15-Day New York City Itinerary: a guide to make the most of your two weeks in New York City

New York is called "the city that never sleeps" and it's not hard to guess why: there's always something to do and see in New York, whatever time of day it is!

Stroll through Central Park, visit the MET, attend an NBA game, spend a day at the beach or climb the skyscrapers... It's hard to get bored in a city with so much cultural variety.

Take note because here I tell you everything you can do in New York in 15 days.

You've just arrived in New York and you're probably anxious to get out and see firsthand all the scenery you've seen so many times in movies and photos. As this is your first contact, for this day I propose you to discover Manhattan from a bird's eye view and delve into the bowels of Harlem to explore the soul of the city.

Get to know New York from its skyscrapers

By now you should know that New York is known for its skyscrapers. The city, especially the district of Manhattan, has one of the most spectacular and famous skyline in the world and it is worth spending some time to climb the best.

This time, not only experience feeling tiny next to these huge metal masses, but also take the opportunity to climb the Empire State or climb to the Top of the Rock. From the heights you will be able to size up how huge the city is and put a face to all the streets you are about to see.

I understand that sometimes it is difficult to choose between climbing one skyscraper or another, so if you have doubts, I recommend you read this comparison between climbing the Top of the Rock or the Empire State. I hope it helps you decide! Although you can always climb both (both are open at night, so you can combine a daylight visit with a night visit). Here you have more information about climbing the Top of the Rock at night and the Empire State Building at night.

If you want to consider other options (not as mythical but just as spectacular or more) I recommend you to take a look at the possibility of climbing the most modern skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan: The Edge and the Summit Vanderbilt. You will spend a morning of vertigo!

We go deep into Harlem and its gastronomy

At the end of this experience, you will surely be hungry and there is no better plan than to recharge your batteries in one of the typical American restaurants with a good milkshake and a hamburger. Start your way to Harlem, north of Central Park, where an afternoon of contrasts awaits you.

On this occasion I recommend that you first stop for lunch at Harlem Shake, a well known restaurant in the area where you can eat a traditional Pulp Fiction style lunch.

Even so, all over the neighborhood you will find plenty of places to eat in Harlem. The variety of food and street stalls will leave any palate satisfied and energized for the day ahead.

Soak up the atmosphere of Harlem at a Gospel Mass

New York is characterized for being a city full of cultures and contrasts, and a good way to make this contact is with one of its most famous and widespread traditions: going to a Gospel Mass in Harlem. This typical religious act full of music and joy has become very popular throughout the continent and, within the city, it congregates in the neighborhood of Harlem.

Sunday mornings are the days when you can take a tour of all the churches in the neighborhood and enjoy the characteristic songs. To do this, you must take the subway and get to the neighborhood of Harlem where you have about 500 churches where they make this typical mass (here a list of the best churches to attend a Gospel Mass).

Of course, you must be respectful and take this interesting visit as a spiritual and religious act following the rules for attending a Gospel Mass.

Central Park is the lung of New York and has dozens of places to get lost and spend the day in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. For this second day, I suggest a picnic day in the heart of Manhattan.

Starting point at Bethesda Fountain

One of the best ways to get to know the park is to get to its great central square, the Bethesda Fountain. This place has been for years one of the most emblematic places of the park and is the meeting point for many New Yorkers.

In the background you will find the beginning of the famous lake of Central Park and, in the vicinity of the tunnel, you can listen to the great acoustics of the musicians who play. Be aware that this park is huge so you will have to face the day with energy if you want to see all the attractions.

Have a picnic with a view

One of the best options to get to know Central Park thoroughly is to eat inside to make the most of the time. For this, a picnic may be the best option. In all Manhattan supermarkets near the park, you'll find sandwich, salad and soft drink options so you can lay out on the lawn and enjoy the scenery. Pret A Manger, for example, offers fast food to go (sandwiches, soups, vegetable wraps...)

