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5 Days in the Big Apple: Exploring the Best of New York City

Taina Rodriguez

Taina Rodriguez

27 Sep 2023

Join me on a thrilling 5-day adventure through the vibrant streets of New York City. From iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty to hidden gems like Bryant Park and Little Island, this itinerary has it all. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture, breathtaking views, and mouthwatering cuisine of the city that never sleeps.

Trip to New York

Day 1
+

$175

·

$ 11

Bryant Park
Green space behind the NY Public Library's main branch, with 4 acres, a cafe and other food kiosks.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Madame Tussauds New York
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous Americans & historic icons in themed galleries.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$175
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Times Square
Bustling destination in the heart of the Theater District known for bright lights, shopping & shows.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Apollo Theater
Showbiz legends & amateurs alike take the stage at this longtime music hall.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2
+

$0

·

$ 11

Rockefeller Center
Famous complex that's home to TV studios, plus a seasonal ice rink & a giant Christmas tree.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Radio City Music Hall
Circa-1932 art deco theater hosting the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, concerts & more.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Central Park
Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$380

·

$ 11

St. Patrick's Cathedral
Towering Neo-Gothic church from 1879 with twin spires & storied history opposite Rockefeller Center.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Top of The Rock
Observatory on top of Rockefeller Center, with an ocean-liner style design, offering city views.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$190
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Empire State Building
Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$190
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Madison Square Park
Public green space featuring sculptures, a dog run & views of the Flatiron Building.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$265

·

$ 22

Little Island
Island park with a striking stilt design, featuring flower beds & shows at a waterside amphitheater.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

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Directions

9/11 Memorial & Museum
Plaza, pools & exhibits honoring victims of 1993 & 2001 WTC terrorist attacks. Free timed admission.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$140
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Statue of Liberty
Iconic National Monument opened in 1886, offering guided tours & a museum, plus harbor & city views.
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$125
Day 5
+

$0

·

$ 33

Liberty State Park
Waterfront views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, plus miles of tree-lined walkways.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
36 - 44 min

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Directions

Brooklyn Bridge Park
This urban oasis features shaded picnic tables, hibachi-style BBQ grills & river views.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Brooklyn Bridge
Beloved, circa-1883 landmark connecting Manhattan & Brooklyn via a unique stone-&-steel design.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Katz's Delicatessen
No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Grand Central Terminal
Iconic train station known for its grand facade & main concourse, also offering shops & dining.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $908 In total

Activities & Food:$820
Transport:$88