Welcome to two riverfront neighbors with very different flavors. Newark is New Jersey’s oldest city, shaped by immigration waves and renowned today for its Ironbound neighborhood—where the aroma of garlic and charcoal-grilled seafood hangs over lively Portuguese and Spanish tascas. A few PATH stops away, New York City is an anthology of skylines, museums, neighborhoods, and late-night diners that never close.

Across nine days, you’ll stand beneath the Statue of Liberty, gaze across Manhattan from a cutting-edge observatory, walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, and bite into a perfect pastel de nata in Newark by noon. We’ve stitched together major sights with local haunts, giving you enough structure to see the greats and enough freedom to wander into your own stories.

Practical notes: book timed tickets (observation decks, Liberty/Ellis Island) and restaurants with high demand. PATH/NJ Transit make Newark–NYC hops simple and inexpensive. For flights into EWR/JFK/LGA, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Pack layers year-round; harbor breezes can be cooler than city streets.

Newark

Newark’s claim to fame stretches from the Prudential Center’s roar on game night to the serenity of Branch Brook Park’s 5,000 cherry trees—the largest collection in the U.S. Most deliciously, the Ironbound district is a feast of Portuguese bakeries, churrasqueiras, and wine bars where locals linger late.

• Top sights: Newark Museum of Art (American and global collections), Branch Brook Park (spring blossoms), Riverfront Park (orange boardwalk views), NJPAC (performing arts).
• Eat & drink: Fornos of Spain (classic paella and garlicky shrimp), Seabra’s Marisqueira (grilled octopus), Mompou (modern tapas), Teixeira’s Bakery (egg tarts), Black Swan Espresso (third-wave coffee).
• Family fun nearby: American Dream in East Rutherford—water park waves, Nickelodeon coasters, SEA LIFE aquarium, and mini golf.

Stay: Browse Newark stays on VRBO Newark or hotels on Hotels.com Newark.

Getting there: Fly into EWR and compare prices on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. AirTrain + NJ Transit gets you downtown in ~20–30 minutes; taxis/ride-shares take ~15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

New York City

New York needs no preface, but a few truths help. The city is best met on foot and by subway, one neighborhood at a time: Midtown’s theaters, Lower Manhattan’s deep history, Brooklyn’s waterfront, and uptown’s grand cultural mile along the park. Save time for serendipity—an unplanned detour often becomes the day’s headline.

• Icons: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Empire State Building, The Edge, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
• Bites to remember: Russ & Daughters (smoked fish bagels), Katz’s Delicatessen (pastrami), Los Tacos No.1 (asada on blue-corn tortillas), Joe’s Pizza (fold it hot), Keens (mutton chop), L’Artusi (pasta dreams).
• Great experiences: Harbor cruises at sunset, pedicab through Central Park, a neighborhood food walk, or a night helicopter flight for glittering skyline views.

Stay (NYC): Search broadly on VRBO New York City or Hotels.com New York City, or consider: - Pod 51 Hotel (budget-friendly, Midtown East, roof deck). - Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square (kitchenettes, central). - The St. Regis New York (grand Fifth Avenue address). - The Plaza Hotel (legendary Central Park South).

Newark ↔ NYC: PATH trains (Newark Penn to WTC) take ~25 minutes, about $3–$4. NJ Transit (Newark Penn to New York Penn) runs ~20 minutes, about $6–$7. Factor 45–60 minutes door-to-door with transfers.

Day 1: Arrive Newark, Ironbound Welcome

Afternoon: Land at EWR and settle in your Newark hotel. Shake off the flight with a coffee at Black Swan Espresso (single-origin pour-overs and excellent cold brew) then stroll Riverfront Park’s orange boardwalk for skyline peeks.

Evening: Feast in the Ironbound. Start with tinned fish or croquetas at Mompou, then a classic seafood-and-paella spread at Fornos of Spain or grilled octopus at Seabra’s Marisqueira. Cap with a pastel de nata at Teixeira’s Bakery and a glass of vinho verde along Ferry Street.

Day 2: Newark Culture + American Dream Fun + Night Helicopter

Morning: Brunch on eggs, potatoes, and house-made pão at Sabor Unido (Lusophone comfort). Explore the Newark Museum of Art’s diverse galleries and the tranquil Ballantine House period rooms.

Afternoon: Head to American Dream (20–25 minutes by car). Families love wave sessions at the DreamWorks Water Park, coasters at Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE’s city-themed tanks, and mini golf—great rainy-day backup too.

Evening: See NYC glitter from the sky on this flight from New Jersey: New York City Night Lights Helicopter Tour from New Jersey. Expect 15–20 minutes over the harbor, Statue of Liberty, and Midtown’s towers—prime photo moments.

Day 3: Transfer to NYC, Midtown Orientation, Times Square Lights

Morning: Grab a coffee and custard tart to-go, then ride PATH (Newark Penn → WTC) or NJ Transit (Newark Penn → NY Penn). Door-to-door to your Manhattan hotel runs ~45 minutes.

Afternoon: Meet the skyline at one of NYC’s most inventive lookout experiences: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Mirror-filled rooms, immersive art, and 360° views over the Chrysler Building make it a headliner.

