My 7 Days in New York Itinerary: How to Spend a Week in NYC

New York City is one of the most incredible destinations in the USA and honestly, one of my favorites. There’s just so much to see and do, from Times Square and the Empire State Building to catching a Broadway show and even flying in a helicopter, the list is basically endless.

On top of that, there are some amazing day trips from New York that I’ve done myself, like a day in Washington D.C. to see the White House or a trip out to Niagara Falls. Trust me, the city is packed with sights that are worth the time.

Since there’s so much to do, I put together a full 7 days in New York itinerary with my favorite activities and experiences, to give you a sense of what’s possible if you have a full week to explore NYC.

7 Days in New York Itinerary – My Experience

I’ve taken multiple trips to New York City over the past few years, and honestly, I always have the most amazing time. Part of the reason is that every time I come back, there’s just more and more to explore, I never feel like I run out of things to do.

I haven’t done this exact New York itinerary myself in one go, since I usually break my visits into shorter trips. But I’ve done each individual day at different times, so I basically put together a full week from all my personal experiences. To be honest, I think it turned out pretty awesome.

To give you a rough idea of what the plan is, we’ll explore New York by area to keep things strategic. There’s nothing worse than hopping from Midtown to Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan and back in one day. New York is huge, and wasting time on the subway is no fun.

Expect plenty of sightseeing: the Statue of Liberty (my personal favorite), the Empire State Building, Times Square, and more. 

But we’ll also make time for a helicopter tour, a Broadway show, and even day trips to Niagara Falls and Washington D.C. (Washington D.C. was one of my total highlights, so worth it). 

I personally enjoy packing my itineraries with as much as I can fit in but if you think this itinerary is a little too much for you then you can easily skip one of the day trips and spread it out a little more to give you more time for shopping and slower mornings.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting NYC

New York City Pass: Depending on how many activities you’re planning, it’s usually worth grabbing a New York Pass. It gives you discounts and skip-the-line access to many of the city’s highlights, which can save a ton of time, especially if you only have a few days.

JFK Transport: Taxi fares and Uber from JFK to Manhattan are capped at $100 per ride, so don’t get scammed. If you’re looking to save money, the AirTrain combined with the subway is a much cheaper alternative, and it’s surprisingly easy to navigate.

New York Can Be Expensive: How pricey your one week in New York will be is really up to you. There are luxury hotels and high-end restaurants if you want to splurge, but there’s also budget accommodation in New York, cheap eats all over the city, and plenty of free sightseeing. You really can do NYC on a budget if you plan carefully.

Stay Safe: New York can get hectic. Stick mostly to popular areas in Manhattan and most parts of Brooklyn. Don’t be intimidated by unhoused people or anyone dealing with addiction or mental health issues, they’re usually harmless. Just keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spots like Times Square.

Getting Around: I walk a ton in Manhattan, probably more than anywhere else in the world since it’s the best way to really explore the city. For longer distances, the subway works perfectly. Just tap on with your credit card or Apple Pay.

Other Must-Know Tips:

• Tipping: New York is big on tipping. 18–25% in restaurants is expected, and don’t forget taxi drivers, bartenders, and hotel staff.
  
• Weather: NYC can be brutal in summer heat and winter cold. Dress for the season, and pack comfy walking shoes, you’ll be on your feet a lot.
  
• Timing Attractions: Some sights (like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rocks) are far less crowded early morning or late evening, plan strategically to avoid long waits.
  
• Phone & Wi-Fi: Most cafes, restaurants, and hotels have free Wi-Fi, but always have mobile data or a local SIM for navigation. I recommend using SimLocal. I have been using them and they’re great.
  
• Cultural Etiquette: People in NYC can seem brusque, but most are just busy. Don’t take it personally, it’s normal here.

My Personal NYC 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Midtown (Empire State Building, Central Park & Times Square)

For my first day in New York City, I like to stick close to where I’m staying, which is usually Midtown Manhattan. It’s just the most central spot in my opinion, perfect for exploring a ton of sights on foot without relying on the subway or Uber.

My morning ritual is simple but perfect: grab a bagel and coffee from a nearby bodega (they are little corner shops with a deli counter) and find a quiet bench or a sunny patch of grass in Central Park. It’s the ideal way to start the day with breakfast while people-watching and hanging out in Central Park.

Once I’m fueled up, it’s time to explore. I always have Google Maps ready (and make sure my data is working) because there’s a lot of walking and navigating to do. Midtown itself is packed with iconic sights: Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Times Square, Broadway and the list goes on. Honestly, just wandering the streets here feels like an activity in itself.

