5 Day New York Itinerary – An Epic Week for all the family!

New York, New York ( the city so good they named it twice), is one of the bucket list destinations for every traveller. The most populous city and the largest metropolitan area in the United States, it’s rightly revered as a global centre for finance, commerce, technology, theatre, arts and fashion.

It’s truly got something for everyone, from history buffs to food lovers, from entertainment fans through to film critics. New York City is a beacon for the world and a place where there truly is something for everyone, which is hard to fit in a 5 Day New York Itinerary!

With iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, through to the natural beauty of the immaculately tended Central Park, we needed a pretty good itinerary to make sure we captured everything we wanted to see.

As we were travelling as a family, the key to keeping everyone happy was ensuring that everyone got to see something they were interested in. This included a theatre loving pre-teen girl, and a transport obsessed young boy, as well as a mother who loved her nature hotspots and a father who was very keen to sample some New York food!

This is a bit of a long post, so grab a drink and strap in for your 5 Day New York Itinerary!

Tips for First Time Visitors to New York

Before your trip to New York, it’s always important to consider what you need to pack. It all depends on what time of year you are going – a NY summer is very different to a NY winter!

Clothing: Hey, in an International City like New York, everything goes, from National Dress to Black Tie to tracksuits – but be mindful of the fact that New York experiences very distinct seasons, so pack accordingly.

July is the hottest month in New York with an average temperature of 25°C (76°F), and the coldest is January at 2°C (35°F), with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in July. The wettest month is May with an average of 114mm of rain. Don’t make the mistake Mrs B made, which was to pack a sleeveless Gilet as your coat (she got very wet arms!)

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as New York is one of those rare things in the USA – a pedestrian-friendly city with extensive public transportation. Choose shoes suitable for walking long distances and navigating the streets. I took one pair of everyday trainers and it was fine!

Electronics: I’m assuming you’re going to pack your normal essential electronics, such as a universal power adapter, smartphone and camera, but an extra power bank battery for your phone is a good idea if you’re going to be using it to navigate around – Google Maps does hammer the battery life.

Phones: New York is well served by mobile (cellular) coverage. We came from the UK, and our mobile provider allowed us to use our existing data plan for an additional payment of £25 per week – check with your service provider what they can offer you. Otherwise, e-SIMS can be purchased at the airport.

WiFi: When it comes to connectivity, New York City has loads of free Wi-Fi available in many public areas, so staying connected is really convenient. Unlike in the UK, the free Wi-Fi actually works – let’s hope that radical idea catches on in London soon!

Travel Documents: Essential travel documents include your passport, ESTA (or visa if required), travel insurance, flight tickets, and hotel reservations. Keep these documents organised and easily accessible throughout your trip.

Of note, the British Foreign Office advises visitors to the USA to keep proof of entitlement to visit the USA on your person, which in practice means keeping your passport with entry stamps handy.

Cash and Cards: While credit and debit cards and Apple/Google Pay are widely accepted in New York, I would definitely make sure you have some dollars on you for small purchases and the occasional staff tip.

New York has a big tipping culture, and if in doubt, get some dollars out. I took $200 in cash for a week and still came back with some spare!

Weirdly, we found neither our credit nor debit cards would work on the MTA subway system, so we had to resort to buying our MTA Travel Cards in cash from a machine at a subway station. I’m not sure if that was just my bank or if overseas cards are simply not accepted there.

Travel Accessories: Consider packing travel accessories such as a lightweight daypack to carry waterproofs, a reusable water bottle, a travel umbrella, and a foldable bag for shopping. Water fountains are fairly plentiful in New York, and you can top up water at various points throughout your day while feeling smug about your environmentally sound credentials.

Convenience Stores: As with most big cities, there seemed to be a convenience store on every block. They’re great for picking up snacks as you walk around – just try and steer any children away from the candy aisle!

Respect the Road System: New York traffic really is something else, but the system does seem to work. Do not try and buck the system by jaywalking or crossing the road at random points. Use the crosswalks or be prepared to suffer the wrath of a furious New York cab driver!

Getting Around New York

New York boasts a comprehensive and pretty efficient transportation network that makes navigating the city convenient and accessible for both locals and visitors. Sure, it’s no Japan when it comes to transport, but it’s still really good for getting around!

How to Get to New York (Manhattan) from JFK Airport

You have two main public transport options for getting from JFK Airport to New York.

Subway: The closest subway station to JFK Airport is Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport. To get there, you can take the AirTrain JFK from JFK Airport to Jamaica and transfer to the subway.

The subway goes directly to different parts of Manhattan, but it takes longer to get there. One subway ride costs $2.90. A new MetroCard costs $1, but adding more money is free.

