Big Apple Itinerary: 4 Days & 3 Nights In New York City

By Alissa Miller

If you’re dreaming of a trip to New York but the accommodations have you stumped, look no further than the Manhattan Club. This upscale hotel sits just a few blocks from Times Square, Central Park, and many of the city’s other top attractions. Keep reading for a four-day, three-night New York City itinerary that’ll help you plan your visit.

nyc itinerary

Day 1

Afternoon: How excited are you? You’ve arrived in New York City amid all the hustle and bustle of a typical afternoon. The city is busy, and so are you — catch a cab to the Manhattan Club and get checked in at 4 p.m.

Evening: Once you’ve settled into your spacious suite, you’ll need dinner, and no doubt you’ll want to do a little preliminary exploration. An evening stroll will be just the thing. Make your way down West 56th Street to Pazza Notte on the corner of Sixth and West 56th. A slice of thin-crust pizza and their housemade gelato will go down nice and easy before you’re off to Fifth Avenue. Another quick jaunt east will put you in sight of some of Fifth Avenue’s finest — Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re window-shopping or shopping for real, you can cross the first of many quintessential NYC to-dos off your list.

Day 2

Morning: For your first full day, you’ll likely be eager to hit the town. Swing by the Manhattan Club’s private lounge for a grab-and-go breakfast, then you’re out the door on foot (or by cab, your call) to the Museum of Modern Art (aka MoMA) — one of the largest modern art museums in the world. It’s only 10 minutes away on West 53rd. Spend your morning leisurely studying Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, soaking up history’s finest works of art.

Afternoon: Your afternoon goal is to explore Times Square, a 12-minute walk from MoMA. Pop over to Sixth Avenue and head south to West 45th Street — you’ll be hungry after your busy morning. A hearty lunch of bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie at Connolly’s Irish Pub in Times Square will help you refuel. Then it’s off to see Times Square’s bright billboards and cool spots, like Top of the Rock or Madame Tussauds.

Evening: No trip to New York would be complete without a Broadway show, and you’re in luck because the Gershwin Theatre is just a five-minute walk from Times Square. But first, dinner. Go north on Broadway to West 51st Street and Ellen’s Stardust Diner is on the corner, within sight of the Gershwin. The Stardust Diner is a well-known, ’50s-themed restaurant that’s been featured in movies and television shows, including Friends. After a burger, fries, and a shake delivered by a singing waitress, head over to the Gershwin for a performance of Wicked and hear the backstory of Oz’s infamous villain.

Day 3

Morning: You’ll want to be up and at ’em early today, as you’re heading to one of NYC’s most iconic attractions — the Statue of Liberty — and if you get there early the lines won’t be as long. Time for another grab-and-go breakfast (and maybe a Starbucks from around the corner on Seventh Avenue) followed by a quick subway ride. The closest station is 57th Street-7th Avenue. Take the R Train to Whitehall Street near Battery Park, where you can hop on the Liberty Island Ferry. Make friends with Lady Liberty, then work your way back to the Manhattan Club before lunch.

Afternoon: Your afternoon plans will take you to Central Park, with a short walk north on Seventh. You’ll be hungry, and the park is full of food vendors serving everything from hot dogs to halal. Take your pick and enjoy a picnic lunch at any of the countless picnic spots. Then stroll through the park, visiting fun sights like Cleopatra’s Needle, Chess & Checkers House, Belvedere Castle, or the carousel. Make sure to find a sweet treat for a midafternoon snack.

Evening: For your last evening in New York, a night on the town is in order. When you’ve finished at Central Park, return to your suite to get dressed up, then walk half a block east on West 57th to enjoy a fancy dinner at the renowned Russian Tea Room. You may see a famous face or two, and you’ll definitely see caviar and cocktails on the menu. When you’ve finished, Carnegie Hall is right next door. Wrap up the day in the Manhattan Club’s private lounge for a nightcap.

Day 4

Morning: Your whirlwind adventure is over — or is it? If you’re feeling adventurous after breakfast, make sure your bags are packed before hailing a cab to the Empire State Building. It opens at 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday, so you can spend an hour at the 102-story skyscraper and still get back to the Manhattan Club in time for checkout at 11 a.m. (Pro tip: Save time by buying tickets online. You can also add an express pass to skip the lines.) Then it’s off to the airport to say goodbye to New York City.

Where To Stay: The Manhattan Club

Amenities: Private Club Lounge • Continental Buffet Breakfast or Grab-And-Go Breakfast ($) • Full Bar ($) • Fitness Center • Business Center • Laundry & Dry Cleaning ($) • Free Wi-Fi • Concierge Services • Valet Parking ($) • 24-Hour Security

Hotel Info: 888-692-2121 or requestinfo@tmcny.com

Stay three or more nights and receive complimentary continental buffet breakfast when you stay now through Aug. 31, 2023.

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* Savings are based on the bookable rate through RCI and are calculated by comparing the current market rate (as determined by RCI in its discretion) versus the pricing available for certain RCI North American members for comparable rooms. Access to the full advertised discount may require an upgraded membership tier or the use of RCI points and/or trading power.

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Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Exchange: CST: 2046555-50. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-26552. Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602357907. Rental: CST: 2081369-50. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-36515. Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602560941. Hawaii Seller of Travel Reg. No: TAR-6309.

Rental offer and rental inventory are made available by a Florida licensed entity Resort Rental, LLC (operating as Holiday Rentals, LLC in MD and TX), whose address is 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, License Number: CQ1059961.