The best 4 day guide to New York for a trip to remember

Are you planning a trip to New York and want all the hottest tips on things to see and do. Well we have you covered. We go through everything you need to know to plan a 4 day trip to New York including the best things to see, what to pack, where to eat, and everything in between. So here is our guide to planning a New York City itinerary for 4 days.

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New York Itinerary Factsheet

Country: USA

Currency: US Dollar US$

Also known as: The Big Apple, The city that never sleeps

New York is a remarkable city with so much to see and do. The city hasn’t always been known as New York though, originally it was New Amsterdam. In 1624 the Dutch settled in the city however, in 1664 the English took over and it became known as New York after the Duke of York.

It doen’t matter who colonised or who it was named after because these days it is hugely multicultural. In fact nearly 40% of the city’s population are from another country. This is certainly evidenced in the food, and culture of the city.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs which are, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. You will definitely have a lot to explore.

Getting to New York

Chances are your 4 day trip to New York will start at one of the cities three main airports. These are JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. It’s pretty quick and easy to get from each airport to Manhattan, here is a breakdown.

New York is incredibly easy to get to, and is a very well connected city. There are three main airports in the city which are JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. All of the airports have good connections into the city. Here is a breakdown.

JFK

If you are flying in from overseas you will more than likely land at JFK. This is the biggest and somewhat craziest airport in the city. I say crazy because it’s honestly amazing how many flights come in and out every day.

Once you have landed at JFK you can get a taxi or a shuttle bus straight to your hotel. This is a great option if you are jet lagged and just want to sleep. Otherwise you can get public transport.

To do this you will need to jump on the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, where you can change onto the Subway. The subway should then take you into the city.

LaGuardia

For domestic flights chances are you may be flying into LaGuardia. From any of the airport terminals you can hop on the M60 bus to 125^th Street in Manhattan. From here you can hop on the subway to your final destination.

Newark

Newark Airport has an AirTrain service so for around $15 you can get from the airport into Manhattan.

If you are wondering if New York is worth visiting, here is an article to help you decide.

Where to stay during your 4 days in New York

Honestly when we were planning our 4 day New York itinerary, the most overwhelming bit was deciding on where to stay. The city is huge, and there are so many options when it comes to accommodation. That’s not a bad thing because it also means that there is accommodation to suit all budgets. Here is a breakdown on some of the areas to stay as part of your 4 day trip to New York.

Midtown

If you want to be close to a number of tourist attractions such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre, midtown is for you. There are excellent transport links to the area, making it easy to get around.

The downside with midtown is that it can feel really touristy and inauthentic at times. Food and drink options are plentiful but only if you like chain style bars and restaurants.

Midtown is good if you have a short time in NYC, or aren’t bothered about nightlife, and just want to be close to the action. It’s also a good choice for families.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is the slightly more expensive part of the city. You will find boutique style hotels, on quieter streets. There are decent restaurants and bars here, but again these are more your upmarket choices.

If you are happy to splash the cash this is a nice area, but definitely not for the budget traveller.

Greenwich

Greenwich is a great place to stay if you want to be in a trendy neighbourhood with decent nightlife. It’s way more authentic than the likes of midtown and there are also decent transportation links too.

East Village

Another trendy neighbourhood is the East Village. There are hotels, bars, and restaurants, to suit all budgets. It’s great if you want a real taste of NYC life. The only downside is that it’s further away from the hustle and bustle, and the main attractions so something to keep in mind when you only have 4 days in New York.

Queens

Finally Queens is a good option for those looking for budget travel options. It’s obviously a bit out from Manhattan but the plus side is you get some pretty impressive views of the city skyline.

Where we stayed during our 4 day trip to New York

We ended up staying very close to Times Square as part of our 4 day trip to New York. Honestly we would not stay here again. It was incredibly touristy, and the area felt like it had no personality.

