Planning a trip to New York City can be a daunting task — after all, the Big Apple is one of the largest cities in the world, and is a very popular bucket-list destination. NYC is full to bursting with tourist hot spots, from Broadway to the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond. If you’ve never been to New York before, you may be wondering how many days to plan for, which of the dozens of top sights to see, and where to stay while you’re there. For starters, most NYC travel experts recommend allowing at least three days for your trip. You can accomplish a whirlwind tour of the city in only two days, but a minimum of three will allow you to properly explore many of the city’s top attractions (and if you can stretch it to four or five days, you’ll be able to see even more).
New York City comprises five boroughs: The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Among the five, the island of Manhattan is the most popular with tourists, primarily because most of NYC’s well-known tourist attractions sit in and around Manhattan. Plan on saving the other four boroughs for a future trip, and focus this first trip on just exploring Manhattan.
The island of Manhattan is divided into multiple sectors, three of which are home to the majority of the city’s prime tourist attractions: Downtown (Lower Manhattan, also known as the Financial District), Midtown (Midtown Manhattan), and Uptown (the Upper West and Upper East sides). The easiest way to explore the city is to spend a full day exploring each of the tourist sectors, and selecting your top must-dos in each to prioritize. Where you choose to stay within Manhattan will depend largely on which of the sectors appeals to you most — RCI has a wide variety of options for accommodations in all parts of Manhattan.
Ready to dive in? Let’s start planning your 3 days in NYC.
Day One: Downtown (aka Lower Manhattan)
The history of New York City is closely tied to Lower Manhattan. The first European colony on the island of Manhattan was established by Dutch explorers in 1624, on the southern tip of modern-day Lower Manhattan, and was originally named New Amsterdam by the Dutch. Coming under British control in 1664, the settlement was renamed New York after the Duke of York, brother of King Charles II. The area remained a British stronghold until their defeat in the American Revolution more than 100 years later.
Lower Manhattan or Downtown as it is often called, is also known as the Financial District because it is home to many top financial institutions, including Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. Occupying the southern portion of Manhattan, Downtown is bordered by 14th Street to the north, New York Harbor to the south, and the East and Hudson rivers to the east and west, respectively. Within those boundaries are some of the Big Apple’s most historic sites, most iconic sites, and most popular sites. There are too many things to see them all in a single day, but you’ll choose your favorites and then pack in a reasonable amount of them, working your way around Lower Manhattan and seeing as many as you can.
Well, you’ve got to start somewhere and in this iconic city, you may as well start with one of the most-visited tourist sites in the world — the Statue of Liberty. Considered a symbol of the city as well as the nation, Lady Liberty is NYC’s most iconic attraction, and you’ll want to get there early so the lines won’t be too long. You’ll need to catch the ferry from Battery Park, and will have the option of visiting Liberty Island, Ellis Island, or both.
A National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, and was a beacon of hope for thousands of immigrant families who arrived in New York Harbor by boat in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Explore Liberty Island, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, climb the 162-step staircase to the crown (reservations required), or take a ranger-led tour and learn from the experts. If you visit Ellis Island, which is also part of the National Monument, ranger-led tours walk you through what the late 19th century immigration experience would’ve been like.
Another iconic spot to visit is One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, which was built in 2014 at Ground Zero, site of the original Twin Towers that were destroyed by a terrorist attack in 2001. Currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet (a purposeful nod to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed), the top of the building is known as One World Observatory, an observation area and cafe that offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. Down below, visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to grieve the tragic attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and pay your respects to the many men, women, and children that lost their lives that day.
For historical sites, head to Wall Street and view the New York Stock Exchange building, a National Historic Landmark built in 1903. Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style, if you time your visit right you may be able to hear the ringing of the stock exchange bell at 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. ET. The building isn’t open to the public, but the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, just up the block, offers guided tours on weekdays of its historic 1924 building (on the National Register of Historic Places). Just across the street from the stock exchange is Federal Hall, another National Memorial, and the original site of George Washington’s inauguration as our nation’s first president. New York City Hall, the oldest city hall in continuous use by a city government in the U.S., offers free daily guided tours.
