The Best 3-Day Itinerary for New York City

You ought to dedicate no less than a 3-day itinerary for NYC. This will afford you adequate time to visit the most renowned attractions in New York City.

That said, we’ve visited New York several times, and we always find something new to do. If it’s your first time here, a 3-day NYC trip will guarantee that you cover the highlights without feeling super rushed. Honestly, you can spend weeks here and never run out of activities to do or sights to see.

Don’t worry if you only have three days available in New York. I’ll help you make the most of your time and have an unforgettable experience. In this guide, I’ll share my recommended schedule for a visit to New York City lasting 3 days and tips for where to stay and how to get around.

Before delving in, I suggest investing in a New York city pass, specifically if you want to visit multiple premier attractions. I cover all the alternatives in our guide, although I think the New York Pass is one of the best deals to assist you spend 3 days in NYC with constraint.

Is 3 days in New York enough?

Spending 3 days in New York City is absolutely worthwhile. If it`s your initial visit here, you`re better off with 7 days in NYC, but if you can’t stay that long, try for no less than 3 days. This way, you’ll have adequate time to see all the primary attractions without hurrying too much.

You may also have the opportunity to broaden your itinerary to encompass some less popular places. Of course, I always advise planning your three days in New York in advance to ensure you experience everything on your list without becoming overwhelmed.

Best 3-day itinerary for NYC

Beyond its iconic Midtown sites, New York City has much to explore. A 3-day itinerary allows one to see top attractions while delving deeper into what makes the metropolis distinctive.

Here is my proposed itinerary for 3 days in New York City, but feel free to rearrange things or substitute something else for one of the stops.

• Day 1: Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, Financial District, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, 9/11 Museum, Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo

• Day 2: Central Park, The Met, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Broadway

• Day 3: Bushwick Collective, Williamsburg, Jewish Quarter, Domino Park, Prospect Park, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge

3-Day NYC itinerary map

It’s easy to become lost or perplexed by everything occurring in the city, so keep this map handy throughout your trip. It includes all the stops I integrated into this 3-day NYC schedule, as well as restaurant and hotel recommendations.

You can save this map to your phone for easy access in the future. Now, let’s examine the !

Day 1: Lower Manhattan & Statue of Liberty, a great start to your 3-day NYC itinerary

Lower Manhattan is one of the coolest parts of the city. It possesses much history, plus some of the most unique areas, each with their own culture and atmosphere. There are such a variety of enjoyable activities to partake in Lower Manhattan, so dedicate the beginning of your 3-day visit to New York to seeing all the highlights.

Breakfast at your hotel or on the way

Begin your morning early and eat a meal at your lodging or somewhere nearby on the way to Battery Park. George’s is a nice café in the Financial District, though it`s better suited for dining-in, so you could go there a bit later for brunch. For a quick bite, check out Inattesco Café, directly by the park, at West Street and 2^nd Place.

Stop 1: Battery Park

After filling up on fuel, head to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. This is one of the most attractive parks in NYC, providing scenic waterfront views. If desired, linger here and mingle among the morning joggers, or take a look at the 17^th-century military remains of Castle Clinton.

Then, head to the edge of the park and watch the boats float through New York Harbor. Battery Park is where you’ll hop on the ferry to go to the Statue of Liberty.

Stop 2: Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an essential sight for any 3-day New York City schedule. Lady Liberty has stood tall since being gifted to the U.S. by the French in 1886. You can find many types of Statue of Liberty tours, but I recommend selecting one in advance of your trip so you can optimize your time in the city.

I like taking this boat ride, which sails past Liberty Island and Ellis Island so that the statue can be viewed from the watercraft. If stopping at Liberty and Ellis Islands is preferred, I suggest taking this excursion. This way, one can admire Lady Liberty up close and explore the Immigration Museum. Just keep in mind that it will absorb more time from the itinerary.

