4 days in Manhattan – A week in New York

Here we are, after exploring part of Brooklyn, it’s time to wander the streets and visit the many must-see attractions of Manhattan.

– Day 2 –

American Museum of Natural History
and Exploring Central Park

After starting the day at Coney Island in Brooklyn, we arrived in Manhattan in the afternoon, ready to explore one of NYC’s most renowned museums: the American Museum of Natural History.

Our Stops :

amonh

American Museum of Natural History

With over 32 million specimens and 45 permanent exhibition halls, it’s best to plan your visit as one day isn’t enough to see everything!

The museum is famous for its impressive collections of marine, terrestrial, and even extraterrestrial specimens.
From a life-size, 20-meter-long suspended whale to a dinosaur skeleton weighing over 30 tons, you’ll encounter breathtaking displays.

We had only 3 hours before closing, so we had to be selective. Here’s what we managed to see:

• Fossils: The museum’s main attraction, featuring skeletons of mammals, dinosaurs, primitive animals, and early vertebrates.
• Les mammifères: Classified by geographic region and meticulously recreated in stunning dioramas (a display system showcasing animals in their natural environments), you can discover mammals from North America, Africa, Asia, and more.
  Beyond the incredible realism of the animals, the exhibition gallery is magnificent and will surely transport some of you back to the Hollywood comedy Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller.
• Human Origins and Civilizations: Trace the evolution of humanity from the Hall of Human Origins through all civilizations, including those of Mexico, Central America, African, Asian, Eastern Indian, and Pacific cultures.
• Earth and Planetary Sciences: Featuring meteorites, gemstones, and minerals.

Practical Informations:

Navigation: : The museum is huge! Download the free museum app to geolocate yourself and navigate more easily.
For android  / For Apple

Opening Hours: :
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Mornings tend to be less crowded.

Tickets::
$28 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-12).
Check if the museum is included in your City Pass.

timessquare

Welcome to Times Square

After a quick break at Central Park’s Ladies Pavilion, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for an evening in Times Square by night!

The illuminated buildings, giant screens, and bustling crowds create an unparalleled atmosphere. Iconic stops include the Hard Rock Café, M&M’s World, Disney Store, and the famous red staircase on Duffy Square for a stunning view of Times Square.

It’s not my first time in New York, but it feels like it—there’s so much to take in. Illuminated buildings, giant screens, crowds of tourists—the energy is at its peak. Hard Rock Café, M&M’s World, Disney Store—all the biggest brands are right here.
A must-visit is the iconic red staircase on Duffy Square, between Broadway and 7th Avenue, at 47th Street, offering a breathtaking view of Times Square. Be sure to visit Times Square during the day too, although the nighttime atmosphere is even more impressive, with an unparalleled buzz in the air.

– Day 3 –

A Sunday in New York

Our Stops :

gospel

Morning Gospel Mass in Harlem

Here is one of the experiences from our trip that we enjoyed the most. Even though tourists are increasingly numerous, we found a church with many worshippers, and the welcome was truly warm. I recommend not going to a church that is too famous or too large; the smaller it is, the more intimate it will be, even though this is becoming rare, especially in Harlem. For your information, since COVID, you need to reserve your spot in most churches that are open to the public. This is their way of controlling the flow of tourists.

Based on the advice from bonsplanvoyagenewyork.com We chose the Salem United Methodist Church. The service starts with a gospel that immediately sets the mood. It is followed by speeches and sermons, the key messages of which will stay with us: “Do not hurt, do good, Stay in love with God.” The service lasts 1.5 hours, and time flies by! We will keep a great memory of it, along with many shared emotions.

Practical informations:

Mass Time:: Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Address : 2190 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Midtown Access : Line A, 1, 2, Uptown – 125 St

Booking on: https://www.salem-harlem.org/

centralpark

An afternoon at Central park

What’s more in the New York spirit than spending your Sunday in Central Park?

After leaving the Salem United Methodist Church, we stopped to pick up a picnic to enjoy a break in one of the largest urban parks in the world.

With 4 km length and 800m width, there’s plenty to enjoy with beautiful walks! Green spaces, artificial lakes, waterfalls, a zoo, and many other activities. But personally, the main attraction of Central Park is undoubtedly the New Yorkers! Musicians, dancers, painters, clowns, rollerbladers, dog walkers—everyone is involved in their own little activity, making Central Park a vibrant place full of positive vibes!
There’s no set route I can recommend other than to get lost, as you’ll always find something new to discover. If you don’t have much time, I suggest a bike tour. Opt for the bikes available at the city bike stations and avoid those at the entrance (they’re way too expensive).