To enjoy some trendy restaurants and bars that weren’t chains we had to venture out into other neighbourhoods. This wasn’t the worst because the transport links are excellent, but we would have preferred a neighbourhood with a bit more atmosphere.

Things to do as part of your 4 day trip to New York

There is no way we can cover absolutely everything you can do as part of your 4 day trip to New York, but we can give you some ideas to start planning your itinerary.

Times Square

Times Square is probably one of the most cliched things to do when visiting New York. But regardless it is a must for your 4 day New York itinerary. It’s very touristy, but seeing all the billboards lit up definitely has an air of excitement about it.

Top of the Rock

You can’t plan a 4 day trip to New York without visiting one of the skyscrapers the city is famed for. Top of the Rock is a great option if you want some fantastic views over the city, especially because you can get photos with the famous Empire State Building in them too.

You have three floors to explore, and it does get crowded up the top, but the views are worth the jostling.

Make sure you buy your tickets in advance as there is a timed system.

Central Park

I’ve always had this romanticised version of Central Park in my head from movies. And you know what it honestly isn’t that far from what I imagined. The park is full of horse drawn carriages, people cycling and eating ice cream, it’s literally everything I imagined.

There is so much to do in Central Park, I almost feel like you need a day just to see all the highlights which include:

• Strawberry fields – a garden dedication to John Lennon
• The Lake– where you can row around in the sunshine
• Belvedere Castle – a lookout with incredible views over the park

The Empire State Building

A visit to the Empire State Building is an iconic thing to do as part of your 4 day New York itinerary. This 102 story art deco building is also probably one of the most recognised buildings in the city.

Construction began in 1930 and doors opened in 1931, although it wasn’t until the 1950’s when it started to turn a profit.

Admission is about $37 for standard entry. This grants you access to the 80th and 86th floor. If you want to get a bit higher to the 102nd floor you need to pay an extra $20. One thing to note is that the view from the 102nd floor is completely closed in glass and the views are just as good if not better from the lower floors.

It does get incredibly busy so our only advice is to get here early. We got there for around 11am and already it was crowded.

The High Line

One of the newer attractions in NYC is the High Line, a 1.45 mile elevated park on a disused train track. For us this was a lovely place to sit and just chill out. It was still pretty busy, but it’s a nice break from the so called concrete jungle, and it gives you an opportunity to appreciate some greenery.

The 9/11 memorial

One of the most difficult places to visit in New York for us was the 9/11 memorial. It’s a memorial which is at the base of each of the towers. There is water rushing through the centre and the names of the victims are etched around the pools. It’s heartbreaking, but also a really fitting tribute

Nearby is the museum where you can learn all about that day and the impact that was felt all over the world.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is another bucket list item for your 4 day trip to New York. Built between 1869 and 1883 it was an architectural feat as it was the first bridge in the world to be suspended by steel.

The bride spans the the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and is 1,834 m long. Walking across is a really cool moment, although I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who isn’t a fan of heights.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a great neighbourhood to explore as part of your 4 day New York itinerary. It’s perfect for food, drink, and general wandering. You do almost feel like you are walking around the streets in asia.

Liberty Island and Ellis Island

Another iconic thing to see during your 4 day New York itinerary is Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You can purchase tours that will take you to both islands for a bit of exploration.

To clarify the Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, whereas on Ellis Island you get to see the famous immigration centre.

The tour is incredibly popular so do purchase your tickets in advance. We also recommend you put a day aside to do this, as there is a lot to see.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is another iconic place to visit during your 4 day trip to New York. It’s an amazing bit of architecture, and was opened to the public in 1913.

It’s a key meeting place in the city, as well as a central transportation hub. But there is so much more to it as well. It’s also home to a number of retail stores and restaurants.

Grand Central Station is one of the most popular destinations in New York attracting over 750,000 visitors each day. It’s also free to visit which is always a bonus.

Madame Tussauds

If you are visiting New York with kids, or as a family a popular place to visit is Madame Tussauds. It’s located by Times Square on 42nd Street, and is great if you like celebrity culture.

