Last Updated on January 11, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Planning a weekend in New York? Here’s the perfect New York itinerary for those with 3 days in the Big Apple.
New York City, the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple, the Empire State. Call it what you will, New York is without a doubt the one of the greatest cities in the world.
We’ve just returned from another Christmas trip to New York, and it was spectacular in every sense of the word. There’s something special about New York City and its distinctive landmarks that make it different from anywhere else in the world. I’ve designed a power-packed New York itinerary for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time there and see it all!
Weekend in New York
What You Need to Know about New York
New York City has five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. I would recommend staying on Manhattan island as that’s where most attractions are, but it can be very expensive (expect to pay up to $80/night in a hostel).
Manhattan is nominally divided into Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown, all of which are subdivided into more than 50 neighborhoods. In this New York itinerary, we will be visiting mainly Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Current Restrictions in New York
Currently everywhere in New York, anyone aged 5 and above must show proof of COVID vaccination to eat indoors or visit any attraction/site. Those over 12 years old must present proof that they have received two vaccine doses of an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In addition to proof of vaccination, anyone above 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors.
Get the New York CityPASS
It can be expensive to spend a weekend in New York, regardless of where you come from. Entry tickets can add up to a few hundred dollars in one day. I suggest getting the New York CityPASS to save some money, as it will give you access to some of the most popular things to see in town at heavily discounted rates.
The New York CityPASS costs USD$136, but it gives you free access to many popular attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Museum, the Met, MoMA, and more. You’ll get a MetroCard as well. It would cost $228 if you visit the attractions I mentioned independently. That’s a saving of $92 with the pass!
Get Your CityPASS!
3-Day New York Itinerary
New York Itinerary Day 1: Explore Midtown Manhattan
Prepare for a power-packed day in Midtown Manhattan! This stretch between 34th and 50th Streets has some of New York City’s most famous landmarks, from Times Square to the newest attraction, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. You can easily walk from one spot to another, so put on your most comfortable shoes.
Start at Central Park
There’s no better way to start off your weekend in New York than with an authentic New York bagel from H&H Bagels on the city’s Upper West Side. Enjoy your bagel at Central Park, the 840-acre oasis that separates the Upper West and Upper East sides of Manhattan.
There’s a slew of things to do in Central Park, including the Central Park Zoo, the whimsical Belvedere Castle, and the iconic tree-lined promenade, Bethesda Terrace. For the music lovers, don’t forget to head to Strawberry Fields, the memorial to world-famous Beatles’ artist John Lennon.
Explore the American Museum of Natural History
Located on the border of Central Park on Museum Mile, the the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit especially if you’re exploring New York with kids. The iconic museum has been featured in many movies, including A Night at the Museum (my kid was particularly excited to visit because of that!). There are over 34 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and artifacts, so plan at least 3 hours here. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Walk along the 5th Avenue
From there, stroll along the 5th Avenue towards Rockefeller Center. This is the world’s most expensive street, from the high-end shops to the penthouses that line the buildings on this street. It is also known as Millionaire’s Row or Museum Mile. If you’re in New York at Christmas, here’s where you will find the most Christmas lights and decorations.
Marvel at the Rockefeller Center
An icon of New York, the Rockefeller Center is famed for its Art Deco buildings, its expansive underground concourse, and its ice-skating rink. This NYC landmark has been featured in dozens of films and TV shows over the past century, and is home to the legendary NBC Studios and Saturday Night Live.
You can head up to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for a view of the city (free with the New York CityPASS), but save that for the Summit One Vanderbilt instead! Remember to stop by the Radio City Hall right behind Rockefeller Center, especially at Christmas.
See the Grand Central Terminal
From Rockefeller, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Grand Central Terminal, a glorious 100-year-old building of grand stature. Once you enter through its doors, you’ll see the centerpiece of the building: the celestial ceiling, which features the 12 zodiac constellations. Head downstairs for a quick bite at Shake Shack burger or a memorable meal at the historic Oyster Bar & Restaurant.
