Planning a trip to New York City but not sure what to see and do? I’ve put together this very detailed 3 days in NYC itinerary to help you make the most of your time. Having lived in the Big Apple before, I’ve come to know this city pretty well!
This New York City itinerary isn’t just about the typical tourist stops—it’s packed with hidden gems, insider tips, and a handy map that helps you visualize your route.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for fresh inspiration, prepare to discover the best sunset views, cool local spots, and ways to experience NYC like a true New Yorker. Get ready for three fantastic days in the city that never sleeps!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.
🌟 3 Days New York City Itinerary: Top Tips
🏡 WHERE TO STAY
Top overall pick: MADE Hotel (⭐ 8.7)
Luxury pick: The Ritz in NoMad (⭐ 9.2)
Mid-range: Broadway Plaza (⭐ 9.1)
Budget: TownePlace Suites (⭐ 8.2)
🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
🗽 Book your Statue of Liberty ticket
🤍 Book your 9/11 Museum ticket
🏙 Book Edge Observation Deck
🌆 Book SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
🧔🏻 THE BEST GUIDED TOURS OF NYC
🗽 Learn all the history on the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour (⭐️ 4.7/5)
🚂 Learn hidden fun facts on the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Tour (⭐️ 4.8/5)
🕺🏽 Hear cool backstage stories on the Broadway & Times Square Tour (⭐️ 4.6/5)
🎨 Marvel at magnificent art on the Best Guided Tour of The Met (⭐️ 4.6/5)
🌳 Discover iconic landmarks on the Central Park Bike Tour (⭐️ 4.6/5)
🗽 The Best 3 Day Itinerary for New York City
Here’s an overview of the top things to do in New York in 3 days, with all the places covered in this itinerary.
Day 1 in NYC — Little Island, The High Line, Vessel, Edge Observation Deck, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Times Square
Day 2 in NYC — St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Roosevelt Island, Panorama Room
Day 3 in NYC — 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Oculus, The Battery + Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, Pebble Beach, Dumbo, Brooklyn Bridge Park
🗓 Day 1 in NYC: Hudson Yards + Midtown
1. Little Island
Suggested visit time: 9:30 am / Visit duration: 1 hour
Little Island at Pier 55 is a charming artificial island park that opened to the public in 2021. This relaxing green space is the perfect place to start a 3-day trip to NYC as it offers two quintessentially New York elements in one place: skyscraper views + artsy gardens.
Take a scenic stroll down the winding pathways of the park, and enjoy dazzling views of Manhattan and the Hudson River along the way. Once you’re done snapping photos, find a spot on the lush rolling hills to sit down and unwind.
There are also tons of events and programs happening on Little Island. In the mornings, plenty of family-friendly activities take place, such as scavenger hunts, art workshops, and pop-up performances.
🚻 Note: There are restrooms right at the entrance of Little Island. Simply follow the signs – they’re hard to miss!
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 6 am - 9 pm daily (the park closes later on some months - more info here) 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
2. The High Line
5 min walk from Little Island
Suggested visit time: 10:30 am / Visit duration: 30-45 mins
After wandering Little Island, head to The High Line, a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated park and greenway. Blending modern urban design, landscape architecture, and ecology, The High Line is the perfect place for a scenic stroll.
In this itinerary, you’ll be walking almost the entire High Line path, which can be done in 20-30 mins. Start from 14th Street & 10th Avenue, and walk all the way until you reach 30th Street, where you’ll find Hudson Yards (the next destination on this itinerary).
Get your camera ready, because The High Line is full of cool city views. You’re also surrounded by lush greenery during the whole walk, and there are plenty of benches and seating areas for those who want to take it slow and really soak in the chill and artsy vibes.
📍 Finding the stairs to The High Line: From Little Island, walk to this exact spot on 14th Street, where you can access The High Line either through stairs or an elevator. It should only take you about 5 mins to get there on foot from Little Island.
