a city at night with skyscrapers in the distance

Should you wish to dedicate a week within New York City, you’ll be pleased to understand that with some preparation, you can experience all the city’s primary attractions. With so many activities to participate in New York, it’s completely regular to feel overwhelmed and uncertain where to initiate.

In this guide, I’ll offer you day-by-day suggestions on what destinations to explore, where to dine, tips for efficient navigation around the city, accommodation selections, a comprehensive itinerary map, and additional information regarding a ideally arranged 7 day visit to New York City.

Firstly, I suggest obtaining tourist cards in New York City to cut costs on essential attractions. The New York Pass in particular comes highly recommended, giving access to over 100 sights like museums, viewpoints, and some interesting tours. These passes can be had for periods of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 days, making them an ideal fit for your 7-day itinerary in NYC.

Now, let’s delve into the ultimate 7-day itinerary for New York.

Best New York 7-day itinerary

If you have yet to determine how to structure your 7-day New York itinerary, consider the following plan:

This 7-day schedule for independently experiencing New York City allows flexibility in seeing its major attractions. I advise starting days early to maximize time, as indicated by these highlights in the itinerary:

Day 1: Midtown, the best start for a week in New York City

On the initial day of your seven-day New York itinerary, exploring Midtown, Manhattan`s central region home to iconic landmarks, is recommended.

Moreover, if you’ve arrived at Isla Tortuga from Paquera and you take pleasure in kayaking, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this bioluminescence kayak tour. Paquera is renowned as one of the best locations in Costa Rica to experience this surreal phenomenon. For an even more spectacular experience, opt for a moonless night tour, where you’ll witness the enchanting sight of little lights twinkling as you stir the water—an extraordinary display caused by microscopic seaweed.

Additionally, head to the renowned Flatiron Building, one of the most iconic structures in New York known for its unmistakable triangular shape, and the iconic Empire State Building, a skyscraper granting the best perspectives of NYC and is absolutely essential for anyone spending aweek in New York.

a city with tall buildings and a clock tower

To access the Empire State Building, you may reserve your admission ticket through this connection or utilize your New York Pass. It’s undoubtedly worth it particularly if you want to enjoy one of the premier vistas in New York City.

Next, direct your steps to Bryant Park, one of the most lovely parks in the city, located close to the New York Public Library—another destination that should not be missed. Relying on the time, you can try some delicious Mexican cuisine at Los Tacos No.1, helpfully situated nearby and presenting a fantastic spot for a brief break. Another choice is Halal Guys, where one can try the finest street food in New York.

Continue your day by visiting Grand Central Terminal, considered one of the world’s most magnificent railway stations, and don’t miss the nearby Chrysler Building. Afterward, take a leisurely walk up Fifth Avenue, one of the , until you reach Rockefeller Center.

This iconic construction houses the headquarters for NBC and several well known New York television production studios. Be sure to check out the Top of the Rock observation area to soak in breathtaking views of Manhattan. Of course, you must reserve your tickets ahead of time through this link if you don’t have the New York Pass.

a very tall building with a clock on it

Ideally, time your visit to the Top of the Rock for late afternoon, coinciding with sunset. This allows you to explore other Fifth Avenue attractions, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or enjoy window shopping at luxury stores in the area.

As night falls, immerse yourself in the vivid ambiance of Times Square. This is one of the best places to visit in New York at night, thanks to its lively vibe and dazzling lights. For dinner, The Modern and Ellen’s Stardust Diner are excellent selections, but you can also explore other dining choices in our guide on the best restaurants in New York.

Bear in mind that Tusayan is very conveniently situated, as you will see in our Grand Canyon maps for tourists, so no matter which hotel you ultimately opt for, you will be relatively near to the primary attractions.

Day 2: Lower Manhattan, an essential part of your week in New York City

On the second day of your enthusiastic week in New York City, you’ll tour Lower Manhattan. Be prepared for a day of prolonged walking and exploration! I recommend obtaining breakfast near your lodging.

Begin your day in the Financial District and traverse through Wall Street, replete with structures evocative of Classical architecture. I recommend initiating your journey at Bowling Green Park, home to the renowned , an iconic Wall Street emblem. Then persist your tour by visiting the New York Stock Exchange,Federal Hall, and Trinity Church.

If you wish to learn comprehensive details about the Financial District, you may take this guided tour, acclaimed as one of the top walking excursions in New York.

a city with tall buildings and a sky background

Your next destination should be One World Observatory, frequently called the Freedom Tower. It`s a component of the World Trade Center complex, where the Twin Towers once stood, and the existing memorial rests at the heart of Ground Zero. To access the observatory, reserve your admission through this link. I can assure you it`s certainly worth it, as the viewpoint located on the 100th floor offers 360° views of the city.

