The Perfect 7-Day New York City Itinerary - Top 10 Things to Do in New York

As someone who has been to New York several times and absolutely loves the city more than any other city in the world, here's a post on what I feel is a great way to spend 7 days in the Big Apple and also some restaurants/food that you must try.

Day 1- Central Park, MET/MOMA, 5th Ave, Rockefeller Centre

Central Park needs no introduction, it is an oasis of nature in the middle of the majestic skyscrapers of Manhattan. Take a walk through the massive park, through the tree-arched paths, the Bethesda Fountain, the Boat House, the Bow Bridge and more. It is truly peaceful and scenic to just walk through and enjoy a couple of hours there. If you're there during the summer, you can also pick up a few titbits from the Whole Foods nearby at Columbus Circle and have a picnic.

I like to start my day by eating a classic New York Bagel and two great spots a few blocks from Central Park are Liberty Bagels on 5th Ave and Pick a Bagel on 8th Ave. Two museums that I have loved visiting close to Central Park are the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Both museums have their unique points, the MET being more vast, one can spend the entire day exploring, and MOMA concentrating on contemporary and modern art.

Personally, I preferred MOMA as I was obsessed with Van Gogh's Starry Night which is displayed there. However, if you are looking for more variety, covering vast periods of history then MET should be your pick. And if you have the time I suggest to visit both museums they are both amazing in their ways. Then of course one can spend the rest of the day exploring the impressive and famous 5th Avenue which is lined by high-end stores, restaurants and all the glitz and glam that NYC is associated with.

The Apple Store on 5th Ave has unique architecture which many people like to visit.

Then further along the way, you will come across Rockefeller Centre, which is well-known for its winter decor and ice rink. But even during the summer, there is so much vibrance and beauty in that area.

The Lego store and the Nintendo stores there are a must-visit and so is Fao Schwarz. St Patrick's Cathedral is also close by which is beautiful.

Try Van Leeuwen Ice Cream close by, it's one of the most creamiest ice creams you will ever have. Their honeycomb and brown sugar cookie dough crunch flavors are supposed to be the most popular and I even loved their praline butter cake flavor. Magnolia Bakery is another popular spot for its picture-perfect cupcakes and decadent cake slices. Overall it is great to spend a whole day or two in and around this area.

Day 2- Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square & Summit One Vanderbilt

Bryant Park is one of the most popular parks just behind the Public Library.

During the winter this park has a fantastic Christmas market but even during the summertime, there are many food stalls, events and markets taking place there. Angelina Paris is close by and houses the famous Parisian hot chocolate with whipped cream. On either side of Bryant Park a few blocks away are two more famous landmarks, on one side there is Times Square and on the other side there is the Grand Central Terminal. Also, around six blocks south of Bryant Park is the iconic Macy's department store which is famous for its beautiful winter store decorations and of course the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Times Square no matter how touristy it may be, has such a mesmerizing vibe to me with all those hoardings and neon signs. Beware of scammers and pickpocketers in this area, for example, people dressed in costumes come in your photo uninvited and then demand money. Or the CD scam where a so-called "artist" offers you a free CD of his new album and writes your name on the CD. And then surrounds you with a few of his friends and demands money from you saying your name is on it. These are a few of the many scams that happen in Manhattan. But don't let all this scare you, just be alert always that's all. Times Square has a wonderful Swatch Store, Disney Store and Hershey's Chocolate World (where you can get the famous Hershey's Smores) and many more.

Head to Junior's Restaurant and Bakery nearby where you can enjoy the iconic New York Style Cheesecake. My favorite is the original cheesecake topped with strawberries.

Head over to Joe's Pizza for one of the best New York Style Pizza Slices. Try the classic cheese slice. Just a few blocks away you can find a branch of the famous Italian Sandwich Shop from Florence called All'Antico Vinaio on 8th Ave, enjoy one of their fresh focaccia sandwiches, they even have some delicious options for vegetarians (lacto + ovo).

Now coming to Grand Central Terminal, it is stunning to see from the inside and has so many dining options as well. If you want to try a decadent American doughnut head to Doughnut Plant for some artisanal doughnuts with unique flavours. There is also an outlet of Veselka if you are interested in trying pierogis (dumplings with various fillings). Magnolia Bakery also has a branch there, basically, Grand Central's food hall is a must explore. Grand Central also has one of the best-designed Apple Stores.

A great observation deck option close to Grand Central Terminal is the Summit One Vanderbilt. It takes the concept to another level by creating a multi-sensory experience along with different themed rooms. You can read more about my complete experience here. Book tickets a little in advance for this attraction as it is very popular.

Day 3 - Flatiron, Union Square, Washington Square Park

Flatiron is an iconic building named so because the triangular building looks like a clothes iron. It is a sight to behold and nearby is another popular park Madison Square Park. Here as well you can find so many great eating and shopping options.

Head to Eataly which has so many options to dine and shop all things Italian, head to Planta Queen an interesting Asian vegan restaurant, there are many options in that area for a variety of cuisines. Once again it is important to take prior reservations to whichever restaurant you want to visit, many reservations can be made online through Google Maps itself.

Harry Potter New York Store is also over there which is quite interesting and fun if you are a fan and you can try the famous butterbeer over there.

The FRIENDS Experience: The one in New York is also in that area, you can read my complete review of that experience here. A few blocks away is Union Square, which also has an interesting Christmas Market during wintertime, and is bustling with activities during summertime as well. Many popular stores like Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and Trader Joe's have branches in this area. This area also has so many highly-rated restaurants and cafes that you can visit.

Further downtown is Washington Square Park, famous for its Arch and it also has the NY Dosas Cart. A popular restaurant I like here is Spicy Moon, it is vegan but the food is absolutely fantastic.

