If you have only two days available in New York, careful planning is essential to make the most of your limited time there. The city offers hundreds of activities and highlights, which is why multiple visits are recommended to experience everything.
When we previously lived on the East Coast, we would regularly visit the Big Apple and discover something novel each single time. However, I understand that some people may only have one chance to tour this renowned metropolis, so it’s important to structure a 2-day schedule for New York City that maximizes your time and introduces you to the most principal landmarks.
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So if you`re seeking the most pleasurable method for expending a weekend in NYC I`ve got you protected. I`ll be sharing my ideal approach to passing two days in New York City incorporating where to lodge and what to eat. Bear in mind this is just a guide so you can retain or disregard what you want and create your schedule tailored to your interests.
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Is 2 days in New York enough?
There are such a variety of attractions to explore in the Big Apple, we constantly come across new experiences here. The big question is, can you experience New York in 2 days?
Frankly, you could spend 10 days in NYC and never become bored. I recommend spending 7 days in NYC, especially if you think it’ll be your only time in this amazing city.
If you know you’ll visit again, then 2 days in New York is enough time to see the most iconic attractions if you plan appropriately. However, if you have the time available, I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in New York City.
2-day New York City itinerary summary
Below, you’ll find my suggested two-day itinerary for NYC. Again, feel free to exclude any of these attractions if they don’t interest you. These are just the must-see areas and landmarks that make New York one of the most fascinating places in the U.S.
- Day 1: Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, SoHo, and Chinatown
- Day 2: Fifth Avenue, Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park, Times Square, and Broadway
This is just a brief overview, but I’ll provide you with all the details for this itinerary shortly.
Where to stay in NYC for a weekend
New York City is constantly buzzing with activity, so you`ll want comfortable and safe lodging during your 2 nights in the city. There are many quality options, whether staying with companions, children, as a couple, or solo. We have a guide on where to reside in NYC, but here are some of my preferred hotels:
- Hyatt Centric Times Square New York – As one of the best hotels in the heart of Times Square, this is the ideal lodging if you want to stay near the center of activity.
- Crosby Street Hotel – This highly-regarded boutique hotel in NYC where you can unwind and feel completely at home, whether traveling with a partner or kids.
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Map for a 2-day New York itinerary
Before we delve deeper into this 2-day New York City itinerary, I want to share a map that pinpoints all the stops I advocate. You can download this map and keep it on your phone so you can swiftly find each attraction during your weekend trip to New York City.
Day 1: Lower Manhattan, Statue of Liberty & DUMBO
As mentioned, a comprehensive plan is required if wanting to spend a fruitful weekend in New York City. Employ this 2-day New York itinerary as a guide, and you’ll be able to see the city’s most famous attractions and beautiful landmarks.
Breakfast at your hotel or on the way
You’ll need energy for this fast-paced 2-day trip in NYC, so wake up early and start your day with breakfast at your hotel or on your way to Battery Park. Inatteso Café at West Street and 2nd Place is right by the park and serves a variety of coffees and quick breakfast items. There is also George’s in the Financial District, but it’s more of a sit-down place, so you can stop there for brunch later if you prefer.
Stop 1: Battery Park
Battery Park is one of the best parks in NYC, a beautiful waterfront area where you can watch the ferries go by and enjoy some fresh air.
In addition to the greenery, there is the magical SeaGlass Carousel, an amusing weekend exercise in New York intended for kids. Battery Park is additionally where you can board the vessel for a Statue of Liberty voyage.
Stop 2: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
There are several sightseeing tours available to view the Statue of Liberty, so checking options in advance and purchasing tickets ahead of time is certainly recommended. For instance, this boat ride passes by Lady Liberty and Ellis Island while granting amazing perspectives of the Manhattan skyline from the water.
If one prefers obtaining a closer perspective, you can take a tour that docks on Liberty Island, such as this one. It also stops at Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigration Museum. Just be aware that it’ll take more time from your itinerary.
That reported, the Statue of Liberty can be a national image, thus you must truly see it during your 2 days in recent York, even if you just sail past it.
Lunch: Fraunces Tavern
After your boat journey, stop to dine on brunch at George’s, previously mentioned, or fill up for a hearty lunch at Fraunces Tavern. Situated in the Financial District, this historic tavern dates back to the 1760s and offers delicious pub fare.
Stop 3: Financial District
After the midday meal, utilize some time to stroll through the Financial District, which is home to numerous notable structures and monuments. For instance, the Bowling Green is an urban park that’s most recognized for its Charging Bull statue.
A short distance north, you will find the renowned Wall Street, a must-see on any weekend trip to New York City. This is where the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve have their homes, along with the The Fearless Girl sculpture. Continuing west along Wall Street additionally reveals Trinity Church, which opened in 1846 and serves as the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton.