Visit one of the many museums in the city

New York has some pretty incredible museums that you should definitely take advantage of as part of your 4 day New York itinerary. Here are some of the highlights.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Also known as The Met, this is one of the largest museums in the Americas. It is home to a number of paintings, costumes, instruments and much more.

The Modern Museum of Art (MoMA)

This is one of the biggest modern art museums in the world, and is home to several pieces of work by Andy Warhol.

The Guggenheim

Another art museum, which is home to a number of works, and a distinguishable 6 floor bowl shaped gallery.

Transit Museum 

A Brooklyn museum in a disused subway station with historical artefacts to do with New York transport.

The American Museum of Natural history

A natural history museum located across from Central Park.

Williamsburg

If you get the chance to explore some neighbourhoods as part of your 4 day New York trip make sure Williamsburg is one of them. It’s full of trendy shops, great restaurants, and some hip bars.

The East Village

The East Village is another great neighbourhood to explore in New York. It’s another one with great bars and restaurants, and it’s particularly cool if you are looking for some cheap eats. There is a late night Ukrainian diner called Veselka that you can go to, because honestly Ukrainian food is the best (not biased at all).

DUMBO

DUMBO – or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is another cool place to visit. It is an incredibly picturesque part of Brooklyn with some awesome views of the Manhattan skyline.

Greenwich Village

During your 4 day New York trip we recommend swinging by Greenwich for dinner and drinks. It’s another super trendy neighbourhood in New York, with gorgeous streets, and a very welcoming atmosphere.

See the city skyline from the water

We never tire of the New York City skyline, which is why we highly recommend doing a harbour cruise. There are so many options including dinner and sunset cruises, and even cruises on sailing boats

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the water. The best thing about it? It’s absolutely free.

The ferry terminal is located just by Battery Park, and you line up and board the next available ferry. The service runs every 30 minutes although it’s more frequent in rush hour.

Visit Coney Island

Located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn you will find Coney Island. It’s famous for it’s amusements and is kind of like the playground of NYC.

Luna Park, and Deno’s Wonderwheel Amusement Park, are only open part of the year, usually between Easter and Halloween. You can visit the beach and the boardwalk at any time of year though.

Visit the New York Public Library

Ok I know visiting a library might not be a usual thing to do on a trip abroad but New York is a little different. There are a number of New York Public Library branches in the city with the Manhattan location being the main one. It is also arguably the most famous.

The library houses some original works by Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf and a whole lot more. You can sign up for a free tour of the library which is definitely worth doing.

Hidden Gems to add to your New York City 4 day itinerary

If you are looking for some of the more quirky things to do as part of your 4 days in New York, or some unique experiences here are some suggestions.

Visit the UN Headquarters

I only realised you could do this in NYC recently. If you don’t know, New York City has been the location of the official UN headquarters since 1951. You can visit and do a tour but this does need to be booked in advance.

It’s also worth nothing that if you do go you won’t be under US jurisdiction but the UN jurisdiction instead.

Visit the whispering gallery at Grand Central Station

The whispering gallery at Grand Central Station is a hidden gem that not many people know about. It is located between the main station concourse and Vanderbilt Hall.

It’s essentially a chamber with a unique sound quirk where two people at opposite ends of the gallery can speak to each other. It’s a fun thing to try when you are in the city.

Marie’s Crisis Cafe

Musical theatre fans may want to test our their vocal cords at Marie’s Crisis Cafe. It is located in the West Village and is a piano bar that dates back to the 1800s.

Just show up, and grab a spot around the piano and join the singalong. It’s such a fun and welcoming place, you might not want to leave.

It’s also worth noting that you do need cash here, so visit an ATM prior to your arrival.

 See the city from a helicopter

Ok this isn’t so much a hidden gem as it is a unique experience but it’s worth doing if you have the money. To get the best views of NYC you can do a helicopter flight either during the day or in the evening.

