Post overview: Complete 3 Day NYC itinerary for first time visitors
Since moving to the Big Apple eight years ago, I’ve had many friends visit New York City for 3 days. I’ve lost count of the number of times I curated a 3 days in NYC itinerary and I didn’t want that knowledge to go to waste.
I’m hardly the first to tell you that visiting New York City for the first time can feel overwhelming. The city is fast, noisy, beautiful and downright chaotic. It’s easy to bite off more than you can chew, especially the first time around.
That’s where I come in. I want your 3 days in New York City to be as enjoyable as possible. The itinerary below includes some famous NYC institution you shouldn’t miss, and delightful gems most first time visitors tend to overlook.
From where to eat to how to get there, we’ll go over a complete 3 day NYC itinerary below. Let’s dive in.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Who is this 3 day New York City itinerary for?
This 3 day New York City itinerary is for folks new to the Big Apple and who want to capture as much of it as possible. It’s ambitious, but I want people visiting to be on the flight home thinking, “woah, I need to come back!”
We try to fit in as many iconic sights and places 3 days in NYC will allow. But let’s be real — New York City is huge, and three days allows for just the tip of the iceberg.
Don’t beat yourself up if you spend extra time in one place or have to cut out another. I promise you, NYC isn’t going anywhere and will welcome you back with open arms, anytime.
This guide is meant to be an introduction to the concrete jungle and will (hopefully) hook you enough to make you plan another trip! 😉
We put in a lot of work creating the perfect 3 day trip to NYC itinerary so you don’t have to! You’ll also find other helpful guides peppered throughout this post, giving you the liberty to swap out any of the original plans we made.
So if you have a long weekend or can only afford to give NYC 3 days of your time, keep on reading!
Is 3 days in New York City enough time?
As someone who loves the city I believe you’ll never have enough time to see it all! I’ve lived in New York for over a decade and still discover something new on the regular.
However, 3 days in New York City is a suitable amount of time for a first impression. As long as you go in to your trip knowing you won’t see everything the city has to offer — 3 days in NYC is enough time.
In this guide we’ll cover a lot of “first trip to New York City” essentials and can’t-miss attractions. We’ll touch on iconic food spots, historic buildings and things to do (year-round) so you can plan your 3 day trip to NYC with ease.
Give yourself some grace and enjoy the time you have in New York City. At the end of the day the city isn’t going anywhere, so you can always come back and explore some more (and you’ll have a better idea of what to expect!).
Tips for visiting NYC for first time
With only 3 days in New York City we want to make the best use of your time and money. Here are some helpful things to know for your first visit to New York City.
Take advantage of the subway’s tap to pay 12th ride free
- The subway has a deal that will save you some money on your 3 day trip to NYC. OMNY (One Metro New York) is a tap-to-pay feature that keeps track of your subway rides. If you pay with the same card every time you ride the subway during your trip, after the 12th ride, you ride for free. The offer expires every Sunday and starts over for the week.
Expect long lines, especially at popular places
- New York City gets 63 million visitors per year, and that’s a lot of people trying to eat at the same popular places and see the same popular things. Prepare for long lines. Make reservations and book ahead whenever possible, and have a full charge on your phone to play games while you wait. 😉
Comfortable shoes are a must
- New York City is best explored on foot because the city’s amazing skyscrapers are half the fun. As such, you’ll probably spend a lot of time walking from Point A to Point B. Whenever friends visit us in NYC we keep track of steps and typically average 10 miles a day! All this to say, definitely bring good walking shoes.
Further Reading: 20 HELPFUL Tips for Visiting New York City
3 Day New York City Itinerary: Day 1
Okay, the plane’s landed, you’ve dropped off your bags and you’re itching to get out and explore. Let’s capitalize on that rush of adrenaline and hit the ground running.
Our first day will be ambitious as we try to make the most our 3 days in NYC, and if we don’t hit it all that’s a-okay but we’ll try.
Top sights for day one:
- Explore Fifth Ave
- Bryant Park, NYPL & Grand Central Terminal
- The Chelsea Market
- Little Island (Optional)
- Walk the High Line to Hudson Yards
- Hudson Yards
- Times Square
NYC Itinerary, Day 1 Morning: Explore Fifth Avenue
We’ll be starting our 3 days in NYC on Fifth Avenue, the most expensive shopping street in the world. And before you start panicking thinking I’m going to have you spend all your money on day one, shopping is optional.