Long Island Rail Road: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also stops at Jamaica. You can take the AirTrain to the station, and then transfer to a Manhattan-bound train.

The Long Island Rail Road is a commuter rail service that goes into Manhattan, and it is faster but more expensive than the subway. A ticket to Manhattan costs $5 during off-peak periods or $7 during peak periods. Fares to other destinations vary.

Whether you take the subway or LIRR, you will need to pay the $8.50 AirTrain fare when you exit the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. You can use a MetroCard, which you can buy from a ticket machine at Jamaica Station. Children under 5 ride free on the AirTrain.

If you prefer to get a taxi, a taxi from JFK Airport to Manhattan has a flat rate of $70, plus tolls, surcharges, and a tip. The total cost can range from $70 to $80 or more, depending on the time of day and destination within Manhattan.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:

• Flat Rate: $70
• Peak Hour Surcharge: An additional $5 is added during weekdays between 4 pm and 8 pm.
• The New York State Congestion Surcharge is $2.50 for Yellow Taxis (or $0.75 for pooled rides) if the trip passes through or ends in Manhattan south of 96th Street.
• Toll: You can expect to pay approximately $6.94 in tolls.
• Tip: It’s customary to tip the driver 15-20%.

How to Get to New York (Manhattan) from Newark Airport

Newark Airport is about 20 miles from New York (Manhattan). Again, your main options are either a taxi (as above), which typically costs between $70 and $120, plus tolls and tip.

It’s worth noting that an official taxi normally costs more than a ride sharing journey through Uber or similar. The exact fare will vary depending on traffic and the specific location in Manhattan you’re heading for.

Probably the most convenient option is taking the train directly from the airport to New York Penn Station in New York, which is about $18 and takes less than 40 minutes.

How to Get to New York (Manhattan) from LaGuardia Airport

Your best public transit option from LaGuardia Airport is the LaGuardia Link Q70, a free bus that travels non stop from the airport to the subway lines in Jackson Heights, Queens. You can also ride one more stop to Woodside for the Long Island Rail Road. From there, you can transfer to the metro to complete your journey.

A taxi from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Manhattan typically costs between $40 and $70, plus tolls and tip. Again, the exact fare will vary depending on traffic and your specific location in Manhattan.

How to Get Around New York

Buses, Subway or Taxi?
New York has a comprehensive and efficient transportation network that makes navigating the city convenient and accessible for both locals and visitors. While parts of it may look a bit run down and shabby, and the metro carriages are decidedly utilitarian, it is cheap and efficient and absolutely fine for moving around the city.

Buses (New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Buses):

There are several kinds of buses in New York City, including:

• Local buses
• Select Bus Service (SBS) buses, which make fewer stops, travel on priority routes, and board at all doors.
• Limited (LTD) buses, which look like local buses but make fewer stops. Look for “LTD” on the front of the bus and purple signage at bus stops.
• Express buses, which look like coach buses and run between boroughs. Many operate only during weekday rush hours.
• All MTA buses are accessible for riders who use a wheelchair.

Subway (New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Subway):

By annual ridership, the New York City Subway is the busiest rapid transit system in both the Western Hemisphere and the Western world, as well as the eleventh-busiest rapid transit rail system in the world. The subway is fast, punctual, and often the most efficient way to travel between neighbourhoods and attractions rather than risking the gridlock of the roads above.

Maps of both bus routes and subway routes are available for free via the MTA website.

Taxis:

They are a convenient option for short trips, late-night travel when trains are less frequent, or navigating areas not easily accessible by public transit.

Important Considerations:

• Yellow Cabs: Legal yellow cabs can be found pretty much everywhere and can be flagged down from the sidewalk.

• Capacity: Standard yellow cabs can fit 4 people with luggage.

• Illegal Cabs: Beware of illegal cab drivers who may approach you!

This is the option we decided to take when we arrived in New York from JFK. While it wasn’t the cheapest, we got a great view of New York at night as we drove into the city, and we were too jetlagged to cope with the public transport options at that stage!

Where to Stay in New York

New York is a massive metropolis of diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere, culture, and attractions. We opted to stay in the Midtown area, mainly because it was central, easy to get to and had easy access to many tourist areas and sights.

Plus, we could push north to Uptown and down (to Downtown) easily enough, as well as be near the transport hub, which is Grand Central Station.

Midtown New York

Busy Midtown Manhattan is home to iconic attractions like Times Square and the Museum of Modern Art, and architectural landmarks including the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Flatiron Building, and the Empire State Building, so it’s a great place to base yourself for a City Break.

