New York State has been a crossroads of people and ideas for centuries. From the Lenape homeland and Dutch New Amsterdam to today’s global metropolis, New York City is packed with icons—Grand Central’s celestial ceiling, the Empire State Building’s spire, and Lady Liberty’s torch. Upstate, the roar of Niagara has drawn awe-struck visitors since the 1800s, including painters of the Hudson River School and royalty from Europe.

Mid-October is prime time for fall color and cozy meals. Expect 50–65°F, with your first two days forecast to be stormy and wet—perfect for world-class museums and indoor gems—followed by clearer skies for parks, harbor views, and an easy onward hop to Niagara Falls (USA side). You’ll keep walking manageable, with seated tours, great transit, and well-timed breaks.

Practical notes: Reserve popular restaurants and Broadway shows in advance. Wear waterproof shoes and a light rain shell for the early wet days; bring layers for crisp evenings. NYC’s subway offers elevators at many stations; taxis and rideshares are plentiful. If you want to cross into Canada at Niagara, bring your passport—this plan focuses on the USA side.

New York City

Few cities balance grandeur and grit like New York. You’ll sip coffee under Beaux-Arts arches, wander through galleries that changed modern art, and hear the soundtrack of the city on a Broadway stage. Midtown makes logistics easy; the Upper West Side is quieter and leafy; Downtown brims with history.

• Top sights: Grand Central Terminal, New York Public Library, The Met, MoMA, Central Park, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge.
• Dining highlights: Old New York steakhouses, classic Jewish delis, Little Italy and Koreatown staples, modern bistros, and superb bakeries for on-the-go mornings.
• Fun fact: Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants from 1892–1954, reshaping American culture.

Where to stay: Search well-located stays near Bryant Park, Midtown, or the Upper West Side via VRBO or Hotels.com. Look for elevator access and proximity to subway lines (B/D/F/M, 1/2/3, 4/5/6).

Getting there: Book flights into JFK/LGA/EWR via Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Typical taxi/ride-share time to Midtown: 35–75 minutes depending on airport and traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Grand Central & Broadway (rainy)

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Keep it indoors: wander Grand Central Terminal (the Main Concourse’s starry ceiling and the Whispering Gallery). Duck into the Grand Central Market or the food hall for an easy bite. Pop into the New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room—calm, beautiful, and dry.

Evening: Early dinner near the theater district: try Keens Steakhouse (house mutton chop, historic clay-pipe ceiling), or Gallagher’s (classic grill room). See a show such as Wicked, The Lion King, or MJ. Aim for orchestra seats with minimal stairs; arrive 20–30 minutes early.

Day 2: The Met, Midtown Art, and SUMMIT (rainy)

Morning: The Metropolitan Museum of Art—focus on two wings to avoid fatigue: the Egyptian Temple of Dendur and the American Wing (Tiffany glass, period rooms). Coffee and a sit-down break at the Balcony Lounge or one of the cafés.

Afternoon: Head to MoMA or The Morgan Library & Museum for a calmer indoor gem (illuminated manuscripts, J.P. Morgan’s study). Lunch ideas: Café Sabarsky (Austrian pastries and schnitzel), or Ess-a-Bagel (classic New York bagels; order “the works”).

Evening: Experience an immersive, mostly indoor observation deck: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket for reflective art rooms, mirrored vistas, and a glass ledge. Reserve sunset if skies clear; otherwise, the installation itself is a spectacle.

Dinner: Warm up in Koreatown at Hangawi (vegetarian Korean, shoes off, serene) or Jongro BBQ (lively grills). Dessert: Lady M mille crêpes or a slice at Magnolia Bakery.

Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Historic Downtown (clear)

Morning: Take a guided visit to America’s doorstep: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options. You’ll get reserve access and expert context on immigrant stories. Wear layers for the ferry breeze.

Afternoon: Lunch at Fraunces Tavern (Revolution-era haunt; hearty pub fare) or Leo’s Bagels (excellent fish and spreads). Stroll the 9/11 Memorial pools and the Oculus indoors if you prefer to stay dry and seated.

Evening: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge at golden hour for skyline views with frequent benches on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Dinner in DUMBO: Juliana’s (coal-fired pizza) or waterfront Italian at Cecconi’s.

Day 4: See the City in Comfort + Central Park (clear)

Morning & Afternoon: Let a licensed guide do the navigating on the highly rated New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour. It’s a curated, hop-off bus day hitting Midtown, Central Park surroundings, and key neighborhoods with minimal walking and lots of context.

Evening: If you skipped Central Park earlier, add a gentle pedicab spin around the park’s highlights, then dine on the Upper West Side: Jacob’s Pickles (comfort dishes, stellar biscuits) or Nice Matin (French-leaning brasserie). Nightcap: jazz with a view at Dizzy’s Club at Columbus Circle (reserve seats).

