How to spend 4 Days in New York: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You want to spend 4 days in New York and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit New York in 4 days.

During your trip, you will explore the city’s best places to visit such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the vibrant district of Brooklyn, and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in New York in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

How to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time!) at New York’s tourist attractions

With over 56 million visitors annually, there is no doubt that New York City is a major tourist destination.

From its towering skyscrapers to the numerous museums and activities, the city for sure has a lot to offer!

However, the popularity of attractions like the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center often leads to extensive waiting lines, costing valuable time during your trip.

But no need to worries: I will now give you 2 solutions to avoid wasting time, save money and make the most of trip to New York City!

1. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

One of the most efficient ways to save time during your 4-day stay in New York is to get the “New York Go City Explorer Pass.”

This pass grants you access to a select number of attractions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10) based on the option you choose.

Unlike many other city passes, the New York Explorer Pass is not time-bound but is instead based on the number of activities, allowing you more flexibility.

This means you will be able to fully enjoy your selected activities during your 4-day itinerary in New York, without any rush .

And you know the best? This pass includes more than 90 different activities!

Of course, it includes all the city’s must-see attractions, from the Empire State Building to the ferry for the Statue of Liberty or the Top of the Rock observation deck.

To purchase the City Pass, it’s really simple: you just need to click on the green button below.

Once your New York Explorer Pass is purchased, you will receive the pass via email, ready to be used during your visit. It’s super convenient!

This email also includes a digital guide, full of essential information to plan your visits to the attractions: opening hours, directions, and whether you need to book a time slot.

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular attractions included in the New York Explorer Pass:

4 Days in New York: Must-See Attractions:

• Empire State Building
• The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Museum and Memorial
• MoMA
• American Museum of Natural History
• One World Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Sightseeing
• St Patrick’s Cathedral Tour
• And many more…

To buy your New York Explorer Pass, simply click on the following green button:

While there is another pass called the New York City Pass, it might not be the best choice for a 4-day trip as it only includes 5 attractions.

For a 4-day trip to New York, the New York Explorer Pass with 10 attractions is definitely the best one!

2. Fast Track Tickets to New York’s Best Attractions

Alternatively, if the New York Explorer Pass doesn’t suit your 4-day itinerary, you can purchase individual fast track tickets to each attraction.

Skip-the-line tickets are available for all the major attractions and activities in New York City. Just like the City Pass, they will for sure help you save a lot of time, as you will bypass the waiting lines!

Here are some of the best skip-the-line tickets you should consider for your 4-day stay in New York:

4 days in New York – All the best places to visit

•  Central Park Zoo
• A private tour in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage
• A pedicab tour in Central Park – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version
• American Museum of Natural History
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Top of the Rock
• National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• One World Observatory
• Wall street guided tour
• Helicopter tour over New York
• Statue of Liberty
• Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
• Walking guided tour in Brooklyn
• Empire State Building
• Broadway show
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Madame Tussauds New York
• Edge Observation Deck
• MoMA
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Harlem guided tour
• Greenwich Village guided tour
• Luna Park in Coney Island

One Last Tip for a Perfect 4-Day Stay in New York

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in New York by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in New York.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in New York, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting New York in 4 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now start your 4-day New York itinerary.

For each day, I will tell you everything you need to know about the places you will visit + give you a map that will help you visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in New York for 4 full days, and that you have bought the New York Explorer Pass or Skip-the-Line Tickets.

It’s the best way to save time and see as many tourist attractions as possible during your one week stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 4 days?

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Manhattan

Day 1 visits:

A. Central Park
B. Museums
C. Fifth Avenue
D. St Patrick’s Cathedral
E. Top of the Rock
F. Times Square

A. Immersing yourself in Central Park

Let’s start your 4-day New York itinerary by going to the world famous Central Park.

New York’s largest public park is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic!

While in Central park, you should go to The Mall and Literary Walk, a charming pathway adorned with statues of famous writers, giving it a unique appeal.

