Five days in NYC with the New York Pass

Big Apple bucket-listers done right.

By <a href="#author-bio">Alice Padfield</a>
By Alice Padfield
New York

With so many attractions and experiences to choose from, trips to New York fly by all too fast. Our sample five-day itinerary of New York gives you a taster of what the city has to offer and just how much you could save using The New York Pass. Oh, and there's no need to pick your attractions before you purchase: you have the flexibility to choose where to go on the day! Planning five days in New York? Here’s what a New York Pass-powered itinerary might look like, including:

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Madame Tussauds
  • MoMA
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Central Park
  • … and more!

The New York Pass can save you big bucks on entry to more than 100 NYC attractions vs buying individual tickets on the go Read on to find out how, and choose the New York Pass that matches your sightseeing style here.

Day 1: Midtown Manhattan

View from the Empire State Building

Morning: Big Bus sightseeing tour. There’s really no better way to acquaint yourself with NYC’s many charms than aboard the Big Bus. Your whistle-stop tour takes in all of the city’s greatest hits – looking at you, Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge – and allows you to hop off (and back on) whenever and wherever the mood takes you. Need more convincing? Then hop aboard our complete guide to the New York Big Bus!

Normal ticket value (for a two-day pass): $87

Afternoon: Madame Tussauds. Sure, if you hang out on Times Square long enough  it’s likely you’ll spot a real celeb. But who has the patience for that? Instead, get your A-list fix at the mighty Madame Tussauds, where you can say hey to Harry Styles, grab a swift selfie with Tay-Tay and hang out with Spidey. Your pass also bags you entry to the quite marvelous MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience, starring Thor, Hulk, the Black Panther and other superhero pals. We wax a little more lyrical about Madame Tussauds here.

Normal ticket value: $50.07

Evening: Empire State Building Observatory. Come over all King Kong with a trip to the top of the planet’s most iconic skyscraper – though please do take the elevator rather than scaling that beautiful Art Deco exterior. Your reward? Far-reaching views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, from more than 1,000 feet up in the 86th floor observatory. Magical. Uncover the secrets of the Empire State Building here.

Normal ticket value: $53.35

Day 2: Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen

Intrepid Museum

Morning: Best of NYC cruise by Circle Line. Start your second day in New York with a gentle circuit of Manhattan Island that takes in some 130 famous landmarks – hello, One World Trade Center, Lady Liberty, Yankee Stadium and George Washington Bridge! Trust us when we say your Insta reels will thank you for it. Get the lowdown on which Circle Line cruises are included with the New York Pass.

Normal ticket value: $52

Afternoon: Intrepid Museum. You’d have to be plane crazy to skip this Hell’s Kitchen icon. And you couldn't really miss it even if you tried: its hulking great hull completely dominates the harbor here. Step aboard to admire its epic collection of stealth jets and fighter planes of yore, plus a gleaming British Airways concorde and – perhaps most impressively of all – Cold War submarine the USS Growler, and the sensational space shuttle Enterprise. Here’s what to see at Intrepid if you’re short of time.

Normal ticket value: $38

Evening: Edge. Another day, another dizzyingly high observation deck. This time it’s Edge, an angular al fresco glass platform that juts shard-like from the side of 30 Hudson Yards, a nerve-jangling 1,131 feet above terra firma – the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, fact fans. Brave souls can lean out into its angled walls and gawp straight down beneath their feet at the city streets far, far below. Here’s everything else you can expect to see from Edge.

Normal ticket value: $51.17

Day 3: Lower Manhattan

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Morning: Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. This one needs little introduction, but we’re going to give it one anyway. Perhaps the most recognizable monument on the planet (shove over, Eiffel Tower), Lady Liberty is a vision in copper verdigris; the ultimate statement of American freedom, power and democracy. Catch the first ferry out in the morning so you’ll have time to take in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum as well as filling your camera roll with statue selfies and extreme close-ups of the Green Goddess.

Normal ticket value: $26

Afternoon: One World Observatory. Another observation platform? Oh go on then, if you insist. This one’s a doozy, providing a fine vantage point from the 102nd floor of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building; 1,776 feet of gleaming glass, concrete and steel, to be precise. If there’s a better aerial view of Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and north across Manhattan’s sea of skyscrapers, we’ve yet to find it. What’s that you say? What else can you see from way up there? Well, here’s what.

