Best of New York

Best time to visit: April to June, September to November

Late spring and early fall offer mild days and lighter crowds than peak summer. Winters are cold and summers can be hot and humid.

Day 1 · West Village Wanderings & Greenwich Grooves

1
Washington Square Park
People-watch, street performers, and a true West Village vibe.
2
Stonewall Inn
A historic landmark of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
3
Bleecker Street Records
Dig for vinyl treasures in a classic New York record store.
4
Village Vanguard
Catch a legendary jazz show in an intimate, iconic basement club.

Day 2 · Lower East Side & East Village Exploration

1
Tenement Museum
Step back in time and experience immigrant life in NYC.
2
Katz's Delicatessen
Savor a pastrami on rye at this historic, no-frills deli.
3
Economy Candy
Indulge your sweet tooth at this old-school candy emporium.
4
Tompkins Square Park
Relax in this East Village hub, often filled with local characters.

Day 3 · Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Delights

1
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
2
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Grab a classic New York coal-fired pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge.
3
Jane's Carousel
Ride a beautifully restored vintage carousel with a view.
4
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy green spaces, and iconic views.

Day 4 · Bushwick Art & Bites

1
Bushwick Collective Street Art
Explore vibrant, ever-changing murals and graffiti art.
2
Roberta's Pizza
Enjoy wood-fired pizza in a hip, bustling Bushwick spot.
3
Container Collective
Browse unique boutiques and art in a repurposed container market.
4
The Bodega
Experience a classic New York bodega, a neighborhood institution.

Day 5 · Upper West Side & Museum Mile Charm

1
American Museum of Natural History
Discover fascinating exhibits, from dinosaurs to outer space.
2
Central Park (Strawberry Fields)
Pay tribute to John Lennon in this peaceful Central Park memorial.
3
Zabar's
Indulge in gourmet foods, cheeses, and coffee at this iconic deli.

Day 6 · Harlem History & Soul

1
Apollo Theater
Walk in the footsteps of music legends at this historic venue.
2
Sylvia's Restaurant
Savor authentic soul food at a Harlem institution.
3
St. Nicholas Park
Enjoy green space and city views in this historic Harlem park.
4
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Explore important archives and exhibitions on Black history and culture.

Day 7 · Northern Manhattan's Hidden Gems

1
The Cloisters
Step into medieval Europe at this branch of the Met, overlooking the Hudson.
2
Fort Tryon Park
Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy stunning river views.
3
New Leaf Restaurant & Bar
Dine in a charming historic stone cottage within Fort Tryon Park.

Day 8 · Long Island City Art & Views

1
MoMA PS1
Discover contemporary art in this former public school turned museum.
2
Gantry Plaza State Park
Enjoy iconic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
3
Socrates Sculpture Park
Explore outdoor art installations in a unique urban park.

Day 9 · Roosevelt Island & Midtown Finds

1
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Enjoy an aerial view of the city on this unique mode of transport.
2
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
A beautiful memorial with stunning views of Manhattan.
3
Grand Central Terminal
Marvel at the Beaux-Arts architecture and iconic Main Concourse.
4
New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)
Admire the impressive architecture and explore the grand reading rooms.

Day 10 · Chelsea Market & High Line Stroll

1
Chelsea Market
Browse diverse food vendors and shops in this historic industrial building.
2
The High Line
Walk along an elevated park built on a former railway line, with art and city views.
3
Little Island
Explore this unique floating park on the Hudson River.

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.