It's Time for New York City
Love New York City, but don't know where to start exploring? Browse these itineraries from notable locals for inspiration—then go out and experience NYC yourself.
TAKE A CUE FROM NOTABLE NEW YORKERS
NYC has plenty of local celebrities, each with their own version of an epic NYC itinerary in mind. Check out their favorite spots below.
Good Eats and Good Art
As a dance lover, I recommend a day full of art supplemented with good food and a walk in the park. Mix and match these spots for an incredible day in NYC. —Runako Campbell, professional dancer and performing artist
A Day Off with Sara Mearns
Because I perform Tuesday through Sunday, my day off is Monday—also called a "dark day" in the theater world. Here are a few places I would hit on my dream day off. —Sara Mearns, principal dancer with New York City Ballet
A Performing Artist's Hot Spots
My perfect NYC day includes stops at some of the City's most iconic spots, including Central Park and, of course, the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. See my itinerary for suggestions, and don't forget to fuel up for exploring with some classic NYC treats. —Isabel Leonard, opera singer and star of <em>Cinderella</em> at the Metropolitan Opera
One Short Day in NYC
My perfect day in NYC would be spent soaring to new heights at Edge, reading at the New York Public Library, spending time with my favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo, eating sandwiches that are big enough to share with a friend (or a goat!) at Katz’s Deli, and then finishing the day at the swankiest place in town, <em>Wicked</em>. —Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West
Dinner, a Show and More
My perfect NYC day starts with a run in Central Park, after which I grab a coffee and a chocolate chip brioche from Levain Bakery. Later I take my pup Alfie for a long walk with a stop at the Strand on the Upper West Side. In the evening, I’ll meet up with friends to dine at Joe Allen or Bond 45 and then head to the theater. I’ll do a nightcap—dirty martini, extra olives—at Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel. —Frank DiLella, host of NY1’s <em>On Stage</em>
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To…
Visit these Times Square locales for a glimpse into one of the world’s most vibrant districts. Sightsee, shop and wine and dine before a Broadway musical or stand-up comedy show. —Caroline Hirsch, Owner of Carolines on Broadway
A Weekend in New York City
A weekend in New York City gives me the opportunity to feel the pulse of the greatest city in the world—the international faces you see, and the arts you are fortunate to share in. —Ben Vereen, Broadway legend<br/> <br/> Photo by Isaak Tiner
A Chef's Guide to Food and Culture in NYC
NYC inspires adventure through the celebration of food, culture and art. The City constantly inspires me through its rich diversity, and I’m always discovering new places in my neighborhood and beyond. —Marcus Samuelsson, Chef-owner of Red Rooster
Bikes, Bridges, Tacos and Tunes
My perfect NYC day starts with a bike ride along the Hudson River, followed by tacos at Tacombi. Or I’d roam the New York Botanical Garden before seeing a live show at Rockwood Music Hall. —Sara Bareilles, Broadway composer and lyricist, <i>Waitress</i>
A Manhattan Restaurant Crawl
There’s nothing like the City’s dining scene. It leads in innovation while never sacrificing what people love. This list only scratches the surface of NYC’s best restaurants. Choose any of them and you will be happy. —Geoffrey Zakarian, Food Network chef and restaurateur
A Summer Sunday in BK
My itinerary is named after my favorite area (Brooklyn), time of year (summer) and specific day of week (Sunday). I fill my ideal day by riding my bike to meet friends, enjoying excellent food and dancing, and picking up some wine from Hearts Bushwick. —Bobby Wooten III, musician, <em>American Utopia</em> on Broadway
Let the Liberty Light Your Way
Whether you are looking for family fun or a girl’s day in the City, New York’s WNBA team has you covered. From catching a Liberty game at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center to shopping in Manhattan at Hudson Yards, you won’t go wrong with this list curated by our home team.
A Stand-Up Day in NYC
I start my day by sinking silky jump shots at Colonel Charles Young Playground and getting coffee at Manhattanville Coffee, then go to the Harlem Y to train my plant-fueled muscles (thanks, Peacefood Café). Most nights I put on a clinic at the Comedy Cellar; on November 13, I’ll move the clinic to Carnegie Hall. How do I get there? The 2 train to the 1 train, then a walk from Columbus Circle. Thank you and good night! —Gary Gulman, Comedian
Best Eats and Iconic Haunts
NYC my way includes stops at the Brooklyn Museum then shopping at Dover Street Market. Afterwards, I head to Harlem, my hometown, and grab a juice at JukeBox before dining at one of my favorite restaurants—Melba’s.—A$AP Ferg, Harlem-born rapper
The New York Jets Do Manhattan
Take flight with the New York Jets and explore their top picks for things to do around the City, from playing a game of ping-pong at Spin to grabbing some Dunkin’ before checking out ESPN’s studios at The Seaport.
