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Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

New York, five days in April

Flights, the hotel and a plan for each day, with places to eat and a few good reads. Times are New York time. Tap any place for directions.

Before you go

Before you go

  • ESTA: apply online at least 72 hours before the flight. It lasts two years.

  • Getting around: tap a contactless card or phone at the subway gate. Rides are free after 12 in a week.

  • Tipping: 18 to 20% in restaurants and taxis. It isn't added to the bill.

  • Weather: mid April is usually 10 to 18°C. Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes.

Watch before you go

A few minutes of the city to get you in the mood.

YouTube video

Hotel

Arlo SoHo

231 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013. arlohotels.com

Check in Thursday 15 April from 3pm. Check out Monday 19 April by 11am.

Booking reference: ARL-58213. Queen room, breakfast not included. They'll hold bags on the last day. Rooftop bar on the 11th floor.

Day 1

Thursday 15 April

08:25
Flight BA 117Thu 15 Apr
08:25
LHR
London Heathrow (LHR) T5
7h 50m
11:15
JFK
New York JFK (JFK) T8
Booking reference
QX7P2L
Seat
32A, 32B
Notes
Bags dropped by 07:25. Yellow cabs from JFK charge a flat fare to Manhattan, plus tolls and tip.
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Directions to LHRFlight status
16:00

An old railway turned into a park, 2.3 km from Gansevoort Street to Hudson Yards. Start at the south end, a short walk from the hotel.

thehighline.org
Gansevoort Street entrance, High Line, New York Directions16:00
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19:30

The classic New York slice since 1975. The original is on Carmine Street, ten minutes from the hotel.

joespizzanyc.com
7 Carmine Street, New York Directions19:30
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Day 2

Friday 16 April

09:00

First ferry of the day from Battery Park, before the queues. Pedestal tickets sell out, so book ahead.

statueofliberty.org
Battery Park, New York Directions09:00
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14:00

Start on the Manhattan side so the skyline is behind you for the photos. About 30 minutes at a stroll.

Google Maps
Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, New York Directions14:00
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18:00

Coal-oven pizza under the bridge. Expect a short queue.

julianaspizza.com
19 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn Directions18:00
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Day 3

Saturday 17 April

10:00

Allow three hours. Don't miss the Temple of Dendur and the roof garden if it's open.

metmuseum.org
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York Directions10:00
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13:30

Walk out of the Met straight into the park. Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields are all close.

centralparknyc.org
Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York Directions13:30
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20:00

A Broadway show

The TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day tickets from the afternoon, often 30 to 50% off. Shows start at 8pm, so eat early.

TKTS, Times Square, New York Directions20:00
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Day 4

Sunday 18 April

10:30

Bagels and smoked fish from a family business that started in 1914. Book a table at the café.

russanddaughters.com
127 Orchard Street, New York Directions10:30
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13:00

Tenement Museum

Guided tours of real apartments from the 1800s and 1900s, a short walk up Orchard Street from Russ & Daughters. Book a time at tenement.org.

103 Orchard Street, New York Directions13:00
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18:45

The best view of the Empire State Building. Book the slot 45 minutes before sunset.

rockefellercenter.com
Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York Directions18:45
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20:30

The pastrami sandwich is big enough for two. Keep your ticket: you pay on the way out.

katzsdelicatessen.com
205 East Houston Street, New York Directions20:30
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Day 5

Monday 19 April

11:00

Last morning

Check out by 11 and leave the bags at the front desk. Time for a walk round SoHo and a coffee before the car.

The car to JFK is booked for 3:15pm from the hotel. Allow an hour in traffic.

Arlo SoHo, 231 Hudson Street, New York Directions11:00
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18:25
Flight BA 112Mon 19 Apr
18:25
JFK
New York JFK (JFK) T8
7h 5m
06:30+1
LHR
London Heathrow (LHR) T5
Booking reference
QX7P2L
Seat
32A, 32B
Notes
Overnight flight. Bag drop closes at 17:25.
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Directions to JFKFlight status

Where to eat

Good reads