3 Days in NYC – The Perfect Itinerary for First Timers (2024)

Looking for the best itinerary for 3 days in NYC?

You’ve come to the right place! I love nothing more than to give tips about how to spend time in NYC! Especially to the first timers who might feel overwhelmed at all there is to see and do.

New York City is my home away from home and whether you’re a first time visitor or 101st, spending 3 days there will give you a great overview of the city and a guaranteed fabulous time!

This 3 day New York City itinerary offers the best of everything, iconic landmarks, amazing talent, cultural experiences, views, excitement, and the food! OMG, the food!

I’ve created the 3 days itinerary based on clusters of activities in similar parts of the city – Lower Manhattan & Midtown, Uptown & Times Square, and West Village & Chelsea. I’m trying to be mindful of transportation time on subways and/or ride shares.

Feel free to enjoy these days in any order you choose! 

Itinerary for 3 Days in New York City

Pack your bags and get ready for your trip to the Big Apple! Follow these Pro Tips before you go:

1. MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS! If you do one thing before you go, it should be to make some dinner reservations. I have many recommendations here and below. You can always cancel them, but it’s golden to know where you are dining, without the stress. 

2. Buy theater tix before you go. Make decisions about which Broadway show, comedy show, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and reserve seats online in advance. I use the Today Tix App.

(In this itinerary, I’m suggesting a Lincoln Center event on Night One and a Broadway Show on Night Two.)

Now lets dive in!

Day One of 3 Days in NYC: Lower Manhattan

This is your downtown day. Lower Manhattan is chock full of stuff to do and see, you could literally spend all 3 days there! Let’s start you off with a great first day at the bottom of the island. Grab breakfast and head out!

Morning: The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

You’ve got to do it. Seeing the Statue of Liberty is one of those things you should do at least once in your life. I’ve been many times and she never loses her appeal. 

The boat ride in New York Harbor alone is a tradition you want to experience.

How To Get To the Statue of Liberty

Very close to Wall Street, at the bottom tip of Manhattan is Battery Park.

From there you can see Liberty Park where the Statue of Liberty is, and Ellis Island where immigrants first came to this country. You have 3 choices to see the statue: 

→ Choice 1 (Recommended): To visit the Statue Monument on Liberty Island and explore Ellis Island,  take a Statue Cruise Ferry from Battery Park. Buy the Statue Cruise General Admission ticket so you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Museum on Ellis Island. Purchase tickets online from Statue Cruises or, in person, at the Castle Clinton Fort Monument at Battery Park Ferry Terminal. The boats depart from Battery Park very frequently. Take the early boat so you have time for all the other activities today! Allow about 2 hours for this activity.

Get your Statue of Liberty tickets HERE in advance to save time.

→ Choice 2: To see the statue but not stop at Liberty Island, take the FREE Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Ferry Terminal on Whitehall Street. The ferry runs free 24/7, every 20 minutes, and travels between Staten Island and Manhattan. It does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island, but passes by with great views. The caveat is that you MUST exit the boat at the Staten Island side. You can immediately get back in line to board the boat and return to Manhattan.

→ Choice 3: You can see Lady Liberty at night all lit up on a NYC sunset cruise!  The cruises  depart from Chelsea Pier and some include dinner and cocktails. The nighttime cruises do not stop at the statue but cruise close by. You also see the NYC skyline at night, which is spectacular!

Mid-Morning: The Financial District (FiDi)

Disembark from the boat and head straight to Wall Street in the heart of the Financial District. At the corner of Broad and Wall St. you’ll find the iconic New York Stock Exchange Building. The opening bell is at 9:30 AM on weekdays, and inside is where money makes the world go ‘round! 

Tourists are not allowed inside but you can take photos in front of the building with The Fearless Girl statue. She’s a 4 foot inspiration made in 2017 in honor of International Women’s Day.

Then walk a few blocks to Bowling Green Park, at Morris St. to see the infamous Charging Bull.

Originally, the Fearless Girl was placed staring down the nose of the Charging Bull, but the Bull artist complained, so the Girl was moved to stare down the facade of the Stock Exchange. 

Ironic, because in 1989, when Arturo Di Modica plopped the 7000 pound bronze bull down in front of the NY Stock Exchange building,  members complained and demanded it be impounded. Later, the city placed it in its current spot at Bowling Green.

Now people stand in line to take a photo and rub the Bull’s Bronze Balls for good luck!

