United States · 5-day itinerary
5 days in New York
The city that never sleeps, and you won't want to either. Here's a 5-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into New York
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in New York
Check in at your stay in Lower East Side / East Village.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · A bagel with schmear
7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. · DUMBO · ~$21
Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO
Walk the bridge for the skyline, then pizza under it.
Day 2
Into the green
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. · Chelsea · ~$21
High Line to Chelsea Market
An elevated park walk ending in a food hall.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. · Williamsburg · ~$28
Williamsburg
Vintage shops, breweries and waterfront views.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · A New York slice
Day 3
A taste of the city
12:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. · Central Park
Central Park
Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields, on foot or by bike.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Pastrami on rye at Katz's
Day 4
Layers of history
- 2:15 p.m. Lunch
- 6:15 p.m. Dinner · Dumplings in Chinatown
Day 5
Farewell, New York
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart New York
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Smorgasburg on a weekend
Where to stay in New York
Shoestring
Long Island City
One subway stop from Midtown, with skyline views and lower rates.
Hotels in Long Island CityComfort
Lower East Side / East Village
Character, nightlife and great food.
Hotels in Lower East Side / East VillageLuxury
SoHo / Tribeca
Loft hotels, galleries and designer shopping.
Hotels in SoHo / Tribeca
What to eat in New York
New York–style pizza
A thin, foldable slice from a counter.
Pastrami on rye
Hand-carved pastrami piled high with mustard.
Bagel and lox
Hand-rolled bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
New York–style cheesecake
Dense, rich and creamy.
Black and white cookie
A soft cookie with half vanilla, half chocolate icing.
Where locals send visitors
Katz's Delicatessen $$
Jewish deli · Lower East Side · Best for lunch
Pastrami since 1888; tip your carver and keep your ticket.
ReviewsRuss & Daughters $$
Appetizing shop · Lower East Side · Best for breakfast
Smoked fish and bagels from a family business founded in 1914.
ReviewsJoe's Pizza $
Pizza by the slice · Greenwich Village · Best for lunch
The textbook New York slice on Carmine Street.
ReviewsXi'an Famous Foods $
Western Chinese · Several locations · Best for lunch
Hand-ripped noodles with cumin lamb.
ReviewsLos Tacos No. 1 $
Tacos · Chelsea Market · Best for lunch
Adobada tacos on fresh tortillas. Worth the queue.
ReviewsBalthazar $$$
French brasserie · SoHo · Best for dinner · Reserve ahead
A SoHo brasserie that's always buzzing. Great for brunch too.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Scam: In Times Square, costumed characters expect tips for photos, and people pressing "free" CDs into your hand will then ask for money.
- Getting around: Use yellow cabs, green cabs or apps. Ignore anyone offering rides inside the airport terminals.
- Safety: The subway runs all night. Late at night, ride in a busy car, often the conductor's car near the middle of the train.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Tap to pay on the subway (OMNY); fares cap weekly.
- Plan to tip 18–22% at restaurants.
- Walk the High Line north to south to end near the Village.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$216 |
| Comfort | ~$420 |
| Luxury | ~$1,100 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this New York trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.