5-Day Itinerary in New York

It’s not for nothing that New York is nicknamed the city that never sleeps. The city is teeming with white-collar workers rushing up skyscrapers, yellow cabs stuck in traffic jams, stores open until the crack of dawn, or even 24 hours a day, and advertisements that come to life on the facades of Timesquare buildings. Staying or living in New York means having a thousand and one lives with many diverse neighbourhoods to explore across the city. Manhattan’s business district, hip Brooklyn, the cultural and ethnic melting pot of Queens, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, the infamous Bronx, the cradle of hip hop and rap, and Staten Island, New York’s other side. Lartisien has put together a 5-day New York itinerary to make the most of everything the city has to offer.

View Our Itinerary Below

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5

Day 1 In New York

The Metropolitan Museum

A historic monument located in the heart of New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art represents art through the ages and across cultures with its impressive collection of over two million works ranging from antiquities to masterpieces of contemporary art. Among the collection’s masterpieces are Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat, Monet’s Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies and paintings by Vermeer. The exhibition of the Temple of Isis at Dendur, the only complete Egyptian temple in the Western Hemisphere, is not to be missed, nor are the breathtaking views from the roof garden.

Central Park

Central Park is an 843-acre green oasis in the heart of Manhattan and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens, lakes, bridges, and over 50 fountains. The park also offers activities such as bike rentals, paddle boating, and even a zoo.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

The amazing thing about St. Patrick’s Cathedral is that it sits right in the middle of Manhattan skyscrapers. First opened in 1879, the cathedral boasts intricate stained-glass windows, towering spires, and a grand façade that commands attention from all who pass by. Whether one is a devout Catholic or simply a lover of beautiful buildings, a visit to this iconic New York City landmark is sure to be a memorable experience.

Saks and Tiffany’s & Co on the 5th Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It offers a vast collection of designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Dior and many others. The store’s stunning architecture and creative displays also make it a popular destination for tourists.

Similarly, Tiffany’s & Co on New York’s Fifth Avenue is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The iconic store from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s spans six floors and features luxury jewelry, watches and accessories. As its name suggests, The Blue Box Café, on the fourth floor, feels like the inside of a Tiffany’s jewel box, and the view over Central Park, its finest jewel. From the famous Tiffany diamond to original collections, there’s something for every taste and budget. A visit to Tiffany’s is the perfect way to soak up the glamour and style of New York.

Catch a Broadway show

Watching a Broadway show in New York is a must-do experience. The energy and excitement of the city truly come alive on stage with dazzling performances and spectacular sets that transport audiences to another world. The Broadway scene has something for everyone, from classic shows like Chicago, the Blue Man Group, Moulin Rouge, and Hamilton, to the newest hits like Peter Pan Goes Wrong and A Doll’s House. Be sure to book tickets in advance to ensure the best seats and take advantage of the many dining options in the area for a complete night out.

Dinner at Jojo Restaurant by Jean Georges

Smack in the heart of New York City’s hustle and bustle, Jean-Georges’ Jojo Restaurant is the chef’s very first restaurant and was named after his childhood nickname that his mother had given him. The chic bistro-style décor is the perfect backdrop for the menu, which draws on classic French cuisine with a modern twist. From the perfectly prepared Tuna Tartare to the signature crispy chicken dish to the decadent Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice-Cream, every bite reveals a little more about Jean-Georges’s world. This restaurant does dinner only. 

Day 2 in New York

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are symbols of New York City and America, home to many migrants, a land of freedom and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty, a colossal figure, offers breathtaking views of New York City from its observation deck. Visitors can delve into the rich history of the Golden Age of Immigration at Ellis Island, which served as the gateway to the US for millions of immigrants. The exhibitions at the Ellis Island Museum tell their story(s) and the difficulties they faced.

Wall Street and Ground Zero 9/11

Wall Street, located in the Financial District of New York City, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in finance or history. This bustling street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the largest central bank in the United States. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets and marvel at the towering skyscrapers of famous financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase. It’s also an opportunity to admire Arturo di Modica’s famous Charging Bull bronze statue, a symbol of Wall Street’s financial power.

Ground Zero, the site of the 9/11 attacks, is now a solemn and moving memorial to the nearly 3,000 lives lost. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the site includes two reflecting pools where the twin towers once stood, etched with the names of those who perished. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum houses artifacts, stories, and exhibits that chronicle the events and aftermath of the tragedy.

