Discover New York City, one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world. You only need less than a week to see the best sights, museums, and famous movie and TV show locations. Every season has its charm here - but who wouldn't want to experience NYC at Christmas time? In winter, you'll see the most beautiful Christmas trees, go ice skating in Central Park or in front of Rockefeller Center, and be dazzled by all the lights.
Welcome to the USA! Use your first day to acclimate and rest, because a week full of adventures awaits you!
After your long flight, head straight to your hotel. You can take a taxi or use the AirTrain JFK to reach Jamaica station and transfer to the subway from there. The easiest way to buy subway tickets is contactlessly right at the station; you can find out more here. If you have the time and energy, feel free to head out for your first walk and start soaking in the city's atmosphere.
On your first day, you'll discover the vast Central Park, the 5th Avenue shopping street and its main highlights, plus the famously chaotic Times Square.
Start your exploration by checking out one of the city's most famous and beautiful spots, Central Park. Walking from the north to the south end is a lovely stroll, where the park's colors and tranquility contrast with the skyscrapers in the background. You'll find plenty of beautiful nooks and both large and small ponds, as well as famous spots like...
...the romantic Bow Bridge, which you might know from plenty of movies...
...the architecturally interesting Bethesda Terrace with its fountain...
...or the Gapstow bridge, where Kevin from Home Alone hung out. From there, you'll see the iconic Plaza Hotel, which is definitely worth checking out.
At the end of Central Park, you'll connect to the long 5th Avenue, packed with landmarks, skyscrapers, and shops. New York streets are strategically laid out at right angles and divided into vertical avenues and horizontal streets, so you can walk across the entire Manhattan following just one street from top to bottom! So just wander wherever your feet take you, soak in the big-city atmosphere, and maybe admire the famous Christmas decorations at all the hotels and shops.
The multifunctional Trump Tower skyscraper...
...or St. Patrick's Cathedral. This building is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in North America, built in the second half of the 19th century, and its antique-looking appearance creates an interesting contrast to the otherwise modern street.
Don't forget the theater and the Radio City Music Hall concert venue...
...and you'll reach one of the biggest highlights of the entire city, the vibrant and colorful Times Square. It’s worth waiting here until dusk, when all the billboards light up and you won't know where to look first...
If you're a theater fan, you can walk over to Broadway and maybe catch a musical while you're at it? Just don't forget to book your tickets well in advance.
You can get everywhere in New York on foot, but if the distances start to feel like too much, you can always take the subway - the nearest station is never far away, and you can find a good connection using an offline app.
You'll discover the iconic Statue of Liberty, stand where everyone had to pass to start their American dream at the beginning of the last century, walk down Wall Street, and end your day at the quiet 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Starting today, you'll find the CityPASS useful for getting into the 5 best spots in NYC: the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and 3 places from this selection: Top of the Rock observation deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line, Intrepid Museum, and Guggenheim Museum. Just download the app, buy the pass, and don't worry about queues or buying tickets on-site.
You'll start today at the port in Battery Park, where you'll catch a ferry to Liberty Island, home to the symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty.
At the Statue, you'll also get a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. Once you've taken it all in, the ferry will take you over to Ellis Island, home to the immigration museum, and entry is also included in the pass.
Here you'll find everything about what the people who built the USA as we know it today had to go through, and you'll even spot a few Czechoslovak artifacts or folk costumes!
It's just a short walk from Battery Park to the financial Wall Street, where you can check out the stock exchange building and the Charging Bull statue...
...and you'll reach One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA, built right next to the original Twin Towers. You can still find their remains there, and underneath them is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which you can also visit using your CityPass.
You can't miss this place in NYC. This is where one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century took place, which impacted the entire world, and although it is a very sad event, the museum is designed sensitively and is definitely worth a visit.
You'll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit one of New York's best museums, and take in the night magic of the city that never sleeps, all from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
In the morning, you'll take a ride to Brooklyn to the Clark Street station, which is located near the Brooklyn Bridge.
What would a trip to NYC be without a walk across the majestic Brooklyn Bridge? The bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and offers you a panoramic view of the city, including the already familiar Statue of Liberty. To your right, you'll also see the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, Manhattan Bridge.
New York is a city of museums, and one of the best is definitely the MET art museum. You'll find famous paintings, ancient statues, and even an Egyptian temple brought directly from Aswan, standing here in all its glory complete with a water channel. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.
