4 Days in NYC – The Ultimate 4 Day New York Itinerary

Last Updated on 22nd October 2025

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Are you visiting New York for the first time and looking for the best ways to spend 4 days in NYC? This huge 4 day NYC itinerary has got you covered with everything you need to know!

Organising a New York itinerary can be a little stressful, especially if it’s your first time in the city and you want to ensure that you see and do as much as possible. Thankfully, I’ve helped thousands of people plan their trips to NYC, and my 4 days in NYC itinerary will help you do the same!

Below, you can find my ultimate 4 day New York itinerary for first time visitors, which includes a step-by-step guide on all the best things to see, do, and eat in 4 days in NYC!

Check out my Ultimate New York City Travel Guide ebook for more information to help you plan the perfect trip to New York! You can also join my New York Facebook Group for more FREE tips, advice and inspiration!

You can also purchase this 4 day New York City itinerary and download it in PDF format to print off at home!

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4 days in New York travel tip

Get the Go City New York Pass for your 4 day trip to New York to save up to 50% at top NY attractions such as the Top of the Rock, Empire State Building Observation Deck, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and many more!

Looking for more NYC itinerary inspiration? Check out my guides below!

• One Day New York City Itinerary
• 1 Day Brooklyn Itinerary
• 3 Day New York City Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
• 7 Day New York City Itinerary
• How To Plan Your New York Itinerary With Google Maps

4 days in NYC overview & map

Click here for my 4 day NYC itinerary on Google Maps!

My 4 day New York City itinerary contains just some of the best things to see and do in NYC in 4 days. From experiencing the best observation decks in the city such as the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and Summit One Vanderbilt to the best places to eat and drink in the city to the top sights and attractions to see in 4 days in NYC, I’ve got you covered below!

Your days will be super jam-packed, your feet will be sore, and you’ll likely walk anywhere between 10,000 and 35,000 steps some days, but I promise it’s worth it to experience this magical city!

Please note that the timings featured throughout this itinerary are very subjective and will largely depend on how you get around the city (on foot or via subway). I’ve suggested when I think it would be better to walk or when I would recommend getting the subway, as well as brief instructions about how to get from one place to the next.

4 days in NYC itinerary for first-time visitors

Here’s my complete itinerary for spending 4 days in New York City!

Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan

On the first day of this 4 day New York itinerary, you’ll explore some of the very best sights and attractions in Midtown Manhattan; it’s a jam-packed day, so be prepared to get your steps in!

9.30 AM – Breakfast at Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish

Begin your 4 days in New York with breakfast at Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish on East 41st Street and Lexington Avenue where you can enjoy some of the best classic New York lox and cream cheese bagels (they also serve dozens of other varieties of bagels as well, if smoked salmon doesn’t take your fancy!).

Dine inside if there’s a free table or grab something to go and head towards the Chrysler Building which is just a 3-minute walk from the Lexington Avenue branch of Zucker’s Bagels.

10 AM – Chrysler Building & Grand Central Terminal

Renowned for its iconic Art Deco design, the Chrysler Building is one of the most notable and prominent buildings in Midtown. Unfortunately, it’s not possible for tourists to explore inside the Chrysler Building, but it’s worth checking out from the outside as it’s such an important part of the Manhattan skyline.

Just over the road, you’ll find one of the most famous train stations in the world; Grand Central Terminal. It originally opened in the early 1900s and it’s thought that over 750,000 people frequent the famous halls and tracks that comprise the station every single day!

Be sure to check out the “Whispering Gallery” for one of the more obscure things to do in New York in 4 days. This weird feature can be found near the Oyster Bar on the terminal’s lower level, and the ceramic arches allow you to talk to people in the opposite corner!

11 AM – Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck

Summit One Vanderbilt opened at the end of 2021, making it one of Manhattan’s newest and greatest landmarks and attractions.

While I would argue that Summit is best enjoyed at sunset so that you can enjoy the views of Manhattan during the day, at golden hour and as night falls, this is also by far the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so for the purpose of this itinerary, I’d recommend visiting mid-morning to avoid the crowds as much as possible.