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

After exploring the city, have lunch at one of the most renowned restaurants, Fraunces Tavern. Located downtown, it dates back to the 1760s and was a stop for George Washington when he led the troops. The tavern offers excellent pub fare, but if you prefer varying cuisine, consider brunch at George’s near Trinity Church.

Stop 3: Financial District & Wall Street

Now that you’ve refueled, it’s time to discover Lower Manhattan’s commercial quarter. This is where all the banking institutions, monetary organizations, and corporate headquarters are situated, as well as some historic constructions.

You cannot miss Trinity Church, which dates back to the mid-1800s and serves as the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton. You should also walk along Wall Street to see the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve, and the Fearless Girl statue. The Financial District is also home to Bowling Green, NYC’s oldest public park and the site of the famous Charging Bull sculpture.

If the many attractions here leave you feeling overwhelmed, you may wish to participate in this guided walk around Wall Street; it is considered one of the finest experiences in New York City.

Stop 4: One World Trade Center & 9/11 Museum

Not far from the Financial District, you’ll find One World Trade Center, an evocative place to visit in New York. The World Trade Center complex contains reflective memorials and a museum dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of the most highly regarded cultural institutions in New York City, commemorating one of the most tragic events faced by the country. It’s a emotionally difficult place to visit, considering the significant emotional weight of the subject matter, but it’s an integral part of telling the city’s history. In addition to artifacts and exhibits related to 9/11, the museum recognizes the victims of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. You can obtain entry to the museum here.

The World Trade Center complex also contains One World Observatory, an impressive tower that provides some of the finest panoramic perspectives of the city. If visiting both the observatory and the 9/11 Museum, secure this combination ticket for the two attractions.

Stop 5: Chinatown, Little Italy & SoHo

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Directly next to Chinatown, one of the best places for cuisine in NYC is Little Italy, especially known for pizza crafted from scratch. This is the area to sample authentic Italian delicacies, handmade pasta, and mouth-watering cannoli. It’s also worth exploring SoHo, a trendy neighborhood with historically beautiful cast iron architecture, local bakeries, and art galleries.

Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo are all adjacent neighborhoods, but if seeing all three is a priority, consider signing up for this guided walking excursion.

Dinner in SoHo

SoHo also hosts many nightlife activities and fine dining options, so it serves as a good location to obtain an evening meal. If you did not eat in Chinatown or Little Italy, I recommend dining at one of the respectable restaurants in SoHo, such as Boqueria Soho,Fanelli Café, or Charlie Bird.

This region is also home to some of the most amazing rooftop bars in NYC, so if you prefer something livelier, check out JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo. It’s the ideal conclusion to the initial day of your .

Day 2: Midtown & Central Park, essentials for an itinerary for 3 days in NYC

For the second day of your three day visit to NYC, dedicate some time exploring the magic of Central Midtown. This is where much of the city`s renowned landmarks and skyscrapers are situated, as well as the expansive greenery of Central Park.

Situated in the core of Manhattan, Midtown houses some of the finest districts in New York City. There are abundant activities here, so start early and ready yourself for a full day!

Breakfast at your hotel or on the way

Begin your day with breakfast at your lodging or on your way to Central Park, the initial stop on day 2 of this highly emphasized 3-day NYC itinerary. There are many cafes and bakeries in the area. Depending on where you’re staying, I recommend LeVain Bakery in NoHo or the Grey Dog near Union Square.

Stop 1: Central Park

It wouldn’t be a visit to NYC without stopping at Central Park. This expansive park is one of the most renowned attractions in the city and is known as “The Lungs of New York,” so take the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in some refreshing air.

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While there is plenty to experience in this city, taking time to see all of the highlights may require an organized plan such as this walking tour or renting bicycles in Central Park to navigate more efficiently. Both options are covered by the New York Pass.

Stop 2: The Met or another famous NYC museum

While exploring Central Park, do not overlook the world-renowned museums along its borders. Allotting time to tour at least one is worthwhile during your 3-day visit to New York City.

