⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🚇 Getting Around — OMNY
Use OMNY (tap your contactless credit card or phone) on all subways and buses. $2.90 per ride. After 12 paid rides in a week, the rest are free — essentially a $34.80 weekly cap per card. Kids under 44 inches ride free. The subway runs 24/7 and is the fastest way around the city.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will walk 15,000-25,000 steps per day. Bring broken-in sneakers — NYC sidewalks are unforgiving. Pack moleskin for blisters. Bring a light rain jacket — June can have afternoon showers.
💵 Peter Luger is CASH ONLY
Peter Luger Steak House does NOT accept credit cards. Bring cash or a US debit card. Plan $60-80 per person for lunch. Make reservations on Resy well in advance — this place books up fast.
⚾ Book Yankees Tickets Early
Yankees vs Red Sox is the biggest rivalry in baseball — tickets sell fast for Saturday games. Book at mlb.com/yankees or StubHub. Bleacher seats ($25-40) have the best atmosphere. Take the 4 train to 161st St-Yankee Stadium.
🚌 Outlet Shopping — Bus Info
Jersey Gardens: NJ Transit Bus #111 or #115 from Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st & 8th Ave), ~40 min, ~$5 each way. Woodbury Commons: ShortLine/Coach USA bus from Port Authority, ~1 hour, ~$22 roundtrip — book at woodburybus.com. Both outlets open 10am-9pm.
🗽 Staten Island Ferry
The ferry is 100% FREE — no ticket needed, just walk on at Whitehall Terminal. Runs 24/7. The 25-minute ride gives stunning Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and skyline views. Sit on the right side going to Staten Island for the best Statue of Liberty views.
🏛️ Free Museums
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is ALWAYS free. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is pay-what-you-wish for NY state residents; out-of-state adults $30, kids under 12 free. The 9/11 Memorial plaza is free (museum is $28 adults, $17 kids 7-12, under 6 free).
💰 Cost-Saving Tips
Dollar pizza slices ($1-1.50) are everywhere and genuinely good. Buy water bottles at bodegas ($1) not tourist shops ($4). Skip hop-on/hop-off buses — the subway is faster and cheaper. Many attractions have free days or hours built into this itinerary. NJ has no sales tax on clothing!
Welcome to New York — Times Square & Midtown Icons
Your first taste of NYC is pure sensory overload — the neon canyon of Times Square, the Beaux-Arts grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, and the peaceful green oasis of Bryant Park. This is the New York you've seen in a hundred movies, and today you're walking through the screen.
Check In & Times Square First Look
Drop your bags at the Holiday Inn Times Square and step into the beating heart of Manhattan. Let the kids gawk at the massive billboards, street performers, and the sheer energy. 🎬 Spider-Man swings through Times Square in every film. Captain America wakes up here in The First Avenger.
Grand Central Terminal
Walk 10 minutes east to one of America's most beautiful buildings. The Main Concourse ceiling painted with zodiac constellations is breathtaking. Find the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar — whisper in one corner and hear it 30 feet away. Kids love this!
Bryant Park & New York Public Library
Walk to Bryant Park behind the majestic NYPL. In June there are free events, a carousel ($4), and plenty of space to relax. The library has stunning free exhibits. 🎬 The Ghostbusters library ghost scene and The Day After Tomorrow were filmed at the NYPL.
Downtown — Lady Liberty, Chinatown, SoHo & the Village
Today you head downtown for the free Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, then walk north through Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, and Greenwich Village. Gritty charm, incredible food, and more movie locations than you can count.
Staten Island Ferry — Free Statue of Liberty Views!
Take the subway to Whitehall Terminal and hop on the FREE Staten Island Ferry. The 25-minute ride gives stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan skyline. When you arrive at Staten Island, walk off and get right back on the return ferry.
Wall Street & 9/11 Memorial
Walk north through the Financial District. See the Charging Bull sculpture, Federal Hall, and the deeply moving 9/11 Memorial reflecting pools (free to visit). 🎬 The Dark Knight Rises stock exchange attack was filmed here.
Chinatown Exploration
Walk north into one of the largest Chinatowns in the Western world. Canal Street buzzes with vendors, and Mott Street is the historic heart. Grab dim sum for a ridiculously affordable family lunch.
Little Italy & SoHo Stroll
Walk through Little Italy on Mulberry Street — packed with character. Get cannoli at Ferrara Bakery (since 1892). Continue into SoHo for stunning cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets.
Greenwich Village Walk
End the afternoon in the bohemian heart of NYC. Washington Square Park with its iconic arch, the Friends apartment building at 90 Bedford St, and tree-lined streets full of history.
