Iconic NYC Itinerary [Quiz Result]

couple posing in Times Square with yellow taxi in the background
NYC Photo Journeys guests posing in iconic Times Square

By NYC Photo Journeys founder Jessie Festa. Note that some of the links below are product links as well as affiliate links to trusted partners.

Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park; you want to hit up all of the classics on your trip to NYC. And there are many!

First of all, to visit numerous iconic NYC locations in a short amount of time *and* get photos of your group to keep, it’s recommended to book one our private NYC photo tours (which includes a tour with photos) or professional photoshoots (which includes more photos, poses, and looks). 

Beyond this, no classic NYC itinerary would be complete without visiting an observation deck – which you have numerous options for. Of course, the Empire State Building is the most iconic, dating back to 1931. 

That being said, our favorite is the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience, which offers three floors of fun as well as epic views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. 

A trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is also a must, as you’ll learn the history of Lady Liberty as well as the stories of the millions of immigrants who journeyed to and through these historic sites. It’s recommended to book this early morning tour, as it allows you to beat the crowds and board the first boat of the day to the island.

NYC is home to over 1700 parks, the most famous of which is Central Park. Check the park calendar for events, enjoy a scenic picnic at Turtle Pond with a view of Belvedere Castle, or simply wander and explore the many attractions. For a bit of added fun, you can book a Central Park walking tour or opt for a DIY Central Park scavenger hunt.

Love museums? New York City is home to over 140, with a few must-visit institutions being the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. 

Note that many popular attractions are included in the New York CityPASS, so do the math to see if purchasing this pass can save you money. 

Food is also an important part of a visit to NYC, which is home to almost every type of cuisine you can imagine. Spend time chowing down on pizza and bagels (or opt for a yummy pizza tour), savor Jewish delights in the Lower East Side, eat Italian along Arthur Avenue in The Bronx, fill up on dim sum and dumplings in Chinatown, and eat at least one restaurant that serves a type of food you’ve never tried. 

No matter what you decide to do, make sure to preserve your cherished memories with a private NYC photo tour or professional photoshoot – both of which are customizable! You can see photo examples on Instagram @NYCPhotoTour.

Classic NYC Tours:

➡️ Click here for a full list of New York City tours.

Top-Rated NYC Hotels:

➡️ Click here for a full list of top-rated NYC hotels.

New York City Travel Tips:

  • Depending on what tours and activities you add to your itinerary, a New York CityPASS is an amazing value and can save you a lot of money
  • Want to see a Broadway show? You can save money by visiting a TKTS Booth for up to 50% off same-day shows
  • While Midtown Manhattan is great, make sure to also explore some of the other neighborhoods – like the West Village, Upper East Side, and SoHo – as well as the other boroughs (like Long Island City in Queens and Bushwick in Brooklyn)
  • If there is a restaurant you really want to dine at, be sure to make a reservation 
  • To find unique and pop-up things to do in NYC, check park calendars, subscribe to NYC newsletters, and research websites like The Skint, Fever, and Secret NYC

Bonus NYC Travel Resources:

Best Central Park Photo Spots To Capture Gorgeous Pictures

Best Places To Take Pictures In NYC

Stunning Spots For The Perfect NYC Picnic

Uniquely New York Experiences Not To Miss

Most Unique Restaurants In New York City

Non-Touristy Things To Do In New York City