Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.
You’ve made your bucket list and filtered it down to about 5 highlights a day. Now let’s get them organized and get your itinerary flowing.
Step 1: get them on the map!
I’m a visual person and I think you might too. So print below empty NYC map and start organizing your highlights on it.
For now it doesn’t have to be exactly. But the first step is to organize your highlights by area. This will limit your travel time and will give you more time to wander and enjoy all the city has to offer.
For example,
Rockefeller, St Patricks Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall are all in the same few blocks. So is Saks btw :).
Group them at the same time and this will give you time to have a cocktail at Waldorf Astoria and enjoy the old glory the city has to offer.
Step 2: opening hours!
It’s a contradiction, but in the city that never sleeps there still exist opening hours. Best to check the official site for the most up to date opening hours.
Check if there is a pay-what-you-want day. Several musea have 1 day or afternoon when you can pay what you want. Try to go that day ;).
Next check the exact address on the site and prepare how to get there. Many sites will tell you which subway to take.
Step 3: open Google Maps!
Find the exact location. 1071 5th Avenue doesn’t tell you a thing, does it? It’s the Guggenheim. But if I tell you 5th between 88th & 89th, you immediately know it’s on the Upper East Side. Look for the nearest subway station to find out which line to take.
Extra tip:
Use your Subway app or Google Maps to calculate the travel time. This will help you to be on time. I’ll admit…NYC is the only place where I seem to be able to be on time ;).
Step 4: fill the gaps!
You know the highlight, the location and the opening hours. Now it’s time to plan around it.
Again, Google Maps is your best friend here. Zoom in and find stores, restaurants, must see’s near your highlight. It’s the easiest way to find everything in the area. Would be a shame if you miss a great place just because you had no idea it was around the corner.
Planning a little Insta shoot at the Flat Iron Building around lunch? You will find a Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, but even better an Eataly around the corner. Don’t let hangry spoil your visit is my motto ;).
You might think I’m obsessed, but really Google Maps is my best friend while planning a NYC trip :). It’s the whole city at your fingertips.
Step 5: write it all down!
You now have all the information you need. So time to fill in your itinerary by day. You can choose my template here.
And don’t forget. Planning is part of the fun. Put on some music and enjoy!
Always in an Empire State of Mind,
B
PS: Looking for some extra items to fill your itinerary? The book NYC Guide for Instagrammers from Silvie Bonne is a great book. It gives you little gems for every highlight. Oh, and the photography is a gem on itself!
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