5 Days in New York City

By Casey Makovich

Spending 5 days in New York City gives you plenty of opportunities to visit all of the essential tourist attractions and more. With 5 days, you won’t be too rushed, so you can relax and take your time enjoying the sights within the city. This 5-day NYC itinerary is just one example of how you can make the most of your trip to New York City - with The New York Pass, your sightseeing possibilities are endless and you can completely tailor your sightseeing itinerary to your interests.

This Sample 5 Days in NYC Itinerary Includes:

  • Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour
  • The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour
  • Yankee Stadium Tours
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Top NYC Attractions

With The New York Pass, you can save big on admission to more than 90 attractions in the city. Experience the best of NYC and visit as many sites as you want each day for one low price with this flexible pass. Simply put, you decide what to see and when you want to see it! Learn more about our available passes and attractions.

DAY 1

Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Start your trip with an overview tour of the city to get acquainted with the top attractions and city layout. This will help you plan which sights and attractions you want to go back to and spend more time at later on during your trip. The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour lets you choose from 3 routes that explore all of Manhattan: Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown. Hop off at any of the over 25 popular stops along the way to explore an area by foot or visit attractions. As you ride along, you'll hear live commentary from your onboard tour guide, so you'll get an entertaining overview of the city's history, culture, popular spots, and more.

Greenwich Village Walking Tour

NYC - Washington Square Park By Jean-Christophe BENOIST (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Explore the artistic community of Greenwich Village and stop by the ever-exciting Washington Square Park, where you will always find some form of entertainment. This neighborhood was at the heart of the 1960s counter-culture movement and is still into one of the trendiest areas in New York City with cafes, jazz clubs, theaters, the picturesque Washington Square Park, and many NYU buildings. Getting in: Greenwich Village Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Madison Square Garden – All Access Tour

Madison Square Garden marquee 2007 EM NYC (2185085378) By Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA (NYC) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Take a tour of the world's most famous entertainment arena, Madison Square Garden. This all-access tour knows no limits and will even take you into the locker rooms of your favorite New York sports teams. Getting in: Madison Square Garden: MSG All Access Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Hudson River Sightseeing Bike Rentals

What could be more relaxing than a nice leisurely ride along the Hudson River? Head to Hudson River Sightseeing Bike Rentals and pick up a full day bike rental to explore the sights of New York City at your own place (can be a great way to get around to attractions on your New York City itinerary!). Getting in: Hudson River Sightseeing Bike Rentals are included with The New York Pass.

DAY 2

The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Start your day with a tour of Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood and view one of New York's most iconic landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge on a guided tour. You'll get to explore the vibrant and trendy Brooklyn neighborhood and get great views of the Manhattan skyline as you learn all about this historic neighborhood. Getting in: The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Shearwater Classic Schooner - Manhattan by Sail

Experience New York City's waterfront as you cruise on the historic Shearwater Classic Schooner ship and view the best sights that the city has to offer. This 1.5-hour cruise gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sights as you sail along. Getting in: Shearwater Classic Schooner cruise tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Museum at Eldridge Street

After your cruise, head to the Museum at Eldridge Street, a historic synagogue. While exploring this museum's beautifully decorated interiors, you’ll learn all about its significance to Jewish history and culture, particularly in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Getting in: Museum at Eldridge St. tickets are included with The New York Pass.

DAY 3

Rockefeller Center Tour

Become an expert on the legendary Rockefeller Center by taking an entertaining and enlightening guided tour of the plaza and learn the building's history and symbolic status in NYC's history. Getting in: Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Shopping at Macy’s Herald Square - Receive an 11% Saving Pass

Macy's Herald Square is one of the largest department stores in the world - and a New York City landmark - offering a huge selection of name brand designers and popular styles. You can use your New York Pass to enjoy 10% savings inside of the store. Getting in: 11% savings pass at Macy's Heral Square get an exclusive with The New York Pass.

