5-Day New York, Boston Itinerary

Day 1: Metropolitan EleganceNew York

Daily cost: $280

10:00 AMMetropolitan Museum of Art

Explore Egyptian wing and European paintings with your partner in winter's quieter galleries.

Category: World-Class Museum · Cost: $30

Tip: Visit the Temple of Dendur at opening for romantic morning light.

2:30 PMCentral Park Winter Stroll

Hand-in-hand walk through snow-dusted paths to Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain.

Category: Romantic Walk · Cost: $0

Tip: Duck into the Conservatory Garden for heated greenhouse warmth.

6:00 PMLincoln Center Evening

Attend a Metropolitan Opera or New York Philharmonic performance together.

Category: Cultural Performance · Cost: $120

Tip: Book intermission champagne service in advance for special couples experience.

9:30 PMTop of the Rock Night Views

Share intimate Empire State Building views under winter stars.

Category: Romantic Viewpoint · Cost: $45

Tip: December sunsets at 4:30 PM create magical golden hour lighting.

breakfast: Sarabeth's

Upper East Side · Elegant brunch spot, couples favorite

Must order: Lemon ricotta pancakes, Smoked salmon Benedict

Cost: $35/person

lunch: The Plaza Food Hall

Midtown · Upscale food court, diverse options

Must order: Lobster roll, Artisanal gelato

Cost: $28/person

dinner: Daniel

Upper East Side · Michelin-starred French, romantic ambiance

Must order: Tasting menu, Wine pairing

Cost: $180/person

Stay: The Plaza Hotel

Fifth Avenue · $450-$650/night

Day 2: Modern Art & Village FlavorsNew York

Daily cost: $260

10:00 AMMuseum of Modern Art

Discover Van Gogh, Picasso, and contemporary installations in intimate December galleries.

Category: Modern Art · Cost: $25

Tip: Free admission Fridays 4-8 PM for NY residents with ID.

2:00 PMGreenwich Village Food Tour

Guided tasting tour through historic Village covering pizza, gelato, and craft cocktails.

Category: Culinary Experience · Cost: $85

Tip: Tour includes Joe's Pizza slice where Frank Sinatra ate regularly.

6:00 PMHigh Line Winter Walk

Stroll elevated park decorated with winter lights and art installations.

Category: Urban Park · Cost: $0

Tip: Gansevoort Overlook offers best Hudson River sunset views.

8:30 PMJazz at Blue Note

Intimate jazz club experience with world-class musicians and craft cocktails.

Category: Live Music · Cost: $45

Tip: Reserve front row table for best sound and musician interaction.

breakfast: Jack's Wife Freda

SoHo · Mediterranean-inspired cafe, Instagram-worthy brunch

Must order: Green shakshuka, Rose water waffles

Cost: $22/person

lunch: Via included in food tour

Greenwich Village · Multiple tastings during guided tour

Must order: Pizza slice, Gelato

Cost: $0/person

dinner: Le Bernardin

Midtown West · Three-Michelin-star seafood temple, sophisticated

Must order: Chef's tasting menu, Sommelier wine pairing

Cost: $200/person

Day 3: Revolutionary RomanceBoston

Daily cost: $240

11:00 AMAcela Train to Boston

First-class rail journey from NYC with cafe car service and city views.

Category: Luxury Transport · Cost: $180

Tip: Book left side seats for best Connecticut coastline views.

2:30 PMFreedom Trail Walking Tour

Guided tour of Revolutionary War sites including Paul Revere House and Old North Church.

Category: Historical Tour · Cost: $25

Tip: Download Boston National Historical Park app for self-guided audio enhancement.

6:00 PMBoston Harbor Sunset

Waterfront stroll along HarborWalk with winter harbor views and city skyline.

Category: Romantic Walk · Cost: $0

Tip: Stop at Boston Tea Party Ships for hot chocolate and harbor views.

8:00 PMNorth End Evening Exploration

Wander cobblestone streets of Little Italy with romantic December ambiance.

Category: Historic Neighborhood · Cost: $0

Tip: Hanover Street cafes stay open late for post-dinner espresso and cannoli.

lunch: Union Oyster House

Downtown · America's oldest restaurant, historic seafood

Must order: New England clam chowder, Lobster roll

Cost: $35/person

dinner: Mamma Maria

North End · Romantic Italian, candlelit intimate atmosphere

Must order: Osso buco, Tiramisu

Cost: $75/person

Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Boston

Downtown Crossing · $380-$480/night

Day 4: Refined Culture & Culinary ArtsBoston

Daily cost: $250

10:00 AMMuseum of Fine Arts Boston

Explore Egyptian collection and Impressionist paintings in quiet December galleries.

