15-Days New York City Itinerary: a guide to make the most of your two weeks in New York City

New York is known as "the city that never sleeps," and it's not hard to see why: there's always something to do and see in New York, no matter what time of day it is!

Stroll through Central Park, visit the MET, attend an NBA game, spend a day at the beach, or climb the tall skyscrapers... It's very difficult to get bored in a city with so much cultural variety.

Take note, because here I'll tell you everything you can do in New York in 15 days.

You've just arrived in New York and you're probably eager to get out and see all the places you've seen so many times in films and photos. As this is your first contact with the city, I suggest you spend this day discovering Manhattan from a bird's eye view and delving into the heart of Harlem to explore the soul of the city.

Get to know New York from its skyscrapers

By now you must know that New York is famous for its skyscrapers. The city, especially the borough of Manhattan, has one of the most spectacular and famous skylines in the world, and it's worth taking the time to climb to the top of the best ones.

On this occasion, not only will we experience feeling tiny next to these enormous metal structures, but we'll also take the opportunity to climb the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock. From the heights, you can appreciate the enormity of the city and get a glimpse of all the streets you are about to discover.

I understand that it is sometimes difficult to choose between going up one skyscraper or another, so if you have any doubts, I recommend reading this comparison between going up the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. I hope it helps you decide! Although you can always go up both (they are both open at night, so you can combine a visit in daylight with a night-time visit). Here's more information about going up to the Top of the Rock at night and the Empire State Building at night.

If you want to consider other options (not as legendary but just as spectacular or even more so), I recommend taking a look at the possibility of going up to the most modern skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan: The Edge and the Summit Vanderbilt. You'll have a dizzying morning!

We venture into Harlem and its cuisine

After this experience, you're sure to be hungry, and there's no better plan than to recharge your batteries at one of the typical American restaurants with a good milkshake and a hamburger. Make your way to Harlem, north of Central Park, where an afternoon of contrasts awaits you.

This time, I recommend you first stop for lunch at Harlem Shake, a well-known restaurant in the area where you can enjoy a traditional Pulp Fiction-style lunch.

Even so, you'll find plenty of places to eat in Harlem throughout the neighbourhood. The variety of food and street stalls will satisfy any palate and give you the energy to continue your day.

Soak up the atmosphere of Harlem at a Gospel mass

New York is known for being a city full of cultures and contrasts, and a good way to get in touch with this is through one of its most famous and widespread traditions: attending a Gospel mass in Harlem. This typical religious ceremony, full of music and joy, has become very popular throughout the continent and, within the city, it is concentrated in the neighbourhood of Harlem.

On Sunday mornings, you can take a tour of all the churches in the neighbourhood and enjoy the characteristic singing. To do so, you will need to take the underground to the Harlem neighbourhood, where there are around 500 churches that hold this typical service (here is a list of the best churches to attend a Gospel service).

Of course, you must be respectful and treat this interesting visit as a spiritual and religious act, following the rules established for attending a Gospel service.

Central Park is the green lung of New York and has dozens of places to get lost and spend the day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For this second day, I suggest a picnic in the heart of Manhattan.

Starting point at Bethesda Fountain

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the park is to head to its large central square, Bethesda Fountain. For years, this has been one of the park's most iconic spots and is a meeting place for many New Yorkers.

At the far end, you'll find the beginning of the famous Central Park Lake, and near the tunnel, you can hear the wonderful acoustics of the musicians who play there. Keep in mind that this park is huge, so you'll need to start the day with plenty of energy if you want to see all the attractions.

Have a picnic with a view

One of the best ways to get to know Central Park is to eat inside it to make the most of your time. A picnic is the best option for this. In all the supermarkets in Manhattan near the park, you will find sandwiches, salads and soft drinks so you can lie on the grass and enjoy the scenery. Pret A Manger, for example, offers healthy fast food to go (sandwiches, soups, vegetable wraps, etc.)

