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Three days is the right size of time to discover New York Metropolis, particularly if it’s your first time.
You possibly can go to the enduring landmarks, whereas nonetheless have time to spend lingering in cafes, exploring neighborhood communities, getting cultured in museums and looking for boutique gadgets.
If that is your first time in NYC, then this itinerary is for you. The next 3 day itinerary of New York Metropolis will ensure you have a good time, while additionally ensuring you aren’t overstretching your price range or skipping points of interest.
This NYC itinerary focuses on totally different areas of the town every day, plus we have now some tips about the way to prolong this itinerary, or swap out points of interest that don’t curiosity you.
Be at liberty to adapt this itinerary to your wants and style. And when you want extra inspiration, head to the underside of this put up for extra guides on NYC to assist make your journey plans less complicated.
Observe: This New York itinerary will contain a variety of strolling. Get your self stroll match earlier than you permit. You possibly can at all times soar on the subway in case your legs tire. It’s $2.90 per experience, or you should purchase a 7 day limitless go for $34, however I’m unsure you’ll get your cash’s price with that deal for simply three days, particularly when you do stroll round lots.
Day 1: Monetary District & Brooklyn
The primary day of this itinerary will discover the Monetary District of Manhattan and Brooklyn. That is the place a number of the most iconic landmarks are akin to One World Commerce Heart, the perspective of the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. You can even dip into Chinatown or Little Italy for one thing to eat.
Don’t fear, on the second and third day we are going to head additional inland in Manhatten to go to the extra iconic points of interest, however when you’d quite see the Empire State Constructing and Central Park first, simply swap today round.
Cease 1: The Oculus
Step in to marvel on the Oculus, the centerpiece of the World Commerce Heart Transportation. It’s in all probability the second most well-known prepare station in NYC, after Grand Central Station, and connects to totally different subway strains and the PATH prepare to Jersey, in addition to a plaza and shopping center.
The Oculus has a crisp, clear, and distinctive design that speaks of promise and lightness. I like the within of it greater than the surface.
Take your photographs, folks watch, and seize a espresso from Joe Espresso or Épicerie Boulud. It’s possible you’ll even need to seize a pastry breakfast from right here as properly, when you didn’t have something earlier than arriving within the Monetary District.
Cease 2: One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial and Museum
As soon as you permit the Occulus, you’ll find the One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial and Museum on the grounds the place the World Commerce Heart as soon as stood.
I believe it’s vital for any customer to NYC to cease by this memorial to honor those that misplaced their lives and to really feel how NYC remains to be therapeutic from this devastating second in historical past.
Take your time to stroll across the Memorial Park, admire the reflection swimming pools, and go to the Survivors’ Tree.
After that, head into the One World Observatory Tower to go to the museum and for unimaginable views from the commentary deck.
I like to recommend you goal to reach for opening of the One World Observatory Tower (9:00am) so you possibly can skip the queues. Relying on how lengthy you wish to soak in views, you solely actually need as much as an hour right here.
In case you don’t get the NYC Sightseeing Cross for entry into One World Observatory, I like to recommend shopping for a skip the Line go.
One World Observatory is the sixth tallest constructing on this planet and the tallest constructing within the western hemisphere. This skyscraper stands subsequent to the footprints of the unique World Commerce Heart buildings that had been destroyed within the 9/11 terrorist assaults.
Fingers crossed you’ve gotten clear skies because the views over Manhattan and New York Harbor are extraordinary, and also you get views manner past Manhattan as properly!
After admiring the views, head straight to the 911 Museum as strains right here solely get longer because the day strikes on.
You possibly can spend time after it to look extra on the 911 Memorial website when you didn’t get sufficient time earlier than going up the Freedom Tower.
You possibly can simply spend a few hours within the 911 Museum. It’s fairly traumatic and tissues are tastefully unfold across the museum. You possibly can learn extra of our expertise on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum right here.
Cease 3: Discover Wall Road
It’s positively price questioning round Wall Road in Decrease Manhattan and testing the statue of George Washington on the steps of Federal Corridor Nationwide Monument.
I really like how he’s searching over the New York Inventory Trade reminding them of the Founding Father’s values and holding them trustworthy. Ha!
