More about: 10-Days New York City Itinerary: a guide to discover New York
Strolling through movie scenes, admiring New York from above, or enjoying a cuisine of blends and contrasts are just some of the many activities you can do and see in New York.
Whether you have already visited the city or are returning because you fell in love at first sight, you know you have to plan carefully, as the possibilities are endless if you only have two days.
But don't worry! You'll discover that if you invest your time wisely, you'll return from your trip with your dream come true. Let's get started!
1. Day The best of the Big Apple: From Times Square to 5th Avenue
Start the day with energy in Times Square
Kick off the morning with a coffee to go and take in one of the most vibrant sensory experiences. In this legendary square, the nerve centre and crossing point for thousands of people, you can enjoy the true New York atmosphere from one of the steps of its famous red staircase.
Be amazed by its dozens of LED screens or be entertained by some of the unique characters you'll find dressed up in costumes. Times Square is the place for a thousand selfies, and you won't want to leave without taking your own.
Climb the Empire State Building for the best views
A pleasant stroll down Broadway will take you to one of New York's must-see attractions and part of the city's skyline: the Empire State Building. Who doesn't have an image of this architectural icon in their mind?
But without a doubt, what will leave you speechless is going up the Empire State Building, specifically to the 86th floor. There's nothing like being able to contemplate the entire city in 360º and delight in the American dream at your feet, with endless skyscrapers that will make you feel like an ant. By the way, you should know that you can also go up the Empire State Building at night, so if it's a cloudy day, postpone this great plan until sunset.
A tip to save time? Don't miss out on tickets, book online and skip the queue to go up the Empire State Building.
Walk down Fifth Avenue
Around the corner from the Empire State Building, you'll find the famous Fifth Avenue. A classic New York City experience is to walk down this commercial artery that will leave you speechless. Of course, it's not for every budget, but without a doubt, strolling down New York's most famous street is one of the first things you should do when you arrive in the city.
Its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its connection to Manhattan's main attractions, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Centre, make Fifth Avenue the favourite place for visitors to see the essentials of Manhattan. Treating yourself is up to you, but remember that it's only the first day.
A stop for lunch in the new trendy neighbourhood
Just when you thought you knew everything about New York, they go and build an entire neighbourhood in western Manhattan: Hudson Yards.
Before exploring the sights, let's make a pit stop for lunch at one of the most famous places bearing the stamp of renowned and award-winning Spanish chef Jose Andrés: Little Spain Market. You'll also find other interesting dining options at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
Discover the highlights of Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is one of the recommended points of interest to explore, whether you are familiar with the city or visiting for the first time.
A neighbourhood that is expected to be completed in a few years, where you can admire The Vessel, a beehive-shaped sculpture that will leave you speechless with its intertwined staircases, or climb to The Edge, the highest open observatory in the Western Hemisphere. A dizzying experience!
It's time to enjoy a delicious burger
When you talk about burgers, you're talking about the United States. You can find many options for enjoying a delicious cheeseburger.
At Burger Joint, you'll find variety at a very affordable price. Another icon for burger lovers is the legendary Five Guys. Although you may already be familiar with it, as it is a restaurant chain that has already established itself in Spain, enjoying the originals in a place like New York is an experience not to be missed. And if you want all the flavour in a more welcoming atmosphere, I invite you to try Napkin-Burgers. Without a doubt, it's an experience you can repeat at any time during your trip.
In any case, here is a list of the best places to eat in New York in case you feel like exploring other options.
2. Day trip from Manhattan to Brooklyn
Start by boarding a ferry to the Statue of Liberty
If jet lag got the better of you yesterday, wake up early. What could be more exciting to start the day than visiting the symbol par excellence of New York! The statue originally greeted immigrants who came to seek a new life on the new continent, and today it is the standard that continues to be admired by every visitor who wants to visit Liberty Island.
There are several options for enjoying this unforgettable experience, although it's true that everyone wants to see it, so I recommend getting up early to take a ferry to Liberty Island from Battery Park.
If you feel like it, you can also visit the nearby Ellis Island, but the best advice I can give you is to book your ticket to the Statue of Liberty in advance(some include transport and a guided tour) so you don't miss out on seeing the majestic statue up close.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the world, which you will have seen in films hundreds of times, is the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Brooklyn with Manhattan. Any time of day is a good time to take a walk across this suspension bridge, from which you won't be able to stop taking photos. The Manhattan skyline is impressive from this perspective.
