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I might have spent an entire year living at Walt Disney World, but without a doubt, the most magical place I’ve ever visited was New York City.
I first experienced NYC at Christmas, when the city feels extra electric, ice rinks, window displays, festive lights, but what struck me most is that New York doesn’t rely on a season to feel alive. No matter when you visit, it’s busy, buzzing, and undeniably bucket-list worthy.
This itinerary is based entirely on our personal favourite experiences: the ones that felt iconic, emotional, and completely worth it. If you’re visiting New York for the first time and want a mix of classic sights, boujee moments, and experiences you’ll remember long after you leave, this is exactly how I’d do it.
I’d recommend booking your activities in advance to avoid disappointment, save 5% on Get Your Guide with the discount code BETHMAYBURY5.
Day 1: Midtown Manhattan, Fifth Avenue & Seeing NYC From Above
Morning: Ease Into the City
Start your first day gently. New York can feel overwhelming, so there’s no rush to see everything at once. Grab a coffee, take a short walk, and let the city introduce itself to you, the noise, the movement, the skyscrapers. This is the New York you’ve seen in films, and it’s just as exciting in real life.
Late Morning: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
If you only choose one observation deck in New York, make it SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
This experience completely blew us away. It’s modern, immersive, and unlike anything else — mirrored rooms, glass floors, and panoramic views that make you feel like you’re floating above the city.
It’s not just about the view; it’s about the experience. Take your time, move slowly, and soak it all in.
Why it’s worth it:
- Incredible 360° views of Manhattan
- Immersive, modern design
- Feels more “wow” than traditional observation decks
Afternoon: Fifth Avenue Icons & Boujee Browsing
Exploring Fifth Avenue was one of our favourite parts of New York: equal parts luxury, nostalgia, and classic NYC glamour.
Even if you’re not shopping, simply walking this stretch feels like an experience in itself. The flagship stores are destinations in their own right, and the atmosphere is polished, glamorous, and unapologetically New York.
- Tiffany & Co. is an absolute must. The flagship store feels more like a gallery than a jewellery shop, and even browsing feels special.
- Louis Vuitton is equally impressive — the architecture alone makes it worth stepping inside, and it perfectly captures Fifth Avenue’s luxury energy.
- And then there’s FAO Schwarz, which brings a completely different kind of magic. From the iconic giant piano to the colourful displays, it’s playful, nostalgic, and joyful, a reminder that Fifth Avenue isn’t just about luxury, it’s about experiences.
If you’re visiting around Christmas, this area feels especially magical thanks to the festive window displays and electric atmosphere.
Optional Stop: Jellycat Diner (Reservation Required)
If you love whimsical, slightly quirky experiences, the Jellycat Diner is a must, but this one needs to be booked in advance.
This playful pop-up transforms Jellycat plushies into a full diner-style experience, complete with menus and displays. It’s short, joyful, and surprisingly popular, so reservations are essential.
Whether you’re travelling with kids or simply embracing your inner child, it’s one of those uniquely New York moments that feels fun, lighthearted, and memorable.
Evening: Dinner & Midtown at Night
For your first night, stay local. Midtown is busy, bright, and fast-paced, but there’s something so exciting about seeing it all lit up after dark. Have dinner nearby, take an evening walk, and enjoy the chaos, it’s part of the magic.
Day 2: Central Park, Culture & Classic New York Traditions
Morning: Central Park Highlights
Start your day in Central Park, which somehow feels both peaceful and unmistakably New York at the same time.
Our favourite spots:
- Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
- Bow Bridge
- The Mall
It’s the perfect contrast to Midtown’s energy and a lovely way to slow things down. Our top tip is to hire a pedicab around the park, we did this and had the best time and learned so much about the history/iconic movie moments.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon: Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court
If you want to experience old-school New York elegance, afternoon tea at The Palm Court inside The Plaza Hotel is iconic.
With soaring ceilings, beautiful décor, and delicate pastries, it feels like stepping into a different era of the city. It’s refined, indulgent, and one of those experiences that feels special even if you’re not celebrating anything in particular.
Good to know:
- Reservations are essential
- Dress smart-casual
- It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it for the experience
This is the perfect way to break up a busy sightseeing day and lean into a little boujee magic.
Evening: The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
Seeing the Rockettes was one of the most magical moments of our entire trip.
We visited during the Christmas season, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular felt festive, nostalgic, and genuinely emotional. Even outside of Christmas, seeing a show at Radio City Music Hall or catching a Broadway performance is an essential New York experience.
Day 3: Lower Manhattan & Emotional NYC Moments
Morning: 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade Center
The 9/11 Memorial is one of the most powerful places we visited in New York. It’s quiet, moving, and encourages reflection in a way that feels deeply respectful.
Take your time here, it’s not somewhere you rush.
Afterwards, explore One World Trade Center and the surrounding area.
Afternoon: Exploring Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan feels calmer and more polished than Midtown. Spend the afternoon wandering:
- Wall Street
- SoHo shops
- Quiet cafés and side streets
It’s a lovely contrast to the busier parts of the city.
Final Thoughts
New York City is loud, chaotic, emotional, and magical all at once. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
This itinerary focuses on the experiences that mattered most to us, the iconic sights, the emotional moments, and the little boujee touches that made our trip unforgettable. If you’re planning your first visit to NYC, I hope this helps you create your own moments in the city that never sleeps.
For ideas of where to stay, view our neighbourhood and hotel guide.