Central Park has countless meadows and lakes where you can spread out a blanket and stop to recharge your batteries. The beauty of this experience is getting lost in its forests and long paths, so when you find a place you like, stop for lunch. In the southern part of the park, you can also eat among the trees but with views of the Midtown skyscrapers.

Rent a bike to finish exploring the park's icons

Central Park is worth visiting in its own right. However, like the main fountain, the park has numerous places that are a must-see and are steeped in history.

One of them is the memorial to Beatles singer John Lennon, called Strawberry Fields. This mosaic on the ground contains the word "Imagine" and is visited and honoured every day by the singer's fans. Likewise, the legendary sculpture of Alice in Wonderland, dedicated to its author Lewis Carroll, is another must-see.

If you have energy to spare, you can always rent a bike, which will allow you to explore the rest of the park at a faster pace and feel like a true New Yorker.

Experience a night at the theatre

Without leaving Midtown Manhattan, now is the time to dress up and enjoy the Broadway neighbourhood in style. This place is full of lights and theatres and has become one of the most cultural streets in the entire city. Along the entire avenue, there are a multitude of Broadway musicals and plays with a great international following.

If you want to enjoy one of these shows live, you should know that they are usually quite reasonably priced and are one of the most worthwhile things to do in New York. Just check the catalogue in advance and enjoy all the charms of Broadway first-hand.

There are options for all tastes, with the most popular being The Lion King, Aladdin and The Phantom of the Opera.

On this day, let's take a moment to learn about the history of the city and its most iconic landmarks of recent times. From a tour of Ellis Island to the memorial that marked the entire 21st century with the twin towers, passing by the incomparable Statue of Liberty.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

The undisputed star of New York's history and skyline is the Statue of Liberty. From Battery Park in southern Manhattan, there are ferries to the Statue of Liberty that will take you there in just a few minutes, offering incredible views of the Statue and the Manhattan skyline.

Once you have your ticket to the Statue of Liberty, you can enter its pedestal and even climb up to the iconic Crown. It's true that it's always crowded with tourists, but as you can imagine, it's a must-see for visitors.

Continue your visit to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum

To understand the origins of New York, we must go back to its migratory past. The city was built by immigrants, and one of the places with the most history is Ellis Island, where all new residents used to arrive and which is why America is considered the land of opportunity.

Once on Ellis Island, visit the Immigration Museum, where you can learn more about this important place and see the first registration forms that marked the beginning of the city.

Return to Manhattan to discover Ground Zero

Continuing with this historic day, one of the stops I recommend on your return to Battery Park after seeing the Statue is to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The site, built on what was once the Twin Towers, was designed to remember the people who died at Ground Zero.

There, where the towers once stood, there are two large fountains spouting water, as well as a forest of 400 oak trees, one of which stands out as the only one to have miraculously survived the tragedy. It also has a museum with testimonies and memories that will give you goosebumps.

Explore Wall Street

Now that you're here, and after stopping at one of the many places in the centre for a bite to eat, it's time to explore Wall Street, the financial district.

Walking through its streets filled with high-powered executives and luxury offices is quite an experience in the city. You should also take the famous photo with the Wall Street bull, one of the most famous icons of the neighbourhood, which has appeared in numerous blockbuster films.

End the day with a cruise

After an intense day full of excitement and contrasts, there's nothing better than relaxing your legs while enjoying a cruise on the Hudson River and taking in the New York skyline (here's some help choosing from the best cruises in Manhattan).

There are all kinds of boats and itineraries to suit all budgets, but if you want to treat yourself, it's best to book a dinner cruise on the Hudson. To the sound of relaxing live music, you'll see the city lights like you've never imagined before. It's like something out of a film!

Brooklyn, next to Manhattan, is one of New York's most famous neighbourhoods. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and it's no wonder. This spectacular place is much more than just its famous bridge and has areas such as DUMBO where you can lose yourself and spend the whole day.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the DUMBO neighbourhood

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the entire city and, therefore, it is the mandatory stop with which we begin this fourth day. We are going to leave Manhattan aside for a day and focus on the other important districts. On this occasion, the bridge will welcome us to Brooklyn, a neighbourhood full of art and new trends.