⏰ Opening hours: 7 am - 8 pm daily | Check live info 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
3. Vessel (Hudson Yards)
25 min walk via The High Line from Little Island
Suggested visit time: 11:15 am / Visit duration: 45 mins
As mentioned before, once you reach 30th Street on The High Line, you’ll be at Hudson Yards; home to the next two attractions on this itinerary. The first one is Vessel, a photogenic honeycomb-like spiral staircase made of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs.
Climb up the 2,500 steps of this structure for remarkable city views, with pauses for photos along the way so that it’s not too tiring. It would take you roughly 20 minutes to get to the top with photo breaks included.
The cool thing is the Vessel’s appearance changes depending on the angle of your camera, the shifting daylight, and the movement of other people in and around the structure, making for unique dynamic photos.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 10 am - 9 pm daily 🎫 Entrance fee: $10 USD
4. Edge Observation Deck (Hudson Yards)
3 min walk from Vessel
Suggested visit time: 12 pm / Visit duration: 1 hour
The next stop on this 3 day New York itinerary is Edge, a spectacular observation deck that offers 360° views of NYC. Jutting out from the 100th floor of a skyscraper, Edge features a thrilling glass floor experience and angled glass walls. It’s also higher than the Empire State Building, offering a more exciting and impressive view.
At 1,100 ft (335 m) tall, Edge is also the world’s highest outdoor observation deck with transparent flooring. That’s right, in some parts of the flooring, you can even see all the way down to the taxis on the street, 100 stories below. It can be quite a thrilling experience!
The views from Edge are simply fantastic. You can see the entire Manhattan skyline, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park and beyond. Lean out on the boldly-angled glass walls to feel the thrill of having nothing but the bustling city below you!
Looking for a more adventurous endeavor? Embark on City Climb at Edge, where you can scale the outside of the skyscraper (more than 1,200 ft / 365 m high). Then, lean out and look down from the highest outdoor platform in NYC — this time, without any glass walls in front of you.
🌟 Insider tip: While you can buy tickets to Edge right outside the entrance (on Level 4 of 30 Hudson Yards), you can pay a bit less by booking them online.
📍 Location: On Level 4 of 30 Hudson Yards. Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 9 am - 10 pm daily 🎫 Entrance fee: From $40 USD - book tickets here
5. Lunch in Midtown Manhattan
Recommended duration: 1 pm – 2:30 pm
The Edge observation deck is in Midtown Manhattan, an area with tons of authentic cultural eateries and fast food chains. One of the best things about New York City is its food scene; you can easily find cuisines from all over the world here.
One of the best places to enjoy a meal in Midtown is Koreatown. Head to Dons Bogam BBQ or Barn Joo 35 for some of the best Korean BBQ experiences in NYC. This neighborhood also comes alive in the evening and is home to some of the best karaoke bars in the city.
If you want to grab a quick and simple lunch, there are plenty of options in Midtown Manhattan, from Shake Shack to Liberty Bagels. Want some fast food with a Peruvian spin? Head to Chirp for some delicious Latin American bites.
6. Bryant Park
30 min walk from Edge / Midtown Manhattan
Suggested visit time: 3 pm / Visit duration: 20 mins
After lunch, it’s time to relax with a coffee and view in Bryant Park. I recommend eating somewhere in between Edge and this park to break up the 30 min walk. Spend some time unwinding in Bryant Park before moving on to the nearby attractions.
Bryant Park is one of the most scenic green spaces in NYC and has a really relaxing atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of seating areas inside this park, as well as an outdoor café open from mid-April to November. If you’re lucky, you may even come across some concerts/events in the park!
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm daily 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
7. Grand Central Terminal
8 min from Bryant Park
Suggested visit time: 3:30 pm / Visit duration: 15 mins
You’ve most likely seen Grand Central Terminal in many movies and TV shows, and it’s one of the most iconic and unmissable spots in NYC. Step inside this bustling train station to watch the crowds go by, and soak up the unique and vibrant atmosphere.
There’s more than meets the eye to the Grand Central Terminal. Inside it, there are many shops, a market, and regular things you’d expect to find inside a big train station… but did you know there are also hidden tennis courts in there?