Central Park has countless plains and lakes where you can lay out a tablecloth and stop to recharge your batteries. The beauty of this experience is to get lost among its forests and long paths, so as soon as you find a place you like, stop for lunch. In the southern part of the park, you will also have lunch among the trees but with a view of the Midtown skyscrapers.

Rent a bike to finish your tour of the park's iconic landmarks

Central Park is worth a visit in itself. However, like the main fountain, the park has numerous must-see sites that are steeped in history.

One of them is the memorial to Beatles singer John Lenno called Strawberry Fields. This mosaic made on the ground contains the word "Imagine" and every day is visited and honored by fans of the singer. Likewise, the mythical sculpture of Alice in Wonderland, dedicated to its author Lewis Carroll, is another must-see.

If you have energy to spare, you can always rent a bike that will allow you to ride through the rest of the park at a faster pace and feel like a New Yorker.

Experience a night at the theater

Without leaving Midtown Manhattan, now it's time to dress up and enjoy the Broadway neighborhood in style. This place is full of lights and theaters and has become one of the most cultural streets in the city. All along the avenue, there are a multitude of Broadway musicals and plays with an international flair.

If you want to enjoy one of these live shows you should know that they are usually quite reasonably priced and it is one of the most worthwhile plans in all of New York. You just have to review the catalog in advance and enjoy first hand all the charms of Broadway.

There are options for all tastes, the most popular being The Lion King, Aladdin and Phantom of the Opera.

For this day, let's pause a bit to learn about the city's history and its most iconic landmarks of recent times. From a tour of Ellis Island to the arrival at the memorial that marked the entire 21st century with the twin towers, passing by the incomparable Statue of Liberty.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

The undisputed protagonist of New York's history and skyline is the Statue of Liberty. From Battery Park, in the south of Manhattan, there are ferries to the Statue of Liberty that will get you there in just a few minutes, giving you incredible views of the Statue and the Manhattan Skyline.

Once you get your ticket to the Statue of Liberty, you can enter its pedestal and even climb up to the iconic Crown. Admittedly, it's a place that's always crowded with tourists, but as you can imagine, it's a must-see for visitors.

Continue the visit at Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum

To understand the origins of New York we must go back to its immigrant past. The city is made by immigrants and one of the places with the stories is the Ellis Island, place where, in the past, all the new residents arrived and for which America is considered the land of opportunities.

Once at Ellis Island visit first hand the Immigration Museum, where you can learn more about this important place and see the very first sign-up sheets that started the city.

Return to Manhattan to discover Ground Zero

Continuing with this historic day, one of the stops I recommend on your return to Battery Park after seeing the Statue is to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The site, built in what used to be the Twin Towers, was designed to remember the people who died at Ground Zero.

There, in the place where the towers used to be, there are two large fountains that emanate water, as well as a forest of 400 oak trees among which one of them stands out for being the only one that miraculously survived the tragedy. There is also a museum, with testimonies and memorabilia that will make your hair stand on end.

Explore Wall Street

Now that you're here, and after you've stopped at one of the many places downtown for a bite to eat, it's time to explore Wall Street, the financial district.

Walking through its streets full of top executives and luxury offices is a real experience in the city. In addition, you should also take the famous photo with the Wall Street bull, one of the most famous icons of the neighborhood and has appeared in numerous blockbuster movies.

End the day with a cruise

After an intense day full of emotions and contrasts, there is nothing better than relaxing your legs while enjoying a cruise on the Hudson River watching the New York Skyline (here I help you choose among the best cruises in Manhattan).

There are boats and itineraries of all kinds and suitable for all budgets, but if you want to treat yourself, it is best to book a dinner cruise on the Hudson. To the rhythm of soothing live music, you'll see the lights of the city as you've never imagined them before. It's like a movie!