Category: World-Class Museum · Cost: $27

Tip: Wednesday evening concerts in Calderwood Hall offer intimate classical performances.

2:00 PMBack Bay Victorian Architecture Walk

Stroll Commonwealth Avenue Mall admiring brownstones and winter garden squares.

Category: Self-Guided Tour · Cost: $0

Tip: Newbury Street between Exeter and Fairfield has Boston's most photographed Victorian details.

5:00 PMBoston Tea Party Ships Museum

Participate in reenactment aboard replica ships with costumed interpreters.

Category: Interactive History · Cost: $32

Tip: Evening tours are less crowded and include hot cider service.

8:00 PMBoston Symphony Orchestra

World-renowned orchestra performing in acoustically perfect Symphony Hall.

Category: Classical Performance · Cost: $85

Tip: Rush tickets available day-of for significantly discounted prices.

breakfast: Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Back Bay · European-style patisserie, couples breakfast favorite

Must order: Shakshuka, Almond croissant

Cost: $18/person

lunch: Barcelona Wine Bar

Back Bay · Spanish tapas, intimate wine bar

Must order: Patatas bravas, Manchego selection

Cost: $32/person

dinner: O Ya

Leather District · Japanese omakase, Michelin-starred intimate sushi

Must order: Omakase menu, Sake pairing

Cost: $165/person

Day 5: Academic Elegance & FarewellBoston

Daily cost: $220

10:00 AMHarvard University Campus Tour

Student-led tour of America's oldest university including Harvard Yard and historic buildings.

Category: Academic Heritage · Cost: $15

Tip: Widener Library steps offer classic Harvard photos and Yard views.

1:00 PMHarvard Art Museums

Three museums under one roof featuring ancient to contemporary art collections.

Category: University Museum · Cost: $20

Tip: Free admission for Massachusetts residents with ID on Saturday mornings.

4:00 PMHarvard Square Bookstore Browsing

Browse Harvard Book Store and Grolier Poetry Book Shop for literary treasures.

Category: Cultural Shopping · Cost: $30

Tip: Harvard Book Store basement has rare book collection and author reading space.

6:00 PMCharles River Winter Walk

Final romantic walk along frozen river with Boston skyline sunset views.

Category: Romantic Stroll · Cost: $0

Tip: Memorial Drive benches face west for optimal sunset viewing together.

breakfast: Flour Bakery + Cafe

Back Bay · Artisanal bakery, award-winning sticky buns

Must order: Sticky bun, Breakfast sandwich

Cost: $15/person

lunch: Harvest

Harvard Square · Farm-to-table New England, romantic atmosphere

Must order: Lobster bisque, Seasonal vegetables

Cost: $45/person

dinner: Craigie on Main

Cambridge · French-inspired fine dining, chef's counter

Must order: Six-course tasting, Cocktail pairing

Cost: $125/person

Total estimated cost: $1250

Travel style: culture, food

Pace: balanced

Best for: couple

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5-Day New York, Boston Itinerary

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Trip Overview
Hotel
Days 1–2

New York

Day 1⚽ Match Day

New York

$280
Est. daily spend
Metropolitan Elegance · 38°F, crisp winter day, dress warmly
Met Opera tickets sell out weeks ahead
breakfast· Upper East Side
Sarabeth's
Elegant brunch spot, couples favorite
Lemon ricotta pancakesSmoked salmon Benedict

Reserve window table

43,521 reviewsTripAdvisor →
~$35
/person
  • Explore Egyptian wing and European paintings with your partner in winter's quieter galleries.

    4.855,515 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Visit the Temple of Dendur at opening for romantic morning light.

    Book tours

    Suggested admission

  • Hand-in-hand walk through snow-dusted paths to Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain.

    4.7134,424 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Duck into the Conservatory Garden for heated greenhouse warmth.

    lunch· Midtown
    The Plaza Food Hall
    Upscale food court, diverse options
    Lobster rollArtisanal gelato

    Peak lunch crowds 12-1 PM

    4.131 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$28
    /person
  • Attend a Metropolitan Opera or New York Philharmonic performance together.

    4.72,518 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Book intermission champagne service in advance for special couples experience.

    Find match tickets →
  • Share intimate Empire State Building views under winter stars.

    4.681,342 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭December sunsets at 4:30 PM create magical golden hour lighting.

