New York Itinerary 4 Days

New York is one of the most vibrant, lively and fun cities in all of USA. This New York 4 day itinerary covers the very best things to do in New York in just 4 days, including sightseeing, neighbourhoods, parks and nightlife. If you’re planning a New York itinerary, read on to discover how to spend the perfect 4 days in New York City!

Overview of 4 Days in New York

This 4 day New York itinerary is separated into key neighbourhoods in and around Manhattan, so that you can reduce travel time and pack the most into your 4 days in New York.

Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan: Start your NYC itinerary by exploring Midtown Manhattan, which includes some of the most iconic sights in New York. Marvel at NYC’s grand architecture including the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal, take in city views from the Top of the Rock, and soak up the buzz at Times Square. Finish your day by attending a famous Broadway Show.

Day 2 – Uptown Manhattan: On your second day in New York, venture north to discover Uptown New York. Today, you’ll visit gorgeous Central Park, see some of NYC’s best museums, and wander around the fancy streets of the Upper East Side.

Day 3 – NYC Neighbourhoods: Start the day by walking the High Line, a unique elevated park. Dedicate the rest of the day to the charming and trendy neighbourhoods in Lower Manhattan, from Greenwich Village to Soho and Tribeca. If you’re into sports, why not attend a live sports match.

Day 4 – Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn: On your final day in New York, get back into sightseeing mode. Highlights today include the 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn.

Day 1 of NYC 4 Day Itinerary – Midtown Manhattan

Sure, the concrete jungle that is Midtown Manhattan may be a little touristy, but it’s touristy for a reason. On the first day of your New York itinerary you’ll get to visit some of the most famous New York sights, from the Empire State Building to Grand Central to Times Square. If it’s your first time in NYC, you may get the surreal feel of stepping right into a movie or TV set!

Morning – NYC Iconic Buildings

Many of New York’s most iconic buildings are concentrated around Midtown Manhattan. In the morning, take a self-guided walking tour of the best Midtown Manhattan architecture.

Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is a narrow triangular shaped building that gets its name from from its resemblance to those old clothing irons. The building feels kinda like an optical illusion, with the triangular shape almost disappearing from certain angles.

Location: The Flatiron Building is located at 175 5th Avenue, at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway on 23rd Street.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in all of NYC. It’s a towering 102-story art-deco style skyscraper and, with its antenna, stands at a whopping 1,454 feet / 443 metres.

The Empire State Building has a popular viewing deck with incredible views over NYC. However, I prefer the Top of the Rock viewing deck at the Rockefeller Centre, which is slightly quieter and has views of the Empire State Building.

Location: The Empire State Building is located at 20 W 34th Street, just off 5th Avenue. It’s around 0.5 miles / 10 blocks north of the Flatiron Bulding.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is a gorgeous 1930 art-deco style skyscraper that appears to sparkle in the light. Fun fact: The Chrysler building was the world’s tallest building for 11 months until it was taken over by the Empire State Building in 1931.

Location: The Chrysler Building is located at 405 Lexington Street, between E42nd and E43rd Street. It’s around 0.7 miles north-east of the Empire State Building.

Grand Central Terminal

Granted Central Terminal is not only a massive working train station, but is also one of the most gorgeous and grand landmarks in New York. The station has been beautifully restored and features soaring ceilings and intricate detailing.

Location: Grand Central Terminal is located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue, just a short 0.1 miles / 2 minute walk from the Chrysler Building.

New York Public Library (Main Branch)

The New York Public Library Main Branch (also known as the Stephen A Schwarzman Building) is another beautiful historic New York Building. The library was built in the Beaux-Arts style in 1911, and features a marble facade guarded by lions. The library is open to the public. Don’t miss the majestic Rose Reading Room that is around the size of two city blocks.

Location: The Main Branch of New York Public Library is located at 476 5th Avenue, between W41st and W42nd Streets. It’s around 0.3 miles walk from Grand Central Terminal.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic style Roman Catholic cathedral church located in the heart of Manhattan. The church with its towering spires looks all the more impressive tucked in between massive skyscrapers.

Location: St Patrick’s Cathedral is located on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, around 0.5 miles north of the New York Public Library.

Afternoon – Top of the Rock Viewing Deck

In the afternoon, soak in panoramic views of New York City from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, a dizzying 70 floors up at the Rockefeller Centre. The Rockefeller Center is just a hop and a skip away from St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Sure, you can also get panoramic city views from the super popular Empire State Building. However, I prefer Top of the Rock as it’s a little quieter (but still packed!) and has views of the Empire State Building (which the Empire State Building does not, duh). From the Top of the Rock, you can see 360 degree views over New York City, including pretty uninterrupted views of Central Park.

The Top of the Rock viewing deck is open daily from 8am – 12:30am, with the last elevator at 11:55pm. It has epic views by day and by night. Dusk is especially pretty to capture the city by day, sunset and night.

