Part 2: Boston – New York – Washington D.C. in Two Weeks – 3 Part Series
Part 2 – 5 Nights in New York City
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This is Part 2 of a blog on a multi-city visit to Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. – 4 nights in Boston, 5 nights in New York City, and 4 nights in DC (13 nights or 14 days). You can, of course, change the number of nights in each city depending on what you want to do. Go here for our Boston itinerary, the first city-stop on this trip.
Summary
Day 5 – Leave Boston for New York City via Train
Day 6 – TKTS, Hudson Yards and surroundings, Highline Park, Chelsea Market, and Times Square in the evening
Day 7 – Lower Manhattan (Liberty Park, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and surroundings) and Chinatown
Day 8 – MMA or Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, along 5th Avenue to see some of the famous buildings along this iconic avenue
Day 9 – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park
Day 10 – Leave for Washington D.C.
DAY 5 – LEAVE FOR NEW YORK CITY VIA TRAIN
Arriving in New York City via Amtrak/Acel in Moynihan Station
Take the Amtrak train from Boston North or South Stations to New York City’s Moynihan station. We have a comprehensive New York City Guide in our Destinations page, including information on getting around.
From the Moynihan Station, take the public transportation or a taxi to your hotel. For a guide on how to use the public transportation in New York City, go here.
In general, to plan your route, we recommend:
Download MYmta app to help you plan your trip using the subway, bus, or rail to your destination, including finding the nearest station. Here's a how to use MYmta app. Map your route before you go.
You may also use your iPhone Map or Google Map to plan your route -we had great success in planning our public transportation trips using the Map app on our smartphones.
Subway Fare
The subway system uses the OMNY payment system, which basically means that these machines will take any contactless payment via your smartphone or contactless credit cards by tapping your payment against the OMNY reader. Click here to learn more about paying for your fare.
For more information on how to use the public transportation, go to our New York City Destination Guide here.
Accommodations
We have specific hotel recommendations in New York City. For a full list, go to our New York City Hotel Recommendations guide. Our short list: Artezen Hotel, Arlo Hotel, Casablanca Hotel, and Best Western Plus – SOHO.
Things To Do
On arrival day, we always recommend taking it easy, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Depending on where you’re staying, we suggest exploring your area by strolling around taking note of places to eat, the nearest subway station, or other things that might be of interest.
DAY 6
Itinerary Summary
Go to TKTS in Times Square to purchase a same-day ticket for a Broadway show in the evening.
Start at Hudson Yards (The Edge, The Shed, The Shop, the Vessel, and the Public Garden).
Continue to High Line Park and walk along this park to Chelsea Market.
End at Chelsea Market.
If there’s time, go to the Little Island.
Times Square in the evening to explore and/or see a show on Broadway.
Alternatively, you can start this day with a Tour of the High Line Park, Chelsea Market, and the Meatpacking district with a short stop at a new tourist attraction, Little Island. This is a private tour that takes about 3 hours and starts at 11am. Afterwards, you can head over to the Hudson Yards to explore the area and take a tour of the Hudson Yards, with an optional time stamped entry to the Vessel and/or to the Edge, but this tour starts at 2:30pm. Both tours are great dives into history, but I don’t think you can do both tours on the same day unless you leave the first tour just a tad early. So, you’ll have to decide whether you do one on your own and tour the other, or do it all by yourself.
DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH STOP
TKTS
Located in Time Square on W 47th St and 7th Avenue, one can purchase discounted same-day show tickets on or off Broadway here. If you wish to see a show, I would make this your first stop of the day.
Hudson Yards – Things to Do and See:
Between 10th and 12th Avenues from West 30th to West 34th Streets.
Originally known as the "West Side Yard," the area that now encompasses Hudson Yards was once a sprawling rail yard owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). For decades, it served as a hub for the busy rail operations of the Long Island Rail Road. When the demand for rail transportation declined, the MTA sought to reimagine the space. Today, Hudson Yards is a testament to urban renewal and architectural innovation. This visionary project, which began in the early 2000s and was completed in phases, has transformed an industrial wasteland into a vibrant neighborhood that attracts visitors and residents alike. And it has become a must-see destination.
The Edge. The Edge NYC is a sky deck atop the towering building of 30 Hudson Yards. This observation deck offers a mind-blowing experience as it juts out of the building, providing an exhilarating feeling of being suspended high above the bustling city below. You may purchase same day tickets when you go there.
There is a City Climb at the Edge. Climbers can scale outside of a skyscraper that is more than 1200 feet above ground. Book here.
The Shed. Check out if there’s an exhibit or a show at the Shed, a cultural space that can adapt to different artistic disciplines, hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions, attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe.
