The Ultimate NYC Itinerary (With the Best Bagel Stop Built In)
Planning an NYC itinerary can feel overwhelming. With thousands of restaurants, hundreds of attractions, and neighborhoods that each deserve their own visit, how do you decide what to prioritize? The answer is simpler than you might think: focus on neighborhoods, not just individual spots, and build your days around natural rhythms that let you experience the city the way locals do.
This NYC itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the essentials without feeling rushed, while also discovering the neighborhood spots that make New York special. We've built in time for the must-see attractions, but we've also left room for the kind of spontaneous discoveries that happen when you're not over-scheduled. And yes, we've included the best bagel stop because starting your day with a real New York bagel isn't optional. It's essential.
Why Neighborhood-Based Itineraries Work Better
The best NYC itinerary isn't a checklist of famous spots scattered across the city. It's a series of neighborhood explorations that let you experience different sides of New York. When you group activities by location, you spend less time in transit and more time actually experiencing the city.
Neighborhood-based planning also lets you discover the local spots that exist alongside the famous attractions. The coffee shop around the corner from the museum, the park where locals actually hang out, the bagel shop that draws lines every morning not because it's trendy, but because it's genuinely good. These are the places that give you a real sense of what it's like to live in New York, not just visit it.
A 3-Day NYC Itinerary: The Main Framework
A 3-day NYC itinerary gives you enough time to see the essentials without feeling completely exhausted. You'll hit the major attractions, explore distinct neighborhoods, and have time for the kind of unplanned moments that make trips memorable. Here's how to structure it.
Day 1: Lower Manhattan & The East Village
Morning: Start with the Real Thing
Begin your NYC itinerary at Tompkins Square Bagels on Avenue A in the East Village. This isn't just a breakfast stop. It's an introduction to authentic New York food culture. The hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels here represent what New York bagels should be, and starting your trip with the real thing sets the right tone for everything that follows.
Locals know this spot draws lines for a reason. The bagels are made fresh daily using traditional methods, the cream cheese selection includes over 20 varieties, and the breakfast sandwiches (try the bacon, egg, and cheese if you want the classic New York experience) are made to order. Worth the line? Absolutely. This is the kind of place that makes you understand why New Yorkers are particular about their bagels.
Mid-Morning: Explore the East Village
After breakfast, walk through the East Village. This neighborhood has maintained its character despite years of gentrification, and you'll find a mix of old-school New York institutions and newer spots that have earned their place. Stroll down St. Mark's Place, check out the independent bookstores, and get a sense of the neighborhood's history as a center of counterculture and artistic expression.
Afternoon: Lower Manhattan Essentials
Head downtown to see the essential Lower Manhattan sights. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a powerful, necessary visit that honors the lives lost and tells the story of that day. Allow at least two hours if you're going through the museum. The memorial itself, with its reflecting pools marking where the towers stood, is open and free to visit.
Walk from there to the Financial District to see the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall (where George Washington was inaugurated), and Trinity Church. These aren't just tourist spots. They're part of the city's foundational history, and seeing them helps you understand how New York became what it is.
Evening: SoHo & Little Italy
Take the subway or walk up to SoHo for evening exploration. This neighborhood has some of the best shopping in the city, but it's also worth visiting for the architecture. The cast-iron buildings that define SoHo represent a specific moment in New York's industrial history, and walking these streets gives you a sense of how the city has evolved.
For dinner, you have options. SoHo has everything from casual spots to fine dining, but if you want to experience another New York food tradition, head to Little Italy (though it's smaller than it used to be) or Chinatown for authentic neighborhood food that's been serving locals for generations.
Day 2: Midtown & Central Park
Morning: Midtown Essentials
Start your second day in Midtown, where many of New York's most iconic sights are concentrated. The Empire State Building observation deck offers views that define the city, though if you want to skip the lines and still get great views, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center provides a different perspective that includes the Empire State Building in your view.
Times Square is worth seeing once, preferably during the day when you can actually see what's happening. It's overwhelming, crowded, and exactly what people picture when they think of New York. Spend 30 minutes there, take your photos, and then move on. The real New York exists beyond the tourist zones.
Mid-Day: Central Park Exploration
Central Park is 843 acres of designed landscape that serves as the city's backyard. You can't see it all in one visit, so pick a section and explore it properly. The area around Bethesda Fountain and the lake is particularly beautiful and gives you a sense of the park's scale. The Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow, and the reservoir are all worth seeing if you have time.
If you're visiting during warmer months, consider renting a bike or simply walking the paths. The park is designed for exploration, and you'll discover different areas that each have their own character. This is where New Yorkers actually spend time, and experiencing it helps you understand the city's relationship with green space.
