3-Day NYC Itinerary: What I Did, Where I Ate & What to See
Planning a trip to New York City can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting. There is so much to see, so many places to eat, and it’s one of those cities where you could spend weeks and still not do everything.
When I was planning my trip, I had a long list of places saved on Google Maps, and I quickly realized there was no way I was going to fit it all into 3 days. So instead of trying to do everything, I focused on creating a realistic itinerary that grouped things by area and prioritized the places I was most excited about.
After spending 3 days in NYC, I feel like this was the best approach. We were able to see a lot without feeling rushed, try some really good food, and still have time to just walk around and explore.
This 3-day NYC itinerary is exactly what I did, along with tips, and honest thoughts on what was actually worth it. If you’re planning your own trip, this should give you a really good starting point!
3-Day NYC Itinerary
Here is a brief overview of this 3-Day NYC itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival, West Side, SoHo, and Lower Manhattan
- Book in advance ➡️ Chelsea Market, Meatpacking, High Line Food Tour
- Book in advance ➡️ Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise
- Book in advance ➡️ Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
- Day 2: Midtown Highlights, East Village, and Comedy Show
- Book in advance ➡️ Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket
- Book in advance ➡️ Comedy Cellar
- Day 3: Brooklyn, Skyline Views, and a Broadway Show
- Book in advance ➡️ Broadway show
I recommend saving this Google Maps below before your trip so you can easily navigate between stops. Just click the ⭐ next to my name on the map to save it.
Day 1: Arrival, West Side, SoHo, and Lower Manhattan
We landed at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) around 9:00 AM and took the subway into Manhattan, which took about 45 minutes. I recommend using Google Maps for public transit directions.
Since we couldn’t check into our hotel yet, we dropped our luggage at our hotel for them to store (Thompson Central Park New York) and headed straight out to start exploring.
Our first day in NYC ended up being a mix of walking, eating, and getting a feel for the city, which I think is the best way to start your trip.
Morning: Coffee + Bagel + Walk the High Line
We started the morning at Blank Street Coffee because I had seen their blondie latte and matchas everywhere on social media.
It was good, and there are several locations throughout NYC so you’re bound to come across one.
From there, we walked about 20–25 minutes to Apollo Bagels, and this was definitely worth it.
There was a line outside the store when we got there, but it moved pretty quickly. There are some tables inside and counters to stand at and eat.
I got the tomato bagel with an orange juice, and this ended up being one of my favorite things I ate the entire trip. It was simple, but really good!
After our late breakfast, we made our way to The High Line.
If you haven’t heard of it, it’s an elevated walking path built on an old railway track that runs through the west side of Manhattan. The full walk is about 1.5 miles.
We took our time walking it and stopped a few times to admire the unique architecture. It ended up taking about an hour to walk the entire thing.
If it’s your first time in NYC, I think this is a really easy thing to add to your itinerary.
➡️ If you’re trying to get a better sense of what a trip to New York City actually costs, I broke down everything in detail in this post on How Much Does a NYC Trip Cost.
Afternoon: SoHo + Chelsea + Food Stops
After getting off the High Line, we spent the afternoon just walking around and exploring.
A few places we stopped into:
- Greenwich Letterpress – really cute if you like stationery or small gifts
- McNally Jackson Books SoHo – one of my favorite bookstores we went to
- Strand Book Store – a well-known independent bookstore famous for its “18 miles of books”
For lunch, you have a couple good options in this area depending on what you’re in the mood for.
If you want something quick with a lot of variety, I would go to Chelsea Market. There are a ton of popular spots inside, including Los Tacos No. 1 and Very Fresh Noodles.
I also stopped at Hungry Llama for their whipped honey coffee.
This was one of the more unique drinks I tried on the trip, and I liked it. The cold foam was thick and sweet, while the latte itself wasn’t too sweet, which balanced each other well.
➡️If you’re looking for a more guided experience, I recommend checking out this Chelsea Market, Meatpacking, High Line Food Tour on Get Your Guide. You can book here or below!
Late Afternoon: Lower Manhattan Sights
Later in the afternoon, we headed down to Lower Manhattan.
We walked around:
- Wall Street
- Saw the Charging Bull
- and enjoyed the views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park City boardwalk
You don’t need a lot of time here, but I do think it’s worth seeing at least once.
If you have extra time or want something different, this is also where you can take the Staten Island Ferry.
It’s completely free and gives you views of the Statue of Liberty, which is nice if you don’t want to pay for a tour. We didn’t end up doing this, but I had it planned as an option.
