5-Day NYC Itinerary: A Native New Yorker's Insider Guide

Start your morning with coffee at Sant Ambroeus for an elegant Italian espresso and pastry, or Jack’s Wife Freda for a more relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Fuel up, because you’re spending the day wandering the cobblestone streets of SoHo and NoHo.

Take your time browsing the neighborhood’s best shops: Clic for carefully curated jewelry, Roman and Williams Guild for design-forward home goods that will make you want to redecorate everything, A.P.C. for French minimalist staples, Aimé Leon Dore for that perfect New York streetwear-meets-prep aesthetic, and Sézane for effortless Parisian style. Don’t miss McNally Jackson Books for an excellent independent bookstore experience. If you’re a serious book lover, make the walk to The Strand near Union Square—18 miles of books and the iconic New York literary experience. Between shops, just wander—the cast-iron architecture and tree-lined streets are beautiful.

For lunch, settle into Balthazar, the bustling French brasserie that’s been a SoHo institution since 1997. Get the steak frites. In the evening, head to Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria for dinner—this rustic Italian spot serves incredible seasonal dishes and natural wines in a warm, convivial atmosphere. It’s the perfect end to your first day.

Begin your morning in the West Village with a pastry at L’appartement 4F, a tiny French bakery that feels like stepping into a Parisian apartment. Their croissants and pain au chocolat are perfection.

Stroll through the charming, tree-lined streets of the West Village, then head to the Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District. The building itself is stunning, and the collection of 20th and 21st-century American art is world-class. Don’t skip the outdoor terraces for Hudson River views.

From there, walk the High Line, the elevated park built on old railway tracks. It’s one of New York’s best urban transformations—gardens, art installations, and city views all the way up. At the southern end, detour to Little Island, the floating park pier with amphitheater seating and unexpected green spaces jutting into the river.

For lunch, grab a legendary burger at Corner Bistro, a no-frills West Village dive bar that’s been serving perfect pub food since 1961.

After lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth at Magnolia Bakery for a classic cupcake, then peek into the Village Vanguard, the legendary jazz club that’s hosted every great name in jazz since 1935. Head to Washington Square Park to people-watch under the iconic arch and soak in quintessential NYC energy. Browse Three Lives & Company, a charming independent bookstore perfect for getting lost in the stacks. Before dinner, stop by C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, America’s oldest pharmacy (since 1838)—the old-world charm and vintage bottles are worth the visit alone.

For dinner, you have two excellent options: Via Carota serves rustic Italian dishes in a candlelit, romantic atmosphere—no reservations, so go early or expect a wait. Or head to I Sodi, a tiny Tuscan gem just around the corner with incredible handmade pasta and an intimate, neighborhood feel.

Start your morning at Almondine Bakery for exceptional French pastries and strong coffee—their croissants are some of the best in the city.

Spend the morning exploring DUMBO's cobblestone streets and iconic views. Visit Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 merry-go-round in its glass pavilion right on the waterfront. Walk to the famous Washington Street view where the Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building—it’s one of the most photographed spots in Brooklyn for good reason. Browse powerHouse Arena for independent books and local authors, stop into Jacques Torres Chocolate for samples and treats, and check out the West Elm flagship store. Take time to wander the neighborhood’s converted warehouses and admire the stunning skyline views from every angle.

Head to Time Out Market for a snack or early lunch with diverse food options, or grab a classic slice at Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge, or keep it simple with Shake Shack on the waterfront.

After lunch, walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park—the piers, lawns, and promenades offer some of the best views of Manhattan and the bridges. End your evening with dinner at Cecconi’s Dumbo, where modern Italian cuisine meets spectacular waterfront views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown skyline.

Start your morning at Columbus Circle—grab breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center for French pastries and coffee with views of Central Park, or Blue Bottle Coffee for a simpler start.

Head to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and spend your morning with Van Gogh's Starry Night, Warhol’s soup cans, and one of the world’s best modern art collections. Don’t miss the sculpture garden—it’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of Midtown.

After the museum, walk through Times Square—yes, it’s touristy and chaotic, but it’s also undeniably New York. Cut through to Bryant Park, a perfectly manicured green space behind the crowds. Take a moment to admire the New York Public Library with its iconic lion statues—the Beaux-Arts architecture is stunning, and if you have time, peek inside at the Rose Main Reading Room.

Continue to Grand Central Terminal for lunch at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a New York institution since 1913. Sit at the counter, order oysters and a glass of wine, and soak in the vaulted tile ceilings of this iconic space.

Before you leave Grand Central, look up at the celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, find the Whispering Gallery where you can hear someone across the archway, and check out the iconic four-faced opal clock at the information booth—it’s worth millions and a classic meeting spot.

Head to One Vanderbilt for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the glass-floor observation deck with stunning 360-degree views of the city. The mirrored rooms and outdoor terrace give you a completely different perspective on New York’s skyline.

Take the 6 train downtown to Greenwich Village and end your evening at Minetta Tavern, a Greenwich Village institution since 1937. The wood-paneled walls, vintage photos, and legendary Black Label Burger make this the perfect classic New York dinner.

Start your morning with dim sum at Jing Fong, the massive banquet hall where carts roll by and the energy is pure Chinatown chaos in the best way. Order liberally—shrimp dumplings, pork buns, turnip cakes—and soak in the scene.

After brunch, explore the neighborhood’s hidden corners. Walk down Doyers Street, the infamous “bloody angle” with its sharp bend and layered history. Stop into Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng to browse quality teas and maybe pick up some oolong to bring home. Visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple on Canal Street—the serene 16-foot Buddha is a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets outside.

Head to Little Italy and grab a cannoli at Ferrara Bakery, a neighborhood institution since 1892. Browse Di Palo’s for Italian cheeses, cured meats, and specialty goods—the family has been running this shop for generations and their knowledge (and samples) are unmatched.

For lunch, choose between Joe’s Shanghai for their legendary soup dumplings or Thai Diner for creative Thai-American comfort food in a fun retro setting.

Spend your afternoon shopping along Broadway in SoHo—hit any stores you missed on the first day, or just enjoy the neighborhood’s energy one last time.

End your New York adventure with dinner at Coucou, where elegant French cuisine and a romantic atmosphere provide the perfect farewell meal. Cap off the night with drinks at The Blond, the chic lounge where you can toast to five perfect days in the city.