Flights range from 15 minutes and up, and it is one of the most memorable things to do in the city.

Watch a Broadway show

Whether you are a fan or not a quintessential New York experience will involve a visit to Broadway. If you are a beginner we recommend starting with classics like Wicked or Phantom of the Opera.

Kayak on the East River

If you are into fitness or just want to do something different you can rent a kayak and float along the East River. You will need to make a reservation at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, and good news, it’s free to rent. But donations are welcome.

Romantic things to add to your 4 day trip to New York

If you are lucky enough to be visiting New York with your significant other here are some of the more romantic things to add to your 4 day trip to New York.

Watch a show at the Comedy Cellar

A perfect date night idea in New York is to catch a comedy show. The Comedy Cellar is one of the top clubs in the city, and it is where some of the top comedians in the city have performed.

It’s a popular venue to be sure to request tickets online well in advance.

Go to Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall is a famous concert venue in New York. It is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for classic and popular music. It’s also a great venue for a romantic date night in the city.

You can purchase tickets to all kinds of shows, you just have to check the venue website.

Listen to Jazz at the Blue Note in Greenwich

One of the most famous Jazz clubs in New York has to be the Blue Note in Greenwich. Despite being established well after the Jazz Age, in 1981, it has become a legendary place to hear jazz in the city. A lot of famous musicians have played here so it is definitely worth a visit, and an excellent place to go for a romantic evening.

Row in Central Park

One of the most romantic things to do in NYC is to rent a row boat in Central Park. You get some pretty impressive skyline views, and you can pretty much just chill in the sunshine.

Boats are available from April to November and usually form 10am until dusk, weather permitting. It costs $20 for the hour and you will need cash to pay for it.

Things to do as a family during your 4 days in New York

If you are travelling with kids here are some top tips on the best things to do as part of your 4 day New York itinerary.

Coney Island

Coney Island is a fun place to visit if you are visiting New York with kids. It’s easily accessible by subway, and is located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn.

It’s full of rides, amusements, and classic fairground style food. The theme park is open between Easter and Halloween.

Tour Madison Square Garden

If you love sports a great family activity is to visit Madison Square Garden. It’s one of the most famous sporting stadiums in the city, and is home to both the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

Catch a game

New Yorkers are well into their sports. So a step up from visiting Madison Square Garden is to attend a sporting match. You’ve got baseball where you can watch the Yankees or The Mets. Or if hockey is more your thing you can try and get tickets to a Rangers game. And don’t forget basketball where you watch either the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets. It’s the perfect family activity.

Solo travel ideas for your 4 day trip to New York

Ok personally I think you can do pretty much anything as a solo traveller in New York. It’s that big of a city that you won’t feel alone. One of my favourite things to do when travelling solo is to do city tours, and this gives you the chance to meet like minded people. Here are a few ideas for your 4 day trip to New York.

Do a food tour

Food tours are another great way to explore neighbourhoods in New York and taste some quality food. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and try some local dishes food tours are a great option.

Do a Central Park Bike tour

This tour gives you the chance to explore Central Park with a local and checkout all the most famous spots.

Go on a guided pub crawl

If you want to have a few drinks in the city, but don’t want to do it alone, there are some really cool bar tours you can do in New York. They usually come with a professional guide who will take you to a few places and provide you with information on the history of the bar and the area. It’s also a great way to meet people when you are travelling solo.

Do a city walking tour

Another great option for exploring New York, is to book a city walking tour. You get to explore some cool neighbourhoods and it’s a great option if you are wanting to meet new people too.

Free things to do as part of your 4 day NYC itinerary

If you are trying to budget on your 4 day trip to New York, you might be surprised at just how many free things to do there are. Here are some of the best free (or very very cheap) things to do in New York particularly if you are trying to stick to a budget.

