Best Things To Do in New York! (4-Day Itinerary)

over the next 4 days I'm going to show you  every important thing you need to see and do while visiting New York City but the best part  is as long as you watch this video all the way to the end you won't have a single moment of stress  because I've planned out everything just for you I've spent over a decade living here and there  are three important things firsttime tourists need to know bring comfortable sneakers or walking  shoes you will need them nothing will ruin your trip faster than sore feet you don't have to buy  a metro card anymore all sub and buses take Omni contactless payment simply have a tap to pay  enabled on your phone or a credit card with a chip tap it on any bus or Subway entrance and  you're set and unlike London or Tokyo you pay one flat fee no tapping out required to exit check  the weather forecast daily including the hourly because the weather here can change fast with the  wind rain and humidity don't forget your umbrella and there's one thing you need to know on day four  of your trip that could ruin the whole thing if you're not careful talk more about that later day  one we'll be concentrating on Midtown Manhattan if you're ambitious you could walk this entire  route for breakfast a few options at different price ranges Tick Tock Diner right across the  street from Penn Station this place is that wild American Diner you've seen in the movies open  24 hours you could probably split one of their insane pancake or french toast plates between two  people breakfast starts at $9. 95 for two eggs any style and range up to $20 this place is a staple  in Midtown and of your favorite if you're on a tighter budget and just want something grab and  go best bagel and coffee is a nice option two eggs on a bagel starts at 5. 95 and a bagel with  cream cheese starts under five bucks I recommend and everything bagel with scallion cream cheese  for a true New York experience feeling a little more adventurous margon is a Cuban restaurant  that's a bit of a Hidden Gem just a block from Time Square they've got a very potent Cuban coffee  and huge Breakfast Platter starting at around $10 this place is a vibe from breakfast walk to Time  Square and take it all in I recommend father Duffy Square as a starting point to snap some photos  near the big red steps this is probably the most famous destination in the United States this  could also be the moment if you want to go to a Broadway show during your trip to line up for  the tkts booth for discounted Show tickets don't linger too long as this is also where almost  every tourist scam in New York occurs we have an entire video dedicated to this but if anyone  tries handing you a CD a bracelet or Spider-Man ask to take a photo with him keep on walking and  don't make eye contact trust me this is your first opportunity but not your last on this itinerary  for souvenir shopping Grand Slam actually has affordable t-shirts keychains and other trinkets  which could be perfect to buy if you're looking for the I Love New York theme they're the spot  to load up you are less than a 10-minute walk to Bryant Park and from late October to early March  it's home to the winter village which is the best seasonal Holiday Market in the city but it's also  one of my favorite Parks perfect for relaxing at a table people watching and soaking in New York  and a little bonus it has the Big Apple's cleanest public restroom you could practically eat off the  floor in there a bonus next to Brian Park is the New York Public Library this could be one of the  best free things to do in the city my wife I love wandering this Library between the reading rooms  and the hallways it's like being inside a free museum and speaking of free museums their palansky  exhibition on the ground floor is practically like walking into one the original Winnie the Pooh the  Declaration of Independence all on display inside at this point it's time you experience one of the  city's best tourist attractions and observation deck now if you're absolutely on a shoestring  budget across the street from the library is a stavos Naros Library and they have one of my  favorite free secret spots in the city on the seventh floor a rooftop Terrace that's open to  the public and can scratch that skyscraper itch but I say you take it one step further my top pick  Summit one Vanderbilt I visited all five of the paid observation deck to New York and this one is  my favorite I even went before it opened to the public and talked to the artist senzo digital who  designed it and the rooms with reflecting glass depend on the sunlight or lack of it to change the  experience so you could go more than once and have a completely different time I love how surreal  it is and the views from the outside aren't bad at all for $20 extra you can ride a scent to the  top although I don't even think it's necessary my second favorite observation deck is Top of the  Rock if the weather is nice there's no beating it at only 70 floors up it is the shortest  of the observation decks so you'll feel more immersed in Midtown Manhattan tickets start at  just $40 so it's also one of the least expens of options and they added a new attraction called  beam which let you feel what it was like to be one of the Builders of the skyscraper definitely  not for those with a fear of heights after your observation deck Adventure stroll over to Grand  Central Terminal New York's most beautiful Transit Hub this is a must visit and if you want to learn  even more about it join the official Grand Central Tour by walks tours where you'll find out about  the history and stories that make this one of New York's most iconic locations use this QR code  to book it right now as they tend to fill up fast you've probably worked up an appetite for lunch  here's a few options you could walk downstairs and check out Grand Central's food court which  has quite a large selection my favorite Taco chain in New York Los Tacos number one has one of  their six locations right across the street from Grand Central their ababat pork tacos