Your Dream New York Itinerary For An Amazing VIP Experience
You know when you get to revisit somewhere and you fall in love all over again?
Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to take part in an amazing VIP trip to New York City, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
We have been to NYC a few times in the past. Usually day-trips or a quick 2-day stay, but this time we were presented with a dream 4-day New York itinerary.
It was so amazing, I couldn’t wait to share it with you. The best part is that this trip is actually available to everyone, and at prices that rival the cost of staying home! More on tapping into those secrets later …
Keep It Simple
When looking for a great New York itinerary, be sure not to over-commit yourself.
You know those trips you get home from and feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? We’ve all done it! Trying to pack as much as possible into each day. Afraid we’ll “miss out” on something.
As tempting as it is, try not to schedule more than 2 or 3 key events into any single day. Not only will this leave you feeling more relaxed, but it leaves you open to take advantage of opportunities that come you way … many that you’d otherwise need to say no to.
We went into this NYC trip knowing that we had 2 big events that were ticketed, but we have a lot of flexibility built around those events to add our own plans.
Itinerary At A Glance
Here’s what was planned in advance for our amazing VIP experience of NYC:
Friday
- Picked up from the airport and transferred to Le Parker Meridien
- Evening VIP welcome receiption
Saturday
- Lunch cruise around the Statue of Liberty
Sunday
- Broadway tickets to Les Misérables evening show
Monday
- Transferred to the airport for our flight home
As you can see, we had plenty of time to add in some of our own activities. Though it was very tempting to fill in those spare hours, we actually decided not to plan anything. Instead we made a quick list of a few things we would like to add in, but wanted to play the trip completely based on what came up.
What a fantastic decision that turned out to be!
New York Itinerary: Day 1
We arrived in New York City along with the rain and wind, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits.
After checking in we took a quick tour of our home for the next 3 nights: the gorgeous Le Parker Meridien Hotel.
This place is stunning! If you get the chance, I’d highly recommend you stay here (especially when the entire trip ends up costing about the same a 1 regular night at this place!).
Located 2 blocks from the south entrance to Central Park, it’s also walking distance to many NYC main attractions.
Once the weather cleared and we headed out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, ending up at the picturesque Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
After a quick bite to eat at the amazing Num Pang Sandwich Shop, we headed back to the hotel for our VIP champagne reception from the breathtaking hotel rooftop.
We wrapped up the evening by exploring Times Square. It’s always fun to visit this ever-changing landmark, and this was no exception. As we were taking pictures and enjoying ourselves, we met a new friend who happened to work at Germany Haus of the United Nations. Hitting it off, we made plans to meet up Sunday afternoon for a quick lunch tour!
This was the first of our impromptu adventures made possible by keeping our schedules flexible.
New York Itinerary: Day 2
Following a leisurely morning we arrived in our hotel lobby to board the tour buses and make our way to Chelsea Pier. Driving down the west side of Manhattan we found some great views of the city … but this was only a teaser for what was in store for us.
After 2 hour of amazing NYC views, gourmet food, and even a dance-party, we found ourselves back at Chelsea Pier faced with a decision to make. We could either board the buses back to our hotel, or spend the day touring a part of New York we hadn’t visited before.
Opting for the later (of course!), we strolled through Chelsea where we found the High Line (an elevated railway converted into a pedestrian park), the Meatpacking District (every shutterbug’s dream), and some amazing desserts (vegan and non-vegan delights).
As normally happens with us, we arrived back at our hotel well after most people have eaten dinner and many places have closed. Maybe we like the challenge!
This evening we couldn’t have found a better place … in fact, it was so good we returned the following evening! Next time you’re in NYC be sure to stop in at Tanner Smith’s. We haven’t stopped raving about the amazing food, drinks, and live music!
New York Itinerary: Day 3
Our third day in NYC found us immersing ourselves in city-life as we wondered through the streets as we made our way to Germany House at the UN. After a quick overview of the building we had a great visit with our new friends while looking out over awesome views of the East River and Lower Manhattan.
After a quick bite to eat we were transported to Broadway to see Les Misérables. For me this was always one of those “one day” performances. It had played in Toronto and I had missed it. I had always heard great things, but just hadn’t gotten around to going to see it.
Boy did we pick the right production to see! The talent on that stage was incredible. I just happened that some of the performers were ones who were on the official recordings for the show. I could go on, but suffice it to say we were absolutely blown away.
