Dear travelers,
New York won. There, I said it.
After weeks of indecision, countless saved posts, and too many late-night “Should we really go?” conversations, we finally booked it. New York City. In winter. During Christmas and New Year’s. Slightly unhinged? Maybe. But also unforgettable.
This was our first time in NYC, and instead of trying to “do it all” (which is impossible anyway), we built a structured but flexible itinerary, one that mixed iconic landmarks, long walks, food stops, and moments where we just stood still and watched the city move around us.
Some days were perfectly paced.
Some days were… ambitious.
And some days surprised us in ways we didn’t expect.
So here it is, our real 7-day New York itinerary, written exactly how I’d tell it to a friend over coffee.
Before We Even Start: Flights, Timing & Expectations
We flew Venice → Lisbon → New York, and yes, you can find affordable flights if you plan early. I booked mine back in April, and that made all the difference.
We flew with TAP Air (learn more about that experience), and overall it was smooth enough for a long-haul flight.
How long we stayed:
7 days in New York City
2 days in Washington D.C.
2 days in Philadelphia
This post focuses on NYC, but just know, combining cities on the East Coast is very doable if you have the time.
Where We Stayed (And Why Location Matters More Than You Think)
Let’s talk about accommodation because this part matters.
We were in New York during Christmas and New Year’s, which means hotel prices were… painful. I’m talking €4,000–€5,000 for central Manhattan hotels. So we compromised.
Our solution:
We started in New Jersey (North Bergen area)
Daily commute: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Weather: snowy, freezing, occasionally miserable
Was it ideal? Not always.
Did it save us a lot of money? Absolutely.
Later in the trip, we moved into the city, and the difference in energy (and convenience) was immediate. Lesson learned:
NYC accommodation prices depend heavily on the season.
If you’re visiting during holidays, plan early or be ready to compromise on location.
Day 0: Arrival Day (Keep It Light)
Venice → Lisbon → New York
This was purely a travel day. Jet lag, airport food, excitement mixed with exhaustion, you know the vibe.
We checked in, unpacked, and did nothing ambitious. And honestly? That was the best decision.
Takeaway:
Don’t plan sightseeing on arrival day
A short walk and food nearby is more than enough
New York will still be there tomorrow. Loud. Bright. Impatient.
Day 1: Midtown Madness (Classic NYC Overload)
This was our first real New York day and wow, Midtown does not ease you in.
What we covered:
Times Square
Broadway
Rockefeller Center
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York Public Library
Bryant Park
Grand Central Station
Chrysler Building
Koreatown
It was busy. It was chaotic. It was exactly what you imagine New York to be like when you’ve only seen it in movies.
Day 2: Central Park, Museums & Slowing Down
This day felt like a breath of fresh air.
Highlights:
The Plaza Hotel (yes, Home Alone 2 vibes)
Central Park (winter version, slightly magical)
The MET Museum
Upper East Side stroll
The MET alone could easily take an entire day, so we went in with a plan: highlights only.
Tip from experience:
Pick specific sections in large museums
Otherwise, decision fatigue hits hard
Day 3: Downtown Manhattan to Brooklyn (Our Favorite Day)
If I had to pick one day to repeat, it would be this one.
Our route:
Roosevelt Island
Tudor City Bridge
- Upper East Side stroll
SoHo
Little Italy
Chinatown
The Summit
DUMBO
Manhattan Bridge
Yes, it was long. Yes, we walked a lot. But this day felt cinematic — like moving through different movie sets.
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset is one of those moments that lives rent-free in your memory forever.
Honest note:
This is a physically demanding day
Comfortable shoes are not optional
Build in coffee and food breaks
Day 4: Flatiron, Views & TV Nostalgia
This was a beautifully balanced day: not rushed, not boring.
Stops:
Madison Square Park
Empire State Building
Flatiron Building
Friends Experience
Levain Bakery
- Nubeluz Bar
If you grew up watching Friends, this day hits differently. It’s nostalgic, playful, and slightly emotional in the weirdest way.
Food highlight:
Levain Bakery deserves the hype
One cookie is absolutely enough (trust me)
Day 5: Financial District & The Emotional Side of NYC
New York isn’t just shiny skyscrapers and movie moments.
What we visited:
MoMA
One World Trade Center
9/11 Memorial
Financial District
Wall Street
Charging Bull
Trinity Church
- Ghostbusters Headquarters
The 9/11 Memorial deserves time and silence. This isn’t a place to rush through or treat like a checklist item.
Day 6: Statue of Liberty & New Year’s Eve
This day was intense, mostly because of timing.
What we did:
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island
Empire Outlets on Liberty Island
New Year’s Eve celebrations
- Brooklyn Bridge
Reality check:
Staten Island Ferry gets packed (it’s free)
Still worth it, but manage expectations
Day 8: Slow Goodbye to the City
Our last day was intentionally slow — and it felt perfect.
Final stops:
Vessel
Pier 57
High Line
- Broadway musical
This day was about resting. No pressure. No rush. Just letting the city sink in one last time.
Would We Do It Again?
In a heartbeat.
New York isn’t a city you “finish.” It’s a city you taste and immediately want more of. Louder. Messier. More exhausting. And somehow, completely addictive. If you’re planning your own NYC trip, save this itinerary, adapt it, and make it yours. Don’t miss this blog about New York too.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
P.S.: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