While touring the World Trade Center locale, make room to check out The Oculus, which is considered the most expensive subway station globally designed by Santiago Calatrava. Additionally, you can investigate the 9/11 Museum, which acts as a tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

To gain access to the museum, you can reserve your tickets through this link. Another choice is this tour, which gives access to both One World Observatory and the museum, or this guided tour that incorporates tickets for these attractions.

Exploring the Las Vegas Natural History Museum offers an entertaining activity for families away from the Las Vegas Strip. Or, if you need something indoors on a rainy day, give this museum a visit.

Later in the day, direct yourself toward the fashionable TriBeCa locale, an area that is home to notable celebs such as Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro. From there, explore SoHo, a Lower Manhattan neighborhood that should be part of your proposed 7-day New York itinerary. SoHo is a renowned area well-known for its shops, fine eating spots, and unique cast-iron structures.

a tall building with a clock on it`s side

Next, explore Greenwich Village, an area renowned for its counter-cultural atmosphere, green spaces, and shorter constructions compared to New York’s lofty skyscrapers. You can wander around here prior to heading to Chelsea Market, one of the most critical and well-liked markets in the city.

Depending on your available time, you could explore Little Island, an charming floating park on the Hudson River, before checking out the High Line, an elevated park built on old train tracks.

Following the path of the High Line will lead you to the locale known as Hudson Yards, home to the iconic sculpture referred to as The Vessel, and The EDGE, the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. To make the most of your visit to this lookout point, I suggest booking a prearranged entry ticket.

To end your day in a striking manner, you can enjoy an evening cruise along the water. While there are many boat tours available in New York, I recommend reserving this particular one, a two-hour excursion that brings you within just 100 ft of the Statue of Liberty.

Before or after the cruise, you can enjoy a meal at the nearby Peak Restaurant & Bar, which also offers stunning perspectives .

Day 3: Central Park, museums, and a Broadway musical, must-dos for a week in New York City

On the third day of your 7-day itinerary in New York, you can start with an enjoyable breakfast at Zuckers Bagels. Afterwards, I suggest heading to Central Park, where you can spend your entire morning walking, enjoying the outdoors, and taking photos in picturesque settings with the iconic skyscrapers in the background.

Central Park spans 840 acres and offers a wealth of intriguing sights to explore, such as Belvedere Castle and The Lake, where you can charter a boat for a relaxing ride while admiring the skyline perspectives. If you happen to visit New York in the winter, you can even go ice skating at Wollman Rink.

people on a boat in the middle of a river

There are two approaches for experiencing the park: exploring independently (in which case, I propose referencing our guide focused on Central Park) or joining an guided excursion, like this bicycle tour. Bear in mind that Central Park is one of the prime settings for capturing photographs in New York, thus take your time as you go.

After exploring Central Park, take a pause for lunch at the Tavern on the Green, a relaxing restaurant with an outdoor patio and terrace serving American cuisine. This will replenish your energy to tour some of the most renowned museums in New York during the afternoon.

I suggest exploring galleries that intrigue you or center around topics that spark your interest. For example, we opted to visit the American Museum of Natural History, which is one of the most renowned natural history museums globally. However, there are other wonderful selections, such as TheMet (Metropolitan Museum of Art), which possesses an immense collection from around the world, or the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, a hub for abstract and modern art.

a sign hanging from the side of a building

Another widely recognized museum in close proximity is MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), which draws huge crowds. All these museums are conveniently situated near Central Park, so if one or more appeal to you, you can visit them in a single day. With the New York Pass, entry to these museums is incorporated.

You could finish the day with an evening meal at the Loeb Boathouse or Per Se, two acclaimed eateries renowned for their delectable cuisine. Later, you might enjoy one of Broadway`s most popular musical performances. I assure you that the actors, staging, costumes – every aspect is truly remarkable and should not be missed in this concise one-week New York itinerary. Among the most famed musicals are The Phantom of the Opera,Chicago,Aladdin,The Lion King, and.

Day 4: Statue of Liberty and helicopter ride over NYC at sunset

To initiate the fourth day of your NYC 7-day itinerary, you’ll need a hearty breakfast. After that, I recommend going to Battery Park as early as practical so you can board a ferry to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty proudly stands. That said, Battery Park is among the finest parks in New York, so take your time exploring it.

Visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York takes roughly 5 hours, so if possible, reserve the 10 a.m. slot on this tour, which also involves a stop at Ellis Island. This is where the Immigration Museum and the Abandoned Hospital are situated.

a statue of a man on top of a clock tower

After experiencing some of the top activities to partake in while in Manhattan, consider dining at Fraunces Tavern, the oldest eating establishment in New York which is found near Battery Park. An intriguing fact: this tavern is also a museum and a place where George Washington used to frequent, making it an essential stop to visit during your weeklong stay in New York City.