Afternoon: The 9/11 Memorial Site & The Freedom Tower
& The Oculus

From the Charging Bull, take a 4 minute walk to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza. This area honors the people killed on 9/11/2001 as well as those killed in the World Trade Center bombing on 2/26/1993.

One of the main reasons to visit New York is for its historical significance on the world stage, and this area is a reminder of that.

Visit the twin reflecting pools with their cascading waterfalls surrounded by the names of all the victims etched in the bronze. Being at this site moves me deeply each time I go and I recommend you take your time to explore the area.  

You can visit the inside of the museum, wander through One World Trade Center, aka Freedom Tower, and also find lunch at The Oculus, a shopping center and transportation hub designed by Santiago Calatrava, resembling a dove leaving a child’s hands.

Look for the Survivor Tree next to the reflecting pools. This Callery Pear tree is the only remaining tree from the original World Trade Center landscape. The tree was saved by the NYC Parks & Recreation Department and then replanted at the memorial site in 2010.

There’s no fee to enter the memorial site and it’s open to the public between 10 AM – 5 PM daily. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is open Thursday – Monday 10AM – 5PM.

Early Evening: The Empire State Building & Rockefeller Center

The Empire State Building

Now head uptown to 20 West 34th St, & 5th Avenue to the one and only Empire State Building. The celebrated Art Deco skyscraper is probably the most recognized building in all of New York. 

The hours are 8:AM- 2:AM daily. Tickets sttart at $44. The Deck Height is 1050 feet at the 86th floor, 1250 feet at the 102nd floor.

The Empire State was built in 1931 and  was the tallest building in the world at the time. It’s been the location of numerous movies and thousands of cherished occasions.

Get to the Empire State in time for sunset. You’ll pay a little extra for the sunset ticket, but trust me, it’s worth it! 

Enjoy the exhibits as you head up to the 86th floor. Standing on the famous observation deck, looking through the giant binoculars, and watching the night time NYC sky light up as the sun goes down, is magical! They even serve champagne and have live music – and heating lamps!

I don’t necessarily recommend spending more money for the 102 floor. The views are the same, just further away, and the 102 floor doesn’t have the legendary and romantic history of the 86th floor. 

Rockefeller Center

After your Empire State sunset, take an evening stroll up 5th Avenue to 50th Street where you will encounter another legend of NYC, Rockefeller Center. 

Everything will be lit up and welcoming. The iconic stores are on the 5th Avenue stretch between 40th St. and 60th St. and are usually open until 8PM.

Wander around Rocekefeller Center to see the famous Atlas statue, the ice skating rink, and the fountain.  There are many perfect photo op spots here, so be camera ready!

Head to the Top of the Rock for another view, or if you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can always explore the many upscale shops inside.

Night Time: Dinner & A Lincoln Center Performance

Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a 16 acre complex at 62nd St. and Broadway. The Center hosts some of the most the premiere cultural events in the world.

Consider buying tickets in advance for an evening at Lincoln Center for the ballet, jazz, the symphony, or the opera paired with one of these Midtown Restaurants:

Day Two of 3 Days in NYC: Uptown

You will absolutely love this day – Exploring my old neighborhoods uptown and hanging out in Central Park. Look for the Guilded Age mansions lining the park and enjoy Museum Mile. After breakfast, get your walking shoes on!

Morning: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Head uptown to 5th Ave and 81st St. to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Open 7 days a week from 9:30 – 5:30 and until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday, the Met is the museum with something for everyone. It’s always on my things to do in NYC list.

I have spent countless hours at the Met and always find something new to enjoy. Or sometimes I just sit in a favorite spot and relax.

Go early to avoid lines!

Afternoon: Central Park

After the Met,  wander into Central Park and take a break from the buzz of the city streets.

I spend a lot of time in the park when I’m in the city because its so lovely and makes me feel like a New Yorker again! 

There are a plethora of things to do in Central Park and no need to worry if Central Park is safe, because it is.

Grab a map at the Dairy Visitor’s Center Mid Park at 64th St.

I recommend a walking tour for all the sites and history, but its OK to just stroll also.

Walk The Mall, make a wish at Bethesda Fountain, take photos on the Gapstow Bridge, rent a row boat, and have a lite lunch at Tavern On The Green. 

Late Afternoon: The Plaza Hotel

Exit the park at Central Park South and stroll to The Plaza Hotel for a little snack at the Champagne Bar. You can find Eloise memorabilia, take photos, and relax.

