5 Days in New York City

By Casey Makovich
Published: May 16, 2024

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.

Casey Makovich
New York Travel Expert

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statue of liberty ferry
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Taking the Statue of Liberty Ferry

Exploring one of the most iconic landmarks in the world doesn't have to mean a long trip to Liberty Island. Whether you're looking for an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty or wish to explore Ellis Island, taking a ferry from either Manhattan, NY, or Liberty State Park in Jersey City is both easy and affordable. The cost of taking these ferries can vary depending on which route you choose; fares for adults range from $18-$27 with tickets inclusive of both stops at both islands. If visitors wish to access the Statue, additional tickets will need to be purchased - it’s recommended that these are bought in advance due to high demand during peak times. On-board visitors can expect friendly staff who are more than willing to answer any questions, restrooms, snacks/drinks kiosks and spectacular views. The ride itself typically takes between 20-30 minutes each way depending on which route you take, so if time is limited it’s important to plan ahead. Once at Liberty Island visitors can explore all that this historic landmark has to offer; various guided tours, food choices such as hot dogs or sandwiches at concession stands available onboard the ferry and even special events held seasonally such as live music performances which are free with ticket purchase! After exploring Ellis Island visitors will have more than enough time for iconic photos before heading back. Visiting New York City? Taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty is an absolute must! Not only does it offer unparalleled views and incredible experiences - it's also a great opportunity for some iconic pictures with Lady Liberty herself! Don't forget your camera – this is an experience not soon forgotten! Don't worry; if you don't know what that is or where to get it from, we're going to tell you right now. Prepare yourself for the ultimate guide to taking the Statue of Liberty ferry, and what you'll find when you reach its historic shores! What is the Statue of Liberty Ferry? As you may have gathered, it's a ferry that takes people between New York's mainland and Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty stands tall. From where does the Statue of Liberty Ferry depart? If you're traveling from New York, the departure point is in Battery Park: Statue Cruises Kiosk, Battery Park New York, NY 10004 The closest bus stop is Stop 12, 13, or 14 on the Downtown route. The closest subway stop is Whitehall Street/South Ferry/Bowling Green. If you are traveling from New Jersey, the departure point is Liberty State Park: 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City NJ 07305 The closest stop is Liberty State Park Station on the HBLR. How often does the ferry leave? It's worth checking the official timetable to ensure your timings are up to date, but on average, the ferry departs from either port every 25 minutes. How do I get a ticket? We've got you covered – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Your Attraction Pass includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Your Explorer Pass includes admission to up to 10 attractions. It's worth noting that, whichever way you decide to go, booking is required to get the ferry, and early booking is highly recommended because, as you may have guessed, it is an incredibly popular tourist destination! The History of Ellis Island Standing tall as a symbol of liberty and justice, the Statue of Liberty is an important part of America's history. The island itself is named after Samual Ellis, who owned the landmass before it was opened to the public. Ellis Island served as the primary entry point for immigration into the United States, so much so that a third of all Americans can trace their family tree to someone who landed on the island! But its job as an immigration entry point ended nearly 100 years ago, and it wasn't actually opened to the public until 1976. Nowadays, it hosts countless tourists every year, who flock there from all over the world to explore one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet. What to expect on Ellis Island The Statue of Liberty This one's a no-brainer. You wouldn't even be reading this if not for Lady Liberty herself! Yes, the Statue of Liberty now stands tall on Ellis Island. Visitors can walk around the National Monument and see the big girl up close - at least if they look up! Then, when you've enjoyed the view, so to speak, you can enter the Statue of Liberty Museum, which contains tons of amazing artifacts that detail the statue, and the island's, history in much greater detail than we ever could. See the original torch up close, touch a copper rendition of Lady Liberty's face, and explore interactive exhibits like a reimagining of the studio where the statue was first conceived. Then, head across to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where you can learn more about the island's importance in populating America. Through first-hand accounts, artifacts, and other exhibits, you'll piece together the island's rich history. Then, try tracing your family tree back to the island in one of the many databases you'll find. Then, when you've had your fill, simply hop back on the ferry and cross over to the mainland! From the views of the harbor and cityscape, to learning more about its history and standing in awe of this magnificent monument, a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty provides an unbeatable experience full of wonder and amazement. With the accessibility for all, the convenience of booking your tickets ahead of time, and spectacular views from the crown of Lady Liberty that you won't find anywhere else, taking a ferry ride to this iconic landmark is an adventure like no other. And that's our guide to taking the statue of liberty ferry, and what you'll find on Ellis Island! Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience - book your ferry ticket today! Looking for more fun-filled adventures in the Big Apple? Check out our guide to The RIDE, your one-stop shop for every other New York landmark on your bucket list! Want to know what other attractions are covered with your pass? Check out all of them here!
Dom Bewley
ice skating mother and daughter in NYC over winter
Blog