You can devote the afternoon to exploring Lower Manhattan and strolling casually along Stone Street. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to take an aerial tour via helicopter, an activity that is sure to become one of the most memorable parts of your 7-day New York itinerary. I recommend this helicopter flight, which lasts about 15 minutes and offers unique aerial views of the City That Never Sleeps. However, if this option doesn’t quite suit your preferences, you can consult our guide on helicopter tours in New York to find the one that best aligns with your interests.

You can end the day with a delightful dinner at Schilling, one of our favorite restaurants in the city .

Day 5: Contrasts tour, something unique to do in New York in 7 days

The contrasting tour constitutes one of the finest experiences to incorporate into your New York 7-day itinerary. It also represents one of the city’s most popular tours, offering a chance to explore different districts of New York such as the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, each with its own singular traditions, culture, and story.

So, on the fifth day of your seven day itinerary in New York, consider starting your morning with this guided tour, which is the specific excursion we chose. It commences at 8 AM and usually lasts around 4 hours.

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

After completing the tour, direct yourself over to Chinatown, where you’ll discover plenty of establishments to dine. Some outstanding options for Asian cuisine contain Xi’an Famous Foods,Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles,Joe’s Shanghai,Nom Wah Tea Parlor, and Super Taste. If you don’t prefer Asian food, you can head to Lombardi’s or Manero’s in Little Italy.

It’s worthwhile spending some time in Chinatown, one of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods with a unique character and landmarks like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Additionally, you’ll find the Museum of Ice Cream here, which is one of the best museums in New York.

If a guided sightseeing experience is preferred, joining this curated tour of Lower Manhattan`s neighborhoods could be worthwhile. The tour visits three iconic areas in the city – Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy. In my view, anyone spending one week exploring New York should definitely see these communities as they offer a distinctive perspective of the city .

Day 6: Brooklyn, one of the coolest places to see during a week in New York City

Without question, Brooklyn is a must-see, so you should feature it in your New York 7-day itinerary. While I’ve suggested dedicating the sixth day to Brooklyn, I strongly recommend planning this visit for a Saturday when the Brooklyn Flea Market is open.

Although exploring the contrasts tour gives an initial view of this district, dedicating a full day allows thoroughly enjoying the stimulating options accessible in Brooklyn. It is advised starting the adventure by transporting via subway to Williamsburg, one of the superior neighborhoods in Brooklyn renowned for its multicultural atmosphere.

a mural of a man and a dog on a sidewalk

Williamsburg offers a vibrant scene for art, distinct styles of fashion and music, and rich diversity of cuisine. It’s also considered one of Brooklyn’s centers for hipster culture, so I encourage exploring beyond the Jewish district, which is the main focus of the contrasts experience. For example, make time to visit Domino Park, browse Artists & Fleas Williamsburg, and take a leisurely stroll along Bedford Avenue. There are many restaurants and cafes in the area, so you can grab a quick lunch. And if interested in art, stop by Bushwick Collective, an outdoor street art gallery. This experience will show all the highlights and introduce Brooklyn’s top graffiti art.

From there, the route takes you to DUMBO, where the Brooklyn Flea is hosted every Saturday. This area also contains several noteworthy attractions, such as Fulton Ferry,Pebble Beach, and Jane’s Carousel. While exploring all of these independently on foot is an option, you may also reserve this guided excursion. It offers an excellent means to become acquainted with Brooklyn, especially the DUMBO vicinity.

In the afternoon hours, you can visit the original Pier 1, which offers stunning views of Manhattan, especially during sunset. Another choice is to stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade towards Park Slope or Prospect Park.

a large body of water with a city skyline

For the evening meal, I advise trying the pizza from two famous pizza eateries in Brooklyn, Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s. Afterwards, you can finish off your night by taking an unforgettable stroll back to Manhattan across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge offers the ideal vantage point for dazzling night views of the New York skyline, which is why including it is essential in your one-week itinerary for New York.

If traveling with children during summer months, adjusting plans to spend a day at Coney Island, one of New York`s liveliest locations, could be worthwhile. This site features Luna Park, a popular family amusement park. When opting to attend, don`t forget to purchase tickets beforehand .

Day 7: Harlem: Gospel mass and jazz concert, the perfect ending to your New York 7-day itinerary

As your NYC 7-day itinerary comes to a close, I recommend making the most of a Sunday, if your schedule allows, to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. Harlem is one of the top rated neighborhoods in New York with plenty to discover. Begin your day by visiting the historic Apollo Theater, which has over a century of musical history and has hosted iconic performers including Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin.