Then continue down 5th Avenue for a little window shopping before dinner and a show.

Evening: Times Square & Dinner & A Broadway Show 

It’s showtime! This evening should be well planned before your trip to be sure you get tix to the show you want.

→ Download Today Tix app on your phone and start your search to book your seats in advance. 

You can’t go wrong with Broadway shows. I’m a huge musical fan and see one each time I’m in NYC and always feel that it’s worth the ticket price.

Braodway theaters are pretty intimate, so even if you have the less expensive seats far from the stage, you’ll be able to see the stage very well.

Head to the wild scene at 42nd St. & Broadway. Be prepared for huge crowds, all kinds of people in costume asking you to pay them to take pics with them, and an energy so massive that you might be a little overwhelmed.

Look up at all the lights, the billboards, the clock tower where the New Years Eve Ball drops, and take some pics. You can climb the steps above the TKTS Booth for an overview of Times Square.

Then make your way to dinner BEFORE the show. I highly recommend Dos Caminos at 47th St. & Broadway.

This is my favorite spot for a Broadway show night. It’s in such close proximity to all the theaters that you won’t have to worry about missing curtain. The food is very good Mexican and the place is huge, so we always get a table.

After dinner, head to your show which probably starts at 7PM or 8PM. Check your tix! (We almost missed a show once because we thought it started at 8, but it really started at 7:30!)

Apres Theater

This is an opportunity to have dessert or drinks somewhere special. Here are some Theater District ideas:

Day Three of 3 Days in NYC: The West Village
& Chelsea

Head to the lower west side of the island to find the historic area between 14th St. and Houston north to south and spanning from the Hudson River to Broadway west to east. You’ll find this part of New York has an entirely different feel than all the other neighborhoods. I’m sure you’ll find a cute cafe for breakfast!

Morning: Greenwich Village

Start at the iconic Washington Square Park with its landmark arch built in 1892. In the 1790’s over 20,000 people were buried in this potter’s field and it was the site of public executions!

You’ll now see that people congregate in this park for all kinds of reasons!  They gravitate toward the fountain, play music, create art, sell stuff, and just relax.

Find the oldest tree in Manhattan in the northwest corner of the park known as the Hangman’s Elm, the Hanging Tree. It’s over 300 years old!

Continue to wander the village down the famous streets – Bleecker St., MacDougal St., and Prince St.  known for their hip cafes, bars, and shops. These streets were home to famous artists such as Jackson Pollock and Bob Dylan. 

You can explore the historic Federal style homes from the 1800’s and find alleys that used to be horse stables. This area and Tribeca are filled with fascinating history!

I recommend a walking tour if you aren’t comfortable getting lost.

You’ll be in the mix of NYU students, the 60’s subculture, and some of the most exclusive property in Manhattan. You’ll find tons of boutiques, cafes, and tree lined streets with all the charm of a cozy neighborhood. 

Look for the Friends apartment building at 90 Bedford St. & Grove St. which is the exterior of the show’s famous apartments of our favorite Friends. 

Find the Sex In The City Carrie Bradshaw’s  (the other Carrie) apartment location at 64 Perry St. The show had Carrie living at 245 E. 73rd St., but the actual exterior shots were in the Village.

Afternoon: Meatpacking District & Chelsea Market
& The Whitney & The Highline & Little Island

Meatpacking District

As you leave the Village, you’ll continue to work your way west toward the river and north up to the Meatpacking District which spans from the Hudson River to Hudson Street west to east and from W 14th St. to Gansevoort St. north to south.

This is the super chic area that got its name from the era when the factories were, you guessed it, meatpacking companies. This neighborhood is filled with some of the nicest shops, galleries, and restaurants in the city.

Chelsea Market

Time for lunch! You’ll find the Chelsea Market at 75 9th Ave. which is a fabulous spot to grab some food and shop in boutiques. 

The Whitney Museum

If you have time, you should visit The Whitney Museum at 99 Gansevoort St., one of my favorites in the city. The Whitney is the premiere American modern and contemporary art museum. Be sure to step outside to the sculpture garden balcony and check out the views.

The Highline

Just above the Whitney is the famous Highline. Promise me, you’ll walk the Highline. Climb the steps to walk along the public park created on the historic freight rail road tracks above the streets of the west side neighborhood.

The Highline runs from Gansevoort to 34th St. and is open year round. Along the trail you’ll find a surprising mixture of art, nature, and design. If you walk to the end, you’ll come upon the famous Vessel structure at Hudson Yards.