Crumbl is a nationwide sensation for its weekly drop of cookies and has a branch here in West Village. Also situated here is Pop Up Bagels which is all the rage right now for its unique take and excellent quality of bagels. This is a great area to explore with a different feel as it has universities in its vicinity. The food options in Manhattan are bewildering but Google Maps and its reviews section of listings help you map out which places would best fit your palette.

Day 4- Vessel and Hudson Yards, Chelsea and Newport

The Vessel is an iconic landmark in Hudson Yards which is a stunning creation of interconnected staircases, it is also great for those Instagram profile picture shots. Hudson Yards is a great shopping mall with a wide range of shops and restaurants, it is a great way to experience a lot of different brands in Manhattan under a single roof.

As far as drool-worthy eats go, it has Magnolia Bakery (quintessential NYC cupcakes), Russ & Daughters (famous for their bagel and lox), Fuku by celebrity chef David Chang, Xing Fu Tang (bubble tea) and so many more. It also houses Edge, a unique observation deck protruding outwards with a glass floor and 360-degree views. One can easily spend an entire day here just exploring. Close by is the entrance for High Line, a unique park that is elevated above street level as it is created on an old rail line, it is highly rated on Google Maps.

Head next to Chelsea Market which is well known for its highly-rated eats. This indoor marketplace houses some great eateries like Los Tacos No 1, Lobster Place, Very Fresh Noodles and more.

This area also has the Google NYC Store which is quite fun and interactive to visit.

Another must-see place here is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, you can read my complete review of the fantastic experience I had here. During the evening you can head over by path trains to Newport, which I had the pleasure of exploring on my latest visit to NY.

Hardly a four-minute walk from the station is Lighthouse Point Park which gives stunning views of the Manhattan Skyline and the Hudson River. Plus this area is so peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, it is great to just take a break here and sit and gaze at the city skyline or walk along the promenade with some lovely river breeze.

If you come during sunset you can enjoy the day and night views of the city. Head over to Newport Centre Mall which is once again at walking distance, to enjoy a great dinner at the famous Cheesecake Factory, or there are many other options to choose from.

Day 5- Little Italy, Chinatown, World Trade Center and Wall Street

Little Italy and Chinatown as their names suggest, both have great and authentic vibes and their plus points. In Little Italy walk along Mulberry Street for some charming Italian restaurants. A place you must visit is Ferrara Bakery & Cafe which is well-known for its cannoli and other Italian desserts. Rubirosa is great for its thin crust pizzas, or go to Lombardi's which as per its website is America's First Pizzeria est. 1905. Honestly, there are so many highly-rated restaurants in that area, so have a look at their menus on Google Maps and decide.

Close by is another lovely place called Eileen's Special Cheesecake, some of the creamiest cheesecake you will ever have. Also close by is the New York Supreme store, a renowned streetwear brand.

Anyway, coming downwards from Mott Street to Canal Street you shall find Chinatown, and some great restaurants to try there are Joe's Steam Rice Rolls, Xi'an Famous Foods, Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Tiger Sugar for its brown sugar boba milk. You shall also find the Stadium Goods store there featured on many YouTube videos for its popular sneakers collection.

After this, you can head to the World Trade Centre to have a look at the beautiful memorial and take photos of the One World Trade Centre building.

There is also the Westfield World Trade Centre Mall which has some great stores and restaurants. This area also has a Smorgasbourg mostly on Fridays (check their official website for dates and months), a famous food festival in New York. Walk towards Wall Street to see the iconic Charging Bull, there is a Liberty Bagels located close by in case you wish to have some amazing bagels including rainbow bagels.

Day 6 - Brooklyn Bridge from Tin Building and Dumbo

Tin Building by Jean-Georges is the food hall I never knew I needed. It is a marvelous sight to behold like you have entered a chic and vibrant food market with brands and products I had never seen or heard of before.

The gelato is ultra-creamy, the breads are fantastic, the sandwiches are fresh and delicious, and the selection of restaurants is overwhelming, there is so much to eat and explore it is mind-boggling.

It is a must-visit place in my opinion.

Another plus point is that the views of the Brooklyn Bridge from this area are fantastic.

You can then proceed to Dumbo, where you can dine at Celestine for its great Brooklyn Bridge and city views, or head to the famous Time Out Market for a great variety of different cuisines. Head to the Washington Street and Water Street Intersection for the picture-perfect Instaworthy shot of you with the Brooklyn Bridge.

Then head to one of the parks close by like Main Street Park for some great views of the city and the bridges. For children, there is the popular Jane's Carousel close by. You can also head back to Manhattan after exploring this area and go to East Village to check out Tompkins Square Bagels (check opening and closing timings before going). Two other restaurants I have heard a lot about are Avant Garden for its "avant-garde" take on vegan food and Una Pizza Napoletana which was ranked no 1 by the Italy-based 50 Top Pizza Awards in its 2024 worldwide list.

Day 7 - Statue of Liberty / Coney Island / Broadway Show / Revisit Some of your Favorite Spots

Statue of Liberty is another touristy sport people like to visit, however, the lines for the ferries during my visit a few years back were so long, that I was a little put off by it, so do check the crowd levels before you go. Coney Island is open during some months of the year, if parks and beachside are your thing you can try that out. Some people like to watch Broadway shows so that's something you can research a few months in advance to understand availabilities. Or you could just spend the day, revisiting some of your favorite spots during the trip, as sometimes visiting a particular place/restaurant you loved once is not enough. The possibilities are endless when it comes to a magnificent city like New York.

So these are some of my suggestions for when you visit New York, I hope you have a safe and wonderful trip. Thank you for reading ❤️