You'll feel like a real superhero like Spider-Man, but without the spider webs to climb, just spending time enjoying an unforgettable view at the foot of the Big Apple.
A stop to eat and admire the Manhattan skyline from DUMBO
And after a morning full of experiences, I suggest you try the best pizza in New York in Brooklyn. Just below the Brooklyn Bridge, at 1 Front Street, you'll find Grimaldi's. It'll make your mouth water! Looking for other options? Take note of where to eat in Brooklyn.
After satisfying your palate, I suggest a leisurely stroll to see everything Brooklyn has to offer and discover DUMBO, a bohemian and artistic neighbourhood where you can enjoy the most modern design alongside sober industrial architecture. To end the walk, what better than to take a photo from Washington Street with the skyscrapers of the Big Apple in the background.
To end the day, experience a heart-stopping evening with the NBA live
And to end the day, you're in for a real treat: an NBA game in New York. It's not just a basketball game, it's a real spectacle for young and old alike. It's pure excitement that will make you feel like an American cheering on the team of your choice, even if you have no idea how it works.
If you're still in Brooklyn, book tickets for the Brooklyn Nets, who play at the Barclays Center.
If you prefer to return to Manhattan, then your game is at Madison Square Garden and you'll need to book New York Knicks tickets. Are you ready to cheer like a true fan?
3. Day A city of contrasts: Harlem, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn
Discover the surroundings of Manhattan with a Contrasts tour as your first option of the day
A new day, a new experience. Today, I recommend leaving Manhattan again and immersing yourself in the contrasts of New York with the famous Contrasts tour, which runs from Brooklyn to the Bronx, passing through Queens, and will immerse you in New York culture, history and architecture.
- Learn about the history of Harlem and its typical brownstone houses.
- Marvel at Yankee Stadium, home to New York's famous baseball team.
- Photograph the most famous graffiti in the Bronx.
- And see Queens, the largest and most multicultural borough in New York City, among many other things...
Williamsburg, in Brooklyn, is not just the Jewish neighbourhood
Speaking of contrasts, Williamsburg is also the hipster neighbourhood. This industrial neighbourhood is full of street art, young people, designer shops and boutique restaurants. If yesterday's walk through Brooklyn left you wanting more, take advantage of the fact that the Contrasts tour leaves you in the area to explore and discover Williamsburg, its cafés and vintage shops.
Fancy brunch?
The cafés of Williamsburg are a must-visit for a delicious brunch and different types of international cuisine.
At Cafe Mogador, you can sample delicious Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
You can also try the flavours of French and New American cuisine at Cafe Colette. Or let yourself be surprised by a mouth-watering brunch just a few steps from the many attractions of Bedford Avenue at Marlow & Sons.
A peaceful visit to the Jewish quarter
And from the hipster area, I invite you to walk through New York's Jewish neighbourhood, an area where you can observe the customs of Orthodox Jews with humility and austerity.
End the night with a cocktail on a rooftop with views
You can't miss the opportunity to experience New York nightlife in the city that never sleeps. Can you imagine being able to enter the city's most prominent clubs and enjoy a delicious cocktail while listening to live music and enjoying the best views of the city?
Just choose your favourite from this list of the best rooftops in New York. Cheers!
4. Day in Harlem and Central Park
Start the day by listening to a gospel mass in Harlem
The best way to learn about Harlem's culture is to attend a live gospel mass at a local church in the district. There are different options for visiting this neighbourhood far from the skyscrapers, depending on your availability.
That's why I recommend taking the Harlem tour with gospel mass and letting yourself be carried away by the dozens of voices of the congregation. A unique experience to remember.
An afternoon cycling through Central Park
Today is the day to enjoy New York's largest urban park to the fullest and take advantage of everything there is to see and do in Central Park.
Rent a bicycle, spread out your picnic blanket and contemplate nature and the colours characteristic of the time of year you are visiting. More than 4 kilometres to enjoy at your leisure, breathe in the fresh air and, why not, do some exercise. This is undoubtedly one of the best parks in New York.
