There are so many things to see in New York that travel planning is key
This guide is a 5-day course that minimizes travel time by grouping key Manhattan attractions by region.
A perfect 5-day route to Manhattan for first-time visitors to New York
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Lower Manhattan & Statue of Liberty Symbols of New York The Statue of Liberty and Wall Street, 9/11 Memorial Metro Card 7-day unlimited pass ($34) is recommended. Unlimited subway and bus use.
New York's symbols: the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial
1
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island A symbol of America gifted by France in 1886. From Liberty Island, you can climb up to the crown of the Goddess Statue (advance reservation required). Experience American immigration history at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Round trip by ferry. Reservation required 3 months in advance to enter the crown! It is possible to reach the pedestal on the same day. Ferry departure from Battery Park. Recommended to board the first boat in the morning (8:30).
08:30 4시간A symbol of America gifted by France in 1886. From Liberty Island, you can climb up to the crown of the Goddess Statue (advance reservation required). Experience American immigration history at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Round trip by ferry.
To enter the crown, reservations must be made 3 months in advance! It is possible to reach the pedestal on the same day. Ferry departure from Battery Park. Recommended to board the first boat in the morning (8:30).
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2
Shake Shack Battery Park branch is a premium burger chain that started in New York. ShackBurger's signature dish is a 100% Angus beef patty with excellent Shack sauce. Crinkle cut fries and concrete (custard ice cream) are also a must. Battery Park view terrace seats. If you order in advance through the app, you can pick up without waiting. You can view the Statue of Liberty from the terrace. Shack Burger + Crinkle Cut Fries + Chocolate Shake Lunch 12-1pm. Recommended to visit after 1pm.
13:00 BurgerA premium burger chain that started in New York. ShackBurger's signature dish is a 100% Angus beef patty with excellent Shack sauce. Crinkle cut fries and concrete (custard ice cream) are also a must. Battery Park view terrace seats.
If you order in advance through the app, you can pick it up without waiting. View of the Statue of Liberty from the terrace.
3
9/11 Memorial & MuseumA space to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The two artificial waterfalls built on the site of the Twin Towers and the bronze panels engraved with the names of the victims are impressive. Experience recording the day through artifacts and videos at the museum. Free for the Memorial (outdoor fountain), $26 for the museum. Free admission after 5pm on Tuesdays (reserve online in advance). It's an emotionally heavy experience, so prepare yourselves.
14:30 2시간A space to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The two artificial waterfalls built on the site of the Twin Towers and the bronze panels engraved with the names of the victims are impressive. Experience recording that day through artifacts and videos at the museum.
Memorial (outdoor fountain) is free, Museum is $26. Free admission after 5pm on Tuesdays (reserve online in advance). It's an emotionally heavy experience, so prepare yourselves.
4
Wall Street & Bull Statue The financial center of the world. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) building and the Federal Reserve are located here. A photo in front of the Charging Bull bull statue is a must. Alexander Hamilton's grave in Trinity Church Cemetery. The bull statue is always crowded. Early morning or evening is best for taking pictures. Happy hour beer is also recommended at nearby Stone Street.
17:00 1시간The world's financial center. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) building and the Federal Reserve are located here. A photo in front of the Charging Bull bull statue is a must. Alexander Hamilton's grave in Trinity Church Cemetery.
The bull statue is always crowded with people. Early morning or evening is best for taking pictures. Happy hour beer is also recommended at nearby Stone Street.
Today's Key Tips
Recommend purchasing the MetroCard 7-day unlimited pass ($34). Unlimited subway and bus use.
Day 2
Midtown & Times SquareEmpire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, BroadwayDiscount tickets for Broadway musicals can be purchased at the TKTS booth on the same day. Under the stairs of Times Square on 47th Street.
Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Broadway
1
Empire State Building, New York's iconic skyscraper, completed in 1931. 360-degree panorama of Manhattan from the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. A filming location for numerous movies including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. The night view is fantastic, but the line is short in the morning. If you visit right after opening at 9 a.m., the wait is less than 30 minutes. Skip the wait when you purchase the Express Pass ($79). Additional $20 to go to the 102nd floor.
