New York in 7 days: the best guide for a week

This guide to what to see in New York in 7 days will help you organise your daily itineraries so that you don't miss out on anything interesting in this impressive city, making the most of your time.
Although, as you can imagine, New York is a never-ending city that you never get to experience, we can assure you that a week is more than enough time to get to know its main tourist attractions, stroll through its most famous neighbourhoods and enjoy the best experiences, both during the day and at night.
Another important thing to know is that, although it is an accessible and easy city to visit, before leaving the hotel each morning it is advisable to have a clear and well-defined route, to assess whether it is better to walk or take the metro. Other points we recommend you to check are the recommended restaurants and the best time to visit the points of interest, as these simple gestures will make New York meet all your expectations and become one of your favourite cities in the world.

Based on the experience of the times we have travelled to this incredible city, the first time on an 11-day trip to New York and the second time living in a flat near Central Park for almost two months, during which we wrote this list of New York travel tips, we have put together this guide to the best of New York in a week. Let's get started!

Transfer from JFK airport to the hotel

First and foremost, the vast majority of flights arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the city's main airport, which has all these transport options to get you downtown or to your hotel:

• Air Train + Subway: the airport train (Airtrain) will take you to Howard Beach (A line) and Jamaica Station (E, J and Z lines) underground stations and from there you can take the line that drops you closest to your hotel, for a total of $12. For example, if you are staying near Times Square, take the E line from Jamaica Station to the 7 Avenue Station.

• Air Train + LIRR: only recommended if you are staying near Grand Central Madison and Penn Station. You can take the LIRR train from Jamaica Station to these two stops for about $18.

• Private transportation: When you book this convenient transfer service, a driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you directly to your hotel.

• Taxi: Taxi fares are about $70 plus tolls and tips ($90-100) for the Manhattan area. Remember to take official taxis if you don't want to be surprised.

• Uber: a very common form of private transport in New York that can be much cheaper than a taxi.

For more information, check out this post on how to get from JFK to Manhattan or this one on how to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan.

Recommended hotels in New York in 7 days

Our recommended area to stay in New York in 7 days is Midtown, located in the centre of the island of Manhattan and just a few minutes walk or underground ride from most of the places to visit in New York.
We stayed last time at the Holiday Inn Times Square, located just a few minutes walk from Times Square. In addition to its excellent location, the hotel has 24-hour reception, great value for money and views of the Empire State Building from its superior rooms.
Other well-located luxury NYC hotels with some of the best value for money in the city include the Arlo Midtown, the Pestana CR7 Times Square, La Quinta by Wyndham Time Square and the MOXY NYC Times Square.

Located in the borough of Queens, Flushing is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse community. Exploring Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the site of the 1964 World's Fair, is a must-visit. As you plan your stay, consider checking out the Hotels in Flushing New York on hotelsofnewyorkcity.net, where you'll find a range of options tailored to your preferences and budget.

Practical Tips for New York

Following this list of recommendations will help you have a good first contact with the city:

• Remember that to enter the USA it is essential to apply for the ESTA from the official website. This procedure costs 21 dollars.

• To learn more about the history and idiosyncrasies of the city, nothing better than booking this free tour, ranked among the best free tours in New York, or this complete tour, both with an English-speaking guide.

• To save up to 50% on entrance fees and time spent in queues, there are 3 tourist cards: New York Explorer Pass, CityPass or the New York Pass.

• Buy the rechargeable MetroCard to travel comfortably on the New York underground routes in 7 days.

• If your roaming service does not include the United States, you can easily get internet, keeping your WhatsApp number.

• Bring adapters for type A / B plugs.

It is essential to take out the best travel insurance for New York if you don't want to pay exorbitant amounts for a simple medical visit (600 dollars) or an operation (30,000 dollars). We always travel insured with Mondo and it has always been the best travel companion.

Remember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate, we recommend you use the Revolut card and the N26 card, which are the ones we use, are free and will save you a lot of money. More information in this post about the best cards for commission-free travel.