New York City’s museums are among the best that span areas like art and architecture to history and local culture. Near Central Park, you can check out The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has over two million works of art and an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts. There is also the American Museum of Natural History, where one can see gemstone exhibitions, a planetarium, and massive dinosaur fossils.

The next notable museum is the Guggenheim Museum, home to thousands of masterpieces from the 20th century. Its unusual architecture, spiraling design conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright, gives it an memorable appearance meant to symbolize a “place of spirit.” Just south of Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) caters to devotees of contemporary art

All these museums and various other locations are covered under the New York Pass.

Lunch by Central Park or Fifth Avenue

By now, you’re probably famished, so it’s time for lunch. Fortunately, there are some nearby spots that offer great cuisine and a delightful Midtown ambiance.

If dining in or around Central Park, consider checking out The Loeb Boathouse along the shore. In addition to waterfront perspectives, it features an informal menu including vegetarian, vegan and meat-based meals.

An alternate option is Tavern on the Green located near West 66^th Street. It possesses a beautiful garden courtyard adjacent to the park and serves traditional American cuisine. Marea represents one of the top-rated eateries in NYC, situated at the southwestern edge of Central Park. It provides rustic Italian meals, and though costly, deserves trying for an unforgettable dining experience.

Stop 3: St. Patrick’s Cathedral & Fifth Avenue

The eastern section of Central Park runs parallel to Fifth Avenue, an iconic NYC road with countless shops and designer boutiques. It’s an excellent chance to do some window shopping and to visit niche stores like the LEGO Store and MUJI Fifth Avenue.

Another noteworthy landmark along Fifth Avenue is St. Patrick`s Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic-style church. It is dedicated to St. Patrick of Ireland and features beautiful decorative details such as large bronze doors, a 330-foot-tall spire, stained-glass windows, and relief sculptures of patron saints.

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Stop 4: New York Public Library & Bryant Park

At Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, there are two additional places you should add to your 3-day schedule for NYC. First, the New York Public Library is a splendid building with architectural and decorative features in the Neo-Classical and Beaux Arts styles. It has four floors of books, reading rooms, and research material, although the McGraw Rotunda is a highlight worth seeing.

Additionally, outside the library is the sprawling greenery of Bryant Park, a French-inspired urban park with food vendors, public art displays, outdoor games, and even a merry-go-round. During the Christmas season in NYC, the park transforms into the Winter Village, where visitors can go ice skating and Christmas shopping.

Stop 5: Flatiron Building

If you continue down Fifth Avenue, you’ll encounter other iconic structures in New York. One of those is the Flatiron Building, a unique skyscraper built in 1902. This construction has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, but seeing it personally offers a different experience.

The Flatiron Building stands 285 feet tall and just 6.5 feet wide at its narrowest point, forming a dizzying 25° angle. The interior is reserved for corporate spaces and offices, so pass by and admire its distinct shape from the sidewalk.

Stop 6: Empire State Building

Before the sun sets, visiting the iconic Empire State Building is recommended as it is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset. Located along Fifth Avenue, a few blocks past the distinctive Flatiron Building, this observation deck offers stunning views for up to 80 miles on clear days and is worth the entrance fee. If short on time, heading directly there instead of the previous attraction is advised.

In addition to a theater, shops, exhibits, and a restaurant, the main attractions of the Empire State Building are the observation decks located on the eighty-sixth and one hundred and second floors. If you’re adding this iconic New York City landmark to your planned activities during a three day visit to NYC, be sure to get an admission ticket in advance online so you can avoid long queues waiting to gain access.

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Stop 7: Times Square & Broadway

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If stage performances aren`t your interest, there are plentiful other options for activities in NYC at night. Undoubtedly, one of the top places to visit is Times Square. This spot is constantly buzzing with exhilaration, though it really comes alive after dark with its street performers, buskers, and dazzling lights. Be sure to take pictures of the Red Stairs, and if you’re attending a show, check out the TKTS Pavilion next door for discounted Broadway tickets.

