How to Spend 3 Days in New York City: The Ultimate Guide

Three days in New York City may not be enough to explore the entire city, but they would be plenty to see many of its top attractions.
On your first vacation to New York, break up your sightseeing by neighbourhood. You may make the most of your stay in Manhattan by focusing on specific areas.

So without further ado, below is the fantastic itinerary and travel advice for spending three days in New York City.

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First-Day Morning in New York

After a big or little New York breakfast, take the subway to WTC Cortland Station. Your 3-day New York itinerary begins here.

• One World Observatory in New York
The One World Observatory replaced the World Trade Centre Twin Towers in 2015. It welcomes thousands of visitors daily. It’s a great way to start your three days in New York because you’ll be on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of the western hemisphere’s highest building. You’ll get fantastic city views (and beyond) on a clear day.

• 9/11 Museum in New York
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is right around the corner from One World Observatory. It is a famous museum, so arrive early to avoid crowds. Despite the unpleasant sights and anecdotes, you may easily spend hours there, so plan accordingly. Set aside a whole morning if you have a personal connection to 9/11 or just wish to pay homage.

• The Oculus in New York
Three days in NYC without viewing The Oculus would be a waste. It’s a magnificent replacement for the PATH station that was destroyed on 9/11, and it’s only a few steps from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. You’ll spend a lot of time at this futuristic train station, shopping complex, and plaza.
First-Day Afternoon
After lunch, continue exploring. You’ll adore the afternoon because you’ll tour a prominent city landmark.

• Battery Park in New York
Walk to Manhattan’s southernmost tip and Battery Park, where boats to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty depart. Battery Park is a lovely spot to wander with waterfront views. It’s a calm place where many people walk or relax on the grass. If you stroll through Battery Park in a few minutes, you can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

• Liberty and Ellis in New York
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will take the entire afternoon, but it’s worth it. This 19th-century gift from France was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a true New York City landmark, signifying freedom and opportunity for millions of immigrants. Everyone boarding the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands must go through security, which is a big problem. Once on the boat, it’s a simple voyage to Liberty Island, where you may walk around the statue and climb to the viewing platform.

• Wall Street in New York
After visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, visit Wall Street. Wall Street is the US’s financial capital and has been featured in hundreds of movies and TV series. Wall Street’s top attraction is a photo with the Charging Bull. This bronze sculpture is popular (probably one of the most prominent in the city), and you’ll find thousands of tourists attempting to get a photo with the bull that epitomizes market optimism.

First-Day Evening in New York
The light should be set by now, so head to Brooklyn, New York’s funkier, hipster hamlet off Manhattan.

• NYC Bridge in New York
Walking is essential in NYC. Wall Street is a short walk from Lower Manhattan’s Brooklyn Bridge. The nearly mile-long pedestrian path is isolated from zipping cars so that you may walk safely. It would help if you took your time crossing the Brooklyn Bridge for two reasons. First, enjoy the crossing’s views. Second, the Brooklyn Bridge may be crowded (look out for bikers). Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge after your first day in NYC is relaxing.

• Prospect Park in New York
After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, head west to explore Brooklyn, one of the greatest areas to see in New York in 3 days. Brooklyn Bridge Park has been restored and is now a trendy spot. It’s 85 acres along the Hudson River on Brooklyn’s west side, and it’s always busy. At night, it’s great to sit and enjoy the view of the New York City skyline.

• DUMBO Restaurant in New York
Take the subway to your accommodation to rest. After photographing the NYC skyline, cross the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO. DUMBO is a lovely neighborhood with great views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. When you’re here, roam around and soak in the vibe. This is the perfect place for supper before the first day of your 3-day New York City schedule.

Second-Day Morning in New York

Set your alarm early so you may enjoy breakfast and continue seeing NYC. Start the day with a stroll through The High Line, one of New York’s coolest spots.

• High Line Walk in New York
The High Line is a must-see if you want to escape New York City’s bustle. This elevated pedestrian walkway is a public park created on an old freight rail line and its high platforms snake around a tiny area of Manhattan. The High Line becomes a volunteer-maintained horticultural sanctuary in the summer. Locals and tourists adore this opportunity to experience a distinct side of NYC. You can see much of it in 30 minutes on foot.

• Skyscraper in New York
Take a taxi or walk 1 mile to the Empire State Building to learn about New York history. It is advisable to arrive before 8 am to beat the crowds at the Empire State Building, one of New York’s most famous sites. An hour can distinguish between an extensive line and a quick entry.
One of the coolest things to do in NYC in 3 days is tothe Empire State Building observation deck. Like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is a symbol of New York City that appears in postcards and movies. deck. As busy, hectic, and loud as New York City is, it’s calmer from above.

• The AMNH in New York
Take the B Line to the American Museum of Natural History, one of NYC’s top museums. This museum has approximately two dozen interconnecting buildings. Even if you spend a year exploring it, you won’t be able to see everything. The museum has millions of pieces, including human and natural history treasures.

You’ll discover about Lucy, a million-year-old progenitor, the Great Blue Whale, and more. This enormous and fascinating museum will keep you busy for days. You won’t be able to view everything in a few hours, so pick a few exhibits that interest you. Don’t miss the AMNH dinosaur exhibit.

Second-Day Afternoon in New York
You can eat lunch at the American Museum of Natural History or The Met on the east side of Central Park.

