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Things to do in New York: 4 local trip ideas

4 ready-made day trips in New York, New York: cultural, entertainment, family and foodie. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

CulturalEntertainmentFamilyFoodie
Cultural trip

Midtown Masterpieces

5 stops · about 7 hr 15 min of stops · ~$212 per person

Immerse yourself in New York's cultural heritage with a continuous, walkable route through the historic landmarks, private libraries, and iconic theaters of Midtown Manhattan.

  1. 1

    Pershing Square

    90 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
    Pershing Square, New York

    Enjoy their legendary, fluffy pancakes in a historic space right under the Park Avenue Viaduct.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$25 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    The Morgan Library & Museum

    225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
    The Morgan Library & Museum, New York

    Walk 5 minutes south to admire J. Pierpont Morgan's breathtaking private library, rare manuscripts, and majestic Renaissance-style rooms.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$22 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Grand Central Oyster Bar

    89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
    Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York

    Head back to the terminal for a lunch of fresh oysters and clam chowder beneath Guastavino tile vaults.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$45 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

    476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
    New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York

    Stroll west to visit this historic Beaux-Arts landmark, taking in the grand Rose Main Reading Room and iconic lion statues.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Lyceum Theatre

    149 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
    Lyceum Theatre, New York

    Walk northwest to Broadway's oldest continuously operating theater for an evening of world-class stage performance.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 2 hr 30 min · ~$120 per person · Directions
Entertainment trip

Iconic Midtown Melodies

5 stops · about 8 hr of stops · ~$235 per person

Enjoy a seamlessly routed, music-centric day-and-night exploring iconic Midtown sights, record crate digging, comforting French dining, and live performances across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

  1. 1

    Balthazar

    80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, USA
    Balthazar, New York

    Start your day with their legendary freshly baked pastries and café au lait in a bustling brasserie setting.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$35 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Rough Trade Below

    30 Rockefeller Center Concourse Level, New York, NY 10112, USA
    Rough Trade Below, New York

    Head straight up Midtown to dig through curated vinyl, artist merchandise, and books at this legendary indie music shop.

    ★ 4.0 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$25 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Radio City Music Hall

    1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, USA
    Radio City Music Hall, New York

    Walk just a few steps over to explore the stunning Art Deco interiors of America's most famous show venue.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$45 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    The Modern

    9 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
    The Modern, New York

    Settle in for a spectacular, Michelin-starred sit-down lunch overlooking MoMA's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$90 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Brooklyn Bowl

    61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
    Brooklyn Bowl, New York

    Cross the river to Williamsburg for an evening of live music, craft beer, gourmet Blue Ribbon food, and high-tech bowling.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 3 hr · ~$40 per person · Directions
Family trip

Central Park & Upper West Side

5 stops · about 8 hr 15 min of stops · ~$108 per person

An easy-going, non-zigzagging family day starting at the south end of Central Park and walking steadily north through kid-friendly sights on the Upper West Side.

  1. 1

    Sarabeth's Central Park South

    40 Central Park S Located in: 40 West 59th Street Condominium, New York, NY 10019, USA
    Sarabeth's Central Park South, New York

    Kick off the morning with their famous lemon ricotta pancakes in a family-friendly, bright setting right by the park.

    ★ 4.1 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$30 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Heckscher Playground

    E 65th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
    Heckscher Playground, New York

    Walk just a few blocks north into Central Park to let the kids climb the rocks, slide, and explore the park's largest playground.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Shake Shack Upper West Side

    366 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA
    Shake Shack Upper West Side, New York

    Walk further north to this family-designed outpost featuring kid-friendly seating, great burgers, and frozen custard shakes.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    American Museum of Natural History

    200 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024, USA
    American Museum of Natural History, New York

    Step right across the street to marvel at the massive dinosaur fossils and the iconic blue whale model.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 3 hr · ~$28 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Pappardella

    316 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA
    Pappardella, New York

    Stroll slightly south to this warm, highly welcoming Italian spot offering great kids' options and excellent gluten-free pasta.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$35 per person · Directions
Foodie trip

West Village & Chelsea

5 stops · about 6 hr 15 min of stops · ~$145 per person

An unforgettable foodie stroll through Greenwich Village and Chelsea, showcasing legendary bakeries, iconic markets, and award-winning South Indian cuisine.

  1. 1

    L’Appartement 4F

    119 W 10th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
    L’Appartement 4F, New York

    Arrive early to grab their viral, flaky croissants and artisan sourdough pastries.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 45 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Washington Square Park

    New York, NY 10012, USA
    Washington Square Park, New York

    Enjoy a scenic morning walk, perfect for people-watching and digest your breakfast.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    LOS TACOS No.1

    75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
    LOS TACOS No.1, New York

    Try the legendary adobada tacos served on freshly pressed corn tortillas.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    The High Line

    New York, NY 10011, USA
    The High Line, New York

    Walk off lunch on this elevated park right next to Chelsea Market, offering great city views.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Semma

    60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
    Semma, New York

    Indulge in Michelin-starred, unapologetically spicy South Indian heritage cuisine; booking in advance is essential.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$110 per person · Directions

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