This guide is not for the faint of heart… but it provides method to the madness of New York City. Follow along as I guide you from place to place, giving you transit information on the way! Enjoy!
DAY 1- UPTOWN MANHATTAN
(1000 5TH AVE)
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Photo: Trip Advisor
This museum features one of the finest collections of art in the world! Being the largest in the United States, this art museum is sure to saturate you with it’s incredible variety of exhibitions.
(13 MINUTE WALK – BETHESDA FOUNTAIN, 72ND ST)
CENTRAL PARK: BETHESDA FOUNTAIN
Bethesda Fountain
Photo: Untapped Cities
Bethesda Fountain is what I consider the focal point of Central Park. It’s an angel adorned structure has been a setting for countless movies (Elf, The Avengers, Doctor Who, countless others), and is one of the most widely recognized fountains in the world!
(6 MINUTE WALK – STRAWBERRY FIELDS, 72ND ST)
CENTRAL PARK: STRAWBERRY FIELDS
Strawberry Fields
Photo: Central Park – Lattari
Strawberry Fields is a MUST for any Beatles fan. A tribute to the late John Lennon, this mosaic lies adjacent from where he lived in the city. Decorated with flowers throughout the year, this site is often filled with music from the beloved English rock band.
(4 MINUTE WALK TO 72ND ST AND CENTRAL PARK W, B/C TRAIN TO 59TH ST, 6 MINUTE WALK – 881 7TH AVE)
CARNEGIE HALL
Carnegie Hall
Photo: NYC Go
A famous concert venue in Manhattan, Carnegie Hall is a must for music lovers. Book a tour to see the beautiful space, or go see a world-class performance!
(6 MINUTE WALK – 768 5TH AVE)
THE PLAZA HOTEL
The Plaza Hotel
Photo: Kiwi Collection
Another location familiar to film, The Plaza Hotel has most famously been featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Eloise at The Plaza. Seated right across the street from Central Park, this decadent hotel is the perfect place for high tea or a bite at one of the cafes downstairs.
DAY 2- MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
(TIMES SQUARE, 46TH ST AND BROADWAY)
TIMES SQUARE
Times Square
Photo: Traveldigg.com
It’s hard to miss this one. Follow the bright lights to the city’s center in Times Square. Do some shopping, catch a Broadway show, or just slowly turn to take in one of the most famous entertainment centers in the world!
(12 MINUTE WALK – 11 W 53RD ST)
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART: MOMA
The Museum of Modern Art
Photo: Wall Street Journal
Another incredible establishment for art lovers, MoMA is filled with inspiring modern art. It’s been influential in the development of modern art, and serves a unique experience for it’s visitors.
(4 MINUTE WALK – 1260 6TH AVE)
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Radio City Music Hall
Photo: The Roosevelt Hotel
Stop by the venue given the nickname Showplace of the Nation to see your next performance! Most famously, Radio City Music Hall is the home for Rockettes, who puts on multiple shows each year with their unstoppable kick line.
(3 MINUTE WALK – 45 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA)
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Rockefeller Center
Photo: Timeout
Rockefeller Center is a must, especially during Christmastime! Home for the city’s yearly Christmas tree and ice skating rink, this spot is filled and surrounded with countless shops and restaurants to choose from.
(3 MINUTE WALK – 5TH AVE)
ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Photo: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This stunning Gothic style Roman Catholic cathedral stands out boldly against the New York skyline. Located almost directly across the street from Rockefeller Center, this structure is worth stopping by for a walk through. There’s nothing else in the city like it!
(10 MINUTE WALK – 89 EAST 42 ST)
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
Grand Central Terminal
Photo: FodorsTravel
This rapid train terminal is a staple in New York’s history and exposure in TV and film. Stop by to admire the beautiful constellation ceiling, grab a bite or hop on a train! There are also a lot of hidden secrets around, my favorite being the Whispering Arch that sends your soft messages over a corridor. There’s lots to be unveiled here!
(3 MINUTE WALK – 405 LEXINGTON AVE)
CHRYSLER BUILDING
Chrysler Building
Photo: Untapped Cities – Dark Cyanide
Another standout in the New York Skyline is the Chrysler Building. With its Art Deco era architecture, this structure is striking to look at, especially after dark. Stop by for a photo op, or at least a better understanding of just how clean Miss Hannigan wanted her orphanage to look in Annie!
DAY 3- LOWER MANHATTAN
(350 5TH AVE)
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Empire State Building
Photo: esbnyc.com
Don’t miss this staple in the New York skyline. The Empire State Building is the 102-story skyscraper that gave the Empire State (New York) it’s nickname. Famously the lights at the top of the structure change color each night signifying different times and events during the year.
(5 MINUTE WALK – 151 W 34TH ST)
MACY’S HERALD SQUARE
Macy’s Herald Square
Photo: NYC Go
You don’t have to be in the mood to shop to stand in awe of the largest Macy’s in the world. 116 years old, this spot has been the largest department store in the world since 1924. It is also the focal point for the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving every year!
(7 MINUTE WALK – 4 PENNSYLVANIA PLAZA)
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Madison Square Garden
Photo: MSG Entertainment
This indoor area has hosted some of the most phenomenal performers and athletes of all time. It’s home to the New York Rangers and Knicks, and features crazy amounts of entertainment year long. Check out what’s going on when you visit!
(5 MINUTE WALK TO 34TH ST PENN STATION, A/B/C TRAIN TO 14TH ST, 5 MINUTE WALK – 75 9TH AVE)
CHELSEA MARKET
Chelsea Market
Photo: WOODSNAP – Jaz Arreola
Chelsea Market is one of my favorite spots in the city! An eclectic collection of food and shops are inside ready to be explored. Enjoy the industrial ambiance and cool vibes this niche market has to offer.