1 PM – Bryant Park

Walk three blocks (5 minutes) to Bryant Park. Although it’s not quite as popular as Central Park, Bryant Park is still one of the best outdoor spaces in the city. The 8-acre park is a hub in Manhattan both in the summer months and during the festive season.

If you’re spending 4 days in NYC in the summer, you’ll find numerous movie nights hosted on the lawn at Bryant Park, whereas the winter months welcome the Bank of America Winter Village, complete with a substantial ice skating rink, festive food and drink stalls and dozens of Christmas market shopping opportunities.

Bryant Park is also home to the New York Public Library and even if you don’t have time to venture inside and see the famous Rose Reading Room, you can still have a quick nosey at the iconic lion statues outside the front of the library.

3 PM – Rooftop bar for food and drinks

I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of New York’s rooftop bars, so for this part of your 4 days in NYC itinerary, I wanted to suggest a few of my favourite places for good food, yummy drinks, and epic views!

If I were to recommend just one rooftop bar for today’s itinerary, it would have to be Magic Hour Rooftop Bar as this place is truly awesome for extravagant food and incredible cocktails! The rooftop also boasts insane views of the Empire State Building and thanks to its retractable roof, it’s open all year round!

If Magic Hour doesn’t take your fancy, I’d also recommend checking out Spyglass Rooftop Bar, Vue 180 Rooftop Bar, or Elsie Rooftop.

7 PM – Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise

On day two’s itinerary below, I’ve suggested a few different ways to see the Statue of Liberty during the day, but I also think it’s 100% worth doing the Circle Line Harbor Lights cruise as well so that you can enjoy remarkable views of New York City at night.

The Harbor Lights cruise departs from the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises terminal on Pier 83 at 7 PM daily (and lasts around two hours for the tour), and while it is possible to get tickets on the day, I would definitely recommend booking online in advance as they get booked up quickly, especially during the peak summer and festive months!

9.30 PM – Times Square

Once you’ve arrived back at Pier 83 after your night-time sightseeing cruise, conclude your first day in New York City with a stroll through one of the most famous places in America; Times Square. It’s around a 25-minute walk from Pier 83 to Times Square.

Many people argue that Times Square is overly crowded and too much of a “tourist trap” and while I do agree with that to some extent, I still think that it’s a wonderful and magical place and I’d recommend seeing it at least once during your itinerary for 4 days in New York, especially as a first-time visitor.

Day 2 – Downtown Manhattan & Brooklyn

The second day of this 4 days in NYC itinerary takes you on a journey around Lower Manhattan and into DUMBO, Brooklyn.

8 AM – Breakfast at Bubby’s

Day 2 of your 4 days in NYC begins bright and early (especially if you want to ensure that you see and do everything on this day!) with breakfast at Bubby’s; one of my favourite breakfast/brunch spots in NYC!

Their menu consists of a fantastic range of sandwiches, breakfast plates, pancakes, omelettes, bagels, scones, salads, burgers and more.

Bubby’s is open from 8 AM daily and if you want to make the most out of day two’s itinerary, I’d highly recommend getting there as early as possible so that you can fit everything in!

9.30 AM – One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial

Once you’ve enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Bubby’s, walk 15 minutes to the One World Trade Center to explore the magnificent buildings such as One World Trade itself, the 9/11 Memorial Pools, the Oculus shopping centre, and more.

If you want to visit another epic observation deck in New York City, make time to head up to One World Observatory. It’s the tallest building in North America and offers unparalleled views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. I do love this observation deck but it’s a bit too far away from the heart of Manhattan for my liking, which is why I typically recommend the Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt instead.

I haven’t actually allocated enough time in this itinerary to go up One World Observatory, but I would still suggest checking it out from the ground as it really is a mightily impressive building!

If you do decide to squeeze in a visit, note that tickets start at around $44 per person and the observation deck is usually open between 9 AM and 8 PM, so it’s a good activity to do first thing.