After lunch, you'll slowly head over to the Empire State Building. The best time to go in is between 3 and 4 PM—this way, you'll have plenty of time for the whole experience. Before you make it up to the 86th-floor observation deck, there's an interactive exhibit showing the construction of this once-unique skyscraper and photos of celebrities who stood exactly where you are now. And watch out for King Kong!
At the top, views of all of Manhattan and the slowly setting sun await you; just watch as the lights gradually flicker on and the city transforms...
If you have some extra time and feel like it, check out the Christmas markets at Union Square.
A more relaxed day is ahead of you, where you'll visit the museum from the movie Night at the Museum and you can go ice skating right in Central Park!
You'll start your day at the American Museum of Natural History, where you'll see exhibits on zoology and human culture, including the famous life-sized whale statue.
Not far from the museum, at the start of Central Park, you'll find the John Lennon memorial called Strawberry Fields. This place has a really peaceful vibe, and you might even catch a street performer playing one of his famous songs.
Walk further south through the park and you'll reach the iconic Wollman Rink. Skating in Central Park right in front of the Plaza Hotel is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your entire trip!
You can also go skating right under Rockefeller Center if you want to make the most of the big city.
You'll wrap up the trip at the city's landmark - Rockefeller Center with its breathtaking view, explore Little Italy and Chinatown in the heart of New York, and have some time for shopping, perhaps in one of the cute, unique Christmas shops.
Grand Central Terminal features a beautiful historic building and is well worth a visit.
From there, you'll head to the architecturally interesting Flatiron Building...
...and you'll reach Little Italy, where for a few streets you'll feel like you're on a different continent; you can grab some good Italian food and visit the best place to buy Christmas ornaments and gifts—the little shop Christmas in New York.
If the true Christmas atmosphere hasn't reached you yet, it definitely will here. Santas, Nutcrackers, ornaments of all different colors, shapes, and sizes – you won't leave here empty-handed.
From Italy, you'll head straight to Chinatown, packed with restaurants and fresh street seafood.
The highlight and conclusion of today will be the view from the Top of the Rock observatory. You had a beautiful view from the Empire State Building, but it had one disadvantage: you couldn't actually see that famous skyscraper itself. It's a different story at Top of the Rock - it offers an unobstructed view of the iconic ESB on one side and Central Park on the other. You really won't know where to look first, and the city will be laid out at your feet.
And once it gets dark and you've enjoyed the view, there's a surprise waiting for you down below. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the whole world, with thousands of lights and shining in all (not just) Christmas colors, stands right under Rockefeller Center.
- You can find more information about Christmas-related events, including ice rink operating hours and the tree lighting, here.
Opposite Rockefeller Center is the Saks department store, known for its winter light show, which is different every year and always worth seeing.
For shopping, you can check out the famous Macy's department store.
On your last day, you'll say goodbye to the Big Apple. If you have some time before your flight, revisit the places that captured your heart or go anywhere else that interests you. Just don't forget to get to the airport well in advance!
Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time in the city center and then get back to JFK airport the same way you arrived. Be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight! Have a great flight home.
Whether you've experienced NYC in summer or winter, you've seen the best of this unique metropolis of many faces, experienced both the present and history, and gained memories to last a lifetime! Maybe again sometime.🌍
Discover New York City, one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world. You only need less than a week to see the best sights, museums, and famous movie and TV show locations. Every season has its charm here - but who wouldn't want to experience NYC at Christmas time? In winter, you'll see the most beautiful Christmas trees, go ice skating in Central Park or in front of Rockefeller Center, and be dazzled by all the lights.
Welcome to the USA! Use your first day to acclimate and rest, because a week full of adventures awaits you!
After your long flight, head straight to your hotel. You can take a taxi or use the AirTrain JFK to reach Jamaica station and transfer to the subway from there. The easiest way to buy subway tickets is contactlessly right at the station; you can find out more here. If you have the time and energy, feel free to head out for your first walk and start soaking in the city's atmosphere.
On your first day, you'll discover the vast Central Park, the 5th Avenue shopping street and its main highlights, plus the famously chaotic Times Square.
Start your exploration by checking out one of the city's most famous and beautiful spots, Central Park. Walking from the north to the south end is a lovely stroll, where the park's colors and tranquility contrast with the skyscrapers in the background. You'll find plenty of beautiful nooks and both large and small ponds, as well as famous spots like...
