4 Days in New York City: Alicia Keys, anyone?
Big city, bright lights, endless honking, and our watchful giant green lady standing guard. We’re not talking about Cleveland, folks
- Trip length
- 4 days
- Best season
- May - October
- Budget
- Rough
Blink twice if you’re being forced by your co-founder to pump out blog posts like there’s no tomorrow. I feel like Hugh Jackman in Deadpool. I’ll be doing this until I’m 90.
Before you go
Practice walking fast at home with purpose (or risk New Yorkers giving you the dirty side eye)
The route at a glance
- Day 1: Iconic places galore
- Day 2: Manhattan’s newest development neighborhood
- Day 3: Brooklyn and Queens
- Day 4: Living life like a local
I’m a tourist!
It’s time to visit all the most iconic New York City places
- Morning
Times Square
Alicia Keys will grace your ears endlessly, and you may have to fight through throngs of other tourists packing the infamous Times Square, but it’s worth a gander for first timer visitors. Embrace the hustle and bustle of America’s greatest city.
Times SquareFree - Lunch
New York Slice?
New York pizza is famous for good reason. Stop by the local pizza joint to grab a quick slice. My only advice would be to avoid the heavily touristy areas (so walk out a bit from Times Square), otherwise most any shops will do a good enough job.
Anywhere~$15 - Early Afternoon
Rockefeller Center/5th Avenue
If you’re here in the winter, the Christmas tree will be up, which would be a must. If you’re not, it’s still worth a visit. Head on over to 5th Avenue right after for a curated list of shopping.
5th Avenue (funnily enough)Free - $10,000 (depending on how baller you are on 5th) - Late Afternoon
Our Park is bigger than yours
From 5th Avenue, it’s a short walk to Central Park. It’s worth a walk in the park as it’s truly an oasis within the city. Depending on the season, you might be dealing with the smell of fresh grass, to cherry blossoms, to autumn leaves, to snowfall.
Central ParkFree - Night
Chow time
Since lunch was simple and quick, let’s go a bit ham for dinner. New York actually has an amazing selection of steakhouses. Peter Luger is the iconic one in Brooklyn, but strong contenders include Wolfgangs (the one on Park Ave - my personal favorite), Keens, and Benjamin’s. Just make sure you’re ordering the portherhouse.
Depends~$150
H-h-h-udson Yards
The city’s newest development area full of glitz and glam
- Early Morning
Vessel
Shoutout to our bees! Buzz buzz, folks. One of the most iconic additions to Hudson Yards is the vessel, in the shape of a honeycomb. Worth a climb to the top just to say you’ve done it before.
Hudson YardsFree - Late Morning
Hi(gh) Line
An old railroad track turned tourist attraction, you really can’t go wrong taking a morning stroll past million dollar apartments. Start in Hudson Yards and meander your way down while taking in views of Hudson river on the right and the city on the left. If you walk all the way to the end, you’ll end up right at the next stop on our itinerary.
Hudson YardsFree - Lunch
Chelsea Market
Chelsea market is filled with restaurants, shops, tacos, mango sticky rice, fresh oysters, and more. It’s worth a visit just to check everything out.
Chelsea Market (surprise)~$40 - Afternoon
Soho
More shopping, but worth a gander down south to check out the iconic shopping district. It will most likely be packed with people, but that’s all part of the New York vibe. There’s also tons of cute coffee shops nearby you can stop in to check out.
Soho~$75 - Evening
Dinner
I wouldn’t actually recommend eating in Soho, but Little Italy is nearby (and filled with tourists). Locals would never eat there, but most tourists seem to enjoy the vibe well enough.
Little Italy~$75
Did you know, there’s a Soho in London as well? Soho in New York stands for South of Houston street.
There’s a life outside Manhattan
My cofounder would hurt me if I didn’t include some non Manhattan activities
- Morning
Green Giant (not the canned vegetables brand)
Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island. Did you know, you can reach the S.O.L. from both New Jersey and New York? From New York, head on down south to Battery Park to catch the Ferry.
Ellis Island~$50 - Midday
Brooklyn Bridge
The most famous bridge in New York, it’s 100% worth the stroll from Manhattan on over to Brooklyn. Once at Brooklyn, check out the waterfront, Dumbo, Time Out market, and more.
Manhattan - BrooklynFree - Evening
Flushing
Filled with cheap eats and asian restaurants galore, Flushing is worth a visit for the food alone. It’s almost like you’re in Asia, without the 15 hour flight. Just make sure to bring a hungry stomach.
Flushing~$30
Getting around New York
Subway one way are $3.00 irregardless of how far you go. You can also cap out per week so you never pay more than $35 in a week.
Look ma, I’m a local
I’m done being a tourist. Teach me how to live like a New Yorker
- Morning
Breakfast
Head on over to your local bodega and ask for a BEC. BEC stands for Bacon, Egg, & Cheese and is the staple of New Yorkers and their morning commute everywhere.
Anywhere~$10 - Midday
Broadway showtime
Believe it or not, but locals enjoy Broadway shows and musicals just as much as tourists. Popular ones include Aladdin, Stranger Things, and Maybe Happy Ending.
Midtown~$200 - Late Day
Shakespeare in the park
One of New York’s most beloved traditions. Shakespeare in the park is a truly unique experience you can’t find elsewhere. Just make sure you line up for your free tickets in advance.
Central ParkFree - Night
Comedy Cellar
Head on over to famous Comedy Cellar on MacDougal and catch the best up and coming comedians (and even some uber famous ones). Maybe Dave Chappelle?
The village~$20
What I’d change with more time
This airtinary was filled with the most touristy things to do for first time visitors. With more time, I’d act more like a local.
Written by
Eric LinNew York City is the best city in the world in my opinion. Been living here since 2022 - still constantly finding more things to do in this amazing place.
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