I am planning a quick trip to NY this weekend for the first time. Just needed some help in planning my itinerary. Questions for you all:

What are 3-4 destinations in New York that I must see?
What is the most famous street and/or section of New York?
What thing/place would epitomize my stay in New York - for picture taking purposes? Should I spend time in the boroughs other than Manhattan?
What Restaurant must I eat at before leaving?

Also, I am planning to take another trip to New York after this one - what would be the best season to see all the sights and sounds of New York?

Thanks to all those that reply.

Starting with what you should see, what areas are famous, etc. I'll direct you to the destinations section at the top of this page. It should cover all of that and more for you.

It sounds like you haven't checked a guidebook (as these things would be highlighted in it), so definitely get to a library or bookstore and peruse some of those. They're invaluable for the basic introductory stuff!

There is another current post that asks the same question and that has had oodles of good responses.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Statue of Liberty
Empire State Building
Times Square

Fifth Avenue

No, you will not have time on a short trip.

Katz Deli

Thanksgiving through New Years.


As jlm has said, you really need to purchase a guidebook and do some research. It will improve your trip greatly.

The 'must-sees' depend on your interests (art, theater, sports, history, etc.). To some it will be the Netropolitan Museum, to others it may be the bleacher seats at Yankee Stadium. As far was where to eat, this depends on your budget and tastes. Are you looking for a fine dining experience and willing to spend near $100pp, or a you lloking for a quick bite at a place with lots of 'NY' character (Katz's will fill the bill).

As far as most famous street, again that's up for grabs. There is no 1 famous street. There are parts of several streets that can be considered famous (Broadway in the theater district), fashionable 5th Av (mostly in the 50s), Bleecker St (near MacDougal) where the folk/rock scene got started), etc.

If you are only nere for a few days, I would stay in Manhattan and save the burroughs for another visit. Although a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge may give you some nice photo ops.

I think you have to do a little homework, and then provide more info here with regard to your interestes, budget, etc.