NYC in February: Top Things to Warm Your Winter

So, you’re taking on New York City in February. Hats off—literally, if the wind isn’t howling! You’ll discover NYC morphs into a cozy getaway this month, with world-famous museums, show-stopping city views, romantic activities for Valentine’s Day, and plenty of places to warm up between adventures. Whether you want indoor escapes or wintery walks, New York turns up the charm well before spring has a chance. Curious about the best things to do? We’ve got your plans sorted.  Our favorite things to do in NYC in February include:  Empire State Building  Whitney Museum of American Art  Central Park (including the skating rink!)  Top of the Rock  ARTECHOUSE New York  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour  Broadway and Times Square Tour  The Museum of Broadway  The High Line  Cozy up at Cafe Sabarsky  Empire State Building: New York’s Wintertime Star  If there’s a building that proves New York sparkles in every season, it’s the Empire State Building. Head up to the observatory on a crisp February day, and you’ll get clear air, endless sky, and shimmering city lights once the sun dips. The vibe? Absolutely electric—locals cozy in scarves, couples lining up for Valentine’s selfies, and everyone’s breath pluming as they scan the famous skyline. Indoors, immersive exhibits explain the building’s wild history; you’ll spot vintage photos, scale models, and enough King Kong memorabilia to keep anyone entertained. What makes winter visits stand out? Fewer crowds, meaning you can linger (or snuggle) as long as you like. Bundle up and head to the open-air deck for that “on top of the world” feeling.  Whitney Museum of American Art: Creative Warmth  Duck inside the Whitney Museum on a frosty February afternoon, and you’ll find a hub of bold ideas, beautiful artwork, and plenty of color. This is the city’s shrine to 20th and 21st-century American creativity, with everything from big-name classics like Edward Hopper to edgy new installations. The space itself is airy and bright, opening onto terraces with Hudson River views. We love the cheerful, sun-drenched lobby café—perfect for planning your next stop over a hot chocolate or an art-inspired pastry. Galleries offer just the right balance of inspiration and calm, so you’ll always leave feeling energized.  Top of the Rock: Sparkling City Views  For classic city views with a twist, head to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. The 360-degree panoramas take on a magical glow in winter—the Hudson glimmers, Central Park looks dreamy, and the city’s famous lights come alive after dark. The indoor viewing platforms keep you toasty as you gaze out, but the open-air decks are the place for the ultimate skyline selfie, scarf and all. Looking for a February highlight? Swing by the Rockefeller Center Concourse for cozy cafés and shops, then cap your visit with a photo under the Art Deco chandelier in the lobby. It’s a slice of old-school New York glitz.  ARTECHOUSE New York: Digital Art Escapes  When the weather’s wild, ARTECHOUSE New York offers a futuristic escape. This immersive digital art space specializes in interactive exhibitions where lights, colors, and sound swirl all around you. February often brings new shows—think mind-bending LED landscapes or rooms that react to your every move. We’re big fans of the basement bar, where you can sip glowing cocktails inspired by the exhibition themes. It’s quirky, high-energy, and perfect for social media moments. Even the most reluctant art-goers find something to love, so it’s a hit for families, friends, and couples alike.  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour: Tastes of the City  On a cold February afternoon, nothing warms you up like great eats. This walking tour dives deep into New York’s original foodie neighborhood—the Lower East Side. You’ll taste legendary bagels with a schmear, grab a golden knish straight from the oven, and sample steaming dumplings in buzzing markets. Local guides sprinkle in stories about immigrant history, hidden speakeasies, and vintage delis that have kept city dwellers fed for generations. The tour winds through cozy shops and indoor stops, so you’ll be plenty warm even if the snow flies. By the end, you’ll feel like an honorary local—full, happy, and ready for another bite.  The Museum of Broadway: Theater History Comes Alive  The Museum of Broadway is paradise for anyone who loves the stage—or just wants a spark of glitz and glamor. This immersive space lets you step into recreated set pieces, play with costume design, and even stand “on stage” for a photo. Displays track the whole journey of New York theater, from early melodramas to modern musicals. We’re wowed every time by the intricate props and photo-worthy displays (seriously, bring your camera!). February crowds are lighter, so you can soak up every musical note and spotlight.  The High Line: Fresh Air and City Art  If you’re craving a breath of fresh air—but don’t mind a little brisk wind—take a stroll on the High Line. This elevated park weaves through Manhattan’s west side, lined with sculptures, gardens and street art. February has its own charm: bare branches make the skyline peek through everywhere, and you’ll get a new perspective on the city’s changing architecture. Stop by the galleries below in Chelsea for post-walk art browsing, or grab a hot chocolate from a food cart along the route for instant hand-warming bliss. Hudson Yards at the south end offers shopping and indoor rest stops if you need to thaw out.  Cafe Sabarsky: Old World Coziness in the City  Sometimes the ultimate winter treat is a destination café. For a dose of Vienna in Manhattan, swing by Cafe Sabarsky inside the Neue Galerie. Here, art lovers and cake devotees rub elbows among marble-topped tables, Klimt prints, and soft golden light. The Sachertorte—dense chocolate cake layered with apricot jam—is the star, but don’t sleep on the apple strudel or hot mulled wine. The vibe is plush and intimate, with friendly staff who let you linger as long as you like. It’s as close as NYC gets to a European weekend—perfect for rainy days, romantic afternoons, or anyone craving a slow pace and serious pastry.    Pack your scarf, charge your camera, and get ready: February in NYC promises warmth, wonder, and more than a little winter magic.    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to the best parks in NYC, and a comprehensive breakdown of Queens, one of the city’s best neighborhoods.   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!   
People at a crosswalk in NYC
Blog