To learn more about the history, hidden gems, and quirky facts about this popular attraction, I recommend the highly rated Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Tour (⭐️ 4.8/5). You’ll come out of it knowing why the ceiling of the station is backward, and more.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 5:15 am - 2 am daily 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Secrets of Grand Central Terminal (⭐️ 4.8/5)
8. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
1 min walk from Grand Central Terminal (can enter straight from the station)
Suggested visit time: 3:45 pm / Visit duration: 2.5-3 hours
The next stop on this itinerary in New York City is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an immersive 3-level observation deck that offers a unique multi-sensory experience. Having visited all of NYC’s five observation decks, I can honestly say this is the best and most impressive one.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is much more than just an observation deck. Aside from incredible views of the NYC skyline, it also offers fun optical illusions. Enjoy mirrored floors and ceilings, art installations, a balloon-playing room, glass sky boxes, and more!
Budget at least 2 hours to go through all 3 floors of this observation deck, each offering majestic views of the city along with unique, trippy experiences. On the top floor, you’ll also find an open-air terrace and indoor lounge, perfect for a cocktail with a view.
Be sure to book your visit online to secure your spot in SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, as it can get very busy and crowded there, especially over the weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Note that tickets for sunset hours also sell out very fast.
🌟 Insider tip: Note that the visit path inside this observation deck is one-way, meaning you cannot return to a lower floor once you’ve ridden the elevator to the next floor. Be sure to visit everything you want to see on each floor before going up.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location. The main entrance is located on the Main Concourse Level of Grand Central Terminal, inside Vanderbilt Passage. ⏰ Opening hours: Monday: 8 am - midnight | Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am - midnight 🎫 Entrance fee: From $43 USD - book tickets here
9. Times Square & Broadway
10 min walk from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Suggested visit time: 7 pm / Visit duration: 2-3 hours
By the time you’re done with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, it’ll likely be evening, which means it’s the perfect time to admire all the bright neon lights in Times Square. No first-time trip to NYC would be complete without a stop at this iconic square.
Start your visit at the Red Steps, which you can climb up for a higher perspective of Times Square. It’s also a great spot to sit down and people-watch. Then, wander around the area to see all the bright signages next to yellow taxis driving by — a quintessential NYC sight.
Enjoy endless dinner choices in the Times Square area. Try Ichiran for ramen, La Grande Boucherie for steak tartare and other French dishes, and Havana Central for a taste of Cuba.
Once you’ve filled your tummy, head to Broadway St. in Times Square to enjoy a world-class evening performance. If you’re new to Broadway shows and aren’t sure which one to start with, some of the most popular ones are: The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge.
🎭 Insider tip: Want to learn about Broadway’s captivating behind-the-scenes history? Join a professional Broadway actor on a Broadway guided tour, where you’ll hear fascinating backstage stories and get an insider’s perspective on the audition process.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location 🧔🏻 Recommended tour: Broadway & Times Square Tour with a Professional Actor (⭐️ 4.6/5)
Related: 32 Best Things to Do on the U.S. East Coast
🗓 Day 2 in NYC: Central Park + The Met
1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Suggested visit time: 9:30 am / Visit duration: 30-45 mins
The second day of your three day New York itinerary begins at the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You might not expect to find a majestic and ornate cathedral in the middle of Manhattan, but a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral will take you straight to France.
This cathedral was completed in 1878 and is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America. Stepping inside, you’ll find gorgeous stained glass windows designed in France and England, almost 9,000 organ pipes, and immense history.
To discover all the intriguing stories behind this cathedral, you can book a guided tour.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 6:45 am - 8:45 pm daily 🎫 Entrance fee: Free 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: St. Patrick's Cathedral Guided Tour (⭐️ 4/5)
2. Central Park
12 min walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Suggested visit time: 10:30 am / Visit duration: 2 hours
Once you’re done with St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it’s time to explore one of the most iconic places in NYC. It comes as no surprise that Central Park is the most visited urban park in the U.S. as well as the most filmed location in the world.
This park is huge and filled with attractions – it’d take roughly 8-10 hours to explore everything it has to offer! With only three days in New York City though, spending 2-3 hours here is enough to cover the main highlights.