Takeout Lunch at Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys

Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys in the Lower East Side of New York City is a must-visit for foodies looking for a taste of authentic Jewish cuisine. Established in 1936, Kossar’s is famous for its fresh bagels and bialys, which are baked on-site daily. The small bakery exudes a charming, old-school atmosphere, and customers can watch the bakers at work as they indulge in a classic bagel with cream cheese and salmon, or a classic B.L.T.

A Visit to Chinatown

Chinatown in New York City is a fascinating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the world’s largest and most vibrant Chinese communities. Roaming the bustling streets and narrow alleyways, one can discover an eclectic mix of markets, shops, and restaurants serving up everything from traditional dim sum to authentic Chinese herbal remedies. Whether one is looking for a unique cultural experience, delicious food, or simply to soak up the hustle and bustle of one of New York’s most diverse neighbourhoods, Chinatown is not to be missed.

Diner at Chambers

Chambers restaurant, located in the heart of New York City, offers a unique dining experience with its contemporary American cuisine and industrial-chic décor of exposed brick walls and wrought-iron details. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of tasty dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including a selection of small plates perfect for sharing, such as petit joyaux and sweetbreads. For wine, the restaurant’s menu features 3,000 references, carefully selected by Arnaud Tronche and Pascaline Lepeltier, the first woman to hold the titles of Meilleur ouvrier de France and Meilleur sommelier de France. Wine tastings are organized every Tuesday.

Drinks at Bar Goto

Bar Goto in New York City’s Lower East Side is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual date. This cosyJapanese-inspired bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails, including their signature Sakura Martini and the Yamazaki Highball. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with dim lighting and comfy seating. Small plates of Japanese comfort food such as steamed buns and okonomiyaki are available to accompany your drinks. The charming outdoor patio is also perfect for the warmer months.

Day 3 in New York

A Visit to Chelsea Market

The iconic Chelsea Market is housed in a historic building that once served as a cookie factory. Today, it boasts a host of eateries offering culinary specialties from around the world, including Ayada, Black Seed and Chote Miya. From tacos to sushi and artisan bread, the market has something for everyone. Chelsea Market is also home to numerous art and entertainment boutiques, such as Artists & Fleas and Pearl River Mart.

A Tour of the Whitney Museum

Located in the charming Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art is a must-visit for any contemporary art enthusiast. Its iconic building houses a fantastic collection of over 26, 000 works of contemporary American art such as Gamaliel Rodriguez’s Figure 1828 LMM, Toyin Ojih Odutola’s Industry (Husband and Wife), the photography of Sky Hopinka, and multimedia installations. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the High Line and the Manhattan skyline, Whitney’s exhibitions are always accompanied by an unforgettable visual experience of the surrounding landscape.

Lunch at Dante NYC

Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Dante NYC offers a stylish ambiance and exquisite Italian cuisine. The restaurant boasts delectable dishes, with a special emphasis on homemade pasta and authentic Italian classics. The Grain fed hanger steak served with roasted broccoli rabe, wax beans, cremini mushrooms & porcini butter was a standout. Within its sleek design and metropolitan flair, guests can enjoy such signature cocktails as the Fireside Old Fashioned or the Brooklyn Cocktail.

A Tour of Greenwich Village

Home to a diverse community, Greenwich Village offers a range of dining options, vintage shops, bars, and live music venues. Tourists can mingle with the locals at Washington Square Park, or wander down the picturesque streets lined with brownstones and quirky boutiques. The area also boasts famous landmarks such as the iconic Stonewall Inn on Christopher Square, where the Stonewall riots of 1969 took place (one of the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement in the United States) and the historic Cherry Lane Theatre.

Visit Little Italy

With its streets lined with Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries serving up delectable pasta dishes, cannoli, and cappuccinos, Little Italy introduces visitors to the cradle of Italian culture in New York City. During the annual Feast of San Gennaro, the neighbourhood comes alive with live music, parades, and food vendors. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to grab a slice of pizza at Lombardi’s, the first pizzeria in the country and watch the street art on Mulberry Street, or even checking out some of the locations featured in the Godfather movies.