There are also a few different ways to see the Statue of Liberty depending on what kind of experience you want. If you’re short on time, you can book a 50-minute express cruise to see it from the water. You can book here or below!
If you want something more in-depth, you can do a guided tour that includes both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can book here or below!
There are also other options like taking a ferry that lets you get off on Liberty Island (book in advance) or viewing it from different waterfront areas around the city.
It really just depends on how much time you have and whether you want a quick view of the Statue of Liberty or a full experience.
Dinner at Hoexter’s
We ended the day with dinner at Hoexter’s, and this ended up being one of my favorite meals in NYC.
I got the double smash cheeseburger and cookies and ice cream for dessert and really enjoyed both. My husband liked the broiled miso-glazed black cod and apple crisp.
Their gorgonzola garlic bread appetizer is also very popular!
This is definitely a place I would recommend making a reservation for ahead of time or getting there early around 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM if you can’t get a reservation.
➡️ If you are planning your outfits for each day of exploring, my What to Wear in NYC in Spring guide breaks down exactly what I wore while walking around the city.
Day 2: Midtown Highlights, East Village, and Comedy Show
Day 2 was a mix of the classic NYC sights and some of my favorite food spots.
This is also a good day to include a few Midtown landmarks since a lot of them are close together.
Morning: Classic NYC Bagel + Exploring Midtown
We started the morning at Tompkins Square Bagels.
If you’re only getting one bagel while you’re in NYC, this is a great spot. It’s exactly what you would expect from a classic New York bagel shop with tons of options to choose from. They had the most unique cream cheese options I have ever seen!
I got an onion bagel with sausage, egg, and bacon scallion cream cheese. It was delicious!
After breakfast, we headed toward Midtown to explore a bit before going to the New York Public Library.
If it’s your first time in NYC, this is a good time to walk past or stop at a few well-known spots:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Free to enter and worth stepping inside to admire if you have the time
- Times Square – Worth walking through at least once to experience the energy! Just avoid the people dressed up as characters trying to get you to take a photo. Once you take a photo with them, they will try to charge you for it.
- Rockefeller Center – They have a famous observation deck (Top of the Rock) that offers stunning views of New York City. You can book your ticket in advance on Get Your Guide. Book here or below!
You don’t need a lot of time at these, but they are all close enough that it’s easy to see them in one morning.
Late Morning: New York Public Library
Next, we went to the New York Public Library to see the Rose Main Reading Room.
They allow visitors inside the reading room during a specific time window (10:00–11:00 AM), and I would plan your morning around that if you want to go inside.
There are also short free tours offered throughout the day, but they are limited, so you would need to get there early to sign up. Read more about that here.
Afternoon: Lunch + Exploring
For lunch, we went to the popular Los Tacos No. 1.
This is one of those places that’s super popular, but it actually lives up to the hype. It’s quick, relatively affordable (for NYC prices), and really good, which makes it perfect for a busy day.
We got 6 tacos for around $40 USD.
For the rest of the afternoon, we kept things pretty flexible, which was nice. I recommend walking through Bryant Park (right by the library) or spending more time in Midtown to see the sights you didn’t get to see earlier.
Dinner at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a really popular spot, so I would definitely try to make a reservation ahead of time if you can. They are known for their soup dumplings (xiao long bao).
If you can’t get a reservation, you can still try walking in, but just expect a wait, especially during peak dinner hours.
If you do go, I would recommend ordering a few things to share so you can try more of the menu. The soup dumplings are the main thing to get, and the chocolate dumplings are also really popular for dessert.
Night: Comedy Cellar (One of My Favorite Experiences)
At night, we went to a show at the Comedy Cellar (Fat Black Pussycat location), and this was one of the highlights of our 3 days in NYC.
If you’re trying to decide what to do at night in NYC, I would 100% recommend this. It’s such a fun experience!
We booked our tickets about 1.5 weeks in advance, which I would recommend since shows can sell out. If you don’t get tickets, you can still try to get in on standby, but there is no guarantee.
The space felt really intimate, and all the comedians were hilarious. We ended up sitting in the second row and somehow didn’t get called on, which was a relief. 😂
The total cost was $75.33, which included the $18/person cover charge plus their required two-item minimum per person. We ordered a few non-alcoholic drinks and a side of fries to meet the minimum.
Day 3: Brooklyn, Skyline Views, and a Broadway Show
Day 3 was a little slower compared to the first two days. After a lot of walking and packed days, it was nice to have a more relaxed morning while still seeing some of the best views in NYC.
