There are ways to make the most of the limited time available to travelers in New York. It takes at least three days to really see the highlights (although you could take a “quick” tour on a two-day New York itinerary). However, I suggest 4 to 5 days to see the main sights without rushing too fast. So, is 4 days enough in New York? The short answer is yes.
I would say that 4 days is the minimum amount of time you need in New York. With 4 days in New York, you'll be able to see the main attractions, but you'll definitely want to come back for more. The city has a lot to offer, especially as the seasons change. We think a lot about 3, 4 and 5 days as the perfect time for a first-time visitor to explore New York.
The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the capital of the world: no matter what they call it, there's no denying that New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet. Feel free to change a day, change activities or, if you find that you have 5 to 7 days in New York, these could be great additions to your New York itinerary. The last day of your 4-day New York City itinerary focuses on crossing the East River to Brooklyn and returning to Manhattan. Therefore, for the purposes of this 4-day New York City itinerary, we will be using Times Square as a base of operations.
Like many other places in New York City, Greenwich Village has been featured in many movies. Now, the “bohemian days” are behind us, due to rising housing costs and the gentrification of the neighborhood, but this is still a wonderful place to visit. Regardless of your plans for a trip to the Big Apple, you can't miss Central Park during your 3 days in New York City. Just a 15-minute walk from Chinatown is New York City Hall, which happens to be one of the oldest in the entire United States.
You're probably tired after a busy day of sightseeing, but it's not time to go to sleep yet, because there are still so many incredible things to do on this 3-day New York City itinerary. For New Yorkers, this is a precious green space, a place to lie in the sun, go for a run, and take the kids to the playground. Most tourists spend a lot of time window shopping at this Upper East Side destination, as you'll find some of the best items in all of New York City without having to spend a dime. Learn where Jimi Hendrix and Edgar Allen Poe were, where one of the covers of Bob Dylan's albums was photographed, and the rise of gay rights in New York City.
Depending on your itinerary, you could combine days 3 and 4 (Brooklyn will be a shorter visit in the afternoon and may extend it until the evening for dinner).