Brooklyn, next to Manhattan, in one of the most famous neighborhoods of New York. One of the most tourist attracting of the entire city, and no wonder. This spectacular site is much more than its famous bridge and has areas like DUMBO where you can get lost and spend the whole day.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and the DUMBO neighborhood

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous postcards of the whole city and, therefore, it is the mandatory stop with which we start this fourth day. We are going to leave Manhattan aside for a day and focus on the other important boroughs. This time, the bridge will welcome us to Brooklyn, a neighborhood full of art and new trends.

I recommend a walk through DUMBO, just across the bridge. A completely renovated neighborhood and become the focus of the avant-garde. Its murals, converted warehouses and alternative stores and boutiques are worth seeing.

Try the pizza at Grimaldi's

After you've had your first taste of Brooklyn, it's time to stop for a bite to eat to get you going for the rest of the day. There are many places to eat in Brooklyn, but one of them stands out for its famous pizza.

Grimaldis is one of the most famous restaurants in Brooklyn. Although it is a widespread chain throughout the continent, within the city there is only this place, located under the bridge. Its American-style pizza is a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Walk through the luxurious Williamburg and the artistic Bushwick

Once we have toured the must-see Brooklyn, we can spend the afternoon wandering around the rest of the district and strolling through two of its other neighborhoods; Williamburg and Bushwick. In both of them art and a mixture of traditions predominate and getting lost in its narrow streets is undoubtedly the best plan.

Williamburg is a neighborhood full of luxury, with a clear Jewish influence and, in recent times, a place of reference for all the Hipster aesthetics. The perfect mix between tradition and new trends. Here you can not miss the Jewish quarter of New York

Bushwick, meanwhile, is ideal for all lovers of urban art. It has an industrial feel and Puerto Rican influence, as if it were West Side Story.

Close the night watching the Nets play the NBA

If you're hooked on Brooklyn, you can't leave without closing the day with an NBA game at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets. Hot dog in hand, you'll be as hoarse as a New Yorker shouting and cheering for the world's best-known basketball stars.

Here's how to get NBA tickets and what their prices are so you can prepare for this sporting evening in advance.

New York is one of the cities with the most important museums in the world, so once you've had time to walk around and see all the great sights of the city, it's time to dedicate a single day to visiting the best museums in New York. Which one to choose? I'll tell you a little about each one so you can plan accordingly:

MoMA

MoMA is considered the most important modern art museum in the world, and no wonder. Inside it houses the most important paintings of all avant-garde until today and that is why your visit is a must on your trip to New York.

If you organize yourself well, you can make a tour with the essentials in just two hours, although in itself, the museum would already give for a whole day. You can buy tickets in advance to avoid queues and make sure you get the time that suits you best.

Ah! and that it is not all culture. Here are the best places to eat near the MoMa to satisfy your appetite with something delicious.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met Museum or Metropolitan Museum of Art is another of the most recommended museums to visit within this cultural day. The Metropolitan Museum, although not as important as the MoMA, has the honor of being one of the ten most visited museums in the world and, undoubtedly, in New York.

Inside there are not only paintings, but a whole series of historical objects of great importance such as the Egyptian exhibition with the remains of the ancient temple of Abu Simbel.

Museum of Natural History

Changing the subject and counting on the fact that, after all day you will be tired, I propose you to finish with something more dynamic at the hands of the Museum of National History.

Its interior is much more dynamic as it is a scientific museum and reviews in a clear and entertaining way the history of the Earth and Man. In addition, it was the scene where the movie Night at the Museum was filmed, so it is well worth saying goodbye to this cultural day. Here you have all the information you need to visit the Natural History Museum.

After a day of culture, a cocktail with a view

New York is the city that never sleeps and at night you have to experience it too. We have spent a "museum day" in Manhattan and the best thing to do is to combine it with a good cocktail in the heights. Search among the best rooftops in New York which is the one you want to discover and enjoy the night views of the city.

New York is constantly evolving and has many new things to offer travelers. In addition, very close to Manhattan there is an oasis that will make you think you are in another city and that many tourists are left to discover. Keep reading, this will interest you.

