worth paying for.
Fun fact: Tickets to most of NYC museums are covered by the New York Pass and New York Sightseeing Pass.
Walk Down 5th Avenue
If you are on the East side of Central Park (MET or MOMA side), you can walk down the famous 5th Avenue and stare (or shop) at fancy department stores, luxury hotels, designer shops, retailers, etc.
Places worth stopping by on 5th Avenue in Manhattan:
- Apple Store: The entire store is underground with the iconic glass entrance. This store is open 24 hours.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: a Roman Catholic Cathedral. A tour is also part of the New York City Sightseeing Pass.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Famous for the iconic brand and its Christmas window displays
- Rockefeller Center: right across from Saks
New York Public Library
The largest and most beautiful library in New York City. The Rose Reading Room is the most beautiful room in the library but you need a free tour to visit unless you are planning to study in the room.
Fun Fact: You can see the original Winnie the Pooh collection at the library.
Movie Fact: It was featured in the movie The Day After Tomorrow.
Bryant Park
During summer there are free concerts at this park and during winter you can do some ice skating or visit the holiday market.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station, the most famous and photographed train station in New York. Go visit the Magnolia Bakery (made famous by Sex and the City), Apple Store, Whispering wall and the “hidden” bar that is shown in “Gossip Girl”.
Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock is an observation deck on top of Rockefeller Center. It’s the best spot for taking photos as it’s right in the middle of Manhattan.
Fact: Top of the Rock tickets is covered in the New York Pass and New York Sightseeing Pass.
Rooftop Bar SixtyFive aka the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.
The bar is open from 5pm-00am. It’s 2 floors below Top of the Rock and you’re paying for the view.
The Beam
In addition, there is a new attraction at the Top of the Rock, the Beam. The Beam costs extra but it allows you to recreate the iconic photo of people sitting on a beam high above the New York City skyline.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One opened at the end of October 2021 and it is one of the newest innovative observation decks in New York City. Most of the rooms at SUMMIT One are made of glass, and there is also a room full of balloons.
Times Square
Times Square is the most famous square in Manhattan and in the world.
Beware of scam artists: If you see naked ladies with body paint, avoid taking photos or they will come at you asking for tips. If you see Mikey Mouse or Batman inviting you for a photo, avoid, it because they will make you tip them.
Food spots: Hell’s Kitchen, Totto Ramen, Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
Watch a Broadway Show
A Broadway Show is a must for anyone visiting NYC. You can get a discounted Broadway Show ticket at TKS booth at Times Square or you can also try to enter the lottery for some of the shows at https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/.
911 Memorial & Museum and One World Trade Center
The Memorial was built on top of where the Twin Towers used to be before they collapsed during the 911 Terrorist Attack. Every Sep 11 two tribute lights go up symbolizing the fallen towers.
If you want to learn more about the history of the 9/11 attacks, visit the Museum. There are photos and recordings from the day of the terrorist attack. Most people spend at least 1-2 hours at the museum.
The new building One World Trade Center is the tallest building in North America. Check out the observation deck to have an amazing view of Manhattan and New Jersey across the Hudson River.
Fact: One World Observation Deck and 911 Memorial Museum are covered in the New York Pass.
Oculus
The Oculus is right next to World Trade Center. It’s a subway station and shopping center designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Fun Fact: The Oculus is one of the very few subway stations that has AC.
Financial District
The Financial District of Manhattan, famous for Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. This area used to have a lot of banks and financial institutions but many have moved to midtown or Hudson Yards in recent years. A lot of offices are being converted into apartments where rent is a bit cheaper than midtown Manhattan.
Monuments to visit: The Wall Street Charging Bull is a symbol of Walk Street except it’s not actually on Wall Street. Fearless girl monument..
Fun Fact: the Financial District is also known as Fidi by locals.
Wall Street Tour
Take a Wall Street tour to understand why certain buildings are significant.
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty, one of the symbols of New York City. There are different types of ticket to see the Statue of Liberty ranging from ground tours, boat tours or crown tours. If you just want to see the Statue of Liberty instead of doing a whole tour then either take the free Staten Island Ferry (will pass by the statue) or go to Governor’s Island (summer only) and you will be able to see the Statue of Liberty from the island.
Tip: Do book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance as they tend to sell out months in advance.
Fact: Statue of Liberty (Ground tour) is also covered as part of the New York Explorer Pass.
Scam alert: Be aware of unauthorized tour operators.
Flatiron
Check out the iconic Flatiron Building and visit the Lego store as well as Harry Potter store at Flatiron.
Dinner fact: Eataly market, the most famous Italian market and food hall or the original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park.
Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park
Greenwich Village, also known as “the village”, is known for its dining options or for enjoying a comedy show in the evening. Many people go to the Comedy Cellar & the Greenwich Village Comedy Club.
One of the most famous attraction in Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park. The park becomes very lively with street performances.
Brunch and shopping in Soho
Soho happens to be one of the best places to get brunch, shop and feel trendy (and watch some of the cutest buildings and streets).
Brunch tip: Balthazar, Jane, Jack’s Wife Freda and Shuka. Or just go to one of the many coffee shops..
Popular “art” experiences in Soho:
- Museum of Ice Cream: A museum dedicated to ice creams with colorful rooms that have photo opportunities, and includes a ball pit and swings.