are my top  pick and even my Mexican wife Adriana is obsessed with them at $5 each they're not cheap but worth  it the best street food in New York are at Halal trucks and Royal Halal is a bit of a sleeper  their Bengali Style Chicken Tia over rice for $9 is a steal and one of my favorite grab and go  lunches in Midtown this would cost double inside a nicer restaurant after lunch walk or Subway up  to Central Park start at 59th Street and Columbus Circle listen you can spend an entire day roaming  Central Park I've done it it runs over 50 blocks you don't need to as a firsttimer just soak it  in a little I'd advise walking to sheep's Meadow to see the lawn and skylight views behind it and  also explore the area around Bethesda Terrace and walk in the arcade to see the archways and the  only ceiling in the world that has mint tiles The Fountain and pond are always a peaceful  site as well we have an entire video dedicated to exploring Central Park if you need even more  ideas if you're not exhausted after all of this a 15minute walk away you could add on the med one  of the world's premier art museums ad Mission $30 and if you want to know how to see it quickly we  shot a video with my old art history professor and he's gone weekly for decades but you could  spend an entire day inside if you wanted it's one of the cultural gems of the city here are some  dinner options in the Midtown area Sarge's Deli this is my alltime favorite Jewish deli and it's  not named cats's sares has a way more local Vibe and their Pastrami and corn beef sandwiches are  massive but they actually have tons of different Diner options so soak in this local ie Con in  Murray Hill that isn't swarm with tourists easy paa anas this is a quirky dinner choice in Hell's  Kitchen this Fusion of Venezuelan and Spanish food has the city's only paa burrito but their Tapas  and sangria are fantastic it would make for a cozy little date night too John's of Time Square this  is not the only pizza spot I'm mentioning in the video but it's the only one that's inside of an  old church and their location just a few blocks from Time Square is perfect if you have show  plants after afterwards and the Pizza Delicious here are some nighttime options attend a Broadway  or Off Broadway show you won't be too far from most of the Broadway theaters if you decided to  buy discounted tickets earlier at the tkts booth or in advance before you arrived in the city you  could always save this for another night as well you could head for a rooftop bar my pick beast and  butterflies of all the rooftop bars I've covered in the last five or so years this one has gotten  the most attention from the viewers loow loc at inside the M social Hotel past the lobby they  have a stunning view of Time Square and really tasty drinks and food to boot unique would be an  understatement and this may be the only rooftop bar I can think of where children are welcome New  York has plenty of jazz clubs but Birdland really stole my heart I've been back after filming there  for my anniversary and recommend it to many of my friends and family visiting as well you can even  do dinner and drinks here if you'd like as waiter service is included the performers are topnotch  today we'll be focusing on Lower Manhattan or downtown as it's known by locals let's get  moving with some cool breakfast choices our budget option is Leo's Bagels this could be the  most popular Bagel Spot in lower Manhattan I've seen long lines here I recommend ordering in  advance on their website to skip said line a cream cheese bagel will run you $4.

75 they're  fresh handrolled and you won't be disappointed Pearl Diner this reminds me of the diners I grew  up with across the Hudson in New Jersey a little hole in the wall that's been around for more than  50 years 10 to 20 bucks will go very far here you'll enjoy the nostalgic Vibes we'll start at  the saddest Memorial in the city dedicated to the day when the city changed forever September 11th  2001 The Fountains lie where the two buildings used to stand it's a spot for reflection  so please no smiling selfies as an extra add-on you can go to the National September 11  Museum and I had never gone until this past year I've got to tell you it brought back memories  from decades ago admission $33 and I will warn you some of it is graphic and realistic they have  tissue stationed in many of the rooms so make sure you're prepared but if you can handle it it's an  important stop to really understand what this city has gone through the Oculus is one of the cleanest  Transit hubs in New York and it looks like you're inside a spaceship it's also home to a mall which  is very expensive but at a minimum I'd stop inside for a photo as it's so aesthetically pleasing fun  fact Spanish architect Santiago krava intended it to resemble a dove leaving a child's hands do you  see it a few photo spots for you that are nearby charging Bowl there's always a line for this  but they say rubbing the Bull's assets brings Financial luck but don't expect it to lower  your hotel bill Fearless girl I'm a fan of this statue which was installed in 2017 Fearless  girl was meant to a message about workplace gender diversity you can also snap a quick photo of  the New York Stock Exchange which is the world's largest Stock Exchange although they do not offer  tours to the public not a lot of Americans even know about Federal Hall which is where the United  States began on April 30th 1789 George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United  States here and it's a free museum now run by the National Park Service certainly worth a visit for  my history Buffs out there now let's walk down to Battery Park if you have kids or just a kid  at heart ride the Seaglass Carousel which is one of Manhattan's best little hidden gems just  $6 for a spin in this mock aquarium I've never seen anything like it walk over to the Staten  Island Ferry which is free I want to reiterate do not buy a ticket from anyone here The Boat  Leaves about every half an hour bored and sit on the right side as you walk on because you'll  