The iconic thoroughfare runs through most of Manhattan, but we’ll focus on the area in Midtown that’s riddled with some of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Below I’ll list some, running from north to south:
The Plaza Hotel
Originally opened in 1907, The Plaza Hotel is the poster-child of luxury and prestige. Today it serves as both a hotel and condos, but as you can imagine, the price tag is steep.
Over the years it’s housed countless celebrities and even presidents. The hotel has also been featured in movies (most famously Home Alone 2: Lost in New York) and even has a Broadway play named after it (The Plaza Suite).
If you’d like to tour the interior (and budget isn’t a concern), make reservations for afternoon tea at the Plaza. You’ll get to experience one of the most elaborate dining halls during your 3 days in NYC.
Something to note: The Plaza is right across the street from Central Park, and it can be tempting to stop by for a walk. We have the park scheduled on day two, but if you really can’t resist I can’t stop you from visiting!
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
As we continue walking south on Fifth Avenue we’ll run into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s hard to miss, St. Patrick’s is undeniably the most beautiful church in New York City!
The Neo-Gothic style cathedral has been stopping people in their tracks since its completion in 1879. This impressive church took 21 years to build because construction was halted during the Civil War.
With a seating capacity of 2,000+, this is one of the largest cathedrals in NYC. Touring the interior is a no-brainer and completely free, so swing by if the doors are open during your 3 days in NYC.
The cathedral was recently renovated to the tune of $177 million, so you can bet it’s a sight for sore eyes. Plus, it offers a great reprieve from the bustle of the city.
The Rockefeller Center
A brainchild of one of the wealthiest men in the country, John D. Rockefeller, 30 Rockefeller Plaza was constructed during the worst years of the Great Depression and employed more than 40,000 people. In fact, it was the only major commercial building in New York City to be constructed at that time.
The (nearly) 100 year old building has become one of the hottest tourist destinations and you can’t afford to miss it during your 3 days in NYC. There’s an underground concourse with restaurants, the main floor of the center is littered with stores and on the roof you’ll find one of the most popular observation decks in New York City.
On the Sixth Avenue (also named the Avenue of the Americas) side of the building is Radio City Music Hall, another New York City staple.
The Rockefeller Plaza is the open area in front of the Rockefeller Center and is never void of visitors snapping photos or partaking in the seasonal events. In the summer there is a roller skating rink and in the winter the plaza is home to one of the most famous Christmas trees in NYC.
Once you work your way down to 42nd Street you’ll be at a good stopping point. There are more landmarks within walking distance but they don’t follow Fifth Avenue, so you’ll have to decide to which you want to visit before heading off in a random direction.
Grand Central Terminal
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal feels like stepping into a European train station. The Beaux Arts design transports visitors into a detailed main hall that boasts a celestial ceiling and a famous four-faced clock.
Today the Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and sees an average of 750,000 daily visitors. In fact – it’s the second most popular destination in NYC (behind Times Square).
Chances are high that your 3 days in NYC might warrant a visit via subway, but if that’s not the case, this gem is definitely worth a detour.
There’s a food court on the lower concourse so this a great spot to grab a coffee or quick bite. It is very busy though, so I would suggest` something quick!
Summit One Vanderbilt
New York City’s newest observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt feels modern and elegant. Housed in the fourth tallest building in the city, you’ll get jaw-dropping views of Manhattan that will be impossible to forget.
Nearly every surface is made of either glass or a mirror (even the floor), so it really feels like you’re floating 1,100 feet in the air.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ride in the world’s tallest glass bottom external elevator, drink a co*cktail at their cafe Après, and enjoy an (open-air) rooftop terrace.
Something to note: the glass floors at Summit One Vanderbilt mean you have to be mindful of what you wear. Dresses or skirts might not be the best idea, and heels are not allowed to prevent damaging the floors.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and has been featured in movies and books. Designed in a Beaux-Arts style, this building stands in stark contrast to the glass and iron it’s surrounded by.
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it — more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day.
I encourage you to swing by during your 3 days in NYC, even if you just stop by the lobby (the architecture really is worth it). Entrance is free, but remember, it is a library so be mindful of your noise level!