10 AM – 9/11 Memorial and Museum

If you don’t fancy another observation deck, but want to experience one of New York’s most famous museums, visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. It’s housed on the very site where the fateful 9/11 terrorist attacks happened in 2001 and even though it’s an incredibly heartbreaking and sombre experience, I think it’s one of the most important parts of the whole city.

You can gain free entry on Mondays if you can grab a ticket online when they go on sale before 7 AM, but if not, it’s still 100% worth paying for. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays, so you may have to rejig the order of this itinerary if this day would land on a Tuesday for you!

Alternatively, if you don’t want to go up to the observation deck or head inside the museum, you can just spend a short while exploring the area and paying your respects at the memorial pools before heading on to the next stop of the day. This will also give you more time to embark on the Statue of Liberty cruise.

If you decide to skip a visit to the museum and just opt for the memorial instead, you can adjust the timings of this itinerary accordingly.

12.30 PM – Financial District/Wall Street

Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial District as a whole are some of the most significant areas in the city, if not the whole of America, and seeing the fast-paced business people going about their day is always fascinating to watch.

Be sure to rub the “lucky” Charging Bull statue for good fortune as well, but only if the queue isn’t crazy long! I haven’t allocated a long time to explore the Financial District/Wall Street as I personally think there are better places to visit, but as it’s such an iconic area of NYC, I wanted to briefly suggest it on this day as it makes sense as you’re heading to the next stop on the itinerary.

1 PM – Statue of Liberty Cruise

When it comes to seeing the iconic Statue of Liberty, there are several options you can choose from, depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend.

Option 1 – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour (approx 4 hours)

The best way to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty and explore Ellis Island and the National Museum of Immigration is to take an official cruise with Statue City Cruises which is the only authorised vendor in the city for tours to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

You can purchase tickets online in advance to ensure you get the time slot that you want or you can buy them on the day at the in-person ticket booths located in Battery Park.

If you choose to embark on the official Statue City Cruises tour, you will need to allow around 3-4 hours to see everything and get the ferry between each island, which is why I recommended beginning day 2 of your 4 day New York City itinerary bright and early!

Option 2 – Free Staten Island Ferry (approx 1 hour) – suggested option for this itinerary

Another option is to take the free Staten Island Ferry that takes you along the New York Harbor and around Liberty Island without stopping. This ferry departs from Whitehall Ferry Terminal at the very bottom of Lower Manhattan (it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from The Battery) and is a good option if you don’t want to go to Liberty Island or Ellis Island.

It’s important to note that the Staten Island Ferry does not have a round-trip option, so you will have to disembark at St. George Terminal on Staten Island and then rejoin the queue to get the return ferry back to Manhattan. This option takes around an hour in total (approximately 25 minutes each way) if you manage to get straight back on the return ferry.

For the purpose of this day’s itinerary, I would suggest choosing either the 9/11 Museum OR the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour. While it is possible to do both in one day, you may be pushed for time. However, if you do wish to do both on this day, you absolutely can, but I would recommend starting the day as early as possible and be prepared for a long day!

3 PM (if you opt for the free ferry) – Brooklyn Bridge

Once you’ve arrived back at Whitehall Terminal at around 3 PM (if you take the free Staten Island Ferry) or Battery Park at around 5 PM (if you opt for the official SOL cruise), it’s time to head to another one of the most iconic structures in NYC; the Brooklyn Bridge.

This enormous crossing over the East River was completed back in 1883 and it’s been an icon in the city ever since. It takes anywhere between 20 minutes to 1 hour to walk across the bridge, depending on how many times you stop to take pictures of the surrounding cityscape (I should imagine many times!).

4 PM – Brooklyn Bridge Park & DUMBO

Once you’ve arrived in Brooklyn, head straight to DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Home to numerous piers, attractions, parks, cafes and impressive viewpoints of the Manhattan Skyline, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an awesome place to have on your 4 days in New York itinerary.

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of the most famous spots in Brooklyn that’s renowned for its iconic photo backdrop of the Empire State Building peeking through the Manhattan Bridge. To get this iconic photo, simply put the Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View address into Google Maps.