Personally, I also really liked Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, one of the most photographed areas within the park.

Here are other nice places to visit in Central Park:

• Strawberry Fields, the tribute to John Lennon
• The Belvedere Castle
• The Central Park Zoo
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Bow Bridge
• The Alice in Wonderland Statue

To get to Central Park, your best bet is to take the subway to 72nd Street, 81st Street, or 86th Street stations.

B. Discover 1 or 2 Renowned Museums

Some of the most prestigious museums in the world are located close to Central Park.

Depending on your personal interests, you might decide to explore the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), or the Guggenheim Museum.

Each museum presents a distinctive experience for its visitors.

The American Museum of Natural History is an excellent choice for those fascinated by science, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibits a large variety of artwork from different parts of the globe.

For lovers of modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim Museum is the perfect choice!

Both the American Museum and the Guggenheim can be visited with the New York Explorer Pass.

For the MET, tickets are available on the official website and for a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour here.

If you don’t have the pass, you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking here:

• The American Museum of Natural History:

Spending your 4 days in New York with family promises a delightful visit for everyone!

• The Guggenheim Museum:

C. Fifth Avenue

After your visit to one of the best museums for New York, let’s head to Fifth Avenue.

This legendary street, renowned for its luxury retail stores and historical landmarks, is a fantastic place for shopping or indulging in a little bit of leisurely window-shopping.

Fifth Avenue is several kilometers long, running along the entire eastern side of Central Park before continuing to the south of the park.

It’s this stretch that I propose you explore, from the famous Apple store, to the next stop of the day: St Patrick’s Cathedral.

D. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

As part of your 4-day itinerary in New York, your next destination should be St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a spectacular piece of Gothic Revival architecture.

Admission to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included in the New York Explorer Pass, giving you an amazing opportunity to witness the cathedral’s intricate interior and magnificent stained glass.

If you don’t have the pass, you need to buy your tickets by clicking on the link below:

E. Top of the Rock

Want to discover one of the best viewpoints of NYC?

For an unforgettable panoramic view of the city, you should now head to Top of the Rock.

Located on the top of the famous Rockefeller Center, this observation deck offers what’s probably the best 360-degree view of New York City.

Admission to the Top of the Rock is included in the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:

F. Times Square

Let’s now end your first day in New York in style by going to the iconic Times Square!

From massive billboards to street performers and a whole lot more, there’s always something happening here.

While there, you should also visit the iconic stores, like the Disney Store and M&M’s World.

Enjoy your evening, have a drink or lunch nearby and most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before starting day 2!

Day 2: Discovering Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan

The adventure continues! Let’s explore more of what New York City has to offer during your 4-day itinerary.

Day 2 visits:

A. Brooklyn district and DUMBO
B. Brooklyn Bridge
C. Statue of Liberty
D. Financial district
E. 9/11 Memorial and museum
F. One World Observatory
G. Little Italy and Chinatown

A. Brooklyn District and DUMBO

On the second day of your New York trip, you will start by going to explore Brooklyn, one of the city’s most famous borough.

Kick off the day in the fashionable DUMBO neighborhood (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

While in DUMBO, don’t miss the opportunity to capture your version of the famous photo of the red bricks buildings with the Manhattan Bridge serving as a spectacular backdrop.

To really immerse yourself in the district and uncover the secrets of Brooklyn, consider getting a local guide. You can book this walking tour (click here) for a great experience!

B. Brooklyn Bridge

Let’s continue your 4-day New York itinerary by crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge on foot!

This architectural marvel has been a city icon since 1883, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Characterized by its Gothic arches and intricate cables, it’s undeniably one of NYC’s top photo spots.

As you walk across this almost 2km long bridge, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower (also called One World Trade Center).

C. The Iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

It’s now time to go to Battery Park and board a ferry to two of the most significant American landmarks – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you don’t want to walk all the way to Battery Park (about 1h30), you can take the metro line 4 at Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall station, after crossing the Brooklyn bridge and hop-off at Bowling Green station.