(4 MINUTE WALK – 16TH ST AND 10TH AVE)
HIGH LINE
High Line
Photo: James Corner Field Operations
Hugging the side of Chelsea Market you’ll find the most unique park in the city. The High Line is actually an elevated park that was created from the remains of an old train station. It may be less than 2 miles long, but it is full of great landscaping and atmosphere.
(20 MINUTE WALK – 175 5TH AVE)
FLAT IRON BUILDING
Flatiron Building
Photo: Walks of New York – Jeff Dobbins
Check out this triangular steel-framed landmark that has held its own since its erection in 1902. One of the most photographed buildings in the world, this structure is also the functioning headquarters for publishing companies.
(5 MINUTE WALK TO 23RD ST AND 6TH AVE, F/M TRAIN TO WEST 4TH ST STATION, 4 MINUTE WALK – 53 CHRISTOPHER ST)
STONEWALL INN
The Stonewall Inn
Photo: Hyperallergic – Johannes Jordan
In the heart of Greenwich Village you’ll find where gay pride started. Declared the first LGBTQ National Monument by President Obama, The Stonewall Inn is more than just your average bar. It has become an active landmark and source of pride for the gay community.
(7 MINUTE WALK – WASHINGTON SQUARE W AND S)
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Washington Square Park
Photo: Spoiled NYC
Another recognizable landmark specifically would be this arch located in Washington Square Park. From music to street performances, this place is not shy on its entertainment value.
DAY 4 – DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN
(BROOKLYN BRIDGE AND FDR DRIVE)
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Brooklyn Bridge
Photo: National Review – Leung Photography
One of the most recognizable bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is the most scenic connection between the borough and Manhattan. Take a stroll down the bridge for a photo and a fantastic view!
(17 MINUTE WALK – PARK PL AND BROADWAY)
WORLD TRADE CENTER TRANSPORTATION HUB
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
Photo: Pursuitist
Here is the newest item on this tour! The World Trade Center Transportation Hub was completed this year, and serves as a base for over 250,000 travelers a day. It’s state of the art structure and interior filled with shops makes it one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the city to date!
(4 MINUTE WALK – 180 GREENWICH ST)
9/11 MEMORIAL
9/11 Memorial
Photo: NYC Go
Located at the base of the former twin towers are two fountain memorials. The names of those whose lives were tragically taken on September 11, 2001 are carved in the stone surrounding, and the water below streams toward a hollow center. Take in this striking memorial as it leaves a void where the buildings once stood.
(1 MINUTE WALK – 1 WORLD TRADE CENTER)
FREEDOM TOWER
Freedom Tower
Photo: Wall Street Journal – Courtesy of Legends
Seated nearby is the shining Freedom Tower, which is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center. Boldly it stands as the largest skyscraper in New York AND the Western Hemisphere, representing the patriotism and strength Americans have for their country.
(7 MINUTE WALK, 2/3 TRAIN TO WALL ST, 2 MINUTE WALK – WALL ST)
WALL STREET
Wall Street
Photo: Wall Street Journal – Victor J. Blue
Right in the downtown Financial District you’ll find the famous Wall Street. Home to many headquarters, they are well known as the home for the New York Stock Exchange. Wander down taking in the robust structures and suit-clad men and women.
(6 MINUTE WALK – MORRIS ST AND BROADWAY)
CHARGING BULL
Charging Bull
Photo: China Daily
You can’t go this far downtown without taking a picture with a 7,000 pound bronze sculpture! This bull is the symbol of “aggressive financial optimism and prosperity,” and attracts thousands of visitors a day.
(8 MINUTE WALK – BATTERY PL AND STATE ST)
BATTERY PARK
Battery Park
Photo: The Battery Conservancy
On the very southern tip of Manhattan you’ll find Battery Park. Sneak away from the skyscrapers to the green and get a great view. Check out a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty as well!
(4 MINUTE WALK – 4 WHITEHALL ST)
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
Staten Island Ferry
Photo: The Odyssey Online
If that peek of lady liberty wasn’t enough, hop on the Staten Island Ferry to get a closer look! You will be joined by many commuters and tourists alike. Snap photos as you ride the ferry across the front of the Statue of Liberty both ways. The best part? The ride is free!
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
(1 E 161ST ST)
YANKEE STADIUM
Yankee Stadium
Photo: Diversified
Located in the borough of the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is a staple for sports lovers. It is home to theNew York Yankees and is the most expensive stadium ever built.
(1208 SURF AVE)
CONEY ISLAND
Coney Island
Photo: Spoiled NYC
Escape deep into Brooklyn to wake up in an amusement park dream. Filled to the brim with all the treats, eats and rides you could imagine! Walk a few feet to enjoy the beach, or keep up with the many events (like the Mermaid Parade) going on throughout the year.
(CANAL ST)
CHINATOWN
Chinatown
Photo: The Purple Passport – entrelestombeaux
Try out this neighborhood in southern Manhattan to satisfy all your haggling needs. Along the streets in Chinatown you’ll find designer purses, sunglasses, scarves etc. all ripe for the picking. Stick around to try traditional Asian cuisine and experience culture!
(GRAND ST)
LITTLE ITALY
Little Italy
Photo: Huffington Post
This last neighborhood in lower Manhattan is exactly what they call it. Wander through the blocks to experience all sorts of Italian culture, shops and dining. And don’t forget, no trip to Little Italywould be complete without a fresh cannoli!
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