Sadly, you possibly can’t go contained in the NYSE, though I had the pleasure of being interviewed in there for Cheddar TV and even heard the ultimate bell ring.
It’s fairly spectacular, however so is the constructing from the surface. In case you go to throughout Christmas the decorations are fairly.
If you’d like an affordable and straightforward lunch, we’ve eaten a few instances at Open Market across the nook from the Federal Corridor. It has all kinds of buffet model meals to select from.
Cease 4: Stroll over The Brooklyn Bridge
From Wall Road you possibly can stroll as much as the start of The Brooklyn Bridge.
Take your time strolling throughout The Brooklyn Bridge and be careful for bikes doing their finest to zig-zag between the pedestrians.
They do have a separate lane for cyclists and pedestrians, however reputation implies that lane can simply be swallowed up by the crowds.
Cease 5: DUMBO, Brooklyn
When you make it to the opposite aspect, you’re now in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is a captivating borough with many neighborhoods to discover, from the household pleasant Park Slope to modern Williamsburg (who’s cafes characteristic closely in our record of finest cafes in NYC).
Prospect Park can also be typically considered virtually as stunning and grand as Central Park, however as you solely have 3 days in NYC, you in all probability gained’t have time to go to this park on this event. Mark it to come back again to on one other journey.
Nonetheless, you should have time for DUMBO (Down Below the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn Park. It is a quick cease the place you will get wonderful views of the Brooklyn Bridge from Pebble Seaside, after which after go to Jane’s Carousel, a classic carousel experience in Brooklyn Park.
Get the enduring shot of Manhattan Bridge from the cobblestone intersection on Water Road to your Instagram feed, Seize an ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Manufacturing facility, and wander alongside the waterfront. You get some wonderful views of Manhattan from right here.
Cease 6: Well-known Pizza for Dinner
You possibly can’t go to New York with out indulging on pizza. You’ll discover slices of it on each avenue nook.
Nonetheless, in DUMBO, you’ll discover two of probably the most iconic pizza locations in New York. They each repeatedly seem on the most effective pizza in New York Metropolis lists – and they’re proper subsequent to one another!!
We ate at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, which was severely good pizza and a fairly first rate worth contemplating how well-known it’s.
Press play to observe and drool:
Subsequent door is Juliana’s, which had a for much longer line that Grimaldi’s. I might go for an early dinner to overlook the loopy strains that usually occur right here.
Strolling Map of Day 1 in New York Metropolis
Day 2: Empire State Constructing, Excessive Line and Central Park
The second day takes you into Midtown Manhattan and probably the most iconic landmarks and viewpoints. It’s possible you’ll need to do that day first if you wish to tick off the enduring gadgets first.
Cease 1: Empire State Constructing
Breeze proper on as much as the highest of the Empire State Constructing at your first prime. There might be no strains at opening hour, however wait a few hours and also you’ll be ready a few hours in line!
As you might be in the course of Manhattan Island, you get nice views of the complete island from the commentary deck, which is what makes Empire State Constructing totally different to High of the Rock Commentary Deck and the Freedom Tower views.
It’s positively price visiting all of them for his or her distinctive views. In case you love views, we have now a information on the place to search out the finest NYC views within the metropolis.
Cease 2: Excessive Line / Flatiron District
The Excessive Line is a novel attraction that’s free to go to. It’s a former elevated rail line became a park, and it simply will get you away from the chaos of the large metropolis skyscrapers right into a backyard oasis. Nicely type of.
You continue to get the excessive rises, however not less than they don’t seem to be crowding in on you and you might be elevated off the road on a pedestrian flower lined walkway.
It was type of bleak and sparse once we visited within the winter, however Spring and summer time is bound to burst with floral colours and aromas.
There are many issues to cease and take a look at on the best way to the Excessive Line, together with Macy’s which is the biggest and first of the Macy’s department shops.
In case you go to NYC at Christmas, you’ll need to embody a go to with Santa.
It’s possible you’ll need to cease in at Chelsea Markets for an early lunch, or head into Hudson Yards which has tons of nice eating places. Cease by to see the Vessel, also called the Edge, a novel architectural gem made up of interwoven staircases.
