It may seem difficult to visit New York City in just three days. However, with the right plan in place, travelers can see the most significant and popular places like historical sites, diverse neighborhoods, and flavorful food options without spending too much time or money.
Sarah Funk, a licensed guide and local business owner shares her advice when it comes to getting the most of your short visit to the city.
Useful Tips for Visiting New York City
Manhattan visitors will be much better off using the subway instead of taxis or ride-hailing services because road travel can take a long time and may cost too much money due to traffic. International travelers may also want an eSIM as it will help them save on expensive roaming charges.
New York is pretty much a cashless city, and credit cards and electronic payments are accepted in almost all businesses and public transport systems.
New York has a low tourist volume from January through March, although this is normally the coldest time of the year. In December, on the other hand, tourists will face larger crowds, as well as higher prices for accommodation, activities, and food.
Day 1: Midtown, Central Park and Broadway
The first day of your trip starts from Midtown Manhattan which is home to Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and 5th Avenue.
Times Square is very famous for its huge digital billboards and constant activity. Hundreds of thousands of tourists pass by this area every day, so visitors should be aware of the scams often prevalent in heavily populated tourist spots to avoid being taken advantage of.
After that head to the observation deck of the Rock for panoramic views of the city and then go to Central Park to have lunch at Tavern on the Green, a restaurant that was opened in 1934.
In Central Park, the main places of interest include Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace & Fountain, Bow Bridge, the Mall and Central Park Zoo. It is also worth checking out the Plaza Hotel, which is a famous hotel shown in Home Alone 2.
At night have dinner at Serendipity 3, a restaurant known for its amazing desserts and frozen hot chocolate, and also visit a Broadway show.
Day Two: Brooklyn, New York Cuisine, and Waterfront Sights
Exploring Brooklyn’s culinary scene and nearby towns is the most appropriate activity for day two. Start with DUMBO, a beautiful waterfront area famous for its photography spots, its views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the skyline of Manhattan.
Joining a food tour will allow visitors to taste some pizza, pancakes, tacos, and other local specialties without having to visit separate places by themselves.
Later, embark on a sightseeing boat trip in New York Harbor. Depending on the route, the travelers will get to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Brooklyn Bridge without spending too much time visiting the Statue of Liberty.
For dinner, visit the Clinton Street Baking Company, known for its famous blueberry pancakes. The day can be finished at a hidden bar like Room 207 for some drinks.
Day Three: Downtown New York, Historical Events, and Works of Art
Start the third day of the trip in downtown New York, where you will find famous financial establishments and monuments pointing to the history of the city.
The attractions here include Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Hall, the sculpture of Charging Bull, St. Trinity Church, and the memorial of the events of September 11, 2001.
After that, go to One World Observatory to enjoy a great view of the surroundings. Then, go to Fraunces Tavern. Its history goes back to 1719 when it was established. This tavern was significant during the time of the American revolution, and its museum showcases many pieces of history connected to that time.
In the afternoon you will be able to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (is also known as the Met). It has the collection of art that spans over 5,000 years and includes everything from artifacts of ancient Egypt to paintings from Europe, clothing, and armor from different periods.
At the end of the day, go to EOS New York restaurant to enjoy special dishes.
Getting the Most Out of Three Days in New York
Planning ahead allows travelers to see the monuments, parks, food, entertainment and cultural attractions of New York City in three days or less. Finding convenient accommodations, relying on public transit and grouping places of interest that are close to each other will ensure that the trip is not only efficient, but there is also enough time for fun.