- Color Factory: Another colorful art museum dedicated to colors. Again, this place is more set up for instagram with cute photo opportunities and a ball pit as well.
- Inter_IAM: This digital art museum uses the latest technology to create an out of this world experience. This museum includes a series of experiences that are good for both adults and kids.
Empire State Building
Empire State Building observation deck is the OG observation deck in New York. The observation deck covers a few different floors, with the outdoor observatory on the 86th floor and an optional (extra charge) indoor observatory on the 102nd floor.
Besides views, you will also learn a lot about the Empire State Building and the history behind it from the interactive display throughout your visit. There are also a lot of photo opportunities at the Empire State Building.
Fact: Empire State Building ticket is also covered by the New York Sightseeing Pass.
Check out the Harry Potter experience called The Exhibition. This is different from the Harry Potter store in Flatiron, as this is more experience-based..
West Village
West Village is a place with tons of cute restaurants, brunch spots, and coffee shops. If you are a fan of Sex and the City or Friends then you would love West Village. Both apartments are located in the West Village.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is one of the food markets in New York City. Try the Los Tacos No.1.
Little Island & Pier 57
Little Island is a public park and event space. Pier 57 is the newest food hall and has a rooftop that is also free to visit.
The Gransevoort Beach
In October 2023 Manhattan opened its first public beach. You cannot swim in the water but there are sand, lounge chairs, and a beautiful view of downtown Manhattan and New Jersey.
High Line Park
The High Line used to be a railway but is now a park and tourist attraction. You can walk down the High Line to reach Hudson Yards and the Edge.
Hudson Yards, The Vessel & The Edge
Hudson Yards is one of the trendiest places for shopping and dining in NYC. One of the most famous buildings at Hudson Yards is the Vessel. Due to a series of suicide events at the Vessel, visitors are no longer allowed to go up the Vessel, but it’s still pretty to look at from afar.
Winter fact: Hudson Yards has millions of lights for holiday decorations.
A new observation deck, the Edge, is also a must do. It has an amazing view of New York City and New Jersey. Book your tickets ahead of time online. The Edge can get very crowded, especially on the weekends and during sunset hours.
Fact: The Edge is also covered as part of the New York Sightseeing Pass.
NYC Chinatown
Some of the most popular places to eat in Chinatown include Jing Fong (dim sum), Joe’s Shanghai, and Canal Street Market.
Little Italy
North of China Town lies Little Italy. You can find shops that sell Cannolis and other Italian sweets and of course pizza and pasta!
Lower East Side
Go to the Lower East Side for food! Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, Supermoon Bakehouse, Beauty & Essex (brunch). Go to Pier 35 for a nice photo spot of Manhattan Bridge including the swings.
Roosevelt Island
Technically in Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is a small island off Manhattan that offers great views of the Manhattan skyline. You can either take the F train or a Tram there. The tram is actually an experience itself since you will be crossing the East River from above.
Brooklyn
Dumbo
Dumbo is the place to get your iconic shot of the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park,will give you an amazing view of downtown Manhattan. You can even see the Statue of Liberty from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Go check out the carousel, pier 1 & 2.
Food spots: Di Fara, Roberta’s, Smorgasburg (food market), Peter Luger, Time out Market New York.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a popular area in Brooklyn for young and artsy people. Visit some rooftop bars here: The William Vale, West Light and Wythe hotel.
Dyker Heights
If you are visiting New York City during the holidays , one area you must see in Brooklyn is Dyker Heights. Traditionally an Italian neighborhood, Dyker Heights is famous for its crazy Christmas decorations on million dollar mansions.
Fact: If you don’t have a car, a tour to Dyker Heights is also covered by the New York Sightseeing Pass.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Every year in late April there is a cherry blossom festival in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).
Coney Island
Coney Island is famous for its amusement parks and beaches. GO spedn the day or afternoon. You pay per ride.
Fun Fact: Cyclone is a wooden rollercoaster from 1927, the oldest wooden rollercoaster in the USA!
Queens
Gantry Plaza Park
If you want another great spot for the Manhattan view as well as the iconic Pepsi sign, then Gantry Plaza Park in Long Island City is for you. There are a lot of restaurants and shops near Gantry Plaza Park (after you get off the subway). The park itself is located in a rather residential area.
Long Island City Sign
During cherry blossom season in early to mid April, the park near Gantry Plaza called Hunter’s Point South Park is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. So if you are here during that time, be sure to stop by!
How to get around New York City
There are 5 boroughs in NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Manhattan is on a grid system, that means the streets (runs east to west) intersect with the avenues (North to South) in a grid for the most part. Most touristy places are within walking distance to each other but just in case:
Getting around NYC by subway or MTA bus:
This is the easiest and most popular way to get around the city. You can use CityMapper app to get directions and exact train arrival time. Tickets costs $2.9 one way regardless of distance.
Get Around NYC By Bike:
Use the Citi Bike, a bike sharing service. You can purchase a day pass if you plan to use it just for one or two days. Check out the official Citi Bike website for more information.
Taxi, Uber, Lyft:
You can wave down yellow cabs (or use the Curb app); Uber and Lyft are also popular for ride share.
Get Around NYC by Hop-on Hop-off Bus:
These buses will take you to all the major attractions. The best hop on hop off buses in New York is the Big Bus Tour.
Take the NYC Ferry
Use the ferry if you are planning to travel between Brooklyn or Queens to Manhattan.
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