Alternatively, head to the Flatiron district, one in every of my favourite areas in New York, the place you possibly can sit and relaxation in Madison Sq. Backyard with a fast and straightforward, but scrumptious, picnic lunch or go to the unique Shake Shack, which shortly turned our favourite fast-food burger joint.
If these legs are nonetheless up for strolling, you can stroll all the best way as much as Bryant Park and revel in New York Metropolis life, or soar on the subway.
Cease 3: Bryant Park
Bryant Park is my favourite park in New York. Through the hotter months, it appears like a lush jungle oasis, and through Christmas time, it’s the prettiest and finest place for ice skating.
Don’t miss the beautiful Bryant Park resort, one in every of my favourite buildings in New York. The Grand Central Library and New York Public Library, can also be on Bryant Park if you wish to go to right here
A few blocks away is Tradition Espresso Espresso, which we thought was the most effective we had in New York. On the opposite aspect is a Bluestone Lane, if you would like a flat white and a lamington. In case you’re fussy about espresso, we have now a whole information on Aussie cafes in NYC as a result of we do imagine Australians have the most effective style in espresso – after all, we’re biased.
You might be additionally a few blocks away from Grand Central Terminal, if you wish to shortly stroll over to get a photograph below the enduring clock.
Cease 4: Fifth Avenue
Stroll alongside the well-known Fifth Avenue as much as Central Park and do some procuring alongside the best way, in case your price range permits. Window procuring is what I are likely to do finest.
Remember to cease and take a look at the window shows within the shops, most notable Saks Fifth Avenue.
St Patrick’s Church can also be fairly sufficient to cease and take a look at. It’s a particular break from the fixed excessive rises and provides you a glimpse into New York of yesteryear.
Cease 5: Central Park
You possibly can spend hours in Central Park, or perhaps a full day – it’s one in every of my favourite locations in New York Metropolis. It has museums, artwork galleries, eating places, and even a zoo.
A few of its well-known museums on the Higher West Aspect embody the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork and American Museum of Pure Historical past.
I do know Museums might be fairly wonderful, however from my expertise they don’t differ an excessive amount of from one to the opposite, and zoos are the identical.
In case you solely have time for one museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork (MET) is meant to be probably the most wonderful, and you can do a fast stroll round it or spend a few hours there, relying on how a lot you take pleasure in fashionable artwork.
However because you solely have three days in New York, I wouldn’t suggest going to Central Park Zoo or basic museum as there’s an excessive amount of to try this’s a bit extra thrilling than this. However, you adapt this NYC itinerary to fit your model.
My favourite factor to do in Central Park is to lease bicycles and cruise across the park. It makes it simpler to see the complete park.
The northern finish is sort of hilly and there isn’t lots to see, it’s very totally different to the southern finish, so I recommend turning again when you attain the lake.
Don’t miss The Mall, which has been in loads of films. It’s only a lengthy avenue of timber. Additionally be certain that to go to Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Memorial, in addition to the Alice in Wonderland Statue, and Belvadere Fort.
The fountain in the course of the park is a well-liked place to go to, and you may even rent row boats on the lake right here.
My women love climbing all of the rocks scattered across the park.
Cease 6: Broadway
You’re in New York, you possibly can’t miss a Broadway present. I took my women to Lion King, which was simply pretty much as good as I had imagined! The costumes are spectacular and the start is likely one of the finest I’ve seen within the theater.
On our final journey to New York, we took my mother and father to see Depraved. It was improbable. I liked the way it crammed within the backstory of the Depraved Witch, and the way she was misunderstood and truly a great individual.
The music was inspiring and the costumes and set design superior! I can’t suggest each reveals sufficient.
That is one in every of our prime issues to do in NYC with teenagers.
Cease 7: Instances Sq.
In case you are not too drained after Broadway, pop into Instances Sq. to see the flashing lights and evening time ambiance. These lights do make it really feel prefer it’s the center of the day.
Instances Sq. is just not the place I have a tendency to spend so much of time. It’s only a sq. with flashing mild ads and overpriced shops and eating places, though we really do just like the Onerous Rock Cafe right here.
It’s very touristy, but it surely’s price seeing and having a photograph at. It’s Instances Sq. in spite of everything.
You possibly can at all times discover time to suit it into your New York itinerary on one other day.