Brooklyn Day — Bridge Walk, DUMBO & Peter Luger's
Cross the East River on foot across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore the cobblestone streets of DUMBO with jaw-dropping Manhattan views, feast on legendary porterhouse at Peter Luger's in Williamsburg, and end the day at Brooklyn Bridge Park watching the Manhattan skyline light up.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
A bucket-list walk — 1.1 miles across Gothic stone towers and steel cables with Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines flanking you. Start from the Manhattan side (City Hall). The wooden pedestrian boardwalk is above traffic with unobstructed views.
DUMBO Exploration
Descend into DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) — Brooklyn's most photogenic neighborhood. Cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and the famous Washington Street photo with the Manhattan Bridge framed between buildings.
Peter Luger Steak House Lunch
Take the NYC Ferry or bus from DUMBO to Williamsburg for the main event — lunch at Peter Luger Steak House, serving the best porterhouse in America since 1887. The steak for two (or three/four) is the only way to order. No-nonsense waiters, German beer hall vibes, unforgettable meat.
Brooklyn Bridge Park at Sunset
Walk back to Brooklyn Bridge Park — 85 acres of waterfront park. Grab a spot at Pier 1 and watch the sun set behind the Manhattan skyline as the buildings light up. Kids can run around the Pier 6 playground while you take in the view.
High Line, Hudson Yards & Katz's Deli
Today mixes ultramodern with old-school NYC. Walk the High Line elevated park through Chelsea, explore the gleaming Hudson Yards complex, then head east for the most iconic deli sandwich in the world — pastrami on rye at Katz's, where Meg Ryan had THAT scene.
The High Line
Start at the southern end (Gansevoort St) and walk north along this incredible elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. Wildflowers, art installations, and unique city views. 1.45 miles of walking garden floating above Manhattan.
Chelsea Market
Hop off the High Line at 15th/16th St and explore Chelsea Market — a food hall in a former Nabisco factory where the Oreo cookie was invented! Lobster rolls, tacos, artisan donuts, and local vendors.
Chelsea Gallery District
Walk through the Chelsea gallery district between 10th & 11th Avenues, from 19th to 27th streets. Over 200 art galleries, all FREE to enter. World-class contemporary art without museum admission fees — a perfect free activity for the family.
Hudson Yards
The High Line ends at Hudson Yards — NYC's newest mega-development. The Vessel honeycomb staircase structure is stunning to photograph from outside. Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, offers insane views from the 100th floor.
Katz's Delicatessen Lunch
Take the subway east to the Lower East Side for THE most iconic deli sandwich in New York. Katz's pastrami on rye has been legendary since 1888. This is where Meg Ryan faked that famous scene in When Harry Met Sally — the table has a sign: "Where Harry met Sally... hope you have what she had!"
Lower East Side Evening Stroll
After Katz's, explore the Lower East Side — NYC's historic immigrant neighborhood. Street art, vintage shops, and incredible energy in the early evening. 🎬 The Godfather Part II — young Vito Corleone scenes were set in this neighborhood.
Central Park, Free Museums, Empire State & Yankees vs Red Sox!
The biggest day of the trip! Morning in Central Park walking through Home Alone 2 and Elf filming locations, afternoon at a free museum and the Empire State Building at sunset, then subway up to the Bronx for a Saturday night Yankees vs Red Sox game at Yankee Stadium. This is peak New York.
Central Park — The Movie Set of NYC
Enter Central Park from the south (59th St) and spend the morning exploring the most famous urban park in the world. Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, the Imagine mosaic at Strawberry Fields — every corner has been in a movie. Pack snacks and let the kids run free.
National Museum of the American Indian (FREE!)
This Smithsonian museum in the stunning Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green is 100% free, always. World-class exhibits on Native American history and culture. Or if you prefer, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is pay-what-you-wish for NY state residents (out-of-state: adults $30, under 12 free).
Empire State Building at Sunset
Head to the Empire State Building in the late afternoon for sunset views from the 86th floor observation deck. The city spread out below you, turning golden then glittering — it's one of the most iconic views on Earth. 🎬 From King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle to Elf, this building IS New York in cinema.
Yankees vs Red Sox at Yankee Stadium! ⚾
The main event! Take the 4 train from 42nd St-Grand Central up to 161st St-Yankee Stadium for a Saturday night game between the Yankees and their biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox. The atmosphere will be absolutely electric. Grab hot dogs and Cracker Jack inside the stadium.