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue from west By Beyond My Ken (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Explore the massive collection at the Museum of the City of New York and see how multimedia and advanced technology are incorporated with the exhibits hosted by the museum. There's plenty to discover as the museum boasts a collection of over 1.5 million items. Getting in: Museum of the city of New York tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Yankee Stadium Tours

Travel to the Bronx and take a tour of the historic Yankee Stadium. This 1-hour tour takes you through the stadium while an experienced tour guide tells you everything there is to know about baseball's most storied franchise, the 27-time MLB World-Series champion New York Yankees. Getting in: Yankee Stadium: Classic Stadium Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

DAY 4

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Climb aboard the award-winning USS intrepid and roam one of New York City's most unique museums. View groundbreaking exhibits and learn more about the aircraft as well as the team that operated it before it became one of the most popular museums in New York. Getting in: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

Visit the world-famous Radio City Music Hall and go backstage to get a better understanding of what goes on during shows in the historic performance venue. An experienced tour guide will show you every corner of Radio City and you may even meet a special guest. Getting in: Radio City Music Hall: Stage Door Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

View artistic masterpieces created by legends like Claude Monet and Van Gogh as you stroll the halls of the Museum of Modern Art. You’ll find plenty of exciting installations waiting inside of the museum and a beautiful garden where you can relax after enjoying the exhibits. Getting in: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with The New York Pass.

DAY 5

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Enjoy the waves and take in the beautiful sights of New York City on one of several Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. With Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, you can choose which popular cruise option you would like to take and Circle Line provides multiple cruises throughout the day so you get to choose whether you’d like to sail in the day or at night. Getting in: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Inside Broadway Tours

New York City is the home of Broadway entertainment and not only can you catch a show while you’re in town, you can also take an informative tour that lets you know everything about Broadway. You’ll even meet Broadway actors who are kind enough to share their own behind the scenes experiences. Getting in: Inside Broadway Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

The Cloisters Museum and Gardens

The Cloisters from Garden By Jose olivares (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Journey to Fort Tryon Park where you’ll see one of New York City’s true gems. The Cloisters Museum specializes in artifacts from the medieval era and boasts an impressive collection of antique art that doesn't disappoint.

Getting in: The MET: Cloisters tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Remember to Save on Admission

With 5 days in NYC, there's enough time to see all the major sites and landmarks and really get to know the city. A lot of the activities and attractions mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass–save money on admission to dozens of the most popular attractions in NYC is included for one low price. Save anywhere up to 70% off of the city’s most sought-after attractions with the pass versus regular gate admission prices. Learn more about The New York Pass here.

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Things To Do In New York Indoors For Tourists

