You need at least three days to really see the main highlights (though a “quick hits” tour could be done in a two-day NYC itinerary). However, I suggest 4-5 days to see the main sights without rushing too much.

To see "everything" in New York City is a mathematical impossibility, but to see the "Major Highlights" across all five boroughs, a traveler in 2026 needs at least 10 to 14 days. A standard 3-day "long weekend" only allows for a frantic glimpse of Midtown Manhattan and perhaps a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. A 7-day trip is the "sweet spot" for most, allowing for the "Big Three" museums (The Met, MoMA, AMNH), a Broadway show, and exploration of distinct neighborhoods like the West Village and Williamsburg. However, "everything" implies seeing the botanical gardens in the Bronx, the historic homes of Staten Island, and the culinary diversity of Queens. New York has over 25,000 restaurants and hundreds of galleries; even locals who have lived there for decades claim they haven't seen "everything." For a 2026 visitor, the best approach is to accept that you will only see a "curated slice" of the city. To do even that effectively, you must utilize the 24/7 subway system and be prepared to walk upwards of 8 to 10 miles a day to truly absorb the street-level energy that defines the city.