I try to do at least one, ideally two observation decks. Empire State Building in the morning, then Top of the Rock around sunset, it’s worth it for the views. Just be sure to book your slots in advance to avoid the lines.

If you plan on visiting museums, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock all in one day, I highly recommend getting the New York City Pass. I always get it when I’m in the city, it saves me money and, more importantly, lets you skip the long lines at ticket counters.

Day 2: Lower Manhattan (Statue of Liberty, Wall Street & Chinatown)

On my second day, I head down to Lower Manhattan. As you can probably guess, this is the lower part of the island, and it includes some iconic neighborhoods like Wall Street and FiDi (Financial District), SoHo, Chinatown, Tribeca, and the East and West Village.

I love this area because it feels a little older, with beautiful historic buildings and that proper New York charm. Honestly, thinking back, I should stay in this area more often. 

Exploring Lower Manhattan means one thing for me first thing in the morning: visiting the Statue of Liberty. I’ve done it a few different ways now, my first time I did a full tour including the ferry to Ellis Island, which I’d recommend for first-time visitors. I’ve also done the cheap Staten Island Ferry route, which gets you pretty close for just the price of public transport. Both are amazing in their own way.

After that, I like to wander around. I usually check out Battery Park for more views of the Statue of Liberty, then make my way up Wall Street to touch the Charging Bull. Of course, I always visit the One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, they’re all within walking distance near the southern tip of Manhattan, so it’s easy to see a lot without hopping on the subway.

I usually end the day in Chinatown with some cheap and tasty dumplings, followed by dessert in Little Italy. For me, that’s a perfect Lower Manhattan day!

Day 3: Brooklyn (Brooklyn Bridge & Williamsburg)

On the third day, I switch boroughs. Sometimes I even stay a night in Brooklyn just to make things easier, but it’s totally fine to take the subway over from Manhattan for the day.

The most popular area in Brooklyn for tourists is probably the neighborhoods around the Brooklyn Bridge including Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights. But I don’t start there. Coming from Midtown, I usually take the subway across the East River into Williamsburg. Williamsburg has some of the best cafes and breakfast spots, so it’s my go-to starting point.

For breakfast, you can’t go wrong at Devoción. It’s one of the most popular coffee spots in Williamsburg, and for good reason, the coffee is amazing. It’s right by Domino Park, so before I leave I usually grab another iced latte or drink and take a stroll in the park for amazing Manhattan skyline views. Devoción isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it’s worth it. Another favorite of mine is Copper Mug, which is smaller but cute and cozy.

After breakfast, I make my way to Downtown Brooklyn. In Dumbo, I always take the iconic photo framed by the red brick warehouses with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. Then I wander through Brooklyn Heights and grab a slice of pizza at either Juliana’s or Grimaldi’s, depending on which one has the shorter line.

By the end of the day or later afternoon I make sure to walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge. I prefer walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan just because the views are better and then I can catch a subway home from Lower Manhattan.

Day 4: Day Trip to Washington D.C.

One of the most memorable things I’ve done while visiting New York was taking a side trip to Washington, D.C. and it was absolutely worth it. The city is packed with iconic landmarks and museums, making it a dream for history lovers and first-time visitors.

On my own trip, I visited the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, as well as the incredible Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which is not only fascinating but also one of the best things to do with kids in Washington D.C.

If you’re short on time, you can actually do a guided day tour from Manhattan to Washington D.C., all in one day. It’s a long outing, but if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s a fantastic way to see another major U.S. city without planning an extra stay.

Most tours include transportation, a guide, and stops at major landmarks like the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and even a drive past the Pentagon. Having a guide makes the day so much richer too, they provide context, history, and fun facts that you’d probably miss if you just went on your own.

Click Here: Day Trip to Washington D.C.

Day 5: Manhattan Museums & Rooftops

After a full day in Washington D.C., I like to keep Day 5 a little lighter, still fun, but with room to slow down (because tomorrow’s another big one).

I’m a huge fan of New York’s museums. My personal favorites are the MoMA and the American Museum of Natural History. If you’re visiting with kids, the Natural History Museum is a winner, it’s got giant dinosaur skeletons and a massive blue whale hanging from the ceiling. Definitely one of the best things to do in New York with kids.

If museums aren’t your thing, this is also a good day to wander along Fifth Avenue for some shopping or just stroll through more of New York’s parks. No pressure, just see what you feel like.

To end the day, I always try to grab drinks or dinner on a rooftop at least once per trip. My go-to is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, it’s laid-back (no need to dress up) and has an incredible view of the Empire State Building. If you want to go in the evening, definitely try to book a table in advance.

