New York
New York City, also known as the Big Apple, is one of the world’s most iconic cities and a top destination for tourism. The city is a hub of cultural and financial activity, attracting visitors from around the globe. With its numerous landmarks, museums, and iconic neighborhoods, New York City has something to offer for everyone.
One of the top attractions in New York City is Times Square, known as the “Crossroads of the World.” It is a bustling area of bright lights, billboards, and crowds of people, especially at night. Another popular destination is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the statue’s pedestal for a stunning view of the city skyline and harbor.
The city is also known for its world-class museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art. New York City is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, with a diverse selection of cuisine from all around the world. Visitors can also explore iconic neighborhoods like the trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village, the historic Upper East Side, and the artsy Williamsburg in Brooklyn. With so much to see and do, New York City is truly a destination not to be missed.
New York Luxury Itinerary
Recommended Stay: At least 5 days
Lodging Recommendation: Hotel Indigo Lower East Side https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d7352347-Reviews-Hotel_Indigo_Lower_East_Side_New_York_an_IHG_Hotel-New_York_City_New_York.html – I really prefer this location as it makes it so easy to get to everything plus it is in a good area.
Recommended mode of transportation: Subway and Taxi
Day 1 - Downtown
Breakfast: Supermoon https://www.yelp.com/biz/supermoon-bakehouse-new-york
Activity: Statue of Liberty tour
Lunch: Definitely Helal Food Cart in FiDi
See: Charging Bull, Wall Street, Stock Exchange, Trinity Church & then head to 9/11 Museum & Oculus after. Don’t forget to take in the Woolworth Building next door.
Do: Nap
Dinner: Secchu Yokota https://www.yelp.com/biz/secchu-yokota-new-york?start=20 – One of my favorite restaurants in the U.S. or Atomix https://www.yelp.com/biz/atomix-new-york
Day 2 - SoHo & West Village
Breakfast: Ansel Bakery https://www.yelp.com/biz/dominique-ansel-bakery-new-york – One of the most creative bakers around. I love their pavlovas, cookie shots, cronuts, and madeleines.
Do: walk around Soho. Enjoy the people, shop a little, go to an art gallery.
Lunch: Katz https://www.yelp.com/biz/katzs-delicatessen-new-york
Then head to Le Bain / Rooftop https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-bain-new-york (18th floor at The Standard hotel) – get there when it opens (4pm) as a line to get in forms quickly. Great view of Manhattan and the Hudson River.
After, enjoy walking the Highline, which is an awesome elevated Park
Dinner: Jeju Noodle Bar https://www.yelp.com/biz/jeju-noodle-bar-new-york or Redfarm https://www.yelp.com/biz/redfarm-new-york – Im a big fan of the Pastrami Rolls (made from Katz pastrami and crab dumplings here).
Day 3 - Brooklyn
Breakfast: Ceremonia Bakeshop https://www.yelp.com/biz/ceremonia-bakeshop-brooklyn?
Activity: Explore Williamsburg
Lunch: Di Fara – get a slice of classic New York Pizza. Many consider Di Fara the GOAT of NY Style Pizza. I see no reason to stop at 1.
Head to DUMBO. Explore the area and definitely take in thee Manhattan Bridge View. Evil Twin Brewery https://www.yelp.com/biz/evil-twin-brewing-dumbo-taproom-brooklyn?osq=Brewery+Restaurants is a great place to hydrate too before dinner
Dinner: Peter Lugers https://www.yelp.com/biz/peter-luger-brooklyn-2 —– my favorite steakhouse in the US. Get a side of bacon too – simply delicious or head to Aska https://www.yelp.com/biz/aska-brooklyn-3 for an amazing tasting menu experience.
Dessert: Il Lab del Gelato https://www.yelp.com/biz/il-laboratorio-del-gelato-new-york (next door to Katz)
Day 4 - Midtown
Breakfast: Russ & Daughters https://www.yelp.com/biz/russ-and-daughters-new-york – best lox bagel in Manhattan imho.
Activity: Head to Columbus Circle. I love to start my Northern Midtown Journey here as it gives you a great perspective at the border of Central Park Then walk down 59th St to 5th Avenue.
Head south on 5th avenue and make stops at what is left of the America’s greatest department stores (Bergdorf Goodman, Saks 5th Avenue, and anything else that catches your eye) and other iconic buildings. Also stop to see St Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th and 5th Ave.
Then walk over to Rockefeller Center and take in the beauty of 20th century art deco architecture. Then proceed to walk a couple blocks over to 42nd and 7th Ave to take in the spectacle that is Times Square. Feel free to stop at the Halal Cart at 44th and 6th if you are hungry on the way over. It’s worth it!
After Walk over to Grand Central Station and Marvel at the Metlife and Chrysler Buildings.
At this point, you are definitely hungry if you didnt stop at the Helal Cart.
Lunch: Los Tacos No.1 https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-tacos-no-1-new-york-3 across the street from Grand Central and arguably the best tacos in Manhattan.
After lunch walk over to Bryant Park and dine on some after lunch pastries at Breads Bakery. Sit on a bench and enjoy the scene of Bryant Park while eating a pastry.
Now that you are nourished, head back down 5th Ave to see the Empire State Building.
Finally, continue walking down 5th Ave. to the Flat Iron Building. If you still have energy, keep walking to Gramercy Park or Union Square and people watch. I’m ready for a nap at this point.
Do: Nap
Recommended Dinner: This has been a long day so I want a low-key meal that tastes really good. I’m heading to Momofuko Noodle Bar in the East Village for my favorite Ramen https://www.yelp.com/biz/momofuku-noodle-bar-east-village-new-york or Great NY Noodletown in Chinatown for fried crab, roast duck on rice and roast pork and noodles in soup https://www.yelp.com/biz/great-ny-noodle-town-new-york
Day 5 - Central Park
Breakfast: Breakfast: Supermoon https://www.yelp.com/biz/supermoon-bakehouse-new-york
Activity: Head to the National History Museum on the Upper West Side. Then stroll through Central Park. Take in Belvedere Castle and the view of sky scrapers to the South. Then cross to 5th Avenue on the Upper East Side and head a couple north to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMa).
After MoMa head 4 blocks norths to the Guggenheim
Lunch: Depends on what type of food you want: Drunken Monkey https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-drunken-munkey-ues-new-york for great Indian food or Bigoi Venezia https://www.yelp.com/biz/bigoi-venezia-new-york for good quick pasta.
Do: Nap
Recommended Dinner: Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare https://www.yelp.com/biz/chefs-table-at-brooklyn-fare-new-york – Arguably the best meal in the United States or Le Bernardin https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-bernardin-new-york for a great seafood tasting menu and white table cloth dinner.
The authors of Elevated Viewpoint sport adventurous souls with deep passions for exploring new cultures and cuisines. With a love for finding the best a city has to offer, we seek out both traditional gems and local hotspots in every destination. From savoring exotic flavors to experiencing unique traditions, we are always on the lookout for the next adventure.