First-Timer’s 4 Days in New York Itinerary: A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to New York City? 4 days in New York is a great amount of time. Keep reading to find out more about our ideal New York itinerary for 4 days.

There’s no city in the world with the same kind of energy as New York. It’s exciting, thrilling, and always moving. There’s always something to do and something to see around every corner.

This makes New York the perfect city for first-timers as well as seasoned New York visitors as there’s always something new to discover. It’ll always give you the excuse to keep coming back for more.

I’ve spent a lot of time planning, executing, and tweaking the best possible itinerary for you for New York and I’m thrilled to finally help you plan your 4 days in New York itinerary.

This itinerary (and all the other New York travel guides on the blog) will tell you everything you need to know to plan your 4 day New York City itinerary.

Keep reading for my exact 4 days in New York City itinerary and find out where to go, the top things to do in New York (including the free attractions), and all my top tips for visiting New York. It’ll make planning a New York City trip a breeze!

*This ‘new york city itinerary 4 days’ contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Who is this New York Itinerary for?

This itinerary for New York is perfect for anyone fairly new to the city, looking to plan a New York trip and get the most out of their first visits. It’s ideal for first-timers in New York who want to get an overview of the city or those returning to explore more.

If you’ve already been to New York a few times and you’ve covered the main sights you might want to look at 72 Things to Do Alone in New York to get some more ideas for other amazing things to do in New York City, alone or not.

Are 4 Days Enough in New York City?

The truth is yes and no. 4 Days in New York City is definitely enough time to see the highlights and the main attractions in the city.

Warmer 4 days will give you a great overview of New York City and it will allow you to explore most of the iconic neighborhoods of Manhattan as well as Brooklyn and even Williamsburg.

If it’s your first visit to New York City and you can only commit to 4 days then it is enough to see the highlights.

However, as you can imagine, New York is a huge city that’s always changing. It’s got so much to offer and in 4 days you’ll only begin to scratch that surface.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep coming back to the Big Apple- you’ll always have a different experience and there’ll always be something new to see.

Top Things to Know Before You Go

Getting Around

↠ New York isn’t cheap and all the most amazing sights and attractions can add up quickly. Luckily there are a few different ways to save some serious money on entry tickets.

The first is with the New York Go City Explorer Pass. You can choose between 2 and 10 attractions to visit out of 90 of NYC’s top experiences. The pass also comes with a digital guide which is pretty helpful when it comes to deciding what to do. Get your Go City Pass here.

Another great option is the New York Pass where you can also choose between a wide range of attractions and activities including the Top of the Rock, MOMA, Edge, and One World Observatory. You can save up to 40% on entry tickets so it’s really worth it. Check out more on the New York Pass here.

↠ Consider the 7-Day Metro Card. Most people get around by subway and you probably will too. The 7-day metro pass is just $33 and you’ll get a week of unlimited travel. If you’re staying for 4 days and with each trip being almost $3, it’s a good idea to do the math and see if it’s worth it for you.

How to Plan a New York City Trip: Tips

↠ Expect people, crowds, and long lines. New York is a huge city and taking into consideration the local population and the millions of visitors the city gets per year, you can imagine it gets crowded.

My best advice to avoid the masses is to get out with the sun. The earlier you get to places the less crowded they will be.

Also, make sure to book all your entry tickets online in advance. This will save you HEAPS of time and you won’t have to stand in eternal ticket queues just to get into places.

↠ Leave all uncomfortable shoes at home. Seriously. You’ll do so much walking that good shoes are a must.

Looking for the best places to stay in New York? Read Where to Stay in New York City: Top Areas and Hotels

New York Itinerary for 4 Days in the City

Our iconic itinerary will help you plan a trip to New York City. It will take you across the city of New York to the best sights and neighborhoods. We’ve included absolutely everything you must see and the areas to visit during your stay.

Here’s a brief overview of the ultimate 4 days in New York itinerary:

NOTE: This New York plan maximizes time by focusing on one or two neighborhoods each day rather than traveling across sights in the city.

You could lose a lot of time in New York traveling around the city to various attractions so I’d highly recommend exploring by area to maximize time.

Day One– Midtown Manhattan

On day one of your 4 day itinerary for new york you’ll start in Midtown and see some of New York’s most famous attractions.

Midtown is what most people picture when they think about New York City- the skyscrapers, yellow cabs, the hustle, and bustle, etc. There’s always something going on here.