...the romantic Bow Bridge, which you might know from plenty of movies...
...the architecturally interesting Bethesda Terrace with its fountain...
...or the Gapstow bridge, where Kevin from Home Alone hung out. From there, you'll see the iconic Plaza Hotel, which is definitely worth checking out.
At the end of Central Park, you'll connect to the long 5th Avenue, packed with landmarks, skyscrapers, and shops. New York streets are strategically laid out at right angles and divided into vertical avenues and horizontal streets, so you can walk across the entire Manhattan following just one street from top to bottom! So just wander wherever your feet take you, soak in the big-city atmosphere, and maybe admire the famous Christmas decorations at all the hotels and shops.
The multifunctional Trump Tower skyscraper...
...or St. Patrick's Cathedral. This building is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in North America, built in the second half of the 19th century, and its antique-looking appearance creates an interesting contrast to the otherwise modern street.
Don't forget the theater and the Radio City Music Hall concert venue...
...and you'll reach one of the biggest highlights of the entire city, the vibrant and colorful Times Square. It’s worth waiting here until dusk, when all the billboards light up and you won't know where to look first...
If you're a theater fan, you can walk over to Broadway and maybe catch a musical while you're at it? Just don't forget to book your tickets well in advance.
You can get everywhere in New York on foot, but if the distances start to feel like too much, you can always take the subway - the nearest station is never far away, and you can find a good connection using an offline app.
You'll discover the iconic Statue of Liberty, stand where everyone had to pass to start their American dream at the beginning of the last century, walk down Wall Street, and end your day at the quiet 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Starting today, you'll find the CityPASS useful for getting into the 5 best spots in NYC: the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and 3 places from this selection: Top of the Rock observation deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line, Intrepid Museum, and Guggenheim Museum. Just download the app, buy the pass, and don't worry about queues or buying tickets on-site.
You'll start today at the port in Battery Park, where you'll catch a ferry to Liberty Island, home to the symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty.
At the Statue, you'll also get a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. Once you've taken it all in, the ferry will take you over to Ellis Island, home to the immigration museum, and entry is also included in the pass.
Here you'll find everything about what the people who built the USA as we know it today had to go through, and you'll even spot a few Czechoslovak artifacts or folk costumes!
It's just a short walk from Battery Park to the financial Wall Street, where you can check out the stock exchange building and the Charging Bull statue...
...and you'll reach One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA, built right next to the original Twin Towers. You can still find their remains there, and underneath them is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which you can also visit using your CityPass.
You can't miss this place in NYC. This is where one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century took place, which impacted the entire world, and although it is a very sad event, the museum is designed sensitively and is definitely worth a visit.
You'll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit one of New York's best museums, and take in the night magic of the city that never sleeps, all from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
In the morning, you'll take a ride to Brooklyn to the Clark Street station, which is located near the Brooklyn Bridge.
What would a trip to NYC be without a walk across the majestic Brooklyn Bridge? The bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and offers you a panoramic view of the city, including the already familiar Statue of Liberty. To your right, you'll also see the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, Manhattan Bridge.
New York is a city of museums, and one of the best is definitely the MET art museum. You'll find famous paintings, ancient statues, and even an Egyptian temple brought directly from Aswan, standing here in all its glory complete with a water channel. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.
After lunch, you'll slowly head over to the Empire State Building. The best time to go in is between 3 and 4 PM—this way, you'll have plenty of time for the whole experience. Before you make it up to the 86th-floor observation deck, there's an interactive exhibit showing the construction of this once-unique skyscraper and photos of celebrities who stood exactly where you are now. And watch out for King Kong!
At the top, views of all of Manhattan and the slowly setting sun await you; just watch as the lights gradually flicker on and the city transforms...
If you have some extra time and feel like it, check out the Christmas markets at Union Square.
A more relaxed day is ahead of you, where you'll visit the museum from the movie Night at the Museum and you can go ice skating right in Central Park!
You'll start your day at the American Museum of Natural History, where you'll see exhibits on zoology and human culture, including the famous life-sized whale statue.
Not far from the museum, at the start of Central Park, you'll find the John Lennon memorial called Strawberry Fields. This place has a really peaceful vibe, and you might even catch a street performer playing one of his famous songs.
Walk further south through the park and you'll reach the iconic Wollman Rink. Skating in Central Park right in front of the Plaza Hotel is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your entire trip!