Strolling Map of Day 2 in New York Metropolis
Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Greenwich
The final day of this itinerary takes you to see the final of those iconic points of interest. It will also be adjusted when you would quite spend time stress-free in a park, occurring a meals tour, or visiting a museum.
Cease 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
One other landmark you can not miss on any journey to NYC is to see the Statue of Liberty. In case you e book a Statue of Liberty tour, I can’t stress sufficient the significance of arriving as quickly because it opens, or not less than throughout the hour after.
The strains Statue of Liberty cruises might be soooo lengthy. In case you simply need to see the statue and don’t need to get off to see her up shut, you will get the free Staten Island ferry which sails proper previous her.
Liberty Island is a extremely popular New York attraction, and when you’re unsure if it’s worthwhile visiting the statue and the museum, you possibly can examine our expertise visiting the Statue of Liberty right here. For us, we thought it was very worthwhile.
In case you beat the crowds you’ll adore it. We didn’t have time to do the Ellis Islands a part of the tour. In case you don’t need to miss this vital historic website then permit for additional time.
Battery Park is price wandering via both earlier than or after your tour.
Cease 2: Washington Sq. Park
Soar on the subway (or 40 minute stroll when you’re up for it) to Washington Sq..
It’s fairly the gathering spot for Avant-garde artists, chess lovers, joyful kids, and playful puppies.
Washington Sq. is well-known for its giant marble arch, fountain, and for its historical past of bohemian gatherings intent on altering the world for the higher.
It’s a cool spot to absorb the solar and just a little of native New York life. As a pure born hippy, I adore it.
Broadway Road close to right here in SoHo can also be fairly enjoyable for procuring and folks watching if you wish to add in just a little of that.
Cease 3: Indulge at Molly’s Cupcakes
Okay, time for among the finest cupcakes in New York.
Many vacationers will queue for hours to get a well-known Magnolia cupcake. Nonetheless, I don’t do strains, and I like to recommend you don’t both.
Molly’s Cupcake is simply a 5 minute stroll from Washington Sq., you’ll find no strains (hopefully) and a spot to take a seat, play a sport, and dive into deliciousness.
In case you are gluten free, get your fingers on their gluten free chocolate cupcake. It’s severely the most effective cupcake I’ve ever had.
There are cute swinging chairs on the counter you possibly can sit at and the espresso is fairly good right here too.
Cease 4: Discover Greenwich Village
In case you had been a hippy, a bohemian, and a change maker of the 60’s, Greenwich Village was your spirit dwelling.
The tree lined streets of this common residential neighborhood are actually full of cafes, bars and eating places and remains to be the place to be. All are welcome in Greenwich; it’s possible you’ll even spot a couple of celebrities right here.
Greenwich is split into East and West Village so take a strolling tour and see which areas you want finest.
Bleecker Road is legendary for music venues.
Don’t miss Homosexual Road, a brief angled, slender avenue with Federal Type houses on one aspect and Greek Revival on the opposite. It’s atypical New York and quietly hides amongst the grid of Greenwich Village.
It’s been in a couple of films and music movies. Listed here are issues to do in Greenwich Village NYC.
Cease 5: Rockefeller Heart
Rockefeller Heart is the place you’ll discover three of New York’s most well-known landmarks: MoMA, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue.
There’s additionally the High of the Rock, the ice-skating rink (throughout winter) and NBC Studios. You possibly can catch the Immediately Present filmed right here when you go to within the early morning.
Our women adore it because it’s dwelling of the American Lady Doll Retailer. It’s a bit too busy and sterile for me, however I nonetheless suppose it’s price a go to.
It’s possible you’ll want to do the Radio Metropolis Music Corridor tour, dwelling of the well-known Rockettes. My mother and father wished to go to, and it was included in our NYC Sightseeing Cross, so why not?
I ended up actually having fun with it. The theater is gorgeous and you’ll get to satisfy a Rockette and discover out about their lives as excessive kicking dancers.
For the late evening present lovers, right here’s the place you’ll discover the Late Present with Jimmy Fallon.
I used to be lucky sufficient to get a sneak peek on the set of Saturday Night time Stay upon visiting The Immediately Present on-line workplaces for a gathering.
It seems to be fairly cool. I believe you’ll have enjoyable there if you will get in.
