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

Mery Moscoloni

29 Oct 2023

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the vibrant streets of New York City. Discover iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and hidden gems as you immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and history. From the breathtaking views at Top of The Rock to the bustling energy of Times Square, this itinerary has it all. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of the Big Apple!

Trip to New York

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

$166

$ 17

Observatory on top of Rockefeller Center, with an ocean-liner style design, offering city views.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$80

2 - 3 min

Directions

Circa-1932 art deco theater hosting the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, concerts & more.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$66

12 - 15 min

Directions

Multi-venue complex home to many prominent groups like Metropolitan Opera & New York City Ballet.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

This scenic, 1862 pedestrian bridge with a decorative banister is a well-known romantic spot.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

Expansive, manicured public garden with wooded paths, benches & Hudson River views.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$20

Day 2

$114

$ 11

Gothic & Romanesque 1872 castle set on Vista Rock (the park's 2nd highest point) with park views.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Bi-level, lakeside terrace with a large fountain & carvings representing the seasons & times of day.

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Set within Central Park, this small zoo features penguins, sea lions, monkeys & a petting zoo.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$40

3 - 4 min

Directions

This seasonal ice skating rink in Central Park boasts a panoramic view of the city skyline.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$74

13 - 16 min

Directions

Bustling destination in the heart of the Theater District known for bright lights, shopping & shows.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Shimmering art deco skyscraper from 1930 whose spire once made it the world's tallest building.

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3

$136

$ 11

From dinosaurs to outer space & everything in between, this huge museum showcases natural wonders.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$56

15 - 18 min

Directions

Famous complex that's home to TV studios, plus a seasonal ice rink & a giant Christmas tree.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$80

26 - 32 min

Directions

Island linked to Manhattan via an aerial tramway featuring historical sites & city skyline views.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4

$68

$ 11

Metropolitan zoo with 265 acres that harbors 10,000 animals in replicas of their native habitats.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$68

41 - 50 min

Directions

Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Iconic train station known for its grand facade & main concourse, also offering shops & dining.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5

$60

$ 11

Public green space featuring sculptures, a dog run & views of the Flatiron Building.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Green space behind the NY Public Library's main branch, with 4 acres, a cafe and other food kiosks.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

NYC's flagship library, in a beaux arts building next to Bryant Park, flanked by iconic stone lions.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Towering Neo-Gothic church from 1879 with twin spires & storied history opposite Rockefeller Center.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

A grand setting for one of the world's greatest collections of art, from ancient to contemporary.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$60

Day 6

$108

$ 22

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

19th-century home for retired sailors now features cultural events, sculptures & a fountain.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$10

37 - 45 min

Directions

Historic park with Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty views, plus ferry service to both islands.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Observatory located on floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center, with exhibits & restaurants.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$78

11 - 14 min

Directions

Indoor marketplace renowned for its wide range of grocers (fish, produce, etc.), shops & eateries.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Open-air, honeycomb-shaped attraction offering 16 stories & 80 landings for visitors to climb.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

$20

Day 7

$216

$ 11

Flight museum on an aircraft carrier whose exhibits include a Concorde, submarine & space shuttle.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$72

15 - 18 min

Directions

Island park with a striking stilt design, featuring flower beds & shows at a waterside amphitheater.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

A casual cafe, a bar with small plates & American fine dining with views from the 101st floor.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$78

3 - 4 min

Directions

Plaza, pools & exhibits honoring victims of 1993 & 2001 WTC terrorist attacks. Free timed admission.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$66

Day 8

$116

$ 17

Popular park 30 feet above street level on an old rail line, with river & city views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Pink, interactive ice cream-themed museum with a sprinkles pool, subway, 3-floor slide & café.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$66

36 - 44 min

Directions

Waterfront views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, plus miles of tree-lined walkways.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Iconic National Monument opened in 1886, offering guided tours & a museum, plus harbor & city views.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$50

Day 9

$158

$ 11

This urban oasis features shaded picnic tables, hibachi-style BBQ grills & river views.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

A kid-friendly annual cherry blossom festival, a Japanese garden & more, spread across 52 acres.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$36

30 - 36 min

Directions

Fun Brooklyn seaside neighborhood with retro fairground rides, an aquarium, beaches & a pier.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$56

8 - 12 min

Directions

Aquarium on the Coney Island boardwalk hosting exhibits on marine life & daily sea lion shows.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$66

Day 10

$20

$ 22

Sprawling city park featuring the Audubon Center in the historic Boathouse, plus Prospect Park Zoo.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

33 - 40 min

Directions

Beloved, circa-1883 landmark connecting Manhattan & Brooklyn via a unique stone-&-steel design.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

28 - 41 min

Directions

Opened in 1909, this suspension bridge between Brooklyn & Manhattan is known for its ornate portal.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Historic Greenwich Village concrete-&-green park known for its stately arch & prime people watching.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Architect Daniel Burnham's iconic 1902 triangular tower nicknamed for its clothes iron look.

4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1305 In total

Activities & Food:$1162

Transport:$143