Traveling to the Big Apple can be a daunting task due to the multitude of activities to find and places to see. However, by preparing a concise plan for three days, visitors can learn all about the city’s most prominent tourist attractions as well as the upside-down ones.
This guide is about how to have a blast spending three days in New York City, from Central Park to Broadway and from Brooklyn waterfront to unusual entertainment spots.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting New York City
Before starting the adventure, a few practical things should be taken into account.
The first thing to do might be to find accommodation. Aparthotels are good for travelers as they combine hotel services and apartment amenities, including a kitchen. Being able to store food in a fridge is a great way to save money on dining.
When planning the transportation, using subway seems to be the best idea. A weekly MetroCard may be bought for only $34 as it is indicated in the itinerary, while Revel electric vehicles might be the option for some trips.
As part of the advantages given to international tourists is the possibility of using eSIM cards, thereby preventing huge roaming expenses. Yet another great money-saving solution for dining is using Seated, which is a restaurant reservation app that gives rewards to its users at participating restaurants.
Day 1: Visit Most Popular Sites in Manhattan
Central Park is the first place to visit on your first day. This iconic park was developed in the 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in an area that covers 843 acres. The park is full of lovely gardens, fancy pathways, and Belvedere Castle. A good idea for having some meal in the park is to take a classic New York bacon, egg, and cheese bagel for a picnic.
Then, you can move on to another famous site – Grand Central Terminal built in 1913. This terminal’s outstanding features are its celestial ceiling, a Tiffany’s clock, and the Grand Concourse.
Continue on to the Midtown area to admire remains of the architecture gems like Chrysler Building, a timeless Empire State Building, New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center.
If one is looking for panoramic views of the skyline, Top of the Rock is the place to go since it has the traditional view of the Empire State Building. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is another fantastic alternative because of its several mirror rooms.
The first night can be concluded by having a meal at The Lambs Club and then attending a Broadway show. Some of the popular Broadway shows on the list are The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge!.
Day 2: Visit Lower Manhattan and Hudson Yards
Lower Manhattan needs to be visited on the second day since it is the city where New York’s history is rooted. Attractions include the 9/11 Memorial, Federal Reserve, Wall Street, and South Street Seaport.
Lunch is to be organized at one of the restaurants on Stone Street called The Bedford.
People are invited to participate in a boat ride run by Classic Harbor Line after lunch. Another budget-friendly option is NYC Ferry for just around $5.
The next step is visiting Hudson Yards and checking out The Vessel as well as its shopping mall. Lastly, one can try out dinner at Locanda Verde, which serves Italian specialties.
Wrap up your day by heading over to The Skylark, a rooftop lounge offering magnificent views of the Empire State Building and Times Square.
Day 3: Discover Brooklyn Neighborhoods and Local Experiences.
On the last day of the trip, explore Brooklyn. Start off your day by going to DUMBO – which is short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.
Grab a cup of coffee at % Arabica before heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 1. It is a waterfront area that offers breathtaking views of the whole Manhattan area, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Statue of Liberty.
Take a walk around the lovely streets of DUMBO, visit its interesting historic buildings, and enjoy some authentic New York pizza at Grimaldi’s, which is known for its amazing coal-fired pizzas.
If your trip is on Saturday or Sunday, you cannot miss the chance to visit Brooklyn Flea, a marketplace where local artists sell their artworks, clothes, pottery, and handmade crafts. You should also visit Powerhouse Books Arena and walk along Front Street.
For dinner, visit Traif located in Williamsburg. Its flavorful tasting menu features approximately nine dishes, combining international cuisines with a highlight on pork and shellfish.
Included in your trip is a performance by Company XIV located in Bushwick. Combining several forms of entertainment (circus, burlesque, ballet, singing, and theater), this show offers an exceptional experience of New York City.
The Ultimate Three-Day New York Flyby
This limited itinerary that ranges from must-see sights in Manhattan to hip neighborhoods of Brooklyn gives a well-balanced view of NYC. You will see a lot in three days besides usual tourist sites!
