If you have ever watched Gossip Girl like I have you are obsessed with New York City and the Met steps in particular, which is why I was probably so excited to visit the Met and sit on the same steps graced by the likes of Blair Waldorf. I visited for 4 days and thus created the perfect New York City 4 day itinerary for you as well.
Not only is New York City the perfect place for the weekend getaway from pretty much anywhere in continental America but it is also filled to the brim with things to keep you occupied all weekend. So lets dive into some things to do in New York City in 4 days.
Photo by Paulo Silva on Unsplash
Photo by Chris Turgeon on Unsplash
1. Look at some Mummies at The Met
The Met is known all over the world as one of the largest and amazing collections of art, statues and ancient objects. Not to gush too much over this gem but I spent two full evenings here admiring the beauty that lives in these walls.
From the statues carved to perfection by the master Michelangelo himself to paintings of the famed beauty of Queen Nefertiti it holds treasures beyond the wildest nerd’s imagination and we are all nerds in the end aren’t we.
It was also the first time I had seen a mummy so naturallyyyy I was very excited.
Cost: $25 for adults ($12 for students)
Timings: 10am to 5:30pm everyday (Closed Mondays)
2. Watch a Shakespeare play in Central Park
Central Park in New York City is such a beautiful gem in the middle of all the hustle bustle. It was the best addition to my New York City 4 day itinerary. We stopped here for some ice cream and walked around taking in the nature. It has a zoo, boating, yoga classes and looks just as romantic as seen in pretty much every movie.
There are also bikes for rent here which is a great way to take the whole park in without killing your two feet.
In the summers against the backdrop of the Belvedere Castle, the plays of Shakespeare are performed at the Delacorte Theatre for the public. With great reviews by the people this is the perfect settings for the deep words of Hamlet.
Free tickets are distributed every show day at the Delacorte Theater at noon so be sure to get there early to get yours.
Cost: Free
Timings: 6am to 1am
3. Status of Liberty cruise
Of course she has no need for introduction. Every man or woman that comes to New York knows of the symbol of liberty that stands proud on Liberty Island.
Given as a gift by France to the United States during the American Revolution to commemorate the pact between them, the statue depicts the Roman goddess Libertas shaking free from the shackles on her feet and raising the torch of knowledge in her hand and provides a magnificent view.
The ferry to Liberty Island runs from Battery Park or Liberty State Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Tickets to the monument and tickets to the crown of the statue are only available through Status Cruises. Your pass to the Ellis Island Museum are included in the same ticket.
Cost: $12 for ferry, $19.25 for monument access (crown access not included)
Hours: Depends on season
Tickets: Tickets for the cruise
Photo by Redd F on Unsplash
4. Take a walk to Times Square
Near the Rockefeller Theatre in the heart of Midtown Manhattan lies the most iconic location in all of New York City. This is what makes New York famous.
The hustle bustle of thousands of busy New Yorkers making their way to the office while a thousand more tourists snap pictures with the famous backdrop and large billboards.
I have been to Times Square twice and the energy in this place fused into my bones immediately both times.
You will find entertainers dressed up in costumers ready to take pictures with you and restaurants, shops and theatre all around this district.
Cost: Free
Timings: 24 hours
5. Grab a coffee at Grand Central Terminal
Another place I was really excited to include in my New York City 4 day itinerary was Grand Central Terminal. This palatial wonder is an underground piece of art and architecture which serves as a station. With 44 platforms this is not just a train station but an architectural wonder filled with shops, restaurants and works of art.
Walk onto the Main Concourse and gaze up to see the mural of night sky constellations from 1912 by Paul César Helleu, and the ten Beaux-Arts chandeliers. Each chandelier weighs 360kg and has 110 bulbs.
Starring in multiple movies includes the animated Madagascar it is the perfect place to meet at the days end and sip a cup of coffee.
Cost: Free
Timings: 5:30am to 2am
6. Watch a comedy show in Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is home to Cafe Wha? where Bob Dylan and Jimmy Hendrix used to make music together. It has now shed its bohemian vibe and transformed into an upscale neighborhood with dives and eateries dotting it.
Comedy Cellar, a famous comedy club has attracted Amy Schumer and Jerrry Seinfield. On most nights you will find better laughter here than any other clubs around.
The heart of this neighborhood belongs to Washington Park where the ‘piano man’ Collin Huggins entertains the park goers on his grand piano right in the open.
For more things to do in Greenwich Village checkout Timeout’s Guide.