Here are some of our must-see favorites:

• The Zoo
• Wollman Rink in winter for its famous outdoor ice skating rink
• The Mall, the most famous pathway in the park, seen in many films
• Bethesda Fountain (if you want to relive the opening scene of Friends and many other romantic comedies)
• Strawberry Fiels for Beatles fans
• The Alice in Wonderland statue, one of the most iconic pieces of art in the park
• Belvedere Castle, because yes, there’s also a medieval castle in Central Park!

Practical informations Citi bike
Citi bike location

Single Ride:

• Price: 4,8 $
• Rental Duration: 30 minutes
• If you exceed 30 minutes: $0.30 per additional minute

Day Pass:

• Price: 19,00 $
• Rental Duration: Unlimited 30-minute rides for 24 hours

For more info, visit: https://citibikenyc.com/

Broadway Night with Aladdin

If the day had already been filled with emotions, it’s not about to stop there!

For our first time at Broadway, we chose from over 80 shows, the musical Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theater. Needless to say, the evening was as magical as the Genie.
Singers, dancers, actors, and sets straight out of One Thousand and One Nights—it was a feast for the eyes! Musical theater tickets are often expensive, especially for the very famous ones (The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, Chicago), but it’s truly the number 1 activity to do in New York.

All the details of the evening are in the article New York travel tips

– Day 4 –

Exploring Midtown

Our Stops :

Bryant Park

Situated just a stone’s throw from our hotel and right in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park quickly became our go-to spot to start the day. This charming green space, nestled between towering buildings and adjacent to the New York Public Library, offers the perfect place to simply relax: enjoy a coffee, sit back, or chat with friends. There’s always something going on, no matter the time—yoga classes, tai chi, dancing, film screenings, ice skating—this park is brimming with activities throughout the year. A handy tip: if you’re visiting, the Wi-Fi is free!

tor

Top of the Rock

After finishing our breakfast in the park, we made our way to the famous Top of the Rock observation deck. Situated in the heart of Rockefeller Center, surrounded by buildings that house NBC and Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock occupies the top three floors of the Comcast Building.

Top of the Rock’s number one advantage: its central view of Manhattan! On one side, Central Park, and on the other, the Empire State Building and downtown Manhattan.
Number two advantage:You can breathe! All the observation decks are open-air, with one platform completely open and offering a 360° view.

During my first trip to NYC, I visited Top of the Rock at night—definitely something to do if you have time to visit two observation decks during your stay.

Whether you have a ticket or not, you’ll need to wait in line to go up! We didn’t have to wait too long because we arrived almost at opening time (9:30 AM), but don’t forget that some CityPasses offer skip-the-line access.

Practical Informations

Buying Tickets:
On-site: Be aware that tickets are time-specific, and you won’t always get immediate entry.
Online: Choose your day and time in advance.

Prices:: Adult: $40 / Child: $34 / Senior: $38
If you have one, don’t forget to check if the museum is included in your City Pass.
Opening Hours: Every day from 09:00 to 23:00

5thavenue

5th Avenue

What would NYC be without shopping? After spending time high above the city, we came back down to earth to stroll along the city’s most iconic street: Fifth Avenue.

A true haven for shopping enthusiasts, it’s lined with world-famous brands, each boasting stores more impressive than the next.
Victoria’s Secret, the Lego Store, Tiffany & Co., the NBA Store—these shops are the epitome of extravagance.

Stpatrick

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Nestled between towering skyscrapers, right across from the Lego Store and just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, stands the unmissable St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Built in the 19th century, this iconic landmark is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in North America, drawing over 5.5 million visitors annually.

Step inside to admire its breathtaking interior, featuring 3,700 stained glass windows and a magnificent rose window. From the outside, its twin spires soar over 100 meters into the sky, offering a striking contrast to the modern buildings around it. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an absolute must-see when exploring Manhattan.

Practical informations St Patrick’s Cathedral

Free entrance
Opening hours: The cathedral is open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:45 PM.

grandcentral

Grand Central Terminal

Just a few blocks away, we took a short detour to Grand Central Terminal—not to board a train, but to marvel at the stunning architecture and sheer scale of this legendary station.

Grand Central key figures : (because it’s impressive !)

The building covers 3 hectares, rises over 7 levels, and is illuminated by 55,000 light bulbs. It serves 797 trains daily across 63 tracks and is home to 35 restaurants, dozens of shops, two tennis courts available on request, and a massive American flag hanging in the grand hall—yet, remarkably, there are no benches.