From St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walk to The Pond at Central Park via the famous 5th Avenue. Take in the remarkable view of the buildings surrounding the pond, and don’t miss the cute ducks in the water. Then, make your way to Gapstow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and Bow Bridge (on The Lake).
Explore a bit around the lake, stopping by The Ramble for some birdwatching. Then, head to the scenic Belvedere Castle atop Vista Rock before making your way to the Met (the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art) – the next stop on this itinerary.
🚴🏻♀️ Insider tip: You can explore the park via bike with Central Park Bike Rental. There are also other fun ways to tour this park, such as a guided horse carriage ride, a guided pedicab tour, or a guided bike tour.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location of The Pond at Central Park ⏰ Opening hours: 6 am - 1 am daily 🎫 Entrance fee: Free 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour (⭐️ 4.6/5)
3. Lunch Inside Central Park
Recommended duration: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
There are plenty of eateries inside Central Park, and you can find a whole list of them here. One particularly scenic restaurant is Central Park Boathouse, located right by The Lake. There, you can enjoy a great meal paired with a stunning view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
Alternatively, Tavern on the Green offers a hearty, rustic menu centered around seasonal local ingredients. During the summer, its outdoor patio turns into a beer garden with live entertainment. This establishment has proudly served presidents, royalty, and artists since 1934.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met)
Inside Central Park; 10 min walk from Belvedere Castle
Suggested visit time: 1:30 pm / Visit duration: 3 hours
Nestled inside Central Park is The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art), the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Inside, there are over 2 million pieces of works created over the course of 5,000 years.
One can easily spend 4-5 hours here browsing all the exhibitions, but honestly, after 3 hours, you may start to get a bit tired, unless you’re deeply passionate about art. Hence I recommend a 3-hour visit. Better yet, visit with a guided tour to easily find the must-see masterpieces.
The works inside The Met are divided into 17 curatorial departments, which include European Paintings, the American Wing, Asian Art, Egyptian Art, Islamic Art, Musical Instruments, African Art, and the Costume Institute.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm | Friday & Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm | Closed on Wednesdays 🎫 Entrance fees: $30 USD for adults 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Best of the Metropolitan Museum Tour (⭐️ 4.6/5)
5. Roosevelt Island
30-40 mins from The Met via subway
Suggested visit time: 5 pm / Visit duration: 1-2 hours
The next stop on this itinerary is an exciting one because it’s a place that isn’t on most tourists’ radar. Roosevelt Island is only 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 800 feet (243 meters) wide at its broadest, and it’s the perfect tranquil escape from busy Manhattan.
Previously a quarantine site for criminals and smallpox victims, Roosevelt Island was abandoned in the 1950s and redeveloped in the 1970s as one of NYC’s most desirable places to live. Today, it’s home to 12,000 lucky residents, rows of cherry trees, and stunning waterside trails that provide magnificent panoramas of Manhattan.
To get to Roosevelt Island from The Met, take any of the subway 4, 5, or 6 trains from 86 St. to 59 St., and then enjoy a spectacular cable car ride with the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which leaves from East 60th St. and 2nd Ave. This giant cable car offers gorgeous views of Upper Manhattan and the East River.
Once you’re on the island, I recommend renting a bike from one of the several Citi Bike docks around; there is one right by the tramway station. Download the Citi Bike app to pay and activate your bike (it’s cheaper than paying via Lyft!).
While biking along the waterside is an excellent way to explore the island, a relaxing stroll is also perfectly fitting. Some key stops on the island include Four Freedoms Park, Southpoint Park, Lighthouse Park, and Smallpox Hospital.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Roosevelt Island Tramway operating hours: Check live info 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Roosevelt Island Walking Tour (⭐️ 5/5)
6. Drinks & Dinner at Panorama Room
On Roosevelt Island; 4 min walk from the island’s tramway station
Suggested visit time: Sunset
Once you’re done sightseeing around Roosevelt Island, don’t leave the island just yet. Instead, head over to Graduate Roosevelt Island hotel and ascend to their 18th floor for an epic rooftop bar experience at Panorama Room. Time your visit during sunset to make things even more special.