You can also go skating right under Rockefeller Center if you want to make the most of the big city.
You'll wrap up the trip at the city's landmark - Rockefeller Center with its breathtaking view, explore Little Italy and Chinatown in the heart of New York, and have some time for shopping, perhaps in one of the cute, unique Christmas shops.
Grand Central Terminal features a beautiful historic building and is well worth a visit.
From there, you'll head to the architecturally interesting Flatiron Building...
...and you'll reach Little Italy, where for a few streets you'll feel like you're on a different continent; you can grab some good Italian food and visit the best place to buy Christmas ornaments and gifts—the little shop Christmas in New York.
If the true Christmas atmosphere hasn't reached you yet, it definitely will here. Santas, Nutcrackers, ornaments of all different colors, shapes, and sizes – you won't leave here empty-handed.
From Italy, you'll head straight to Chinatown, packed with restaurants and fresh street seafood.
The highlight and conclusion of today will be the view from the Top of the Rock observatory. You had a beautiful view from the Empire State Building, but it had one disadvantage: you couldn't actually see that famous skyscraper itself. It's a different story at Top of the Rock - it offers an unobstructed view of the iconic ESB on one side and Central Park on the other. You really won't know where to look first, and the city will be laid out at your feet.
And once it gets dark and you've enjoyed the view, there's a surprise waiting for you down below. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the whole world, with thousands of lights and shining in all (not just) Christmas colors, stands right under Rockefeller Center.
- You can find more information about Christmas-related events, including ice rink operating hours and the tree lighting, here.
Opposite Rockefeller Center is the Saks department store, known for its winter light show, which is different every year and always worth seeing.
For shopping, you can check out the famous Macy's department store.
On your last day, you'll say goodbye to the Big Apple. If you have some time before your flight, revisit the places that captured your heart or go anywhere else that interests you. Just don't forget to get to the airport well in advance!
Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time in the city center and then get back to JFK airport the same way you arrived. Be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight! Have a great flight home.
Whether you've experienced NYC in summer or winter, you've seen the best of this unique metropolis of many faces, experienced both the present and history, and gained memories to last a lifetime! Maybe again sometime.🌍
itinerary by Eliska Hanakova
Discover New York City, one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world. You only need less than a week to see the best sights, museums, and famous movie and TV show locations. Every season has its charm here - but who wouldn't want to experience NYC at Christmas time? In winter, you'll see the most beautiful Christmas trees, go ice skating in Central Park or in front of Rockefeller Center, and be dazzled by all the lights.
Welcome to the USA! Use your first day to acclimate and rest, because a week full of adventures awaits you!
After your long flight, head straight to your hotel. You can take a taxi or use the AirTrain JFK to reach Jamaica station and transfer to the subway from there. The easiest way to buy subway tickets is contactlessly right at the station; you can find out more here. If you have the time and energy, feel free to head out for your first walk and start soaking in the city's atmosphere.
On your first day, you'll discover the vast Central Park, the 5th Avenue shopping street and its main highlights, plus the famously chaotic Times Square.
Start your exploration by checking out one of the city's most famous and beautiful spots, Central Park. Walking from the north to the south end is a lovely stroll, where the park's colors and tranquility contrast with the skyscrapers in the background. You'll find plenty of beautiful nooks and both large and small ponds, as well as famous spots like...
...the romantic Bow Bridge, which you might know from plenty of movies...
...the architecturally interesting Bethesda Terrace with its fountain...
...or the Gapstow bridge, where Kevin from Home Alone hung out. From there, you'll see the iconic Plaza Hotel, which is definitely worth checking out.
At the end of Central Park, you'll connect to the long 5th Avenue, packed with landmarks, skyscrapers, and shops. New York streets are strategically laid out at right angles and divided into vertical avenues and horizontal streets, so you can walk across the entire Manhattan following just one street from top to bottom! So just wander wherever your feet take you, soak in the big-city atmosphere, and maybe admire the famous Christmas decorations at all the hotels and shops.
The multifunctional Trump Tower skyscraper...
...or St. Patrick's Cathedral. This building is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in North America, built in the second half of the 19th century, and its antique-looking appearance creates an interesting contrast to the otherwise modern street.
Don't forget the theater and the Radio City Music Hall concert venue...
...and you'll reach one of the biggest highlights of the entire city, the vibrant and colorful Times Square. It’s worth waiting here until dusk, when all the billboards light up and you won't know where to look first...