Cost: Free
Timings: Depends on location
Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash
7. Admire art in Museum of Modern Art
New York City is filled with art that will take your breath away. From MoMA to the Met and the best street art. You can find the best NYC street art in multiple places while walking through the city. It was so wonderful to have all this art in my New York City 4 day itinerary.
One of my favorite places in New York is definitely MoMA. And why wouldnt it be when it has The Starry NIght by Van Gogh, Monet’s Water Lilies series and Picaso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. All painters that I truly admire.
There are more than 150,000 piece of art from the modern and contemporary genre here ie after the 18th century. The museum also has temporary exhibitions from highly coveted artists such as Picasso and Degas and many more installations all year round.
Best thing is that on Fridays the doors are open for free from 4pm to 8pm.
Cost: $25 (Free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm)
Timings: 10:30am to 5:30pm
8. Take the Beast Speedboat Cruise
The captains on this speedboat that goes 70km/h are Mad Dog and Wild Thing. They are equally funny as they sound crazy. This is a New Yorker secret that people use to cool off in the summer heat come May.
From the speedboat you catch the views of the skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. The boat also makes a stop at the Status of Liberty for a photo opportunity.
The boat departs on every hour from Pier 83 West 42nd Street & 12th Avenue which is walking distance from Times Square.
Cost: $30
Timings: 10am to 6pm
Ticket: Speed boat ticket
9. Watch the New York skyline at Edge
The newest and hippest place for an Instagram snap is the Edge. Its the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere as their site likes to boast with 360 views of New York.
Visitors with a bold heart can use the angled glass to lean over the buildings in the city. Jutting out from the 100th floor of the Hudson Yards the inside has a lounge and bar with enough Manhattans and Long Island iced teas to keep you busy.
The breathtaking observation deck is a must visit for all those that want to see the pretty city in all its glory.
In My Opinion
New York has a million things I could list off the top of my head that are worth visiting. What else can be expected from a city that is home to millions from around the world. This is a small list to give you a little taste of what more wonders this great city keeps.
I had no idea a few of these things were even in NYC! It kinda feels like you can see a little bit of the whole world in just this one city (:
Yes you can, its a boiling pot of everything!
Funny exploration of New York. I love how you describe it!
I am a funny girl XD
YAAAAAAS!!! I did most of these on my first trip to NYC and it was so fun! I cant wait to go back! I want to climb to the crown of the statue of liberty this time!
It looked so far up I decided not to do it haha but tell me how it goes!
This list has all of our favorite things in NYC! Great weekend guide for anyone trying to experience this city to the fullest.
All of my fav things too!
Love these! Was hoping to go back to NYC this summer, but depending on what’s going on the world may have to wait. Saving this for when I do get the chance to go though! 🙂
Yes definitely go once the chaos is over which is hopefully very soon
I’ve done almost all of these but this really makes me want to book another trip to New York and explore some more! ????
Right? You can never get bored of New York
I lived in the state of NY for 4 months during an internship, and never made it to NYC (I lived in Buffalo). Last year my partner and I had tickets to go for a weekend, and we ended up having to cancel… SO lol one day… I WILL make it there. This post was great, i’m glad it’s possible to see so much in a weekend.
You have to go see it atleast once, its one of the most electric cities in the world!
NYC is such a fascinating city and I could spend a lot more time there. Oh, that EDGE looks like a fun place to go. That has opened since my last visit.
Yes its really cool and the pictures you could take there…wow
I’ve never been to NY – hoping to get there someday and spend the weekend now… 🙂
You should, its truly one of a kind kinda city
This looks so much fun! I would love to explore NY one day and this definitely looks like such a great list of things to see.
Its the perfect city for a weekend getaway, you see a lot but don’t get too tired
I love that you have included super popular things as well as those that may not be as well known! When I visited we only had a very short time so only managed to do Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park! We tried to go to the Rockefeller Centre but the line was HOURS long and we didn’t have time to wait! I wish I had known about Edge as we could of tried this!
I can’t wait to go back again!
There is honestly so much to see in New York, I have been there 3 times and I still keep finding new places that I never even knew about and some of them are so cool like the Edge!
This is an awesome compilation of things to do in New York City!
Yes! I love how much NYC has to do
What a nice variety of things to do in NY! I’ve seen those speedboat things in Syndey Harbour, but did not know they were in NY too! Cool NY post.
Oh yep and its really popular with the locals and tourists alike!
This looks like a perfect weekend with a bit of everything! I’m hoping to visit New York soon so I will definitely reference this!
You should definitely visit NY, its a whole different experience being there
We’ve actually never been to NYC yet but these spots look amazing! Saving for when we go in the summer ????
Yes! let me know how your trip went and what places you went too!