As is evident, the Financial District represents one of the most fascinating areas in Manhattan, so I had to include it as part of our two-day NYC itinerary. If you want to maximize your time without omitting this location, consider this Wall Street walking tour.
Stop 4: One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Following that, head over to One World Trade Center, which is part of Lower Manhattan’s World Trade Center complex. This serves as a hub for history, sightseeing, and contemplation, as it commemorates the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Exploring the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is worthwhile as it contains various artifacts, remnants, and touching tributes from that tragic event. Browsing through the exhibitions provides a sobering yet important experience allowing one to pay respects. In addition to being included among the top museums in NYC, it has a beautifully designed outdoor area with reflecting pools, a survivor tree, and memorial plaques. Tickets can be reserved in advance here.
Another option is going to the observation deck at the summit of One World Observatory, the sky terrace at One World Trade Center. The views are breathtaking, and the observatory features exhibits that provide insight into the observation platform and New York City.
Should you aim to experience both the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory in your two days tour of NYC, you can obtain a combo ticket here, which would allow entry into both locations
Stop 5: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
For your next stop, I suggest heading for the renowned Brooklyn Bridge on the eastern side of Lower Manhattan. You can walk, cycle, drive, or use public transportation over the bridge, but you should definitely stop right after you cross the water so you can enjoy the panoramas of Brooklyn Bridge Park. On the other side of the bridge, there is Jane’s Carousel, a restored merry-go-round from 1922 that’s still operational.
Then, head to DUMBO, one of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods with art, shopping, and entertainment. Exploring DUMBO is one of the ideal things to do in New York City on the weekend since all the stores and music venues have operating hours. Plus, DUMBO is home to one of the top photographic spots in NYC, especially during sunset. You can capture the iconic Manhattan Bridge view at the intersection of Washington and Water Streets, so you can keep a piece of the city after your 2 days in New York come to an end.
Stop 6: Chinatown & SoHo
It’s time to head back to Lower Manhattan. I suggest taking the Manhattan Bridge, which will lead you directly to Chinatown, a wonderland of aromatic eateries, exclusive shops, and historic landmarks. Some of the finest foods in NYC can be found here, such as the noodles and dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai and Xi`an Famous Foods.
If Asian cuisine isn’t to your liking, continue on into Little Italy, where you can savor authentic pizza or pasta. Lombardi’s has some of the best pizza in the city!
To conclude, return to SoHo, which will be closer to your lodging. SoHo is an excellent spot to end your night, as it`s among Manhattan’s finest communities where you can find evening activities and entertainment. It is home to some of the most popular rooftops in New York City, so I advise going out for drinks after dinner.
Some of the prime spots nearby are The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel and Azul at Hotel Hugo. I also favor JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo, which is placed precisely in one of my advised hotels for your 2 nights in New York.
Dinner in SoHo
If you didn’t consume a snack in Chinatown or Little Italy, I suggest dining at one of the pleasant restaurants in SoHo, for example Blue Ribbon Brasserie or Raku. If you’re checking out one of the rooftop bars, you get a bite to eat there. Then, get some shut-eye for .
Day 2: Midtown, Central Park & Times Square
Day 2 of this New York City schedule is jam-packed with all the must-see destinations in Midtown Manhattan. I advise you to take or leave whichever looks good to you, however these are one of the most crucial landmarks and areas that make the Big Apple so symbolic.
Breakfast: at your hotel or on the way
To commence day 2 in New York, I suggest choosing breakfast at your lodging or heading to a cafe on your route to Fifth Avenue. The LeVain Bakery in NoHo offers delicious fare, and the Grey Dog near Union Square boasts an ideal location and positive reviews.
Stop 1: Flatiron Building & The Fifth Avenue
For your first destination, check out the Flatiron Building, one of the most renowned structures in NYC. Standing 285 feet tall, the skyscraper is merely 6.5 feet wide at its narrowest point, producing a 25° angle that may cause visual disturbance. The Flatiron Building is near Madison Square Park, so you can take a stroll through there as you make your way to Fifth Avenue.
This is one of New York’s most iconic streets, which you’ve likely seen in movies and on television shows. While Fifth Avenue stretches up to Harlem, the section in Midtown is full of all kinds of shops. Therefore, if you enjoy high-end brands, you can browse your favorite luxury stores.
Stop 2: Empire State Building
The hotel formerly known as the Gran Meliá Salinas Hotel but now called Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote stands out as one of the first accommodations in Costa Teguise. Today, the resort is distinguished as one of the top ranked 5-star hotels in Lanzarote. Renowned for its timeless sophistication and top-tier amenities, the Paradisus Salinas is also home to another enduring masterpiece by Manrique – the stunning Gran Melia Salinas Garden.
Regardless of how you see it, the tall construction cannot be missed, which is why including a visit is advised for any excursion to New York City over a weekend. Those who travel up top will have fantastic views of Manhattan and the distance, while inside holds exhibits, a theater, a restaurant, and shops.