5. Day Soak up the culture: The best museums and art galore
A must to start the day: MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art in New York houses some of the works of the world's most iconic artists, such as Picasso, Warhol, Van Gogh, Dalí and Miró. Buy your tickets to MoMA in advance to save time and money and immerse yourself in a colourful world of design.
The length of your visit can last as long as your passion for modern art. It's up to you!
Stroll through the Upper East Side and visit the Natural History Museum
After visiting MoMa, head to New York's most chic and expensive neighbourhood, with Madison Avenue and its designer shops or Barney's, a luxurious shopping centre divided into two halves, one for men's shops and the other for women's.
For lunch, I recommend the Sfoglia restaurant, among the many options available in this neighbourhood. Of course, the classic style of the establishments predominates in this residential area with high-income residents.
And if you still want more, I invite you to visit one of the best natural science museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History. Whether you are travelling to New York with children or not, you will have a lot of fun, almost as much as the protagonists of the film "Night at the Museum".
To end the day, take a night cruise on the Hudson to see the lights of New York
New York nightlife has its charm on land, but if we're talking about enjoying a DJ and a delicious buffet while sailing on a yacht along the Hudson and East Rivers... there's no better way to end the day! There are several options (and budgets to suit all pockets).
Some of the best cruises on the Hudson include more premium dinners and require formal dress. Others are more informal and allow you to enjoy the views while sampling a buffet dinner. The choice is yours!
6. A day in New York like in the movies
Get ready to start the day with a tour of films and series in New York
New York is a city straight out of a film, but you already know that. You have hundreds of memories stored in your mind of scenes that have made you cry, laugh, scare you and, above all, dream.
Now is the time to stop time and let yourself be carried away by the city to discover the best locations for films and series shot in New York. You'll find hidden treasures and take photos straight out of a film!
In the afternoon, visit Ground Zero and the Financial District
You'll recognise New York's Financial District as soon as you arrive, with its suited executives walking briskly through the streets. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many fast food outlets lining the streets.
On your way to Ground Zero, you can stop to look at the New York Stock Exchange or stroke the famous buffalo for good luck.
If you want to let yourself be carried away by emotion, don't miss a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the site where the Twin Towers once stood.
If you're in the area, don't miss the new Oculus, full of shops inside and where, thanks to its incredible design, you can play around with your camera for a while.
End the day with your favourite musical on Broadway
And why did you decide to travel to New York? Well, among many other things, you dream of seeing your favourite musical in the mecca of musicals, on Broadway.
The Lion King, Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked are just a few of the examples awaiting you this season in New York. Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at this list of the best Broadway musicals.
7. Day Take a bite out of the Big Apple
A delightful stroll through the High Line and Greenwich Village
What if I told you that there is an urban garden where you can stroll along old train tracks? Yes, it's true, the High Line is real and it's a very pleasant walk.
A two-and-a-half-kilometre route that combines art and nature with large rest areas until you reach the Meatpacking District in Greenwich Village.
Enjoy the flavours of Chelsea Market
There's no better place to eat than Chelsea Market, where you can enjoy a delicious bite of whatever you fancy. Don't miss the market's speciality: seafood.
Before you leave, take home a gastronomic souvenir, such as a good bottle of wine or a delicious sweet treat that makes this place highly recommended.
An entertaining afternoon in Chinatown
Getting lost in Chinatown is one of my favourite things to do in New York. The endless market stalls and bazaars will make you feel like you're far away from the city, but it's definitely an experience. If you feel like eating or buying something to eat, these are the best places to eat in Chinatown, although I recommend saving room in your stomach for the evening.
In general, you can find all kinds of items and accessories at very affordable prices in Chinatown. Don't miss the famous knock-offs on Canal Street, where noise and bustle combine with the art of haggling.
Mamma mia! The best of Little Italy awaits you for dinner
As soon as you start to see checkered tablecloths and feel the Italian atmosphere on the edge of Chinatown... Stop! You've arrived in Little Italy. Try the delicious cannelloni at Da Gennaro and, since everyone loves a sweet treat, don't miss their famous cannoli.
8. Day It's time to go shopping
A sweet start to the day at Magnolia Bakery
Today you woke up feeling inspired by a star from the legendary series Sex and the City, and you feel like having a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery with a strong cup of coffee, so that everyone knows that today is your shopping day.