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, I’ve never seen the park empty!
Clocking in at 9.6-acres, this isn’t the largest park in New York City by any stretch of the imagination, but it often feels the most full. The park is as charming as a painting so be sure to add it to your 3 day NYC itinerary.
It’s a hub for the folks that work in the plethora of office buildings that surround the park. The park benches swell with locals during the busy lunch hour most seasons of the year.
Local’s tip: Bryant Park has some of the best public bathrooms in NYC. There is an employee manning the door and the lines move quickly. Take advantage, public bathrooms (especially clean ones) aren’t easy to come by in NYC.
NYC Itinerary, Day 1: Afternoon, Experience the Chelsea Neighborhood
Okay, we had quite an eventful morning on Fifth Avenue. We walked and saw a lot, and probably worked up an appetite doing so. Why don’t we grab some lunch?
We’ll head to Chelsea, a charming neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side, renowned for its charm and public outdoor areas. But before we get to that – first on our list is the Chelsea Market, a food hall, for some grub!
Chelsea Market
TheChelsea Marketis a famous food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, spice markets, and cafes. The market has 35 vendors waiting to impress you with tasty treats and fare.
I suggest you visit the Chelsea Market during your 3 days in NYC because you’ll get to enjoy some of the best restaurants in NYC under one roof. If you’re traveling with friends, even better! I suggest each getting lunch from different locations so you can share and try it all.
There’s also small stores selling trinkets and souvenirs so don’t forget to peruse the shelves!
Highlights at the Chelsea Market include:
- Matcha from Chalait (so good)
- Warm donuts from the Doughnuttery (what’s better than a warm donut?)
- Tacos from Los Tacos No. 1
- Spices from Spices and Tease
- Souvenirs from Pearl River Mart
Fun Fact:The Chelsea Market is housed in the old Nabisco factory building – this building is the birthplace of the Oreo cookie!
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Little Island (Optional)
Little Island is a redesigned pier that extends over the Hudson River with a beautiful design meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle. And access won’t cost you a penny, it’s a public park!
The views are spectacular and the experience feels like being on an adult playground. Green grass compliments a gorgeous landscape design with ample seating and views to enjoy from.
I bring all of my out of town guests here because it’s one of the newest and most unique parks in NYC. During the warmer months you’ll find locals stretched out on the numerous lawns with picnic baskets and friends.
Address:Pier 55 at Hudson River Park Hudson River Greenway, NY 10014
The reason I say Little Island is optional is because it’s viewable from The High Line, the next stop on our 3 day NYC itinerary. Unless you plan on resting your legs it might be best to just keep it moving (but up to you!).
The High Line
The High Line opened in 2009 and became an instant success. The park is made up of a promenade that spans 1.5 miles along repurposed, elevated train tracks. If the distance seems daunting don’t worry, from the Chelsea Market we’ll only be walking about 20 minutes.
As a local, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoy every single visit, and you should check it out during your 3 days in NYC. This NYC park swells with 8 million visitors annually, so the people-watching opportunities are endless.
The High Line is a great park in New York City for kids, too! During the warm summer months there’s a handful of vendors selling balloon animals and ice cream.
Hudson Yards
The Shops at Hudson Yards is an impressive mall that spans 720,000 square feet. It’s right in front of you as you come to the end of the High Line. Covering four floors, this mall houses some of the biggest name stores in New York City.
There’s more than 100 stores in this shopping mall and you can find everything from luxury brands like Cartier to more affordable stores like Uniqlo.So if you’re in need of some retail therapy during your 3 days in NYC, spend a few hours pursuing the shops (even if it’s just window shopping).
When you’re done shopping, head to the basem*nt level to check out the Spanish food hall called Little Spain. The sangria is worth writing home about! And while here, take advantage of the restrooms! Again, (clean) public restrooms can be hard to come by in New York City, so use them when you can.
PS: While you’re in the area, grab a photo in front of the impressive Vessel structure. It’s the giant, art piece in front of the Hudson Yards mall as soon as you get off the High Line.