Check out the views from Squibb Park Bridge while you’re in the area too, as this vantage point gives astonishing views back across the East River to Manhattan.

6 PM – Dinner and rooftop bar at Time Out Market New York

Situated in Dumbo, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the entrance/exit to Brooklyn Bridge, Time Out Market is an awesome food hub, bar, and rooftop area with incredible views. Despite the rooftop only being a couple of floors up, it boasts an awesome vantage point of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline.

There are also dozens of food vendors located inside the market, both on the ground floor and the rooftop level so it’s perfect for grabbing a bite to eat, accompanied by a fancy cocktail.

I know I’ve mentioned it numerous times but I really want to reiterate just how jam-packed day 2 of your 4 days in New York City itinerary is! I would recommend starting your day between 7 AM and 8 AM to ensure that you make the most of everything in this itinerary!

Day 3 – Greenwich Village, Hudson Yards & Midtown

Day 3 looks like it has a lot of walking, but a lot of it can be done via subway or bus, and as it’s a long day, the walking is actually broken up a lot too!

9 AM – Breakfast at Leon’s Bagels

Day 3 of this 4 days in NYC itinerary begins with breakfast at one of my favourite bagel spots in the city; Leon’s Bagels.

The bagels are absolutely huge so your appetite will certainly be sated and you might even want to share one between two people if you’re not super hungry! There are literally dozens of types of bagels, fillings and add-ons to choose from, so you can really make it your own.

9.30 AM – Washington Square Park

A 5-minute walk will take you to Washington Square Park which is one of the best outdoor spaces in the city and a park that’s often featured in many New York City movies and TV shows.

It’s a great place to people-watch and in the summer, you’ll find street performers putting on a show. Be sure to check out the awesome view of the Empire State Building peaking through the arch.

10 AM – Greenwich Village & West Village

Greenwich Village is only a couple of blocks from Washington Square Park and this is another location in the city that you’ll likely recognise from TV shows such as Friends and Sex and the City. You can actually see the apartment buildings that played the facade of Monica’s apartment in Friends and Carrie’s apartment in SATC.

If you’re not really bothered about seeing these filming locations, Greenwich Village is still worth a wander around anyway as it’s a beautiful neighbourhood home to many boutique clothing shops, hipster bars and cafes and gorgeous little streets; it’s definitely one of the top places in NYC that I would live in!

11 AM – Little Island

Little Island is one of New York’s newer landmarks, having only opened in May 2021 and it’s definitely one of the best things to include on your 4 day New York City itinerary with kids! Perched on Pier 55 in the Hudson River and comprising part of Hudson Park River, Little Island is an artificial park that boasts stunning views of the city, even as far Downtown as the One World Trade Center.

It’s probably best enjoyed in the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny as it’s a great place for a picnic or just a stroll through the various levels of the garden, but it can also be enjoyed all year round.

11.30 AM – Chelsea Market

Once you’ve enjoyed the fresh air at Little Island, make your way to Chelsea Market just a few blocks over.

This indoor market takes up an entire block and is teeming with hundreds of food and drink stalls, local produce, artisanal craft stalls, and so much more.

You’ll find so many wonderful places to eat here and I’d highly recommend checking out places such as Doughnuttery (these are the best mini doughnuts I’ve ever had!), Berlin Currywurst for delicious German cuisine, and Los Tacos No.1 for scrumptious Mexican food.

Grab something to eat and enjoy the hubbub of the indoor market or get it to takeaway to enjoy at the next spot on this itinerary.

12.30 PM – The High Line

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park area that was built on an old abandoned railway line and it makes for an idyllic outdoor haven amongst the chaos of New York City. It runs along the west side of Manhattan, beginning in the Meatpacking District at the corner of Gansevoort Street and Washington Street and running all the way to Hudson Yards on West 34th Street.

It takes around 45 minutes to walk from one end of The High Line to the other, but I would allow at least an hour to complete the entire thing as you’ll likely want to stop at various points to enjoy views of the city.

