4 days in New York itinerary
A balanced 4-day New York City itinerary that favors neighborhood walks, local favorites for meals, iconic parks and museums, and a day in Brooklyn. Realistic pacing with breaks, transfers, and time to soak in each area.
Highlights
- High Line & Chelsea Market
- Greenwich Village & Washington Square
- Central Park & American Museum of Natural History
- SoHo, Lower East Side, and Tenement Museum
- Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
- Whitney Museum & Flatiron / Union Square
Itinerary
Day 1
Meatpacking, Chelsea, and West Village orientation with local meals and relaxed walks.
Arrive at hotel / drop bags
Quick drop-off of luggage and short orientation at the hotel in the Meatpacking District.
Tips from local experts:
- If you arrive before official check-in, ask the desk to hold your bags or for early check-in options.
- Keep a small daypack for the walks today.
Brunch at a cozy neighborhood bistro
Relaxed French-style brunch to start the day and use as a planning stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Buvette is small and popular — expect a short wait at peak times.
- Share several small plates to try a variety.
Walk the High Line
Elevated linear park with gardens, public art, and great views over the Hudson and Chelsea.
Tips from local experts:
- Enter near Gansevoort Street for a quieter start.
- Sunscreen and a hat are good in summer; benches are limited on busy days.
Lunch & exploring at Chelsea Market
Browse varied food stalls and specialty shops — great for a flexible lunch and snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Try multiple small vendors rather than one big plate to sample more.
- Indoor seating fills up—grab something and head to the High Line or nearby benches if needed.
Transfer via subway/walk to Union Square / Washington Square area
Short transfer to the Village; use this time to rest and move neighborhoods.
Tips from local experts:
- Use a MetroCard or OMNY tap for quick subway access.
- Check live train info if you prefer the subway over walking; both are about 10–20 minutes depending on exact route.
Relax at Washington Square Park
People-watch, see the arch, and enjoy the park atmosphere at the heart of the Village.
Tips from local experts:
- Benches and lawns are great for a short rest; watch for street musicians and chess players.
- The arch and fountain make good photo stops.
Stroll and browse the West Village
Wander tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and historic brownstones at a relaxed pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Check out Bleecker Street for independent shops and bakeries.
- Allow time to wander side streets — the neighborhood is best explored slowly.
Dinner at a neighborhood favorite
Seasonal, rustic Italian dishes in a cozy West Village setting — reserve if possible.
Tips from local experts:
- Reservations are recommended for busy evenings.
- Share a few plates; the menu changes with seasonality.
Evening coffee / digestif
A relaxed end to day one with coffee or a small drink nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer dessert, seek out a local bakery; otherwise enjoy a sit-down coffee.
- This is a good time to map out the next day's museum timings.
Day 2
Parks and museums uptown with a relaxed evening at Lincoln Center.
Bagel breakfast
Quick, classic New York bagel to fuel a full day of walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Order ahead if available to save time.
- Try a classic lox & cream cheese for a local experience.
Walk through Central Park (south to mid-park)
See Bethesda Terrace, The Mall, and other highlights on a relaxed route through the park.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at the south end to see the Pond and Gapstow Bridge.
- If weather's nice, rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse (extra time/cost).
American Museum of Natural History
Hands-on displays, dinosaur halls, and cultural exhibits — great for all ages.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan which halls you most want to see; the museum is large and can be tiring.
- Buy timed-entry tickets if you want to avoid lines.
Coffee and a light break
Rest after a big museum visit with a classic café vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Cafe Lalo is a cozy spot known for desserts — a nice mid-afternoon pause.
- If you'd like something quicker, try a nearby bakery.
Stroll Lincoln Center and nearby streets
See the plazas, fountains, and cultural institutions; a calmer cultural block than midtown bustle.
Tips from local experts:
- Check performance schedules in case you want to add an evening show.
- Benches and lawn spaces are pleasant for a short rest.
Dinner near Lincoln Center
Casual American bistro near the theater district — a relaxing last stop for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve for evenings, especially if there is a show nearby.