    Book tickets
    dinner· Upper East Side
    Daniel
    Michelin-starred French, romantic ambiance
    Tasting menuWine pairing

    Jacket required, book weeks ahead

    4.73,442 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$180
    /person
While you're here
Tiffany & Co. Flagship
3 min walkFree

Browse iconic jewelry store steps from hotel for romantic window shopping.

Your stay
2 nights
The Plaza Hotel
Fifth Avenue · USD450650/night

Iconic luxury hotel perfect for romantic winter getaway with Central Park views.

Find hotels in New York
Next up

Day 2 → MoMA + Greenwich Village food tour

Day 2⚽ Match Day

New York

$260
Est. daily spend
Modern Art & Village Flavors · 35°F, possible light snow, waterproof boots recommended
breakfast· SoHo
Jack's Wife Freda
Mediterranean-inspired cafe, Instagram-worthy brunch
Green shakshukaRose water waffles

No reservations, arrive early

4.31,085 reviewsTripAdvisor →
~$22
/person
  • Discover Van Gogh, Picasso, and contemporary installations in intimate December galleries.

    4.418,657 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Free admission Fridays 4-8 PM for NY residents with ID.

    Book tours

    General admission

  • Guided tasting tour through historic Village covering pizza, gelato, and craft cocktails.

    4.53,859 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Tour includes Joe's Pizza slice where Frank Sinatra ate regularly.

    Book tickets
    lunch· Greenwich Village
    Via included in food tour
    Multiple tastings during guided tour
    Pizza sliceGelato

    Included in tour price

    4.3451 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$0
    /person
  • Stroll elevated park decorated with winter lights and art installations.

    4.563,396 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Gansevoort Overlook offers best Hudson River sunset views.

  • Intimate jazz club experience with world-class musicians and craft cocktails.

    4.7922 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Reserve front row table for best sound and musician interaction.

    Find match tickets →
    dinner· Midtown West
    Le Bernardin
    Three-Michelin-star seafood temple, sophisticated
    Chef's tasting menuSommelier wine pairing

    Reservations essential, jacket required

    4.63,694 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$200
    /person
While you're here
Chelsea Market
4 min walk$15

Gourmet food hall with artisanal vendors perfect for couples browsing.

Next up

Day 3 → Travel to Boston + Freedom Trail

Days 3–5

Boston

Day 3

Boston

$240
Est. daily spend
Revolutionary Romance · 32°F, cold with possible snow, warm layers essential
  • First-class rail journey from NYC with cafe car service and city views.

    3.21,840 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Book left side seats for best Connecticut coastline views.

    Book tickets
  • Guided tour of Revolutionary War sites including Paul Revere House and Old North Church.

    4.617,985 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Download Boston National Historical Park app for self-guided audio enhancement.

    Book tickets
    lunch· Downtown
    Union Oyster House
    America's oldest restaurant, historic seafood
    New England clam chowderLobster roll

    Reservations recommended for upstairs dining room

    46,960 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$35
    /person
  • Waterfront stroll along HarborWalk with winter harbor views and city skyline.

    4.33,673 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Stop at Boston Tea Party Ships for hot chocolate and harbor views.

  • Wander cobblestone streets of Little Italy with romantic December ambiance.

    4.77,264 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Hanover Street cafes stay open late for post-dinner espresso and cannoli.

    dinner· North End
    Mamma Maria
    Romantic Italian, candlelit intimate atmosphere
    Osso bucoTiramisu

    Request window table overlooking North Square

    4.51,412 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$75
    /person
While you're here
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
6 min walkFree

Historic marketplace with local artisans and holiday decorations perfect for couples shopping.

Your stay
3 nights
The Ritz-Carlton Boston
Downtown Crossing · USD380480/night

Luxury hotel with Club Level access and downtown location for easy walking to attractions.

Find hotels in Boston
Next up

Day 4 → Museum of Fine Arts + Back Bay

Day 4⚽ Match Day

Boston

$250
Est. daily spend
Refined Culture & Culinary Arts · 30°F, sunny but cold, gloves and scarf essential
December temperatures often below freezing, dress in layers
breakfast· Back Bay
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
European-style patisserie, couples breakfast favorite
ShakshukaAlmond croissant

Peak weekend brunch 9-11 AM

4.4656 reviewsTripAdvisor →
~$18
/person
  • Explore Egyptian collection and Impressionist paintings in quiet December galleries.

    4.88,406 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Wednesday evening concerts in Calderwood Hall offer intimate classical performances.

    Book tours

    General admission

  • Stroll Commonwealth Avenue Mall admiring brownstones and winter garden squares.