At Panorama Room, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking 360° views of the NYC skyline as well as unique, creative cocktails and mocktails. Watch the lights of Manhattan flicker on over a cocktail or two from inside the glassy space or out on the terrace.
Panorama Room also serves delicious seafood in small-plates sharing style. The food is exquisite but also quite pricey. If you’d prefer to eat elsewhere, there’s also another restaurant called Anything At All inside the hotel.
And that concludes the second day of this 3 day itinerary in New York City. Simply take the Roosevelt Island Tramway + subway back to where you’re staying. The tramway runs until 2 am daily (and until 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays) and the subway runs 24/7, so no need to rush back! 🙂
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: Sunday: 3 pm - midnight | Monday & Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday & Thursday: 5 pm - midnight | Friday & Saturday: 3 pm - 1 am
Related: 40+ Best East Coast Vacation Spots in the US
🗓 Day 3 in NYC: Statue of Liberty + Brooklyn
1. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Suggested visit time: 9 am / Visit duration: 2-3 hours
The last day of your New York three day itinerary begins at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. As somber and emotional as this visit may be, it’s a meaningful way to pay respects to the victims of the tragedy and hear personal stories from that day.
Start your visit at the museum, where you’ll find tons of artifacts and an incredibly detailed historical account of everything that happened leading up to and on that tragic day, as well as the aftermath. A lot of personal stories are told, and it is incredibly moving and absolutely worth a visit.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours at the museum, but it’s likely you’ll need more than that. I recommend heading to the Historical Exhibition first. It’s the main exhibition and it’s absolutely huge. It will take up the majority of your time, so don’t leave it for the end!
After the museum, head over to the 9/11 Memorial Pools – two pools with manmade waterfalls that sit in the footprints of the former North and South Towers. There, you’ll see the names of 9/11 victims inscribed into the bronze parapets, as well as roses placed upon the names of victims who’d have their birthday on your visit day.
🌟 Insider Tip: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a very busy place, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Follow this link or click the button below to book your ticket – it’s a bit cheaper than booking directly on the 9/11 Memorial website!
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ 9/11 Memorial opening hours: 8 am - 8 pm daily ⏰ 9/11 Museum opening hours: Wednesdays to Mondays & select Tuesdays: 9 am - 7 pm 🎫 Entrance fee: From $33 USD for adults - book tickets here 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour (⭐️ 4.7/5)
2. The Oculus
1 min walk from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Suggested visit time: 12 pm / Visit duration: 5-10 mins
From the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, head to The Oculus – a transportation hub filled with shops and photo ops. After 9/11, The Oculus was built in place of the destroyed World Trade Center. Today, it’s home to 12 subway lines and a very sleek design.
Take a walk inside The Oculus and admire its unique architecture. You’ll find a variety of stores there, including an Apple Store. You’ll find the best photo ops and least crowds at The Oculus between 11 am and 3 pm; avoid the rush hour!
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 24/7 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
3. The Battery (+ On-the-Go Lunch)
12 min walk from The Oculus
Suggested visit time: 12:30 pm / Visit duration: 10-15 mins
Your next stop on this itinerary of New York is the Battery (formerly known as Battery Park). This charming public park is situated at the southern tip of Manhattan, and it’s also where you’ll be taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty after a quick stroll.
Walking around this park, you can enjoy breathtaking harbor views, perennial gardens, and street performances. There are also several food stands inside this park, so it’s a great place to grab an on-the-go lunch before heading to the Statue of Liberty.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 6 am - 12 am daily 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
4. The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
25 mins by ferry from The Battery
Suggested visit time: 1 pm / Visit duration: 3 hours
No trip to NYC is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island. This iconic monument is usually visited alongside Ellis Island, a national treasure and a great place to learn about America’s immigration history.
To get to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, there are roundtrip ferries departing every 20 minutes between 9 am and 5 pm from The Battery. The ferry stops at both destinations, and you can tour them at your own pace.
