Here’s a 7-day New York itinerary, designed to give you a full experience of the city’s highlights, including dining suggestions (with vegetarian options) and free activities. Each day is structured to balance sightseeing with downtime, so you don’t feel rushed, and features a mix of iconic landmarks and local gems.

New York City, New York, Stati Uniti

7-Day New York Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide with Eating Suggestions (also Veggie)

Dinner:Nish Nush (Tribeca) – A vegetarian Mediterranean spot known for its hummus, falafel, and salads.

Day 1: Central Park, Museums & Upper West Side

Morning:Start at Central Park: Stroll through the park, visiting key spots like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields (John Lennon Memorial).

Free Activity: Explore Central Park's scenic paths and stop at Belvedere Castle and Conservatory Garden (free entry).

Afternoon:The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Pay-what-you-wish admission) – Spend a couple of hours exploring world-class art and exhibits. If you prefer natural history, visit The American Museum of Natural History (also pay-what-you-wish).

Dinner:Red Bamboo (Greenwich Village) – Vegetarian comfort food, offering plant-based versions of soul food classics.

Morning:Take the Staten Island Ferry (free) for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Explore Battery Park, and take in more views of the harbor.

Free Activity: Stroll around Brookfield Place, a shopping complex with impressive architecture and great views of the Hudson. 

Lunch:By Chloe (Upper East Side) – Plant-based restaurant known for creative vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Free Activity: Walk along Riverside Park after your museum visit, which stretches along the Hudson River with lovely views.

Afternoon:Walk through Wall Street and visit the New York Stock Exchange. Head over to One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial (free). You can visit the 9/11 Museum or take in views from the One World Observatory (tickets needed, buy them on Get Your Guide or Viator).

Lunch:2 Bros. Pizza or 99¢ Fresh Pizza. These are very famous in New york and you can find them in differnt areas. You can but a good pizza with a drink for few dollars. This is part of the true NY experience.

Morning: Start at Times Square – Explore the bustling heart of the city and get some iconic photos.Free Activity: Visit Bryant Park – A great spot to relax with green space and free events (yoga, chess tables, etc.). Walk over to the New York Public Library (free entry) and check out the stunning architecture inside.

Lunch: Souvlaki GR (Midtown) – Authentic Greek fare with vegetarian options. Try the falafel pita or salads. Alternative: Little Beet – A health-conscious spot with a variety of plant-based bowls and dishes.

Afternoon: Visit Grand Central Terminal – A historic site with free guided tours, it’s one of NYC’s most beautiful landmarks. Top of the Rock: Take in panoramic views from the Rockefeller Center observation deck. Alternatively, you could visit the Empire State Building, but Top of the Rock offers better views of Central Park and the Empire State itself.

Dinner:ABC Kitchen – A chic spot with farm-to-table cuisine and excellent vegetarian dishes (reservations recommended).

Evening:Catch a Broadway Show – TKTS Booth in Times Square offers discounted tickets. Alternatively, enjoy a free performance in Bryant Park if available (normally during summer, but in winter you can find the ice rink).

Morning:Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (free) – Start your day with this iconic walk, offering amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. Once across, explore DUMBO, a trendy neighborhood with art galleries and cafes.

Lunch:Superfine (DUMBO) – A casual eatery with seasonal and vegetarian-friendly dishes.Alternative: Westville Dumbo – A neighborhood favorite for fresh, locally-sourced meals.

Afternoon:Brooklyn Heights Promenade (free) – Stroll along this scenic walkway, offering unbeatable views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden (free on Fridays from 10 AM to noon, otherwise $18) or Prospect Park.

Dinner:Modern Love (Brooklyn) – A creative vegan restaurant offering hearty and satisfying dishes.

Morning:Explore Greenwich Village – Wander through this historic neighborhood, checking out charming streets and cafes.

Free Activity: Stop by Washington Square Park for some great people-watching, street performances, and views of the famous arch.

Lunch:Katz’s Delicatessen – Head to the Lower East Side to enjoy a classic New York deli experience. Katz’s is famous for its massive pastrami sandwiches and has been featured in numerous films, including the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan’s character famously fakes an orgasm. They also offer vegetarian-friendly options, including egg salad and cheese sandwiches.

Afternoon:Head over to SoHo for shopping and art galleries. SoHo is famous for its high-end boutiques and trendy spots, but it’s also home to numerous art galleries.

Free Activity: Visit the Artists Space Gallery or SculptureCenter (both offer free entry).

Dinner: Cafe Clover – A trendy, health-conscious restaurant with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.Alternative: Hard Rock Cafe in Time Square.

Morning:The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Free on Friday evenings (otherwise $25 entry). Spend a couple of hours exploring one of the world’s best collections of modern art. If you prefer history, visit The Tenement Museum (Lower East Side) to learn about NYC’s immigrant history.

Evening:You can't miss to see New York City from one of its famous rooftops, so here 2 alternatives nearby the diner:

Lunch:Jajaja Plantas Mexicana (Lower East Side) – Vegan Mexican food with a fun and fresh twist.

Afternoon:Stroll the High Line (free) – This elevated park offers art installations, gardens, and great city views. End at Hudson Yards and visit The Vessel (ticketed entry for some levels, but free to visit the ground level).

Dinner:Ellen’s Stardust Diner – A famous 1950s-themed diner in Times Square where the waitstaff are also Broadway performers, making it a fun, lively dinner experience. They offer a variety of American classics, including vegetarian-friendly options like veggie burgers and salads.

Morning:Take a walking tour of Harlem – Visit landmarks like the Apollo Theater, Marcus Garvey Park, and Sylvia’s Restaurant for a taste of soul food.

Free Activity: Visit The Cathedral of St. John the Divine (free entry), one of the largest cathedrals in the world, located in Morningside Heights.

Lunch:Seasoned Vegan – A popular vegan soul food spot offering unique dishes like plant-based gumbo and crawfish.Alternative: Levain Bakery – Famous for its massive cookies (grab a vegetarian-friendly treat).

Afternoon:Spend time at The Cloisters – Part of the Met Museum, this medieval art museum and garden is tucked away in Fort Tryon Park (free with Met admission). Explore Fort Tryon Park itself, offering beautiful views of the Hudson River and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.

Dinner:Skylight Diner - Let's get back to the 34th street and let's have a dinner in a real 24/24h diner.

Alternative: The Butcher's Daughter (Lower Manhattan) – A mostly vegetarian, farm-to-table eatery with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Alternative: Peacefood Café (Upper West Side) – A cozy spot with a fully vegan menu.

Alternative: Paulie Gee's – Known for its wood-fired pizzas with vegetarian and vegan options.

7-Day New York Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide with Eating Suggestions (also Veggie)

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