3 Days in New York City

Want to conquer New York City in 3 days? On this page, you will find helpful tips on booking your NYC vacation and a day-by-day travel plan for you to get the most out of your NYC trip!

Before You Arrive:

What to Pack:

You can easily pack everything you need in a carry-on bag or backpack. I visited NYC in March when it was surprisingly pleasant with highs in the 40s. Check the forecast and pack an umbrella if there is a chance of rain. Packing a small backpack to wear during the day is an easy way to store your umbrella, a light jacket, and some snacks.

Hotel Search:

Time Square is a great home base during your stay in NYC because it is centrally located and has access to many subway lines to zip you around the city.

Flight Search:

New York City has 3 major airports in its metropolitan area:

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

All 3 airports are easily accessible to Manhattan by taxi, train, or subway. When choosing your flight, pick the flight that is within your budget and has departing and arrival times that work for you.

Getting Around:

Buy a MetroCard! Before you exit the airport, stop by an airport shop to purchase a 7-day Unlimited Pass for unlimited access to New York’s subway and bus network ($31). Although you are only in New York for 3 days, this MetroCard is the cheapest unlimited pass option and a great deal if you will be traveling exclusively on public transportation in the city. A single subway ticket is $2.75; so if you are planning on using the subway or bus system more than 11 times (which you will), buy the 7-day Unlimited Pass.

I highly recommend you download Embark NYC Subway – New York City before your trip. This app will tell you exactly which subway lines to take from your current location to your desired destination. It also tracks subways in real-time to tell you when the next train is coming and when you will arrive at your destination.

Arrival in NYC:

LaGuardia (LGA):

You can take a taxi or the bus/subway to Manhattan. I recommend taking the bus/subway because it is more affordable, faster (when its rush hour), and a great experience to get acquainted with NYC’s subway system, which you will be using a lot during your 3-day trip.

Exit LaGuardia
Take the Q70 Limited or Q47 bus to Roosevelt Avenue/74^th Street
You will be dropped off in front of the Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights station
Use Embark NYC Subway app to find the best subway line to get to your hotel in Times Square

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):

Train/Subway is the best option from JFK to Manhattan. Make sure to use your MetroCard.

Take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station
Get on the E subway to Midtown Manhattan/Times Square

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):

Newark has a direct train line from the airport to Penn Station.

Get on the AirTrain
Arrive at Penn Station
Walk or take the subway to Time Square

Day 1:

Check into your hotel, drop off your bags, and start exploring the city!

Times Square

If you choose to stay in a hotel in Times Square, you will just need to walk out the lobby doors. Stretch your legs after your flight and walk around the pedestrian zone for some great views and people watching.

Brunch

For the best Belgian waffles and eggs benedict in NYC, walk or take the subway north to Sarabeth’s on Central Park Street. After having a hearty brunch, you will be ready to conquer Central Park and more on your first day in the city. (Weather permitting, request a table outside or sit near the windows for a Central Park view.)

Central Park

After brunch, stroll through Central Park and find your way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While exploring the park, walk down tree-lined paths and climb rock formations to fully appreciate the nature in such a busy city. Above the treetops you will see skyscrapers piercing through the branches. Marvel at the tranquil ponds, tall statues, and bubbling fountains throughout the expansive park.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in the United States, the “Met” is a must-see while you’re in NYC. Helpful hint: The entry fee is $25 for an adult; however, this is only a suggested price and you can pay whatever you would like. (The couple in front of me paid with a few quarters). You can spend days touring this giant museum so plan accordingly. We stayed for 5 hours and spent time in every gallery. If you are on a shortened time schedule, map out a route before entering to see all the galleries and art pieces you desire.

Dinner

In New York City, you will have countless dining options based on your taste and budget. Journey south to Midtown for a dinner close to Times Square.

Times Square at night/Broadway show

Admire the bright lights and the busy streets of Time Square at night. Walk around to see the advertising blitz on skyscraper-sized screens. If you booked ahead of time or plan on getting last-minute tickets while you’re in the city, seeing a Broadway show is an authentic New York experience that you won’t want to miss.