Dinner at Wayan

Wayan is located in the charming area of Nolita in Manhattan and is the first restaurant of Cédric Vongerichten, the son of none other than one of the most celebrated chefs on the surface of the Earth, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Mixing South Asian and French flavours, the food of Wayan offers a wide spectrum of tastes and textures, all beautifully presented in a setting both industrial with its exposed brickwork and inspired by Indonesia with its traditional carved woodwork. The Satay selection is a must-try, as well as the Octopus a la Plancha.

Drinks at Blue Note Jazz Club

The Blue Note jazz club in New York City is a legendary venue that has welcomed some of the greatest names in jazz music such as Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente. Walking in, visitors will be transported to a smoky, intimate space filled with the sounds of smooth melodies and soulful notes. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming shows, as tickets sell out quickly.

Day 4 in New York 

Visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

A visit to the Guggenheim Museum on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is a must for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. With its iconic spiral architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum boasts an impressive collection of 1,700 modern and contemporary artworks by 625 artists, including Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol.

Visit Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the district where New York’s effervescence is in full swing. Alongside the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, it is one of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks. The Rockefeller Center is a shopping complex built on the initiative of the Rockefeller family in the 1930s. Its art deco subterranean lobby is packed with high-end fashion boutiques and cafés. Rockefeller Center is also home to the legendary Radio City Hall. The center offers breathtaking skyline views from the Top of the Rock observation deck, from where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

Lunch at Le Pavillon

Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s Pavillon is a haven of peace in the heart of bustling Midtown Manhattan. The Pavillon boasts an incredible decor, worthy of a film studio, with its forest set in a contemporary interior. The menu features seafood and plant-based cuisine, with dishes such as wood-fired Octopus and Yellowfin Tuna Duo.

Times Square & Grand Central Terminal

Gigantic, animated billboards line the buildings, buzzing crowds and street performers like the iconic Naked Cowboy and famous stores like Hershey’s Chocolate World… discovering Times Square is an unforgettable experience.

A 10-minute walk from this site takes visitors to Grand Central Terminal. The station’s Beaux-Arts architecture and the hustle and bustle of workers passing each other are well worth the detour.

Carnegie Hall

This concert hall is historic and emblematic of New York City. Built in 1890 on the initiative of the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, after whom it is named, it boasts magnificent Italian Renaissance architecture and remarkable acoustics. A landmark of New York culture, it has hosted and continues to host performances by the world’s greatest musicians and artists, with nearly 250 shows given each season.

Day 5 in New York 

A Tour of Harlem

Historically, Harlem was a poor, run-down neighbourhood, earning it the nickname “ghetto”. Home to an underprivileged African-American community, in the 20th century it became one of the most important centres of the struggle for equal civil rights. Today, transformed by initiatives such as Bill Clinton’s decision to locate his offices there, Harlem has become a dynamic district with a lively music scene, including numerous jazz clubs. Not to be missed is the Apollo Theater, where famous musicians and artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown have performed. The neighbourhood is also home to many soul food restaurants and street art. The Studio Museum in Harlem is well worth a visit, with its exhibitions of contemporary works by African-American artists.

As part of the Immersion program, Lartisien offers a guided tour of Harlem with singer Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson, who was born and raised in Harlem. In her company, guests have the chance to attend the Sunday gospel service and a private choir rehearsal.

Visit the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

With over 150,000 pieces of work spanning across architecture, design, photography, painting, and electronic media, and featuring artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Basel Abbas, Ai Weiwei among others, the Museum of Modern Art – located in Midtown Manhattan – offers a journey through the evolution of modern art. From the iconic Starry Night by Van Gogh and the drawings of Rania Ghosn to the towering sculptures of Louise Bourgeois, every piece tells a unique story. MoMA also features rotating exhibits, ensuring there’s always something new to see. Be sure to set aside at least a few hours to fully experience this cultural landmark.

Walk Along the High Line

This elevated park, built on a former New York Central Railroad track, is 1.45-mile-long and offers an aerial, almost pastoral stroll among the city’s skyscrapers.

A Tour of the Flatiron Building

Located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, the Flatiron Building is a landmark in the city’s history. Built in 1902, this building, nicknamed “Flatiron” or “iron”, owes its triangular shape to Broadway Avenue, which doesn’t respect the city’s perpendicular geometric plan, forcing architects to imagine a pointed building. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the building features numerous details and decorations, including laurel wreaths, masks, sculpted lions’ heads, glazed terracotta, cornices, moldings and oriel windows.

