Let's cut to the chase. After helping friends plan trips for years and living here myself, I've found that 5 days is the magic number for most first-timers in New York. It gives you enough time to hit the big sights without feeling rushed. But your ideal length depends on what you want—whether it's a quick weekend blast or a full week of exploration. I'll break it down with specific itineraries, plus tips on where to stay and eat, so you can decide for yourself.

One mistake I see all the time? People try to pack too much into one day. On my first visit, I spent 3 days running from the Empire State Building to the Met Museum, and by day three, my feet were killing me. I learned the hard way that New York is best enjoyed with some breathing room.

The 3-Day New York Blitz: See the Highlights

If you only have 3 days, focus on Manhattan's core. This itinerary is intense but doable if you plan ahead. Buy tickets online to skip lines—trust me, it saves hours.

Day 1: Midtown and Times Square

Start at Times Square (Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets). It's free to wander, but go early to avoid crowds. Then walk to the Empire State Building (350 Fifth Avenue). Tickets start at $44 for adults; open daily 8 AM to 2 AM. I'd recommend the 86th-floor observatory—the view is iconic. For lunch, grab a slice at Joe's Pizza (7 Carmine Street), a no-frills spot that's been around since 1975. In the afternoon, visit the New York Public Library (476 Fifth Avenue), free and open 10 AM to 6 PM. End with a Broadway show—check TodayTix for last-minute deals.

Day 2: Downtown and Statue of Liberty

Take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal (free, runs 24/7) for a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Many guides push the paid ferry to Liberty Island, but if you're short on time, this free option is a lifesaver. Then explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (180 Greenwich Street). Museum tickets are $26; reserve online. For dinner, head to Chinatown for soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai (9 Pell Street), around $15 per person.

Day 3: Central Park and Museums

Spend the morning in Central Park. Rent a bike near Columbus Circle (about $15/hour) to cover more ground. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue). Tickets are $30 for adults, open 10 AM to 5 PM. Focus on the Egyptian Wing and American Wing—you can't see it all in one go. I made that mistake and ended up overwhelmed. In the evening, catch the sunset from Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza), tickets from $40.

The 5-Day Balanced Itinerary: Experience More

With 5 days, you can add Brooklyn and more museums. This pace feels less frantic and lets you soak in the city's vibe.

Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day plan above, but spread it out. On Day 4, cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Start from City Hall Park in Manhattan and walk across—it's about 1.5 miles. In Brooklyn, explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for photos and artisanal shops. Have pizza at Grimaldi's (1 Front Street), famous for coal-fired pies, around $25 per person. Then visit the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway), tickets $16, open Wednesday to Sunday.

Day 5: Dive into museums or neighborhoods. The American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th Street) is a must for families; tickets start at $23. Alternatively, wander the High Line (starts at Gansevoort Street), a free elevated park. For a unique experience, book a food tour in Greenwich Village—I did one last year and discovered hidden gems like Murray's Cheese Bar (254 Bleecker Street).

The 7-Day Deep Dive: Live Like a Local

A week lets you explore outer boroughs and niche interests. You'll feel less like a tourist and more like you're getting under the city's skin.

Days 1-5: Use the 5-day itinerary as a base. On Day 6, head to Queens. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria), tickets $15, open Wednesday to Sunday. Then eat your way through Flushing's Chinatown—Xi'an Famous Foods (41-10 Main Street) has killer lamb noodles for under $10. Day 7, choose your adventure: shop in SoHo, catch a live jazz show at Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street), or take a day trip to the Cloisters (99 Margaret Corbin Drive) for medieval art.

I spent a week here last fall and finally visited the Tenement Museum (103 Orchard Street), which tells immigrant stories through guided tours—book ahead, tickets $30. It's a perspective most tourists miss.

Where to Stay in New York: Neighborhoods and Hotels

Picking the right area saves time and money. Midtown is convenient but pricey; Brooklyn offers more character. Here's a quick table of options based on my stays and research.

For a quieter stay, consider the Upper West Side—it's residential but near Central Park. I once stayed at The Lucerne Hotel (201 West 79th Street), around $250/night, and loved the old-world charm.

Eating Your Way Through New York: Must-Try Foods and Restaurants

New York's food scene is overwhelming. Skip the tourist traps in Times Square. Here are spots I return to, with practical details.

Bagels: Absolute Bagels (2788 Broadway) near Columbia University. Cash only, around $2 per bagel. Open daily 6 AM to 8 PM. The everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is my go-to.

Fine Dining: If you're splurging, Carbone (181 Thompson Street) in Greenwich Village serves Italian-American classics. Reservations needed weeks ahead; entrees start at $40. According to a New York Times review, their spicy rigatoni is a standout.

Street Food: Don't miss halal carts. The Halal Guys (multiple locations) offer chicken and rice platters for about $8. I prefer the cart at 53rd and 6th Avenue—it's open late, perfect after a night out.

For more recommendations, check NYC & Company's food guides—they're the official tourism organization and list verified spots.

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