First day in New York

Points of interest on the first day:

• Times Square

• Central Park (West Side)

• Fifth Avenue

• St. Patrick's Cathedral

• Grand Central Terminal

• Chrysler Building

• Top of the Rock or The Summit One Vanderbilt Building

• Broadway

• Greenpoint: Brooklyn's Hidden Gem

Venturing across the East River, Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood beckons with its artistic charm and waterfront allure. Stroll along the picturesque streets lined with trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and enticing eateries. When it comes to accommodation Hotels in Greenpoint Brooklyn on hotelsofnewyorkcity.net offers an array of options for hotels in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Choose a hotel that aligns with your style and immerse yourself in the neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere.

First day route:

On the first day of the what to see in New York in 7 days you will get to know the Midtown area starting with the iconic Times Square, full of billboards, and continuing along Broadway, the street of the theatres, until you reach Central Park.
After visiting a few spots on this list of places to see in Central Park and grabbing a burger at the Burger Joint, you'll take a long stroll down Fifth Avenue, the city's most commercial street.
This street will take you to St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Top of the Rock, one of the best views in New York, located in the Rockfeller Center, although if it's not yet sunset you can extend the walk to Grand Central Terminal and the Crysler Building, to go up to the Top of the Rock at the best time.

Top of the Rock

It is important to know that, although most tourist cards include entry, if you don't have one, it is advisable to book this flexible date entry, which will allow you to skip the queues and change the date if it is cloudy.
Although the views from the Top of the Rock are fantastic, The Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck recently opened, located just a few metres away and offering even better views. You'll also be able to walk on a transparent glass floor at a height of more than 300 metres.
After climbing to the Top of the Rock or The Summit at sunset to see how the city lights up, you can return to Times Square to see it at night and finish the first day of New York in a week enjoying one of the best musicals in New York such as The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton or Aladdin, which was the one we chose and we loved it.
For dinner, near Times Square you have several recommended restaurants such as the Hard Rock Café, Los Tacos No.1, Joe's Pizza or Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the waiters liven up the dinner by singing catchy tunes.

Day 2 in New York

Points of interest on the second day:

• Contrasts Tour

• The Bronx

• Queens

• Brooklyn Bridge

• Fulton Ferry State Park

• Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Route of the second day of the New York in 7 days:

On the second day of the New York in 7 days you can take the Contrasts Tour, ranked at the top of the list of the best tours and excursions in New York.
When you book this Contrasts Tour or this VIP Contrasts Tour in advance, as it sells out quickly, an English-speaking guide will take you through the most authentic neighbourhoods of the city such as Harlem, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, explaining their history and anecdotes.
The tour ends in Brooklyn, near the famous Brooklyn Bridge, where you can grab a pizza at Grimaldi's or Juliana's, two of the best places to eat in New York.

Brooklyn Bridge

The afternoon begins with a breathtaking view of the bridge from Washington Street, then a walk along the Fulton Ferry State Park over the Brooklyn Bridge.
On the way back to Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge or by underground, you can enjoy the sunset at the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with incredible views of the Skyline, while eating an ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
For a quick dinner, head to the Shake Shack on Fulton Street, which serves one of the best burgers in New York, or slow down at Clark's Restaurant and Henry's End.

Day 3 of New York in 7 days

Points of interest of the third day:

• Oculus Station

• 9/11 Museum

• One World Observatory

• Wall Street

• Helicopter Tour

• Battery Park

• Staten Island Ferry

Route of the third day:

The third day of seeing New York in 7 days starts before 9am arriving by underground at the futuristic Oculus station to visit the 9/11 Museum, which is one of the things to do in New York despite the fact that, we warn you, it is a moving visit. In case you don't have a tourist card that includes admission, you can book this ticket to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in advance.
After your visit to the 9/11 Museum you can go to the 9/11 Memorial, where the engraved names of the 2,753 victims of the 9/11 attacks who died in the area are located.
On the site of the twin towers is the One World Trade Center, which has quickly become another of the city's best vantage points. To avoid the long queues to go up, you can book your ticket here. For more information you can check this post on how to go up to the One World Observatory.
When this visit is over, the New York in a Week continues looking for bargains in these shopping streets where Century 21, one of the best outlets in New York (now closed) used to be located, and recovering your strength with a lobster sandwich at Luke's Lobster.

In the afternoon, after passing Federal Hall, the New York Stock Exchange and the famous Wall Street Bull, three icons of financial power, you can head to the heliport at Pier 6 to see the city from above.