The building is a National Historic Landmark, and has been used by the New York City mayor and council since 1812. Nearby Trinity Church is an Episcopal church that is a National Historic Landmark. Originally chartered by King William III in 1697, the current building is the third Episcopal church to be built on that site, and has stood since 1846. Trinity Church’s cemetery is the resting place of several prominent Americans, including Thomas Jefferson’s famous dueling Vice President, Alexander Hamilton (of recent musical fame). Another historic cemetery isn’t far — the African Burial Ground is a National Monument that dates back to the 1630s, and is the resting place of more than 15,000 free and enslaved Africans who lived and worked in colonial New York.
When it comes to iconic NYC experiences, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and riding the Staten Island Ferry are two of the Big Apples biggies. The Brooklyn Bridge is a National Historic Landmark that crosses the East River between Manhattan Island and Brooklyn. At more than 6,000 feet long, it is 1.1 miles in length and accommodates five lanes of traffic that averages 120,000 cars each day. Since most NYC tourists don’t rent a vehicle, walking along the pedestrian pathway is the most common way of experiencing the grandiosity of this massive suspension bridge.
Alternately, visiting Staten Island can be done by bridge in a roundabout way, but as there is no bridge that directly connects Manhattan Island with Staten Island, the ferry is the most common method of transport. There are plenty of things to do on Staten Island, but save those for a future visit and just enjoy the free ferry ride back and forth. Operating 24 hours a day, the Staten Island Ferry runs directly past Liberty Island, offering a stunning, up-close vantage point for snapping photos of Lady Liberty.
Lower Manhattan is full of iconic sights, and it may be hard to choose which ones to visit. As a suggestion for how to map out Day 1 of your NYC 3-day itinerary, hit the streets early and spend most of the morning at the Statue of Liberty, then pick two or three of the historic sites to walk through in the afternoon.
Take a quick stroll and snap a few pics of the Brooklyn Bridge before dinner, and then enjoy a sunset cruise on the Staten Island ferry before heading back to your accommodations for the night. If you end up with extra time (or in a future visit), Lower Manhattan is also the home of the Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo neighborhoods, as well as the Museum of Jewish Heritage. For a historic dining opportunity, the Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1719 and claims to have served George Washington!
Where To Stay:
Club Quarters Hotels, World Trade Center
Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District
Day Two: Midtown
Midtown is the city’s business district, and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s largest central business district, offering more than 400-million square feet of office space. It is home to the world headquarters of more than 50 major corporations, as well as some of NYC’s most prominent buildings and attractions. Its borders run from the East River to the Hudson River east to west, and from 59th Street to 14th Street north to south. You’ll have to settle for selecting a handful of iconic sights to pack into Day 2, as Midtown also offers far too much to be seen in a single day.
After the Statue of Liberty, Midtown’s Times Square is probably the second most-iconic tourist attraction in the city. Times Square is a major entertainment hub and pedestrian plaza in the heart of Midtown’s Theatre District, known for its neon and LED signs and billboards, and for the more than 50 million annual visitors it receives each year. Home to shops, restaurants, costumed performers, street art, tourist attractions, and more, Times Square is a lively and vibrant place to visit. Broadway runs through the heart of Times Square, and no trip to New York would be complete without a Broadway show. There are multiple Broadway theaters near Times Square, including the Gershwin, which is just a five-minute walk. Plan ahead and purchase tickets to see an iconic show like Wicked or Hamilton while you’re there.
The Empire State Building is another must-do on your NYC 3-day itinerary, to see the famous Art Deco skyscraper that was the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years. Built in 1931, the building drew national attention after being climbed by Kong in the 1933 film “King Kong.” The 102-story highrise has observation decks on the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors, and offers stunning panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Tickets are required to ascend the Empire State Building, but you can save time and skip the lines by purchasing tickets with an express pass online.
Directly underneath the Empire State Building is Fifth Avenue, home to the city’s finest shops like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re window-shopping or shopping for real, when you’ve shopped til’ you’re ready to drop, you can cross another quintessential NYC to-do off your list.