While NYC is well known for its majestic skyline and landscaped parks, the city’s indoor treasures can actually rival its outdoor ones. Here’s a roundup of 10 great ways to spend your time indoors when in the Big Apple. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. A Broadway Show Take in a high-kicking Broadway show. There’s always a great lineup of popular shows. See the new Cirque du Soleil Paramour, the Lion King, Chicago, Waitress, Cats and much more. You won’t mind being indoors when at a terrific Broadway show. You can easily purchase tickets online. Tip: New York Pass holders can save 10% off Broadway tickets when purchasing through the New York Pass Concierge 2. Museum of Modern Art Explore the Museum of art. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of modern art and showcases the timeline of art history. See masters like Monet, Manet, Pollock and Warhol. Plus, you can dine, drink and watch a movie all under the same roof. Films range from art flicks to indie foreign movies. Visit the bookstore and its gift shop for some cool souvenirs. Dine at Terrace 5 for some yummy dessert and indulge in some gourmet French-inspired fare at the Modern. A day at the Museum of Modern Art is just plain fun and cool. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Chelsea Piers You can golf, rock climb and play ice hockey, all indoors at Chelsea Piers. There’s even batting cages. This 28-acre waterfront complex stands over the Hudson River. It’s the ideal place to have some indoor fun and stay fit. Get your exercise on at Chelsea Piers. Admission: Chelsea Piers activities are not included with the New York Pass. 4. Madame Tussauds Take a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square and head to the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street. It’s an entertaining afternoon, and you snap some selfies with famous celebs like Obama and Justin Timberlake. It’s both spooky and exciting. Plus, it has the exhibit Ghostbuster’s Experience. It’s a truly virtual ghostbusting reality experience and one of its newer additions. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. 5. Bowlmor Lanes Bowlmor is not yesteryear’s bowling alley. It’s got a cool soundtrack, shiny lanes and a full cocktail menu. And with its New York style comfort food, you can enjoy a two-foot-long hotdog-the Coney Mega Dog. There’s also a very large entertainment space with a video arcade, laser tag and a ropes course. Let the good times roll at Bowlmor. Bowlmor is a day of indoor adventure. It’s definitely a very distinct New York place. 6. American Museum of Natural History Dart over to the American Museum of Natural History and explore nature indoors. There’s a massive underwater world in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life where you gaze up at a 94-foot blue whale. Discover the fauna and flora of the Big Apple. Meet the giant dinosaurs of yesterday and watch the solar system come to life in the Hayden Planetarium. It’s a walk on the wild side at the American Museum of Natural History. Admission: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York Pass. 7. Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal is a great indoor escape. It features classic architecture, many boutiques, a gourmet market and upend cocktails. See the famous astrological ceiling and take a detailed audio tour. You can even hop on a train or subway. If you’re feeling some hunger pangs, pick up some gourmet sandwiches at the Grand Central Market or some fresh seafood at Grand Central Oyster Bar. Enjoy a picnic on the grass at Central Park. It’s right nearby. Admission: Grand Central Terminal Audio-Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. 8. Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool The Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is the ideal indoor rooftop retreat. Take in sweeping vistas of Central Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also relax in its 40-foot long pool with its soothing waters. Get poolside room service, eat at the hotel’s famous Burger Joint and get access to the Gravity Fitness Center. There are basketball courts, racquetball courts and cardio machines. It’s more than just swimming indoors at the Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool. Admission: Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is not included with the New York Pass. 9. La Mano Pottery Feel like getting your hands dirty? Head for La Mano Pottery. Take a pottery workshop in this large studio, which has electric kilns, throw wheels and pottery tools. You don’t have to be experienced. The workshops are for beginners too.There’s also a gallery of fine art exhibitions of pottery. Admission: La Mano Pottery is not included with the New York Pass. 10. Modern Pinball Indoors According to CNN, this unique pinball parlor it totally retro. Play pinball on machines that date back to the 1970s while listening to retro tunes. You can get a pass for the day or purchase playing time by the hour. Who knows? Maybe you’re a pinball wizard. It doesn’t even have to be a rainy day to enjoy the city’s indoor treasures. You’ll want to be a part of it even if the sun is out. From indoor activities to outdoor activities, the Big Apple serves it all for tourists. And that’s one of the reasons why millions of folks around the globe take a trip to New York City. There’s just no other place like it on the planet. Admission: Modern Pinball is not included with the New York Pass. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission Paying admission to all of these attractions in New York City can certainly put a dent in your pocket. However, the New York Pass grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York so that you can enjoy more and save more during your trip. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
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Things To Do In Brooklyn for Tourists