Jersey Gardens — Full Day of Outlet Shopping
Time for a break from sightseeing and a full day of outlet shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, NJ. With over 200 stores including Nike, Adidas, H&M, Levi's, and more — all at outlet prices with NO New Jersey sales tax on clothing and shoes — this is a shopper's paradise. The bus ride from Port Authority takes just 40 minutes.
Bus to Jersey Gardens
Head to Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st St & 8th Ave — a 5-minute walk from your hotel) and take the NJ Transit Bus #111 or #115 to Jersey Gardens. The ride takes about 40 minutes. Buy your tickets at the NJ Transit window or use the app.
Morning Shopping — Jersey Gardens
Start with the biggest stores first while you have the most energy. Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, Saks OFF 5TH, and Levi's Outlet are usually the biggest draws. The mall is indoors and air-conditioned — perfect for a family with kids.
Afternoon Shopping & Food Court
Continue shopping after a food court break. The food court has everything from pizza to Asian cuisine to Chick-fil-A — affordable and quick for a big family. Don't forget to check the outlet's coupon book at the information desk for extra discounts.
Return to Manhattan & Times Square Dinner
Take the #111 or #115 bus back to Port Authority. Drop your shopping bags at the hotel (a 5-minute walk) and grab a casual dinner near Times Square. Consider Carmine's for enormous family-style Italian portions — perfect for sharing with a big group.
Woodbury Commons — Premium Outlet Shopping & Farewell
Your final day is another shopping extravaganza at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets — one of the largest and most famous outlet malls in the world, about an hour north of the city. Over 250 stores including luxury brands at deep discounts. It's the perfect way to pick up last-minute gifts and souvenirs before heading home.
Bus to Woodbury Commons
Head to Port Authority and take the ShortLine/Coach USA bus to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, NY. The ride takes about 1 hour through scenic Hudson Valley. Book roundtrip tickets in advance at woodburybus.com for the best price.
Morning Shopping — Luxury Outlets
Woodbury Common has the premium brands you won't find at Jersey Gardens — Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Coach, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Nike, Adidas, and 240+ more. Discounts typically 25-65% off retail. It's an outdoor village-style layout — beautiful to walk around.
Lunch & More Shopping
Woodbury Common has several dining options scattered throughout the outdoor village. Take a break, refuel, and hit any stores you missed in the morning. The afternoon is usually less crowded.
Return to NYC — Farewell Walk
Take the ShortLine bus back to Port Authority (last buses around 9-10pm). Back in Manhattan, take one last walk through Times Square all lit up at night for your farewell moment. The neon lights hit different when you know it's your last night. 🎬 Like every movie ending set in NYC — the city glitters as the credits roll.
💰 Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Holiday Inn) | $150–200/night | $200–300/night | $300–500/night |
| Meals (family of 5) | $80–120/day | $150–250/day | $300–500/day |
| Transport (OMNY) | $30–50/day | $50–80/day | $100–200/day (Uber) |
| Activities | $0–30/day | $50–150/day | $200–400/day |
| Outlet Shopping | $100–300/day | $300–600/day | $600–1500/day |
| 7-Day Total (family) | $3,500–5,000 | $6,000–10,000 | $12,000–20,000 |
✈️ Getting There
- JFK Airport: AirTrain + subway (~$10.50/person, 60-75 min to Midtown)
- LaGuardia Airport: Q70 bus + subway (~$2.90/person, 60 min to Midtown)
- Newark Airport: AirTrain + NJ Transit (~$15/person, 45 min to Penn Station)
- Uber/Lyft from airports: $50-80 to Midtown (plus tolls)
🏨 Your Hotel
- Holiday Inn Times Square — right in the heart of the action
- Walking distance to Times Square, Broadway, Bryant Park
- Easy subway access to everywhere in NYC
- Port Authority Bus Terminal just 5 min walk — perfect for outlet shopping days
🌡️ Weather in June
- Average highs 78-84°F (26-29°C), comfortable for walking
- Occasional afternoon thunderstorms — pack a light rain jacket
- Evenings are pleasant ~65-70°F — perfect for outdoor dining
- UV is strong — sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for the family
💳 Money Tips
- Most places accept cards/contactless — but carry some cash for Peter Luger, food carts, and dollar pizza
- Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $1-2/bag for hotel bellman
- ATMs everywhere — use bank ATMs to avoid fees
- NYC sales tax is 8.875% on most items (but NJ has no tax on clothing!)
📱 Getting Connected
- Free Wi-Fi in most parks, hotels, cafés, and subway stations
- Cell coverage is excellent throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Download offline Google Maps before the trip as a backup
- Charge portable battery — you will use your phone constantly for navigation