Dinner in Times Square

There are many dining establishments located in Times Square offering a variety of cuisines, so I advise selecting this area for your evening meal. Some well-known choices consist of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company,Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and Hard Rock Café.Los Tacos No. 1 has outstanding Mexican fare and refreshing aguas frescas, and Junior’s is the place to enjoy New York-style cheesecake .

Day 3: Brooklyn, the best way to end your 3-day New York City itinerary

For the final day of your 3 days in New York, venture outside Manhattan and tour the borough of Brooklyn. It possesses less crowds and chaos here, providing a pleasant change of pace from the prior couple days.

Brooklyn offers loads of fantastic attractions, but since you’ll only have a day here, I’m highlighting the most critical ones to provide a general overview of Brooklyn’s best areas.

Breakfast at your hotel or on the way

You are able to have breakfast at your lodging or obtain something on your way to Brooklyn. Marlow & Sons offers comforting and hearty dishes, and it’s right over the Williamsburg Bridge. For something swift, Jessi’s Coffee Shop on Bushwick Avenue is open at 6:00 a.m. and is a few blocks from the initial stop, the Bushwick Collective.

Stop 1: Bushwick Collective

After breakfast, head to the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn. From Midtown, it takes about 40 minutes by subway (45 minutes from Lower Manhattan).

The Bushwick Collective is an outdoor artistic venue displaying spray-painted works and public art. It showcases items from artists all over the world as well as local creators, so viewers will see a variety of pieces ranging from brightly colored and lighthearted to realistic and solemn in nature

The works can be browsed independently along Jefferson and Troutman Streets. That noted, this guided tour is exceptional if wanting to gain further awareness about the Bushwick Collective and its artworks. It represents one of the finest walking routes in NYC and won`t consume an excessive time commitment from the planned itinerary.

Stop 2: Williamsburg & the Jewish Quarter

Following your time at the Bushwick Collective, head west back towards Williamsburg, one of the premiere zones in Brooklyn. It’s a 45-mintue trek on foot, or you can take the subway (the L train, then the M train).

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Some of the fun activities to engage in Williamsburg include hanging out at Brooklyn Bowl, grabbing a drink at the Brooklyn Brewery, and learning about the local history at the City Reliquary. You’ll also notice that Williamsburg’s southern district has a large population of Hasidic Jews. The Jewish Quarter has several temples and signs in Yiddish, so keep an eye out.

Stop 3: Bedford Avenue & Domino Park

While you’re in Williamsburg, take some time to stroll along Bedford Avenue, the neighborhood’s main street where lots of restaurants and stores are centered. Williamsburg is also home to some of the most recommended flea markets in NYC, so it’s worth browsing the nearby Artists & Fleas and Brooklyn Flea.

If shopping isn’t your thing, at minimum make sure to visit Domino Park. Located by the Williamsburg Bridge, this park overlooks the East River and is named for its Domino Sugar Factory.

Lunch in Williamsburg

You won`t face any difficulties getting a spot to dine in this area, but if you need some proposals, check out Radegast Hall & Biergarten for an informal meal or Peter Luger Steak House for a juicy burger or steak.

If you`re taking your 3-day New York trip in late spring or summer, you could consider visiting Williamsburg Smorgasburg. It runs every Saturday from April through October, allowing you to plan your visit around a Saturday and head there. This market features many food vendors serving various cuisines, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Stop 4: Prospect Park & Park Slope

After enjoying a good meal, take the subway straight to Prospect Park from the Broadway station. This incredible park is full of green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas like the LeFrak Center. There are also some interesting attractions contained within the park, such as the Prospect Park Boathouse, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.

If you prefer exploring the popular sights as well as some hidden gems, take this walking tour through Prospect Park.

Another excellent place for an easy walk is the Park Slope neighborhood, a residential locality with charming streets and historical brownstone homes. It’s situated just west of Prospect Park and contains many independent shops and cafes, so exploring the area as you make your way to the East River waterside is an enjoyable activity.

