New York Itinerary: 6 Days in the Big Apple

Whether you're somewhat of a shopaholic or an extreme culture vulture, this city's got something for everyone...and so has this itinerary

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Road in Greenwich Village, New York

Searching for a New York itinerary to cover a 6 day trip? Well, stop right there because this curated guide is all you need. (Oh, and one of our remarkable homes for the duration of your trip, but we can get to that later). Here at Plum Guide, we put in a lot of hard work to ensure that we provide you with both the accommodation and the advice to help you have a holiday to remember, so put your feet up and read how to make the most of a trip to the Big Apple.

Day 1: Get your culture fix at a museum

It’s the first morning of your New York itinerary. 6 days of fast-paced city life is ahead, so ease your way in with a leisurely stroll through Central Park. Up next, it’s culture time. Visit either The Metropolitan Museum Art, the MoMA, the Guggenheim, or all three depending on your attention span. Next it’s off to lunch at La Grenouille - men, blazers are required - one of New York’s chicest, most delicion French institutions. Be warned, the flowers here will have you rethinking the worthiness of any arrangement you’ve ever sent or received. After your decadent soufflé dessert, spend the afternoon exploring midtown. Highlights include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center and (get your credit cards ready) Saks Fifth Avenue for some of the best shopping in the city. Then, catch the sunset atop the Empire State Building before enjoying an American dinner at PJ Clarkes, established in 1884.

Camouflage, Plum Guide home in New York

Camouflage, Plum Guide home in New York

Day 2: See the Statue of Liberty by boat

Dig into a delicious brunch (New York City’s favourite meal of the day) at Cookshop before you put on your tourist hat - it has to be done, we really are sorry - and pay a visit to Lady Liberty. Pretend you’re Ilsa on your way to New York after Casablanca as you approach this symbol of the American dream by boat. Once you’re back on dry land make your way to the High Line, a public park located on a stretch of decommissioned elevated railroad tracks. Take in the city from a new perspective and when you’re ready to get back down to street level, explore the art galleries, shops and the cafes of Chelsea and the Meatpacking district. Head back to your luxury Plum Guide NYC home and get ready for another evening in the City That Never Sleeps. Tonight you’re heading to a Broadway show followed by a post-theatre dinner at downtown Italian restaurant, Carbone.

Sugar & Cream, Plum Guide home in New York

Sugar & Cream, Plum Guide home in New York

Day 3: Spend the day in Greenwich Village

Remember before you realised that being a slam poet, theatre actor or jazz guitar player wouldn’t actually pay the rent? Go back to those blissful days of yore by spending the day in hip and arty Greenwich Village. There are bookshops to spend hours in, cafes to read Proust in over a cappuccino and friendly, expensive boutiques where you can <s>pick up souvenirs</s> treat yourself. When you get hungry, enjoy the Parisian food and atmosphere at Raouls, a classic bistro dating to the 1970s, or try the ultra-exclusive seafood joint, ZZ’s Clam Bar. Oysters and caviar, anyone?

As the song says, things will be great when you’re downtown, so that’s where you'll be this evening. Start with a glass of wine (or three) at the buzzy Amelie Wine Bar, before making your way to dinner at upscale Village eatery Loring Place. Once you’re satiated, it’s live jazz at the Blue Note next, or for the karaoke and musical theatre fans, Marie’s Crisis piano bar where you can sing the night away until your kids refuse to talk to you ever again.

The Byron, Plum Guide home in New York

The Byron, Plum Guide home in New York

Day 4: Take a trip to Brooklyn

Your New York itinerary of 6 days wouldn’t be complete without a day spent in Brooklyn - you know, that place where the tree grows. If you consider yourself nerdy but cool - family oriented, composts regularly, obsessed with coffee etc. - head to Brooklyn Heights. If you’re more of a hipster - aka you dress your baby in tracksuits and a beanie, wear socks with slides and enjoy restaurants with no signs at the door - it’s off to Williamsburg with you. After a long and glorious day escaping Manhattan, there’s no comfort food like pizza, so grab a few slices from Brooklyn’s iconic Patsy d’Amores.

Secret Coves, Plum Guide home in New York

Secret Coves, Plum Guide home in New York

Day 5: Admire an abundance of artwork

Do you realise you’ve been following this New York itinerary of 6 days for 5 of them, and you still haven’t eaten a bagel? Never fear, Murray's Bagels is here to reverse the damage - a must on any food tour of NYC. Following breakfast, it’s time to head to the Bowery neighbourhood with a 15 minute walk to the New Museum, Manhattan's only dedicated contemporary art museum. Once you’ve overdosed on artwork, don’t miss the Bowery Poetry Club and Cafe, as well as the antique furniture shop Olde Good Things. And just when you thought you couldn’t go another day without heading to the pub, we’re sending you to The Wren, one of Bowery’s biggest highlights. This restaurant/bar located right next to Great Jones St. has a cosy pub feel, and might even make you momentarily forget you’re in Manhattan. When evening comes, it’s off to Sushi Inoue for the omakase of your dreams.

Day 6: Venture out to see unforgettable views

Now that you’ve spent the last 5 days as a tourist, it’s time to do like the locals do and take a day trip. If you’re sporty and want to soak in some nature, you will be hiking in beautiful Breakneck Ridge, a mountain along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring, New York. Take in unforgettable views of the tree-lined Delaware River and enjoy a beer at the top (that’s us giving you the adult version of dangling a carrot - you’re welcome). If you’d prefer a day of culture, try Storm King Arts Center in the Hudson Valley. Just an hour from Manhattan lie these 500 acres of monumental modern and contemporary sculptures dotted around splendid grounds. After a hopefully sun-drenched day out, make your way back to the city for a blow-out last meal at mid-century New York chophouse, The Grill.

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