Day 6: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Day 6 is another big one, a full-day trip to see Niagara Falls. It’s a long haul (about 20 hours in total), but you can nap on the bus and wake up to one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t done this trip myself yet, but it’s high on my list for my next visit. The reviews for these tours are great, and people say it’s absolutely worth the long journey. Six hours each way sounds intense, but if this is a once-in-a-lifetime New York trip, I’d say go for it.

Check Out Here: Day Trip to Niagara Falls USA

Day 7: Helicopter Tour & Broadway Show

I saved my two absolute favorite activities for the last day in New York: a helicopter tour around Manhattan and a Broadway show.

In the morning, I’m doing one of the most unique things to do in New York and that is taking a helicopter tour over Manhattan. 

I did this a few years ago and honestly, it’s still one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Flying past the Manhattan skyline, seeing Yankee Stadium from above, and gliding over the East River is one of those pinch-me moments you’ll never forget.

To wrap up the trip, there’s nothing better than seeing a Broadway show. I watched Wicked a while back and absolutely loved it. 

Right now, they’re showing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (with Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy!), and I’m already plotting my next visit just to see it.

Where to Stay in New York City

When I’m staying in New York, my number one criteria is always location. I love exploring Manhattan on foot and occasionally hopping on the subway, so staying somewhere central and close to a bunch of sights is key, because what’s the point of a nice hotel if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere?

My go-to area for visiting as a tourist is pretty much anywhere in Midtown Manhattan. From there, you’re within walking distance of Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and more. It’s just the easiest way to see a lot without wasting time in transit.

I also enjoy Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, especially Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the Brooklyn Bridge like Downtown, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO. Those areas have a different vibe, cool and slightly less touristy, but for a first-time sightseeing trip, Midtown still wins for convenience.

Here are some hotels I recommend for your next New York trip:

Book Here: Concorde Hotel New York

Book Here: The Renwick

Book Here: Aka Central Park

Best Time to Visit New York City

Honestly, I think New York City can be amazing any time of the year, so technically I’d visit whenever I could.

That said, if I had to pick, spring and fall are my favorites. I love exploring New York on foot, and those seasons usually have the best temperatures. Spring is a little warmer but still comfortable, and October is perfect for wearing a sweater or jacket, sipping a hot coffee in Central Park while enjoying the crisp autumn air.

Winter is incredible too, especially if you’re into Christmas. I once spent a full family vacation here around the holidays, and let me tell you, New York covered in snow, with all the trees and decorations up, is every bit as magical as you imagine.

The only time I’m not a huge fan of visiting is mid-summer. I love being outside, moving around, and seeing all the sights, but nothing kills that vibe faster than being sweaty all day while wandering the city. New York gets hot, and with all the concrete and busy streets, it can feel pretty intense in July and August.

FAQs About My New York 7 Day Itinerary

What are the best things to do in New York City?

There are honestly so many amazing things to do in New York City, but if I had to pick one, my personal favorite activities in NYC is taking a helicopter tour around Manhattan. It’s just so unique and gives you a perspective of the city you can’t get anywhere else.

Is New York City worth visiting?

Absolutely. New York City is one of my all-time favorite cities, not just in the U.S. but in the world. There’s so much to see, do, and experience, it’s iconic, chaotic in the best way, and endlessly fun.

What to do in 7 Days in NYC?

If you’ve got a full week in New York, I’d split it between Manhattan and Brooklyn, hitting all the classic sights but also sprinkling in a few day trips like Washington D.C. and Niagara Falls. It keeps things varied and makes the week feel like a true adventure rather than just a sightseeing sprint.

Is New York expensive?

It definitely can be, but it doesn’t have to be. There are budget-friendly hotels, plenty of free sightseeing, and cheap eats everywhere like bagels, dollar pizza slices or street food. You can absolutely experience the city without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts on My 7 Day New York City Itinerary

All in all, I think a week in New York City is the perfect amount of time. This itinerary gives you a good balance of exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as a couple of day trips to see more of the surrounding area. 

You could absolutely spend a whole week just in Manhattan if you love the big city vibe, but I personally love mixing it up and heading to Washington D.C. for a day or Niagara Falls. It makes it feel more like a proper trip rather than just hanging out in New York City for the whole week.

I hope this little guide on my 7 days in New York itinerary helps you plan your next trip to NYC and gives you a sense of what’s realistically possible in a week.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

Things to Do in New York City: My Top Activities in NYC

Where to Stay in New York City: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes in New York: My Top Coffee Shops in NYC

7 Days in New York Itinerary: How I Spent a Week in NYC