The grand hall’s ceiling, soaring to a height of 38 meters, is adorned with paintings of 2,500 stars and constellations, crafted by French artist Paul César Helleu rom a medieval manuscript. The station’s iconic emblem, prominently displayed in the grand hall with its cream-colored marble floor and above the information desks, is a four-faced clock covered in opals and topped with copper. (Source: Wikipedia)

highline

Walk on Highline

After exploring the streets of Midtown, we decided to take a little detour into greener surroundings on an old railway track, the famous High Line. It has been transformed into a true elevated park and runs through the neighborhoods of Hudson Yards, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village. Luckily for us, the sun is shining!

You can start it in either direction, but we chose to go from north to south, hopping on right next to the recent art installation, “The Vessel.”

The Vessel

This architectural masterpiece is essentially a 15-story staircase with 2,500 steps. The staircases twist and turn like a maze, all interconnected in a unique design.
While climbing it is no longer allowed, you can still visit the center to get a fascinating view of this giant beehive from the inside.

But back to our High Line adventure! This walk was undoubtedly the most enjoyable one we took during our stay in NYC. A 2.3 km stroll suspended between buildings and greenery. Along the way, you’ll get to see different neighborhoods from above, the Hudson River, and even the shores of New Jersey.

Top attractions not to be missed:

• View of the Empire State Building (location: 18th Street)
• An observatory overlooking 10th Avenue (location: 17th Street)
• View of the Meatpacking District (location: Gansevoort Street)

After a lovely walk under the scorching sun, thankfully, the greenery provided some much-needed shade. We decided to head down to 14th Street and take the opportunity to visit the newly installed Little Island.

Practical informations:

Free entrance

Opening hours: 7am-10pm

Access:  By stairs or elevator
West 34^th/30^th/28^th/26^th/23^rd/20^th/18^th/16^th/14^th Street/Gansevoort Street

littleisland

Little Island

We owe our discovery of this architectural gem to Bruno Maltor, who visited NYC a few weeks before us. Little Island, which opened just a year ago in 2021, is a floating park on the banks of the Hudson River. From the outside, it resembles a giant bouquet of tulips!

This unique park offers plenty of green spaces to relax, picnic, and even an amphitheater with 700 seats where you can catch live performances and concerts.

The views from the island are amazing, especially of southern Manhattan, including the One World Observatory and The Edge.

However, if there’s one view we highly recommend, it’s from the five-story parking garage just before the piers. From the top floor, you’ll get a stunning aerial view of Little Island, with the southern tip of Manhattan as the perfect backdrop.

And during golden hour? It’s a sight that will truly take your breath away, as Bruno Maltor would say!

Practical informations:

Address: Little Island, Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014, États-Unis

Opening hours: 6am – 9pm

For the best aerial view of Little Island, head to the parking lot at Pier 57 Rooftop Park, 57 Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY 10011, États-Unis

230fifth

Rooftop Evening at the Empire State Building

After having our heads in the clouds this morning at Top of the Rock, strolling along the High Line among the buildings, and finishing the afternoon with an aerial view of Little Island, what better way to end the day than with a drink at a rooftop bar?
Let’s be honest, NYC has no shortage of rooftops, so choosing one was quite a challenge. In the end, we decided on 230 Fifth.
Located on Broadway at 27th Street, this rooftop offers a bar and restaurant with a stunning view of… the Empire State Building.

Like all rooftops with such a unique view, the place is crowded. There’s no seating available at the restaurant, so we opt for the bar, where seating is first come, first served. Luckily, we find a spot on the small terrace that sits one level above the restaurant.

What more could we ask for? We’re now in the perfect place to watch the sunset and see the Empire State Building sink into the night. Of course, the drinks are expensive, but it’s definitely worth it! Good to know, you can also order some small tapas. Our recommendation: Frozen margarita ($16), Nachos ($14)!

Practical informations

Address: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001, États-Unis

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Sunday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM (with the option for brunch)

Website :https://230-fifth.com/
Menu : https://230-fifth.com/menus/

– Jour 5 –
Landmark Cruise and Financial district

Cruise around Manhattan

This morning, the heat was already intense—28°C (82°F) in the shade by 9:30 AM—so we decided it was the perfect time to take a boat cruise and enjoy the sea breeze. It was also our last activity using the City Pass, which had already taken us to incredible spots like Top of the Rock and the American Museum of Natural History earlier in the week.