New York is famous for its museums, and the https://www.moma.org/ (aka MoMA) is one of the best. One of the largest modern art museums in the world, at MoMA you’ll enjoy leisurely studying paintings by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, soaking up history’s finest works of art. For art of a different kind, Radio City Music Hall hosts concerts and live music performances in a historic building that dates back to 1932.
Radio City Music Hall is part of Rockefeller Center, which is a National Historic Landmark, and home to landscaped gardens, an ice-skating rink, and the production studios for Saturday Night Live. If you’re in the Big Apple during the holidays, you’ll see the plaza’s large, iconic Christmas tree. If you have time, head to the Top of the Rock, an observation deck on the top floor of Rockefeller Center.
For more in the way of historic buildings, Midtown has its fair share. Grand Central Terminal (often called Grand Central Station) is a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1913. One of the busiest train stations in North America, Grand Central’s Beaux-Arts design and interior layout bring thousands of tourists through its doors each year. The main branch of the NYC Public Library System, known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is another historic Beaux-Arts building well worth visiting. Easily recognizable by the two large stone lions that flank the main entrance, the library is home to more than 75 miles of shelving and some 15 million published works.
The Chrysler Building is another iconic NYC National Historic Landmark, and like the Empire State Building, it had the distinction of being the tallest building in the world at one time. The Art Deco skyscraper was top dog upon its completion in 1930, and then 11 months later it was bumped by the Empire State Building. Its stunning interior and unique architecture make the Chrysler Building worth a visit. Nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic-style cathedral in the U.S., and is on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Patrick’s took more than 20 years to build before opening its doors in 1878. It is home to two massive pipe organs comprised of more than 9,000 pipes, as well as 19 enormous bells that ring daily at various intervals.
Midtown is just jam-packed with fun things to see and do, and you’d need multiple days to do them all, so just pick your top favs and make the most of your day in the area. If you’re up for a long, full day, a suggestion for how to map out Day 2 of your NYC 3-day itinerary is to hit the Empire State Building first thing to avoid long lines, and then spend the rest of the morning into early afternoon exploring two or three of the historic sites in the area.
Dedicate a few hours to MoMA before dinner, and then take in an evening show on Broadway or at Radio City Music Hall. Close out the day by walking through Times Square or browsing the shops on Fifth Avenue later in the evening, and then make your way back to your accommodations for the night. For alternative options (or for your next trip to Midtown), consider checking out the flashy Trump Tower, browsing the flagship Macy’s store, taking in a Knicks or Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, or taking a tour of the headquarters of the United Nations (UN). For a unique dining opportunity, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a well-known, ’50s-themed restaurant that’s been featured in movies and television shows, including “Friends.” Who wouldn’t love a burger, fries, and a shake delivered by a singing waitress?
Where To Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West
Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
M Social Hotel Times Square New York
Millenium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Millenium Premier New York Times Square
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
West 57th Street, a Hilton Club
Day 3: Uptown
Uptown generally refers to the area that comprises the Upper West and Upper East sides, which are west and east of Central Park, respectively. South of Central Park is Midtown, and north of Central Park runs into Harlem and then the rest of Upper Manhattan. When it comes to Uptown, most of the touristy things to see and do are on the Upper West and Upper East sides. Uptown is full of iconic NYC sights, and once again you’ll have to pick and choose your top priorities, as there are more than you can see in a single day. Whatever things you can’t squeeze in will give you a good excuse to start planning your next NYC 3-day itinerary.
Central Park is definitely the most well-known Uptown landmark. Sandwiched between the Upper East and Upper West sides, Central Park was opened in 1876, and has since grown to more than 800 acres of recreational greenspace. Today the park is the most visited urban park in the U.S. with more than 40 million visitors annually, and it is full of fun and unique sights to see. The park has multiple historic structures that are popular with tourists. Cleopatra’s Needle is the park’s oldest structure, built in Egypt around the year 1425 BC by the Pharaoh Thutmose III, and brought to Central Park in 1880.