Empire State Building or Helicopter Tour of New York City at Night

Inaugurated in 1931, the Empire State Building has long been New York’s tallest skyscraper. This Art Deco-style building in Midtown Manhattan stands over 1,454 feet high. From its 86th and 102nd floors, which are open to the public, it offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. A landmark of the city, it has been a source of inspiration for many artistic and cultural creations, including the 1932 film King Kong, in which the gorilla climbs to the top of the building to escape his attackers.

Even more incredible than the view from the top of the Empire State Building, a helicopter flight over New York City is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. At sunset and at night, discovering the reflections of the sun in the glass facades of the skyscrapers, the city lighting up, the waves of the Hudson and the bustling streets below is a magical experience.

Dinner at Cosme

Created by none other than Michelin-starred mastermind, Enrique Olvera and expertly brought to life by Chef de Cuisine Gustavo Garnica, Cosme sets the bar for Mexican gastronomy in New York City. Located in the Flatiron District, Cosme’s subdued chic-industrial décor is the setting for the explosion of flavours on its menu. There, dishes are paired with wine -and from Rueda at that- and each recipe is a call back to a traditional Mexican dish that’s been given a breath of fresh air, and a little contemporary twist. The Shrimp and Cabbage Sope and the Duck Carnitas are two absolute stand-outs.

Where to Stay in New York City

Baccarat Hotel New York

Launched by the Baccarat crystal house, the Baccarat New York Hotel is one of the city’s most elegant and glamorous addresses. Opposite the Museum of Modern Art, the hotel is surrounded by landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The hotel also features its eponymous boutique at 53rd Street Boutique.

With its undulating crystalline facade, the Baccarat New York hotel has all the hallmarks of a jewel. This impression is reinforced when you visit its sumptuous interiors, adorned with crystal chandeliers, herringbone parquet flooring and velvet-covered furniture. The 114 rooms and suites feature immaculate whites and grays or matte black walls with moldings, sometimes punctuated by lacquered wood and mirrors that create a play of reflections reminiscent of crystal. The large four-poster beds and marble bathrooms make the rooms and suites at the Baccarat New York look like the bedrooms of princesses.

The hotel boasts 3 restaurants and bars. Headed by 2 Michelin-starred Culinary Director Gabriel Kreuther, guests can sit down at Grand Salon – a sumptuous Champagne setting of Jouffre silk-covered walls and velvet seats, underneath a crystal chandelier – to enjoy the eclectic menu. Adjacent to the Grand Salon, The Bar is a stunning Art Deco area, decadent in every sense of the word, from its décor to its menu of spirits and cocktails. Le Jardin completes the offering with an al fresco setting of elongated trees and blooming flowers, perfect to enjoy light bites and refreshing drinks.

The hotel boasts the first-ever US collaboration with the brand La Mer at their Spa de la Mer. Guests also have access to an indoor heated pool and a fitness centre.

The St Regis New York

Housed within a beautiful Beaux Art building on Fifth Avenue, The St Regis New York strikes the perfect balance between old-world charms and modern comforts. The hotel is located just 5 minutes from Central Park, while also being surrounded by high-end boutiques like Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Inside, the hotel’s residential style blends empire and contemporary elements. Chandeliers, lacquered furniture, sofas and méridiennes are installed in rooms with moldings in a variety of colours: from immaculate white to white surrounded by black, from mauve to green or red, there’s something for every taste. The hotel’s 238 rooms and suites, including the 40-square-metre Superior Room, benefit from 24-hour butler service.

On the culinary side, Astor Court invites guests into a grand and opulent setting, with ceiling frescoes and crystal chandelier for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while King Cole Bar is a historic bar known for signature cocktails and its unique The Old King Cole Mural.

Guests of The St Regis have access to an Athletic Club, with personal trainers and state-of-the-art equipment.

Casa Cipriani New York

Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city, Casa Cipriani New York is located in Lower Manhattan, on the banks of the East River. Housed in the historic Battery Maritime Building, one of the last Beaux-Arts-style ferry terminals of the 20th century, Casa Cipriani offers an intimate club atmosphere.

