Whether you're visiting for 3 months, 3 weeks or 3 days, there's no way to possibly see everything, even in the city that never sleeps. But I managed to cram a lot into 3 days in New York, on my recent trip. And this time I was there with my Mum, who had never visited before. We managed to see and do a lot, all whilst still enjoying it.
"New York is always a good idea."
So here is the best 3 days in New York itinerary for first timers, those on a budget or those hoping to get the most out of their time in NYC;
How to get there
First of all you'll have to make your way to the isle of Manhattan. You'll most likely be arriving into either Newark Liberty International or John F. Kennedy Airport.
From Newark
Take the AirTrain from your airport terminal to the airport train station where you can then catch a NJ Transit train to Penn Station in the heart of Manhattan. Depending on where your hotel is located you can either walk, take a short taxi drive or hop on the Subway a couple of stops.
From JFK
You can also take the AirTrain and then a Subway or several to get to Manhattan but if you're travelling with a lot of luggage or a group of people, I would definitely recommend booking a car.
I've used Blacklane on several different trips now and cannot recommend them highly enough. You can book in advance and the ride is much more pleasant than hailing a taxi at the airport. And why not arrive in New York in style?
The service is incredibly professional. As someone who is always ridiculously early for everything, having the driver arrive 15 minutes before our booking, made such a big difference for us. It also takes so much pressure off you, particularly when you're heading back to the airport. You don't need to worry about carting all your luggage with you on the Subway and then another train, meaning you can just sit back and relax. We truly felt like celebrities in our glossy black Blacklane SUV.
How to get around
The quickest and easiest way to get around the city is to take the Subway. Download the CityMapper app as soon as you get there or preferably before you arrive, as this app makes traversing the Subway an absolute breeze. For even more of my top tips for mastering the New York Subway system, be sure to check out this blog post of mine.
TOP TIP: Buy the weekly unlimited MetroCard if you plan on taking more than 12 Subway rides during your stay. Each ride will cost you $2.75 or you can go with the unlimited card which is $33 and can be used as many times as you like in a 7 day period. It even made sense for our 3 days in New York, as we would be using it that often.
Where to stay
On your first trip or if you plan on doing a lot of touristy activities, being as close to Times Square without actually being in the bright, busy and noisy heart of it, is a great place to start looking. I've researched hundreds of hotels in NYC taking into consideration price, location and other travellers thoughts. And these are my top picks, having stayed at both of them and having had absolutely incredible stays;
For couples or solo travellers: CitizenM New York Times Square
For families or trips with friends: Cambria Hotel New York - Times Square
DAY ONE
Times Square
No matter what time you arrive in Manhattan, I always recommend making Times Square your first stop. It's not my favourite spot in the city by any means but you instantly feel like you've arrived in NYC and can happily belt out "concrete jungle were dreams are made of!" to your hearts content, like I often do.
TOP TIP: Visit during the day and after dark to get the full Times Square experience.
Statue Of Liberty
Next take the trip downtown to see Lady Liberty herself. We used the New York CityPASS which includes ferry access to the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you're thinking about purchasing a CityPASS, check out this blog post for more details but in short, I would completely recommend it. After naming me Ellis, we simply had to stop off on Ellis Island.
TOP TIP: If you're short of time, take the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue Of Liberty up close for free!
9/11 Memorial Fountains
Pay respect to the thousands of lives lost at Ground Zero and take a moment to slow down and take everything in. Each tree at the memorial was flown in from the two other sites struck on September 11 and a white rose signifies that this day marks the birthday of one of the victims.
Crane your neck upwards to take in the Freedom Tower or visit the 9/11 Museum to learn more about what took place on that fateful day and the days and years that followed.
The Occulus
This awe inspiring building is just steps away from the fountains and well worth a visit, either simply to take in the incredible sight of it, to do a spot of shopping in the Westfield shopping mall inside or to catch a train to explore further.
Wall Street
A short walk or Subway ride will take you to the heart of the New York Financial District. You'll find the New York Stock Exchange, the gigantic red, white and blue American flag draped outside it and the famous Charging Bull.
Grand Central Station
As soon as you step through the grand concourse be sure to look up to take in the immense celestial ceiling. Watch people hurrying to catch their trains or go downstairs to the food court to grab a bite to eat. I always love to look up at all the destinations on the departures and arrivals board.
TOP TIP: Head downstairs to try out the brilliant Whispering Gallery for yourself. It really does work!
New York Public Library
This is easily one of the most beautiful buildings in all of New York and one that you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. It's only steps away from Grand Central Station so there's really no excuse for missing it.
The reading room is an absolute wonder to behold as is the intricate exterior.
Shop 'til you drop at Herald Square
Herald Square is the direction that I would point you in if you're looking to do some shopping without spending what you might on 5th Avenue.
You'll find some American favourites such as Target, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret and one hell of a Macy's!