I would also suggest exploring the Museo del Barrio, where you can immerse yourself in Caribbean and Latin American history and art. While in the area, don’t neglect the Graffiti Hall of Fame, an authentic open-air gallery showcasing captivating street art. Another excellent option to include in your New York 7-day travel itinerary is the Studio Museum in Harlem, dedicated to Afro-descendant art, and the National Jazz Museum, which offers live performances.

a large group of people standing around a christmas tree

If your visit doesn’t coincide with a Sunday, I propose reorganizing the sequence of this 7-day New York itinerary so you can attend a gospel service. I assure you that it is a unique and culturally enriching experience, but remember to be respectful, as you’ll be in a place of worship, and you need to show consideration to the congregation.

Depending on the time of your flight departure or your plans for the following day, you can enjoy a meal at Sylvia`s, Red Rooster, or Melba`s, followed by a leisurely afternoon exploring the northern section of Central Park. Alternatively, you can use this final day to revisit any of the attractions from your New York 7-day itinerary that you haven`t had the opportunity to fully appreciate.

In the evening, one can head to the Shrine or Bill`s Place to enjoy live jazz performances and finish the excursion with a delectable dinner at Lolo`s Seafood Shack, Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, or The Edge Harlem.

How to get around New York in a week

Besides worrying about what to do for a week in NYC, you should also learn how to navigate the city efficiently to make the most of your time, given its vast size. Fortunately, there are various transportation options available to help you get around easily and enjoy your 7-day New York itinerary.

a train is stopped at a train station

The underground railway system is the most practical way to move around NYC within 7 days and fully enjoy the mentioned attractions above. All that is needed is acquiring the OMNY card, which has a cost-capping system, ensuring the maximum paid for transportation within 7 days in New York is $33. With its 24 subway lines, key locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx can easily be reached. Staten Island is the sole borough without a subway line, but it has a train, bus, and a complimentary ferry service connecting to Manhattan.

For more data on how the underground rail network of New York City functions, please refer to our dedicated guide.

Other transportation options accessible in New York include buses and ferries. Buses provide a practical way to travel, though at a slower pace compared to the subway system. If you possess any of the New York tourist cards, you can make the most of the New York City tourist buses, which deliver an excellent means to explore the city while visiting various attractions. Regarding ferries, they connect Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Roosevelt Island, so they too can be a worthwhile option.

Renting a vehicle is not recommended as it adds unnecessary stress about parking locations in NYC for a week. The city`s public transportation network functions very well for reaching any destination quickly. See our guide on transportation in New York City for more information.

Transfer from JFK Airport to New York

To travel from JFK Airport to New York City, you can use the AirTrain, which connects the airport terminal to Queens, where you can take the subway into Manhattan. Typically this journey takes around an hour, which isn’t too long.

An alternate option is GO Airlink, a shared transportation service that operates continually, connecting JFK Airport to New York City. Note that the AirTrain is more cost-effective at $13.50 per person, while GO Airlink can be pricier, costing up to $45 per person.

a white van parked in front of a building

You could also opt for a taxi or book a private transfer through this link. However, these options are not typically the first choice unless you’re traveling in a large group or with children and require assistance with your luggage, as they tend to be much more expensive.

For more details, I recommend reading our guide on New York City airport transfers.

Best hotels for spending 7 days in New York

If you’re looking for optimal locations to reside during your 7-day NYC itinerary, I have some excellent recommendations.

First, Pod Times Square is among our favorite hotels in Midtown. It`s one of the most affordable hotels in Manhattan, providing reasonably priced capsule-style rooms, some with private bathrooms and showers. Family rooms and apartments are also accessible, so it’s suitable for all types of travelers.

a bathroom with a bed and a shower

Another choice is the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in TriBeCa, which provides spacious and well-outfitted rooms and whirlpool baths. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a luxurious hotel in New York City. Lastly, 1 Hotel Central Park is one of the best hotels in Manhattan and provides good value for the money invested. If you’re seeking a 5-star lodging that won’t empty your wallet and has an awesome location, this is it.

For more information on places to rest in NYC, you can refer to our dedicated guides:

a bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a bed sitting in a bedroom next to a window
a bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a hotel room with a bed, table and chairs

7-Day New York itinerary map

Now you possess all the data needed to appreciate your New York 7-day itinerary. To assist you in preparation, here’s a map highlighting all the attractions referenced:

I hope this guide has aided you in planning an thrilling week in New York City. We also have a guide on the best 2-day itinerary to NYCfor those with less time, and a guide on the best 10-day itinerary to NYC for individuals with more days to spend. If you have any inquiries or recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below. I would be pleased to offer assistance!

Enjoy your week in New York City!