Afternoon: Museum Mile or Upper East Side
If you're a museum person, the area around Central Park known as Museum Mile includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and several other world-class institutions. The Met alone could take a full day, so if you're serious about art, prioritize what you want to see and give yourself time.
If museums aren't your priority, explore the Upper East Side instead. This neighborhood has a different character than downtown or the East Village, with tree-lined streets, upscale shops, and a more residential feel. Tompkins Square Bagels has a location here on 3rd Avenue if you need a fuel break, and the neighborhood offers a different perspective on New York life.
Evening: Broadway or Neighborhood Dining
If you've planned ahead and secured tickets, a Broadway show is a quintessential New York experience. The theater district around Times Square has dozens of shows running at any given time, from long-running hits to new productions. Even if you're not a theater person, the energy of Broadway and the surrounding area is worth experiencing.
If theater isn't your thing, use the evening to explore a neighborhood for dinner. The Upper West Side has great restaurants and a more relaxed evening vibe. Hell's Kitchen offers diverse dining options. Or head back downtown to the West Village for a different evening atmosphere.
Day 3: Brooklyn Bridge & Neighborhood Exploration
Morning: Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Start your third day with the classic New York experience: walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Start from the Manhattan side (the entrance is near City Hall) and walk toward Brooklyn. The views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and both boroughs are iconic for a reason. Allow about an hour for the walk if you're stopping for photos, which you will be.
Once you're in Brooklyn, explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and the surrounding area. This neighborhood has been transformed over the past two decades, but it still offers great views back toward Manhattan and has become a destination for food, shopping, and waterfront parks.
Afternoon: Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Brooklyn deserves its own exploration, and you could easily spend multiple days here. For a 3-day NYC itinerary, pick one or two neighborhoods to explore. Williamsburg offers great food, shopping, and a different vibe than Manhattan. Park Slope has beautiful brownstones and Prospect Park. Greenpoint has a more residential, local feel.
The key is to pick a neighborhood that interests you and explore it properly rather than trying to hit multiple spots quickly. Brooklyn rewards slow exploration, and you'll discover spots that feel more like local secrets than tourist destinations.
Evening: Return to Manhattan or Stay in Brooklyn
For your final evening, you have options. Return to Manhattan for a specific restaurant you've been wanting to try, or stay in Brooklyn and experience the neighborhood's evening scene. Williamsburg and DUMBO both have great dining options, and staying in Brooklyn gives you a different perspective on New York nightlife.
If You're Only in NYC for One Day
A one-day NYC itinerary requires ruthless prioritization. You can't see everything, so pick what matters most to you. Here's a realistic one-day plan:
Morning: Start at Tompkins Square Bagels in the East Village for an authentic New York breakfast, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (about an hour).
Mid-Day: Return to Manhattan and see one major attraction. The 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, or the Empire State Building are all good choices. Pick one and give it proper time rather than rushing through multiple spots.
Afternoon: Explore one neighborhood thoroughly. The East Village, SoHo, or the West Village all offer distinct experiences. Walk the streets, pop into shops, and get a sense of the neighborhood's character.
Evening: Have dinner in a neighborhood that interests you, then experience one quintessential New York moment: a Broadway show, a walk through Times Square, or simply sitting in a park and watching the city around you.
The key to a successful one-day NYC itinerary is accepting that you'll miss things. That's okay. It gives you a reason to come back.
For a Two-Day NYC Trip
A 2-day NYC itinerary lets you cover more ground while still maintaining a reasonable pace. Here's how to structure it:
Day 1: Follow the Day 1 and Day 2 morning sections from the 3-day itinerary. Hit the East Village bagel stop, explore Lower Manhattan, see the 9/11 Memorial, and spend time in Central Park.
Day 2: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Brooklyn neighborhoods, and return to Manhattan for an evening activity. This gives you a good mix of Manhattan essentials and Brooklyn exploration without feeling completely rushed.
The advantage of a 2-day NYC itinerary is that you can still experience multiple neighborhoods and see major attractions, but you'll need to be more selective about what you include.
Longer Stays: 4-5 Day NYC Itinerary Options
If you have 4-5 days, your NYC itinerary can include deeper neighborhood exploration and more specialized interests. Here's how to expand:
Day 4 Options:
Museum-focused day (Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, or multiple smaller museums)
Food tour of a specific neighborhood (Chinatown, Little Italy, or the Lower East Side)
Day trip to another borough (Staten Island ferry, Queens food exploration, or deeper Brooklyn neighborhoods)
Specialized interest exploration (architecture tours, historical walks, or neighborhood-specific shopping)
Day 5 Options:
Return to favorite neighborhoods for deeper exploration
See shows or performances you couldn't fit earlier
Explore areas you discovered but didn't have time for
Simply relax and experience New York at a slower pace
The advantage of a longer NYC itinerary is that you can build in rest time, return to places you loved, and discover spots that aren't on any must-see list. Some of the best New York experiences happen when you're not trying to check things off a list.