It's actually the biggest Macy's in the world with 11 levels spread over an entire New York City block. And not only is there a food court, which you can't quite believe seeing in a department store but there is something to eat on every level. Whether you've got a craving for an ice cream sandwich, an Auntie Anne's pretzel or even a steak, you'll find it here!
DAY TWO
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Get the Subway to Brooklyn Bridge and walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn. This means that you can explore some of Brooklyn, as I will go on to show you below, before taking the Subway back to the city.
Get the shot in DUMBO
You simply can't miss this photo opp! Only a short walk from where the Brooklyn Bridge stops for pedestrians, this is why I always tell people that they simply have to explore one of the outer boroughs.
DUMBO stands for down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Empire State Building through the bridge if you stand in the right spot.
TOP TIP: Get there early to avoid the crowds and many a professional photoshoot going on!
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park
The views of Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park are unparalleled and the park itself is a beautiful spot to enjoy.
You'll also find Jane's Carousel which would be a lovely place to enjoy with children and big kids alike.
Take in the Flatiron Building
Now this is my favourite area in the whole of Manhattan and a lot of it has to do with this incredible building.
TOP TIP: Walk just past Madison Square Park in the opposite direction to get the whole building in frame.
Have Shake Shack in its original location in Madison Square Park
Shake Shack is incredible no matter where you have it and there's over ten in Manhattan alone but the original location will always be my favourite. When the twinkly lights are on or the musicians are playing songs from your favourite musicals (I had the pleasure of hearing the La La Land and Moulin Rouge soundtrack over dinner) nowhere beats it.
And once you're finished eating, definitely spend some time to just people or more importantly dog watch. You might also come across some of the parks infamous squirrels as well. It really feels like an oasis in among the skyscrapers.
Walk the High Line
This former railway line is now another one of my favourite places to recommend to people. The combination of art installations, incredible architecture and green space up above the Manhattan streets makes this a must-see.
TOP TIP: If you're short of time, you can exit the High Line at several different spots but I would wholly recommend walking the length of it.
Chelsea Market
Come with an empty stomach and your eyes wide open to explore the wonderful array of eateries and stores in the Chelsea Market. You'll find everything from crepes, sushi, currywursts, seafood and tacos to baked goods, burgers and chocolates
And finally, the last of our 3 days in New York.
DAY THREE
The museum of your choice
It can be tricky to pick just one but all that means is that you've got an excuse to come back to New York again one day. So far I've visited one musuem per trip and not felt too rushed at all.
You can choose from:
American Museum Of Natural History
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art (also known as The Met)
9/11 Museum
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
and many more.
All of these are included with your CityPASS. Or you can check to see when each have their free entry periods.
Central Park
TOP TIP: Dedicate a good few hours to exploring this mammoth green space!
Even then you will only scratch the surface. I always recommend starting at Strawberry Fields (a memorial to John Lennon), checking out Bow Bridge (and getting that Insta shot) walking towards Bethesdea Fountain and Terrace, taking in the Hans Christian Andersen and Alice In Wonderland statues and then ending up at the little model boat pond. I'd also love to walk The Mall one day after seeing it star in so many of my favourite movies.
The West Village
With some of the most picturesque streets and stoops in all of Manhattan, the West Village is a gem that many tourists often miss out on on their first visit.
You'll find some of the exteriors from some of your favourite TV shows as you wander around the village such a the Friends Building and Carrie Bradshaw's apartment.
Radio City Music Hall
Back in Midtown you'll find the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Depending on the time of year you can take a tour, see the Rockettes perform or catch a big performer. It looks particularly gorgeous when it's all light up.
Rockefeller Center
In the Winter you'll find the iconic ice skating rink and in the Summer months you'll find a wonderful dining terrace to sit and enjoy your meal or some cocktails in the sunshine.
TOP TIP: For a once in a lifetime experience, apply for ticket lotteries to sit in the audience for the likes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Saturday Night Live.
There are also some beautiful stores outside it such as Kate Spade New York, FAO Schwartz, Sugarfina and a Magnolia Bakery to name but a few and even more inside down in their underground concourse.
Top Of The Rock
I always like to schedule Top Of The Rock in for the last evening of my stay as it is just such a special moment to leave the city after seeing. I also far prefer the views from Top Of The Rock than the Empire State Building as you'll then have that particular building in your photos. The choice of 3 viewing platforms are also far superior at Top Of The Rock.
TOP TIP: Even if you have a CityPASS you still need to book the exact time that you'd like to go up. Check the weather and book your place the day before.
It can get pretty manic at sunset so if you're looking for smaller crowds, be sure to get there earlier in the day but nothing beats sunset for me. On my next trip I'd love to see it after dark with the city all lit up.
So there is my 3 days in New York itinerary.
Where would you visit first on a trip to NYC? And which of my recommendations look like something you'd like to do?
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