How to Spend 3 Days in New York City

New York has something to offer every traveler, from world-class theater and art to one-of-a-kind attractions and a whole host of architectural wonders. To shape your schedule and best experience the city in three days, check out our recommendations below.

1 min read•Dec 16, 2019•By Mandy Hegarty

Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

Day 1

An introduction to NYC

Get to know the city with a wide-angle view and a visit to Times Square for a classic on Broadway. These activities are especially well-suited for first-timers.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

2194

2 hours 30 minutes

English

Free Cancellation

From

$44.00

Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour

3255

1 hour 30 minutes

English

Free Cancellation

From

$53.99

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York (12-15 Minutes)

1394

12 to 15 minutes

English

Free Cancellation

From

$229.00

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York Ticket

2479

1 hour

English

Free Cancellation

From

$43.55

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

5027

6 hours

English

Free Cancellation

From

$99.00

Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

2 hours

English

Free Cancellation

From

$39.00

Day 2

Art, Parks, and More

Use your second day to dive deeper into what interests you, whether that’s food and fashion in Chelsea; art on the East Side; music in Harlem; or adventure in Central Park.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting Chelsea Market

The High Line

Park Avenue

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Apollo Theater

Central Park Zoo

Day 3

Beyond Manhattan

There’s so much more to New York than just what’s within the thin stretch of Manhattan. Take a free ferry to Staten Island; find eclectic open spaces in Queens; dig into Yankees history in the Bronx; or head across the Brooklyn Bridge to explore the cultural center of Brooklyn.

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