• Visit the NYC Library and do a free tour
• Ride the Staten Island Ferry
• Check out Grand Central Station
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Visit Central Park
• Walk the High Line
• See the 9/11 memorial
• Explore the trendy neighbourhoods
• Hang out in Times Square

Eating as part of your New York itinerary for 4 days

When you have a 4 day trip to New York, eating is going to make up a big part of that. So we have listed some of the must try foods in the city, as well as some restaurant recommendations. And the good news? They are all relatively cheap.

Pizza

Ok I get it you might be wondering why I’m putting pizza on a list of things to eat during a 4 day trip to New York. And if you are wondering then all I can say is you have never tried New York pizza.

There are so many places in the city that sell pizza by the slice, and it’s usually around $3 per slice depending on where you go. I honestly don’t know what makes it taste so good. Some theories are to do with the water. Whatever it is you have to give them a try.

The pizza slices are made up of a thin dough. Don’t be distracted by crazy toppings all you need is the plain cheese. Although pepperoni is good too.

Hot Dogs

This is another basic food, that has strong roots in New York. And if you are put off by the whole street meat thing – don’t be.

Walk around Central New York for 5 minutes and chances are you will pass a number of street vendors selling hot dogs. They make for a great lunch on the go.

Hot dogs came about in the city after a German immigrant and baker by the name of Charles Feltman came up with the idea of sticking a frankfurter in a bun. The idea was that you didn’t need cutlery or plates and could eat on the go.

The idea has definitely stuck. Just find a hot dog stand and tuck in!

Nathan’s Famous

Sticking with the hot dog theme, we highly recommend you also checkout Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island. The franchise began in 1916 when Nathan Handwerker who was a former employee of Charles Feltman opened a rival store.

The Coney Island Store still exists and if you are so inclined on the 4th of July every year you can even attend the hot dog eating contest. You have 10 minutes to eat as many as possible. And apparently the record is 74!

Donuts are another New York City institution, and there are honestly so many places that you can pick these up in the city.

Donuts

Donuts arrived in the US thanks to the Dutch, and the first donut shop was opened in 1673. What made them a New York though was in 1892 when the Salvation Army gave them out to new arrivals on Ellis Island as part of their outreach service.

These days donuts come in all sorts of weird and whacky flavours and you can buy them almost everywhere. Donut Plant is a great place to start though when you are in New York.

Bagels

Bagels are another classic to add to your New York itinerary for 4 days. Nothing beats atasty fresh bagel loaded with cream cheese.

It’s kind of a New York breakfast staple. They were once considered a delicacy, but these days they are mass produced. This makes them a cheap and cheerful go to.

Like pizza the New York bagels are out of this world. Again possibly something to do with the water, but who really knows.

Bagels are common throughout the city, although the very aptly named Best Bagel and Coffee, tops our list.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a foodies paradise, and a must visit for your 4 day New York itinerary. It’s perfect for cheap noodle dishes or dumplings.

Chinatown started in the 1870’s when the Chinese population gathered together and sought refuge and comfort among a lot of anti Chinese sentiment.

These days it is is home to the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere. It is also a popular tourist destination with a lot of shops selling souvenirs and cheap goods, as well as you more traditional Chinese style restaurants and supermarkets.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

I don’t think you can visit the US without going to a diner. Ellen’s is one of the coolest in New York. It’s a multi-level 50s themed place that serves classic food like pancakes, burgers, and some pretty intense milkshakes. Oh and the waiters and waitresses sing to you!

Veselka

My absolute favourite place in New York to eat is Veselka. It’s a Ukrainian style diner in the East Village that is well worth a visit. My family are Ukrainian and this place basically just reminds me of my childhood.

Make sure you try the Pierogis or Veraniki which are a dumpling filled with meat or potato, and sometimes sauerkraut and mushrooms. The Borsht or Cabbage Soup is also really good.

