New York in 4 days: day-by-day itinerary and budget
First time in New York? Then 4 days are a solid starting point: enough for the must-sees plus the odd off-script treat. No filler here: a day-by-day plan by area —what to see, where to eat and each day's map— built to walk less and see more. Money upfront too: ≈267€ in tickets for the whole trip (about 67€/day), mixing paid entries with 8 free stops. Scroll down for the daily split and tips, or fit it to your budget before you start.
Day 1Midtown ≈ 158€ in tickets
Start with Midtown. In the morning, The Edge Observation Deck, Grand Central Terminal, Free Tour of Manhattan, Times Square; in the afternoon, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observation Deck, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock. For lunch, Wafels and Dinges.
Day 2Lower Manhattan and the Statue ≈ 53€ in tickets
Give this day to Lower Manhattan and the Statue. Start with Statue of Liberty Ferry, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and leave the afternoon for Brooklyn Bridge. A midday break at Twin Cafe.
Day 3Central Park and Museums ≈ 56€ in tickets
This day revolves around Central Park and Museums. Keep the morning for American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and the afternoon for MoMA, High Line. And to refuel, Giovanni.
Day 4Brooklyn (DUMBO and Williamsburg) ≈ 0€ in tickets
The day centres on Brooklyn (DUMBO and Williamsburg). In the morning, Williamsburg Neighbourhood; in the afternoon, Brooklyn Bridge Park Viewpoint. For lunch, The Lambs Club.
Ticket budget, day by day
| Day | Areas | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Midtown | ≈ 158€ |
| Day 2 | Lower Manhattan and the Statue | ≈ 53€ |
| Day 3 | Central Park and Museums | ≈ 56€ |
| Day 4 | Brooklyn (DUMBO and Williamsburg) | Free |
| Total over 4 days | ≈ 267€ | |
General-admission prices, compiled and reviewed in September 2026; the current price and availability show when you book (check reduced or free rates on each monument's official site). 8 of this plan's stops are free.
Tips for New York in 4 days
New York calls for organising by area so you're not crossing Manhattan non-stop: one day downtown (Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty on the free Staten Island Ferry), another in midtown (the Empire State, Times Square, Broadway) and another uptown (Central Park and the museums). Book the observation decks (Top of the Rock, the Empire) and get the OMNY for the subway, which runs 24 hours. Many museums have a pay-what-you-wish slot, and the Brooklyn Bridge on foot is free and spectacular. Eat street food and by neighbourhood (Chinatown, Little Italy) so you don't break the bank. With four days you'll see the essentials without rushing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 4 days enough for New York?
Yes: 4 days cover the essentials of New York without racing. Short on time? Start with Brooklyn Bridge Park Viewpoint, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty Ferry; and with one extra day, nearby day trips fit in.
How much does it cost to see New York in 4 days?
Following this itinerary you pay around 267€ per person in tickets over 4 days (about 67€/day), excluding transport, meals and accommodation. 8 of the 16 stops are free.
What can't you miss in New York?
The essentials: Brooklyn Bridge Park Viewpoint, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty Ferry, 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Can I personalise this New York itinerary?
Of course — it's a starting point, not a fixed plan. In the planner you change days, budget or activities and the itinerary rebuilds instantly, with map and tickets. Free, no sign-up.
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📖 Looking for the full guide? What to see in New York · 📊 How much does it cost to see a city in a day?