Wall Street

A good option is to book this helicopter tour from this page in advance to secure your seat and the best time (midday), or this night tour if you prefer to see the city lit up, both of which are among the best helicopter tours in New York.
After enjoying this epic experience, you can take a leisurely stroll through Battery Park and arrive at dusk at Whitehall Terminal Pier, from where the ferry to and from Staten Island departs, which is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in New York.
After seeing the New York skyline lit up, there's nothing better than ending this day of New York in 7 days with dinner at the recommended restaurants The Dead Rabbit or Delmonico's.

To read all the information about this third day you can consult this guide to New York in 3 days.

Day 4 of New York in a week

Points of interest of the fourth day:

• Manhattan Cruise

• Hudson Yards

• High Line

• Chelsea Market

• Little Island

• Greenwich Village

• SoHo

• Chinatown

• Little Italy

Day 4 route:

The New York in 7 Days Day 4 route starts by arriving by underground at Pier 83 for a cruise (included in the sightseeing cards) that skirts the most photogenic part of Manhattan. If you prefer a different time of day or don't have it included, you can book this New York evening dinner cruise or this one at sunset.

After the two-hour cruise you can take a stroll through the new Hudson Yards neighbourhood, taking in the vase-shaped façade of the futuristic The Vessel monument (now closed) and climbing up to The Edge observation deck.
At this point, if you're feeling peckish you can pop into Little Spain Market for some Spanish food, although we recommend a half-hour stroll along the High Line and a bite to eat at one of the iconic Chelsea Market stalls such as Los Tacos No.1 or Very Fresh Noodles.
To wash it all down, head to the old Pier 54 and 56 to check out Little Island, a new floating public park on the Hudson River.

Little Island

In the afternoon New York in 7 days continues along Gay Street and Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, one of New York's most beautiful and exclusive neighbourhoods, to the popular Washington Square Park. After sampling a delicious cupcake at Magnoly Bakery or Molly's Cupcakes you can head to the iconic Soho neighbourhood, perfect for shopping, visiting art galleries, buying souvenirs at the MOMA shop, grabbing a drink in a trendy locale or snacking on a delicious cheesecake at Eileen's Special Cheesecake. Among its busiest streets are Spring Street, Prince Street and Broadway.
From Soho you can go to TriBeCa, a trendy neighbourhood known as the new SoHo, and from there down Canal Street to Chinatown, a neighbourhood full of Chinese restaurants and shops selling clothes, handbags and watches of dubious quality.

For dinner we recommend returning to Greenwich Village to devour one of the best pizzas in the city at John's of Bleecker St. or Joe's Pizza and finish the day at Cafe Wha?, a legendary spot perfect for a drink while listening to live music.

Fifth day in New York

Points of interest on the fifth day:

• Gospel Mass

• Harlem

• Central Park (East Side)

• Jazz Show

Route of the fifth day of New York in a week:

On the fifth day of what to see in New York in 7 days, we recommend you to make it coincide with a Sunday, to see a Gospel Mass, as they are only celebrated on this day in the morning.
There are two alternatives to see one of these masses: on your own or by booking this tour of Harlem that includes the mass or this offer that includes the mass and the contrasts tour, both with an English speaking guide.
After mass you can complete this list of the best things to see and do in Harlem until lunchtime, although in this case, being Sunday, that meal will be replaced by the famous brunch at the recommended Amy Ruth's or Sylvia's Restaurant.
For dessert, head to Levain Bakery for their delicious freshly baked chocolate chip cookies - they're truly addictive!

Central Park

After recharging your batteries, you can take an itinerary through Central Park to see the places you missed on the first day, such as Beldevere Castle or stroll along the shores of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. And since it's Sunday, you'll see the park at its best with locals playing all kinds of sports like baseball and having picnics.
To end this fifth day of New York in a week you can return to Harlem for dinner at Red Rooster Harlem, FIELDTRIP Harlem or Sottocasa and listen to live jazz at American Legion Post 398 or the Shrine.

A good option for a day with less sightseeing and less demanding is to book this night tour with an English-speaking guide that takes in the city's best-lit spots.