Brooklyn has so much to offer tourists, from hip eateries to trendy galleries, world-class art museums to relaxing gardens. This NYC borough is known for its diverse neighborhoods and cutting-edge culture. Here, you'll truly find something for every traveler. In fact, there's so much to do, see, taste and experience in Brooklyn, that tourists may want to start with our list of top local activities and attractions, including... Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Museum of Art Weeksville Heritage Center Jewish Children's Museum New York Transit Museum And more! Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Brooklyn Botanic Garden The Brooklyn Botanic Garden makes it easy to get back to nature, even in the heart of the city! For over 100 years, this historic garden has delighted, inspired, and educated visitors with 52 acres of lush plant collections. Relax in the calm of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, travel back in time in the Shakespeare Garden, or learn about New York's wildflowers and woodlands in the Native Flora Garden. Even winter visitors can enjoy green foliage and colorful blossoms in the climate-controlled plant pavilions and greenhouses; there's even a plant-themed gallery for the art enthusiast. Admission: Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are included with the New York Pass. Brooklyn Museum of Art Calling all art lovers: you'll want to take your time exploring the Brooklyn Museum of Art. With five floors and more than 1.5 million pieces, this institution is the U.S.'s second-largest art museum. Displays cover thousands of years of human artistic endeavors, ranging from ancient Egyptian works to contemporary masterpieces. You'll find world-famous pieces by Rothko, O'Keefe, Rockwell, and more as well as special exhibits and displays. Admission: Brooklyn Museum of Art tickets are included with the New York Pass. Weeksville Heritage Center Travel back in time to the 19th century at the Weeksville Heritage Center. This interactive museum is located in one of the first free African-American communities in the country. Here, you'll find carefully preserved local history and learn about life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore this historic site, enjoy lunch at the cafe, attend a performance and experience day-to-day life from another era. Jewish Children's Museum If you're visiting Brooklyn with little ones, don't miss the Jewish Children's Museum. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special programming make learning about Jewish culture and history fun. You can join a craft workshop, climb on the 50,000-square-foot wire structure, and play in the museum's two state-of-the-art computer labs. Young tourists will love the mini-golf course on the museum's roof, as well as the game show studio and game gallery. Brooklyn Historical Society Delve into the borough's rich history at the Brooklyn Historical Society. This combination museum, library and educational center has been documenting the borough's history since it opened its doors in 1863; today, the Brooklyn Historical Society serves as community and civic center in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Located in a stunning landmark building, the Society offers exhibits, maps, manuscripts and photos, all related to 400 years of local history. New York Transit Museum New York City is home to the largest public transportation system in the U.S.; visitors to the New York Transit Museum can learn all about this amazing network. Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the museum provides visitors with an immersive, interactive experience. Learn about the long history of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as you explore how engineering, technology, and hard work transformed New York's transit system. The museum features a working platform level, vintage cars, city buses and exhibits that explore the past — and future — of transportation. Admission: New York Transit Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Liberty Helicopters See Brooklyn — and a lot more — from the air as you soar over the city with Liberty Helicopters. New York City's largest and most experienced helicopter fleet gives you a bird's-eye view as you soar above the city. With safety and security as the top priority, you can choose from two helicopter tour options. Get your camera ready, because these views are unparalleled! Tip: New York Pass holders can receive a 15% discount on their Big Apple or NY, NY Tours from Liberty Helicopters. Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn Brooklyn is known for its urban art, and graffiti/street art is a prime example of this creative, cultural phenomenon. On the Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn, you'll take to the streets of Bushwick to uncover works by some of the city's prominent local artists. Your experienced guide will provide both historical and sociological context for the many works you'll encounter on the tour. Expect a glimpse into the colorful, vibrant and creative world of street art. Admission: Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included with the New York Pass. Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg No exploration of Brooklyn would be complete without exploring one of the borough's most famous neighborhoods, Williamsburg. As you stroll the streets of this artsy district, you'll find boutiques, galleries, eateries and lofts galore, a.k.a. the quintessential Brooklyn experience. Keep your eyes peeled for historical buildings and street art as your tour guide illuminates Williamsburg's development over the years, including the influx of "hipsters" and the effects of gentrification. Admission: Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg tickets are included with the New York Pass. Remember to Save on Admission As you can see, there's plenty of great attractions to visit in Brooklyn. Make the most of your trip by visiting more attractions and saving more money with the New York Pass. If you're a New York Pass holder, you can easily show your pass for free entry at over 90 attractions in New York City as opposed to paying admission at each venue. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
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New York in December