🚢 Note: Be sure to book the ferry + entry ticket in advance and arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure as you’ll have to go through an airport-style security screening before boarding.
🧔🏻 The 2 Best Guided Tours of Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour (⭐️ 4.7/5) — A very comprehensive guided tour that also includes admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
- Downtown & Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise (⭐️ 4.7/5) — If you don’t actually want to get off the ferry and just want to see the Statue of Liberty up close from the water, then this sightseeing cruise is perfect for you.
🚢 How to get there: Take a 25-min ferry from The Battery ⏰ Statue of Liberty opening hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm daily | Check live info ⏰ Ellis Island opening hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm daily | Check live info 🎫 Ferry + entrance fees: From $25.50 USD - book tickets here 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour (⭐️ 4.7/5)
5. Brooklyn Bridge Promenade
20 min walk from The Battery
Suggested visit time: 4:30 pm / Visit duration: 30-45 mins
After touring the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, the ferry will take you back to The Battery. From there, make your way to another iconic NYC attraction.
At the time of its opening in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it offers stunning views of Manhattan, and crossing it via the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade is the perfect way to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Bridge has a shared pedestrian and bicycle path. As you’re walking across, enjoy the unique neo-gothic towers and iconic pointed arches of this structure.
The Manhattan-side entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade is right across the street from City Hall Park, along Centre Street. It should take roughly 20-30 mins to walk across this bridge, but add in extra time for photos.
🌇 Explore in depth: Join an informative walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge to learn about its dramatic history. The tour also takes you through the trendy neighborhood of Dumbo in Brooklyn, where you’ll discover art galleries, waterfront views, and delicious desserts.
🚶🏻♀️ How to get there: Click here for the exact location where you'll get onto the bridge ⏰ Opening hours: 24/7 🧔🏻 Recommended guided tour: Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo Walking Tour (⭐️ 4.7/5)
6. Pebble Beach
15 min walk from the end of the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade
Suggested visit time: 5:30 pm / Visit duration: 15-20 mins
When you step off the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade on the Brooklyn side, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. From there, make your way to Pebble Beach to enjoy a break from walking.
This rock-strewn, riverside beach offers stunning views of Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset. You don’t need too much time at Pebble Beach; it is tiny, but has a huge seating area perfect for taking a quick rest.
Swimming is not permitted here, but the gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline itself makes this visit worthwhile.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: 24/7 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
7. Dumbo & Iconic Manhattan Bridge View
5 min walk from Pebble Beach
Suggested visit time: 6 pm / Visit duration: 5-20 mins
Not far from Pebble Beach is a really cool photo spot in the neighborhood of Dumbo. Make your way to this exact location (at the intersection of Washington St. and Water St.) to enjoy an iconic view of Manhattan Bridge sandwiched between red brick buildings.
This is a great place to snap some pictures and enjoy historic charm. The contrast of Manhattan Bridge’s steel frame with the surrounding red brick buildings create a unique aesthetic and atmosphere.
Plus, Dumbo is also home to cute cafes, boutiques, and art galleries if you want to stroll around and explore this neighborhood more before moving onto the last stop of your 3 day NYC itinerary. Washington St. and Water St. are both paved with cobblestone!
📍 Iconic Manhattan Bridge View location: Click here for the Google Maps location
8. Brooklyn Bridge Park
8 min walk from Iconic Manhattan Bridge View
Suggested visit time: 6:30 pm / Visit duration: 1 hour
The main attraction in Dumbo is the stunning Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers even more photo opportunities and picture-perfect views of iconic NYC landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the skyscrapers of Times Square in the distance.
There are so many activities to do inside this park, from kayaking in the summer to ice skating in the winter. But even a simple stroll or bike ride reaps great rewards. You can find all the best activities and places to see inside the park on their website.
There are six piers inside this park. Start at Pier 1, where you can take in magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline from the large green lawns and steps you can sit on. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic on the grass, too!
Don’t miss Pier 5 either – it offers a stunningly unobstructed view of Manhattan by the water, without any boats or other objects interfering with the view. There are also fewer people there, making for a quieter atmosphere.
