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What to do in New York in 5 days

Prices checked in October 2026

New York is best explored neighbourhood by neighbourhood. In five days you see Lower Manhattan, Midtown, Central Park and its museums, Brooklyn and an observation deck, by subway and on foot.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Lower Manhattan

    • Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
    • Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial.
    • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.

  2. Day 2: Midtown

    • Grand Central, the Public Library and Bryant Park.
    • Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.
    • Times Square at night (and a Broadway show if the budget allows).

  3. Day 3: Central Park and museums

    • Central Park on foot or by bike.
    • The Met or the Natural History Museum.
    • Upper West Side and dinner.

  4. Day 4: West Side and the Village

    • The High Line, Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards.
    • Greenwich Village and SoHo.
    • Chinatown and Little Italy for dinner.

  5. Day 5: Brooklyn and a view

    • DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
    • Williamsburg (markets and cafés).
    • Observation deck at sunset: Top of the Rock, Empire State or Edge.

Approximate prices

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferryofficial website
    ≈ US$25
  • The Met (out-of-state visitors)official website
    ≈ US$30
  • Observation deck (Top of the Rock, Empire State, Edge)
    US$40–50
  • Subway or bus ride
    ≈ US$3
  • Pizza slice / deli lunch
    US$4–6 / US$15–20
  • Hostel bed / 3-star hotel (night)
    US$60–90 / US$200–320

Prices change: confirm on the official website before paying. Those marked ≈ are approximate.

Budget per person

Lodging, food, transport and tickets for 5 days, excluding flights.

  • Budget

    Whole trip

    US$ 750–US$ 1,000

    Per day: US$ 150–US$ 200

  • Balanced

    Whole trip

    US$ 1,500–US$ 2,100

    Per day: US$ 300–US$ 420

  • Premium

    Whole trip

    US$ 3,000–US$ 4,500

    Per day: US$ 600–US$ 900

Tips

  • Pay on the subway by tapping a card or phone: after 12 rides in 7 days, the rest of the week is free.
  • Restaurants expect an 18–20% tip and prices exclude sales tax.
  • The free Staten Island Ferry passes near the Statue of Liberty (it doesn't stop on the island).

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