Stop 1 of 5Empire State Building Observatory2 hours
Itinerary noteBuy Empire State Building Observatory tickets online in advance or at the on-site ticket office at 12 W 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
First visit4 days
New York in 4 Days: A Day-by-Day Route
Move through New York day by day, following each stop in order from Empire State Building Observatory to Shake Shack DUMBO.
Day 1
Midtown landmarks on foot
5 routed stops · about 7.5 hours including travel
A glimpse inside the itinerary builder
Walk 2 minutes · 122 m
Stop 2 of 5Baekjeong2 hours
Itinerary noteBaekjeong NYC is located at 1 East 32nd Street in Koreatown.
Walk 11 minutes · 902 m
Stop 3 of 5Bryant Park1 hour
Itinerary noteBryant Park hosts free outdoor movie nights in summer, with no tickets or reservations required.
01
Empire State Building Observatory
Buy Empire State Building Observatory tickets online in advance or at the on-site ticket office at 12 W 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Advance online booking is recommended to avoid long waits and sellouts. Reservations require a specific date and time slot, while a Flex Ticket lets you choose a date and arrive anytime during operating hours that day. The fully ADA-compliant building has a wheelchair-accessible main entrance at 20 W 34th Street, ramps, accessible restrooms, lowered viewing walls, and binoculars on the 86th Floor Observatory. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs, service dogs, and foldable strollers are permitted.
Time here2 hours
Price level
Walk 2 minutes
02
Baekjeong
Baekjeong NYC is located at 1 East 32nd Street in Koreatown. Official listed hours are Thursday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM.
Time here2 hours
Price level
Walk 11 minutes
03
Bryant Park
Bryant Park hosts free outdoor movie nights in summer, with no tickets or reservations required. For accessible seating at ticketed or free events, including movie nights and performances, ask a Bryant Park staff member; it cannot be booked online in advance. Management may close the park early or temporarily when weather creates unsafe conditions or necessary maintenance is underway.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 9 minutes
04
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a good rest stop for train-spotting toddlers, with a basement food court for dining and people-watching. The main concourse ceiling depicts twelve constellations in gold leaf on a blue background. The official guided walking tour costs $39 per adult, runs about 90 minutes in English with small groups, and operates daily; book online in advance or show up at the terminal.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 21 minutes
05
Ichiran
Ichiran is a tonkotsu ramen chain that originated in Japan. Its Times Square location is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, but it may stop seating customers 40 to 60 minutes before closing time.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Day 2
The harbor from Battery Park
5 routed stops · about 6.5 hours including travel
01
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty, though not up close. Both Whitehall and St. George terminals are ADA-compliant and have escalators and elevators. Whitehall’s entry hall has five escalators, three wide stairways, and one elevator, and connects directly to the South Ferry subway station. Passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are directed to lower-level boarding at both terminals and need no prior documentation.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 7 minutes
02
SeaGlass Carousel
SeaGlass Carousel is open 7 days a week, 9AM-9PM, weather permitting, with the last ride cycle beginning 10 minutes before closing. Tickets are sold only in person at the carousel, with no online booking option. Dogs are not permitted on the ride or inside the pavilion, though leashed dogs may enter the surrounding park.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 11 minutes
03
Zaza
Zaza is located at 104 Greenwich St in the Financial District/Battery Park City area. Zaza's hours are 7 AM to 3 PM daily.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 7 minutes
04
One World Observatory
One World Observatory admission is reserved for the specific time and date printed on the ticket. Late guests are accommodated only when capacity is available, so entry is not guaranteed. Discounts include a Family Pack (20% off for 4+ tickets), a Group discount (10% off for 10-50 people), and a Late Night Package (50% off for visits after 8pm).
Time here2 hours
Price level
Walk 11 minutes
05
CAVA (Wall Street)
CAVA (Wall Street) is located at 63 Wall St, New York, NY 10005. It is open Monday through Sunday and has no weekly closure day.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Day 3
Central Park and the Met
4 routed stops · about 9 hours including travel
01
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Regular hours at The Met are 10am-5pm Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday, with hours extended to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Visitors who cannot manage stairs can use a free shuttle that picks up near the Postern entrance and transports them to an accessible entrance inside the Museum's courtyard. To request accessibility accommodations, call 212-650-2010 or email access@metmuseum.org.
Time here3 hours 23 minutes
Price level
Walk 7 minutes
02
Sant Ambroeus – Madison Avenue
Sant Ambroeus – Madison Avenue is located at 1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY, and is open every day of the week. There is no weekly closure day.
