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Things to do in New York

12 places · 20 h of sightseeing · 4 days

How many days do you need in New York?

12 places add up to 20 h of pure sightseeing. At 6 hours a day, not counting walking and meals, that's 4 days.

The best-known places in order, as long as they fit into 6 hours of sightseeing a day. Sightseeing only, without walking and meals — build the day-by-day plan with opening hours and the route in a RouteMarket notebook.

1 day — 6 h

2 days — 11 h 45 min

3 days — 17 h

Top sights

Ordered by how well known each place is. Data: OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia.

Statue of Liberty — 3 h 30 min visit. This symbol of America stands on its own island, accessible by ferry, offering a unique perspective on the city, unlike observation buildings.
Empire State Building — 2 h visit. Completed in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years, distinguished by its Art Deco style. Hours: Mon–Sun 08:00–02:00.
Brooklyn Bridge — 1 h 30 min visit. It was the world's first steel-built suspension bridge, opened in 1883.
One World Trade Center — 2 h visit. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, measuring 541 meters, symbolizing the year of the US Declaration of Independence.
Madison Square Garden — 1 h 30 min visit. It is an iconic entertainment arena where major sporting events and concerts take place, also offering backstage tours, unlike art centers.
Grand Central Terminal — 45 min visit. Unlike other structures, its massive, richly decorated interior is still a functioning train station, accessible to everyone. Hours: Mon–Sun 05:30–02:00.
Flatiron Building — 15 min visit. Its triangular shape, perfectly adapted to the unusual plot, distinguishes it from the rectangular forms of other New York skyscrapers.
Greenwich Village — 2 h visit. Since the early 20th century, it has been a center for artistic and counter-cultural movements, which distinguishes it from the more commercial SoHo.
Woolworth Building — 15 min visit. Completed in 1913, the 241-meter building was the tallest in the world for 17 years.
Manhattan Bridge — 1 h 15 min visit. Opened in 1909, it features eight traffic lanes, four subway tracks, and separate pedestrian and bicycle paths.
SoHo — 2 h visit. It has the world's largest concentration of historic cast-iron facade buildings, transformed into trendy boutiques and galleries.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum — 3 h visit. It consists of two twin pools at the site of the WTC towers and an underground museum dedicated to the attacks of September 11 and 1993. Hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–20:00 · Fri–Sat 09:00–21:00 · Sun 09:00–20:00.
The Battery — 1 h 30 min visit. It provides panoramic views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, serving as the main departure point for tourist ferries.
Madison Square Park — 1 h visit. Instead of typical attractions, it offers views of the Flatiron Building, seasonal art installations, and famous Shake Shack burgers. Hours: 06:00–23:00.
Whitney Museum of American Art — 2 h 30 min visit. It specializes in 20th and 21st-century American art, offering terraces with beautiful views of the Hudson River. Hours: Mon–Sun 10:30–18:00 · Tue closed · Fri 10:30–22:00.
Trinity Church — 1 h visit. Its cemetery is the burial place of Alexander Hamilton and other famous historical figures, and the church's roots date back to 1697.
Washington Square Park — 1 h 30 min visit. This urban park, unlike others, is famous for its artistic atmosphere, street performers, and the famous triumphal arch.
The Morgan Library & Museum — 2 h visit. J.P. Morgan's former private library, it showcases rare books and manuscripts in richly decorated interiors, offering a unique visual feast. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:30–17:00 · Fri 10:30–20:00 · Mon closed · Nov Thu[4].
The Sphere — 20 min visit. As the only sculpture in the city, it survived the 9/11 attack and today symbolically commemorates the tragic events.
Bryant Park — 1 h 30 min visit. In winter, unlike Washington Square Park, it transforms into an ice rink and hosts a Christmas market. Hours: Mon–Sun 07:00–23:00.
Castle Clinton — 45 min visit. Built in 1811, it served as the main reception point for immigrants from 1855 to 1890.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church — 45 min visit. Its new building, opened in 2022, is the only Orthodox church in the area and was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
New Museum — 2 h 15 min visit. Located on the Lower East Side, the museum is dedicated to contemporary art and new, often provocative trends, ideal for experiment lovers. Hours: Tue,Wed,Fri–Sun 11:00–18:00 · Thu 11:00–21:00.
Japanese Peace Bell — 15 min visit. This bell, donated by Japan, symbolizes peace and commemorates the tragic events in Hiroshima, located near the UN.

Where to eat

Delmonico's — Opened in 1837, it was the first restaurant in America to offer an à la carte menu.
Lombardi's Pizza — Founded in 1905, it was the first pizzeria opened in the United States.
Umberto’s Clam House — It specializes in New York clam and seafood dishes, which sets it apart from other gastronomic spots in Little Italy.
The River Café — Located under the Brooklyn Bridge, the restaurant offers spectacular views of Manhattan, distinguishing itself by its location from Delmonico's.
Scarr's Pizza — It often serves pizzas with organic ingredients, which is its distinguishing feature among other pizzerias.
Ferrara — Founded in 1892, it is over 80 years older than Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, making it one of the oldest pastry shops in New York.
Balthazar — Opened in 1997, it is an iconic French brasserie with its own bakery, unlike the Italian Umberto's Clam House.
Dirt Candy — Amanda Cohen's acclaimed vegetarian restaurant is famous for its innovative approach to vegetables and signature tasting menus.

What to see in New York in one day?

Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Woolworth Building.

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