The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary for Exploring New York’s Times Square and More!

The neon lights of Times Square: a must in New York!

Are you spending 4 days in New York? It’s a short trip but, with a little planning and my advice, you can get the most out of it! Here is the program that I recommend to you to make the most of your 4 days in New York.

Day 1: Arrival in New York

AFTERNOON – Times Square

The program for your first day in New York obviously depends on the arrival time of your flight. If you are only spending 4 days in New York, I recommend that you take a flight that arrives at the earliest. This will allow you to save a good half-day of visits. Go through immigration formalities, collect your luggage and return to your hotel. Then head to Times Square, the heart of Manhattan. You will then have a real shock when you see this forest of buildings bathed in a myriad of neon lights. Welcome to New York! If you arrive earlier in the afternoon, you can add a visit to the Art Deco complex of Rockefeller Center and climb to the Top of the Rock, one of the most beautiful observatories in New York.

Day 2: the southern tip of Manhattan

MORNING – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take advantage of the jet lag to get up early and catch one of the earliest ferries to the Statue of Liberty. The statue is the emblem of America and I warmly recommend that you see it up close, even if you stay in New York for a short time. It’s a memorable visit that will stay in your memory for a long time! The ferry then takes you to Ellis Island. I advise you to get off at the quay to browse the imposing main hall of Ellis Island and to enjoy the magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. I suggest you take the ferry back to Manhattan at the end of the morning for a leisurely lunch in the financial district.

AFTERNOON – Financial District

Day 3: Brooklyn Bridge to Midtown

MATIN – from the Brooklyn Bridge to Greenwich Village

Jet lag should still help you wake up early! Take the opportunity to cross the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn. You’ll have the sun at your back and enjoy stunning views of the Financial District. You will even see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Once in Manhattan, I invite you to head to Chinatown, Manhattan’s Chinatown. Continue through Little Italy, the Italian district. Then make a quick foray into SoHo, the fashion district and famous buildings with cast iron facades. I suggest you have lunch in a café in SoHo or in the Greenwich Village district, north of SoHo. This bohemian district is ideal for a break, especially in Washington Square Park.

AFTERNOON – Midtown

As the day progresses, it’s time to head north to explore Midtown. To see the essentials of this central neighborhood, walk down 42nd Street from Bryant Park. As you walk, you will then see the One Vanderbilt tower, Grand Central Terminal station, the Chrysler Building and the UN headquarters. In the late afternoon, climb to the top of the Empire State Building, to one of the best views of New York. You will have Manhattan at your feet and you will enjoy a glassless observatory platform. Another possibility: continue north of Midtown, to visit the Rockefeller Center, if you did not do so the day of your arrival in New York. Make your way to the top of the Top of the Rock, the observatory atop the Comcast Building. The view is prodigious at sunset, thanks to an upper platform without glass.

Day 4: Rockefeller Center and Central Park

MATIN – Rockefeller Center and Central Park

If you did not visit the Rockefeller the day before or the day of your arrival, you have the option of doing so on your last day in New York. Just make sure you stay at the top of the Top of the Rock for less time. In the morning, the view of southern Manhattan will perfectly complement the view you had the day before at the Empire State Building. Then head to Central Park, the city’s emblematic park! Of course, you won’t be able to see everything, but here is the list of the 10 places to see in Central Park. I advise you to stay in the southern part of the park, which is the one with the most things to see anyway. Another solution if you have already visited Rockefeller Center: dedicate your entire morning to our visit to Central Park by bike, accompanied by a French guide. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask all your questions about New York, in French.

AFTERNOON – On the way to the airport

Depending on the time of your flight, it will be time to reach your hotel to collect your luggage and leave. If your plane takes off in the late evening, you’ll still have some time for shopping in Midtown or a little tour of a neighborhood you haven’t visited yet, for example the Hudson Yards district and the promenade planted with the High Line. In any case, I advise you not to go to the other end of the city nor to climb to the top of an observatory. You can’t afford to

Where can you find the best vantage point to see the sparkling lights of the city at night in Upper West Side

Be able to see the cityscape during daylight and enjoy the beautiful sunset, followed by the sparkling lights of the city at night.

Day 4: Central Park and Upper West Side

MORNING – Central Park

Start your day by taking a leisurely stroll in Central Park. This iconic green oasis in the heart of New York offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Take a walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, visit Belvedere Castle, or simply find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. You can also rent a bike or a boat to explore the park further.

AFTERNOON – Upper West Side

After a morning in Central Park, head to the Upper West Side, one of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods. Take a walk along Riverside Drive and enjoy the beautiful views of the Hudson River. Stop by the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon once lived, and explore the cultural institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History or Lincoln Center.

In the evening, you can choose to catch a Broadway show in the nearby Theater District or indulge in some upscale dining at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Conclusion:

With this recommended itinerary, you will be able to make the most of your 4 days in New York. From the dazzling neon lights of Times Square to the iconic Statue of Liberty, the vibrant neighborhoods of Manhattan, and the serene beauty of Central Park, you will get a taste of what New York has to offer. Make sure to plan your days well and savor every moment in the City that Never Sleeps.