Our Top 3 Picks – Midtown Manhattan Hotels

#1 TOP PICK

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DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South
✔️ Great breakfasts!
✔️ Trusted brand
✔️ Reasonable price

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#2 PICK

The Knickerbocker
✔️ Luxury option
✔️ Ideal for couples
✔️ Excellent location

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#3 PICK

Hilton Garden Inn
✔️ Friendly Staff
✔️ Free fitness centre
✔️ Family friendly

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Complete 5 Day New York Itinerary

Now that you’ve chosen your hotel, you know what to pack and how to get around, but how do you fit everything that New York has to offer into 5 short days?

Well, as always, it’s really all down to you and your family’s preferences, but I’m sharing what we did here, on the off chance you’re travelling with a theatre obsessed 11 year old girl and a warplane obsessed 10 year old boy.

Not that I want to stereotype, but that seems like a common theme!

We tried to divide Manhattan up into Midtown and Downtown, but we chopped and changed depending on the mood of the children, the weather and how everyone was feeling – I am sure you’ll do the same!

Day 1 – Midtown Part 1

Following the age-old British maxim of “Go big, or go home“, we started at the Top of the Rock to get the very best views of the New York skyline. Taking the express elevator right to the very top, we managed to take in the views of the unforgettable city skyline, being able to see as far out as JFK airport (where we had just flown into), as well as the spectacular views over the Hudson River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.

With the impressive views of New York seared firmly into our minds, we felt the need to touch grass again after being so high up, so we headed towards Central Park to admire New York from street level.

It was a beautiful spring day, so in addition to strolling through the lush greenery, we opted to take a slightly longer walk up to Belvedere Castle to really take in the entire view of the park – you can read more about Central Park and Belvedere Castle in our blog “11 Free things to do in New York“.

As we were nearby, we then opted to head over the road to the American Museum of Natural History, which was a fascinating exhibition of all things natural history, with an obvious slant on American natural history.

My daughter, being a fan of all things shiny, was particularly taken with the display of jewels and precious stones on the first floor and was most disappointed to find out you were not allowed to take any as souvenirs!

American Museum of Natural History

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TICKETS
✔️ Gain entry into the over 40 Museum Halls
✔️ Access to permanent exhibits
✔️ Access to the new Gilder Center

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To round off a busy first day of walking and looking, we headed for dinner at Bills Bar and Burger of New York, which, as the name suggests, serves mostly burgers, although the chicken wings and fish burgers were also pretty tasty. Special mention to the milkshakes, which were basically a dessert in themselves!

Day 2 – Midtown Part 2

After a leisurely hotel breakfast (the time difference took a day or so to get used to!), we headed off towards Grand Central Station to admire some art deco buildings. This was not enthusiastically received by the children, although The Boy was pleased to spot his first real life NYPD police officer.

After a brief scan around, we headed towards the chaos that was, of course, Times Square, both of which are also covered off in our blog about the free things to do when you’re in New York City!

After all that walking around, we decided a proper stop for lunch was in order, so what else is there to do in New York besides try a genuine bagel from Liberty Bagels? Liberty Bagels has garnered numerous accolades and rave reviews for its exceptional bagels and commitment to excellence.

They continue to be a staple in the New York City food scene, offering a taste of tradition and a slice of authentic bagel culture, so it’s a must-eat place for any New York visitor!

We then decided we needed to see a proper New York apartment store, so where else but Macy’s Department Store should we go? Established in 1858, it really is the Great American Department Store—an iconic retailing brand with the flagship store in Herald Square well worth a quick nose around.

Just make sure you steer any kids with you quickly past the huge candy section!

Finally, there was enough time to head slightly downtown as some of our group (me) wanted to see the iconic Ghostbusters HQ (in real life, an operational NYFD Fire House!) and others (the Girl) wanted to see the Friends Apartment block, both of which only appeared on our screens for a brief fraction of time but had left indelible memories on our respective brains.

Sure, it was a bit of a journey for a ten-second photo-op, but if you didn’t go now, when would you ever go?

Day 3 – Midtown Part 3

By Day 3, The Boy was all but rebelling at the lack of “cool things that would interest a ten-year-old boy,” so it was off to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. To be fair, this is a very cool spot that details the rich history of not only the ship itself but also various aircraft and, to my complete delight, the actual Enterprise space shuttle used by NASA.

Sadly, Mrs B dissuaded me from spending $400 on a genuine NASA soft shell jacket, which would have kept me warm in actual space, never mind New York in April.

Intrepid Museum

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INTREPID MUSEUM TICKET
✔️ Museum admission with priority access
✔️ Access to Intrepid Air Craft Carrier
✔️ Access to Space Shuttle Pavilion

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Fortunately, not far from the Intrepid is the High Line, so it was off there next, a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the West Side of Manhattan.