Head to the Top of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
It’s time to visit New York’s newest cultural landmark! Newly opened in October 2021, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights.
Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences: from the all-mirror deck to the silver balloons installation (which my kid loved!). The five part story-driven immersive art experience is designed by Kenzo Digital, mixing transparency and reflectivity to create the illusion of boundless space.
Tickets for the observation deck start at $39. It’s a brand new attraction, so it’s not included in the pass yet. Book your tickets in advance.
See the Newest Attraction, the Vessel
A 20-minute walk away is another one of New York’s newest attractions: the Vessel. The 60-ton sculpture, located at sleek cultural destination Hudson Yards, resembles a honeycomb. Others say the larger-than-life art installation designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick is New York’s version of the Eiffel Tour.
Visiting and climbing the spiral staircases (of 2500 steps) is free, but you must reserve a time slot and get tickets in advance. The various outlook points offer sweeping views of the Hudson River that will appear dreamy at sunset.
Have Dinner in Midtown New York
After such a long day, it’s time to treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner. With so many top-rated restaurants in Midtown, we’ve chosen some of the best to kick start your weekend in NYC.
French brasserie, Papillon Bistro, is a fixture in New York’s culinary scene. The vibrant bar scene and elegant French provincial style make this spot a huge hit. We came here for Christmas dinner and it was absolutely gorgeous with over-the-top festive decorations. Book your table here.
Wander around Times Square
To end the night off, stroll over to Times Square and get lost in the bright lights and digital billboards that stretch between the 42nd to 47th street. All of that energy is palpable, and you can easily tell why this is the epicenter of New York City. I spent New Year Eve’s at Times Square one year and watched the ball drop amidst the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen!
New York Itinerary Day 2: Venture Out to Ellis Island
Today we’ll be heading to the outlying islands for the highlight of your weekend in New York. Make your way to Battery Park in the southernmost part of Manhattan. The nearest subway station is South Ferry station.
Battery Park is named for the 17th-century artillery batteries that line the shoreline, built to protect the settlement behind them. It’s also home to Fort Clinton, the first immigration station in the US, the SeaGlass carousel, and numerous memorials and monuments.
Take the Ferry to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
From the ferry dock, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, one of those true New York City icons. The famous ‘Lady Liberty’ was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It’s a must-see in New York, and the best way to visit it is to take a ferry there and climb up to its crown.
From there, it’s a quick boat ride to Ellis Island, home to a fascinating museum dedicated to the city’s history of immigration. There are free tours of the museum, which you can sign up for when you’re there.
Prepare to spend around 5 hours in total as you’ll need time to get through security, catch the ferry, take photos and visit Ellis Island. Book these tickets if you prefer fast-track access.
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty
Tickets for the Statue of Liberty sell out very early, especially for climbing to the crown, so book way in advance!
Cost: $21.50 Adults, $12 children 4 – 12 years for the Crown
Tickets: Free with your New York CityPASS.
Hours: Ferries depart from 8:30 am to 5 pm
Website: Book your tickets in advance here or a Statue of Liberty tour here.
Alternative Way to See the Statue of Liberty for FREE!
If you’re visiting New York on a budget, there is a way to see the Statue of Liberty for free. Catch the free Staten Island ferry, a commuter ferry that shuttles back and forth between the Whitehall Terminal and Staten Island.
The ferry ride each way is approximately 25 minutes (you have to get off at Staten Island). It runs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The ferries run every 30 minutes, on the hour and on the half-hour. You can even ride the ferry at night since it runs 24 hours a day! But you can’t get off at the Statue of Liberty, you’ll only be cruising past it.
See the Wall Street Stock Exchange
Our next stop on this New York itinerary is the world-renown Wall Street Stock Exchange. The building is no longer open for tours. With the rise in electronic trading, there are less than 1,000 traders on the floor – less than a fifth of what used to be. To get a glimpse at the inner workings of the financial system, though, you can visit the Federal Reserve, also located on Wall Street or go on a Wall Street insider tour with a finance professional.