Day 2:

Wake up early and grab a bagel and a cup of coffee before a full day of sightseeing in NYC.

World Trade Center

Take the subway to WTC and walk around the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) to the National September 11 Memorial. Here you will find two reflecting pools that outline where the Twin Towers once stood. After honoring the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, turn toward the museum entrance that will take you underground to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. A visit to this museum is a somber, but extremely powerful experience that should not be missed. Before your trip, schedule a visiting time online and download the 9/11 Museum Audio Guide free app for an informative guide of the entire museum.

St. Paul’s Chapel

Behind the museum, walk west from WTC to St. Paul’s Chapel. Built in 1764, St. Paul’s Chapel is a National Historic Landmark that is the oldest public building in continuous use in New York City. St. Paul’s Chapel survived the Great New York City Fire of 1776, George Washington worshiped here, and not a single window was broken on September 11. As a place of worship and refuge, this church is an iconic piece of American history.

Early Lunch

Stop by a deli as you walk from WTC to Wall Street for a tasty sandwich on the go.

Wall Street

Welcome to the financial capital of the world! Walk through the narrow streets and see the iconic buildings of the financial district. Fight your way through the crowds to snap a photo with the Charging Bull.

Statue of Liberty

A 5-minute walk from Wall Street is the southern tip of Manhattan where you can see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take the Staten Island Ferry, weather permitting, for great views of Liberty Island. (Tickets are free and travel time is approximately 25 minutes one-way.)

Union Square/ Flatiron Building

Take the subway to Union Square and enjoy a short walk north on Broadway to see some of Manhattan’s most unique buildings. Stroll the paths of this green park and see both New Yorkers and tourists enjoying their afternoon. Grab a quick snack across the street at Eataly. After wandering through this massive Italian marketplace, take your snack to 33^rd street and marvel at the triangular Flatiron building. Take a seat and appreciate this unique building built during the turn of the 20^th century.

Empire State Building

Continue walking north and you will have a great street-level view of the Empire State Building.

Grand Central Terminal

New York’s major transportation hub is a sight to behold! Walk the stairs to the second level to see the Main Concourse bustling with energy.

Bonus: Upper West Side/Columbia University

If you are interested in seeing a college campus in Manhattan or you are a big Seinfeld fan, take the subway from Grand Central to the Upper West Side. Here you will find the famous Tom’s Restaurant and Columbia University’s campus. Take a few minutes to walk the quad and visit the bookstore of this world-renowned school.

Dinner

While your touring NYC, find a neighborhood you would like to explore more in-depth and walk around looking at restaurant menus till you find that perfect spot. East Village, West Village, and Greenwich Village are a few neighborhoods for you to explore.

Day 3:

Check out of your hotel, store your luggage with the front desk, and grab a quick breakfast to start your last day in the Big Apple.

5^th Ave

Take some time this morning to walk New York’s famous shopping promenade. Visit some of New York’s luxuriously decorated department stores for some shopping and people watching.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

As you walk north on 5^th avenue, stop to see the Neo-Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Go inside to see the ornately designed interior of this 1879 church.

Rockefeller Center

This bustling center is a great place to have some ice-skating fun. If you are interested in a bird’s-eye view of New York City, schedule a time to visit the Top of the Rock for a panoramic NYC view that includes the Empire State Building.

Brooklyn Bridge

No trip to NYC would be complete without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Take the subway across the East river to High Street Station and follow the paths to the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path. Take the 20 to 30-minute walk across the bridge and enjoy sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

High Line

Take the subway to one of New York City’s hottest attractions, the High Line. Finished in 2009, this elevated greenway park was created from a disused railroad line. You can enter the High Line from multiple street-level entrances along its 1.45-mile track that has great views of the Meatpacking district and Chelsea neighborhood.

Late Lunch: Gansevoort Market

After walking the High Line, grab a quick lunch at this hip, industrial-style market hall that has a variety of ethnic food stands. Take a seat inside after a busy last day in NYC.