Stop 5: Brooklyn Heights Promenade & Brooklyn Bridge Park

Continue your journey through Park Slope towards the scenic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a walkway hugging the East River coastline. This path reserved for pedestrians offers panoramic perspectives of the waterfront and landscapes like Lower Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance become visible.

As you walk along the waterfront path, you’ll pass the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has separated zones and docks for athletics, kayaking, playgrounds, and other activities.

Dinner at Juliana’s or Grimaldi’s

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You can also explore Time Out Market, a few blocks away. This eating and shopping complex sits right by the water and has local food vendors offering barbecue, burgers, ramen, sushi, tacos, and more. Trust me, if you’re unsure how to spend 3 days in NYC, you can’t go wrong with sampling some of its best cuisine!

Stop 6: DUMBO

After dinner, it’s time for the last stop in Brooklyn, DUMBO. Known by the abbreviation DUMBO which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, this neighborhood is renowned for its wealth of activities, sights, and attractions that one must see. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, you can’t miss it if visiting the area.

DUMBO presents theaters, bookstores, specialty shops, and numerous photo opportunities. It includes some of the best places to take pictures in NYC, for instance the well known DUMBO Archway, the DUMBO Walls, and Pebble Beach. You can also photograph the iconic Manhattan Bridge outlook with the red brick buildings on either side and the Empire State Building beneath the bridge.

If your interest in DUMBO is insatiable, take this guided stroll, which includes all the top attractions in DUMBO, and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stop 7: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan

The Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the most spectacular views in NYC, so I recommend concluding your 3^rd day in New York City by crossing this bridge back into Lower Manhattan. You can walk, bike, or drive across it, although if you walk, you can take in all the scenery.

The 1.1-mile span gives perspectives of Manhattan, additionally neighboring Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River. During evenings, the skyline is reflected in the water, creating a beautifully romantic ambiance.

After finishing your walk along the bridge, you’ll find yourself back in Manhattan where you can retire to your lodging for a well-earned rest. However, if you still have energy, you may obtain a drink at one of the nearby bars or underground hidden bars in NYC.

Where to stay in NYC for 3 days

For a 3-day trip to New York City, I suggest lodging someplace pleasant and convenient in Midtown Manhattan. This way, you’ll be near the top attractions, and you can take the subway to explore Brooklyn. Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of decent places to reside in NYC, but here are my top recommendations:

• Pod 39 – This represents one of the top affordable lodging in NYC where you can take pleasure in a quality stay without a sizable cost. It has capsule-style rooms with basic amenities, some with private bathrooms, plus numerous community features like a lounge and game room. It’s situated in Midtown, just a few blocks from Fifth Avenue.

• Arlo SoHo – This is a lovely hotel in downtown NYC with reasonable rates and an excellent location. It provides a variety of rooms, so it’s great for all types of travelers, and its rooftop bar delivers panoramic views of Lower Manhattan.

• A Comfortable Lodging by Central Park – Reside at this luxurious Manhattan accommodation for an extremely convenient experience near Central Park. In addition to its close proximity to the famous greenspace, it offers top-tier amenities like rainfall showers, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving locally-sourced fare.

How to get around New York City in 3 days

This city is designed for pedestrians, so navigating New York isn’t too problematic once you get accustomed to it. The public transportation options in NYC include buses, ferries, trains, and the subway, so you can easily access all five boroughs without a car.

Another choice is taking an excursion on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in NYC, such as the Big Bus Tour. Not only will this address the issue of navigating around, but you’ll also get to view numerous top attractions and landmarks in the city. This trip is incorporated into several New York attraction passes, such as the New York Pass.

The transportation cards and attraction permits render it much easier to spend 3 days in NYC within a budget. The public transit system is rather protected, particularly during daytime hours, and much more affordable than a taxi or Uber/Lyft.

That’s all the data you need to plan your itinerary for 3 days in New York City! I hope this guide assists you, but if you have any other questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear how your trip went.

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Stay safe, and enjoy your time in NYC!