If you're a theater fan, you can walk over to Broadway and maybe catch a musical while you're at it? Just don't forget to book your tickets well in advance.
You can get everywhere in New York on foot, but if the distances start to feel like too much, you can always take the subway - the nearest station is never far away, and you can find a good connection using an offline app.
You'll discover the iconic Statue of Liberty, stand where everyone had to pass to start their American dream at the beginning of the last century, walk down Wall Street, and end your day at the quiet 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Starting today, you'll find the CityPASS useful for getting into the 5 best spots in NYC: the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and 3 places from this selection: Top of the Rock observation deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line, Intrepid Museum, and Guggenheim Museum. Just download the app, buy the pass, and don't worry about queues or buying tickets on-site.
You'll start today at the port in Battery Park, where you'll catch a ferry to Liberty Island, home to the symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty.
At the Statue, you'll also get a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. Once you've taken it all in, the ferry will take you over to Ellis Island, home to the immigration museum, and entry is also included in the pass.
Here you'll find everything about what the people who built the USA as we know it today had to go through, and you'll even spot a few Czechoslovak artifacts or folk costumes!
It's just a short walk from Battery Park to the financial Wall Street, where you can check out the stock exchange building and the Charging Bull statue...
...and you'll reach One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA, built right next to the original Twin Towers. You can still find their remains there, and underneath them is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which you can also visit using your CityPass.
You can't miss this place in NYC. This is where one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century took place, which impacted the entire world, and although it is a very sad event, the museum is designed sensitively and is definitely worth a visit.
You'll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit one of New York's best museums, and take in the night magic of the city that never sleeps, all from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
In the morning, you'll take a ride to Brooklyn to the Clark Street station, which is located near the Brooklyn Bridge.
What would a trip to NYC be without a walk across the majestic Brooklyn Bridge? The bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and offers you a panoramic view of the city, including the already familiar Statue of Liberty. To your right, you'll also see the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, Manhattan Bridge.
New York is a city of museums, and one of the best is definitely the MET art museum. You'll find famous paintings, ancient statues, and even an Egyptian temple brought directly from Aswan, standing here in all its glory complete with a water channel. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.
After lunch, you'll slowly head over to the Empire State Building. The best time to go in is between 3 and 4 PM—this way, you'll have plenty of time for the whole experience. Before you make it up to the 86th-floor observation deck, there's an interactive exhibit showing the construction of this once-unique skyscraper and photos of celebrities who stood exactly where you are now. And watch out for King Kong!
At the top, views of all of Manhattan and the slowly setting sun await you; just watch as the lights gradually flicker on and the city transforms...
If you have some extra time and feel like it, check out the Christmas markets at Union Square.
A more relaxed day is ahead of you, where you'll visit the museum from the movie Night at the Museum and you can go ice skating right in Central Park!
You'll start your day at the American Museum of Natural History, where you'll see exhibits on zoology and human culture, including the famous life-sized whale statue.
Not far from the museum, at the start of Central Park, you'll find the John Lennon memorial called Strawberry Fields. This place has a really peaceful vibe, and you might even catch a street performer playing one of his famous songs.
Walk further south through the park and you'll reach the iconic Wollman Rink. Skating in Central Park right in front of the Plaza Hotel is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your entire trip!
You can also go skating right under Rockefeller Center if you want to make the most of the big city.
You'll wrap up the trip at the city's landmark - Rockefeller Center with its breathtaking view, explore Little Italy and Chinatown in the heart of New York, and have some time for shopping, perhaps in one of the cute, unique Christmas shops.
Grand Central Terminal features a beautiful historic building and is well worth a visit.
From there, you'll head to the architecturally interesting Flatiron Building...
...and you'll reach Little Italy, where for a few streets you'll feel like you're on a different continent; you can grab some good Italian food and visit the best place to buy Christmas ornaments and gifts—the little shop Christmas in New York.
If the true Christmas atmosphere hasn't reached you yet, it definitely will here. Santas, Nutcrackers, ornaments of all different colors, shapes, and sizes – you won't leave here empty-handed.
From Italy, you'll head straight to Chinatown, packed with restaurants and fresh street seafood.