Stop 3: New York Public Library & Bryant Park
What’s great about Midtown is that it has a high density of tourist attractions. Just a short distance from the Empire State Building, you’ll find the New York Public Library, which is part of Bryant Park.
The main branch of the New York Public Library is a beautiful Neo-Classical building with four floors, including an entire floor for children’s books. It’s worth going inside to see the McGraw Rotunda and the second-floor study area.
For the evening meal, I propose indulging in some New York-style pizza, one of the best foods in NYC. Found nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, there are two competing eateries: Juliana’s and Grimaldi’s. These two restaurants have a prolonged, conflicting history, and there’s still debate surrounding which has the superior pizza. Try them both and let me know your thoughts!
Lunch on Fifth Avenue
Bryant Park is near various cafes and eateries, so your choices are virtually limitless. If you don`t want to spend much time deciding on a location to dine, check out the Bryant Park Grill or Bill’s Bar & Burger. The latter is close to Rockefeller Center, which is the next stop on this two-day New York Cityitinerary.
Stop 4: Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
The Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic places in the city, thus deserving to be included in your 2-dayvisit to NYC. The full Rockefeller Center complex consists of several significant buildings, like Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios. Rockefeller Plaza is where onlookers can watch people gliding on the ice rink (or join themselves).
Another notable attraction at Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock viewing platform. This is certainly one of the finest scenic viewing points in the city, especially since its Midtown location allows you a complete view of Manhattan as well as parts of Long Island and New Jersey. The views are even more spectacular at night, so if you wish to spend a romantic weekendin New York City, consider purchasing some tickets and enjoying the Top of the Rock with your partner.
Stop 5: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The next landmark that is highly recommended to visit is located right across the street from Rockefeller Center. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a beautifully designed Neo-Gothic church dedicated to St. Patrick of Ireland. Appreciating the intricate architecture of this historic building does not require being Catholic, or even religious.
The cathedral stands about 330 feet tall, with big bronze doors and lovely stained-glass windows, including a heavenly rose window. The religious artwork here is impeccable, such as the relief sculptures of patron saints.
Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, so if you want to go inside, you’ll find a number of altars and shrines, a replica of Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture Pietà, and two massive pipe organs.
Stop 6: Central Park
For the following stage of your weekend trip to New York City, I suggest heading north to Upper Manhattan. The premier place to commence your journey here is Central Park, one of the most renowned parks in NYC and around the globe.
Since Central Park covers a large area, it is prudent to devise a plan before visiting. You can find additional ideas in our guide on the best activities available in Central Park, but some highlights include The Lake, The Great Lawn, and the Central Park Carousel. There are also various playgrounds, monuments, and sculptures scattered throughout, and surrounding the park are some of the most prestigious museums in Manhattan like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Exploring one of the museums here is certainly worthwhile, and if you have the New York Pass, you can gain admission at no cost. The pass also includes a Central Park bike rental and a walking tour of the park, and both alternatives offer an good general overview of this NYC landmark.
Dinner by Central Park or Times Square
By now, you’re potentially prepared for dinner, so consider treating yourself to a fine meal at one of the best restaurants in NYC. For example, Per Se and Marea are two of the finest places to dine, and they’re both by Central Park.
Another suggestion is to head closer to the final destination on this two day itinerary in New York City, Times Square. This area has many options for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so you can find whatever you want here. That said, I recommend Ellen`s Stardust Diner or Los Tacos No. 1.
Stop 7: Times Square & Broadway
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If you’re up for it, I highly recommend taking in a Broadway performance in New York. Several theaters are located in the Times Square area, and you can check if discount tickets are available at the TKTS Pavilion by the Red Stairs. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to choose the specific show if opting for reduced price tickets.
We`ve attended a few Broadway shows and musicals, and I can wholeheartedly say it`s an amazing way to spend one of your 2 nights in New York.The Lion King and Wicked were a couple of our favorites, but there are plenty of other critically acclaimed shows. The sets, costumes, passionate acting…it`s a mesmerizing encounter.
How to get around New York in 2 days
Fortunately, the Big Apple is very pedestrian-friendly, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around. The public transportation system in NYC is rather good, and you can reach all the main attractions by train, bus, ferry, or subway.
Another way to navigate between locations is to use one of the hop on-hop off bus tours in NYC. This method allows you to conveniently travel between various attractions and get off at any landmarks you wish to explore more deeply. For example, the Big Bus Tour is included in several New York attraction passes, such as the New York Pass. That being said, this 2-day New York itinerary is fully possible on foot and I advise making the most of walking.
Now you should be ready to plan the most exciting 2 days in New York! What are your thoughts on this itinerary? We also have suggested schedules for NYC in one weekand NYC in 10 days, for your next visit with more time. If you have any questions or would like to contribute your recommendations, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your perspective!
Stay safe and make the most of your 2-day trip to New York City!