Once in Battery Park, you should know that your New York Explorer Pass comes with a round-trip ferry ticket, allowing you to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you don’t have this City Pass, you need to book your tickets here:

You don’t have to land on the island where the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island is located. Instead, you can opt for a one-hour boat tour that passes the foot of the statue but doesn’t stop. It’s up to you to decide which you prefer!

If you opt for the short cruise around the statue (which is not included in the pass), you must book it directly using the button below:

D. Experience The Financial District / Wall Street / New York Stock Exchange / Charging Bull

Once back on dry land, you should head to New York’s financial district.

Walk along the iconic Wall Street, where fortunes are made (and sometimes lost) at the New York Stock Exchange.

You can also visit the famous statue of a charging bull. Legend has it that if you touch its horns or private parts, you’ll become rich... If you believe in this and are prepared to queue up for it, don’t hesitate!

E. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Just a short walk from the hustle of Wall Street, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

This moving tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is an essential stop during your visit to New York.

The two large reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers are a powerful sight, and you should absolutely visit the museum to understand more about that tragic day.

The visit of the National 9/11 memorial and museum is free with the New York Explorer Pass.

Without the pass, you need to book your tickets for the museum here:

If you prefer, you can also take a 90-minute guided walk around Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Book it here!

F. One World Observatory

To Wrap up your day, you should visit the One World Observatory.

Perched atop the One World Trade Center, which holds the record for the tallest building in the USA, the One World Observatory is one of the best viewpoints of New York.

And it’s not just about the view: The elevator ride itself is worth mentioning, thanks to the short film showcasing New York City’s evolution over the years. Pretty interesting!

Remember, your New York Go City Explorer Pass gets you free entry to the One World Observatory.

And if you don’t have the City Pass, simply click on the green button below to purchase your tickets to the One World Observatory: 

G. Culinary adventure in Little Italy or Chinatown

No doubt, by this time, you will start getting hungry.

So what about grabbing into an authentic meal in Little Italy or Chinatown?

Sounds like a great plan, right? 😄

Depending on your tastes, lets opt for some great pasta or dim sum in one of these vibrant neighborhoods.

In Little Italy, make sure you try the cannoli, a delicious Sicilian dessert. It’s an Italian classic you simply can’t miss!

And when in Chinatown, the Peking Duck is an absolute must-try. It’s a personal favorite and a truly unforgettable treat!

With this, you’ve successfully wrapped up your second day in the city that never sleeps.

Day 3: What to do in New York?

Day 3 visits:

A. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
B. Circle line Sightseeing cruise
C. Madame Tussauds
D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters
E. Empire State Building
F. See a musical on Broadway

A. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

To start the 3rd day of your 4-day stay in New York, head straight to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

There, you will step aboard a historic aircraft carrier, a unique opportunity you shouldn’t miss during your New York visit!

I admit that this museum is my favorite of the city. I really loved to explore the aircraft carrier, see a Concorde, a Lockheed A-12 and even a space shuttle!

Don’t forget, the New York Explorer Pass offers free admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

And if you don’t have the pass, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

B. Embark on the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Next, it’s time to hop on a boat for the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise.

This is your chance to appreciate New York’s most emblematic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan from a another vantage point.

Don’t worry if you’ve already taken the Statue of Liberty cruise. This tour is far more comprehensive, introducing you to additional locations.

Best of all, it’s included with the New York Explorer Pass, so it doesn’t affect your budget.

If you’re don’t have the city pass, you need to book your cruise ticket here:

C. Madame Tussauds New York

Have you ever dreamed about spending time with your favorite celebrities?

At Madame Tussauds New York, your dreams can come to life!

Okay, the celebrities here are made of wax, but that doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling!

Take advantage of this unique chance to stand next to your idols, and snap memorable photos with famous actors, singers and celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Beyoncé, or George Clooney.

Good news! Admission to Madame Tussauds is free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

You don’t have the pass? No worries, you can easily get your tickets to Madame Tussauds here:

D. New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, and United Nations Headquarters

After your visit to Madame Tussauds, let’s now discover the architectural and historical grandeur of the Big Apple.