NYC Itinerary, Day 1: Night, See the bright lights at Times Square
I want to be honest with you: Times Square is overwhelming and very touristy. Most of the folks I take here end up telling me they expected something different (ha!). I think the majority of people visiting New York City for the first time have a vague idea of Times Square based on what they’ve seen in movies but the reality is often less …. romantic.
But at the end of the day Times Square is iconic and has to be included on your 3 day NYC itinerary.
Times Square swells with tourists all hours of the day, but especially at night. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with sardines in no time flat. Also, brace yourself for whiffs of marijuana, it comes with the territory. Take your time soaking in the massive screens and don’t forget to snap a few photos!
Local’s Tip: The folks dressed up in character costumes can be rather aggressive. They try to pull people in for photos and then demand payment, avoid getting caught up in the schemed by diverting eye contact.
New York is a work of art in and of itself. It’s a masterpiece that shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow, it does.
Jacqueline E. Smith
New York City Itinerary for 3 Days: Day 2
So we put in a lot of steps yesterday, hopefully we still have some gas in the tank because we have another big day ahead of us. Day two we’ll visit Central Park and two of the most charming neighborhoods in Manhattan.
This is a “locals day,” since we’ll hit locations that are not only visited by tourists but by many New Yorkers. If you brought an outfit specifically for taking photos, this is the best of your 3 days in NYC to wear it!
Top sights for day two:
- Central Park
- Visit a museum (The Met, AMNH)
- Explore SoHo
- Explore Greenwich Village
- End the nights with drinks at the best bars in the world, Mace, Dante, Katana Kitten
NYC Itinerary, Day 2: Morning in Central Park
Start your morning in the Big Apple by strolling through the most visited park in country, Central Park.
I can confirm that there’s nothing more iconic (or beloved) in New York City thanCentral Park. Let me take it a step further — if you could only visit one place during your 3 days in New York City, this would be it.
But take note, the park is massive. Spanning 843 acres, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the park yet leave wanting more. I suggest focusing on the top spots in the park so that you’re not rushing around aimlessly.
Not sure what you can’t miss in Central Park? Here’s a helpful post that highlights the 15 most iconic things to do in Central Park (with far too many photos because I couldn’t help myself).
After you’re done exploring Central Park you should make time in your 3 day NYC itinerary for a museum.
There’s two great museums to choose from right next to Central Park — the Metropolitan Museum of Art (located within Central Park) and the American Museum of Natural History (located at the border of Central Park in the lovely Upper West Side neighborhood.
It’s easy to get museum fatigue, so instead of trying to see both I suggest picking the one that appeals more to you. More info on both museums below.
Option A: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is often considered the best museum in New York City so it would be inexcusable not to mention it in this NYC itinerary.
With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.
Averaging 6 million visitors per year, it’s also the most visited museum in New York City and would take several days to explore properly. Unfortunately we only have 3 days in NYC, so we’ll just have to plan a return trip to explore more of it. 😉
Want to know the best things to see at the Met? Check out 20 EPIC Things to See at The MET in New York City.
Option B: Visit the American Museum of Natural History
If you’re more into taxidermy and natural wonders, you may enjoy touring the epic American Museum of Natural History more than the Met. It’s also right next to Central Park, so squeezing a visit into our 3 day NYC itinerary should be relatively easy.
Welcoming 5 million visitors per year and spanning all aspect of the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History in NYC is considered one of the greatest natural history museums on the planet.
Guests are invited in by two massive dinosaur skeletons housed in the entry hall. From there, you can tour the impressive permanent exhibits or take a look at the exciting rotating exhibit.
Don’t miss the Hall of Ocean Life where you’ll have an opportunity to see a life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale — it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Also, the taxidermy mammals are remarkable and have been captivating both children and adults for generations.
Further reading: 15 Epic Things You Can’t Afford to Miss at the American Museum of Natural History
Local’s Tip: When you’ve had your fill of this spectacular museum, head to Shake Shack (just across the street) for lunch. The lines at Shake Shack are usually long but their burgers and fries are worth it.
Interested in museums? Good on you! Read:
NYC Itinerary, Day 2: Afternoon, Take the Subway to SoHo
SoHo was originally full of factories and warehouses, but the buildings were later turned into storefronts and restaurants on the lower levels and apartments above. Living in SoHo is expensive, but luckily visiting is free.