It really does give you a unique way of looking at the downtown area of Manhattan and shows a really creative way to reuse old railway infrastructure.

It was at this point that The Girl was becoming outraged at the amount of Dad friendly activities we were undertaking, so it was an emergency trip to The New York Museum of Ice Cream, which is heavy on the ice cream and light on the museum.

This makes it ideal for children, especially if the weather looks a bit iffy. Basically a pink, interactive ice cream-themed museum with a sprinkles pool, subway, and a terrifying 3-floor slide guaranteed to amuse children and put the back out of any adult mad enough to follow their kids down.

Another place worth mentioning is Little Island and Chelsea Market. Little Island is located on the West Side at Pier 55 (near West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District) and is a unique 2.4-acre public park that seems to float above the Hudson River on concrete “tulip” structures. It was opened in 2021 as part of Hudson River Park.

Chelsea Market is an enclosed food hall and shopping mall in a historic former Nabisco factory building. It has over 35 food vendors offering everything from lobster rolls to Thai food and artisanal food shops selling spices, wines, cheeses, and baked goods.

That evening, we split into a group of girls and boys – the girls vanished up to Broadway to see a show, specifically Moulin Rouge and as Mrs B and The Girl were off to Broadway, I decided that we lads should have a treat.

The Boy and I headed out for a massive steak dinner at Smith and Wollensky – I was so impressed with this that I wrote an entire separate blog about it, which you can read here.

Day 4 – Downtown

By Day 4, we had walked about 70 km (according to my Apple Watch) and probably the same distance again by metro, so we tried to keep all of our activities Downtown for our last full day. We started by heading to Battery Park to admire the views and the gardens before letting the kids have a quick blast on the Seaglass Carousel.

We then headed over to the Staten Island ferry, as this is both free and takes you right past the Statue of Liberty, so we duly sailed past, waving happily at other tourists in passing boats and admiring this timeless icon of New York.

This is a bit of a hot spot for scammers who will try and sell unwary tourists tickets for a free ferry – don’t listen to them, simply go into the ferry terminal and get on and enjoy!

We then headed north to have a quick peek at Brooklyn Bridge, with its iconic stone arches supporting five lanes of vehicles, a pedestrian promenade and a protected bicycle path. As of 2022, an average of over 107,000 vehicles, 32,000 pedestrians and 4,000 cyclists travel over the Brooklyn Bridge each day (not including you. Or me).

Next up was the 9/11 Memorial Museum, part of the World Trade Centre complex, created for remembering the September 11, 2001, attacks, which killed 2,977 people, and the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, which killed six.

It’s extremely educational and horrifying in equal measure, and it’s easy to forget that there are people in their 20s alive now who have no knowledge of this event that changed the world.

The guardians of the museum have done an excellent job of respectfully remembering not only the victims, but the heroism of those first responders who battled so hard to save people on that fateful day.

While not the happiest event on a vacation, it’s certainly essential to remember.

9/11 TICKETS

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9/11 Memorial & Museum
✔️ Free cancellation
✔️ Duration 1 hour
✔️ Access to the Museum’s current exhibitions

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Day 5 – Last Minute Helicopter Trips and Shopping!

Look, I’ll be honest, I’ve always wanted to take a helicopter flight over New York, and The Boy had never been in a helicopter, so when the girls announced they were off to do some last minute shopping – and I found we had a few dollars left in our holiday budget – we headed straight to the Downtown Manhattan Helicopter Port on Pier 6.

We booked ourselves onto a 18 minute flight over New York, going via the Stature of Liberty again.

You can do a lot of research on the Internet about the various companies and the packages they offer, but if you want a basic flight, they are all much of a muchness – pick the one that works for you at the budget you have set and go for it.

They all seem to follow the same pattern – book online, you have to turn up 45 minutes in advance to get a safety brief and have a life vest fitted, before you get escorted out to your flight and have a few happy snaps taken in front of the helicopter of your choice before heading skywards for a unique view of the NYC skyline.

#1 HELICOPTER RIDE

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Big Apple Helicopter Tour
✔️ Free cancellation
✔️ Duration 15 – 30 minutes
✔️ Small group

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Finally, we headed back to 5th Avenue to pick up some souvenirs and have a bit of lunch before we headed home.

The kids particularly loved Glace, a hot chocolate with a twist and at $12, quite pricey, but well worth it!

Final Thoughts

New York is one hell of a city and well worth a trip if you’re planning your next destination. There really is something for everyone, and even with a well planned 5 Day New York Itinerary you might struggle to fit everything in.

So ruthlessly prioritise, don’t be afraid to change plans if the weather or your mood changes and, as always, have those Boarding Passes ready!