Morning: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge (What You Need to Know)
We started the day by walking the Brooklyn Bridge, and this is something I would definitely recommend doing while you’re in NYC.
I would recommend starting on the Manhattan side and walking toward Brooklyn.
If you can, I recommend going earlier in the morning. We didn’t go super early, and it was already starting to get crowded. The earlier you go, the better the experience will be.
The walk itself takes about 20–30 minutes without stopping, but realistically, you will probably spend closer to 45 minutes to an hour because you will want to stop for pictures.
Late Morning: DUMBO + Brooklyn Heights Promenade
After crossing the bridge, you will end up in Brooklyn, and I loved exploring this neighborhood!
We walked over to:
The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view is the classic photo spot you have probably seen before. It does get crowded, so just expect that, but it’s still worth seeing.
Walking along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade was one of my favorite parts of the morning. It’s a quieter area with really nice views of the Manhattan skyline, and it felt a lot more relaxed compared to being in Manhattan.
Midday: Exploring + Bookstores in Brooklyn
After walking around, we spent the rest of the morning just exploring Brooklyn at a relaxed pace.
We stopped at an amazing independent bookstore called Books Are Magic. It is definitely worth checking out if you’re a reader.
Lunch + Coffee
For lunch, we went to Taku Sando, which I had saved before the trip.
They serve Japanese-style sandwiches, and this was actually a place we had tried in Kyoto, so once I realized they had a location in NYC, I knew we had to go. It ended up being just as good as we remembered!
I got the Wagyu sandwich, which is only available during certain times, and it was really good. If it’s on the menu when you go, I would definitely recommend trying it.
After lunch, we grabbed coffee at Rhythm Zero, which is right nearby.
This ended up being one of my favorite coffee spots from the trip. I got the iced pear brown sugar latte, and it was so good.
➡️ My 1-Day Brooklyn Itinerary can help you plan a full day of exploring Brooklyn neighborhoods, local coffee shops, and waterfront views.
Afternoon: Head Back to Manhattan + Reset
After spending the morning in Brooklyn, we headed back to Manhattan.
This is a good time to:
- go back to your hotel and rest
- get ready for dinner or a Broadway show
- or do any last-minute shopping
Since we had plans later that night, we didn’t try to pack too much into the afternoon.
Dinner at The Monkey Bar
If you’re looking for a nice sit-down dinner before a Broadway show, Monkey Bar is a great option. It’s a really popular spot, so I would either make a reservation in advance or plan to go early, around 4:30 PM or earlier.
We went around 5:45 PM on a weekday hoping to get a table, but ended up being told it was about a 3-hour wait, so we didn’t end up eating there. You can also try grabbing a seat at the bar, but it was very full when we visited.
Evening: Broadway Show
We ended the trip with a Broadway show at James Earl Jones Theatre, and this is something I would definitely recommend adding to your 3-day NYC itinerary.
Even if you’re not a huge theater person, it’s one of those experiences that just feels very “New York.”
We saw The Fear of 13 and paid $185.92 total for two tickets. We also spent an extra $17 on a drink and candy at the theater 🥲.
The show is based on the true story of Nick Yarris, who spent more than 20 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. The performance is essentially him sharing his story, focusing on his time in prison, his wrongful conviction, and what life looked like after he was finally exonerated.
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect going in, but it ended up being incredibly powerful and kept our attention the entire time. I’m really glad we made time for this while we were in NYC.
If you’re planning to see a Broadway show, I would recommend booking tickets in advance, especially for popular ones. If you’re more flexible, you can also look for last-minute deals.
Where to Stay in NYC
If you’re planning where to stay in NYC, here are a few things I would keep in mind:
- book your hotel at least 2–3 months in advance because prices go up quickly
- prioritize location and make sure you’re within walking distance to a subway station
Even though NYC hotels can be expensive, I do think staying somewhere central is worth it, especially if you only have a few days.
1. Midtown (Where I Stayed, Best for First-Time Visitors)
We stayed at Thompson Central Park New York, and overall I thought it was a really good place to stay in NYC, especially for a first trip.
The biggest reason I liked this hotel was the location. It’s just a few blocks from Central Park, which made it nice to start our mornings or end our day with a walk in Central Park if we wanted to. We were also within walking distance to areas like Times Square and Fifth Avenue.