Rather than having a ton of famous landmarks or buildings SoHo is worth the stop because you can feel like a local, even if you’re only spending 3 days in NYC.
Peruse the stores and shop a little, or swing into a restaurant for a quick bite. Here’s what I recommend you do in SoHo.
Spend the afternoon shopping
You’ll be hard pressed to find a list of things to do in SoHo that doesn’t include shopping. The neighborhood is created with quite the mishmash of high-end luxury designers, big department stores and unique boutiques crammed together from one block to the next.
The entire shopping area spans 25 blocks, and if size alone is any indication, you can bet you’ll find whatever you’re looking for.
As such, the area is typically crowded with eager shoppers, so you’ll want to avoid visiting during the weekends, if possible. However, if your 3 day NYC itinerary only allows you to visit on Saturday or Sundays, you’ll survive and be glad you visited!
The best NYC shopping is done by getting lost, so allow yourself to roam from one block to the next aimlessly. Just make sure you start with the most impressive shopping street in NYC first, Broadway.
Further Reading: 30 SPREE-WORTHY Stores in SoHo (Happy Local’s Guide)
Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream might be called a museum but it feels more like a playground. Adults love this interactive musuem as much as kids because it’s ripe for sweet exploration.
You’ll learn all about the world of ice cream through colorful exhibits. The star of the show is a toss up between the three-story slide (longest indoor slide in NYC) and the sprinkles pool.
With so much to explore (and a chance to sample ice cream) it’s no wonder so many folks make an effort to visit. If your 3 days in NYC allow, the Museum of Ice Cream is a memorable attraction.
During the holidays the Museum of Ice Cream transforms into Pinkmas, where everything is pink. Pink Christmas trees, decorations and backdrops all make for some epic selfies.
Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Finish off with something sweet
SoHo is full of amazing restaurants for brunch, dinner or drinks but it reigns supreme in one category: sweets. There’s treats to be had around every corner, but the following three spots are the best of the best.
- Laduree: One of the cutest cafes in NYC, the Parisian bakery is renowned for their macarons.
- Dominique Ansel: Famous for the cronut (half croissant, half donut) that rotates new flavors monthly.
- Balthazar Boulangerie: Arguably the most famous brunch restaurant in NYC, the patisserie sells French pastries including some of the best chocolate you’ll ever try.
NYC Itinerary, Day 2: Evening in Greenwich Village
Our day together has been eventful and full of a ton of walking. You may be exhausted, and that’s okay. Below we’ll go over some options to help you keep making the most of your 3 days in NYC.
The rest of our evening will take place in the Greenwich Village (if you choose to keep the party going) and you can do as much (or as little) as you’d like. It’s the most charming neighborhood in New York City, and I’m not stuttering when I say that. The tree lined streets are home to dreamy brownstones just like in the movies.
Washington Square Park
Located in the heart of the mesmerizing Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City. It’s also one of the most recognizable, so be sure to add it to your 3 day NYC itinerary.
The park is best recognized by the monolithic grand marble arch that sits at the northern entrance of the park and overlooks the central fountain. The Washington Square Arch was built to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration.
Many folks consider this one of the most inviting parks in NYC and come from all over the city to let their hair down and be themselves. The welcoming atmosphere makes Washington Park a great NYC park for people-watching. The energetic mood is contagious and you’ll notice park visitors from all corners of the world.
Quick history lesson: During the late 18th century, this area was a burial ground for indigent victims of illness and disease. As the property slowly morphed into Washington Park, it became the epicenter of many movements and protests. As such, Washington Square Park is one of the more important historic park in New York City.
Friends Apartment, Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
Two of the most famous shows based in New York City are Friends and Sex and the City. And here’s a little fun fact you can share with your friends while perusing the Greenwich Village, they were both set in the neighborhood!
The apartment where Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey lived is at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets, above a little restaurant named the Little Owl (in the show it’s called Central Perk). Although the show was filmed on a set in California, the outside of the building was used to establish the scene for the sitcom.
And for fans of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, her apartment is at 64 Perry Street. It’s located in one of the prettiest streets in the West Village and the stunning brownstones in this area will have you day dreaming of owning a home in NYC in no time. Both locations are hard to miss, there’s usually a crowd out front!