Dinner-wise, there are a lot of restaurants to choose from in the surrounding area. But don’t miss Luke’s Lobster right by Pier 1 for some delicious Maine-style lobster rolls. There are also picnic tables at Piers 2, 3, and 6, as well as an entire Picnic Peninsula on Pier 5, where BBQs are first come, first served.
📍 Location: Click here for the Google Maps location ⏰ Opening hours: Most spaces inside the park are open from 6 am to 1 am. See here for openings hours of specific amenities. 🎫 Entrance fee: Free
Related: 60+ Best Vacation Spots in the US
🏡 Where to Stay in NYC for 3 Days
If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, I recommend staying in Midtown Manhattan or Greenwich Village for easy access to most attractions. SoHo, Hudson Yards, and Flatiron District are also great options. Here are my top picks for accommodations.
OVERALL TOP PICK: MADE Hotel (⭐ 8.7)
This beautifully decorated 4-star hotel is very reasonably priced (by NYC standards) and features a lounge on the 18th floor with panoramic views of NYC. It’s also within walking distance of Empire State, Times Square, the High Line, and Broadway.
LUXURY PICK: The Ritz in NoMad (⭐ 9.2)
This elegant hotel near Times Square is not only in a prime location, but also features spa facilities, a sauna, a fitness centre, and an exceptional rooftop bar with incredible views of Manhattan. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxurious stay, look no further.
MID-RANGE PICK: Broadway Plaza (⭐ 9.1)
This hotel offers very spacious rooms, making it an excellent deal for the price. The location is excellent – a mere 15 min walk from Times Square, with easy access to the rest of the city. Amenities include a coffee machine, tea kettle, and free water everyday.
BUDGET PICK: TownePlace Suites (⭐ 8.2)
Unless you want to stay at a hostel with shared bathrooms, this hotel is the best option price-wise, as NYC is very expensive. While it costs $100 USD less than the average NYC hotel price, each room in this hotel features a kitchenette, and some have a balcony too!
🗺 Map of 3 Day New York Travel Itinerary
Here’s a map of this 3 days in New York City itinerary, including all the places and activities mentioned in this itinerary. You can click here to see it in full on Google Maps.
🎟️ The New York CityPASS: Budget Tips
If you’re looking to save some money on attractions, the New York CityPASS might be a good fit for you. It includes entrance to 5 of the city’s attractions and saves you up to 41% on entry tickets.
The 5 attractions are: Empire State Building Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, and you can choose three from the following:
- Top of The Rock Observation Deck
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island (ferry + museum entries)
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
- Intrepid Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
🔮 Travel Insurance for NYC
I never thought I needed travel insurance… until I did. And I’m a careful traveler. Sometimes, things are simply out of your control.
During my many years of traveling, I’ve gotten into a really scary car accident while riding in the back of a taxi, have needed emergency dental services, and have almost had all my valuables stolen. (These were all from separate trips).
I use Heymondo and can highly recommend them — they provide 24/7 worldwide assistance (with Covid-19 coverage included), and no hidden out-of-pocket fees.
📸 My NYC Photography Gear
This is the photography gear I used to capture most of the pictures featured in this guide. You can also see my recommendations for the best cameras for bloggers for more options other than the ones listed below.
- Cameras: Nikon D610 + Sony a7C (check out the best Sony lenses)
- Main lens: Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8
- Wide-angle lens: Tokina AF 16-28mm f/2.8
- Telephoto lens: Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod (Ball Head)
I hope this 3 days itinerary in New York City has been helpful!
For further travel inspiration in the US, discover:
🏙 40+ Best East Coast Vacation Spots in the US
🦞 32 Best Things to Do on the East Coast of the US
🇺🇸 60+ Best Vacation Spots in the US
🌴 51 Most Tropical Places in the US
💎 37 Best Hidden Vacation Spots in the US
⛅️ 33 Best Cool Weather Summer Vacations in the US
☀️ 31 Best Warm Winter Vacations in the US
🏝 24 Prettiest White Sand Beaches in the US
🛂 37 Epic Places to Travel to Without a US Passport
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