1.30 PM – Hudson Yards/Vessel

If you decide to walk the entirety of The High Line, you’ll finish at Hudson Yards where you can explore the giant shopping mall, various art exhibitions and installations, and the impressive structure known as Vessel.

The Vessel is an imposing structure that resembles a beehive, complete with 154 intricately interwoven flights of stairs. The stairs were closed to visitors for a couple of years, but they reopened in October 2024, so you can head up inside the Vessel and enjoy its quirky features. Tickets start at $12pp and can be purchased online in advance.

While you’re in the Hudson Yards area, you may want to check out Edge; yet another one of New York City’s greatest observation decks. However, the next instalment on this itinerary is the Top of the Rock observation deck which I personally prefer, but I wanted to mention Edge as well so that you have plenty of choices for seeing the city from above.

3 PM – Top of the Rock Observation Deck

It’s time for my all-time favourite observation deck on this 4 day NYC itinerary; the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center.

Its prime location in Midtown gives the Top of the Rock the ultimate vantage point for seeing the whole of Manhattan and beyond. It’s open daily from 9 AM to midnight and ticket prices vary depending on the time of day that you visit, with sunset being the most expensive.

I would highly recommend splashing out for a sunset ticket as it’s a truly unforgettable experience in New York City. Sunset tickets start from $50 per person (compared to $40 for general admission tickets) and once you’re at the observation deck, it’s worth staying up a little longer to enjoy nightfall in the city.

You can book tickets to the Top of the Rock directly or you can enjoy a visit to the observation deck included with the the Go City Pass.

If you’re visiting NYC at Christmas, be sure to check out the decorations at Radio City Music Hall; it’s a sight worth seeing!

5.30 PM – Dinner at Ruby’s Cafe

For dinner, head to one of my favourite restaurants in New York; Ruby’s Cafe. There are several branches of Ruby’s in Manhattan but the 3rd Avenue one in Murray Hill is the best in my opinion.

The menu at Ruby’s is so vast and varied, with a wonderful range of pasta dishes (the spicy Italian sausage with rigatoni is heavenly!), hearty burgers, salads, and tonnes of breakfast options too.

7.30 PM – Bar/rooftop bar

Similarly to day one of this 4 day New York itinerary, I have a few bars/rooftop bars that I would recommend, so I wanted to give you the option of a few different places depending on your preferences!

After you’ve eaten at Ruby’s in Murray Hill, there are a few places that I would highly recommend, including Vintage Green Rooftop, La Caverna, Mr. Purple Rooftop Bar, and The Ready Rooftop Bar.

If you want somewhere beautiful and super photogenic, head to Vintage Green Rooftop; the views here aren’t quite as spectacular as some of the taller rooftops in NYC, but it truly is one of the most picturesque rooftops in NYC.

For something a little cooler/quirkier, head Downtown past the East Village to La Caverna; a super cool and quirky underground bar that very much resembles a cave!

Day 4 – Central Park & Midtown

The final day of this NYC day itinerary is a bit more chilled out and casual than the previous days, so it’s a good way to round off your incredible trip to New York.

9 AM – Breakfast at Broad Nosh Bagels

Start with a delicious breakfast bagel at Broad Nosh Bagels on West 58th Street, one of my favourite bagel spots in the city.

My go-to order from Broad Nosh Bagels is the everything bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese; order this and I promise you won’t regret it!

10 AM – Central Park

Spend the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon exploring the magnificent Central Park. Covering an area of around 840 acres (340 hectares), this urban oasis is a haven situated right in the heart of Manhattan.

There are so many things to see and do in Central Park that you could easily spend an entire day there and still not see everything, but some of the must-visits are Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, The Mall, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, the Rambles, and so much more.

Bethesda Terrace is perfect for people-watching and you’ll have likely seen it featured in many films and TV shows such as Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Friends with Benefits, Home Alone 2, Stuart Little, Enchanted, and many more! Bow Bridge is one of the most romantic spots in the entire city and you may even see an engagement or wedding photoshoot while you’re there and perhaps even a proposal (this is where I got engaged in January 2025!).

