A perfect one-week visit to New York: The Big Apple, one bite at a time

Ah, New York City! The city that never sleeps, where dreams are made, and every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered. If you’re lucky enough to spend a week in this buzzing metropolis, consider yourself in for a wild ride. From iconic sights to hidden gems, New York is one place that packs a punch. But with only seven days to spare, you’ll need to plan wisely to get the most bang for your buck. Here’s your blueprint for the best ways to enjoy New York in a week – without losing your marbles!

Start with the classics

They say you should never put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and that’s especially true in NYC. Start your trip with a bang by ticking off the big guns. You’ve seen them in movies, but nothing beats standing right in front of the Statue of Liberty or walking the Brooklyn Bridge. Both are iconic, and both are guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve truly arrived.

Once you’ve conquered Lady Liberty and strutted across the bridge, it’s time for a walk through Wall Street. You may not be a high-flying stockbroker, but strolling down this street makes you feel like you own the place. And don’t forget to rub the Charging Bull for good luck (or so they say!).

Broadway and Times Square blitz

When in Rome, right? Well, in New York, you’ve got to see a Broadway show. Whether you’re into musicals, dramas, or comedies, there’s something for everyone. Snagging tickets can be a bit of a dog-eat-dog situation, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you can’t score tickets to the best shows in NYC like “Aladdin” or “The Lion King,” check out the tickets by HelloTickets linked above as it is the easiest way to get great deals and snag the ones for your favourite show on time – and that’s worldwide, not just in NYC. 

After the theatre, head over to Times Square. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but no trip to New York is complete without standing in the middle of all those blinding lights. Think of it as New York’s heartbeat, chaotic and bright. You’ll be like a kid in a candy store, mesmerized by the giant screens and flashing billboards.

Museum madness

New York is a city of culture, so you’d be barking mad to skip its world-class museums. Head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – the Met if you’re in the know. It’s an absolute treasure trove, and frankly, you could spend your entire week just here. But for the sake of variety, don’t.

After the Met, head over to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for your fill of contemporary art and mind-bending installations. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, swing by the Guggenheim Museum, not just for the art but for the building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s a masterpiece inside and out.

Park life and pizza

After two days of soaking in New York’s hustle and bustle, you’ll need a breather. Enter Central Park, a slice of greenery in the heart of the concrete jungle. Whether you’re walking, renting a bike, or taking a leisurely rowboat out on the lake, this is the place to recharge your batteries. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a spontaneous jazz band playing in a corner or some quirky street performers.

All that fresh air will give you an appetite, and there’s only one solution for that – pizza! Go for a classic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. Thin, cheesy, and just the right amount of greasy, it’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’ve “made it.”

If you don’t – for some strange reason – prefer pizza, NYC offers a plethora of options for food buffs. 

Shop ’til you drop

If you’ve still got some pennies left, day five is your chance to blow them! Start on Fifth Avenue, the granddaddy of shopping streets. Window shopping at Tiffany & Co., or if you’re feeling flush, pop in for some retail therapy at Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’re more of a trendy shopper, head to SoHo for chic boutiques and indie brands.

For a taste of old-school New York, stop by Macy’s in Herald Square, one of the largest department stores in the world. Even if you don’t buy anything, riding its wooden escalators is like taking a step back in time.

Go out with a bang

It’s your last day, so make it count! Start with a brunch at one of the many fabulous spots in West Village or Upper East Side. Pancakes, eggs Benedict, and maybe a mimosa or some top-tier poetry – after all, you’re on holiday.

Finish your trip with a sunset visit to the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Nothing screams “New York” like a bird’s-eye view of the city as the sun dips below the skyline. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your whirlwind week in the Big Apple.

In the end, New York is like a never-ending buffet—no matter how much you experience, there’s always more to come back for. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew in one week, and leave a little something for next time.

The editorial unit