• The Met museum in New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (known as ‘The Met’) is situated in a beautiful 1874 edifice. The Met houses around 250,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years. You’ll find art from Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, Japan, and the 17th century until today. You may spend hours in this museum, and you’ll want to return to learn more.

• Central Park in New York
New York has prioritized retaining the city’s most beautiful surroundings in the prime and expensive Manhattan real estate. Central Park is one of New York’s most renowned sites. After visiting surrounding museums, you’ll want to explore this gorgeous park. Central Park has Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, and the Zoo.

• Manhattan’s Central Park in New York
A 3-day New York City itinerary must include a walk in Central Park.

• Broadway in New York
Fifth Avenue, across from Central Park, is a shopping and fashion center. You’ll discover every high-end fashion brand here, from Chanel to Luis Vuitton, and if your budget allows, you’ll undoubtedly buy something expensive. Most tourists only window-shop at this Upper East Side attraction since you’ll find some of New York City’s best products without spending a dollar.

Second-Day Evening in New York
After a day of sightseeing, you’re probably exhausted, but this New York City 3-day schedule offers lots more.

• Broadway Theater in New York
Broadway is a must for any trip to NYC. If you want to see a show, be prepared to book months in advance.
If you haven’t gotten tickets or don’t have $200 for a show, check out Broadway for Broke People, which holds daily ticket lotteries.

• Times Square in New York
After your Broadway show, walk to Times Square to feel New York’s buzz.
Times Square is one of the most popular sites in NYC. It’s not a square but rather the intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway, creating four quarters. The dazzling lights are the main attraction for tourists who have seen them on TV. You’ll discover street entertainers laboring for gratuities, churches performing gospels, and more. You can watch the crowds even if you don’t want to participate.

Third-Day Morning
Spend your last day in New York City exploring some of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods. If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, eat at your first stop.

• Little Italy in New York
Subway to Canal Street for Little Italy. People sometimes think Little Italy is just worth visiting for the food. However, it has many amazing things to see and do. Here you’ll find New York’s trendiest clothes stores and greatest bars. It will become one of your favorite New York activities if you visit Little Italy around September’s Feast of San Gennaro.

• Chinatown in New York
No long weekend in New York is complete without visiting Chinatown near Little Italy. This popular place has history, camaraderie, and wonderful food. The district feels like one gigantic attraction, which is interesting because it’s where the largest Chinese community outside of Asia lives. You’ll find authentic eateries, unique stores, and community-minded street markets here. Visit its pharmacy for amazing natural cures.

• City Hall in New York
The oldest US City Hall is 15 minutes from Chinatown. Its architecture is one of New York City’s most iconic. It’s been in movies and TV shows and is as famous as other metropolitan landmarks. You can also tour City Hall to learn about its history. You’ll learn about the Mayor’s Office and City Council’s office.

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• NYC Art Gallery in New York

The city has many great galleries.

Third-Day Afternoon in New York

Take the subway to 9th Street Station in West Village and Greenwich Village.

• Greenwich Village in New York
Greenwich Village has been in several movies, like many other NYC places. You must go there if you want to see the city’s most famous spots. The entire hamlet was home to artists and bohemians in the 1960s, and it’s now one of the city’s trendiest destinations. Many dilapidated units have been replaced with stylish bars, cafes, restaurants, music venues, and unusual architecture.

• The Square in New York
Washington Square Park’s marble arch, fountain, and shady trees are a 5-minute walk away. This area is famous for NYC’s avant-garde artists, chess players, and toddlers. SoHo is nearby if you didn’t shop enough on 5th Avenue yesterday.

• Madame Tussauds in New York
Take the Subway to Times Square to see the realistic wax figurines of Madame Tussauds. A lifelike sculpture of someone you’ve read about or seen on TV is eerie. It’s also about atmosphere and presentation, not just selfies with wax figurines. Madame Tussauds encourages interaction.
Instead of standing idly by and staring at the statues, touch them, snap pictures, and strike amusing positions.

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Third-Day Evening in New York
Times Square has many restaurants, so get a bite before exploring. Your final evening in New York City will take you to magnificent nighttime spots, especially if you want to see the city’s spectacular lights.

• Bryant Park in New York
Bryant Park, near Times Square, is relatively tranquil for Manhattan’s center. You’ll feel like you’re in an oasis with a large lawn and beautiful landscaping. Even though it’s not as green in the winter, it has some of NYC’s most admirable Christmas decorations.

• The Cathedral in New York
St. Patrick’s Cathedral should be on any 3-day New York City itinerary. It’s a must-see place with intricate design and spiritual and historical significance. The cathedral was built in the 19th century in a wonderful style. Years of wear and tear, pollution, and acid rain crumbled the exterior. The city renovated the building inside and out for $200 million. Once inside, you’ll realize it was worth the price.

• Rockefeller Center in New York
Rockefeller Center, south of Central Park on Manhattan’s east side, includes essential studios for many networks and programs. Rockefeller Center has the NBC building, Radio City Music Hall, and the American Girls Doll Store. This is also where the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is filmed, and fans can attend live shows.

Signing Off:
End your three days in New York City with a glimpse of Manhattan from Top of the Rock. As night falls, it’s beautiful to see Manhattan’s lights. Evenings are busy, so plan beforehand. Visiting New York from above is one of the best ways to see it.

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