In Midtown you’ll be able to see fifth Avenue, the fabulous Empire State Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Rockefeller Plaza and the Top of the Rock, the Museum of Modern Art, and more.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is one of the most iconic streets in New York City. It stretches all the way from Washington Square Park all the way to West 143rd Street in Harlem.

There’s no need to walk the entire avenue, however, as some of the most iconic sections lie between the Flatiron Building and Central Park. I highly recommend starting in Madison Square Park and walking northwards.

On Fifth Avenue, you’ll find a wide range of stores and businesses and some of the most famous department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue.

Saks 5th Avenue is one of the best luxury department stores in the world and you’ll be able to find grand displays, the latest fashion offerings, and more. It’s definitely something to keep in mind for some quick shopping on your 4 days in New York itinerary.

Empire State Building

It won’t be long until you stumble upon the Empire State Building, possibly New York’s most famous skyscraper.

You can get some pretty amazing views of the Empire State Building from around Penn Station and from other notable skyscrapers and observation platforms I’ll suggest later.

If the Empire State Building however is firmly on your itinerary, by all means, you should definitely explore it. The building is absolutely beautiful with its Modernist Art Deco architecture and the views are also pretty splendid too.

It’s one of the highest views in New York City and you can opt for the extra entry to the 102nd floor!

Make sure to book your Empire State Building tickets in advance however as you don’t want to be wasting a large part of your day in queues. Get your tickets in advance here.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

New York doesn’t have too many impressive churches- you’ll need to visit Europe for that- but St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the exception. The Neo-Gothic Cathedral located right on modern and bustling Fifth Avenue is the perfect contrast between old and new.

Completed in 1879, the Cathedral took 21 years to build and its skyward, impressive architecture halts visitors in their step to this day. Make sure to go inside to see the impressive vaulting and stained glass windows.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

When you plan a trip to NYC, it’s impossible to avoid its amazing museums. One of my personal favorite museums in New York is the Museum of Modern Art. For fans of modern and contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art is one to consider visiting when in New York.

There are many different rotating exhibitions and the standing collection includes works by artists such as Dali, de Kooning, Picasso, Lichtenstein, and Frida Khalo just to name a few.

New York does have several amazing museums and apart from MOMA, you’ll also shortly find out about the Met. There’s also the Guggenheim Museum- another great choice for art lovers. 

If you only have 4 days in New York then I personally recommend choosing one or two museums and visiting those as they are all quite big too.

Otherwise, you might end up spending all your time in museums, which I guess isn’t a problem either, especially in bad weather.

Rockefeller Plaza

Located at the foot of the Rockefeller Center, you’ll find the Rockefeller Plaza, a great outdoor space. This spot is especially notable during the Christmas period when it’s beautifully decked out.

You’ll find New York’s largest tree here and you’ll be able to get some exercise in on the ice rink too. It’s one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas time.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Manhattan certainly has its fair share of viewpoints and observatories and the Top of the Rock is one of the most iconic. Heading up to the top of buildings and seeing the views is one of the best things to do on a 4 day New York itinerary.

The Top of the Rock is one of the most classic views. With two outdoor platforms and views over three floors, here you’ll get a complete 360-degree view of Manhattan.

They really are stunning, throughout the entire day but especially at sunset. Top of the Rock is especially popular with photographers as the top observation deck doesn’t have any glass so you can take photos free from any glare or reflections.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance and choose your time slot but this is easily changeable if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Skip the queues and get your ticket here.

To find out how to visit the Top of the Rock read our guide here.

*NYC Observatories: Much like the museums, New York also has many amazing observatories and viewpoints. With 4 days in New York, it might be challenging getting them all in, especially at sunset so I’d highly recommend choosing a couple.

My personal favorites are Top of the Rock and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt as they are completely different experiences. Top of the Rock simply has amazing views and it’s the best for pictures. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a whole experience- more on it later.

Times Square

I’ve gotta be honest here, Times Square isn’t my favorite place in New York and I don’t like recommending it in an itinerary. It’s kinda tacky, commercialized and a little overwhelming on the senses, but if it’s your first NYC 4 day itinerary, you need to see it to make your own mind up.

I know people that love Times Square, others are indifferent and others hate it.

There’s nowhere quite like Times Square in the world so make sure you don’t miss it even if just for a minute. Check out the latest flashing billboards, stores, and neon lights.