Depending on how you’re going for time, you may have time to relax or do a spot of shopping before or after you visit Top of the Rock.

Location: The Top of the Rock is at The Rockefeller Center, on Rockefeller Plaza between W49th and W50th.

Evening – Times Square & Broadway Show

End the first day of your New York 4 day itinerary with some of the most iconic NYC sites of all. Times Square is a famous busy intersection filled with glitzy lights, bright build boards and all manner of entertainment. While Times Square feels crowded and chaotic at times, there’s no doubt that it’s also buzzing with energy and entertainment. Grab a meal around Times Square for excellent people watching opportunities.

If you’re a theatre goer, have an early dinner and then see a Broadway theatre show. If there’s a show you’re dying to see, make sure you book tickets well in advance, as popular shows (particularly new ones) can sell out quickly. However, if you’re flexible, see what shows are available on the day at the TKTS ticket booths. These booths sell discount tickets for same-day shows, often half price.

Most Broadway musicals play Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Check playing days and times in advance, as they can vary between theatres.

Location: Times Square is in Midtown Manhattan at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. The Broadway theatre district is right near Times Square. There’s a TKTS ticket booth in Times Square and at other locations.

Day 2 of 4 Day New York Itinerary – Uptown Manhattan

On day 2 of your 4 day New York itinerary, visit stunning Central Park and check out the posh area of Uptown Manhattan. Uptown is filled with high end real estate and some of the best museums in New York.

Morning – Central Park

Central Park is possibly the most famous urban park in the world, having features in countless movies and TV shows. For the relatively small size of Manhattan (22.7 square miles / 59 square km), Central Park is absolutely massive, taking over 843 acres (1.3 square miles / 3.41 square km).

When I’m in New York, I love starting my day with a long walk around the park’s popular Loop Trail. The Central Park Loop is around 6 miles / 10km and is roughly a full trip around the whole park, taking in both the west and east sides. If you have time, meander off some of the smaller side trails where the foliage can feel surprisingly wild and overgrown for a city park. You can also zig zag your way up the park and then jump on the subway for the return trip.

As well as walking, running and biking, there’s so many other activities to do in Central Park. Join a guided tour around the park, ride a horse and carriage, visit the Central Park Zoo, have a picnic on the Great Lawn, ice skate in winter, just to mention a few of the activities!

Location: Central Park is located between the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side. It stretches all the way from 59th Street to 110th Street.

Afternoon – Upper East Side & Museums

There’s so many famous museums in NYC, and unfortunately you won’t have time to see them all with only 4 days in New York. Luckily for you, some of the best New York museums are right next to Central Park.

Depending on your tastes, check out the American Museum of Natural History if you’re into science (Upper West Side just off Central Park) or either the Metropolitan Museum of Art or The Frick Collection if you prefer art museums (Upper East Side).

Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around the Upper East Side, one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in New York. As well as museums, check out the luxury boutiques that line 5th Avenue and the leafy streets with high end real estate. Very Gossip Girl indeed.

If you’re exhausted after a busy day out, grab an early dinner and rest up before another big day exploring New York.

Day 3 of New York 4 Day Itinerary – NYC Neighbourhoods

Today, have a break from classic sightseeing and get out and about to explore some of New York’s prettiest and hippest neighbourhoods in Lower Manhattan. Meander around the cobblestoned streets, admire the gorgeous (and expensive!) brownstone houses, get your shopping fix on, and dine in at some of NYC’s best restaurants and bars.

Morning – Walk the High Line

Walking along the High Line is one of my favourite things to do in New York City, and I make sure to do it at least once on every visit. The High Line is not exactly your traditional urban park. Rather, it’s an elevated walkway that is built on a historic railway line above the city.

The High Line is relatively short at 1.45 miles / 2.33 km long. Take your time exploring the park and enjoying the unique views of the city neighbourhoods from above.

Location: The High Line is on Manhattan’s West Side and runs from 34th Street to Gansevoort St, with multiple entries along the way. Today, start at 34th Street and alight at Gansevoort St, which will put you in the the Meatpacking District for your afternoon adventures.

Afternoon – Explore the Villages

The High Line is a relatively short walk, so unless you’ve had a late start to the day you should have most of the day to explore the neighbourhoods of Lower Manhattan. Lower Manhattan is made up of trendy villages packed with shops, restaurants, industrial architecture, art galleries and interesting locals. Very Sex and the City!

Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is a hip 24/7 neighbourhood in between Chelsea and the West Village. Today, the Meatpacking District is a far cry from its origins as a district for meatpacking plants, slaughterhouses and butchers. While you’ll still find a handful of meatpacking companies, you’re much more likely to stumble across trendy boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. The historic industrial style buildings give the district an undisputedly eclectic feel.

West Village

The West Village is just south-east of the Meatpacking District, and is my favorite part of Lower Manhattan. Here, you’ll find pretty leafy streets lined with traditional brownstone houses and trendy residents, shops and eateries. Keep your peepers open and you may just spot a celebrity or two! 

Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park

Continue heading south-east to Greenwich Village, or simply ‘the Village’ to locals. Greenwich Village is a diverse neighbourhood which is home to incredible restaurants, shopping, parks and architecture.

Washington Square Park is the bustling and vibrant heart of Greenwich Village. The park is know for its rather grand looking arch entrance way, feature fountain and the eclectic mix of people who hang out in the park, from kids to artists to celebrities. Near the park, you’ll also find some charming cobblestone lined streets and alleyways.

SoHo

SoHo is slightly south-west of the Village, and is one of NYC’s prime shopping districts. It doesn’t hurt that the district also has pretty cobblestoned streets and buildings with gorgeous cast iron facades.

Tribeca

Once you’ve had your shopping fix in SoHo, it’s time to explore Tribeca. Tribeca is another hip neighbourhood which features industrial buildings and loft apartments. No surprise that it’s one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in all of New York City!

Location: Exit the High Line at Gansevoort St. You’ll pop out at the Meatpacking District, and can then continue down to West Village, Greenwich Village and through Washington Square Park. If your legs still have some miles in them, continue south to SoHo and Tribeca.

Evening – See a Sports Show

I’m not exactly a sports fan, but do love the thrill and atmosphere of seeing a major sports match live. I loved the fast-paced nature and entertainment of seeing an NBA Basketball game while I was in San Antonio, and also the much slower but easy to follow evening out watching the New York Yankees play baseball in the Bronx.

Location (Baseball): The New York Yankees play home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Check out the playing schedule here.

Location (Basketball): The New York Knicks play home games at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, where you can also see hockey games. The Brooklyn Nets play home games at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Check out the NBA schedule here.

Day 4 of 4 Days in New York – Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn

Round out your New York itinerary by getting back into sightseeing mode in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. On your 4th day in New York, see the famous Statue of Liberty, visit the moving 9/11 Memorial, and walk across the imposing Brooklyn Bridge.

Morning – State of Liberty & 9/11 Memorial

Staten Island Ferry & Statue of Liberty

There’s many different ways to visit New York’s famous Statue of Liberty. If you just want to see the Statue in passing, take the free Staten Island Ferry (yes, free!). The ferry cruises straight past the Statue of Liberty allowing for excellent photo opportunities. The ferry runs 24/7, departing every 30 minutes, and takes around 25 minutes each way.

If you want to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Museum, then you can take the (paid) Statue Cruises ferry to see Ole’ Liberty up close and personal. 

Location: The Staten Island ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal, which is to the South-East of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. You must get off the ferry on Staten Island and join the line for the return trip to Manhattan.

Wall Street & the Financial District

Next, take a stroll along Wall Street, the epicentre of New York’s Financial District. Wall Street boasts some grand architecture including the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial. The Charging Bull is another famous icon of the Financial District.

Location: Wall Street is in New York’s Financial District just north of Battery Park. The Charging Bull is located in the north of Bowling Green just south of Wall Street, but is slated to be moved.

9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial is a moving memorial and museum commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks. The main features of the memorial are large twin reflecting pools, each almost one acre in size, with mesmerising man made waterfalls that drop into a void. The names of the almost 3000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks are inscribed on the edges of the pools.

Entry to the 9/11 Memorial is free (donations suggested). Entry to the 9/11 Museum requires a paid ticket. Guided tours are also available.

Location: The 9/11 Memorial is located at the World Trade Center site, home of the Twin Towers that were destroyed during the attacks. The Memorial is around 0.5 miles / 800 metres from Wall Street. Directions are here on the Memorial’s website. 

Afternoon – Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn

What better way to end your 4 days in New York than with a stroll across Brooklyn Bridge and some of the best pizza in all of NYC!

Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge

Do as the locals do and walk across Brooklyn Bridge to soak in the gothic architecture, incredible NYC skyline views and feeling of freedom. The bridge is around 1.1 miles / 1.8km long.

If you prefer to learn a bit of history, there’s several guided walking or biking tours of Brooklyn Bridge. If you don’t like walking, you can always get the subway to Brooklyn and explore from there.

Location: You can access the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan from City Hall Park, around 0.5 miles / 800 metres from the 9/11 Memorial. If you’re coming by subway, get off at the City Hall Station.

Explore Brooklyn

Once you’re in Brooklyn, get lost in the Brooklyn ‘burbs. Try Dumbo just acros the bridge for a trendy historic neighbourhood, and don’t miss the pizza! (Nom nom nom!)

If you’re completely pooped, why not simply park up in Brooklyn Bridge Park underneath the bridge. Grab a pizza at Juliana’s or Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and relax in the park. The park offers epic views back to the New York City skyline, and is particularly stunning at sunset.

I hope you’ve loved this New York 4 day itinerary and have managed to find some favorite spots of your own in NYC!

Read More: Top 10 Things to do in New York

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