Start the day at Hudson Yards

When we thought that everything in New York was already written (and built), click here, a completely new luxury neighborhood built where before there were only train tracks and abandoned factories.

There you will find exquisite places to eat, shopping malls, super innovative skyscrapers and the famous High Line: a floating park built on the old train track that ran along the west side of the city.

Take the opportunity to walk around and also discover the incredible building of The Vessel or enjoy the incredible views from the Edge skyscraper.

Stop for lunch at Chelsea Market

Continuing with the spirit of transformation of the city, the best thing to do is to go for lunch at the nearby Chelsea Market, a former cookie factory converted into one of the best food markets in the city, well worth a visit!

And in the afternoon, Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is one of the secrets of New York that not all tourists discover: it is a small neighborhood with an elongated shape quite quiet and unique where you can walk and see their beautiful residential houses without having to be surrounded by tourists. In addition, from here there is a cable car with spectacular views.

This cable car ride to Roosevelt Island is not one of the most tourist attractions in New York but it has privileged views of the entire district of Manhattan and the river that are worth it. Getting to Roosevelt Island is very easy, as it has a subway and from there you will have to go to E 59th St & 2nd Avenue.

The ride is the same as a subway ticket and, although the ride only takes a few minutes, the experience is worth it. The cabs run frequently and connect very well to Manhattan.

One of the advantages of having two full weeks to visit New York is that you have the luxury of getting out of the city to take one of the New York tours to the surrounding area.

There are several itineraries and destinations to choose from, and you can even opt for a two-day or one-day tour if you don't want to take up too much of your time in the Big Apple.

The most popular are the Washington excursions for those who love big cities, the Niagara Falls excursions, perfect for enjoying nature in its purest form, and the Boston excursions, a great choice for those who love culture and history.

Queens is a borough full of contrasts and cultures and it is worth a full day to soak up its essence. Taking as a starting point the legendary Pepsi sign, we will go into its different neighborhoods and taste its typical dishes.

You can walk around on your own, but if you prefer to go with a guide there is the famous New York Contrasts Tour, which will facilitate the tour of the city.

The industrial district of Long Island

On the banks of the river we find the famous industrial district of Long Island, a place very visited and reputed in recent times. One of the places that has best adapted to the new times has been Gantry Plaza State Park, a park as a promenade that collects all the life of the neighborhood.

Its typical Pepsi Cola symbol in the middle of the promenade has become an icon of the neighborhood as a sign of the transformation it has undergone and the mix between industrial buildings and modern air.

Getting to know the Greek Quarter

As we continue to go deeper into the district of Queens, we will find Astoria, the Greek Quarter. This place, as you may have already seen in other parts of the trip, is the ideal mix between tradition, the mix of cultures and the new avant-garde.

Astoria is the ideal place to taste Mediterranean dishes and enjoy urban art and new trends in music. In addition, from Astoria Park, you will have beautiful views of the sunset.

Flushing, the real Chinatown

For the last hour of the day, I recommend you to go into the Flushing neighborhood, which has been considered by many, the real Chinatown of New York. This is where most of the Chinese population really resides and has many local food places where you can dine.

Also, in this neighborhood is the home of Louis Armstrong, which has been transformed into a museum and is a must for all jazz lovers.

The Bronx is more myth than reality in terms of its danger and fame. The truth is that today, it is an essential place to see on your visit to New York because, in addition to graffiti and street art, it has one of the largest zoos in the world.

Meet the great Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest centers in the world to observe and experience animals. I recommend that you get up early that day and spend the whole morning inside touring and enjoying the visit.

This huge place was inaugurated in 1899 and currently has more than 4,000 animals of 600 different species. The animals you will discover at the Bronx Zoo range from animals native to the Americas to giraffes, lions and polar bears.

Lunch at Little Italy

By the time we leave the zoo, we're sure to be starving after walking so far. It's time, then, to discover one of the gems of the Bronx borough; Little Italy. This neighborhood, formed by former Italian immigrants, has been reflected in many series and movies, and no wonder.

