Best of New York

Skip the tourist loop — the real city lives block by block.

7 daysLocal gems

Trip length

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.

Rest
Washington Square Park
Start your trip with some classic people-watching in this iconic Greenwich Village hub.
Shopping
Bleecker Street (between 7th Ave S and Hudson St)
Browse independent boutiques and record stores on this charming stretch of Bleecker.
Nightlife
The Comedy Cellar
Catch a show at this legendary, intimate club where many top comedians got their start.

Sightseeing
Tenement Museum
Gain insight into immigrant history with a guided tour of restored 19th-century tenement apartments.
Food
Russ & Daughters Cafe
Indulge in classic New York appetizing with a sit-down meal or grab bagels and lox to go.
Rest
Tompkins Square Park
Experience a historic East Village park, a hub for local life, protests, and community events.
Food
McSorley's Old Ale House
Step back in time at one of NYC's oldest Irish ale houses, serving only two kinds of ale: light or dark.

Rest
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge from this waterfront park.
Sightseeing
Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
Explore the cobblestone streets, art galleries, and boutiques of this revitalized industrial neighborhood.
Food
Smorgasburg (seasonal weekends, check locations)
Sample diverse and delicious street food from local vendors at this renowned open-air food market.
Rest
Williamsburg Waterfront (North 5th Street Pier)
Relax by the water with panoramic views of Manhattan, often featuring live music or events.

Sightseeing
The Cloisters
Discover medieval European art and architecture in a tranquil setting overlooking the Hudson River.
Rest
Fort Tryon Park
Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy expansive views of the Palisades and Hudson River.
Activity
Inwood Hill Park
Explore the last remaining primeval forest in Manhattan, offering hiking trails and quiet escapes.

Sightseeing
Museum of Moving Image
Immerse yourself in the history and art of film, television, and digital media in Astoria.
Rest
Astoria Park
Enjoy waterfront views of Manhattan and the Hell Gate Bridge, plus a large public pool in summer.
Food
Jackson Heights (Roosevelt Avenue between 74th and 82nd Streets)
Experience a vibrant, diverse neighborhood renowned for its authentic international cuisine.
Sightseeing
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Visit the iconic Unisphere and explore this expansive park that hosted two World's Fairs.

Transport
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Enjoy unique aerial views of Manhattan as you cross to Roosevelt Island.
Sightseeing
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
Reflect at this poignant memorial park with stunning views of the UN Headquarters and East River.
Sightseeing
Cornell Tech Campus
Walk through this innovative campus, a modern architectural marvel on Roosevelt Island.
Sightseeing
Grand Central Terminal
Marvel at the Beaux-Arts architecture and bustling atmosphere of this historic transportation hub.

Sightseeing
Greenwich Village Historic District
Wander the charming, winding streets, admiring historic townhouses and hidden gardens.
Shopping
Union Square Greenmarket (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
Browse fresh produce and local goods at one of NYC's most popular farmers markets.
Rest
New York University Campus (Washington Square Park area)
Soak in the academic and artistic vibe around this prominent urban university.

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.