Niagara Falls (USA)

Two nights at Niagara Falls balance the city with thundering nature. The American side offers easy access to Goat Island, Prospect Point, and the Observation Tower, with nightly illuminations and seasonal fireworks. It’s a scenic, senior-friendly base—elevators to viewpoints and benches along the paths.

• Top sights: Prospect Point, Goat Island, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls State Park.
• Dining highlights: historic inns, regional wines nearby, and hearty American fare perfect after a misty boat ride.
• Fun fact: Nikola Tesla’s AC power station at Niagara (1895) helped electrify the modern world.

Where to stay (USA side): Search near the park for short walks—The Giacomo, Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, Seneca Niagara Resort—via VRBO or Hotels.com.

Getting from NYC to Niagara (Day 5 morning): Fly from LGA/JFK/EWR to Buffalo (BUF) in ~1h30. Typical one-way fares run ~$90–180 if booked early. Search with Kiwi.com or Trip.com. From BUF, it’s a 35–45 minute ride-share or hotel shuttle to the falls (about $50–80).

Day 5: Fly to Niagara, First Views, Illumination

Morning: Fly to Buffalo and transfer to your hotel on the USA side. Drop bags and have lunch at Savor (at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute) or Power City Eatery (house-baked breads, soups).

Afternoon: Start gently at Prospect Point and the Observation Tower—elevators make it easy. Stroll Goat Island’s paved paths to Terrapin Point for a different perspective; benches abound for rests and photos.

Evening: Dinner at the historic Red Coach Inn (prime rib, Yorkshire pudding). After dusk, watch the Illumination of the Falls—colors shift every few minutes; check the schedule posted in the park.

Day 6: Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds (guided, easy logistics)

Day tour: Join the comprehensive All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE—a convenient way to see Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and key overlooks with transport and timing handled. Ponchos provided; wear grippy shoes. Elevators access both the boat and Cave areas; the “Hurricane Deck” is optional if you prefer to stay drier.

Evening: Celebrate with a relaxed dinner: Wine on Third (small plates, local wines) or return to the Red Coach Inn for comfort favorites. If you have energy, cap the night with one last illuminated viewpoint from Luna Island.

Day 7: Whirlpool Views and Departure

Morning: Coffee and a light breakfast, then a short hop to Whirlpool State Park for an overlook of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool (minimal walking from parking to viewpoints). Pack, check out, and transfer to BUF.

Afternoon: Fly onward via Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Aim for a mid-afternoon departure to avoid early-morning rush.

Optional/Swap-In Experiences for Clear NYC Days

• Prefer a harbor view in NYC? Book the short Statue ferry alternative another day, or save time with a views-first bus tour like the one below.
• Iconic skyline morning or afternoon: NYC Empire State Building Admission Ticket (schedule for a clear window). Note: this is an optional add—choose it only if swapping with another activity.

Accessibility & Pacing Tips

• Use taxis/rideshares for crosstown trips; save steps for museums and parks.
• Most major NYC museums offer plentiful seating and elevators; request courtesy seating if needed.
• At Niagara, elevators serve Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds; choose viewing decks that match your comfort level.

Dining Shortlist by Area

• Midtown: Keens (steakhouse classic), The Modern Bar Room (near MoMA, seasonal plates), Urbanspace Food Halls (variety under one roof).
• Lower Manhattan: Fraunces Tavern (historic pub), Blue Smoke (barbecue), Leo’s Bagels.
• Uptown: Jacob’s Pickles (comfort fare), Barney Greengrass (smoked fish institution), Café Sabarsky.
• Niagara Falls USA: Red Coach Inn (old-world ambiance), Savor (Culinary Institute), Wine on Third (casual wine bar).

One More NYC Crowd-Pleaser (if you want a guided overview)

If you’d like a single concise day that strings together the city’s headline sights with minimal logistics, consider the New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (already placed on Day 4 above). It’s efficient, informative, and saves your legs for evenings out.

Swap for another clear NYC morning (Outdoor Icon)

Prefer Liberty up close but shorter? The quick harbor option: Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise (choose this only if replacing another activity).

Note: You’ll already have four featured Viator experiences scheduled (SUMMIT, Liberty & Ellis, NYC in One Day, and Niagara All-Inclusive). The last two blocks offer optional swaps if weather or interests change.

Wrap-up: In a single week, you’ll experience New York’s cultural heart—museums, parks, and Broadway—then exhale to the natural spectacle of Niagara. Rainy-day curation up front keeps you comfortable, while clearer days deliver big views and easy pacing. You’ll head home with history, skyline, and waterfall mist in your memory.