I recommend taking a stroll through DUMBO, just across the bridge. This neighbourhood has been completely renovated and has become a hub for the avant-garde. Its murals, converted warehouses, and alternative shops and boutiques are well worth seeing.

Try the pizza at Grimaldi's

After getting your first taste of Brooklyn, it's time to stop for something to eat to give you energy for the rest of the day. There are many places to eat in Brooklyn, but one stands out for its famous pizza.

Grimaldi's is one of Brooklyn's most famous restaurants. Although it is a chain with locations across the continent, this is the only one in the city, located under the bridge. Its American-style pizza is a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Explore luxurious Williamsburg and artistic Bushwick

Once we've seen the essentials of Brooklyn, we can spend the afternoon exploring the rest of the district and strolling through two of its other neighbourhoods: Williamsburg and Bushwick. Both are dominated by art and a mix of traditions, and getting lost in their narrow streets is undoubtedly the best thing to do.

Williamsburg is a luxurious neighbourhood with a clear Jewish influence and, in recent times, a reference point for all things hipster. It's the perfect blend of tradition and new trends. Don't miss New York's Jewish neighbourhood either.

Bushwick, meanwhile, is ideal for all lovers of urban art. It has an industrial feel and Puerto Rican influence, as if it were straight out of West Side Story.

End the night watching the Nets play in the NBA

If you've fallen in love with Brooklyn, you can't leave without ending the day with an NBA game at the Barclays Centre, the Brooklyn Nets' stadium. With a hot dog in hand, you'll find yourself shouting and cheering on the world's most famous basketball stars, just like any other New Yorker.

Here's how to get NBA tickets and their prices so you can plan your sports night in advance.

New York is one of the cities with the most important museums in the world, so once you've had time to walk around and see the city's main attractions, it's time to spend a day visiting New York's best museums. Which ones to choose? I'll tell you a little about each one so you can plan your visit. To your liking:

MoMA

MoMA is considered the most important museum of modern art in the world, and with good reason. It houses the most important paintings of all the avant-garde movements up to the present day, which is why a visit is a must on your trip to New York.

If you organise yourself well, you can see the essentials in just two hours, although the museum itself is worth spending a whole day in. You can buy tickets in advance to avoid queues and secure the time slot that suits you best.

Oh, and don't make it all about culture. Here are the best places to eat near the MoMa so you can satisfy your appetite with something delicious.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met or Metropolitan Museum of Art is another of the most recommended museums to visit on this cultural day. Although not as famous as MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum has the honour of being one of the ten most visited museums in the world and, without a doubt, in all of New York.

Inside, you'll find not only paintings, but also a whole series of historical objects of great significance, such as the Egyptian exhibition with the remains of the ancient temple of Abu Simbel.

Natural History Museum

Changing tack and assuming that you will be tired after a long day, I suggest ending with something more dynamic at the National History Museum.

Its interior is much more dynamic as it is a science museum and provides a clear and entertaining overview of the history of Earth and humankind. It was also the setting for the film Night at the Museum, so it's well worth saying goodbye to this cultural day with a visit here. Here's all the information you need to visit the Natural History Museum.

After a day of culture, enjoy a cocktail with a view

New York is the city that never sleeps, and you have to experience it at night too. We've spent a day visiting museums in Manhattan, and the best way to round it off is with a delicious cocktail high above the city. Choose from among the best rooftop bars in New York and enjoy the night-time views of the city.

New York is constantly evolving and has many new things to offer travellers. What's more, very close to Manhattan there is an oasis that will make you think you're in another city and that many tourists overlook. Keep reading, you'll find this interesting.

Start the day at Hudson Yards

Just when we thought that everything in New York had already been written (and built), click here appeared, a completely new luxury neighbourhood built where there used to be only train tracks and abandoned factories.