With its art deco interiors combining lacquered mahogany and gilding, fluted colonnades and shades of red, cream, gold and black, the hotel has the feel of a belle époque ocean liner. In the 47 rooms and suites, the atmosphere is more sober, in a residential Italian and manly style, with a recurrence of red, black, cream and cappuccino and dark wood. Rooms offer views of the Financial District, the Great Hall glass roof, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and the iconic Statue of Liberty.

5 restaurants and bars make up the culinary offering of the Casa Cipriani. The Club Restaurant welcomes guests in an elegant decor composed of lacquered wood, gilded glass murals, and upholstered armchairs and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers Harry’s Bar classics such as the Baked tagliolini with ham, Calf’s liver alla Veneziana, Veal piccatine al limone and others. Its terrace invites guests to enjoy their meal alongside views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. The intimate and sensual Jazz Café, with its rich décor of velvet and mood lighting, features live jazz bands in the evening. The Pickering Room and Promenade Bar’s nautical-themed décor offer quiet spots for evening drinks and cocktails, alongside breathtaking views of the surroundings. Finally, the Art Deco-themed The Living Room, with its plush sofas and marble setting, completes the culinary offering with fresh oven pizzas, and decadent desserts.

The Casa Cipriani spa offers a wide range of treatments, from massages and scrubs to therapeutic treatments such as meditation with Tibetan singing bowls, reiki, thai stretching and acupuncture. Guests also have access to a fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment and a personalised training service.

The Whitby Hotel

Located just north of Midtown Manhattan, a stone’s throw from Central Park, the Whitby is a hotel brimming with character, colour and intensity, yet surprisingly relaxed. With its profusion of contemporary art and design, it feels like an art gallery with an ultra-friendly atmosphere.

Sporting interior designer Kit Kemp’s signature eclectic look, the Whitby Hotel seems a kind of counter-cultural figurehead to the classic luxury hotels of Manhattan, New York.

All different and colourful, the 86 rooms and suites seem to come out of Alice in Wonderland, paying homage to various regions of the world and could come out of Alice in Wonderland. Their floor-to-ceiling bay windows offer plenty of light and magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. Many have private terraces.

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant with its American diner/English posh-style chairs, Greek décor and African wicker decorations amongst many other trinkets carry on with the hotel’s cosmopolitan theme. The restaurant features fresh, delicate yet experimental cuisine, which includes a brunch and an afternoon tea time, complete with Danish and French pastries. 

While The Whitby Hotel has no spa, it does have a state-of-the-art Screening room that also serves as the Film Club. However, guests also have access to a fully equipped gym. 

Crosby Street Hotel

Located along the cobblestone streets of SoHo, one of New York’s hottest spots, surrounded by establishments such as Bloomingdales, Nolita, Tribeca and the Chinatown district, the Crosby Street Hotel takes you into the beating heart of Lower Manhattan. The Firmdale Group’s first hotel in the United States, the Crosby Street Hotel, like the Whitby Hotel, offers a surprisingly cosmopolitan experience, halfway between a luxury hotel and an art gallery.

The Crosby Street Hotel differs from the Whitby, however, in that here Kit Kemp has paid homage to British elegance. The combination of bucolic colours and classical motifs lends a soothing atmosphere to the entire establishment, particularly in the common areas, such as the Drawing Room. The lobby, meanwhile, is closer to an art gallery aesthetic, with sculptures and installations populating the space.

The 86 guest rooms and suites carry the group’s signature, with an explosion of colour and pattern on walls and furnishings, but with a more residential layout. Everywhere you look, there’s a decoration, a work of art, or an installation that tells a story. Floor-to-ceiling, warehouse-style windows in the bedrooms or living rooms are perfect for enjoying the view of the neighbourhood.

Crosby Bar & Terrace is the hotel’s restaurant. Stretching from the street to the garden, it boasts an ultra-bariole and colourful decor, with lighting fixtures spheres of various shapes and colours, with furniture that combines green or yellow and red leather armchairs and striped woven sofas. The menu offers classic European and American dishes, and the Afternoon Tea rivals those served in England.

The Crosby Street Hotel does not have a spa but does however boast a state-of-the-art Screening Room and a fully equipped gym. 

Book A Trip To New York 

Lartisien offers a handpicked selection of luxury hotels in New York with exceptional guest experience, amenities and service for an unforgettable stay. Get in touch with our Guest Experience Managers for more information about our immersion service in New York or further information about the hotels.