You should start with the New York Public Library, famous for its splendid architecture. Don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room!

Then, go to the Grand Central Terminal.

Even if you’re not catching a train, the most iconic train station in the US is still worth a visit!

Then, it’s time to head to the Chrysler Building, an art-deco masterpiece. While you can’t go inside, just seeing the building from the outside is already very impressive.

To end your tour, you can visit the United Nations Headquarters. If you wish to, you can hop on a guided tour that will give you insights into how the UN operates.

E. Capture the city lights at the Empire State Building

Just before sunset, make your way to the iconic Empire State Building.

Take my word for it, you don’t want to miss the chance to admire the panorama of New York from the 102nd floor of the Empire State!

To ensure your visit to the Empire State Building, it’s critical to secure your tickets in advance from here:

And if you have the New York Explorer Pass, no need to purchase anything: entrance to the Empire State Building is included!

F. Attend a Broadway Musical

To wrap up your day, you should go see a musical on Broadway!

You can opt for a classic such as “The Phantom of the Opera” or “The Lion King” or a new hit like “Hamilton”,

Even if you’re a novice to theater, you’ll discover the unique allure of narratives unraveling on the grand Broadway stage.

Don’t forget to secure your Broadway tickets beforehand. High-demand shows, like The Lion King, are often sold out well in advance.

You can find all tickets available for Broadway shows by clicking here!

No matter which show you choose, it’s a great way to end your 3rd day in New York, right?

Day 4: Exploring Artistic Corners + The Best Rooftops of NYC

Day 4 visits:

A. Greenwich Village
B. Chelsea Market
C. High Line
D. The Vessel
E. The Edge
F. Rooftop bars

A. Greenwich Village

Your 4th day in NYC starts in Greenwich Village, an area know for its artsy side and historical significance.

As you navigate its green-laden streets, don’t forget to check its eccentric boutiques or enjoy a good breakfast at a contemporary cafe.

To make the most of your visit to Greenwich Village, you should book this guided 2-hour tour.

B. Chelsea Market

Around lunch time, let’s head to your next foodie adventure, in Chelsea Market.

This market is home to over 35 vendors offering a variety of international cuisines, ready to introduce you to different flavors from around the world.

C. Experience The High Line

To digest, what better way to continue the day than with a stroll along the High Line.

This elevated park, formerly a railroad track, offers a lovely view of the city skyline and the Hudson River.

D. The Vessel at Hudson Yard

The next stop is The Vessel at Hudson Yard (if you follow the High Line, you’ll get there straight away), a remarkable sculpture comprising 154 flights of interconnected staircases, or some 2,500 steps.

Unfortunately, for security reasons, it is currently impossible to use the staircases, but access to the first floor is free and allows you to admire the building’s originality.

E. The Edge Observation Deck

Continue your 4-day itinerary in New York with a trip to one of the city’s newest additions: the Edge Observation Deck.

Rising to an impressive 345m, the Edge holds the title for the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! The skyscrapers of the city will appear like a child’s playset from this vantage point.

When you reach the Edge, you’ll find a spacious outdoor viewing platform that offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, the Hudson and East Rivers and the sea.

But the Edge has another trick up its sleeve – the glass floor! A 225-square-foot part of the deck lets you peer straight down onto the streets below.

Visit the Edge for free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass. If you don’t have the city Pass, you need to book your Edge tickets here!

F. Enjoy New York’s Rooftop Bars

As daylight fades, it’s time to unwind with a well-earned drink!

Known for its superb rooftop bars, New York provides plenty of options. Here are my favorite ones:

• The 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar NYC with its amazing Empire State Building views.
• The Westlight at The William Vale , for a panoramic view over Manhattan and Brooklyn,
• The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line and The Press Lounge both offer breathtaking cityscapes paired with an exquisite drink menu.

Where to stay in New York?