Few cities know how to celebrate the holidays quite like New York. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city during December, you’ll notice New York’s most iconic landmarks transformed with lights, decorations and events in time for the holidays. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s festive Broadway shows, holiday markets, sightseeing or all three, it's easy to get into the spirit of the season with so many things to do in New York in December. Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center The sight of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is as impressive as it is famous. A New York City icon, the tree reaches up to 100 feet tall and lighting it has been a NYC tradition since 1933. The ceremony usually takes place in either late November or early December, so if you’re travelling to New York around this time, you’ll enjoy a festive treat. As well as this annual event, you can take advantage of the many shopping and dining options available nearby. Why not lace up a pair of rental skates and glide around the ice rink at Rockefeller Center? Admission: viewing the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is free and open to the public. Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111Opening times: open 24 hoursWebsite: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/ Holiday window displays Every holiday season, world-famous New York City department stores compete to create the best holiday window display. This window display competition creates a great tourist activity that's apt for the holiday season, and it's free! There are five major department stores to check out: Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy's Herald Square. These department stores are all located fairly close to one another in the Midtown area, along Lexington Ave, Madison Ave, Fifth Ave and Broadway. Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall is perhaps most famous for the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes. Ask any local and they’ll agree that no holiday season is complete without this high-energy and highly entertaining performance, with the Rockettes performing eye-high kicks to the beat of festive holiday music. After viewing the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, continue the holiday festivities at the Bryant Park Holiday Market. Just head eight blocks downtown to check out the Market at 6th Ave and 42nd Street. Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020Opening times: the Apollo Theatre Box Office is open Monday to Saturday 10AM - 8PM Empire State Building Lights The celebration, which takes place throughout November and December, will include a seasonal Fifth Ave window display, holiday concerts and surprise appearances by celebrity guests. Decorations in the building's signature Art Deco style adorn the 34th Street Observatory entrance and iconic Fifth Ave lobby, making the interior of the Empire State Building shine like its world-famous tower lights. From the ground floor to the sparkling antenna, ESB spreads holiday cheer throughout every corner of New York City and the world. Visitors can enjoy the attraction’s radiant heaters, which provide extra comfort on ESB's 86th floor exterior 360-degree viewing deck. Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001Opening times: Open every day 3AM - 6PM Dyker Heights Christmas lights During the rest of the year, Dyker Heights is a small area of Brooklyn you might just wander through on your travels. But during the holidays, the area, especially the Kings County neighborhood, is transformed into an illumination-filled festive nightscape widely hailed as the best in NYC. Expect lifesize santas, sleighs, carols and a crowd of all ages. Take down a flask of eggnog and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Address: displays from 11th to 13th Ave (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Time Warner Center If you find the Dyker Heights lights in Brooklyn mesmerizing, try the Time Warner Center lights display. The hanging stars change color every few seconds, and while it’s not as grand and elaborate as the ones in Dyker Heights - nothing is - it’s less crowded, it’s inside (although you can also see them from outside) and you can pop into Williams Sonoma to buy some Peppermint Bark. And, if you’re still in need of more holiday shopping, check out the holiday market right across the street, as well as many others. Address: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019Opening times: display times vary Central Park and Wollman Rink The City of New York gets Central Park all decked out for the holidays. Decorations and lights are put up all over and you may hear Christmas carolers during a holiday visit - a walk through Central Park is especially festive when it’s snowing. The park also offers horse-drawn carriage rides that contribute some rustic charm to a wintertime ride through the park. One wintertime activity that you should definitely take advantage of when you’re in the city for the holidays is ice skating at the Wollman Rink. The rink offers ice skate rentals and it’s located only minutes from the Central Park Zoo. Address: Wollman Rink: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065Opening times: Woolman Rink: 10AM - 11PM / Rockefeller Center: 8.30AM - midnight Strasbourg-Alsace Holiday Market After viewing the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, continue the holiday festivities at the Bryant Park Holiday Market. Just head eight blocks downtown to check out the market at 6th Ave and 42nd Street. Or if you love shopping at the holiday markets but want to check out something new, try the Strasbourg-Alsace Holiday Market in Bowling Green Park. This is truly an under-the-radar holiday event. The market features table linens from Colmar, pottery from Soufflenheim, ornaments from Strasbourg and more. You’ll also find such delicacies as Alsatian craft beer, hot chestnuts and sausages. For more holiday markets, check out our deep dive. Opening times: these vary, but New York’s holiday markets are exclusively open from November - December. Address: 26 Broadway, New York, New York 10004
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