Magnolia Bakery

For the best cupcakes in New York City, head to Magnolia Bakery. The original store opened in the West Village in 1996, but there are several others throughout the city. The cupcakes are really good, and you may even remember them from their Sex and the City cameo.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Remember when cronuts where all the hype in New York? Well why not relive those days and head to the Dominique Ansel Bakery.

A Cronut is a croissant/doughnut hybrid invented by New York pastry chef Dominique Ansel. It was introduced in May 2013 and pretty much became an instant hit. In fact just days after introducing it, foodies and media crews were camped outside the bakery at 6am waiting to get a taste. 

The Cronut is usually filled with a flavoured cream and fried in oil. Probably the most interesting thing about it though, is that it takes 3 days to make. The lamented dough needs a lot of rest before being mixed with butter and it is only on the 3^rd day where the frying and piping come in.

Whilst the Cronut is extremely popular, don’t be fooled by knock offs. A trademark was registered for the name “Cronut” only 9 days after first going on sale, which means that you can only purchase official Cronuts at the Dominique Ansel Bakery in Soho.

Of course he also has stores in London, LA, and Tokyo too. If you want to taste this popular treat you should be prepared to wait in line. When we visited, we had to wait about 20 minutes before ordering, which is actually short compared to some people’s experience.

Chelsea Market

If you are visiting the High Line or Greenwich Village we highly recommend heading to Chelsea Market for a meal afterwards. They have a number of trendy restaurants serving a range of international cuisines including some of the best tacos we have ever tasted.

Katz’s Deli

You cannot plan a 4 day New York itinerary without visiting Katz’s Deli. Not only is it the oldest deli in New York, but, it is where that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally was shot. You know the one!

Sushi Donut Shop

New York is famed for its wild food and culinary experiments. One of the newer crazes is the ‘Sushi Donut Shop’ where you can eat well you guessed it sushi donuts. They are made from rice which is shaped as a donut and you can top it with classic sushi fillings like salmon, and avocado.

Drinking during your 4 day New York itinerary

One of the cool things about New York is that the nightlife is out of this world. And whether you are into clubbing, live music, cocktails bars, or whatever else you will definitely find something to enjoy. Here are some of the best drinking spots and experiences in New York, alcohol and otherwise.

Caffe Reggio 

Starting with something non-alcoholic, Caffe Reggio is a coffee shop which was the first in NYC to serve the cappuccino. So if you are a coffee lover this is a must visit place.

Knickerbocker Hotel

Go to the Knickerbocker Hotel if you want to drink a Martini in the place they were invented. Like most drink origins it is disputed but some claim that one of the first Martini’s ever served was at the Knickerbocker Hotel in 1912. The servers name you might be wondering? Martini di Arma di Taggia.

The hotel is close to Times Square, and you can sip the classic cocktail at the hotel cocktail lounge on the 4th floor.

Do a Prohibition pub crawl

Prohibition era bars are a big thing in New York so you should definitely do a prohibition era pub crawl to learn more. It’s a great way to escape from the hustle and hustle of NYC, and you can hear all about various gangsters and bootleggers.

 Employees Only

One of our favourite bars in New York happens to be Employees Only. Located behind a secret entrance in Greenwich (look for the fortune teller) here you will find some of the most inventive cocktails in the city. And if you are visiting Sydney anytime soon you can also visit the Sydney branch.

Please Don’t Tell (PDT) 

Another cocktail favourite in the East Village is Please Don’t Tell. You need to enter through a phone booth in Crif Dogs, where you can sip cool cocktails in a dark space. Try to make a reservation in advance so you don’t miss out as it does get busy.

How to get around during your 4 days in New York

Public transport in New York City is incredibly reliable. Chances are you will only really need to use the subway during your 4 day trip to New York, as most of the attractions on this list are accessible by subway.

To use the subway you first have to find a station, which are all very clearly signposted. Then work out which line you want and whether you are going uptown or downtown. We might have messed it up a few times, but that is the fun of it. If you get on the wrong subway just get off at the next stop and go back. To buy a ticket you can purchase a metrocard or use contactless. The metrocard is probably better value for money, as you can purchase a card to cover a certain number of days.

