New York City. The Big Apple. The City that never sleeps. With over 800 languages believed spoken in this city, 237 skyscrapers, and more than 26,000 people living in each square mile, which is more people than 39 of the 50 states in the U.S., this culturally diverse and high rise city has a lot to offer towards all types of travellers.

Having lived in New York City, near Times Square, I Nico, have created a simple 5-day itinerary that will give you the most entertaining, awesome and romantic experience. If you can, start your trip to New York on a Sunday and leave on a Thursday. This is because you will avoid the weekend rush of people, although be prepared to still face an utterly busy experience.

In regards to cost, I’ve heard and read from a number of people about their opinions on “how much to bring to New York”, and found that there isn’t a right answer. As a result, from my personal experience of visiting New York, I strongly believe you can have an amazing time with a SPENDING BUDGET of $1,853/£1500 (excluding flights). This includes accommodation, food, beverages, shopping and cost for entry tickets.  The prices you see on the itinerary are in U.S. dollars ($) and British Pound (£). Although, prices may have changed since February 2016. A further breakdown of prices can be found at the bottom of the page.

Let’s Get Started!

Arrival Day

• Arrive to New York – Free Day
• Arrive to Yotel New York Hotel – 5 minutes’ walk the centre of Times Square.
• Times Square
• Empire State Building Normal Admission – $32 (Go up at night for incredible highly bright skyline views)

 

2^nd Day

• Times Square & 5^th Avenue – Shopping
• NBC Studio Tour – – $33
• Rockefeller Observation Deck – $32
• New York Knicks Madison Square Gardens – $70

 

3^rd Day

• Wollman Rink in Central Park – 10am to 10pm – $25.25. Price includes ice skate rink, ice skate shoes, and locker.
• Met Museum – 10 am to 5:30pm – $25 potentially $12 for student. Location Central Park
• American Museum of Natural History – $22
• Lion King – Minskoff Theatre (7:00pm)

 

4^th Day

• Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge
• Wall Street
• Statue of Liberty Reserve with Crown Ticket – Battery Park (Book in advance to go up the crown)
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum – $24 or free if visiting only the Memorial
• World Trade Centre Observatory Deck – $32

 

5^th Day

• Grand Central Station
• The United Nations Headquarters – $20
• Leave New York to go home

 

Places to Eat

• Bubba Gump
• Hooters (Hoot Hoot)
• Hard Rock Café
• Counter – famous for its 1-pound burger
• Lombardi’s Pizzeria (founded in 1905, making it the first pizzeria in the United States)

 

Rooftop Bars

• Top of the Strand
• Roof at Park South

 

Other Tips

• Avoid subways at rush hour periods
• Get a subway into Manhattan from JFK airport. It’s ridiculously cheaper than a taxi or a pre-arranged car/bus pick up.
• Whatever your budget is for NYC, double it. You will understand once you’re there!
• Cheapest Time of the year to visit is – January to March

 

Overall Spending

$1853/£1500 per person

• Activities/Admissions: $315.25/£255
• Money Spent on food/shopping/taxis/subways: $740/£600
• Leave an Emergency Fund of $185/£150
• Hotel Total stay amount $608/£492 (including Tax) per person

Total: $1,812/£1467

 

End of Itinerary