How to spend the first of your 4 days in New York City – Central Park (spoiler alert: it’s just as magical as you imagine) – Option A: The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Option B: The American Museum of Natural History – Stroll down Fifth Avenue & Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – Visit Times Square
Central Park is massive. Spanning 843 acres, you could easily spend an entire day exploring. I suggest focusing on the top spots in the park so that you’re not rushing around aimlessly. Read about the best spots in the park below.
With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world. Preparation is the name of the game, read about the 20 pieces you MUST SEE during your visit.
If you’re more into taxidermy and natural wonders, you may enjoy touring the epic American Museum of Natural History instead of the Met. Welcoming 5 million visitors per year, it's considered one of the greatest natural history museums in the world.
Head down Fifth Avenue to experience one of the best shopping streets in the world. Peppered with luxury brands boasting stunning window displays, Fifth Avenue is often referred to as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. Check it out for yourself!
This iconic and breathtaking cathedral took 21 years to build because construction halted during the Civil War.Today it's considered the most beautiful church in NYC. Visitors are welcome inside but must be respectfully dressed (no exposed shoulders or short shorts).
Times Square is overwhelming and very touristy. But at the end of the day it's iconic and can’t be missed during your 4 days in NYC. Take time soaking in the massive screens and head to Los Tacos No. 1 when you’re ready to escape the bright lights.
Click below for the complete detailed list on the best way to spend your first day in New York City (+helpful tips and photos)
Things to see during your second of 4 days in NYC – Explore Greenwich Village – Go shopping in SoHo – The High Line & Chelsea Market
You can't spend 4 days in New York City without visiting the most charming neighborhood. Click below for a rundown of the 15+ best things to do in the area.
SoHo is a very cute neighborhood best known for great shopping, pricey lofts, quaint cafes and ample art galleries. Make sure to stop by Balthazar Bakery for an afternoon treat.
The High Line opened in 2009 and became an instant success.This elevated promenade stretches 1.5 miles and receives an average of 8 million visitors annually.
Things to see during your third of 4 days in New York City – 9/11 Memorial & Museum – Explore Wall Street – Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
This museum is dedicated to the tragic loss during the terrorist attack in 2001. This museum experience is heartbreaking but important, everyone should see the 9/11 Museum as least once in their life.
Head towards the Financial District and stop to take in the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Then see the famous Charging Bull and take a photo. The line for this takes a while but the picture will last forever.
You can't spend 4 days in NYC without walking this iconic bridge.Construction began in 1869 and when it was completed in 1883, it was deemed the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Things to see during your last day in New York City -Grand Central Terminal – The New York Public Library & Bryant Park - Top of Rock Observation
Grand Central Terminal is a beautiful functioning transportation hub. In the center of the station, make sure to look up for the grandeur of the celestial ceiling. There’s a food hall downstairs if you’d like a bite!
Opened to the public in 1911, it was officially the largest marble building ever constructed. It took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it — more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day!
Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days. In many ways this park feels like a little piece of Paris in the heart of New York City.
Visitors can access three separate indoor/outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. The subsequent panoramic views from this iconic building makes this one of the most popular observation decks in NYC.
We spent two weeks crafting the IDEAL itinerary for 4 days in New York City. You can read our complete guide with helpful tips and (way too many) photos.