There you will now find exquisite places to eat, shopping centres, super-innovative skyscrapers and the famous High Line: a floating park built on the old train track that ran through the west of the city.

Take the opportunity to explore it and discover the incredible Vessel building or enjoy the incredible views from The Edge skyscraper.

Stop for lunch at Chelsea Market

In keeping with the spirit of transformation in the city, the best thing to do is to go for lunch at the nearby Chelsea Market, a former biscuit factory converted into one of the best food markets in the city. It's well worth a visit!

And in the afternoon, Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is one of New York's secrets that not all tourists discover: it is a small, elongated neighbourhood that is quite peaceful and unique, where you can stroll and see its beautiful residential houses without being surrounded by tourists. What's more, there's a cable car from here with spectacular views.

This cable car ride to Roosevelt Island isn't one of New York's most popular tourist attractions, but it offers privileged views of the entire Manhattan district and the river that are well worth it. Getting to Roosevelt Island is very easy, as there is a subway station, and from there, you will need to head to E 59th St & 2nd Avenue.

The trip costs the same as a subway ticket, and although it only takes a few minutes, the experience is well worth it. The cabins run frequently and connect very well with Manhattan.

One of the advantages of having two full weeks to visit New York is that you can afford to leave the city for one of the excursions to the surrounding area.

There are several itineraries and destinations to choose from, and you can even opt for a two-day or one-day excursion if you don't want to take too much time away from your stay in the Big Apple.

The most popular are trips to Washington for lovers of big cities, trips to Niagara Falls, perfect for enjoying nature in its purest form, and trips to Boston, a great choice for lovers of culture and history.

Queens is a neighbourhood full of contrasts and cultures, and it's worth spending a whole day there to soak up its essence. Starting at the legendary Pepsi sign, we'll delve into its different neighbourhoods and sample its typical dishes.

You can explore it all on your own, but if you prefer to go with a guide, there is the famous New York Contrasts Tour, which will make it easier for you to get around the city.

The industrial neighbourhood of Long Island

On the banks of the river we find the famous industrial neighbourhood of Long Island, a place that has become very popular and renowned in recent times. One of the places that has best adapted to the new times is Gantry Plaza State Park, a park that serves as a promenade and captures the essence of neighbourhood life.

Its iconic Pepsi Cola sign in the middle of the promenade has become a symbol of the neighbourhood, reflecting the transformation it has undergone and the mix of industrial buildings and modern touches.

Getting to know the Greek neighbourhood

As we continue into the borough of Queens, we come to Astoria, the Greek neighbourhood. This place, as you will have already seen at other points on the trip, is the ideal blend of tradition, cultural diversity and new avant-garde trends.

Astoria is the ideal place to try Mediterranean dishes and enjoy urban art and the latest trends in music. What's more, Astoria Park offers beautiful views of the sunset.

Flushing, the real Chinatown

At the end of the day, I recommend visiting the Flushing neighbourhood, which many consider to be New York's true Chinatown. This is where most of the Chinese population lives, and there are many local restaurants where you can have dinner.

This neighbourhood is also home to Louis Armstrong's house, which has been turned into a museum and is a must-see for all jazz lovers.

The Bronx neighbourhood is more myth than reality when it comes to its dangerousness and reputation. The truth is that today, it is an essential place to see on your visit to New York because, in addition to graffiti and urban art, it has one of the largest zoos in the world.

Discover the great Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest centres in the world for observing and experiencing animals. I recommend getting up early that day and spending the whole morning inside, exploring and enjoying the visit.

This huge place was opened in 1899 and currently has more than 4,000 animals of 600 different species. The animals you will discover at the Bronx Zoo range from native American animals to giraffes, lions and polar bears.

Have lunch in Little Italy

When you leave the zoo, you're bound to be starving after all that walking. Now is the time to discover one of the jewels of the Bronx district: Little Italy. This neighbourhood, formed by former Italian immigrants, has been featured in many TV series and films, and with good reason.