It’s a great idea to visit during the day and also during the night when the neon signs really come to life.

Grand Central Terminal

Before you get to Grand Central Terminal, however, make sure to take W 42nd Street across Midtown to also check out Bryant Park and the stunning New York Public Library along the way.

New York Public Library has some of the most beautiful reading rooms in the US and even though you’ll need to sign up for the tour in advance, it’s well worth it.

Now, you’re only a few blocks from Grand Central Station, probably among the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The unofficial meeting point features stunning period architecture and numerous tunnels and passages which you can meander through.

The highlight is the main atrium where you’ll find the main lobby clock, information boards, and a ceiling filled with constellation-like shapes. It really is huge!

Even after all the movies I’d seen that feature the station I never realized how beautiful it was in real life- and the ceiling- they don’t show that beautiful turquoise ceiling in the movies.

It’s one of New York’s prettiest buildings and as a functioning station, it’s free to enter and take a look around. Make sure not to miss taking a quick look during your New York itinerary.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of the latest additions to the New York observatories. It’s not just an observation deck, however, but it’s an entirely different experience.

Yes, there are some pretty stunning views to enjoy but the sensory experience offered beautifully combines, art, technology, and architecture.

First, head up on Ascent, the world’s highest, external, glass-bottomed elevator. Then experience a room covered entirely in mirrors and another in giant baubles. It’s the perfect experience for anyone of all ages.

Awakening the senses and the child in you while also sporting some of the most incredible views in New York City. Get your SUMMIT One Vanderbilt ticket in advance here- you’ll need to as it’s extremely popular.

Day Two – Upper East Side & Lower Manhattan

Day two of this 4 days in New York itinerary focuses on the north and lower tips of Manhattan with some of the most famous monuments and museums.

Before heading out today make sure to start the day with an iconic New York City breakfast- the bagel. There are many spots all around the city where you can grab a delicious bagel in New York.

One of my favorites is Murray’s Bagels in Greenwich Village. It’ll set you up for the best day of exploration around the city.

Central Park

Start your day nice and early in Central Park. Early mornings are the best time to be here as the city starts to wake up yet the early risers are already in the park going for a run.

It doesn’t matter whether you visit New York in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Central Park is beautiful regardless.

Central Park is the biggest green space in the city and there are so many activities you can do in order to be able to experience New York’s green lung.

You can go for that run, take a stroll or even rent a bicycle or a scooter to cover more ground. The park is huge at 2.5 by 0.5 miles so there’s plenty of room to get lost and explore.

If you prefer to take things easy you can also have a breakfast picnic, relax and read a book or just stroll around.

Here are some of the best iconic locations and photo spots in Central Park to take note of as you explore.

• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: a bi-level lakeside terrace with a fountain. Head into the covered lower level for elaborately carved ceilings and grand arches.
• Bow Bridge and Gapstow Bridge: Two lovely bridges with gorgeous views of the NYC skyline in the background
• The Mall: A stunning tree-lined promenade
• Umpire Rock: A free-standing rock with great views of the NYC skyline.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At least one museum in New York City is a must. The city probably has some of the best art collections in the United States and whether you’re an art fan or not, there are always constantly changing exhibitions to discover something new.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in North America dedicated to art from the Ancient periods until the modern day. It’s so big that you can spend the whole day wandering around and looking at all the artwork.

You’ll find a lot of Classical sculpture and American Art but also a brilliant collection of African Art and Asian Art. There’s also a great collection of European paintings that features artists like Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

If you’d like to learn a little more about the art you’re seeing make sure to opt for a guided tour. Click here to opt for a guided tour of the Met. Otherwise, you can buy your tickets upon entry to the museum or via their website here.

If you prefer a different museum, a more modern one for example then visiting the MOMA or the Museum of Modern Art is also a great alternative.

It focuses more on modern art but also has works by Dali and Picasso. MOMA isn’t far from Central Park either so it makes a great alternative to the Met if you prefer to visit on day two.

Upper East Side

Next, you’ll want to spend some time on the Upper East Side, one of New York’s fanciest neighborhoods. It’s a great place to walk around in and take in the cafes, charming townhouses, gourmet food stores, and fashion boutiques.

There are some lovely gems to come across here so it’s definitely worth taking a walk around in for a few hours.

