New York City, United States-2-day-itinerary

New York City 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic NYC Landmarks

Morning

  • Start at Times Square: Begin your day in the heart of New York City, surrounded by bright lights, giant billboards, and lively energy.
  • Grab breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner: A classic NYC diner with singing waitstaff and a fun atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Empire State Building: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 86th floor. (Open daily 8am-2am, tickets $34-$59)
  • Walk to Grand Central Terminal: Explore this beautiful Beaux-Arts building and grab lunch at the Grand Central Market or Dining Concourse.

Evening

  • See a Broadway Show: Catch a performance of your favorite musical or play on one of the world’s most famous stages. (Tickets vary in price, book in advance)
  • Dinner at Carbone: An over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor and exceptional service.

Day 2: Culture, Parks, and Museums

Morning

  • Start at Central Park: Take a leisurely stroll through this iconic urban park, exploring the Bethesda Fountain, Loeb Boathouse, and Strawberry Fields.
  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art: With over 2 million works of art, spend hours discovering something new. (Pay-what-you-wish admission)

Afternoon

  • Head to the High Line: An elevated park built on an old rail line, offering stunning city views and public art installations.
  • Lunch at Chelsea Market: A food hall with a variety of vendors serving everything from lobster rolls to Korean BBQ.

Evening

  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay respects at this poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks. (Open daily 9am-5pm, tickets $24)
  • Dinner at Katz’s Delicatessen: A classic Jewish deli on the Lower East Side, famous for its pastrami sandwiches and nostalgic atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Consider staying in Midtown Manhattan or Times Square for easy access to many iconic landmarks. Some options include:

  • The Pod Hotel Brooklyn: Stylish, compact rooms starting at $150/night
  • DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West: Modern hotel with a rooftop bar and comfortable rooms from $200/night

Things to Know

  • Buy a MetroCard: The most convenient way to navigate the NYC subway system ($3 per ride or $33 for a 7-day unlimited pass)
  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular areas can be overwhelming, so plan accordingly and consider visiting during off-peak hours
  • Tip your servers and bartenders: Aim for 15% to 20% of the total bill

Transportation

  • Subway: The most affordable way to get around NYC ($3 per ride or $33 for a 7-day unlimited pass)
  • Yellow Cabs: Available throughout the city, but be prepared for higher prices (around $10-$15 per ride)
  • Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Lyft operate in NYC, with prices varying depending on traffic

Tips

  • Be mindful of your belongings: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas
  • Respect local customs: Follow basic rules of etiquette when visiting cultural institutions or interacting with locals
  • Take breaks: With so much to see and do, be sure to pace yourself and rest your feet

Other Things of Interest

  • TV Show Tapings: Attend a live recording of shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon or Saturday Night Live (free tickets available through various websites)
  • Brooklyn Bridge: Take a scenic walk across this iconic bridge for spectacular city views
  • Smorgasburg: A weekend food market in Brooklyn featuring local vendors and artisanal goods