    4.6646 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Newbury Street between Exeter and Fairfield has Boston's most photographed Victorian details.

    lunch· Back Bay
    Barcelona Wine Bar
    Spanish tapas, intimate wine bar
    Patatas bravasManchego selection

    Happy hour 3-6 PM daily

    4.3555 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$32
    /person
  • Participate in reenactment aboard replica ships with costumed interpreters.

    4.67,304 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Evening tours are less crowded and include hot cider service.

    Book tickets
  • World-renowned orchestra performing in acoustically perfect Symphony Hall.

    4.8455 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Rush tickets available day-of for significantly discounted prices.

    Find match tickets →
    dinner· Leather District
    O Ya
    Japanese omakase, Michelin-starred intimate sushi
    Omakase menuSake pairing

    Reservations required weeks ahead, counter seating preferred

    4.5326 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$165
    /person
While you're here
Trinity Church
3 min walk$8

Architectural masterpiece with free weekday concerts and stunning interior.

Next up

Day 5 → Harvard Square + departure

Day 5

Boston

$220
Est. daily spend
Academic Elegance & Farewell · 28°F, clear morning, afternoon clouds, winter coat essential
breakfast· Back Bay
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Artisanal bakery, award-winning sticky buns
Sticky bunBreakfast sandwich

Weekend morning lines, arrive early

4.5323 reviewsTripAdvisor →
~$15
/person
  • Student-led tour of America's oldest university including Harvard Yard and historic buildings.

    4.53,219 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Widener Library steps offer classic Harvard photos and Yard views.

    Book tours
  • Three museums under one roof featuring ancient to contemporary art collections.

    4.6558 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Free admission for Massachusetts residents with ID on Saturday mornings.

    General admission

    lunch· Harvard Square
    Harvest
    Farm-to-table New England, romantic atmosphere
    Lobster bisqueSeasonal vegetables

    Lunch prix fixe menu available

    4.1525 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$45
    /person
  • Browse Harvard Book Store and Grolier Poetry Book Shop for literary treasures.

    4.21,426 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Harvard Book Store basement has rare book collection and author reading space.

  • Final romantic walk along frozen river with Boston skyline sunset views.

    4.6764 reviewsTripAdvisor →

    🧭Memorial Drive benches face west for optimal sunset viewing together.

    dinner· Cambridge
    Craigie on Main
    French-inspired fine dining, chef's counter
    Six-course tastingCocktail pairing

    Chef's counter reservations highly recommended

    4.41,351 reviewsTripAdvisor →
    ~$125
    /person
$1,250
$1,100$1,400 range
~$250/day · luxury
Budget pace89% of max
Accommodation$600
Food$400
Activities$180
Transport$70
Day 1 New York$280
Day 2 New York$260
Day 3 Boston$240
Day 4 Boston$250
Day 5 Boston$220
Where to Stay
New York

Stay in Midtown East for luxury hotels and easy access to museums, theaters, and fine dining.

Boston

Downtown Crossing offers luxury accommodations within walking distance of Freedom Trail and North End restaurants.

Getting Around
New York

Luxury travelers should use taxis and ride-shares; subway efficient but crowded in December.

Boston

Downtown attractions walkable; use ride-shares for Cambridge trips and luxury hotel transfers.

Packing Checklist
  • Warm waterproof boots for snow and ice
  • Layered clothing for indoor/outdoor temperature changes
  • Dressy outerwear for fine dining establishments
  • Portable phone charger for photos and navigation
When to Book

Book Met Opera and Boston Symphony tickets 4-6 weeks ahead; fine dining reservations 2-3 weeks minimum.

Visa Check

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check timaticweb.com for your nationality.

Bookable Activities
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Day 1 · $30
Book →
Lincoln Center Evening
Day 1 · $120
Book →
Top of the Rock Night Views
Day 1 · $45
Book →
Museum of Modern Art
Day 2 · $25
Book →
Greenwich Village Food Tour
Day 2 · $85
Book →
Jazz at Blue Note
Day 2 · $45
Book →
Acela Train to Boston
Day 3 · $180
Book →
Freedom Trail Walking Tour
Day 3 · $25
Book →
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Day 4 · $27
Book →
Boston Tea Party Ships Museum
Day 4 · $32
Book →
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Day 4 · $85
Book →
Harvard University Campus Tour
Day 5 · $15
Book →
Flights

Search flights to New York for December.

Search on Expedia →
Paying with miles?

Top up your points before your trip.

Buy or transfer points →
🔍
Compare hotel prices
See rates from Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com & more on Trivago
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We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.