New York Itinerary: Day 4
For our last day in New York City we decided to take advantage of the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool. We were a pair of just a handful of people in the pool area, taking in the breathtaking views through the surrounding glass walls. Central Park to the north, city views to the west, east and south. We were enjoying this decision before even jumping in the pool!
We decided to spend our final afternoon in NYC having a picnic in Central Park. We picked up some amazing sandwiches at fresh&co and made our way into the park.
It immediately amazed us how we felt a world away from the hustle and bustle of of the city by taking a few steps into the park. We found a great bench overlooking one of the ponds and enjoyed relaxing in the afternoon sun. It was so amazing that we actually lost track of time and had to rush to make the airport in time for our flight home … but it was totally worth it!
Did you catch earlier in this post when I mentioned that the cost of this entire trip rivaled what it costs us to stay home for a weekend? Is your interest peaked??
In total, this New York Itinerary ended up costing slightly more than most people pay for a 1-night stay at Le Parker Meridien.
Seriously!
Isn’t it time you stopped comparing retailer to retailer to come up with the “best price” and just started paying wholesale for your travel?
I’ve gone ahead and reserved YOUR FREEDOM LIFESTYLE. All you need to do now is check-in!
Have you visited New York City lately?
Were there any hidden gems you’d recommend? Maybe an attraction that was even better than anticipated?
I’d love to hear what you were able to discover in the comments below!
Was this helpful for you? If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value.
Be sure to comment below and let me know what you’ve done that needs to be added to this Dream New York Itinerary!
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Resources
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Great post, Bruce! I’m from NY, born and raised. I’ve seen some of what you saw but not nearly all that NY has to offer. Sounds like a wonderful getaway! 🙂
So many amazing things to do in the city – great way to break it down and still allow for other activities. Thanks!
Definitely something i’ve been teaching myself, Chondra. We used to be those people who packed way to much into each trip!
Thanks Theresa, it really was a great time!
I’ve never been to NYC, but. It looks like an awesome place to visit. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing Bruce!
Thanks so much Demetri. NYC is a great place to visit when you get the chance
What an awesome experience in NYC!
One place I want to visit is the 9/11 Museum…did you and Julia get a chance to see that?
Dr. Lisa
Not this time Dr. Lisa. We were there when it was still a big hole in the ground a few years ago, and that was a pretty surreal experience.
This post is so helpful! I have spent quite a bit of time in NYC for ballet and fell in love with many aspects of the city. However, my husband has never been and I am hoping to take him there in 2017. I’ve found it hard to plan 3-5 days worth of activities because there is so much to see and do. However, you have laid out some terrific ideas! I haven’t tried Num Pang Sandwich Shop before so that is something I will definitely add to the list of things to try! 🙂
So glad to have given you some ideas, Kallsy! I’m sure you’re husband will love New York, and I’d be happy to give you some more tips if you’re interested.
Definitely enjoy Num Pang … it’s awesome!
This is a great, helpful and organized article. You have thought about everything that needs to be done. We will surely love the day 2 (Statue of Liberty)
What type of camera did you use? Love your photos 🙂
Thanks so much! I used an old DLSR camera … a Canon EOS Rebel XSi.
Glad to see you had a great trip to NYC. I’ve been a couple of times now, most recently for New Years a few years back which was a lot of fun. New Years morning, the sun was shining and we went for a peaceful walk on the very quiet Highline – which we highly recommend.
Yes, the Highline was an amazing highlight! Glad you had a similar experience
Great tips! I was in NYC for 4 days a few years back and we squeezed in AS MUCH as possible. It was amazing, but exhausting ha! I’m going back in May of next year so hopefully I don’t get over excited and do too much again ha!
Isn’t tough not to pack in as much as possible??? I hope you have an awesome time in May!
Cool, thats exactly what we missed for our roadtrip, cos we visit NYC next spring for a couple of days and this sounds already like a great way to explore the city. The Broadway musical of Les Miserables sounds amazing, so we think to include this maybe also additionally to our Opera visit as well. What is your personal super special secret tip about New York?
Cheers, Birdie & Hendrik
So glad you’re heading to New York, you’re going to have a great time! I sent you a note on your website (great blog by the way!) for the details
What a great trip you had! I have also done it a couple of times so that I just have a look at some things I would like to see but leave it up to faith to see what comes on our way. Usually, those turn out the best. I am really amazed how low the costs were. That’s some money well spent!
You’re so right Agnes, often the best things are the small spontaneous activities that present themselves!
