Seasonality: May is an excellent time to visit New York. The weather is warm but not too hot, city parks are in bloom, and outdoor events abound. Expect pleasant spring conditions for cultural exploration and city walks.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Transport | $2400 |
| 🏨 Accommodations | $3200 |
| 🧳 Gear | $200 |
| 🗺️ On-site | $1100 |
| Total | $6900 |
[ ] 🗽 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
Iconic symbol of the U.S.; ferry from Battery Park; book pedestal/crown tickets in advance for the best experience.
[ ] 🏙️ Empire State Building ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
Skyline views from observation decks; visit at opening or near sunset for fewer crowds.
[ ] 🎨 The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
One of the world’s greatest art museums. Free guided tours, don’t miss the rooftop garden for views.
[ ] 🎭 Broadway Show ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
See a top musical or play; book luxury orchestra seats. Consider Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King.
[ ] 🌳 Central Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
Stroll, row on the lake, and discover hidden sculptures; picnic with gourmet takeout.
[ ] 🏛️ Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Modern masterpieces from Van Gogh to Warhol. Avoid weekends for a quieter experience.
[ ] 🏛️ American Museum of Natural History ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Dinosaur fossils and stunning planetarium; great for all ages.
[ ] 🏙️ Top of the Rock Observation Deck ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Iconic Rockefeller Center views—best panorama including Empire State Building.
[ ] 🛕 St. Patrick’s Cathedral ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Neo-Gothic masterpiece on Fifth Avenue; peaceful break from shopping.
[ ] 🏙️ High Line Park & Chelsea Market ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Elevated railway park; public art, city views, then gourmet food stalls in Chelsea Market.
[ ] 🏙️ Fifth Avenue Luxury Shopping ⭐⭐ (~2h)
flagship stores: Saks, Tiffany & Co, Bergdorf Goodman; enjoy personalized shopping experiences.
[ ] 🎨 The Whitney Museum of American Art ⭐ (~1.5h)
Focus on American artists; stunning location at the end of the High Line.
[ ] 🏙️ Greenwich Village Walking Tour ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Explore historic, hip neighborhoods, jazz clubs, and indie boutiques.
[ ] 🎨 Guggenheim Museum ⭐ (~1h)
Modern art in a Frank Lloyd Wright icon; spiral walk-through is a must.
[ ] 🏙️ SoHo Art Galleries & Shopping ⭐ (~2h)
Designer boutiques, art galleries, cobblestone streets.
[ ] 🌳 Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Walk the bridge, explore Dumbo’s shops and waterfront parks—great city views.
[ ] 🏛️ 9/11 Memorial & Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Sobering tribute to resilience; museum requires timed tickets.
[ ] 🏙️ Grand Central Terminal ⭐ (~1h)
Architectural marvel; check out the Whispering Gallery.
[ ] 🏛️ The Frick Collection ⭐ (~1h)
Old Master paintings in a mansion setting; tranquil oasis on the Upper East Side.
[ ] 🌳 Bryant Park ⭐ (~1h)
Urban green space; people-watch or enjoy a pastry from nearby bakeries.
[ ] 🍸 The Campbell (Grand Central) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Historic cocktail bar with a glamorous vibe, housed in a former financier’s office.
[ ] 🎷 Blue Note Jazz Club (Greenwich Village) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Legendary jazz performances; book a table for best views.
[ ] 🍸 The Roof at PUBLIC ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Chic rooftop bar on the Lower East Side, panoramic skyline vistas.
[ ] 🎤 Comedy Cellar ⭐ (~1.5h)
Famous stand-up club—book tickets early for a star-studded lineup.
[ ] 🍸 Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle Hotel) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Stylish piano bar, famed for its murals and classic cocktails.
[ ] 🍜 Chelsea Market ⭐⭐⭐
Global artisanal food; try lobster rolls or Los Tacos No.1. ($20-40/person)
[ ] 🥩 Peter Luger Steak House ⭐⭐⭐
Iconic Brooklyn steakhouse since 1887; dry-aged steaks, reservation essential. ($150+/person)
[ ] 🥯 Russ & Daughters Cafe ⭐⭐
Quintessential New York bagels & lox on the Lower East Side. ($30-60/person)
[ ] 🍣 Le Bernardin ⭐⭐⭐
Michelin three-star French seafood—book months ahead. ($250+/person)
[ ] 🍕 Prince Street Pizza ⭐
Famous for ‘spicy pepperoni square’—cash-only, quick bite. ($7-10)
[ ] 🍸 Bemelmans Bar ⭐⭐
Classic Upper East Side cocktails—frequented by celebrities. ($25+/cocktail)
[ ] 🥘 Balthazar ⭐⭐
Classic French brasserie in SoHo, famed for brunch. ($60–100/person)
[ ] 🧁 Dominique Ansel Bakery ⭐
Invented the ‘cronut’—arrive early as they sell out fast. ($8–12)
[ ] 🛳️ Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (~2h) Relaxing boat tour—great for city skyline photos.
[ ] 🏙️ West Village Food Tour (~2h) Sample artisanal cheeses, pastries, and New York pizza with a guide.
[ ] 🎨 New Museum (~1h) Cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions in a modern cube.
[ ] 🌳 Prospect Park (Brooklyn) (~2h) Frederick Law Olmsted’s ‘other’ city park, less crowded than Central Park.
Paramount+Amazon Prime VideoNetflixHBO MaxNetflixAmazon Prime Video| City | Nights | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 7 | The Peninsula New York (5*) | $3200 |
| Total | 7 | $3200 |