Budgeting for your 4 day trip to New York

If you are wondering how much money you need on your 4 day trip to New York, we have you covered. As a whole New York can be quite pricey, especially when you compare it to other US cities. But the good news is, you can do New York on a budget.

Accommodation particularly in Manhattan can be costly, so if you are wanting to save, we recommend staying a little further out. NYC has a lot of accommodation options, so you will find something to suit every budget. Make sure you book well in advance for the best deals.

Food is another one that can be as cheap or expensive as you want. During our trip we were buying things like coffee and bagels for breakfast and this only cost around $7 per person. It’s the same with dinner and lunch. You can go to cheap and cheerful places that won’t break the bank. That being said if you are happy to splash the cash then you will also have a lot of chances to do so.

Attractions also range between being pricey to completely free. It all depends on what you are planning to do. For instance you can pay $20 plus for a boat cruise around Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, or you can get on the Staten Island Ferry and get a similar experience for free.

We would say for a standard trip you may want to budget about $300 per person not including accommodation. This will cover dinner, drinks, attractions, transport and more.

Best time of the year to plan your 4 day trip to New York

Because it is a city, New York is one of those places that you can visit at any time of the year and have fun. I mean you can even visit NYC in the rain and still have an amazing experience!

The experience you have in New York will be different depending on when you visit. For instance winter in New York City is cold and temperatures often drop below freezing. The city still thrives though, and you can ice skate, or get cosy in a bar, or even just visit a museum.

December is one of the most atmospheric times of year- Christmas lights come out, as well as other festivities taking place all over the city.

Summers conversely are hot, humid, and busy. There are lots of festivals that you can visit, or just take the time to enjoy the outdoors.

If you aren’t great with the extreme temperatures, try and plan your New York 4 day itinerary for April- June or September – November. The weather is still pretty decent, but just not as hot or cold as the other months.

Is a 4 day trip to New York enough?

4 days in New York is a decent amount of time to see some of the city’s top sights, have some great food, and explore some of the neighbourhoods. You will need to make sure you plan things in advance though because there is honestly so much to see and do.

In all honestly the longer you can spend in New York the better. It’s such a big city and you probably won’t even scratch the surface in 4 days.

What to pack for your New York City itinerary for 4 days

Your packing list will be dependant on the time of year you visit, so here are some considerations for your 4 day trip to New York.

• comfy shoes are a must – you will probably walk a lot so you want to be comfortable
• bring a proper coat and winter accessories in December, January, and February
• for humid summer pack layers, and sun protection like hats, sunglasses etc.
• if you have a bag make sure it is secure to avoid being pickpocketed – particularly on a crowded subway

Tips for planning your New York itinerary for 4 days

Here are some of our best tips to help you plan a smooth 4 day trip to New York.

• You don’t need a lot of cash in NYC but carry a bit for tips and some bars that don’t accept card
• NYC is safe generally particularly in the touristy areas – but always take precautions and keep an eye on your belongings
• Use public transport – yellow cabs look cool but can be pricey and slow
• Don’t limit yourself to just Manhattan!
• Book restaurants and tours in advance during peak season.
• Book accommodation well in advance too.

So should I plan a 4 day trip to New York?

Hopefully this guide will help you plan your own 4 day trip to New York. And if you are wondering if you should go or not again we hope that is a yes. New York is such an exciting city, and I really don’t think there is anywhere else in the world like it. It’s chaotic, it’s lively, and it’s exciting.

There is so much to do in New York, and genuinely something to suit all travellers. So whether you are travelling alone, in a couple, or as a family you will find something to tick all your travel boxes. And one thing is for sure, you won’t be bored planning your New York itinerary for 4 days in the city.

If you found this guide useful make sure you pin it for later.

Happy Travels!