Layovers: The bane of every traveler’s existence. So how can you make the most of your layover? I have created an itinerary for exactly that– to ensure you hit the top tourist spots. Continue reading to find out how to spend your 5 hour layover in New York City. Note: transit time from the airport and back not included. I recommend that you factor in an extra 2 hours for transit time.
And yes, this may sound like a ridiculously long and exhaustive feat, but with perseverance and the right shoes, it is possible. I speak from experience!
5 hour Layover in New York City
Spot# 1: Grand Central Station
If you have a layover in New York City, you are going to be making your way to either Grand Central Station or Penn Station in order to explore the city. If you are at all a Gossip Girl fanatic like myself, you are going to get off at Grand Central Station and look up to the balcony in hopes of spotting “Serena Van Der Woodsen, bags in hand.” Take in the exquisitely painted ceiling and make your way up the steps to get an iconic photo of yourself living your best #gossipgirl life.
Spot# 2: Broadway
Next stop, the infamous Broadway. Though there isn’t enough time in to actually go see a show, standing outside of it, is an experience in itself.
- Broadway Street– You can visit Broadway either from Grand Central Station or Penn Station. If you get off at Penn Station, walk up Broadway Street and see mesmerizing buildings, locals walking at the speed of light, shops lit up so brightly you mistake them for clubs, and street performers on every block.
- 7th Avenue – Walk up 7th Avenue (aka Fashion Ave) if you are a fashion enthusiast like myself. You’ll notice people dressed as if they were the cast of The Devil Wears Prada. Look up and see architecturally gorgeous buildings, and look down to see the names of Fashion legends listed on the ground (similar to Hollywood Walk of Fame). Lastly, spot the large sculpture of a man on a sewing machine.
Nevertheless, whichever street you take, you make it to Broadway and see enormous posters of Harry Potter, Aladdin, The Lion King, and many more that makes your inner 90’s kid heart jump with joy.
Spot# 3: Times Square
A few blocks from Broadway is the legendary Time Square. And if you are like me, “New York” by Alicia Keys starts blasting through your brain while you walk up the red staircases and take in the 360 view of the city. That is the moment you feel like this is the city where anything is possible.
Spot #4: Radio City Music Hall
After a short stop to Times Square, continue to Radio City Music Hall. Take a minor detour to eat at the HALAL GUYS! My personal favorite is the chicken over rice with extra sauce. Radio City Music Hall is across from the Halal Guys, so check another attraction off your list!
Spot # 5: Rockefeller Center
Once you have demolished the chicken and the rice and your mouth is on fire– you can walk on down to Rockefeller Center. If you visit during Christmas time, everything is covered in Christmas decorations – from a towering Christmas Tree to a huge Ice Skating Rink smack dab in the middle where you see adults attempting to ice skate, but mostly falling on their butts.
Spot #6: 5th Avenue
Next stop is 5th Avenue to see what the #gossipgirl hype is about. You can window shop at the most luxurious stores: Saks 5th, Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Henri Bendel and more and live out all of your high fashion dreams.
Spot# 7: Charging Bull
You aren’t a true New Yorker unless you’ve been on the subway. So make your way to the train where *hopefully* you see a large rat and smell a hint of urine because that is how you get initiated.
And finally you have arrived at the sculpture of the Charging Bull. Get in line and take a picture (or cut the line like I did—shhh just kidding, kinda) and rub the Bull’s balls for luck – apparently it’s a thing.
Pro Tip: If you are also interested in seeing the statue of the Fearless Girl, unfortunately it is no longer there. It has been relocated across from the New York Stock Exchange.
Spot# 8: Statue of Liberty
Going to NYC and not getting a glimpse of the Statue of a Liberty is unheard of! Sadly, there is not enough time to take the ferry over to Liberty Island and see the statue up close and personal. However, seeing it from a distance is just as mesmerizing.
Walk up to the loading dock and spot the Statue of Liberty from afar and enjoy the view from across the water.
Spot# 9: 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 memorial is located in the exact location of where the World Trade Center buildings were located. There are two enormous reflecting pools located in the same place as the Twin Towers.
This memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honors the people that lost their lives, to show that they will forever be in our hearts. So take a few minutes to remember and pay your respects.
Spot# 10: The Oculus
With a roller coaster of emotions from your layover, you walk into the closest Pizza Shop, grab a NYC pizza slice, rest your feet, and take a minute to take it all in. Finally you can make your way to the Oculus- gaze at this gorgeous and architecturally impressive building from the outside and enter to see an even more dramatically extraordinary interior. You make your way downstairs and hop onto a train like the pro you are now.
Having hit some of the most iconic spots during your 5 hour layover in New York City, you can return to the airport with a smile on your face, with only one thought running through your mind- I need to wear better shoes next time!
Looking for more New York City articles? Check out the travel section here!
Woah, this is an epic layover! I actually had a layover in NYC a few months ago, a little longer than 5 hours but nevertheless I didn’t do half of this! Haha. Though we did go out to the Statue of Liberty as my partner had never been, so that took up a big chunk of the day. We did go to the 9/11 memorial, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square though, so not too bad! Times Square is horrendously manic, I think Broadway would have been a bit more fun to see.
It’s quite the ambitious schedule for sure! And yes, visiting the Statue of Liberty is a big chunk of time. You’ll have to go back and check out the other spots!