The Shops at Hudson Yards. A sprawling retail complex with a diverse range of retail stores and culinary delights.
The Vessel. The crown jewel of Hudson Yards. A honeycomb-like structure that invites visitors to climb its intricate staircases and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.
The Public Square Garden. The garden is built on a platform above a working railyard. It boasts as the “smartest park ever built.”
The Vessel
You can access the park from Hudson Yards on W 30th Street and 10th Avenue. Go here for a list of access points to the High Line Park including where elevators, ramps, stairs, and bathrooms are located.
High Line Park is an elevated park built on historic rail lines constructed in the 1930’s to alleviate congestion caused by freight trains running at street level. The line, initially designed for freight transportation, served the industrial factories and warehouses in Manhattan's West Side for decades. However, by the 1980s, the decline in freight traffic led to the abandonment of the High Line. As plans for tearing down the disused rail line began to circulate, a group of community members advocated for its preservation. The Friends of the High Line organization was formed in 1999, spearheading the campaign to repurpose this unique space. They saw the High Line as a potential urban park that could bring new life to the neighborhood.
Chelsea Market
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (on W 15th Street)
After walking through the High Line Park, get off at the ramp access on 14th street where you would need to exit to get to Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market has solidified its reputation as a food lover's haven, a must-see sight, and a culinary destination. From artisanal bakeries to gourmet cheese shops, from fresh produce vendors to international cuisine, the market showcases an impressive range of culinary offerings from around the world. Chelsea Market also serves as a nurturing space for creativity and innovation. Dotting the market, you'll find numerous studios, offices, and retailers encapsulating the artistic spirit that thrives in Chelsea.
Over the years, Chelsea Market has provided the stage for various notable events and milestones. It has been a backdrop for movies and television shows, including the popular reality competition "Iron Chef America." Its unique and historic architecture has also attracted countless photographers and artists who seek inspiration from its interiors.
Times Square
In the evening, head over to Times Square (go here to learn about NYC transportation), which is best seen in the evening!
Times Square is one of the most vibrant and iconic places in New York city with its symphony of bright neon lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds - a destination that truly never sleeps with an unmatched energy of incessant buzz of performers showcasing their talents, street vendors selling their wares, and throngs of tourists. This square serves as a true reflection of New York City's spirit: vibrant, eclectic, and always pulsating with life.
Hopefully, you purchased a ticket for a Broadway show.
Times Square
DAY 7
Itinerary Summary
Option 1 (Tour Options):
Lower Manhattan Tour – 5 HOURS. Choose start time of 10:30am, ends at 3:30pm. All Access 9/11: Ground Zero. St. Paul’s Chapel, The Oculus, FDNY Memorial Wall, the Survivor Tree, Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory. We highly recommend taking a tour for this site to deepen your understanding and appreciation for all the things you see here.
Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour starting at 5:30pm (2 hours)
Transportation – it takes about 20 minutes by train to get to the meeting place for the tour in Chinatown from the World Trade Center Liberty Park.
Option 2 (On your Own):
World Trade Center Liberty Park
One World Observatory
9/11 Memorial Museum
The Oculus
Eataly
The Trinity Church
Walk toward the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl and explore the Financial District.
In the evening: Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy
DESCRIPTION OF EACH STOP
World Trade Center Liberty Park
The World Trade Center Liberty Park was built when the Twin Towers were tragically lost in a horrific act of terrorism during the 9/11 attack. During the extensive reconstruction process, planners and architects envisioned a holistic ecosystem dedicated to healing and reflection. Thus, Liberty Park was born to honor the memory of those who perished. Opened to the public on June 29, 2016, Liberty Park is a vast 64,000-square-foot green space that spans the south side of the World Trade Center site. Its name was chosen to pay tribute to the enduring spirit of liberty and freedom.
One of the park’s most poignant features is its elevated platform, meticulously landscaped and known as the “Living Wall.” The vertical garden stretches across the west side of the park, comprising 826 panels and hosting 22,000 plants, which serve as a living testament to renewal and growth.
Another element of Liberty Park is the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, a vital component of the World Trade Center complex. Destroyed during the attacks, the church was painstakingly rebuilt and beautifully stands in its renewed form beside the park, symbolizing strength and faith in the face of devastation.
Situated within Liberty Park is the inspiring overlook known as the “Liberty Pergola.” From this vantage point, visitors can have a panoramic view of the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, paying their respects to those who lost their lives and finding solace amid the buzzing cityscape.