Have Dinner in Chinatown
From Wall Street, you can either walk or catch the subway to Canal St. New York’s Chinatown is one of the biggest in the world. One of my favorites for authentic noodles is Great NY Noodletown. It’s a no-frills Hongkong-style eatery with a series of roast duck and meat hanging on display. The award-winning Joe’s Shanghai is another popular spot in Chinatown, but prepare to wait in line. With so many famous dishes you may have a hard time choosing, but make sure you start with their soup dumplings.
New York Itinerary Day 3: Get to Know Brooklyn
On your last day in New York, head to Brooklyn, one of New York’s most diverse boroughs. Ultra hip and trendy, Brooklyn is a hotspot for entrepreneurs, startups and artists. In recent years, the neighborhoods of Brooklyn have seen a dramatic increase in gentrification.
Explore DUMBO Brooklyn
Start your morning at DUMBO – Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – one of New York’s most expensive neighborhoods. The closest subway station is York St station. Just 20 years ago, it was an industrial area where few people lived, but now it’s a hotbed of dining, recreation and shopping with great views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. Be sure to stop by the bookstore, Powerhouse Arena; they have a great collection of books on New York.
Head to the Most Popular Instagram Spot in Brooklyn
Many people flock to Washington Street between Front and Water Streets to capture a shot that features Dumbo’s cobblestone streets, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Empire State Building. You’re almost certain to see many people taking the same photograph—making it sort of a meta-attraction.
Snack at Time Out Market
Stop by the Time Out Market for some lunch. The market brings together some of New York’s top culinary talent, all curated by our editorial team. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream from Sugar Hill Creamery, expertly crafted pizza from Fornino and homestyle Thai food from Wayla.
Catch a Show at St Ann’s Warehouse
Across the road, you’ll find St Ann’s Warehouse, a roomy warehouse space that hosts cutting-edge theater performances & progressive musicians. The 19th-century space is an attraction in itself; feel free to sit in the public garden, whether or not you’re there for a show.
Hang Out at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Walk along the waterfront to reach the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This 85-acre waterfront area had largely fallen into disuse for years after industry left, but it’s now been transformed into a park where residents get fresh air, play sports, and enjoy skyline views. This is the best spot to photograph the Brooklyn Bridge.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
Finally it’s time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge! Try to do this before lunch, as the morning sun will be at your back and you can still perfectly see the Manhattan skyline. Stretching across the East River, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge opened up back in 1883 to carry traffic between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Most people take 1 hour to cross the Brooklyn Bridge.
Relax at the City Hall Park
Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find yourself at the City hall Park, a great place for people watching. Surrounded by centuries-old majestic government buildings that date back to 1812, this park provides a much-needed green spot in a bustling downtown area.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
A 15-minute walk away is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which commemorates the lives lost in the tragedies of the September 11, 2001 attacks as well as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Despite it being a somber experience, this is an essential stop for anyone spending a weekend in New York.
Where the Twin Towers once stood, you’ll find two reflecting pools that are the largest man made waterfalls in North America. The names of everyone who passed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are engraved around the pools.
To avoid waiting hours in line, it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time for the museum. Ticket prices start at $26 per adults – It’s free with your New York CityPASS.
Get Blown Away at the Oculus
Across the street you’ll notice a large white building with steel, wing-shaped tips reaching toward the sky. That’s the Oculus, a transportation hub built alongside the One World Trade Center after the devastating September 11th attacks.
Spotting a striking interior, the Oculus was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. He intended it to resemble a dove leaving a child’s hands. You can see it in the tall, crossed steel columns that make up the exterior.
It’s free to enter and walk around. The best time to visit is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and after 7 p.m. Go to the second level where you can capture the steel ribs of the roof above.