Day 6 of New York in 7 days

Points of interest of the sixth day:

• Bryant Park

• Public Library

• Empire State Building

• Koreatown

• Flatiron Building

• Union Square

• East Village

• Madison Square Garden

Sixth day tour of New York in a week:

The New York Sixth Day in 7 Days route starts with a stroll through Bryant Park and a visit to the spectacular Public Library. After falling in love with the Rose Main Reading Room, don't miss the souvenir shop, one of the best in New York to buy gifts - we love it!
On your way out you'll walk to the Empire State Building, one of the symbols of the city and from where you can take some of the best photos of New York. The entrance is included in several tourist cards, although if you don't have one, we recommend you to book these tickets online to avoid the long queues at the entrance. For more information you can check this post about how to climb the Empire State Building.

Empire State Building

On your way down from the observation deck you can walk over to the iconic Macy's department store and cross the original Koreatown street, lined with Korean restaurants, to get to Madison Square Park, where the Flatiron Building is located. After a good Italian pasta at Eataly you can head up to 230 Fifth, one of the city's best rooftops, and walk to Union Square to enter Dylan's Candy Bar
. If you're in a hurry, stroll around the less touristy Lower East Side and East Village and dine on the city's best pastrami sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen, which was featured in the film When Harry Met Sally.

A great way to round off this New York Day in 7 days is to head to Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Knicks, if it's a game day. To get good seats, we recommend you book your tickets on this website well in advance. For more information you can read this post about how to buy NBA tickets in New York.

To read all the information about this sixth day you can check this guide to New York in 6 days.

What to see in New York in 7 days

Points of interest of the seventh day:

• Statue of Liberty

• Ellis Island

• Museum of Natural History

• Metropolitan Museum of Art

• MoMA

• Brooklyn Heights: A Historical Haven

  Nestled on the banks of the East River, Brooklyn Heights is a treasure trove of history and architectural marvels. Wander through its tree-lined streets and discover historic brownstones, charming parks, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. When it's time to rest, consider exploring the Brooklyn Heights Hotels on hotelsofnewyorkcity.net . You'll find a selection of accommodations that capture the essence of this beloved neighborhood, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Day 7 route:

This last day of the New York in 7 days itinerary starts by taking the underground to Battery Park to catch an early morning boat to the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. To do this tour we recommend you book this guided tour in advance.
During the 4-hour tour you'll have an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and then disembark at Liberty Island for a closer look. Once you've completed your visit, you'll take the boat back to Ellis Island, a gateway for millions of immigrant workers during the 19th and 20th centuries and home to an interesting museum. For more information you can read this post on how to visit the Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty

On your way back to Battery Park you can continue your route by taking underground line 1, which will take you in half an hour to the 72nd St stop, which is very close to Gray's Papaya, where they serve one of the best hot dogs in the city. Another good option is to buy takeaway food at Whole Foods in Columbus Circus and have a little picnic in Central Park.

While savouring the tasty sausages and delicious tropical juice you can decide how to finish this New York in 7 days. You have several options, go to the Metropolitan Museum, the MOMA or the Museum of Natural History, three of the best museums in New York.

Among the 3 museums we would opt for the Museum of Natural History by buying this ticket, the second best option would be the Metropolitan Museum and finally the MoMA.
The Museum of Natural History is one of the best science museums in the world and our favourite in New York. Its reproductions of dinosaurs and the blue whale are impressive, although in general all the rooms are jaw-dropping. Open daily from 10am to 5.45pm.

Museum of Natural History

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has some of the most important collections in the world and its rooms dedicated to the Egypt of the Pharaohs and Ancient Rome are particularly noteworthy. This museum is located in Central Park and has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the views and have a drink. They are open from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm. A good time-saving option is to book this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

MoMA is the most important modern art museum in the world, with masterpieces such as Van Gogh's Starry Night, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Dali's The Persistence of Memory and others by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. We took advantage of the fact that it is free on Fridays from 4 to 8 pm to visit. A good option if you visit MoMA on another day of the week is to book this tour with an audio guide in Spanish.

MoMA in New York

After the tour you can return to Times Square to say goodbye to the city with dinner at Tony's Di Napoli or Carmine's, an Italian restaurant with very good and large portions.

A week in New York City promises an unforgettable journey filled with colorful sights, diverse neighborhoods, and exciting experiences. No matter where you stay - in Flushing, Greenpoint in Brooklyn, or Brooklyn Heights - Brooklyn boutique hotels will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. As you plan your itinerary, allow these handpicked hotels to enhance your experience, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and unique atmosphere that each neighborhood offers. Get ready to create lasting memories in the city that never sleeps!