New York is my favourite city in America and this is a great itinerary! I love central park and spent two days exploring it! Thanks for sharing!
We love New York too, Katie, thanks for dropping by!
I’ve been four times now in New York, but I never managed to get to the Statue of Liberty. I hope next time I can do that. I like your itinerary, especially that you added a walk in Central Park to the list. In New York, you can never get bored 🙂
Totally agree .. so much to do there, and so many great places to explore! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Seems like you had a great time in New York. I like the idea of not trying to cram in too many things as it can be exhausting. That cruise around the statue of liberty looked amazing. I can’t blame you cfor taking advantage of that hotel pool!
We definitely made a special point to visit that pool during the daytime, and it was well worth it!
No I have never been to NY, even though is one of my dream destinations. I was always thinking how many days it would be ideal for a visit. After reading this, I would say that 4 days maybe is good to see the main things in the city. I will bookmark this just in case…. 🙂
I really hope you’re able to make the trips soon! I’d be happy to help you plan it 🙂
Great itinerary, and I am saying that as a New Yorker. One thing you should add is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s something touristy that I still enjoy as a local.
You know, I’ve never done that yet but it’s something i really want to do! Next visit for sure
Love the idea of not over scheduling to leave room for things that come up. Some of the best experiences we’ve had we didn’t know about until we got there.
You’re so right! My wife and I have a saying we say to each other during travel planning to make sure we leave room in our schedules … you never know what could happen!
New York is definitely somewhere I’d end up accidentally over-packing my itinerary!! There’s just so much to do and see, I really wouldn’t know where to start. Your itinerary seems fab to use as a template, you cover all the “must-sees” with a few extras snuck in there too!
Thanks so much! Yes, NYC is definitely one of those places where it’s easy to get carried away
I am going to bookmark your new york itinerary for future reference. I really like the way you have tailored it. It includes some of the important places that everyone wants to see, yet doesn’t look overloaded at all.
It was really a relaxing way to see parts of the city without feeling overwhelmed!
What I wouldn’t give to jump into that huge pool right now! I’m returning to NYC for the fifth time this May, but it never gets boring! Seems like you both had an excellent time, and you can never go wrong with Le Meridian, it’s gorgeous!
It sure is, and the views from that pool are incredible!
I do agree that there are places that makes you fall in love over and over again and makes you want to visit it several times! 🙂 I think for all trips, ‘keeping it simple’ and not over committing is definitely a must so that you will not over stress yourself. Such a good reminder for everyone!
Your itinerary looks pretty chill. I’d definitely want to see the Les Misérables at the Broadway show.. Sounds like you had such a wonderful time! 🙂
It was a really nice way to spend a weekend. Great pace, and we did some really amazing stuff
It’s certainly a well compiled itinerary. Gives a lot of different flavors of this gorgeous city!
Yes, it was a really fun overview of a bunch of different neighbourhoods 🙂
Lovely itinerary. A VIP welcome by the hotel reception and a Lunch cruise around the Statue of Liberty are kind of things that would really make for the VIP feeling. I totally would go for it if I were visiting New York for a short duration. It’s really nice the way you have included the major spots that one would like to see in New York.
Yes, the VIP pieces really made this trip a step above any other we’ve done in NYC
New York is a city that we have never been to, but it is for us a city that is calling. We can see that you had a great time with a near perfect itinerary. Cities like New York because of their size can be overwhelming sometimes as there is so much to see and experience and you do not want to leave out something important. Some of the top things we would love to do when we get to New York is to visit the Empire State Building and watch a Broadway show.
Those are really great things to do! Definitely make a point of getting there soon and you’ll love it.
I have neever been to New York so visiting this city would be a dream come true for me! Thanks for sharing the perfect guide to NYC, you have listed down all the major spots. There are so many places to visit in the city, but glad you didn’t overdo the activities and just enjoyed your time there.
Yes, it’s so easy to overplan a city like New York, but going at a nice pace makes sure you can really enjoy
It’s always amazing to revisit a place you’ve been to before and find that you fall in love with it all over again. Your NYC itinerary sounds like a dream come true, and your tips for keeping it simple and not over-committing are spot on. The Le Parker Meridien Hotel looks stunning, and your impromptu adventures sound like a lot of fun. It’s great to see that you had the flexibility to add your own activities to the trip, and I love the fact that you met new friends along the way.
So true Seth! Every visit reveals a new adventure