Normal ticket value: $62.60

Afternoon: 9/11 Memorial & Museum. With two great reflecting pools set into the footprints of the former World Trade Center’s North and South towers, this moving memorial and museum features artifacts, testimonies and first-hand accounts from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Pay your respects at the tranquil pavilion and hear deeply affecting human stories of heroism, resilience and unity from that day.

Normal ticket value: $36

Day 4: More of Midtown

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Morning: Top of the Rock Observation Deck. You’ve come this far, so you might as well complete New York’s big four. Last but by no means least of the city’s sky-high observation decks, Top of the Rock sits at a relatively modest 850 feet up, but promises some of the best uninterrupted views of the Empire State Building you’re likely to find anywhere, as well as a cool bird’s-eye perspective on the soaring Gothic Revival towers of stunning St Patrick’s Cathedral. Here’s our complete Top of the Rock guide for your delectation.

Normal ticket value: $58.79

Afternoon: Rockefeller Center tour. As you’re already there, you might as well make the best of it, with a guided tour of the Depression-era Art Deco masterpiece that is the ravishing Rockefeller Center. Discover the secrets of José Maria Sert and Diego Rivera's murals, explore the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall and take a stroll through the lush Channel Gardens. If you’re there during the festive season, you can also ogle that ma-hoo-sive Christmas tree and take a spin on the famous winter ice rink.

Normal ticket value: $29.40

Afternoon: St. Patrick's Cathedral tour. St Patrick's Cathedral sits directly opposite the Rockefeller Center, its Gothic spires providing an interesting counterpoint to 30 Rock’s distinctly Art Deco facade. Check out its awe-inspiring interiors, kaleidoscopic rose window, epic 9,000-pipe organ, William Ordway Partridge’s La Pietà statue and more on an audio tour narrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Monsignor Ritchie. 

Normal ticket value: $22.97

Day 5: Central Park and around

Strawberry Fields in Central Park

Morning: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). As good an overview of late 19th-century and 20th-century art as you’ll find anywhere on the planet, MoMA is home to an absolute treasure trove of masterpieces – think starry nights, water lilies, tins of Campbell’s soup and Jackson Pollock’s great paint-spattered canvases. Our guide to the museum’s must-sees (and where to find them) has you covered for a perfect final morning in NYC.

Normal ticket value: $30

Afternoon: Central Park bike tour. Sure, you could go it alone in Central Park, but there’s every chance you’ll wind up mistaking the Cherry Hill Fountain for Bethesda Fountain or getting yourself hopelessly lost in The Ramble. This two-hour guided tour ticks off highlights including Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields and pretty much eliminates any debate over which park attraction to see next, whether it’s left, right or straight on, and which idiot went and left the map at the hotel.

Normal ticket value: $51.69

Afternoon: American Museum of Natural History. Have we saved the best for last? Quite possibly. It’s one of the largest natural history museums on the planet, with some 32 million specimens in its vast collection. If near-perfect dinosaur skeletons, massive prehistoric meteorites, lifelike animal dioramas and 563-carat sapphires sound like your vibe, you won’t want to miss this one. You can discover more about what to expect in our AMNH guide here.

Normal ticket value: $43

Finally, time for a little bit of math…

  • Total cost of this five-day sightseeing itinerary without a New York Pass: $692.04
  • Price of buying a five-day New York Pass: $354
  • How much you save with The New York Pass: $338.04, or nearly 50%

So there you have it: a great way to experience NYC’s most essential attractions in just five days while saving over $300 in entry fees – that’s a whole lot of bagels, pizza and New York cheesecake! 

NB: all prices correct as of March 2026.

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Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Content Manager

Alice is a copywriter in the Content team at Go City®, where she combines her love for travel, literature, food and theatre to craft inspiring content for cultural explorers. From blog articles to TikToks, she creates engaging stories that help travellers uncover hidden gems and must-see spots in every city. Passionate about exploring new destinations, Alice shares her discoveries to help others curate unforgettable itineraries.