We chose the “Landmarks” cruise by Circle Line, a 90-minute tour around Manhattan. Boarding at Pier 83 on West 43rd Street, we set off under a blazing sun. The boat itself is massive, with both outdoor seating and air-conditioned indoor spaces—essential for a day like this!

The journey along Manhattan’s west coast offers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline, with iconic landmarks appearing one after another: the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and more. Along the way, we spotted familiar sights from yesterday’s adventures, like the High Line, The Vessel, and Little Island.

One of the cruise’s highlights was the incredible angle where The Vessel and the Empire State Building seemed to perfectly align—a unique perspective and a must-see photo opportunity!

As the cruise continues, we’re treated to views of the Financial District. Seeing it from the water is truly impressive—it gives you an even better sense of the sheer scale of these towering buildings. The massive One World Trade Center is, of course, impossible to miss.

Next, the boat approaches the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a stop everyone eagerly anticipates. While it’s undoubtedly a must-see, I have to admit it didn’t quite captivate me as much as I’d expected.

For me, the true highlight of the cruise came on the East River, as we passed under the two iconic bridges connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The views were simply breathtaking, and this moment alone made the experience unforgettable.

We highly recommend this cruise—it strikes the perfect balance between duration and sightseeing, offering a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of Manhattan from the water.

Practical informations

Address :83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Cruise information:https://www.circleline.com/sightseeing-cruises/best-of-nyc
Hours : 12am
Prices : 45$ regular seat, 70$ premium

Financial District

After seeing it from the water, we continued our walk through the Financial District, with key stops including the famous Wall Street Bull, the 9/11 Memorial (World Trade Center), and Battery Park.

For those unfamiliar, the 9/11 Memorial marks the footprints of the Twin Towers. It consists of two immense pools, 9 meters deep, with waterfalls cascading down their sides, symbolizing the towers’ tragic collapse.

Surrounding these fountains are the names of all the victims of that terrible attack. If you notice roses placed on some names, it’s because it’s their birthday. Memorial staff honor them by placing roses each morning—a touching and poignant gesture.

It’s impossible not to feel deeply moved while visiting the 9/11 Memorial. Whether near or far, we’ve all been impacted by the horrific events of that day, which plunged the world into fear. Seeing the names engraved around the fountains and the water flowing endlessly serves as a powerful reminder—not just of the tragedy, but of the importance of cherishing each day and working toward a brighter future.

After spending some time exploring the streets of the Financial District, we wrapped up our walk at Battery Park, located at the very tip of Manhattan. This beautiful 10-hectare green space feels like an oasis surrounded by the city’s towering skyscrapers.

Walking along the waterfront is a delight, with the ocean breeze offering a welcome break from the urban heat. As golden hour approached, the park became even more magical, with the warm light enhancing the panoramic views of the horizon. A perfect, peaceful way to end the day.

– Jour 6 –
Exploring Chelsea, Greenwich, Soho,
Little Italy, and Chinatown

For our final day in New York, we set out to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of downtown Manhattan. With no specific plan in mind, we simply wandered, strolled, and let the streets guide us, discovering each area one block at a time…

Chelsea Market

This is THE indoor market you can’t miss in NYC! In just 15 years, it has become one of the busiest in the world, with over 40 vendors, mostly focused on food. From Italian to Mexican to Asian cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

What makes this market truly special is its setting. Housed in a former biscuit factory, the building retains its industrial charm. Red brick walls and steel structures create a unique, trendy atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

What to try: Don’t miss Lobster Place, a legendary Chelsea Market restaurant. Their famous Lobster Roll is an absolute must!

Greenwich, Soho, Little Italy et Chinatown

Just a few minutes’ walk and we find ourselves in the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village. This area offers a much calmer side of NYC, with smaller buildings, plenty of greenery, and a residential vibe that’s a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Midtown.

As we wander through its peaceful streets, we come across small crowds gathered in front of certain buildings… Fans of American TV shows will likely recognize what I’m talking about. The famous stoop of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City, and the iconic building from Friends, are just around the corner!

A bit further along, we come across Washington Square Park, a lovely spot to pass through before continuing our stroll through the neighborhoods of SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

There are no specific recommendations for these areas—just wander and take in the unique atmospheres of each. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, and it was a refreshing change from the energy we experienced during the rest of our trip. It felt like a slower, more local side of New York, offering a distinct contrast to the rest of the city’s fast-paced rhythm.

And that’s a wrap on our NYC adventure!
Feel free to leave your comments and share your own tips and recommendations below!

To read more about my trip to NYC, check out the other articles here:

• New York – Travel tips
• Discover Brooklyn in 2 days – A week in New York