An Extraordinary NYC Day
My perfect NYC day starts with a run around the reservoir in Central Park. Then I grab a bagel and schmear at Zabar’s and head to Little Island. The day winds down with a show at the Public Theater followed by drinks at piano bar Marie’s Crisis. —James Wolk, Actor, <em>Ordinary Joe</em>
A Voyage to Arnstar’s Galaxy
New York City is a world unto itself. These are just a few places that remind me of what it means to be from here and to be here. Welcome to Arnstar’s Galaxy. —Arnstar, Harlem rapper, actor and dancer
48 Hours of Romance, Culture and Fun
Romantic dining, boat rides, rooftops, museums—this itinerary will help you make special memories with your loved one. We’ve done the planning but left space for you to customize and make it your own. —Leslie and Martina Johnson, Travel bloggers
Art, Antiques and Bakeries in NYC
Our mission is to help build a stronger and more equitable future for the City that we love. This is our guide to the gifts New York gives us—the ones that will keep us here forever. —NY Forever, a non-profit combating economic and racial injustice
Instagram-Worthy NYC
Here are some of the most photogenic landmarks, hotels and restaurants to add to your grid. —Christine Tran Ferguson, Tour de Lust founder
A Nature Lover's Guide to NYC
As an avid gardener, I recommend a nature-filled day across multiple boroughs, exploring all the green the city has to offer at places like the Met Cloisters, Governors Island and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. —Jessica Phillips, Broadway actor, <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em>
NYC, the Knick Way
NYC is back. For the ultimate Knicks experience, hit the hot spots below. Curated by Knicks fans, these local businesses offer a glimpse into life as a New Yorker, including seeing a Knicks game (starting in mid-October) at Madison Square Garden.
A Tour of Little Caribbean
Did you know that Brooklyn has a neighborhood known as Little Caribbean? It has the most diverse Caribbean population in the world and is rich in culture. Check out these Black-owned establishments in the area. —Oneika Raymond, Travel journalist
Eat Your Way Around the Boroughs
Check out my culinary tour of New York City, highlighting some of my favorite local eateries. Enjoy! —Tristan "Mack" Wilds, actor, <em>Thoughts of a Colored Man</em>
Flavors of Downtown Manhattan
Take your taste buds on a tour of Manhattan. Have a croissant at Mel and coffee at Sant Ambroeus. Day drink in style at Bar Pisellino. Try NYC’s best lasagna at Don Angie. When you get thirsty again, Dante will be very close. —Rocco DiSpirito, chef and television personality
Art, Dinner and a Broadway Show
Take an early morning ride on the (free) Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, then a stroll through Central Park to the Met, followed by dinner at Per Se and, finally, a Broadway show. —Danny Burstein, Broadway actor, <em>Moulin Rouge! The Musical</em>
Family-Friendly Guide to the Upper West Side
As a new dad, I’m constantly on the hunt for family-friendly adventures, and the Upper West Side is a treasure trove. This is a full day, but it’s walkable and sure to leave an impression on your family. —Rob McClure, Broadway actor, <em>Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical</em>
A Fitness Fanatic's Guide to NYC
These are some of my favorite NYC events and spots for working out, nurturing yourself and relaxing. Head to them to get the best out of New York City. —Laura Giromini, Actor and fitness instructor
From Harlem to the Hudson
A perfect New York day starts in Harlem and ends on the Hudson River. You'll get a taste of local vendors, historic landmarks, famous burgers and riverside views. —Jawan Jackson, Broadway actor, <em>Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations</em>
NYC for Rangers Fans
The New York Rangers, one of the NHL’s Original Six, have a fast-rising team with stars including Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. Hit these venues and restaurants to complement a Rangers game (beginning in mid-October) at Madison Square Garden.
5 Spots for Family Summer Fun
Take your family to these kid-friendly outdoor spots for live music and theater, and then grab some ice cream before taking a delightful stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. —Celia Keenan-Bolger, Broadway actor, <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em>
Rosé, Seafood and Art in NYC
These are a handful of my favorite restaurants ranging from French cuisine to rosé and oysters, as well as a favorite art exhibit. —Bianca Marroquín, Broadway actor, <em>Chicago</em>
FROM OUR FRIENDS IN NYC TOURISM
Put together by some of our favorite NYC businesses, these roundups are the next best thing to your own personal tour guide.
Times Square Favorites
Enjoy the best of the neighborhood, courtesy of the Times Square Alliance.
THINK LIKE A LOCAL
Who better to show you the City's latest happenings and secret spots? Curated by locals, these itineraries offer an inside look.
The Spooky Guide to NYC
Ghoul, please! If you’re a lover of haunted history or magical attractions, this enchanted NYC itinerary is for you. Visit some of the City's most mysterious destinations across the five boroughs. —Brittany Petronella
Date Night in NYC
My wife and I have a routine for the first Saturday of the month. We start at the Brooklyn Museum and then walk through Prospect Park and have a nice lunch. After a stop somewhere interesting like Artechouse, we finish with dinner or rooftop drinks.
