You’ve got 10 days in New York. Potentially longer. But what to do you do? Everywhere you look, there’s something new to experience: a hot dog stand here, an Empire State Building there. How does someone prioritize in this bustling city?
And just imagine all the things you could do in that time...
Never fear, we’ve put together our guide to the best spots to visit during your trip. Keep this post handy for inspiration when planning your sightseeing 10-day itinerary or follow it to a tee - whatever works best. The possibilities are (almost) endless!
Here are just some of the things you can see:
- Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- Luna Park at Coney Island
- Empire State Building Observation Deck
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- and more...
DAY 1: Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour
There’s no more comprehensive way to see New York than a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Sit back, relax, and have your selfie stick handy as the bus rolls past major landmarks like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, among other iconic sights. An expert tour guide will commentate on the history of attractions and entertain you along the route, making it a great day out for tourists and locals alike.
Access the tour's three most popular routes: Uptown, Downtown, and Midtown, and have the flexibility to hop on or off at any of the 25+ included stops. If you fancy seeing an area in a bit more detail, why not hop off and join a walking tour, like the one below?
Queens-Flushing International Food Excursion
Put your walking shoes on, hop off at Midtown’s Grand Central Station, and get a real slice of authentic New York in this Queens-Flushing International Food Excursion. Local insight, delivered by a real local expert, will highlight landmarks like The New York State Pavillion (featured in the hit movie Men in Black), and Citi Field, home to the 'Home Run Apple'.
Absorb the sights before arriving at the excursion’s final destination: Queens Night Market. After all that walking, you’ll appreciate the evocative mixture of flavors and fragrances in the night air.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum
The Statue of Liberty’s story is a truly compelling one. Commissioned in recognition of the friendship between the people of France and the US, at the centennial mark of the American Declaration of Independence, it has since grown to symbolize freedom, democracy, and empathy.
Learn more about this epic landmark’s construction by taking a trip to Battery Park and then a ferry to the Statue of Liberty herself. The Statue of Liberty Museum is an essential pitstop during your trip, featuring cutting-edge exhibits and even an app to educate and impress every visitor. Before you set off, remember to pay a visit to the Immigration Museum. This immersive attraction uses creative installations to tell the extensive story of immigrants entering the United States for the first time and being processed through Ellis Island.
Surrey Rental on Governors Island
A trip to Ellis Island will take the best part of the day, so make your way towards Manhattan and rent a surrey, just a 7-minute ferry ride away. Blazing Saddles' surreys can seat up to 6 passengers at a time and help you get from one point of the island to the next, quickly and comfortably.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
There’s no better way to start the day than a trip to this stunning 52-acre garden in the heart of Brooklyn. Famed for its labyrinth of gardens, this extensive display of botanical life houses 14,000 taxa of plants. Its three climate-controlled plant pavilions, cast-iron and glass aquatic plant house, art gallery, and themed gardens attract over 900,000 visitors a year.
Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours
Ride along one of the most iconic bridges in the United States: the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only can you join an informative tour with an expert guide who will teach you the history of the bridge, you can rent a bicycle and ride at your own pace.
DAY 4: American Museum of Natural History
Kick day 4 off at the American Museum of Natural History and explore the wide spectrum of exhibits, from the Hall of Biodiversity to the Fossil Halls and the Hall of Human Origins. You can even see the original Star-Spangled Banner.
Bethesda Fountain
While you’re nearby, stop off at Bethesda Fountain for a picture or two. You still have that selfie stick, right? It's not just one of the largest fountains in New York, measuring 29ft high by 96ft wide, it is one of the most famous.
The angel herself carries a lily in one hand while the other delivers a pose, blessing the water around her feet. This is to commemorate the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which supplied New York City with fresh water.
DAY 5: Luna Park at Coney Island
Inject some adrenaline into your 10 days in New York and spend the day at Luna Park, Coney Island. Home to the first rollercoaster which debuted in 1884, the Gravity Switchback Railway drew crowds of thrill seekers, setting off a craze for rides that quickly spread around the globe. Fast forward to today, and crowds of tourists and New Yorkers alike still flock to the island for the same reason.