Now that you know what to do during your 4-day itinerary in New York, it’s time for the next step in planning your unforgettable trip: booking your accommodation!

As you probably know, hotels are quite expensive in New York, and the hotels offering the best value for money are fully booked very quickly.

To get the best rate, you should really book your accommodation in New York as soon as you have your travel dates!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in the heart of New York (around Times Square / Empire State Building / Central Park).

• HI New York City Hostel: Youth hostel located right next to Central Park. Dormitory beds from €50 per night. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in New York City Center!
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45: Located next to Grand Central Station. Bright and spacious double room from €200 per night. Strong Points: the rooftop and the location.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South: Located 1 km from Times Square. Cosy, comfortable double rooms from €330 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: friendly staff, view, peace and quiet.
• Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square: Located next to Madame Tussauds. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and comfortable bedding from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for visiting New York on foot, very generous breakfast, very friendly staff.
• The Iroquois New York: Located less than 500 metres from Times Square, this 5-star hotel offers superb rooms with very chic decor, from €410 including breakfast. Strong points: ideal, quiet location, attentive staff.
• Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: Located next to the Rockfeller Center. Very comfortable, noise-isolated room from €450, breakfast €23. Strong points: very professional staff, varied breakfast, very easy to visit the centre of New York on foot.
• Hard Rock Hotel New York: Located next to the Rockfeller Center, this luxury hotel offers elegant, contemporary rooms from €500, breakfast €47. Strong points: the rooftop, the comfort, the classy design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in New York!

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the centre (don’t worry, it’s still very easily accessible by public transport), here is my list of the best hotels in Wall Street.

It’s a bit quieter than the hotels in Times Square and also slightly less expensive for equivalent quality.

• Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown: Located 160 metres from Battery Park. Comfortable, modern rooms from €225, breakfast €23. Strong points: the location close to the metro, very comfortable, practical for going to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
• The Washington by LuxUrban: Located 200 metres from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. Stylish rooms from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: metro stations right next to the hotel – perfect for sightseeing, view of the One World Trade Center, quality of bedding, peace and quiet.
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Located next to Ground Zero. Spacious and cosy double room from €330. Strong points: location next to several metro stations, views from the rooftop and some rooms, free unlimited water and coffee/tea, in-room fridge.

4 days in New York with your Family

You’re traveling to New York with kids?

This suggested 4-day New York itinerary is entirely family-friendly.

Use the metro for longer distances and enjoy leisurely walks around the city’s iconic landmarks!

Here’s a list of enjoyable and kid-approved activities to include in your 4-day family trip to New York:

• Central Park Zoo: A visit to this zoo offers a chance to see a wide range of animals, from snow leopards to grizzly bears, keeping the young ones engaged.
• American Museum of Natural History: With its dinosaur fossils, a massive blue whale model, and a planetarium, this museum is a feast for curious young minds.
• The legendary toy store, FAO Schwarz, is a place where childhood dreams come to life. Its giant floor piano and countless toys will captivate both kids and adults.
• Don’t forget to check out the M&M and Disney’s stores in Times Square and the Lego’s store on Fifth Avenue for a dose of colorful fun.
• Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty is an impressive sight for all ages.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Simply my favorite museum in New York. Kids love it too!
• Attend a Broadway Show: Choose from kid-friendly productions like ‘The Lion King’, ‘Frozen’, or ‘Aladdin’ for an unforgettable theatre experience!

Incorporating these kid-friendly attractions will ensure that your 4 days in New York are a hit with the whole family.

The New York Explorer Pass offers discounted rates for children, depending on their age.

Extra Suggestions for Your 4-Day Visit to New York

For even more ideas of things to do and see in New York, you can read my other detailed guide: The 57 best things to do in New York.

Map of your 4-day itinerary in New York

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 4 days in New York, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day. You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

Flight prices to New York

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to New York, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You need help to plan your 4-day trip to New York? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section located below!

You’re traveling in the US? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about USA: All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

• New York: Top 57 best things to do

• 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
• 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary

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