Some of my favorite places to make a stop at on the Upper East Side are:

• Ralph’s Coffee– the cutest little cafe with great coffee.
• Levain – the best spot for cookies on the Upper East Side
• Bemelman’s Bar – the swankiest spot for a sophisticated evening drink.
• The Corner Bookstore – one of the cutest independent bookstores in NYC also happens to be on the Upper East Side

One World Trade Center

For the second part of the day, it’s time to start exploring Lower Manhattan, which does have a few interesting places to visit despite being New York City’s financial nucleus.

When in New York it’s difficult to forget the tragic events of 9/11 for both locals and tourists alike.

The current World Trade Center or Freedom Tower is the newest addition to the New York Skyline right by where the Twin Towers once stood. It’s now also the tallest building in New York.

The building is home to the One World Observatory, one of the newest and highest observatories. It’s definitely worth visiting for the different vantage points this building offers compared with those in Midtown.

It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance which you can do here.

While at the World Trade Center make sure to also take a look at the 9/11 Memorial, a fountain memorial to those that lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy.

There’s also the 9/11 Memorial Museum which you can visit too if you want to know more about the events of that day and see some of the artifacts collected from ground zero.

The Oculus

The Oculus is one of Manhattan’s newest landmarks just steps away from the World Trade Center. Essentially a train station, this exceptional example of modern architecture is far from your basic train station.

The Oculus really explored the boundaries of what a transportation hub can look like, combining it with a pedestrian tunnel and shopping center.

The architecture here is the real highlight, almost skeleton-like from certain viewpoints. Make sure to pop in and take a photo of the unique artistic landmark and if you fancy some shopping, there are also a few staple brands inside.

After the Oculus make your way south to the tip of Lower Manhattan. Make sure not to miss Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull as you walk down.

Staten Island Ferry

One of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan is from the water. One of the best things to do during your 4 day New York itinerary is to catch the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal right by Battery Park and it takes 40 minutes to get to Staten Island.

On the way, you’ll get some spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center.

On arrival on Staten Island, you can choose to explore or take the same ferry right back. The ferry doesn’t get too close to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island but you can still see it well. A zoom lens on your camera or phone does help. The Staten Island ferry is free and runs all day.

If you can time your ride on the Staten Island ferry for sunset, it’ll make the ride even more magical- a really stunning end to the day.

If you prefer to get closer to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I’d suggest getting The Circle Line Landmarks Cruise instead.

Day Three – Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, NoMad

Day 3 of this New York 4 days itinerary takes you all around some of the best Manhattan neighborhoods and slightly off the beaten path.

These are some of my personal favorite neighborhoods of Manhattan and it would almost be a crime to miss them during your NY trip.

The Vessel, Hudson Yards & The Edge

Hudson Yards is a brand new development in New York and features two of New York’s top attractions, The Vessel and The Edge.

It’s easily one of the best places to visit in New York City. Hudson Yards contains a mall, luxury developments, office space as well as the sublime Equinox hotel. It’s the perfect place to stay, do some shopping, and go for a quick bite.

Start your day at the Vessel. The fun new building was designed by a London architect and has a very unique honeycomb-like structure in the shape of a giant egg.

Many staircases inside the structure connect each of the floors and platforms together. It’s a really fun place to visit to roam around but also for the views of the area from the top and for photography.

*2023 Note: Unfortunately due to a few tragic suicides, the Vessel has closed for a while but its reopening is planned for the near future with more suicide prevention measures in place.

It’s a good idea to check their official website here when planning a trip to NYC to make sure it’s open and to book tickets in advance if you need to. Otherwise, you can still see the structure from the ground floor.

The Edge is another new addition to New York skyline observatories that’s well worth a visit. Head up to the 100th floor for unobstructed views of the New York City skyline.

There’s also a partial glass bottom deck and it’s all outdoors making this the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

You’ll need tickets to access The Edge and as it’s a popular attraction, I highly recommend you buy them online before visiting. Get the skip-the-lines The Edge tickets here.

The High Line

From Hudson Yards, it’s just a few steps to get onto the High Line. The High Line is a raised, disused railway line that was eventually abandoned and then transformed into a garden-filled walkway.

The High Line is an awesome way to get to know the streets of Chelsea from a pretty privileged vantage point.

Here, you’ll find many little gardens, benches, and stops to relax but the best thing to do is just to stroll along it while listening to a great podcast or taking some great photos.