Dinner & Drinks at Daintree NYC
On your last evening in New York, head up to the hip Daintree NYC on the rooftop of Hotel Hendricks. The stylish rooftop bar is a great spot to go watch the sunset and see the Empire State building light up by night. It’s not very high, but you still get a spectacular view of the surroundings. Best of all, not many know about this bar just yet, so get there soon.
Cocktails are priced at $18 and food is just as pricey, but you’ll be spending the same here as at any observation deck and you get a meal out of it. Plus, you get free flow of salted chicken popcorn here!
Sadly, your epic weekend in New York City has come to an end. Now that you’ve seen the best of the best in New York City, what do you think of the Big Apple? Can you see why it’s one of the best cities in the world?
New York Travel Guide
How to Get to and from the Airport
There are three airports in the New York City area. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll land in either either JFK or Newark Airport.
From JFK, the AirTrain runs to Jamaica Station, where you can connect with the subway to Manhattan (Penn Station); and Howard Beach, to connect with the subway to Brooklyn. The fee each way is $7.75, payable only by Metrocard. Alternatively, book a private transfer with door-to-door service.
From Newark, the AirTrain serves the New York Penn Station, where you can change to a subway. The journey from Newark to the city is about 30 minutes and also costs $7.75. Or book a private transfer here.
LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to Manhattan but it doesn’t have any rail service. From LaGuardia, take the Golden Touch Bus ($16 each way) which has 3 dropoff locations in Manhattan: Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Times Square. Alternatively, book an airport shuttle for $38 that provides door-to-door service.
How to Get Around New York
By Subway
The best way to get around New York City is by subway. It may seem confusing when looking at the map, but follow Google Maps’ directions and you’ll be fine. Buy a multi-day MetroCard and pay per ride or get a 7-day pass for $33 for unlimited rides.
By Uber
Taking an Uber or Lyft can be a good alternative to using a yellow taxi. They are completely legal and authorized for use in NYC. You can request Uber cars at any of the major airports, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
Best Time to Visit New York
Winter is an exciting time to visit New York with the festive mood in the air, holiday decorations everywhere, and vibrant celebrations. Both times we visited New York was at Christmas and New Year’s and the city always had a special atmosphere. Summer is hot, and locals will be out frolicking in Central Park and dining outdoors.
The least crowded time to visit New York City is April – June and September – November when the weather is pleasant but the tourist crowds are not overwhelming. The cheapest time to visit New York is on weekends from mid-January to the end of February.
Where to Stay in New York
Hotels in New York are pricey, as you’d probably imagine. I recommend staying in Manhattan as most attractions are located there, but Brooklyn is a cheaper alternative and also easily accessible.
Budget: The Paul Hotel NYC-Chelsea
A short walk from the Empire State Building, The Paul Hotel is a chic budget hotel with tiny rooms but stylish designs. It boasts a sun terrace and lots of hangout space. Check the rates here.
Mid Range: Moxy NYC East Village
Super slick and stylish, this Moxy branch boasts unique designs and affordable rooms with a central location. Its onsite bar and restaurant has a particularly cool look. Check the rates here.
Luxury: Warwick New York
A historic hotel in midtown Manhattan, the Warwick (pictured) is one of the most prestigious hotels in New York. It’s just a block from Central Park, and it’s home to the famous Mural’s on 54th restaurant. Check the rates here.
Apartment: Mint House at 70 Pine
Families or friends traveling in a group will love this spacious 2-bedroom apartment housed in a historic landmark building near Battery Park. It has a fully equipped kitchen and enough sleeping space for six. Check rates here.
Enjoy Your Weekend in New York!
Feel free to print out this New York itinerary and bring it with you on your New York weekend getaway! I have packed this itinerary with all the best things to do in New York in 3 days, so get ready to have a blast.
Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Read more of my US articles to get idea for your next weekend trip:
- Weekend in Seattle
- Weekend in Los Angeles
- Weekend in San Francisco
- Weekend in Miami
- Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
- California Road Trip Itinerary
- Florida Road Trip Itinerary
- Utah Road Trip Itinerary
- Nevada Road Trip Itinerary
- Best National Parks in USA
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