- Ask for a quieter table away from the bar if you want a calm meal.
Day 3
Lower East Side and SoHo in the morning, then cross to Brooklyn for sunset and pizza in DUMBO.
Breakfast at a classic Lower East Side cafe
Start with a savory bagel or smoked fish at a storied local spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Russ & Daughters Cafe can get busy; consider arriving early.
- Their smoked fish platters are excellent to share.
Tenement Museum or Neighborhood walk on the Lower East Side
Explore immigrant history at the Tenement Museum or take a self-guided walk through historic streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Book Tenement Museum tours in advance — they run on a schedule.
- If the museum is fully booked, a walking route pointing out historic sites works well too.
SoHo pizza lunch
Grab a classic New York slice at a neighborhood favorite and enjoy a casual lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Prince Street Pizza is a local favorite for its square, pepperoni-heavy slices.
- Stand in or take out to continue exploring SoHo.
Explore SoHo & NoLIta
Window-shop, browse galleries, and enjoy the cast-iron architecture and independent stores.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for local designers in side-street boutiques.
- SoHo is best explored on foot — allow time to duck into small shops.
Transfer to Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall area
Subway or taxi ride to the south end of Brooklyn Bridge to begin the cross-bridge walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Subway is usually fastest; avoid rush hour if you prefer walking comfortably on the bridge.
- Use pedestrian entrance on Centre St / Park Row for best access.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge toward DUMBO
Iconic bridge walk with skyline views — plan for a relaxed pace and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn for classic skyline photos looking back at lower Manhattan.
- Avoid peak commuter times if possible; the bridge can get crowded mid-afternoon.
Explore DUMBO (Jane's Carousel, waterfront views)
Photogenic cobblestone streets, waterfront parks, and great skyline vantage points.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk to Pebble Beach and the Brooklyn Bridge Park for classic views.
- Check out small galleries and shops along Washington Street.
Dinner at a well-regarded Brooklyn pizza spot
Enjoy coal- or wood-fired pies in a classic Brooklyn pizza restaurant near the waterfront.
Tips from local experts:
- Juliana's is popular—arrive early or expect a short wait.
- Great spot for classic New York-style pizza and a casual meal.
Day 4
Finish with contemporary art, Flatiron & Union Square neighborhoods, and flexible departure prep.
Brunch at a classic SoHo bistro
Start the day at a bustling French bistro in SoHo for a leisurely brunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Balthazar is popular — reservations or early arrival recommended.
- Save room for pastries if you like sweets.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Modern and contemporary American art with a rooftop view of the High Line and Hudson.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets to streamline entry.
- Rooftop offers good skyline views — check opening hours seasonally.
Lunch at Eataly NYC Flatiron
Bustling Italian market and restaurants — flexible choices for pasta, pizza, and deli fare.
Tips from local experts:
- Browse the market if you have time; counter-service options are faster.
- Perfect for a relaxed final lunch with varied options.
See the Flatiron Building & Madison Square Park
Short walk to the iconic Flatiron Building and enjoy the park surroundings.
Tips from local experts:
- Madison Square Park is great for a short rest or photo of the Flatiron building.
- Local food vendors are sometimes present in the park seasonally.
Afternoon in Union Square (markets / shops)
Explore the square, street vendors, and nearby independent bookstores or the Greenmarket when available.
Tips from local experts:
- Union Square has good shops and often small markets; check local listings for any special events.
- A good place to pick up last-minute gifts.
Coffee break and downtime
Final coffee to recharge before departure; review transit options and gather belongings.
Tips from local experts:
- Birch Coffee is a good quiet spot for planning departures and email checks.
- Confirm your luggage and transit timing during this break.
Return to hotel / checkout and transfer to departure
Pick up luggage, check out, and make final transfer arrangements (train/airport/taxi).
Tips from local experts:
- Allow ample time for airport or train transfers; Manhattan traffic can add delays.
- If heading to the airport, consider booking a car or using a reliable shuttle — or take the LIRR from Penn Station for JFK via AirTrain.