There’s also a guided meditation you can do via the official website. The High Line will take you all the way from The Vessel to the Whitney Museum but you’ll be able to come off it and back onto it at different sections throughout its course.

The best time to walk the High Line is in the morning before it gets too crowded. It’s also an excellent jogging route if you prefer to come here as part of a morning or evening run.

Explore Chelsea

Chelsea is a relatively small neighborhood in western Manhattan, famous for its amazing dining and drinking options as well as cool cafes and art galleries.

One of the best things to do in Chelsea on your 4 day itinerary of New York is to visit Chelsea Market. It’s the most famous food market in New York and the perfect place to browse and try some of New York’s tastiest foods.

It’s an iconic culinary destination in the Meatpacking District where you can buy fresh produce, artisanal products, imported Italian ingredients, and top-quality meat and fish.

You’ll also find a wide range of food stalls selling Italian sandwiches, pizza slices, noodles, and everything in between. Don’t miss trying the bagels here too. It’s the perfect stop after walking the High Line.

If you want to find out a little more about Chelsea Market, the High Line, and the Meatpacking District from a local do a food and history tour by clicking here.

If you’re a fan of Museums you might also want to take some time out to visit the Whitney Museum of American Art. They have some really fantastic exhibitions and it’s a great way to discover more about American Contemporary Art. Get your timed entrance ticket to the Whitney here.

Greenwich Village & Soho

Not far from Chelsea are Greenwich Village, West Village, and Soho, some other lovely areas to explore. The best way to go about these areas is just to walk around turning down the streets that you fancy. I find that this is often the best way to find some hidden gems.

In Soho, you’ll see many really cool privately owned galleries- one of the best ways to discover new art.

Here are some of my favorite spots and things to do in Greenwich Village, West Village, and Soho

• Relax in Washington Square Park– one of the best spots around for relaxing and people-watching.
• IFC Center: One of the best spots for independent cinema in the area.
• MacDougal Street: A historical street famous for its restaurants and bars, a great spot for a bite.
• Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment: If you’re a Sex & the City fan, don’t miss a photo opportunity here. Find the location here.
• The Comedy Cellar– The place for a spot of comedy when in NYC.
• Museum of Ice Cream: This a super fun museum for the whole family. You can create your own ice cream and learn about the history of the famous dessert in the US.
• Balthazar: An iconic french brasserie- the perfect spot for lunch or brunch.
• Canal Street Market: artsy retail booths and market with food vendors.

Flatiron District

The Flatiron District is another lovely, buzzing neighborhood nearby with many lovely stores, boutiques, and restaurants.

This area is actually a great place to stay when in New York as it’s a great area in itself yet you’re close to almost everything.

The main thing to see in this district is of course the Flatiron Building. It is one of the coolest buildings in NYC and definitely deserves a few photos.

The iconic 22-story building was originally the Fuller Building and was completed in 1902. It’s famous for its triangular shape- hence the name flatiron, derived from the old cast-iron clothes irons.

In a city as rectangular as New York, any kind of triangular building is seriously noteworthy.

Other things to do in the Flatiron District are to visit and relax in Madison Square Park, do the FRIENDS experience, shop, and if you’re a fan of anything Italian, pop into Eataly, the place to go for all things Italian and culinary.

See a Broadway Show

Finish your day with a Broadway Show. I’m not sure there is anything more New York than seeing a show and with so many to choose from in just one city, it’s easily one of the best things to do in New York City.

You can choose from a variety of plays, musicals, and shows including the iconic Chicago, the Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King, and new additions; Life of Pi and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

You should never pay full price for your Broadway tickets as many discounts are offered both online and at booths in Times Square. Check here for what’s on.

Get your tickets here or at the Box Office. There are also some discount ticket booths in Times Square too so it’s worth enquiring during your first day in the city.

Day Four – Above Manhattan and Over the River; Brooklyn and Williamsburg

If you only have 3 days in New York City you’ll probably stop at Manhattan but with a New York itinerary for 4 days, you can also make the most of getting to know the other side of the river. Start the day, however, with one of the most amazing experiences New York can offer.

A Helicopter ride over New York City

Alright, so this experience might not be for everyone, especially if you’re afraid of heights, but what better city in the world is there to fly over than NYC?

Not only is a helicopter ride thrilling in itself, but it’ll also give you incredible views of the city that many don’t get to see. This was hands down, the best experience I had in New York and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting.

