New York City Usa 2 Day Itinerary

New York City 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic NYC Landmarks and Midtown Madness

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Start your day at Times Square, the heart of New York’s entertainment district. Grab a coffee and take in the bright lights and bustling energy.
  • Walk to Central Park (5-minute walk) and stroll through the park, visiting famous spots like the Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse.

Afternoon (12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

  • Head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. Spend a few hours exploring the vast collections.
  • Grab lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods, a casual Chinese spot with hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb burgers.

Evening (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

  • Take a short subway ride to Rockefeller Center and visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for stunning city views.
  • Catch a Broadway show at one of the many iconic theaters in the area, such as the Al Hirschfeld Theatre or the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Where to Eat

  • Carbone: An over-the-top Italian-American restaurant with retro decor and exceptional service. (Reservations recommended)
  • Katz’s Delicatessen: A classic Jewish deli serving up pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and more since 1888.

Where to Stay

  • The Westin New York at Times Square: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
  • Pod Hotel Brooklyn: A stylish, budget-friendly option with compact rooms and a trendy vibe.

Day 2: Downtown Delights and Waterfront Wonders

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Take the subway to Wall Street and visit the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Federal Reserve Bank.
  • Walk to Battery Park, a waterfront green space with great views of the Statue of Liberty.

Afternoon (12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks.
  • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries in SoHo (South of Houston).

Evening (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

  • Take a sunset stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, offering breathtaking views of New Jersey Palisades.
  • End your day with dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens, a beloved Brooklyn institution serving up classic Italian-American cuisine.

Transportation

  • Subway: The most convenient way to get around NYC. Buy an Unlimited Ride MetroCard for $33 (7-day) or $6.50 per ride.
  • Taxi/Ride-hail: Available, but be aware of surge pricing during peak hours.

Things to Know

  • Tip: New Yorkers are known for their directness, so don’t take it personally if someone seems brusque.
  • Weather: NYC can be hot and humid in summer, cold and snowy in winter. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.

Tips and Other Things

  • Buy a New York CityPASS, which grants you discounted admission to six popular attractions.
  • Take a food tour to sample the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
  • Explore beyond Manhattan: Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx offer unique experiences and neighborhoods to discover.

Enjoy your time in the city that never sleeps!