New York City tourism: how safe is NYC for tourists?

TV, news and social media might have you wondering, 'how safe is NYC for tourists?' But we're here to put your mind at ease: the truth is that New York City is one of the safest big cities in the world, meaning you're free to enjoy the very best New York attractions the city has to offer! Visitors are constantly under the protection of the city's vigilant police force. Having said this, that doesn't mean that you don't need to be cautious to stay safe. If you're visiting New York and you're wondering if New York City is safe, do some research to prepare yourself for your trip. Familiarizing yourself with the city's hazards, and being pragmatic, and prepared is all you need to ensure peace of mind. How safe is NYC for tourists? The crime rate is relatively low in New York City. When crimes occur they usually don't take place in tourist-heavy areas around Manhattan. For example, most sightseers are unlikely to visit Harlem, the Bronx, or other boroughs where crimes are most likely to occur. That being said, there are a few things a tourist in New York City should be wary of. Is Central Park safe at night? As any local will tell you, it's never a good idea to go through Central Park at night. While Central Park is an iconic tourist attraction during the day, it is technically supposed to be closed late at night and in the early hours of the morning. The vast majority of cases of crime and violence in the park occur at night. It may seem tempting to take a stroll in Central Park after dark, but it's safer to wait for the sun to come up. Generally speaking, you want to stay away from areas of the city when they are empty and deserted. Is the Financial District safe? Many commercial areas of the city like the Financial District tend to become deserted after business hours. The fewer people there are in an area, the less safe it's likely to be in a big city. Is the New York subway safe? It's especially important to be vigilant on the subway in New York, and avoid taking the train late at night if possible. If you're riding the subway, try to stay in cars where there are many people rather than choosing a vacant car. Being in an empty train car isn't a safe option for tourists, particularly if you look lost (or are actually lost) or are new to the city.  Probably the biggest threat in New York is pickpocketing. Protect yourself by wearing a wallet on the inside of your clothing and staying away from panhandlers. Tips for staying safe in NYC ❗Try to look like a local. When you're dressing for sightseeing, try to take note of what the locals are wearing and emulate that if you can. If there's a thief or pickpocket around, they're going to target those who seem unfamiliar with their surroundings. Don't openly wander around with your head buried in a map - familiarize yourself with NYC's grid system, and plan your movements over breakfast or brunch. Soon you won't need a map to travel. ❗Keep your valuables well hidden. To avoid pickpockets, always make sure that your valuables are hidden. Be discreet when you're using your smartphone or a digital camera. Showcasing any valuable possessions regularly could prove to be dangerous and make you a prime target for mugging. ❗Travel in groups when you're unfamiliar with an area. If you're not familiar with the city and you're vacationing in a group, try not to go off by yourself. Being alone and obviously from out of the area could make you a target if you have the misfortune of finding yourself around the wrong people. There are plenty of tours available with The New York Pass® ❗Research destinations before you go. The more research you do, the better able you'll be to find what you're looking for. The nyctourism.com website is a great place to start for researching essential information to help you feel like a local before you get there. ❗Ask police officers for help. During your stay in New York City, you're probably going to see many of the ubiquitous NYPD cars and officers. You can expect New York City police officers to be very helpful when it comes to providing directions, and addressing any concerns you have about safety or dangerous situations. ❗Take extra precautions in touristy places like Times Square. Never leave your valuables unattended - and don't put your purse on the floor or hang it off the back of your chair while dining. Remember, asking if NYC is safe doesn't matter if you disregard all precautions, so just because NYC is considered one of the safest cities in the world to travel to, you still need to be careful in any city that is considered safe to visit. Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass®  Planning your New York trip? With The New York Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. So go grab a New York attraction pass and go see all the city's best bits!  ✈️ Buy The New York Pass® ✈️ 
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