New York City Usa 3 Day Itinerary

New York City 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic NYC Landmarks and Times Square

Morning

  • Start the day at Central Park (opens at 6am), take a leisurely walk through the park, visit the Bethesda Fountain, and enjoy the scenery.
  • Grab breakfast at Sarabeth’s ( Multiple locations, but try the one on the Upper West Side) - delicious pastries and sandwiches.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Empire State Building ( Observation deck opens at 8am) for panoramic views of the city.
  • Take a short walk to the New York Public Library (opens at 9am), a stunning Beaux-Arts building with a beautiful reading room.
  • Head to Times Square, one of the most iconic areas in NYC, known for its bright lights and bustling energy.

Evening

  • Catch a Broadway show (book tickets in advance) or enjoy dinner at Carmine’s (Multiple locations), an Italian restaurant serving family-style dishes.
  • End the night with a stroll through Times Square to take in the sights and sounds.

Day 2: Museums, Art, and Food

Morning

  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (opens at 10am), 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 (Multiple locations), a casual spot serving delicious Chinese noodles.

Afternoon

  • Head to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (opens at 10:30am), home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Take a short walk to Bryant Park, a charming green space with plenty of seating and food vendors.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Carbone (Greenwich Village), an upscale Italian-American restaurant with retro decor.
  • Catch live music or comedy at the Village Vanguard (Greenwich Village) or Comedy Cellar (Greenwich Village).

Day 3: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and Brooklyn

Morning

  • Take a ferry to Liberty Island to visit the iconic Statue of Liberty ( Reserve tickets in advance).
  • Stop by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum (opens at 9am), a poignant tribute to the victims of 9/11.

Afternoon

  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Explore trendy DUMBO, Brooklyn, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront parks.
  • Grab lunch at Grimaldi’s (DUMBO), a classic New York pizzeria.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens (Bensonhurst, Brooklyn), a beloved Italian restaurant with outdoor seating.
  • End the night with a stroll along the Brooklyn waterfront, taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Where to Stay

  • Consider staying in Midtown West or the Upper West Side for easy access to Central Park and many attractions.
  • Budget-friendly options: YOTEL New York (Midtown West) or Pod Hotel Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Brooklyn).
  • Luxury options: The Plaza Hotel (Midtown West) or The William Vale (Williamsburg, Brooklyn).

Transportation

  • Use the NYC Subway System, an efficient and affordable way to get around the city. Buy a MetroCard for $3 and ride for $2.75 per trip.
  • Consider purchasing a 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard for $33.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Tips and Essentials

  • Buy tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long lines.
  • Pack comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Tip your servers and bartenders, 15-20% is standard in NYC.
  • Stay hydrated, bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste.

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a stroll through iconic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown.
  • Visit the High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line, for great city views.
  • Explore one of NYC’s many markets, such as Smorgasburg (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) or Chelsea Market (Meatpacking District).

Enjoy your time in New York City!