Little Island

You’ll see from the Highline and the Whitney, the marvelous man-made Little Island created in the Hudson River, along the Chelsea Pier 55. Take a few minutes to walk around the island, enjoy the art, the activity, and the views, of course.

Evening: Dinner & Speakeasy

On your final evening, I recommend a dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan. Choose from the following:

Where to stay in NYC

I’ve done a lot of research for you, regarding the Safest Places To Stay in NYC. There are many choices in different neighborhoods throughout the city. 

Here are some recs for a budget hotel downtown, a mid-range hotel uptown, and a luxury hotel in midtown.  All these spots have great reviews.

Note that prices fluctuate A LOT, depending on when you go. Prices might look affordable one day and then suddenly it’s Fashion Week and everything is outrageous!

Getting Around NYC

New York City feels massive and overwhelming to some, but it’s actually pretty easy to get around and to figure out. These are my pro tips for the best way to travel around the concrete jungle.

Walking Around NYC

Walking is my favorite way to get around NYC. It’s more fun, safe, and gives you more experiences in the city. This itinerary gives you a lot of walking options. See how much of the 13.4 miles of Manhattan you can cover on your trip!

NYC By Subway

Subways are definitely the most common and convenient way to get around NYC. A lot of the trains have been updated, which makes it a bit cleaner. 

Of course, I always recommend walking as the best way to get around but sometimes you need to be more efficient and the NYC Subway system will get you there. 

PRO TIP #1:  Download the official MY MTA App (Metropolitan Transit Authority) on your phone.  You’ll find maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.

PRO TIP #2: With your Maps/GPS App on your phone, use the “transit” view to find exactly where the closest subway station is and which train to take to your destination.

PRO TIP #3: Make sure you have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” When you open that card, simply TAP the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. Just like that!

PRO TIP #4: You can purchase a Metrocard card on your phone or at a subway station to use on buses also. Each ride costs $2.90, and a 7 day, unlimited ride card is $33. You can also swipe through the turnstile and pass the card to your travel partner behind you. Do that for up to 4 people. 

PRO TIP #5: If you download an OMNY card and use the same card or device for 12 rides in a week, the rest of the week is free.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are a huge help in getting around NYC. More expensive by yourself, but with a group of people it’s often more cost effective than paying for separate subway fares.

PRO TIP #6:  Load all the apps onto your phone in advance. Check prices for Uber, Lyft, and Revel to compare. Prices will vary a lot at different times of the day. Taxis are also available everywhere, but you have to hail one from the curb. If the cab light is on that means it’s available. There’s a Curb App available for download, but I’ve been told the cabs don’t come as quickly as the other ride shares do.

NYC By Ferry

The NYC Ferries travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. It’s really great to see the city views from the water. 

PRO TIP #7: If you plan to do some ferrying, then download the NYC Ferry App by Hornblower onto your phone. You can buy ferry tix on your phone and get a QR code to be scanned as you board the boat.

Best Time To Go To New York City

New York is always a great idea, but if you have choices of when to go, consider these tips.

Mid June through Early July and Mid August through September are very popular times to visit NYC. You get the warm, but not too hot weather. The middle of the summer can get pretty steamy with the heat coming off the streets like an oven!

Fall is perfect with temps in the 60’s and 70’s. The crowds have died down, the sun is shining, the trees are turning, and the air is crisp. 

November and December are another favorite season to visit New York. The holidays make New York even more festive than usual. Enjoy all the winter pop-up activities, decorations, and of course, the New Year’s Eve extravaganza! 

Check out The Things To Do In New York City At Christmas here!

February and March are also fun because it’s snowy, not very busy, and the prices are better! Bundle up with layers, and be prepared with umbrellas and all-weather shoes!

Now You’re Ready with the
Perfect Itinerary for
3 Days in NYC

In a nutshell…

I know you’ll love your 3-day adventure in New York City. Enjoy the endless energy, iconic sights, and great people.

From the awe-inspiring views at the Empire State Building to the serene paths of Central Park, and the bustling streets of Times Square to the historic Statue of Liberty, NYC offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

This itinerary highlights the must-visit spots that capture the spirit of the city, giving first-timers get a taste of all NYC has to offer.

Each neighborhood in New York tells a different tale, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this trip! 

New York City is not just a destination; it’s an experience that continues to captivate and inspire long after you’ve returned home!