You can lose yourself in its streets, but above all, discover places with the best pasta in the whole city. I'll leave it up to you to choose, as any place will be good for enjoying an authentic Italian bite.

Experience hip hop culture and urban art

For years, the Bronx district has had a reputation for being a place full of gangs and street life. However, today it is a safe neighbourhood that you can visit and enjoy without any problems.

Traces of that era remain in the form of urban art, and you can definitely tell that you are visiting one of the birthplaces of hip hop. It also has the Bronx Museum of Modern Art, which captures all of this street and cultural essence.

Back to Manhattan: a stroll through Times Square

On this day, we return to the heart of Manhattan and discover one of its most famous and photographed corners. Times Square is one of the most recognisable faces of New York, along with its skyscrapers, and I recommend taking advantage of the morning to visit this iconic place.

It is usually a very busy and lively place, easily accessible and with plenty of food stalls in case you get hungry. All the main avenues start here, and we are just a short walk away from the artistic neighbourhood of Broadway.

Visit to the Wax Museum

Halfway there, I recommend spending a couple of hours at one of the most entertaining and fun museums in the entire area: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Inside, you will find a fairly accurate recreation of the most famous international figures.

It's usually very busy with tourists and curious visitors, but if you get your tickets in advance, you can plan your day well and I assure you it will be worth it.

After the frenzy of the last few days, I suggest a tenth day of calm and relaxation by going to New York's famous beach, Coney Island. This pilgrimage site will allow us to spend a day more connected with nature and also have fun at its iconic amusement park.

Have a great time at Luna Park

One of the main attractions of this area in the south of the city is enjoying the legendary rides at Luna Park. This amusement park was built on a walkway above the beach and has a special charm.

You should bear in mind when you want to visit New York, as in the colder months the park is usually closed and the area is a little deserted. But if you're lucky enough to have good weather, there's nothing better than riding some of the attractions first thing in the morning. Take note of the ferry schedule to get there.

Grab a bite to eat at the stalls on the promenade

When you feel like eating, I recommend that you continue enjoying this legendary boardwalk and immerse yourself in the multitude of food stalls you can find there.

The street atmosphere, which can be a little quirky at times, is the charm of this place, and after visiting renowned places and venues in recent days, this carefree atmosphere is a welcome change.

Enjoy the New York beach

As an afternoon activity, I recommend going to Coney Island beach. Don't imagine that you'll find a large beach with crystal-clear waters; New York City beaches are not like that.

However, it is a pleasant place to take a walk, enjoy a dip in the sea and spend an afternoon with the family watching the sunset. New York is undoubtedly a city of thousands of contrasts, and watching the sunset on the beach is one of them.

New York has a real passion for basketball, and we shouldn't leave the city without seeing a game in person. Today we'll be spectators at Madison Square Garden, but first we'll visit Chinatown and try its exotic food.

Visit Chinatown

New York City has people from all over the world, and among them, the Chinese community has created one of the largest neighbourhoods. Although the most densely populated neighbourhood is in Queens, it is worth visiting the famous Chinatown in Manhattan.

Just by wandering around the neighbourhood, you can find several nods to Eastern culture and, beyond that, this place is one of the best for finding imitation items with the most realistic finishes. Haggle and get your hands on the best "brands".

Trying the typical food

As in any good Chinatown, there are dozens of typical restaurants. After spending the morning visiting Chinatown and doing some shopping, the best thing to do is stop for a typical meal.

Chinatown is full of places to eat well, and it's not just a place for tourists; Asians themselves come here to buy ingredients brought from the Red Giant and prepared in the most traditional way.

Afternoon basketball at Madison Square Garden

I hope you still have some energy and strength left at the end of the day, because one of the best things to do in Manhattan is to go and see a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.

This stadium hosts hundreds of national and international games throughout the year, and in a place like New York, where basketball is in the air, you can't miss the fantastic atmosphere of watching one of their games. Tickets are usually inexpensive if booked in advance.