Although little filming was done at these locations, they’re iconic locations in American TV. Taking a photo in front of them is one of the best things do during your 3 days in NYC!
“In New York, you’re always looking for a job, apartment or a boyfriend.”
Carrie Bradshaw
Enjoy Drinks at (one of) the Best Bars in the World
Whether you explore the Greenwich Village or not, one of the best things to include on your 3 day NYC itinerary is swinging by for drinks from the best bars in the world. I don’t say that as matter of opinion, it’s a fact!
The Greenwich Village is home to three bars that have all recently been featured on the list of the best bars in the world. Below I’ll tell a little about the best bars in the Greenwich Village (and which one is my favorite).
Dante: Dating back to 1915, Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again this year (2022). They have two locations in the Village, one on Macdougal that focuses on negronis and one on Hudson St (at the corner with Perry St) that focuses on martinis.
Katana Kitten: Appearing in the top 10 of the 50 best bars in North America as well as in the world, Katana Kitten is undoubtedly one of the best bars in Greenwich Village. Katana Kitten’s director of deliciousness Masahiro Urushido has also been named New York’s top bartender. But enough of the awards, the Japanese-American bar makes damn good drinks in a stylish setting.
Mace: Mace has graced the list of World’s Best Bars for four years in a row. An astonishing feat, considering this popular Manhattan bar was only opened in 2015. Furthermore, Mace won the Best co*cktail Menu Award in 2022, meaning it’s co*cktails are not only tasty, but unique and innovative.
Mace is my favorite bar in New York City, and if you can only visit one during your 3 days in NYC, this is the one I recommend. Also – all three of these bars take reservations, I suggest making them to avoid waiting!
3 Days in New York City Itinerary: Day 3
Your last of 3 days in New York City will take you to one of the most historic areas on the Big Apple & one of my favorite boroughs in NYC: Brooklyn. It would be inexcusable to skip either place in a proper New York City itinerary and I’ll tell you why.
Top sights for day 3 in NYC:
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- One World Trade Center + Oculus Mall
- Wall Street + New York Stock Exchange
- Brooklyn Bridge + Brooklyn Promenade
- Explore DUMBO
- BONUS: Take the ferry back to Manhattan
Day 3 in NYC Itinerary: Morning, Explore the Financial District
Grab a quick coffee and bagel before making your way to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Admission to the9/11 Museum is $26 per adult and worth every penny because the experience is incredibly moving.
The exhibit that sticks out most to me is a glass-enclosed cutout of a store display with thick layers of dust and debris from the day of the attack. If you enjoy deep reflection and history, this museum is for you.
The line to get in is unbelievably long so I suggest getting the C3 pass if you plan to visit, so that you can skip the line. Whether you go to the 9/11 Museum of not, make sure to take in the grandeur of the moving9/11 Memorial right next to the museum.
The 9/11 Memorial is a never-ending waterfall into the depths of the earth with names of victims engraved in stone. The overwhelming might ofthe monolithic One World Trade Centerkeeps these somber memories safe in its shadow. You can’t spend 3 days in NYC without seeing this.
One can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt.
Georgia O’Keeffe
Day 3 in NYC Itinerary: Afternoon, More Famous Sightseeing
TheOculus Mallis right across the street from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, making it our next stop. The Oculus Mall looks like the spine of a fish long forgotten. It’s quite the architectural feat! Not only is it an actual mall, it’s also a functioning subway hub, and odds are you might stop at it during your 3 days in NYC.
Next, head towards the Financial District and stop to take in the iconicNew York Stock Exchange. Then head over to the famous Charging Bulland take a photo. The line for this takes a while but the picture will last forever.
You might notice an old church next to the Charging Bull. This is the historicTrinity Church. The jutting ancient profile is a stark contrast to the concrete and glass surrounding it.
Afternoon: Cross into Brooklyn
Brooklyn is enormous (if it was a city, it’d be the fourth largest in the USA), and 3 days in NYC is just not enough time to see it all. Luckily you don’t have to, right across the Brooklyn Bridge is DUMBO, one of its cutest neighborhoods.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country. Construction began in 1869 and when it was completed in 1883, it was deemed the longest suspension bridge in the world.
One of the most popular activities for first time visitors to NYC is to walk the length of the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO afterwards. The scenic one-mile walk usually takes 20-30 minutes and offers some of the best views of the city.