09:00 1시간 30분An iconic skyscraper in New York, completed in 1931. 360-degree panorama of Manhattan from the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. A filming location for numerous movies including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. The night view is fantastic, but the lines are short in the morning.
If you visit right after opening at 9 a.m., the wait will be less than 30 minutes. Skip the wait when you purchase the Express Pass ($79). Additional $20 to go to the 102nd floor.
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2
Koreatown (32nd Street) Korean food in the middle of Manhattan! 32nd Street K-Town has a 24-hour Korean restaurant, karaoke room, and even a sauna. Soft tofu stew, pork belly, and cold noodles are salvation for a stomach tired from a long trip. Famous places include Hanjin Pocha and Wooraeok. 5 minutes walk from the Empire State Building. BCD Tofu House, Hanilgwan, and Wooraeok are restaurants recommended by locals. Seafood soft tofu + braised ribs. Lunchtime is crowded with local office workers. Quiet after 11 or 2 o'clock.
11:00 Korean foodKorean food in the middle of Manhattan! 32nd Street K-Town has a 24-hour Korean restaurant, karaoke room, and even a sauna. Soft tofu stew, pork belly, and cold noodles are salvation for a stomach tired from a long trip. Famous ones include Hanjin Pocha and Woorae-ok.
5 minutes walk from the Empire State Building. BCD Tofu House, Hanilgwan, and Wooraeok are restaurants recommended by locals.
3
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Complex where NBC headquarters is located. In winter, it is famous for its ice skating rink and large Christmas tree. Simultaneous views of the Empire State Building and Central Park from the 70th floor observation deck "Top of the Rock". Top of the Rock admission fee is $44. If you visit at sunset, you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views. A visit to either Empire State or Top of the Rock is enough.
14:00 1시간 30분The complex where NBC headquarters is located. In winter, it is famous for its ice skating rink and large Christmas tree. Simultaneous views of the Empire State Building and Central Park from the 70th floor observation deck "Top of the Rock."
Top of the Rock admission $44. If you visit at sunset, you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views. A visit to either Empire State or Top of the Rock is enough.
4
Times Square "Crossroads of the World". The heart of New York, where huge LED billboards and neon signs shine 24 hours a day. Venue for the annual New Year countdown event. Nearby are large flagship stores such as Disney Store, M&M World, and Hershey's Chocolate. It is more glamorous after sunset than during the day. Sit on the red stairs (above the TKTS booth) and enjoy the plaza. Beware of soliciting customers (CD bundled sales, etc.).
16:30 1시간“Crossroads of the World”. The heart of New York, where huge LED billboards and neon signs shine 24 hours a day. Venue for the annual New Year countdown event. Large flagship stores such as Disney Store, M&M World, and Hershey's Chocolate nearby.
It is more gorgeous after sunset than during the day. Sit on the red stairs (above the TKTS booth) and enjoy the plaza. Beware of soliciting customers (CD bundled sales, etc.).
5
The highlight of my trip to Broadway Musical New York! Enjoy world-renowned musicals such as The Lion King, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Chicago in their hometown. There are 41 Broadway theaters concentrated around Times Square. 20-50% discount on same-day performances at the TKTS booth. Online reservations for popular films are required in advance. No need for formal attire, casual is OK. Photography is prohibited during the performance.
19:30 2시간 30분The highlight of my trip to New York! Enjoy world-renowned musicals such as The Lion King, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Chicago in their hometown. There are 41 Broadway theaters clustered around Times Square.
20-50% discount on same-day performances at the TKTS booth. Online reservations for popular films are required in advance. No need for formal attire, casual is OK. Photography is prohibited during the performance.
Today's Key Tips
Discount tickets for Broadway musicals can be purchased on the same day at the TKTS booth. Under the stairs of Times Square on 47th Street.