9/11 Memorial Pools and Museum
The memorial pools, situated at the footprint of where the Twin Towers once stood, have thousands of names engraved on bronze parapets surrounding the pools, paying tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 and the 1993 terrorist attack. The museum is a hauntingly beautiful space that tells the stories of heroism, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. The exhibits capture the gravity of the event, using artifacts, photographs, multimedia installations, and personal testimonies to provide a deeply immersive experience.
The Oculus
For a little break, go to the Oculus. The Oculus, with its pristine white ribs and soaring glass roof, resembles an otherworldly creature poised for flight. Inside, the vast space is filled with natural light, illuminating the sleek, modern aesthetic. There are many shops inside if you need a little break from sightseeing, but it primarily functions as a transportation hub.
*Eataly,
4 World Trade Center
When you’re ready to eat, step inside Eataly. Eataly NYC is divided into various sections, each highlighting different aspects of the Italian food experience. From fresh produce to exquisite cheeses, premium meats to aromatic baked goods, this food emporium is a vibrant display of colors, aromas, and flavors. The marketplace is lined with specialty stalls, where artisans showcase their craft. Italian bakers knead and shape dough, while skilled pasta makers create delicate strands of hand-rolled spaghetti. Eataly not only caters to shopping needs but also satisfies the hunger of its visitors, with a multitude of restaurants, each with its own distinct ambiance and menu. From casual counters serving freshly prepared paninis to upscale trattorias offering elaborate multi-course meals.
*Trinity Church (30 minutes including walking time)
Start walking toward Trinity Church to stop by for a few minutes to see Alexander Hamilton’s grave.
*Charging Bull and Fearless Girl, Wall Street and Financial District (30 minutes to 45 minutes).
Take some time to savor the surrounding area's vibrant scene by taking a leisurely stroll around the Financial District. Get directions from your smartphone to find the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl.
The Charging Bull is an imposing bronze sculpture that has become an indelible symbol of Wall Street's bullish spirit. Created by artist Arturo Di Modica in 1989, this powerful statue stands defiantly just a short distance away from the New York Stock Exchange.
The Fearless Girl is a relatively recent addition to the Financial District's landscape. Installed in 2017 by artist Kristen Visbal, this fearless young girl defiantly faces the Charging Bull. Fearless Girl symbolizes the empowerment and resilience of women in the face of adversity. This remarkable piece quickly garnered attention worldwide for its powerful message advocating for gender diversity and equality in the corporate world.
With your smartphone map, stroll around the renowned economic hub of Wall Street and the Financial District. As you walk, you'll encounter the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the famous Wall Street Bullpen, where traders once gathered to exchange stocks and bonds. Don't forget to glance up at the architecture that defines this district, like the neoclassical beauty of the New York Stock Exchange building juxtaposed against the sleek modernity of One World Trade Center.
* If you took the All Access Tour at 10:30am and the Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour at 5:30pm, you might not have time to go to Eataly, Trinity Church, and the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl. You can instead visit those sights after visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the boat arrives/departs from Battery Park, which is near here.
Chinatown
In the evening, head to Chinatown, which stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Chinese immigrants who found their home in New York City. As one of the oldest and most cherished ethnic enclaves in the United States, the history of Chinatown stretches back over a century. The story of Chinatown begins in the mid-19th century when a wave of Chinese immigrants arrived in New York City seeking new opportunities and escaping economic instability in their homeland. Initially settling near the present-day Five Points neighborhood, they faced discrimination and harsh living conditions. However, driven by a determination to establish a community and preserve their traditions, Chinese immigrants gradually migrated south to what would become the thriving hub of Chinatown.
Today, Chinatown has become a must-see destination for tourists, both domestic and international, who flock to experience the neighborhood's vibrant street life, unique architecture, and authentic cuisine.
DAY 8
Itinerary Summary
Spend 2-3 hours at either of these two museums Metropolitan Museum of Arts OR Guggenheim Museum.
Central Park – TOUR (2 hours)
Walk along 5th Avenue to see iconic sites such as:
Park Plaza Hotel,
St. Patrick’s Cathedral (go inside),
Radio City Music Hall,
Tour The Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Observation Deck), Radio City Music Hall is on 50th St and 6th Avenue (1 hour)
If your feet can still keep going, head on to the Empire State Building.
*Make sure to stop to shop and take in some of the flagship stores along this avenue.
Orientation to 5th Avenue
Fifth Avenue runs north and south, acting as the dividing line between West and East Streets. If you find yourself on a street west of 5th Avenue, you'll notice a "W" in the address (e. g., W 45th Street). Conversely, streets east of 5th Avenue display an "E" (e. g., E 45th Street). Heading east will take you closer to 1st Avenue and the East River, while venturing west will lead you to 11th Avenue and the Hudson River. Just remember, the streets may divide, but the fun never subsides!