A Local's Guide to Bushwick
Bushwick is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Here are 15 places to check out if you love street art, thrift shops, movie theaters, tropical drinks, craft beers and pizza parlors.
5 Essential Sights in Manhattan
Take your photo on the iconic steps of The Met, wander the Seaport District and take in the view from One World Observatory, the highest point in NYC.
Family Fun on the Upper West Side
We love exploring our neighborhood here on the Upper West Side. It has so many great restaurants, shops and museums—and, of course, access to Central and Riverside Parks. There's endless family fun to be had.
NYC Places Everyone Should See
Out-of-towners often seek quintessential NYC landmarks during their first visit to the City. These are the places I take friends and family when they visit, including architectural gems, parks and interactive exhibits. —Albert Yu
Five-Borough Pizza Picks
As NYC's OG pizza blogger, I often get asked where people should go for pizza. Here's a quick list of one favorite in each of NYC’s boroughs, plus a nearby point of interest—because, believe it or not, there’s more to NYC than just pizza. —Adam Kuban
A Literary Tour of New York City
Explore the literary haunts, bookstores, museums, bars and restaurants of well-known New York City writers past and present.
Next Stop, Nassau Avenue
Below find a short list of some of my favorite Greenpoint neighborhood spots that are all within walking distance of the Nassau Avenue G train stop.
Top 5 Bronx Picks
The Bronx has tons of great food and fun activities for all ages, including the Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo. After you work up an appetite, hit Arthur Avenue for some Italian food or coffee. —Christina Gaetano
Walkable Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights
In these walkable neighborhoods, you can shop for clothes at upscale boutiques, dine at some of NYC's coolest restaurants and experience history at the Brooklyn Historical Society or by walking past Truman Capote's onetime home.
A Summer Day on Governors Island
Grab coffee at Hudson Eats before strolling through The Battery toward the ferry for Governors Island. Explore the island by bike and take in the waterfront views, hammocks and public art before wrapping up with a bite at Island Oyster.
Make Waves In Chelsea
Make the most of your visit to this waterfront neighborhood—try specialty food items, seek out art museums and end the day with a cruise.
Accessible NYC Highlights
In NYC there is no shortage of accessible experiences. Enjoy museums and performances, cuisines for all tastes, one-of-a-kind shops and thrilling views of the skyline. Here are a few favorites. —Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad, Accessible Travel NYC
A Local's Guide to the Meatpacking District
Here is just a glimpse of what the City has to offer in the Meatpacking District. Walk the High Line, see art at the Whitney Museum and try the octopus at the Standard Grill.
Westside Walking and Wine
This casual walk on Manhattan’s west side starts at Hudson Yards with a trip up Vessel. Head downtown via the High Line to a waterside table at City Winery, where you can sip wine while enjoying views of the Hudson’s newest park, Little Island.
Best Independent Bookstores in NYC
NYC is a well-read town. That’s due in part to the many well-stocked independent bookstores across the five boroughs. These community gathering spots host readings, talks and other events. We look forward to checking the calendars at the spots below.
7 Under-the-Radar Brooklyn Restaurants
Brooklyn brims with restaurants, including trendy hangouts helmed by star chefs celebrated in the food press. These are the antithesis: neighborhood spots that are consistently delicious—even if they're located at the back of a bodega.
A Perfect Day in Central Harlem
My perfect day—within a mile of my apartment—starts with a track workout, then a lazy brunch, afternoon drinks and watching the sun set at Riverbank State Park. Last is a stop at Harlem Public and a walk home with an ice cream cone. —Janette Roush
Get Active on Manhattan’s West Side
Start your day with a run through Central Park before grabbing a bagel and biking to the High Line. Visit the Whitney, stroll along the Hudson River—with stops at Little Island and City Winery—and finish with shopping and dinner in Hudson Yards.
A Five-Borough History Guide
New York City has a rich history dating back more than 400 years. Uncover the City’s past at excavated burial grounds, 18th-century farmhouses and museums across the five boroughs. —Carianne Carleo-Evangelist
It's Time for New York City
World-class culture, dining, entertainment—find it all in the five boroughs. There’s never been a better time to plan your trip.
STAY INSPIRED
NYC can be anything to anyone—and that’s one of its best qualities. Here’s some more inspiration as you think about creating your own itinerary.
Latin American Restaurants in NYC
Try authentic cuisine from El Salvador, Peru and Venezuela (to name a few countries) right in the five boroughs.
Family-Friendly Flushing Meadows
The former site of two world’s fairs provides acres upon acres of year-round activities for kids and adults.
A Night at Ginger’s
Photographer Jeanette Spicer visits one of the City’s few remaining lesbian bars to capture its significance to the community.
Guide to Koreatown
Go for Korean barbecue and beyond in this Midtown Manhattan neighborhood.
Casa Amadeo’s Bronx Legacy
Musician Mike Amadeo preserves Latin music history at NYC’s oldest music shop up in the Bronx.
Asian Culture in Long Island City
This small residential Queens enclave boasts a large Asian-identifying community.