By now, you've probably realised that New York is the perfect blend of cultures and traditions. You can find the best pasta from Italy or sample exotic Asian cuisine. That's why today I suggest a gastronomic tour of the city's most famous restaurants. Get your transport card and enjoy!

Have breakfast at EGG, the best breakfast according to the New York Times

To start the day off right, there's nothing better than following the New York Times' food reviews and ending up at EGG, a restaurant that began by innovating with eggs in all their forms and has ended up earning the title of best breakfast in the city.

Located in Brooklyn, this place offers all kinds of breakfasts and famous brunches, allowing you to start the day with energy and a nutritious and delicious meal.

Eat the best pizza in town at Rizzo's

At lunchtime, I suggest you try one of the best pizzas in the city in the heart of Queens: Rizzo's Pizzeria. Many people agree, which is why the restaurant is full of posters and awards.

It's best to go hungry because, for a very reasonable price, you can try several types of traditional American pizza, either by the slice or as a whole pizza.

Dinner with jazz at B.B. King Blues

To end this culinary day, let's get a little more sophisticated. If you are a jazz lover or are curious about this style of music, you have probably wanted to visit a typical restaurant with live music on more than one occasion.

B.B. King Blues is one such place. It offers a variety of lunch and dinner options, but without a doubt, the best thing about this place is its live music. You'll feel like the star of La La Land!

You're coming to the end of your trip and after almost two weeks in the city that never sleeps, it's time to do some last-minute shopping and take advantage of the best deals and exclusive products. Don't deprive yourself of anything! For this list, I recommend everything from high-end places to real bargains.

Experience the luxury of Fifth Avenue

If your dream was to visit New York, one of the things you can't miss is shopping on Fifth Avenue. This wide street is home to all the luxury shops and the best brands in the city.

It may not be suitable for all budgets, but you're sure to find an exclusive souvenir to remind you of your visit to the Big Apple. Even so, the avenue is so big that you can find all kinds of establishments. You can stroll along and look at the many shop windows... That's always free!

A hot dog to recharge your batteries

After spending the whole morning walking around and looking at possible purchases, the best thing you can do to recharge your batteries, and undoubtedly one of the most typical things New Yorkers do, is to eat a typical hot dog at one of the street stalls.

This type of food is not limited to hot dogs, as food trucks have become very popular in recent times and you can find unique dishes even from the most inconspicuous cart.

Discover the largest outlet in New York

For this shopping day, I have reserved a real gem for you. The shops you can find around the city, with varying degrees of variety, tend to be well-known and recurring brands, but there is one place where all the city's outlet clothing is gathered.

If you want to find unique clothing or accessories, I encourage you to spend the morning travelling to Woodbury Commons, the best outlet in New York. Buses and tours leave from Times Square and will get you there in less than an hour.

We've reached the end of this spectacular trip through New York. For this day, I suggest a half-day plan so you have time to pack your bags, do some last-minute shopping or revisit a place. However, you can't leave New York without visiting the places that have been the setting for great series and films.

Film tour of the great locations

By now, you will have had the opportunity to see almost all of this impressive city. That's why, for this last day, my recommendation is to relax and enjoy one last tour.

One of the most recommended tours is the one that takes you to the locations of the series and films we have seen so many times on television. Visiting the locations of "Friends", "Glee" or "Spiderman" will make you leave New York feeling like a real star.

Say goodbye to the big city

In the few hours you have left in the Big Apple, it's best to spend your last afternoon doing some last-minute shopping, revisiting a place you liked, and strolling around the area where you're staying.

Depending on the district you're in, it's definitely worth revisiting the streets that have made the biggest impression on you and taking some last photos.

The last supper

As the icing on the cake, I recommend going out for dinner to say goodbye to New York. As you've seen, this city never sleeps, and there will always be somewhere open where you can take stock of your holiday.

Now that you know the city better, you're sure to know where to go to find a delicious, authentic place to enjoy a good farewell meal.