If you don’t fancy walking for hours around the park, I would highly recommend booking a pedicab tour with Central Park Attractions. They offer numerous pedicab tours starting at just $30 per person for one hour and their expert guides will take you on an immersive tour around some of the park’s most famous sights.

I would always recommend booking with Barrie (which you can do via your confirmation email once you’ve booked your tour), but Ali, Thierno, Bek, and Siyovush are also super highly recommended whenever someone shares their pedicab experience in my New York Facebook Group!

12 PM – The Met or Roosevelt Island

For this part of the itinerary, I’ve provided two different options; one for the museum enthusiasts and one for those seeking somewhere a little more off-the-beaten-path.

Option 1 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Once you’ve explored Central Park (whether that’s on foot or via pedicab tour), head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art before making your way back through the park down The Mall to exit the park at the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.

Fans of Gossip Girl will recognise the infamous steps of The Met as the meeting place for the protagonists in the show, but if you want to experience a little bit more culture, head inside to check out one of the best museums in the city.

There are so many collections, exhibitions and events to explore inside, including the remarkable Eygptian Art (this is probably my favourite area), African Art, The American Wing, Greek and Roman Art and much more.

You could easily spend a whole day here if you’re a museum enthusiast, but as you only have a few hours, pick out the top exhibitions you want to see and prioritise those first! You can also book a guided tour to ensure that you see the top collections and exhibitions in just a couple of hours.

Option 2 – Roosevelt Island & Tramway

If museums aren’t really your thing, an alternative option on this day is to take the Roosevelt Island Tramway over to Roosevelt Island itself. From Central Park (depending on where you exit), it’s around a 15 to 20-minute walk to East 60th Street and 2nd Ave where you can take the Tramway over to Roosevelt Island.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway costs the same as a single subway journey ($2.90) and you can pay for it using OMNY (contactless payment on your phone or credit/debit card) or with a MetroCard (although these are being phased out at the end of 2025).

Once you’re on the island, there’s not a tonne of things to do apart from visiting the Panorama Rooftop Bar inside the Graduate Hotel, but you’ll enjoy awesome views of Manhattan from the Tramway and the island itself and it’s something to do that’s a little more unusual in NYC.

3 PM – The Plaza Hotel

Whether you decide to visit Roosevelt Island or wander around The Met, I would highly recommend checking out The Plaza Hotel once you’ve finished with either activity.

The Plaza Hotel has long been an obsession of mine ever since I saw it featured in films such as Bride Wars and Home Alone 2 and it’s one of my favourite buildings in the world, so it’s only right that I recommend it to you guys during your New York City itinerary for 4 days.

While staying at The Plaza Hotel will cost you a minimum of $600 a night, heading inside and checking out the lobby and the shops are completely free.

If you do want to indulge in a luxury experience in New York that’s slightly cheaper than the $600 to stay at The Plaza, you can book a slot for afternoon tea in The Palm Court inside the hotel’s lobby.

Afternoon tea at The Plaza is served daily between 11 AM and 4 PM and starts at $125 per person, so it’s not one of the cheapest places to eat in NYC, but it really is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5 PM – Early dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Once you’ve enjoyed the delights of Central Park and The Met (or Roosevelt Island!), it’s time for an early dinner at one of the most fun and unique places to eat in New York; Ellen’s Stardust Diner (if you book afternoon at The Plaza, switch around this part of the itinerary and head to Ellen’s after your Broadway show!).

Ellen’s is somewhat of an institution in NYC as it’s a typical American diner with a fun twist; all the waiters and waitresses are aspiring Broadway performers who will put on a musical show while you eat!

It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it’s tremendous fun and the food is surprisingly good (go for the chicken and waffles or the meatball sub!).

I’d recommend eating here before your Broadway show (which typically start at 7 or 8 PM), and then you can always grab an additional bite to eat at 230 Fifth after your show. Ellen’s doesn’t accept reservations, so you may have to queue for a table, so be sure to get there in plenty of time.