The doors-off helicopter flight is the best option. You can hang your legs out over the city (you are fully strapped in) and it’s also best for photos as there is no glass glare in the way.

You can choose the shorter or longer flight time and you’ll fly over the East River, and Hudson River and see the stunning vistas of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Midtown, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

Flights need to be booked in advance. Click here for the exact doors-off flight I did.

If you don’t like the idea of doors-off, Choose a doors-on helicopter ride here.

Top Tip: If you’re dead set on the helicopter ride experience (which you should be), it is worth scheduling and booking the trip on the day that looks like it will have the best weather.

You need to book the experience in advance so there is a gamble when it comes to the weather. You’ll also have to be a little flexible on your itinerary on the day of your flight. Sunset flights are a great option too.

Williamsburg

After a thrilling helicopter ride over Manhattan head over to Williamsburg. Williamsburg is one of New York’s coolest neighborhoods and a good reason to leave the tourist hub of Manhattan.

Just across the bridge from the Lower Eastside, Williamsburg is now famous for its hip accommodation and great restaurant, cafe, and bar scene.

The area has seen a lot of gentrification recently, which does have its pros and cons and I highly encourage you to spend some time here and see the area for yourself.

The best way to explore the neighborhood is just to walk around, but as you’ll be a little short on time, I’d recommend a tour.

If you want to see all the highlights without needing to do too much research then join this Williamsburg Food and Walking Tour to get the best out of the district.

Some of the best things to do in Williamsburg are:

• Brooklyn Brewery: For any craft beer fans, a visit here is a must. You can also tour the facilities and find out how it’s made.
• Domino Park: One of the newest and most beautiful parks right by the river with amazing views toward Manhattan
• Vintage Shopping: There are so many thrift stores in Williamsburg so if you’re down for picking up something really unique, do so here.
• Nitehawk Cinema: A dine-in movie theatre.
• Check out the street art: There’s so much creativity just oozing out of Williamsburg so make sure to check out all the amazing street art as you walk around.

Brooklyn & DUMBO

From Williamsburg move further south to Brooklyn, another of New York’s original working-class neighborhoods that suffered from quite a lot of gentrification over the years.

Much like Williamsburg, the downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO areas are full of amazing cafes, restaurants, bars, and cool hotels to hang out in during your 4 days in NYC itinerary.

Brooklyn is actually a huge area, that includes Williamsburg and stretches all the way south to Coney Island. Unfortunately with just 4 days in New York, there’s not enough time to explore everything so I recommend focusing on the DUMBO area.

Here are some of the best things to do in Dumbo Brooklyn:

• Visit Brooklyn Flea Market: Search for some really unique items in this space just under the Manhattan Bridge overpass.
• Walk down Washington Street: Photograph some of the most iconic monuments from this side of the river.
• Grab a bite at Time Out Market: With so many amazing foods and food vendors to choose from, you’ll have trouble deciding what to eat. It’s a great spot for a quick bite while exploring the area.
• Check out the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park: Some of the best views of Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan Skyline are to be experienced from right here.
• Grab a coffee at % Arabica: It might be a worldwide chain but the coffee here is next level. They also do amazing matcha lattes. Don’t miss it.

Brooklyn Bridge

Finally, make your way up to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk over back into Manhattan. If you can time this for sunset, the golden glow on the New York skyline is just spectacular. Brooklyn Bridge is easily the most iconic bridge in New York and walking over it is one of the best things to do when in New York.

The hybrid steel cable/suspension bridge design is quite unique or was, for its time. Walking along the two-tiered bridge, traffic at the lower tier, and bicycles and pedestrians on the elevated pedestrian walkway, you’ll be able to see some fantastic views. Make sure to walk from DUMBO to Manhattan as this allows for the best views.

Note that the bridge can get pretty busy, especially at rush hour when many locals use it for their commute so you might need a little more time here if you want to take photos.

That completes your New York City in 4 days itinerary. Feel free to mix days around and be flexible with this itinerary to suit your needs.

If you’re planning a New York trip for the second or third time you might want to skip the main sights and spend more time discovering the various neighborhoods on a deeper level.

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Ready to plan your perfect New York itinerary for 4 days? Have any questions or comments about this NYC trip planner? Let me know in the box below.

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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com for great deals on hotels

Agoda also for great deals on hotels

Get Your Guide and Viator for tours and adventures around the world

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