New York City
Follow us on a whirlwind adventure through the Big Apple, exploring iconic sites, cultural hotspots, local flavors, and hidden gems, as well as enjoying the famous New York nightlife.
To see a longer itinerary that includes New York check out: US, East Coast Cities.
Day 1
We kicked off our NYC adventure by checking into Hotel Chelsea, a legendary spot with a storied past and a style all its own. From the bold decor to the artistic vibe that once attracted icons like Bob Dylan and Patti Smith, the hotel’s character immediately immersed us in the city’s creative energy.
New York is ideal for exploring by foot, with its distinct areas: uptown, midtown, and downtown, which includes the East and West Villages. So we started our self-guided walking tour in the heart of Times Square. Surrounded by lights and energy, we snagged discount tickets for The Great Gatsby on Broadway later that night.
Just a few blocks away on 5th Avenue, we wandered past iconic storefronts with dazzling displays, a true shopping haven. Next, it was off to Rockefeller Center, where the Top of the Rock gave us unbeatable views of the city—a breathtaking NYC classic. We then stopped at the food court beneath The Plaza Hotel for a quick bite before strolling through Central Park, soaking in the natural beauty of this urban oasis en route to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we took in centuries of incredible art.
Dinner was at the iconic Gallagher’s Steakhouse, serving up classic New York steakhouse vibes and an amazing meal before the Broadway show. Afterward, we wrapped up our night at The Campbell, a hidden gem in Grand Central Station. This stunning bar, with its high ceilings and vintage decor, made us feel like we’d stepped back in time—a perfect ending to an unforgettable first day in NYC.
Hotel: Hotel Chelsea
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Self-guided walking tour from mid-town to up-town
Pre-theatre Dinner: Gallaghers Steakhouse
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Nightcap: The Campbell
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
We kicked off our second day in NYC by heading south for a walk on the High Line, the stunning elevated park built on an old railway track. This urban oasis led us through unique views of the city and down to the West Village, a neighborhood brimming with charming shops and quaint streets.
Next, we treated ourselves to a leisurely brunch at the iconic Balthazar, where the bustling vibe and classic French pastries made for the perfect start to the day. Fueled up, we headed downtown to explore the Financial District, where historic buildings and sleek skyscrapers converge.
A powerful highlight of the day was the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, an experience that left us both moved and reflective. We continued with a walk through the striking Oculus, taking in its futuristic architecture and lively atmosphere.
For dinner, we opted for Italian at Olio e Più, where the cozy ambiance and delicious pasta set the perfect tone for our night. We capped off the day with laughs at the Comedy Cellar, one of NYC’s legendary comedy spots, making it a memorable end to an incredible day.
The High Line
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Tour of the Financial District
Next head to the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Stroll through the Oculus
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Show at Comedy Cellar
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
We started Day 3 with a classic New York experience: the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour. Standing in the shadow of Lady Liberty and exploring Ellis Island’s immigrant history was both inspiring and humbling, giving us a real sense of NYC’s roots.
Afterward, we hopped on the ferry to Brooklyn, landing in the charming neighborhood of DUMBO. With its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, and breathtaking waterfront views, DUMBO is one of those quintessential New York spots. We spent time shopping, snapping photos of the iconic Manhattan Bridge views, and enjoying a bite from a local café.
From there, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge back into Manhattan—a must-do for the city’s best skyline views and an unforgettable NYC experience.
Next up was the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side, where we stepped back in time to explore the stories of immigrants who lived in these historic apartments, learning about their lives and struggles in early 20th-century New York.
For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Gramercy Tavern, our favorite restaurant in New York, known for its inventive dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The cozy, refined vibe made it the perfect spot to wrap up our trip with an incredible meal, toasting to a perfect day in the city.
Itinerary:
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour
Take Ferry to Brooklyn
Stroll the streets of DUMBO, shop, take in the waterfront, grab a bite to eat
Walk to Brooklyn Bridge back into Manhattan
Then head to the Tenement Museum
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
On to the next adventure...