The highlight and conclusion of today will be the view from the Top of the Rock observatory. You had a beautiful view from the Empire State Building, but it had one disadvantage: you couldn't actually see that famous skyscraper itself. It's a different story at Top of the Rock - it offers an unobstructed view of the iconic ESB on one side and Central Park on the other. You really won't know where to look first, and the city will be laid out at your feet.
And once it gets dark and you've enjoyed the view, there's a surprise waiting for you down below. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the whole world, with thousands of lights and shining in all (not just) Christmas colors, stands right under Rockefeller Center.
- You can find more information about Christmas-related events, including ice rink operating hours and the tree lighting, here.
Opposite Rockefeller Center is the Saks department store, known for its winter light show, which is different every year and always worth seeing.
For shopping, you can check out the famous Macy's department store.
On your last day, you'll say goodbye to the Big Apple. If you have some time before your flight, revisit the places that captured your heart or go anywhere else that interests you. Just don't forget to get to the airport well in advance!
Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time in the city center and then get back to JFK airport the same way you arrived. Be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight! Have a great flight home.
Whether you've experienced NYC in summer or winter, you've seen the best of this unique metropolis of many faces, experienced both the present and history, and gained memories to last a lifetime! Maybe again sometime.🌍
Discover New York City, one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world. You only need less than a week to see the best sights, museums, and famous movie and TV show locations. Every season has its charm here - but who wouldn't want to experience NYC at Christmas time? In winter, you'll see the most beautiful Christmas trees, go ice skating in Central Park or in front of Rockefeller Center, and be dazzled by all the lights.
Welcome to the USA! Use your first day to acclimate and rest, because a week full of adventures awaits you!
After your long flight, head straight to your hotel. You can take a taxi or use the AirTrain JFK to reach Jamaica station and transfer to the subway from there. The easiest way to buy subway tickets is contactlessly right at the station; you can find out more here. If you have the time and energy, feel free to head out for your first walk and start soaking in the city's atmosphere.
On your first day, you'll discover the vast Central Park, the 5th Avenue shopping street and its main highlights, plus the famously chaotic Times Square.
Start your exploration by checking out one of the city's most famous and beautiful spots, Central Park. Walking from the north to the south end is a lovely stroll, where the park's colors and tranquility contrast with the skyscrapers in the background. You'll find plenty of beautiful nooks and both large and small ponds, as well as famous spots like...
...the romantic Bow Bridge, which you might know from plenty of movies...
...the architecturally interesting Bethesda Terrace with its fountain...
...or the Gapstow bridge, where Kevin from Home Alone hung out. From there, you'll see the iconic Plaza Hotel, which is definitely worth checking out.
At the end of Central Park, you'll connect to the long 5th Avenue, packed with landmarks, skyscrapers, and shops. New York streets are strategically laid out at right angles and divided into vertical avenues and horizontal streets, so you can walk across the entire Manhattan following just one street from top to bottom! So just wander wherever your feet take you, soak in the big-city atmosphere, and maybe admire the famous Christmas decorations at all the hotels and shops.
The multifunctional Trump Tower skyscraper...
...or St. Patrick's Cathedral. This building is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in North America, built in the second half of the 19th century, and its antique-looking appearance creates an interesting contrast to the otherwise modern street.
Don't forget the theater and the Radio City Music Hall concert venue...
...and you'll reach one of the biggest highlights of the entire city, the vibrant and colorful Times Square. It’s worth waiting here until dusk, when all the billboards light up and you won't know where to look first...
If you're a theater fan, you can walk over to Broadway and maybe catch a musical while you're at it? Just don't forget to book your tickets well in advance.
You can get everywhere in New York on foot, but if the distances start to feel like too much, you can always take the subway - the nearest station is never far away, and you can find a good connection using an offline app.
You'll discover the iconic Statue of Liberty, stand where everyone had to pass to start their American dream at the beginning of the last century, walk down Wall Street, and end your day at the quiet 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Starting today, you'll find the CityPASS useful for getting into the 5 best spots in NYC: the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and 3 places from this selection: Top of the Rock observation deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line, Intrepid Museum, and Guggenheim Museum. Just download the app, buy the pass, and don't worry about queues or buying tickets on-site.
You'll start today at the port in Battery Park, where you'll catch a ferry to Liberty Island, home to the symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty.
At the Statue, you'll also get a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. Once you've taken it all in, the ferry will take you over to Ellis Island, home to the immigration museum, and entry is also included in the pass.