Time here2 hours
Price level
Walk 6 minutes
03
Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is a two-level architectural feature in Central Park, centered on Bethesda Fountain and located mid-park near 72nd Street. It is freely accessible, with no admission fee or reservation required, and will remain open during the fountain restoration for visitors to walk, sit, and enjoy the views.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 23 minutes
04
The Consulate
The Consulate serves lunch Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–3:30 PM, weekend brunch Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–3:30 PM, and dinner daily 4:15 PM–9:30 PM. Payment is accepted by cash and all major credit cards. Private/group dining uses a separate private-events booking system linked from the restaurant’s site, rather than the standard online reservation widget.
Time here2 hours
Price level
Day 4
Brooklyn Bridge and the waterfront
4 routed stops · about 6.5 hours including travel
01
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NYC DOT may narrow sections by up to about 50 feet for maintenance or safety work, but the walkway and adjacent bike path remain open to the public at all times. Two alternate entrances require stairs and are not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly: Park Row underpass and Washington Street & Prospect Street (DUMBO).
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 17 minutes
02
Front Street Pizza
Front Street Pizza offers gluten-free pizza options for diners seeking them. You can also buy pizza by the slice or choose a whole pie.
Time here1 hour
Price level
Walk 5 minutes
03
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a 1.3-mile waterfront park at 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. Jane's Carousel is a paid attraction within the park, though it is not operated by Brooklyn Bridge Park; rides cost $4, and it is closed Tuesdays year-round, with additional Monday closures in spring/fall and Monday-Wednesday closures in winter. The entire park is ADA accessible, including accessible entrances/pathways, grade-level lawn entry points, accessible playgrounds at Piers 1, 2, and 6, and an ADA-regraded Squibb Park Bridge.
Time here2 hours
Price level
Walk 4 minutes
04
Shake Shack DUMBO
Shake Shack DUMBO can have long lines during peak tourist hours near the waterfront. The possibility of a long line is worth keeping in mind during those peak hours.
Time here2 hours
Price level
A few useful details before you go
- Does this itinerary account for travel between stops?
- Yes. Every adjacent stop has a planned walking or driving leg, so the time between places is part of the day rather than an afterthought.
- What backs the place details?
- The place details come from information we compile for trip planning and turn into practical guidance. Always confirm time-sensitive details such as opening hours and ticket rules before you go.
- Is the whole itinerary free?
- Yes — every day of it, with the stops, the timings and the travel between them. Paid planning is the separate, one-time purchase: it plans around your own dates, your hotel and your constraints rather than a general trip shape.
Your itinerary builder starts below
Your first itinerary is taking shape
Your New York plan is nearly there.
A 4-day starting itinerary for 1 traveler, built from your choices and checked local data. Make it a perfect fit for your party whenever you’re ready.
- Dates
- 9 Oct – 12 Oct
- Daily rhythm
- Up to 4 sights + lunch and dinner · full days
Empire State Building Observatory
Buy Empire State Building Observatory tickets online in advance or at the on-site ticket office at 12 W 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Advance online booking is recommended to avoid long waits and sellouts. Reservations require a specific date and time slot, while a Flex Ticket lets you choose a date and arrive anytime during operating hours that day. The fully ADA-compliant building has a wheelchair-accessible main entrance at 20 W 34th Street, ramps, accessible restrooms, lowered viewing walls, and binoculars on the 86th Floor Observatory. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs, service dogs, and foldable strollers are permitted.
Pricey
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
What we checked
Part of this itineraryThe building is fully ADA-compliant: it has a wheelchair-accessible main entrance at 20 W 34th Street, ramps throughout, accessible restrooms, lowered viewing walls, and binoculars on the 86th Floor Observatory; both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs, service dogs, and (foldable) strollers are permitted.
Lunch
Baekjeong
Baekjeong NYC is located at 1 East 32nd Street in Koreatown. Official listed hours are Thursday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM.
Pricey
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
Bryant Park
Bryant Park hosts free outdoor movie nights in summer, with no tickets or reservations required. For accessible seating at ticketed or free events, including movie nights and performances, ask a Bryant Park staff member; it cannot be booked online in advance. Management may close the park early or temporarily when weather creates unsafe conditions or necessary maintenance is underway.
Little or nothing
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryBryant Park hosts free outdoor movie nights in summer with no tickets or reservations required.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a good rest stop for train-spotting toddlers, with a basement food court for dining and people-watching. The main concourse ceiling depicts twelve constellations in gold leaf on a blue background. The official guided walking tour costs $39 per adult, runs about 90 minutes in English with small groups, and operates daily; book online in advance or show up at the terminal.
Little or nothing
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryThe main concourse ceiling depicts twelve constellations in gold leaf on a blue background.
Dinner
Ichiran
Ichiran is a tonkotsu ramen chain that originated in Japan. Its Times Square location is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, but it may stop seating customers 40 to 60 minutes before closing time.
Middling
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty, though not up close. Both Whitehall and St. George terminals are ADA-compliant and have escalators and elevators. Whitehall’s entry hall has five escalators, three wide stairways, and one elevator, and connects directly to the South Ferry subway station. Passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are directed to lower-level boarding at both terminals and need no prior documentation.