Cease 6: High of the Rock sundown
Why not finish your NYC 3-day itinerary with an excellent sundown on the High of the Rock? Bear in mind sundown is the most well-liked time of the day to go to, so that you’ll need to e book your timed go to prematurely and be ready, strains might be lengthy.
It’s good to see the twinkling of the Manhattan lights after the solar has gone down as properly.
I like to recommend you get the Categorical Cross for skip the road entry and precedence of the lifts. You can even buy this versatile day ticket from Get Your Information, which can let you skip the general public basic admission line for the Field Workplace, however doesn’t offer you precedence within the carry.
After your go to to High of the Rock, this can be a great alternative to loosen up with a cocktail in a rooftop bar. Now we have an entire information on the most effective rooftop bars in NYC right here.
High Tip For Saving On New York Metropolis Sights
It’s no secret that NYC is an costly metropolis to go to, however it can save you on points of interest by getting a New York Sightseeing go.
It gives you reductions and free entry to lots of New York’s prime points of interest, together with a lot of the ones talked about on our 3 day itinerary.
You possibly can be taught extra about the way to save with the NYC sightseeing go right here.
The place To Keep In New York Metropolis
We virtually at all times keep on the INNSIDE New York Nomad once we go to NYC, as a result of we predict it has the most effective location and an inexpensive worth. Rooms are spacious for NYC requirements and are at all times clear, properly maintained, and geared up for our wants.
We liked it for its fashionable vibe, first rate worth, state-of-the-art facilities and improbable location close to Chelsea Market and the Flatiron District.
You possibly can stroll to many locations and it’s proper close to the subway station.
You could find our full evaluate of INNSIDE New York Nomad right here.
Getting To and From The Airport
New York has three airports: LaGuardia Airport, JFK, and Newark Liberty Worldwide Airport (really in New Jersey).
The place you fly into will rely in your price range, time, your selection of airline, and likewise take into account the placement of the place you might be staying at in New York.
In case you keep on the west aspect of Manhattan, then Newark Airport stands out as the higher possibility.
The AirTrain is the most affordable approach to get into Manhattan from JFK and Newark Airports:
- From JFK, it’s $8.50, which incorporates your entry into the subway to proceed to your resort in Manhattan
- From Newark into Penn station it’s between $32 and $13, relying on the time of day, and it takes about 40 minutes – manner cheaper than taking a taxi.
From LaGuardia Airport, you get the bus Q70 Restricted to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station after which take the subway for a value of $2.90. It took me one hour to succeed in Manhattan, and buses depart each 8-10 minutes.
Additionally take a look at shared transport shuttle companies. You prepay to your spot in a van that shuttles you to the door of your resort (Manhattan solely). It might contain some wait time, however at costs beginning at $35 it is perhaps price it when you’ve got heavy baggage and don’t need to lug it round on public transport. Be taught extra right here.
If there are a couple of of you in your group, it is perhaps cheaper to catch an Uber or take a look at Dial7, which was really helpful to me as a wonderful limousine choose up service to get too and from the airport.
Bear in mind that taking cabs from the airports into New York do contain tolls. The toll from New Jersey to NYC is between $14-$16 relying on the time of day.
You’ll nonetheless should pay toll charges and gratuities, however there are coupon codes accessible with Dial7. Closing out extra right here.
Scorching Tip: The Sightseeing Cross features a free shuttle journey to the airport out of your resort, which I believe is an unimaginable inclusion and one more reason why they’re such an important deal for saving cash in your journey to NYC.
Discover out extra concerning the shuttle service inclusion right here.
Map Of This Day 3 New York Metropolis Itinerary
That can assist you navigate your manner round NYC, and to plan every day, here’s a map of the above itinerary which incorporates journey time between points of interest.
Free PDF: Obtain This 3 Day New York Itinerary
We’ve deliberate out a 3 day itinerary for you, together with maps and predominant points of interest. It’ll prevent time!
Video: Watch Our NYC Adventures Right here
Take a look at our New York Metropolis journey movies for extra inspiration.
Extra NYC Journey Ideas
That can assist you plan your journey to NYC, listed below are another guides that may enable you plan your journey:
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What would you add to this 3 day NYC itinerary? Any additional tricks to save money and time?
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