Evening: Walk Grand Central’s starry ceiling, unwind in Bryant Park, then step into Times Square after dark. Eat nearby at Joe Allen (pre-theater American classics), Dos Caminos (tacos and margaritas), or Ippudo (ramen). Night owls can chase a slice at Joe’s Pizza.

Day 4: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Financial District

Morning: Go early for smoother security and fewer crowds with this guided experience: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry. Hear immigrant stories, decode Lady Liberty’s symbolism, and enjoy reserved ferry access.

Afternoon: Back on Manhattan, pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial pools and explore Wall Street’s canyons—Trinity Church, the NYSE facade, and Federal Hall’s Washington statue. Lunch ideas: Luke’s Lobster (rolls), Eataly Downtown (Italian stalls), or Kesté (Neapolitan pizza).

Evening: Dine by the water at The Fulton (seafood) or stroll the historic cobbles of Stone Street for convivial pubs and shared plates. Nightcap with skyline views at a FiDi rooftop.

Day 5: Central Park Day—Museums, Rowboats, and Classic Eats

Morning: Bagel breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel or a lox-and-schmear at Russ & Daughters. Enter Central Park at The Mall, detour to Bethesda Terrace, and—weather permitting—row a boat at the Loeb Boathouse lagoon.

Afternoon: Choose your museum: The Met (ancient to contemporary, don’t miss the Temple of Dendur) or the American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs, the blue whale). Quick bites: Daily Provisions (crullers, chicken sandwiches) or Gray’s Papaya for an old-school hot dog.

Evening: See a Broadway show. For pre-theater, try Becco (pasta trio), Carmine’s (family-style Italian), or Don Antonio (fried Neapolitan pizza). Late dessert at Junior’s (cheesecake) near Times Square.

Day 6: Brooklyn Bridge Sunrise, DUMBO, Williamsburg

Morning: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge early for golden light and fewer crowds. Coffee at Butler (DUMBO) with a cardamom bun, then photos at Washington Street’s famed bridge-framed view.

Afternoon: Ride the ferry up to Williamsburg. Browse vintage on Bedford Avenue, people-watch at Domino Park, and enjoy lunch at Lilia (pasta; hard to book), Misi (seasonal veg + handmade pasta), or a casual pie at Vinnie’s or L’industrie.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at Westlight (top of The William Vale) with sweeping views. Return to Manhattan for late bites in the East Village—Xi’an Famous Foods (hand-pulled noodles) or B&H Dairy (old-school counter).

Day 7: High Line, Chelsea Market, and a Dinner Cruise

Morning: MoMA for modern masterworks (arrive at opening for quieter galleries). Alternatively, explore Hudson Yards’ shops and public art before walking the High Line’s elevated gardens.

Afternoon: Graze through Chelsea Market: Los Tacos No.1 (adobada), Very Fresh Noodles (hand-pulled biang biang), and Miznon (roasted cauliflower in pita). Browse indie galleries on 24th Street if you love contemporary art.

Evening: Celebrate with harbor views, a multi-course meal, and live music on this New York City Dinner Cruise with Live Music. It’s a romantic way to see the Statue of Liberty illuminated and the skyline in full glow.

Day 8: Choose-Your-Own-New York—Neighborhoods and Views

Morning: Coffee crawl in Greenwich Village (Agnes B. Café, Think Coffee) and a leisurely breakfast at Buvette (savory waffles) or Jack’s Wife Freda (Mediterranean flair). Wander Washington Square Park’s arch and buskers.

Afternoon: SoHo shopping and cast-iron architecture, then Nolita’s boutiques. Lunch at Prince Street Pizza (thick pepperoni squares) or Rubirosa (vodka-sauce thin crust). If you missed an observatory, consider Edge at Hudson Yards or the Empire State Building for classic Art Deco drama.

Evening: Little Italy and Chinatown food-hop—Shanghai 21 (soup dumplings), Wah Fung (roast meats to-go), Ferrara (cannoli). Cocktail hour at a speakeasy-style bar in the Lower East Side.

Day 9: Farewell Brunch and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Balthazar (SoHo brasserie) or Sadelle’s (bagels and towers). Last-minute souvenirs in Grand Central Market or Chelsea Market depending on your route.

Afternoon: Aim for the airport 3 hours ahead for international, 2 hours for domestic. Compare rides and flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If flying EWR and staying in Manhattan, NJ Transit from New York Penn to the AirTrain is typically the fastest budget option.

Optional Add-Ons (Swap into Any Open Afternoon/Evening)

- Architecture lovers can circle the island by yacht, or cruise 90 minutes past Liberty and the bridges. Broadway fans should lock tickets early for popular shows. Families can dedicate a full day to American Dream’s water park and attractions.

Featured Viator Activities (Booked Above in Your Days)

• New York City Night Lights Helicopter Tour from New Jersey
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
• New York City Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Where you stay shapes your trip rhythm—Ironbound’s convivial restaurants set a relaxed tone, while Midtown’s late-night glow keeps you within steps of theaters and landmarks. Use PATH and ferries to make transit scenic, and keep one or two evening slots open for last-minute tickets or a spontaneous neighborhood find.

From Liberty Island’s torch to a helicopter’s twinkling flyover, this 9-day plan threads together the big hits and the local love. You’ll leave with a camera full of skylines—and a craving to come back for the bites you didn’t get to yet.