The Blockhouse, a defensive stone structure, predates the existence of the park — it’s Central Park’s second-oldest structure, built on the site as part of Fort Clinton during the War of 1812. The Strawberry Fields Memorial was built to commemorate John Lennon, who was murdered near the site in 1980. Containing a large circular mosaic with the word “Imagine” in the center (the name of one of the Beatles’ most popular songs), the memorial is full of flowering trees and plants dedicated to Lennon. Strawberry Fields is one of the park’s most visited spots.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art sits along the eastern edge of Central Park and is one of the most visited art museums in the world. The Met’s permanent collection boasts more than two million works, with many more that come and go with special traveling exhibitions. For kid-friendly fun, the Central Park Zoo has been in operation since 1861, although it was originally considered a public menagerie. The current zoo opened in 1934, and has grown into one of the most well-known zoos in the world. Containing a broad spectrum of animals from grizzly bears to snow leopards and the country’s largest captive colony of Antarctic penguins, Central Park Zoo occupies seven acres in the corner of Central Park and is currently home to the island of Manhattan’s only cow!
If you get hungry while you’re exploring, no worries — the park is full of food vendors serving everything from hot dogs to halal. Take your pick and enjoy a picnic lunch on the popular Sheep Meadow, and then make sure to find a sweet treat to snack on while you wander. Visit the Chess & Checkers house and play a game of chess, checkers, dominoes, or backgammon. Tour Belvedere Castle (circa 1872) and admire the Gothic-style stone castle and the stunning views of the park from its tower. Walk the pristine pathways of the Ramble, admire the Turtle Pond or Shakespeare Garden, and take a ride on the vintage Central Park carousel. A person could spend a lifetime exploring Central Park and never run out of things to see or do!
For an authentic New York cultural experience, a visit to the Lincoln Center is a must. Located on the Upper West Side just a few blocks from Central Park, Lincoln Center comprises 30 performing arts venues, both indoor and outdoor, and is home to the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Chamber Music Society, and the Juilliard School. Attend the symphony, ballet, opera, or other musical performance, and admire the immense talent that NYC has to offer.
Just a few blocks north is the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the world’s sixth-largest church and a New York City Landmark. Begun in 1892, St. John’s has undergone various phases of construction throughout the years, and remains incomplete to this day, in spite of being in continuous use by the Episcopal Diocese of New York as the seat of the Archbishop since 1911. Construction at the present is roughly two-thirds complete. The church is currently 121,000 square feet and is full of vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and sacred art — and its 40-foot rose-shaped window is the third largest in the world.
In addition to the Met, Uptown is home to numerous other museums that are popular tourist attractions. The American Museum of Natural History is home to roughly 35 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, rocks, cultural artifacts, and more. It is also home to a planetarium and a library. Opened in 1877, the museum receives more than five million visitors each year. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, generally called simply the Guggenheim, is an art museum that was founded in 1939 by Guggenheim himself, as a way of sharing his extensive collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern art with the world.
One of the major draws of this museum is the museum’s building itself, which was designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Home to thousands of original works by famous artists like Cézanne, Kandinsky, and Chagall, the museum and building were declared a National Historic Landmark in 2008. The American Folk Art Museum was established in 1961 as a way to display folk art and handcrafts by artisans without formal artistic training. Featuring more than 8,000 works from all over the world, the best part is that this museum offers admission completely free of charge!
Uptown is a fun and unique part of Manhattan, and no doubt you had a hard time choosing which places to include on Day 3 of your NYC 3-day itinerary. For a suggestion on how to break down your day, your best bet is to spend the morning exploring as many of Central Park’s enticing spots as you can, check out one or two of the museums in the afternoon, and then close your day with a performance at Lincoln Center before calling it a day and heading back to your accommodations for the night. For a few additional options or things to explore on your next NYC visit, ride the Roosevelt Island Tram, visit Riverside Park and check out General Ulysses S. Grant’s tomb, grab a bagel and a coffee from Zabar’s, or head north to explore the historic streets of Harlem. For the best chocolate chip cookie in the city, head to Levain Bakery and grab one of their gooey, chocolatey bits of heaven. Get it to go and eat it as you walk through this glorious part of New York City.
Where To Stay:
Arthouse Hotel New York
If your NYC 3-day itinerary happens to fall around the holidays, check out this handy article for additional cool things to see and do in the Big Apple during the holiday season.