Deno's Wonder Wheel
No trip to Coney Island is complete without visiting Deno’s Wonder Wheel. Climb on to the classic carnival ride and take in stunning views of New York City as you scale 150 feet.
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DAY 6: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Decommissioned in 1974, the USS Intrepid was the former aircraft carrier that fought in World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. This incredible ship later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War, and as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s. Now it’s the centerpiece of the interactive Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Situated on the Hudson River, this museum is an essential stop for any history fan.
High Line Chelsea Meatpacking Tour
While you’re in the area, join this entertaining walking tour. The route takes you a mile above New York. High Line Park is packed with activities and offers a great view of the Hudson River. Not to mention the amazing view of the city beneath you!
Empire State Building Observation Deck
Experience a new view of New York City as you look out in every direction from the 86th-floor observation deck at the Empire State Building. Watch the sun set over the city for some truly breathtaking panoramic views. The last admission is at midnight and the ESB observation deck remains open until 2am.
DAY 7: Madame Tussauds New York
In New York City, you may run into a celebrity or two. But if you can’t wait, make your way to Madame Tussauds New York, located in Times Square, and see all of the biggest celebrities in one place. Wax figures of President Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, and Michelle Kwan will make excellent additions to your Instagram collection. How’s your selfie stick surviving?
Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Explore Greenwich Village on a guided tour that takes you to all the most popular destinations in the area. You’ll also get to visit the famous Washington Square Park which is home to summer festivals and year-round entertainment.
DAY 8: Top of the Rock
With your 10 days in New York slowly coming to an end with The New York Pass, you’ll have to make sure you see the best sights. And nothing beats the view of New York City from the top of the Rockefeller Center, with its unobstructed, sweeping views of Central Park and Manhattan’s Midtown. Ascend 70 floors for a 360-degree view.
Rockefeller Center Tour
One of the greatest buildings from the Great Depression Era, this Rockefeller Center Tour explores this incredible art deco-style building, and uncovers John D. Rockefeller’s vision for the building.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center is spread over 89,000 square meters and is home to Top of the Rock as well as over 100 murals, sculptures, and mosaics. One of the last major buildings in the United States to incorporate public art in architecture, it's an icon of American design.
Inside Broadway Tours
Get an authentic glimpse into the life of Broadway star. Real Broadway talent will show you the ropes and share their experiences for a true insight into what goes into every Broadway performance. You’ll also get to visit Manhattan’s theater district at the performance heart of Broadway.
Day 9: Museum of Modern Art
Dive into the culture and creativity on display at the world-renowned Museum of Modern Art. This must-see museum showcases the best in modern and contemporary art, designed to reflect on today's issues and ideas. In addition to the iconic art pieces being showcased, you can also catch daily film screenings and discussions.
On Location Tours: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour
Join a unique tour of Central Park showcasing areas that have appeared in blockbuster hits like Home Alone 2 and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, plus hit TV shows like Sex in the City. An expert guide will lead each tour and help you identify key locations.
Bryant Park
End the day in Bryant Park. Known as Manhattan's Town Square, the park is known for its lavish seasonal gardens, free activities, and alfresco dining. Surrounded by iconic skyscrapers, Bryant Park is visited by more than 12 million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll see part of the park transformed into a sparkling ice rink.
DAY 10: The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Grab a coffee and travel to Manhattan’s uptown region for your last day with The New York Pass. Wander the picturesque gardens and take in the stunning gothic architecture of one of the city’s most prominent historical landmarks.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Your 10 days in New York would not be complete without seeing this architectural masterpiece. The Guggenheim Museum is home to one of the finest modern art collections in the world. Ascend the landmark's grand spiral and experience its special exhibitions and permanent collections.
Designed by the visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim Museum is one of the most recognized museums in NYC, curating one of the most incredible collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, early modern, and contemporary art in the world.
So that's our 10 days in New York itinerary! Need some more inspiration on things to do in New York City? We've got you covered.
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