Even when we weren’t walking, getting around was really easy. There was a subway station right at the end of the street, so we never had to go far out of our way to get anywhere. This made a big difference since we were going between different neighborhoods each day.
Another thing I liked is that the area felt busy but not overwhelming. You’re close to everything, but it doesn’t feel as chaotic as staying directly in Times Square, which I personally wouldn’t recommend.
If it’s your first time in NYC, Midtown is one of the most practical places to stay. It’s very central, which makes planning your days a lot simpler.
Hotel Recommendations in Midtown:
- Thompson Central Park New York – We stayed at the Thompson Central Park New York for 3 nights and used our Chase Sapphire Preferred points to book it, which came out to 83,000 points total. If we were paying cash, we probably wouldn’t have chosen this hotel since the nightly rate is higher than what we typically spend.
- Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East – Marriott hotels are always a solid choice. This hotel also has free breakfast which is a great way to save some money.
- Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan by IHG – Another great hotel option in Midtown with easy subway access.
2. SoHo (Where I Would Stay Next Time)
For my next trip to NYC, I think I would stay in SoHo.
We ended up spending a lot of time here because I had so many coffee shops, stores, and restaurants saved in this area. It quickly became one of my favorite neighborhoods to just walk around.
It also felt a little less hectic than Midtown, which I liked, but you’re still close to everything. It’s right near NYU and the West Village, so there is a lot to do within walking distance.
If your trip is more focused on food, shopping, and exploring neighborhoods, I think this would be a really good area to stay in NYC.
Hotel Recommendations in SoHo:
- The Dominick – Higher-end hotel in the Soho area.
- ModernHaus SoHo – Nice modern rooms with a rooftop bar and pool.
- Hotel Hugo – A more moderately priced hotel in Soho.
Check out this interactive map below for even more options on places to stay in NYC.
➡️ Not sure which area makes the most sense? My where to stay in NYC guide walks through the best neighborhoods, what they are like, and where to stay.
How to Get Around NYC
Getting around New York City is actually a lot easier than it might seem at first, and I would not recommend renting a car or relying on Ubers.
We used the subway the entire time, along with a lot of walking, and it worked really well.
We rode the subway 11 times during our 3 days in NYC, and it cost $3 (flat-fee) for each ride no matter the distance traveled.
1. Using the Subway in NYC
The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get around NYC.
One of the best things is how easy it is to pay. You don’t need to buy a MetroCard ahead of time. You can just tap your phone if you have a credit card in your Apple Wallet or tap a physical credit card at the turnstile.
2. Use Google Maps for Directions in NYC
We used Google Maps for all of our directions, and I would definitely recommend doing the same.
Just enter your destination, select public transportation, and it will show you exactly which subway lines to take, where to transfer, and how long it will take.
3. Expect to Walk a Lot in NYC
We walked a lot in New York City. Most days we hit 25,000+ steps.
Even when using the subway, there is still a good amount of walking involved.
Because of that, I would:
- group things by neighborhood
- avoid going back and forth across the city
- and wear comfortable shoes (I love my Hokas!)
4. Getting From the Airport to Manhattan
We flew into LaGuardia Airport, which I would recommend since it’s the closest airport to Manhattan.
That said, you can also fly into JFK or Newark if you find a better deal. Those are both common options and still relatively easy to get into the city from but will take longer.
From LaGuardia, we took public transportation into Manhattan, which took about 45 minutes. It was much cheaper than taking an Uber and pretty easy to do. It could be harder if you are traveling with a lot of big luggage, but we had carry-on suitcases and personal item backpacks.
5. When to Use Uber in NYC
We didn’t use Uber at all during our trip.
Between the subway and walking, we didn’t feel like we needed it. It’s not always faster anyway with the crazy NYC traffic.
The only times I would consider using Uber are late at night, if you have a lot of luggage, or if you’re going somewhere not easily accessible by subway.
Final Thoughts on 3-Day NYC Itinerary
Overall, I really enjoyed our 3 days in New York City. Even with a full schedule, there is still so much we didn’t get to, which just means I’ll definitely be planning another trip back.
What worked really well for this 3-day NYC itinerary was grouping everything by neighborhood. Once I started planning the trip that way instead of trying to see everything, it felt a lot more manageable. It also made getting around easier and helped us avoid wasting time going back and forth across the city.
If you’re planning your own 3-day NYC itinerary, I would recommend keeping your days flexible, focusing on a few key areas each day, and leaving room for walking and spontaneous stops.
Check out my other NYC blog posts to help you plan your NYC itinerary!
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