4-day New York City itinerary for 2 travellers
A balanced 4-day plan for New York City built around beaches & swimming, food & tavernas, romantic, with places to see each day and a dinner reservation to match.
Day 1: Astoria & Long Island City
Base yourself around Astoria & Long Island City today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
Gantry Plaza State Park
A Long Island City waterfront park with the restored Pepsi-Cola sign and old gantries.
Afternoon
The Noguchi Museum
The sculptor Isamu Noguchi's own museum and garden in Long Island City.
Dinner
Taverna Kyclades Astoria
Lively eatery specializing in fresh Greek seafood & sides that doesn't take reservations.
Day 2: Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO
Base yourself around Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
Washington Street View, DUMBO
The cobbled street framing the Manhattan Bridge, DUMBO's most photographed spot.
Afternoon
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
A cantilevered walkway above the expressway, facing Lower Manhattan.
Day 3: East Village & Lower East Side
Base yourself around East Village & Lower East Side today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
New Museum
A contemporary art museum in a stacked white box on the Bowery.
Afternoon
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Restored immigrant apartments at 97 and 103 Orchard Street, seen on guided tours.
Day 4: Harlem & Upper Manhattan
Base yourself around Harlem & Upper Manhattan today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
The Studio Museum in Harlem
A museum dedicated to artists of African descent, on West 125th Street.
Afternoon
The Met Cloisters
Medieval European art and reassembled cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, far uptown.
Good to know
- Book dinner before you arrive — the good tables go first in season.
- Lunch is quieter (and cheaper) than dinner at most places on this list.
- Start beaches and hikes before 10:00 to dodge the heat and the crowds.
Lock in your tables
Reserve the restaurants in this plan on Woltaro — instant confirmation, no phone calls.
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