No New York City visit is complete without going down the iconic 5th Avenue!
DESCRIPTION OF THE STOPS
Metropolitan Museum of Arts (2-3 hours)
1000 Fifth Avenue (between 80th St and 84th St)
Depending on how much time you have, you might want to start at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts with its collection spanning over 5,000 years of art. The museum showcases masterpieces from Manet, Degas, VanGogh, Bruegel, Vermeer, and so much more, as well Egyptian artifacts, Greek and Roman sculptures, among others. One can spend the whole day exploring this museum. If you have limited time, I suggest only visiting exhibits that you would enjoy.
Alternative to the Met Museum: Guggenheim Museum (2-3 hours)
1071 Fifth Ave, New York, NY (between 88th and 89th St)
The Guggenheim Museum might be easier to digest because it’s smaller in scale which allows visitors to navigate its spaces with greater ease in a shorter time than the Metropolitan Museum of Arts. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and opened in 1959, the museum collection boasts a diverse range of contemporary and modern artworks.
Central Park – TOUR (2 hours)
Central Park
After visiting the museums, explore Central Park in the upper east side of Manhattan via a 2-hour tour. Spanning 843 acres, this famous park has many meandering paths, picturesque ponds, and a blend of nature and cityscape. The park’s majestic trees, including the American elms, provide shade during hot summer days. There is no shortage of attractions to explore here - the Central Park Zoo and the Conservatory Garden, and the Great Lawn to name a few.
Walk along 5th Avenue
After Central Park, keep walking down 5th Avenue. Take note of some of the famous buildings you’ll be passing and go inside if you can. Take time to stop in on some of the shops along 5th Avenue and take in some of the following sites:
The Plaza Hotel
St. Patrick’s Cathedral (go inside)
Tour The Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Observation Deck), Radio City Music Hall is on 50th St and 6th Avenue (1 hour)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York Public Library on W 42nd Street, and behind it on 6th Avenue is Bryant Park
Go up Empire State Building on W 34th St
For descriptions of all the buildings along 5th Avenue, please visit our New York City Destination Guide.
If you haven’t yet, purchase tickets for same day Broadway show at TKTS, located on Broadway at W 47th St,
DAY 9
Itinerary Summary
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Battery Park
After Arriving Back from Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Option 1: If you didn’t get a chance to see the Charging Bull, Fearless Girl, Trinity Church, and Eataly – here’s your chance. We recommend having an early dinner or snack at Eataly after arriving back from Ellis Island.
Option 2: Alternatively, take a ferry from Vesey St to Midtown West 39th St., Pier 79 to get back to midtown Manhattan to continue your evening at Times Square, Broadway, Restaurant Row, or wherever you choose to spend your last evening at. https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/
DESCRIPTION OF THE STOPS
Ferries to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island depart from the Battery Park. You can purchase tickets in person at a Statue Cruises ticket window located in the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park or online. **Do NOT purchase tickets from scalpers or from anyone offering you tickets in the park.
Take a Guided Tour
Take out all the hassle of purchasing tickets and reserving your spots by taking a guided tour to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a guide. Tour includes round-trip ferry ticket to Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and a return to Battery Park. Tour ends in Ellis Island - and you may board the ferry back at your leisure. Does not include Pedestal or Crown access. Learn more.
Statue of Liberty Things to Do
The Pedestal. Access and entrance to the pedestal require reservations. It offers a panoramic view of New York Harbor, and is half the height of the entire monument. There are 215 steps to take to get to the Pedestal or there is an elevator for those who cannot use stairs.
The Crown. Access to the Crown require advanced reservations. You must be able to walk up 162 steps from the Pedestal in a tight spiral staircase.
***Reservations to the Pedestal and the Crown can only be purchased online or at the ticket booth in Battery Park (same-day tickets may be limited). Tickets for the Pedestal and the Crown are not sold in Liberty Park.***
Liberty Museum. Learn about the history of the Statue of Liberty.
Self Guided Audio Tour is available at the park.
Ellis Island Things to Do
Ellis Island National Immigration Museum.
For a comprehensive list of things to do in New York City, visit our New York City Destination Guide.
DAY 10
There is still so much to see that is not on this itinerary. But New York City is a city that truly never sleeps – so it shouldn’t be a surprise that there is more to see.
This concludes our New York City itinerary. We’re now headed to Washington D.C. on Day 10 via Train! Visit Part 1 here (Boston) of our 3-part series on BOSTON – NEW YORK – WASHINGTON D.C. in TWO WEEKS.
Happy Travels!
Zellie, your forever a traveler.