SOHO and West Village: a shopping paradise
Explore the designer shops in the SOHO neighbourhood and visit the most exclusive rooftop in New York with stunning views and a great atmosphere.
Stroll through beautiful Washington Square Park with its iconic triumphal arch, and end up immersed in the magical streets of West Village. Bleecker Street is home to many must-see places, such as the apartment building from Friends
Did you say outlet? Hurry, let's go!
I recommend heading straight to Woodbury Commons, the best outlet in New York, to spend the afternoon. There, you can choose to eat at one of its many typical American chain restaurants, such as McDonald's, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and Chipotle.
Another option is to bring something to eat in your backpack so you don't waste time and can have dinner there when you're done shopping. Enjoy the best brands and discounts of up to 50% and 70%.
9. Day A unique experience
Flying over the Big Apple
You've woken up feeling so energetic that you want to do something special on your last day. Well, I've got an idea that will get your adrenaline pumping and fill you with excitement.
Taking a helicopter ride over New York City is a dream that you can make come true, and one that you'll always remember and want to tell everyone about when you get home. There are different prices to suit all budgets and a range of itineraries to choose from.
Climb to the SUMMIT, another alternative for seeing New York from above
If helicopters aren't your thing, there's a skyscraper you can't miss. The newly opened SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has one of the most original views of the city. Why? Among other things, because of its architecture, its design and its almost 360º panoramic view.
If you don't suffer from vertigo, the glass floor will surprise you and, I assure you, as well as providing you with some incredible photos, it will leave you with one of the most special memories of this trip. Just make sure you get your tickets in advance because there will be a waiting list.
Get off the official tourist trail
A great plan for your last afternoon in New York is to visit one of the 10 secret places and other original plans that you can't miss before you leave. Did you know that you can enjoy authentic waterfalls without leaving the city by visiting parks such as Greenacre Park? Shhh... it's a secret!
10. Day The city you'll always want to return to
It's time to say goodbye, and what better way than to shout it from the rooftops at the Top of the Rock. It will be your moment, a magical moment, an image to remember. I recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid queues. And afterwards? Personally, I love returning to that special place I liked most in the city on the last day of my trip, but if that's not your thing, here are some other options.
Other museums that will win you over
I recommend walking through Central Park again on your way down from the Top of the Rock to reach the Museum of the City of New York. In addition to enjoying its exhibitions, the fun shop inside is the ideal place to do any last-minute shopping before the end of your trip. And speaking of shopping, don't miss the article on the best things to buy in New York and review the list before leaving the city.
And since you still have time, here's another museum you'll love: Madame Tussauds, better known as the New York wax museum. During your trip, you've discovered the city and its customs, but with this visit, you'll also have the opportunity to meet the personalities that make New York New York, as well as, of course, internationally renowned celebrities.
A grand farewell
If seeing New York from above has been one of your favourite experiences, I have the perfect plan for your last day: the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Located in the Upper East Side neighbourhood, also near Central Park, it will offer you views that will remain etched in your memory and make you want to return to New York again and again.
Finally, here are the 10 best places to eat in New York, so you can return home with the best possible taste in your mouth. The city that never sleeps will welcome you back with open arms whenever you wish to return.
Get the New York Pass to save on attraction tickets
Plan your trip by getting one of the following tourist cards and take advantage of two of the most important things when visiting a city. Save money, but also save time!
Use the tourist bus for greater convenience when travelling
More than 30 stops so you can visit New York's most important attractions on an open-top bus at your own pace. The best tourist buses in New York make it easy for you so you don't waste time getting around.
Get a public transport pass to save time and money
If you plan to get around by underground or bus, as you will be spending many days in the city, you can buy a MetroCard at any New York underground station. I recommend using the 7-day card, as the 30-day card is too expensive. Check the map and timetables for the underground and bus network and follow my New York Underground Guide.
Consider leaving the city if you have time to spare
New York is amazing and we would never finish seeing it all, but if at any point during your trip you feel you have the energy and time to take advantage of its privileged location within the country, don't hesitate to take a trip from New York to complete your view of the United States.
There are several options for day trips, such as excursions to Washington, Niagara Falls and Boston.