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street corner on the Lower East Side of NYC where you'll find some of the best things to do in the city
Blog

NYC’s Lower East Side: Markets, Murals, and More

Ready to dive into one of New York’s most captivating neighborhoods? Lower East Side buzzes with energy, where every block tells a different story. From century-old Jewish delis to hidden speakeasies and street art that bursts with color, the Lower East Side offers more than just great bagels (though, yes, you’ll find those too!). Whether you’re craving fascinating history, mouthwatering eats, or a night out surrounded by NYC locals, this is urban adventure at its finest. Here’s our guide to exploring, eating, and experiencing everything Lower East Side has to offer.    Our can’t-miss Lower East Side picks include:  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour by Top Dog Tours  The Tenement Museum  Katz’s Delicatessen  Essex Market  Street Art Safari  Russ & Daughters Café and Shop  Visit to Mercury Lounge  Museum at Eldridge Street  Rooftop Drinks at The DL  Economy Candy  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour by Top Dog Tours  If you want a crash course in everything this neighborhood is famous for, start here. The Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour isn’t just about eating—though, yes, there’s a lot of delicious sampling involved. Think of it more like time travel with snacks. Passionate guides introduce you to classic delis, Jewish bakeries, fresh dumpling counters, and much-loved pickles stands, sharing stories about generations of immigrant families who shaped the area’s character. Expect stops at legendary eateries (sometimes even with owner stories), tastings of knishes, bagels, possibly even a fresh pastrami sample, and loads of insight into how the Lower East Side became New York’s ultimate culinary crossroads.  Beyond the bites, this walking tour winds through alleys covered in vibrant murals and architectural treasures you’d miss on your own. Every block reveals another fascinating tale—from pushcart vendors to punk rockers. Whether you’re curious about bagel origins or want to hear how the neighborhood turned into a street art canvas, this tour delivers both flavor and local color in every sense. Come hungry, leave with a full belly, new friends, and a love for the Lower East Side’s flavorful heritage.  The Tenement Museum  Peek behind the tenement doors and you’ll discover the real stories that built modern New York. The Tenement Museum isn’t your typical museum—it’s a living history experience set inside meticulously recreated apartments on Orchard Street. Walk through rooms that once housed Jewish, Italian, Irish, and Chinese families, and listen as costumed guides bring their struggles, dreams, and recipes to life. You’ll touch the banisters, see the original wallpaper, and step onto floorboards worn by over a century of families.  The immersive tours transport you from 19th-century sweatshops to 1960s Puerto Rican kitchens. Always inclusive, always authentic—expect moving stories about survival, determination, and the everyday joys of city life. If you love connecting with NYC’s roots (and maybe shedding a tender tear or two), this is one for the memory books. Plus, since you’re just steps from bustling Orchard Street, you’re perfectly set up to segue into lunch at a classic deli or bakery right afterward.  Essex Market  For over a century, Essex Market has been the neighborhood’s place to shop, eat, and connect. Freshly modernized in a new, spacious home, this market is a maze of food stalls where New Yorkers come for everything from organic produce to Ecuadorian pastries. Stroll past artisan cheese counters, taste Colombian arepas, or snag a wedge of the city’s best baklava. There’s even a cozy area where community events and live culinary demos take place—so you can watch local chefs in action.  The market’s variety mirrors the neighborhood’s diversity: every aisle introduces you to a new flavor or specialty. We find ourselves returning for the creamy lox spread at Shopsin’s, the dream-worthy handmade pasta at Samesa, and the vegan treats at Body & Soul. Come lunch, you might be sampling Vietnamese pho one minute and New Orleans-style po’boys the next. The high-energy, communal seating guarantees you’ll rub elbows with locals, and the friendly vendors are always ready to recommend their favorite bites.  Street Art Safari  Lower East Side functions as an everchanging outdoor gallery—turn any corner and you’re likely to find a wall, mailbox, or even a sidewalk mural painted by an up-and-coming artist. Loud, expressive, and incredibly photogenic, the street art here tells the neighborhood’s story in color and pop culture references. Want to dig deeper? Join a local street art tour or simply arm yourself with a camera and wander side streets like Rivington, Ludlow, and Bowery.  On your stroll, you’ll spot works that tackle everything from hip-hop legends to social justice—sometimes tagged in a day, sometimes painstakingly planned. Long-standing murals by Shepard Fairey and Buff Monster coexist with new faces. We always recommend popping by the intersection of Houston Street and Bowery for larger-than-life commissions that rotate seasonally. To really up your game, stop by the First Street Green Art Park, where you can even contribute to community projects. Every mural comes with a story, and you’ll quickly understand why this neighborhood attracts creative minds from all over.  