3-Day New York City Itinerary: Top Things to Do
Flying into New York offers a few options. JFK International Airport is the biggest and busiest, perfect for international arrivals and well-connected to Manhattan by train, subway, and taxi. LaGuardia Airport is the closest to Manhattan, making it super convenient for short city breaks or quick business trips.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey works best when the plan includes Lower Manhattan or even exploring both New York and New Jersey. Choosing the right airport really depends on what part of the city is on the agenda.
Once in, New York City is packed with everything: famous landmarks, mouthwatering food, and neighborhoods full of character. From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, every corner feels iconic. Brooklyn and Williamsburg stand out with their own culture, street vibes, and creative edge.
A sightseeing pass is a smart move, giving access to over 90 attractions without overspending. With that in hand, a 3-day agenda is enough to catch the high points and still soak up the energy that makes this city unforgettable.
Looking for things to do in New York City?
Waiting to buy a ticket and carry around entry slips is a waste of good sightseeing time. It is also quite costly when you are determined to see all that the city has to it. You will receive access to over 90 attractions in the city with a startling discount on The New York Pass as opposed to paying at the entrance of each attraction.
Having three days to spend your pass, you may have your own time and see as much as you desire of NYC, or you can go to as many places as you desire in one day. In order to spend more time in the city, a sightseeing pass may save you money and time. Sounds good.
Day 1: Classic New York Highlights
Why not start with a visit to one of the most famous New York locations, Central Park?
Central Park Zoo
This is an opportune moment to take a guided tour, as this is the first time you’re doing it. Walking tours are the best form of meeting new people, not to mention the fact that local experts are always full of information.
This guided tour will reassert you as an Elite Tourist. Central Park, being a huge green oasis that was used in a great number of movies and television shows, has no shortage of curious and amusing facts.
See where the most famous scenes have been shot, walk across all the bridges, and get a glimpse of the beautiful statues and fountains throughout the park.
Hint: Book in advance any tour and arrive early, say 15-20 mins before the tour, otherwise you might be late.
Rockefeller’s Top of the Rock Observatory
Take a 70-story elevator ride down to the top of Rockefeller Center. It also has a three-story observatory that provides a 360-degree view of the whole city and so you must make sure to have pictures with yourself and the skyline. Turn every one of them at home jealous. It’s a win-win!
Tip: You will find a crystal chandelier in the mezzanine, which is actually the inverted version of Rockefeller Center.
Madame Tussauds in New York
See historical figures. You will have finely worked life-like wax figures of actors, musicians, and other standard figures in history. It is also an ideal place to capture pictures with the celebrities and map all your friends back at home by acting like you met them in person.
Note: Visit the interactive contents on display, such as the fantastic Ghostbusters Experience and the Kong: Skull Island.
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Brooklyn
Brooklyn has its own atmosphere and makes one think that he/she entered another world. Hang with young hipsters (what happens to be the median age of a Brooklyn resident? A rogueish 34.7 years) and suck a Tootsie Roll where it was made, that is, right here.
And as this borough alone has more than 700 arts and culture institutions, you will not be lacking in interesting things to do in New York.
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Go on a walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge; you will need a storytelling guide on its background. Then go into DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn’s most fashionable neighborhood.
Find out what the various vendors sell and visit the restaurants that sell various varieties of food; something is happening at any particular time. It has a fantastic view of Manhattan, and you should take as many pictures as possible!
Hack Tip: Ride with your inner child on the Jane Carousel.
Williamsburg
When you can pull yourself out of DUMBO, you can go to Williamsburg to explore more of Brooklyn. Get a preview of what New York street art is all about, and pay a visit to the different clothing shops in the neighborhood, where you will find real vintage style.
Learn the history and how it transformed into a haven for young and upwardly mobile individuals. Gentrification is not something everyone in the area is pleased about. Listen to both sides of the debate in favor of and against the new side of the area.
Our suggestions are: Paying a visit to Mast Brothers Chocolate in order to treat your sweet tooth.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Complete the day by walking around all the well-kept gardens; you will find varieties of plants and horticulture methods in each of the gardens. Then, have a break and have a plant-based meal at the Yellow Magnolia Cafe.
Tips: Go there in April, though, and you can see all the beautiful cherry blossoms in the Esplanade of Cherry. Visit the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival when there is one on during your visit.
Day 3: Manhattan’s Icons & Moving Memories
The last day, we are back in Manhattan, and we complete it with a bang. You have your own way: you may visit the place of the greatest heartache in New York, or the greatest symbol in the world.
Ground Zero Museum Workshop
Images and artifacts of one of the worst days New York ever encountered can be found in this workshop. You will learn the histories of these objects, and you will have an opportunity to bring a fragment of this history home.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Having left the workshop, go to the 9/11 memorial, established on the ground where the Twin Towers used to be located. See the display of the comparison between New York prior to and after the tragedy. It will also give you the opportunity to listen to a survivor during that day.
This or Ellis Island would be our recommendation. Although they are so close together in the Financial District, all of the sites require approximately four hours to walk. Your feet will thank you!
Ellis Island and the Statue Of Liberty
Take the arrival eye of New York and take a look at what immigrants looked at: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. You will board a cruise at Battery Park with an opportunity to see other NYC landmarks on your cruise to Ellis Island.
When there, get to read about the lives of the millions of people who came to America seeking a new beginning. Then go and snap some shots of Lady Liberty herself, who was donated to the US in 1886 by France in remembrance of the end of slavery. Don’t leave without paying a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum.
Tip: Pick up the 10-minute Immersive experience.
In Summary
When one visits New York City, it is like stepping into history, culture and adventure. Whether it is the view of Central Park or the skyline and the emotional feeling of the 9/11 Memorial, each stop is memorable. This trip captures the spirit of the city with the creativity of Brooklyn, the landmarks of Manhattan and the stories of Ellis Island. A bit of planning helps, and a sightseeing pass helps even more.
FAQs
What is another name of New York City?
NYC is referred to as The Big Apple or The City That Never Sleeps.
Is there any difference between New York and New York City?
Yes. The state is New York, and New York City (NYC) is a city in New York.
Is New York, NY, expensive?
Yes, NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and housing, food, and transportation are very expensive.
What slang do New Yorkers say?
The typical slang is used “deadass (serious)”, “brick (very cold)” and “facts (truth)”.