7 or 8 PM – Broadway show

Now it’s time to experience yet another iconic experience in New York City; a Broadway show. Most evening Broadway shows in New York begin at 7 PM or 8 PM, so depending on which show you choose and what time it begins, you may need to adjust the timings of this day’s itinerary accordingly.

There are dozens of shows to choose from, including cult classics such as The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Outsiders.

I’ve seen both Jersey Boys and The Lion King on Broadway and even though I’m not the biggest musical fan, these shows are truly phenomenal.

There are several ways to buy tickets for a Broadway show. You can purchase them on the day of the show at a discount of up to 50% at the TKTS booth in Times Square, but bear in mind that some popular shows are not available at the TKTS booth.

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online in advance through the Broadway.com website or Ticketmaster, as well as from the official box office at each show’s theatre.

10 PM – Drinks at 230 Fifth rooftop bar

To conclude your 4 days in New York City itinerary, I’ve included one of my very favourite spots in the whole city for dinner, drinks, and views.

230 Fifth is NYC’s largest indoor and outdoor rooftop and it boasts the most breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. I’ve been lucky enough to visit 230 Fifth on four occasions at the time of updating this guide, including on Christmas Day for bottomless brunch in 2021, on the penultimate night of our one-month stay in New York, in October 2024, and on the night of our engagement in January 2025, and it’s a place that I recommend to everyone!

You’ll find so many food and drink options, including brunch complete with the most scrumptious cocktails and dishes such as fish and chips, burgers, Caesar salad, french toast, and more, as well as a food menu with larger bites such as vodka pasta, a prepaid platter menu, happy hour deals, and so much more!

The food and drinks at 230 Fifth are definitely worth the money, but the views from the rooftop are what cement it as one of the best places in New York and a tremendous place to conclude your 4 days in NYC!

Where to stay in New York for 4 days

I have many NYC hotel guides, including where to stay in NYC for first-time visitors, the best hotels in/near Times Square, and the best family-friendly hotels in New York, but you can also find some of my top hotel recommendations for 4 days in NYC below.

• Budget – Pod 39 / Staypineapple New York
• Mid-range – Archer Hotel New York / LUMA Hotel Times Square
• Splurge – New York Marriott Marquis / The Plaza Hotel

How to get to Manhattan from JFK, LGA & Newark Airports

Wondering how to get to NYC from the airport? Check out my JFK Airport guide, LaGuardia Airport guide, and Newark Airport guide!

I also have a complete guide on how to use the New York subway for first-time visitors to help you navigate your way around the city.

Top tips for spending 4 days in NYC

• Purchase the New York Go City Pass to save up to 45% on attractions such as the Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Museum, and a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island!
• Make the most out of each day of your trip! Get up super early and head back to your hotel late in the evening; you don’t want to miss a second of your 4 days in New York!
• Walk as much as possible! New York has a great public transport system but walking is undoubtedly the best way to see as much of the city as possible.
• Are you planning a festive trip to NYC? Check out my 4 day New York Christmas itinerary!
• Book your tickets to the city’s best attractions before your trip to avoid disappointment. You can book directly with the attraction or you can purchase an attraction pass such as the Go City Pass to save money on attraction tickets.
• Make reservations at any restaurants you want to eat at before your trip, especially the more popular ones at dinner time, as they can get booked up super quickly.
• A great way to get around the city to see as many sights as possible and to give your legs a break from all the walking is to book the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour. You can buy tickets for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days which allows you to get on and off the bus at as many stops as you want during your ticket allowance. It’s a great way to see all the sights in the city while enjoying a helpful audio tour.

Is it forecast to rain during your 4 days in New York? Check out my guide for spending a rainy day in NYC for some indoor activity inspiration!

4 days in NYC – conclusion

I really hope you found this itinerary for spending 4 days in NYC useful and I hope it’s given you plenty of inspiration for creating your own 4 day itinerary for New York City!

Is there anything you would add or change to this 4 day New York itinerary? Let me know in the comments or on my New York Facebook Group!