Among its streets you can get lost but, above all, discover places with the best pasta in the city. Here I leave it to your choice, any place will be good to enjoy an authentic Italian bite.

Experience Hip Hop culture and street art

The Bronx borough has had for years the reputation of being a place full of gangs and street life. However, today it is a safe neighborhood to visit and enjoy without problems.

Of that time there are vestiges translated into urban art and you can certainly tell that you are visiting one of the cradles of Hip Hop style. It also has the Bronx Museum of Modern Art, where all this street and cultural essence is collected.

Back to Manhattan: a stroll through Times Square

For this day we return again to the nerve center of Manhattan and discover once again one of its most famous and photographed corners. Times Square is the most recognizable faces of New York along with its skyscrapers and I recommend you to take advantage of the morning to get to this emblematic place.

It is usually a busy and lively place, easily accessible and with plenty of food stalls in case you get hungry. From here all the main avenues start and we are just a short walk to the Broadway arts district.

Visit the Wax Museum

Halfway through the tour, I recommend spending a couple of hours at one of the most entertaining and fun museums in the area; Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Inside you can find a fairly faithful recreation of the most famous international characters.

It is usually a very busy place for tourists and curious but if you get tickets in advance you can organize your day well and I assure you that it will be worth it.

After the frenzy of the last few days, I propose a tenth day of calm and disconnection going to the famous beach of New York, Coney Island. This pilgrimage place will allow us to have a day more connected with nature and, in addition, have fun in its emblematic amusement park.

Have a great time at Luna Park

One of the main attractions of this area south of the city is to enjoy and have fun with the mythical attractions of Luna Park. This amusement park was built on a walkway above the beach and has a special charm.

You must take into account when you want to visit New York because in the colder months the park is usually closed and the area is a bit deserted. But, if you count on good weather, there is nothing better than riding some of the rides early in the morning. Take note of how the ferry works to get there.

Grab a bite to eat at the boardwalk stalls

When you feel like eating, I recommend that you continue to enjoy this legendary boardwalk and dive into the multitude of food stalls that you can find.

The street atmosphere and sometimes a little quirky is the charm of this place and, after having visited in recent days, places and reputable locals, this casual air comes in handy.

Enjoy the New York beach

As a plan to spend the afternoon, I advise you to go to the beach at Coney Island. Do not imagine that you are going to find a great beach with crystal clear waters, the beaches of New York City are not like that.

However, it is a nice place to take walks, enjoy a dip and spend an afternoon with the family watching the sunset. No doubt New York is a city of thousands of contrasts and being able to watch the sunset on the beach is one of them.

New York has a real passion for basketball and we should not leave the city without witnessing one first hand. For today we will be spectators at Madison Square Garden but first we will visit Chinatown and taste its exotic food.

Visit Chinatown

New York City has people from all over the world and, among all of them, the Chinese community has been one of the most diverse neighborhoods. Although the most densely populated neighborhood is in Queens, it is worth visiting the famous Chinatown in Manhattan.

Just wandering around the neighborhood you can find several nods to oriental culture and, beyond that, this place is one of the most important to find imitation items with the most realistic finishes. Bargain and get your hands on the best "brands".

Tasting the typical food

As a good Chinatown, inside you can find dozens of typical restaurants. After having spent the whole morning visiting Chinatown and doing some shopping, the best thing to do is to stop to eat something typical.

There are plenty of places to eat well in Chinatown and it is not only a place for tourists, but the Asians themselves come here to buy the ingredients brought from the Red Giant and prepared in the most traditional way.

Basketball afternoon at Madison Square Garden

I hope that by the end of the day you still have energy and strength because one of the best things to do in the borough of Manhattan is to go and see first hand a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.

This stadium hosts hundreds of national and international games throughout the year and, in a place like New York where basketball is breathed, you can't miss the fantastic atmosphere watching one of their games. Tickets are usually cheap if booked in advance.