Where Food Fits Naturally Into a NYC Day
Food in New York isn't just sustenance. It's part of how you experience the city. The best NYC itinerary builds in food stops that feel natural rather than forced. Here's how food fits into a typical day:
Breakfast: This is where a real bagel matters. Starting your day with an authentic New York bagel isn't just about the food. It's about beginning your NYC itinerary the way locals do. Tompkins Square Bagels locations are positioned in neighborhoods you'll likely be exploring anyway, making them natural stops rather than detours.
Lunch: Keep it flexible. You might be in a museum, exploring a neighborhood, or between attractions. New York has great food options everywhere, so don't over-plan lunch. Let it happen based on where you are and what you're in the mood for.
Dinner: This is where you can be more intentional. Whether you want fine dining, neighborhood spots, or something specific to a particular cuisine, dinner gives you a chance to experience New York's food scene more deliberately.
Snacks and Coffee: New York runs on coffee and quick snacks. Build in time for these natural breaks. They're not just about food. They're about pausing, people-watching, and experiencing the rhythm of the city.
Why Starting Your Day with a Bagel Is a Very New York Move
In New York, breakfast isn't always a sit-down meal. It's often something you grab on your way to wherever you're going. A bagel with cream cheese, eaten while walking or on the subway or at your desk, is one of those New York rituals that millions of people participate in every day without thinking about it.
Starting your NYC itinerary with a real bagel does two things: it gives you authentic New York food, and it puts you in the rhythm of how locals actually start their days. When you're standing in line at Tompkins Square Bagels at 7am, you're participating in the same morning ritual that actors, students, office workers, and everyone else in the neighborhood participates in.
The bagel itself matters, of course. A real New York bagel, hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, has a texture and flavor that mass-produced alternatives can't match. But the ritual matters too. Taking the time to get a good bagel, choosing your spread, and starting your day with something that's made the right way sets a different tone than grabbing something convenient from a chain.
Neighborhood References for Local Relevance
When planning your NYC itinerary, understanding neighborhoods helps you make better decisions about what to prioritize. Here are key neighborhoods and what they offer:
East Village: The original Tompkins Square Bagels location is here, along with independent shops, bars, and a mix of old and new New York. This neighborhood has maintained its character better than some others.
Lower East Side: Historically a center of immigrant communities, this area now mixes old-school delis and bakeries with newer restaurants and bars. It's worth exploring for the food alone.
SoHo: Shopping, art galleries, and cast-iron architecture define this neighborhood. It's become more commercial over the years, but it's still worth visiting for the architecture and the mix of high-end and independent shops.
West Village: Tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a more residential feel make this neighborhood feel different from other parts of Manhattan. It's worth exploring for the atmosphere.
Union Square: This area serves as a hub with the Greenmarket, NYU, and easy access to multiple neighborhoods. Tompkins Square Bagels has a location here on East 17th Street, making it a convenient stop if you're in the area.
Upper East Side: More residential and upscale, this neighborhood offers a different perspective on New York life. Museums, parks, and a more relaxed pace define the area.
Making Your NYC Itinerary Work for You
The best NYC itinerary is the one that matches your interests, pace, and priorities. Use this framework as a starting point, but don't be afraid to adjust based on what you discover. Some of the best New York experiences happen when you deviate from the plan.
If you find a neighborhood you love, spend more time there. If a museum captivates you, don't rush through it to check off another item. If you discover a food spot that becomes your favorite, return to it. The city rewards exploration and repetition in equal measure.
The key is balance: see the famous sights, but also explore neighborhoods. Eat at recommended spots, but also discover places on your own. Follow a plan, but leave room for spontaneity. That's how you experience New York the way it's meant to be experienced.
The Bagel Stop: More Than Just Breakfast
Including Tompkins Square Bagels in your NYC itinerary isn't just about getting a good breakfast. It's about starting your exploration of the city with an authentic New York experience. The hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels here represent what New York food culture is about: quality, tradition, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
With locations in the East Village, near Union Square, on 2nd Avenue, and on the Upper East Side, Tompkins Square Bagels is positioned in neighborhoods you'll likely be exploring anyway. The Avenue A location is perfect if you're starting in the East Village. The Union Square location works if you're using that area as a hub. The 2nd Avenue and Upper East Side locations serve their respective neighborhoods.
Locals know these spots draw lines for a reason. The bagels are made fresh daily, the cream cheese selection is extensive, and the breakfast sandwiches are made to order with quality ingredients. Worth the line? Absolutely. This is the kind of place that makes you understand why New Yorkers are particular about their bagels, and why starting your day with the real thing matters.