Make sure you stop and take photos (an obnoxious amount if needed) because the experience is sure to be a highlight on your 3 day NYC itinerary.
Enjoy a pie at Juliana’s
Once across, make a beeline forJuliana’s Pizza – the white pie is my favorite, it’s theperfect NYC pizza. Oh, my goodness, just typing this makes my mouth water.
Most evenings, the line is out the door and around the block, but if you go during lunch your wait time should be shorter/non-existent. Pies run around $30 each and feed 2 to 3 people.
Peruse the Brooklyn Promenade
Now the only dilemma facing you is how to burn those calories! Not to worry, I’ve got your back. Stroll down Brooklyn Promenade for the best views of the famous NYC skyline. Brooklyn Promenade is especially beautiful in the evening, so bookmark this place for a romantic spot in your 3 day NYC itinerary.
Explore DUMBO
Calories burned and photos taken, walk down to DUMBO for a fun and trendy spot full of photo opportunities. DUMBO stands for Down Under the Brooklyn Bridge Overpass.
Walk further down for Jane’s Carousel and the Time Out Market. It’s a food hall chock-full of little restaurants serving up delicious fare. The top floor has a rooftop bar where you can enjoy drinks with stunning views of Manhattan, and it’s easy to stay for a few rounds and enjoy the pretty lights.
Take the ferry back to Manhattan
I’m going to let you in on one of my most treasured activities in New York City: riding the ferry. A part of New York’s vast public transportation system a ride costs the same as a subway would ($2.75 as of 2022).
Since this is the last day of your 3 days in NYC I wanted you to go out with a bang. After enjoying yourself in DUMBO, take the ferry from the station underneath the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan before heading back to your hotel.
It’s even better if you have a slight (responsible) buzz from drinks at the Time Out Market, and if you do it at night when the city illuminates with a jaw-dropping array of lights.
Last night of your 3 days in New York City
The last evening of your 3 days in NYC is yours to take advantage of. This would be a great time to revisit favorite spots or buy souvenirs (here’s my personal list of 10 fool-proof NYC souvenirs) for friends. If you are looking for more ideas or advice, read below.
More activities for your 3 days in New York City
If you have more than 3 days in NYC (or would like to swap some of the activities mentioned above), this section is for you.
The Empire State Building–
This iconic building is so cool from any vantage point. Make sure to see it on your trip. Some people suggest going in ($20 admission) but I personally haven’t and don’t feel like I’m missing out.
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).
Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat and Dali, it’s no wonder MoMA is constantly crowded with happy visitors.
You don’t have to be an avid art connoisseur to appreciate the real-life paintings you grew up studying in school. The painting are well curated and displayed in a modern and airy environment for an experience anyone can enjoy.
Must see at MoMA: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans, Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, Monet’s Water Lilies, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, and Picasso’s work.
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids. Take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.
The museum covers a century of subway history and each car displays era-appropriate ads, which makes for some fun age-appropriate humor.
Visitors are able to explore the inside of cars, some dating back to 1903, explore old-school walk signs and transit furniture.Swing by the gift shop before heading out, it’s well curated and has tons of fun transit inspired souvenirs.
The Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park
This iconic building is often considered one of the most beloved in New York City. One fun thing to do in this area is to visit the original Shake Shack location just steps away. Grab a burger and enjoy it in Madison Square Park.
See the Statue of Liberty
The reason I didn’t include the Statue of Liberty in this guide is because it takes so much time to visit this super popular attraction. The line for the ferry can be upwards of an hour long.
If you’re pining to see the statue of liberty during your visit, make sure to go extra early. If you take the Staten Island Ferry (free) it passes right by the Statue of Liberty.
More helpful New York City Guides:
- How to Get to New York City From the Airport
- 20+ Irresistible Coffee Spots in New York City (Guaranteed to Satisfy)
- 10 Memorable Manhattan Bars Everyone Should Visit
- The Best Time to Visit New York City (And The Season to Avoid!)
- 15+ Epic Things to Do in New York City With Kids
Well, that my friends, is how to spend 3 days in New York City! And then some.I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to 3 days in NYC. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below!
Enjoy the Big Apple!
Until next time!