You've probably realized by now that New York is the perfect mix of cultures and traditions. You can find the best Italian pasta, as well as exotic Asian food. That's why, today, I propose a gastronomic tour of the most famous places in the city. Get your transportation card and enjoy!

Breakfast at EGG, the best breakfast according to The New York Times

To start the day off right there is nothing better than getting carried away by the gastronomic reviews of the New York Times and ending up at the EGG restaurant, a place where they started innovating with eggs in all its forms but has ended up earning the title of best breakfast in the city.

Located in the borough of Brooklyn, this place offers all kinds of breakfasts and the famous Brunchs, making you start the day with energy and a nutritious and delicious dish.

Eat the best pizza in the city at Rizzo's

At lunchtime, I propose you to taste one of the best pizzas in the city in the neighborhood of Queens: Rizzos Pizzeria. That's how many have considered it and that's why the restaurant is full of posters and awards.

It is best to go hungry because for a very reasonable price you can try several types of traditional American pizza either in individual pieces or whole pizzas.

Jazz dinner at B.B. King Blues

To end this culinary day, let's get a little more fine dining. If you're a jazz lover or are curious about this style of music, you've surely had a hankering for the typical restaurant with live music on more than one occasion.

B.B King Blues is one such place. It has a variety of lunch and dinner menus but, without a doubt, what is most worthwhile about the place is the live music. You will feel like the star of LaLaLand!

You are coming to the end of your trip and after almost two weeks in the city that never sleeps it's time to do the last shopping and take advantage of the best deals and exclusive products. Don't deprive yourself of anything! For this list I recommend you from high-end places to real bargains.

Live the luxury of Fifth Avenue

If your dream was to know New York, one of the plans that you can not miss is to go shopping on Fifth Avenue. In this wide street are all the luxury stores and the best brands in the city.

It may not be suitable for all budgets, but you can surely get some exclusive souvenir that will remind you of your visit to the Big Apple. Even so, the avenue is so big that you can find all kinds of establishments. You stroll around and look at its many shop windows.... That's always free!

A hotdog to recharge your batteries

After all morning walking and looking at possible purchases, the best thing you can do to recharge your batteries and which is undoubtedly one of the most typical New Yorker's panoramas, is to eat a typical hot dog in one of the stalls along the street.

This type of food does not only include the hot dog because, in recent times, food trucks have become very fashionable and you can find unique dishes from the most unnoticed cart.

Discover New York's largest outlet

For this shopping day, I leave you a jewel in the crown when it comes to shopping. The stores you can find around the city, with more or less variety, are usually known and recurring brands, but there is a place where all the clothing outlet in the city.

If what you want is to find unique clothing or accessories, I encourage you to spend the morning and move to Woodbury Commons, the best outlet in New York. From Times Square, buses and tours leave in less than an hour and will take you there.

We come to the end of this spectacular trip through New York. For this day I propose a half-day plan so that you have time to pack your bags, do the last shopping or revisit some places. However, you could not leave New York without visiting the places that have been the sets of great series and movies.

Movie tour of the great sets

By now you will have had the opportunity to get to know this impressive city almost in its entirety. That is why, for this last day, my recommendation is that you relax and enjoy one last tour.

One of the most advisable is the one that is responsible for touring the scenes of the series and movies that we have seen so much on television. Knowing the scenes of "Friends","Glee" or "Spiderman" will make you leave New York feeling like a real protagonist.

Say goodbye to the big city

In the few hours you have left to spend in the Big Apple, it is best to spend the last afternoon doing the last shopping, revisiting some places you liked and strolling around the vicinity of the place where you are staying.

Depending on the district you are in, it is certainly worth going back to walk the streets that have most marked you and take the last pictures.

The last dinner

As icing on the cake, I recommend you go out to dinner to say goodbye to New York. As you will have seen, this city never sleeps and there will always be some place open where you can take stock of your vacation.

Now that you know the city better, surely you know where to go to find a nice and authentic place to enjoy a good farewell meal.