Russ & Daughters Café and Shop  There’s a reason food lovers—both locals and out-of-towners—make pilgrimages to Russ & Daughters. This family-run business traces its roots back more than a hundred years, when Jewish immigrants introduced NYC to a world of smoked fish, bagels, and silky schmears. Pop into the original shop on Houston Street for a classic to-go experience—the line moves fast—or settle into the charming Russ & Daughters Café nearby for a slower-paced breakfast.  Bagel platters arrive with hand-carved nova, pickled herring, and surprisingly addictive chopped liver. Try the classic "Board" with bagel, cream cheese, tomato, and their signature smoked salmon—or, if you're feeling bold, sample the super-savory caviar menu. It’s retro in the best possible way, with counters gleaming and waitstaff in traditional diner whites. The space buzzes with families, foodies snapping photos, and regulars debating the merits of sable vs. sturgeon. If you love flavor with history, this is your breakfast or brunch jackpot.  Catch a Show at Mercury Lounge  After your daytime exploring, head over to Mercury Lounge for a taste of New York’s legendary music scene. This intimate venue tucked into East Houston Street has launched careers—The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, and Norah Jones all got their start here. The vibe is authentic, with exposed brick walls, cozy booths, and a crowd that’s passionate about discovering the next big thing.  Live music happens nearly every night of the week, cutting across all genres: rock, indie, pop, and emerging electronic acts. Tickets are affordable and the bar is well-stocked. It’s a place where you feel plugged right into the city’s creative pulse, whether you’re dancing up front or kicking back with a drink at the bar. Even if you’re not familiar with the night’s band, you’re in for an experience that captures Lower East Side’s restless, retro-modern spirit.  Museum at Eldridge Street  Calling all lovers of history, architecture, and quiet wonder—the Museum at Eldridge Street welcomes you inside a meticulously restored 19th-century synagogue that sits right in the heart of the Lower East Side. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by soaring stained glass, intricate woodwork, and the palpable sense of community that shaped this neighborhood long before trendy cafes hit the scene. The museum weaves together stories of Jewish immigrants who gathered, worshipped, and built new lives here, and the guides are gifted storytellers who’ll take you on a journey through cultural and architectural transformations.  The showstopper is undoubtedly the dazzling rose window—a kaleidoscope of color that bathes the sanctuary in light, especially magical on a sunny afternoon. Docent-led tours combine moving accounts of families past, spirited explanations of religious customs, and a sprinkling of local gossip from the turn of the last century. Throughout the year, you’ll also find concerts, holiday tours, and hands-on activities for kids, all set within this beautifully preserved treasure. Even for those who’ve seen plenty of religious sites, the warm welcome and quiet majesty at Eldridge Street make it stand out.  Economy Candy  Chocolate coins, rainbow jelly beans, vintage sweets from nearly every decade—Economy Candy is pure joy for your inner kid (and any actual kids tagging along). Family-run since 1937, this delightfully packed shop has shelves bursting with treats from around the world. You’ll rediscover retro favorites like Charleston Chews and Bazooka gum, alongside modern craft chocolate bars and quirky NYC-themed candy tins.  The interior is an explosion of color and nostalgia with bins, barrels, and whimsical displays everywhere you turn. The staff is warm and ready with recommendations, whether you’re hunting for the sour strips your grandmother loved or wild new gummies to take home as souvenirs. It’s easy to lose track of time and even easier to walk out with a bag brimming with goodies. For an authentic Lower East Side keepsake—sweet, surprising, and a little bit old-school—Economy Candy is a must.    There you have it—NYC’s most eclectic neighborhood, served up with history, color, flavor, and a dash of downtown swagger. Whether you’re snacking on classic bagels, diving into local stories at the Tenement Museum, or dancing under the stars at The DL, Lower East Side proves that New York pulls off magic—and more than a little bit of mischief—at every turn. Trust us, you’ll leave wishing you had another day to try it all over again.    Enjoyed this? Check out travel tips from real New Yorkers, and all the other neighborhoods you should explore on your trip!    Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!    
NYC observation decks
Blog

NYC Observation Decks

Let's break it down and help you decide which observation deck you'll love the most on your trip to NYC. Or... you could visit all three, thanks to The New York Pass®
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madame tussauds new york
Blog

5 things you didn’t know you could do at Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York is one of those attractions people think they’ve got figured out – “wax figures, photos, done.” But after my visit, I can safely say it’s way more interactive (and surprising) than expected. From grabbing a drink at an A-list party to meeting your heroes, here are five things you probably didn’t know you could do inside Madame Tussauds NYC.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Empire State Building Observatory
Edge

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One World Observatory
Top of the Rock Observation Deck