Little or nothing
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryBoth the Whitehall and St. George terminals are ADA-compliant, equipped with escalators and elevators; Whitehall has five escalators, three wide stairways, and one elevator in its entry hall, and connects directly to the South Ferry subway station.
SeaGlass Carousel
SeaGlass Carousel is open 7 days a week, 9AM-9PM, weather permitting, with the last ride cycle beginning 10 minutes before closing. Tickets are sold only in person at the carousel, with no online booking option. Dogs are not permitted on the ride or inside the pavilion, though leashed dogs may enter the surrounding park.
Easy on the wallet
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryDogs are not permitted on the carousel ride or inside the pavilion, though leashed dogs may enter the surrounding park.
Lunch
Zaza
Zaza is located at 104 Greenwich St in the Financial District/Battery Park City area. Zaza's hours are 7 AM to 3 PM daily.
Middling
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
One World Observatory
One World Observatory admission is reserved for the specific time and date printed on the ticket. Late guests are accommodated only when capacity is available, so entry is not guaranteed. Discounts include a Family Pack (20% off for 4+ tickets), a Group discount (10% off for 10-50 people), and a Late Night Package (50% off for visits after 8pm).
Pricey
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
What we checked
Part of this itineraryGuests arriving late are accommodated on a capacity-available basis rather than guaranteed entry.
Dinner
CAVA (Wall Street)
CAVA (Wall Street) is located at 63 Wall St, New York, NY 10005. It is open Monday through Sunday and has no weekly closure day.
Middling
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Regular hours at The Met are 10am-5pm Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday, with hours extended to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Visitors who cannot manage stairs can use a free shuttle that picks up near the Postern entrance and transports them to an accessible entrance inside the Museum's courtyard. To request accessibility accommodations, call 212-650-2010 or email access@metmuseum.org.
Middling
You've given it 3.4 hoursAllow about 3.4 hours
What we checked
Part of this itineraryRegular hours are 10am-5pm Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday, extended to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Lunch
Sant Ambroeus – Madison Avenue
Sant Ambroeus – Madison Avenue is located at 1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY, and is open every day of the week. There is no weekly closure day.
Pricey
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is a two-level architectural feature in Central Park, centered on Bethesda Fountain and located mid-park near 72nd Street. It is freely accessible, with no admission fee or reservation required, and will remain open during the fountain restoration for visitors to walk, sit, and enjoy the views.
Little or nothing
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryBethesda Terrace is a two-level architectural feature in Central Park centered on Bethesda Fountain, located mid-park near 72nd Street.
Dinner
The Consulate
The Consulate serves lunch Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–3:30 PM, weekend brunch Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–3:30 PM, and dinner daily 4:15 PM–9:30 PM. Payment is accepted by cash and all major credit cards. Private/group dining uses a separate private-events booking system linked from the restaurant’s site, rather than the standard online reservation widget.
Pricey
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NYC DOT may narrow sections by up to about 50 feet for maintenance or safety work, but the walkway and adjacent bike path remain open to the public at all times. Two alternate entrances require stairs and are not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly: Park Row underpass and Washington Street & Prospect Street (DUMBO).
Little or nothing
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
What we checked
Part of this itineraryNYC DOT may occasionally narrow sections of the walkway (up to about 50 feet) for maintenance or safety work, but the walkway and adjacent bike path remain available to the public at all times during such work.
Lunch
Front Street Pizza
Front Street Pizza offers gluten-free pizza options for diners seeking them. You can also buy pizza by the slice or choose a whole pie.
Easy on the wallet
You've given it 1 hourAllow about 1 hour
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a 1.3-mile waterfront park at 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. Jane's Carousel is a paid attraction within the park, though it is not operated by Brooklyn Bridge Park; rides cost $4, and it is closed Tuesdays year-round, with additional Monday closures in spring/fall and Monday-Wednesday closures in winter. The entire park is ADA accessible, including accessible entrances/pathways, grade-level lawn entry points, accessible playgrounds at Piers 1, 2, and 6, and an ADA-regraded Squibb Park Bridge.
Little or nothing
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
What we checked
Part of this itineraryJane's Carousel, a paid attraction sited within the park (not operated by Brooklyn Bridge Park itself), charges $4 per ride and is closed Tuesdays year-round, with additional Monday closures in spring/fall and Monday-Wednesday closures in winter.
Dinner
Shake Shack DUMBO
Shake Shack DUMBO can have long lines during peak tourist hours near the waterfront. The possibility of a long line is worth keeping in mind during those peak hours.
Easy on the wallet
You've given it 2 hoursAllow about 2 hours
Keep the value, then choose
A strong start. Make it personal when you’re ready.
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