be passing one of the best views in New York the Statue of Liberty absolutely for free this  is both a local and tourist favorite the whole round trip will be about an hour once you arrive  to stat Ione just turn right around and reboard to head back to Manhattan now I did not include a  trip to the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island here you could totally do this in Ellis Island  but you'd eat up more than half a day if you want to know how to do it check out our video on  the whole process right here when you arrive back in Manhattan go for a walk on Stone Street the  cobblestones are recreated for how New York looked back in the 1600s this was home to the city's  first breweries and you can still stop for a beer at one of the many restaurants it feels like Harry  Potter World who's up for another Hidden Gem this one is my favorite the elevated acre located just  up the stairs at 55 Water Street and it provides incredible views of the East River and Brooklyn  Bridge I've never taken anyone here who wasn't completely shocked that a little Urban Oasis  could exist in the middle of the tall building of lower Manhattan get ready to impress your  friends or family all right it's time to regroup we'll walk Uber or Subway to Chinatown starting at  Deer Street this is the most instagrammable Street in Manhattan and it's also home to bloody angle  the sharp Bend in the middle of the road this was once a favorite site for assassinations by rival  Chinese gangs and today it's home to some of New York's best Chinese food who's up for some lunch  your first choice tasty hand pulled noodles this could be chinatown's best outdoor seating  option with an amazing view and it's hard to go wrong with any of their dumpling choices  which are affordable at around seven bucks for a plate if you've never had rice noodles before  Tony's is an excellent place to begin also fast and affordable I was introduced to this by my  Chinese American friends Ben and Ming and I've been hooked ever since Deluxe Greenbow this is  a locals pick for the best soup dumplings in Manhattan the seating is communal style and it's  everything you'd want in a Chinatown experience fast service and delicious food order the steamed  pork and crab mixed tiny bun starting at 9. 95 this place is cash for venmo only if you have room for  dessert after any of those spots across the street is the original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory an  absolute Staple in the neighborhood and they have exotic flavors like leachy so come open-minded  to try something new if you want to dedicate more time to Chinatown we have an entire compilation  video with hours of options you could eat away and entire day here if you wanted time to walk  off that food coma or Subway taxi if you're tired to Soho starting at the Pearl River Mart this  legendary store has one-of a-kind items imported from Asia fashion snacks all at a great price this  is more fun to me than going on a shopping spree to some bougie high-end shops on the same street  which if that's your jam feel free because you'll be right there let's take a photo opportunity on  green and Grand Street if Soho was characterized by a single Street I'd say this is it so snap a  picture to commemorate your quick journey through it I'm going to offer one more detour here if you  skip dessert in Chinatown or just want a unique gift to bring home Dominique Andel Bakery is  incredibly famous and if you want coffee or some sweets pop in and enjoy their unique creations  like the Cookie Shop no alcohol just a sugar rush or buy some of their sweets to take back home  with you wherever you live if you have any energy left walk North through Greenwich Village and hit  up Washington Square Park which has always been a cultural Mecca you'll likely run into some live  music and for people watching it's unmatched and a fun Easter egg you can see the Empire State  Building through the Washington Square Arch if you look directly through it from the fountain  take a break you've earned it because for dinner I've got a wide range of choices tonight starting  with Burger Joint the late Anthony Bourdain was a big fan of this spot located inside the Thompson  Central Park Hotel it's a bit of a Speak Easy Vibe if you find it I love their burgers though  they won't come cheap at$ 1225 for a single Patty but trust me they're worth it and the interior  feels more East Village than Midtown if you want to explore Korea Town Kobe Q inside food Gallery  32 is my wife Adrian and my favorite fast Korean barbecue spot in the area their barbecue rice  full with pork is our go-to but there's a lot of variety and you can eat at one of the many other  vendors as well inside the mall jongro is a sit down Korean barbecue spot on a street with lots  of them the prices are competitive and it's a nice group activity as all the meat is cooked for you  by the staff I recommend reservation in advance if you want something a little more upscale lynon's  in SoHo is so simple yet the food is completely on point they've managed to maintain a healthy menu  with fresh food my wife and I have had amazing experiences here there wasn't a single item we  didn't love here are some nightlife pairings to go with your dinner choices if if you have dinner  in Midtown hit up Rudy's bar and grill in Hell's Kitchen this is my all-time favorite dive bar open  since 1933 the beer is cheap their blond ale is three bucks and every drink comes with a free hot  dog yes a free hot dog I love it these prices are straight out of 2,000 plus it's the perfect blend  of local characters and tourists if you want to explore the village the village underground is  a legendary Comedy Club I saw Pete Davidson here before he blew up and you never know who's going  to walk through those doors if you do stay in the area check out McDougall between Bleecker and West  Third now this is a younger crowd but there's so many bars on the street as well as late night  eats so you really can't go wrong if you want to party well into the night last call in New  York 4:00 a. m.