Here you'll find everything about what the people who built the USA as we know it today had to go through, and you'll even spot a few Czechoslovak artifacts or folk costumes!
It's just a short walk from Battery Park to the financial Wall Street, where you can check out the stock exchange building and the Charging Bull statue...
...and you'll reach One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA, built right next to the original Twin Towers. You can still find their remains there, and underneath them is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which you can also visit using your CityPass.
You can't miss this place in NYC. This is where one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century took place, which impacted the entire world, and although it is a very sad event, the museum is designed sensitively and is definitely worth a visit.
You'll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit one of New York's best museums, and take in the night magic of the city that never sleeps, all from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
In the morning, you'll take a ride to Brooklyn to the Clark Street station, which is located near the Brooklyn Bridge.
What would a trip to NYC be without a walk across the majestic Brooklyn Bridge? The bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and offers you a panoramic view of the city, including the already familiar Statue of Liberty. To your right, you'll also see the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, Manhattan Bridge.
New York is a city of museums, and one of the best is definitely the MET art museum. You'll find famous paintings, ancient statues, and even an Egyptian temple brought directly from Aswan, standing here in all its glory complete with a water channel. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.
After lunch, you'll slowly head over to the Empire State Building. The best time to go in is between 3 and 4 PM—this way, you'll have plenty of time for the whole experience. Before you make it up to the 86th-floor observation deck, there's an interactive exhibit showing the construction of this once-unique skyscraper and photos of celebrities who stood exactly where you are now. And watch out for King Kong!
At the top, views of all of Manhattan and the slowly setting sun await you; just watch as the lights gradually flicker on and the city transforms...
If you have some extra time and feel like it, check out the Christmas markets at Union Square.
A more relaxed day is ahead of you, where you'll visit the museum from the movie Night at the Museum and you can go ice skating right in Central Park!
You'll start your day at the American Museum of Natural History, where you'll see exhibits on zoology and human culture, including the famous life-sized whale statue.
Not far from the museum, at the start of Central Park, you'll find the John Lennon memorial called Strawberry Fields. This place has a really peaceful vibe, and you might even catch a street performer playing one of his famous songs.
Walk further south through the park and you'll reach the iconic Wollman Rink. Skating in Central Park right in front of the Plaza Hotel is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your entire trip!
You can also go skating right under Rockefeller Center if you want to make the most of the big city.
You'll wrap up the trip at the city's landmark - Rockefeller Center with its breathtaking view, explore Little Italy and Chinatown in the heart of New York, and have some time for shopping, perhaps in one of the cute, unique Christmas shops.
Grand Central Terminal features a beautiful historic building and is well worth a visit.
From there, you'll head to the architecturally interesting Flatiron Building...
...and you'll reach Little Italy, where for a few streets you'll feel like you're on a different continent; you can grab some good Italian food and visit the best place to buy Christmas ornaments and gifts—the little shop Christmas in New York.
If the true Christmas atmosphere hasn't reached you yet, it definitely will here. Santas, Nutcrackers, ornaments of all different colors, shapes, and sizes – you won't leave here empty-handed.
From Italy, you'll head straight to Chinatown, packed with restaurants and fresh street seafood.
The highlight and conclusion of today will be the view from the Top of the Rock observatory. You had a beautiful view from the Empire State Building, but it had one disadvantage: you couldn't actually see that famous skyscraper itself. It's a different story at Top of the Rock - it offers an unobstructed view of the iconic ESB on one side and Central Park on the other. You really won't know where to look first, and the city will be laid out at your feet.
And once it gets dark and you've enjoyed the view, there's a surprise waiting for you down below. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the whole world, with thousands of lights and shining in all (not just) Christmas colors, stands right under Rockefeller Center.
- You can find more information about Christmas-related events, including ice rink operating hours and the tree lighting, here.
Opposite Rockefeller Center is the Saks department store, known for its winter light show, which is different every year and always worth seeing.
For shopping, you can check out the famous Macy's department store.
On your last day, you'll say goodbye to the Big Apple. If you have some time before your flight, revisit the places that captured your heart or go anywhere else that interests you. Just don't forget to get to the airport well in advance!
Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time in the city center and then get back to JFK airport the same way you arrived. Be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight! Have a great flight home.
Whether you've experienced NYC in summer or winter, you've seen the best of this unique metropolis of many faces, experienced both the present and history, and gained memories to last a lifetime! Maybe again sometime.🌍
