Admit it. As someone visiting New York for the first time, you are intimidated by the huge size of the city. And on top of that, if you tell someone that you are planning a 3 day itinerary in NYC, they will probably call you crazy.
“Hold up! You cannot see everything in NYC in three days.”
“It takes us three days to plan which Broadway show to see, let alone the whole city.”
“The subway system is enough to get lost for three days. How will you explore the whole city in such a short time?”
Yes, New York City is enormous, formidable, and overwhelming. But 3 days in NYC are enough to have a fantastic time. If you are visiting New York for the first time, you can easily explore the major attractions and also do some niche traveling in just 72 hours.
The tourist attractions in New York City are spread out, which means that if you wish to see all of it in a short time, then you must know the best ways to get around NYC. Planning for your accommodation, budget, which places to visit and which ones to bypass, and checking off all the items from your bucket list during your three-day New York City itinerary is no longer impossible! 🙂
Our 3 day itinerary in NYC doesn’t just scratch the surface. It starts with choosing the best way to get into the city and the most convenient mode of transportation, and ends with important advice that first time visitors in NYC must keep in mind.
So come on! Let’s make this NYC trip successful!
Getting In New York City For The First Time
Advantages/disadvantages of getting to New York via plane, train, bus, or car.
You can get into NYC via plane, bus, car and train. All four options have their pros and cons, and depend on your budget needs too.
Plane
The three airports near NYC are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From all three airports, you can reach Midtown Manhattan (the most centrally located area in NYC and where you will be staying, but more on that later) by using subways, taxis, commuter trains, and buses.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 15 miles away from Midtown Manhattan.
Taxi: You can get to Manhattan from this airport via taxi, which charges a $74 flat fare, as well as a $5 surcharge for rush hours, tunnel and bridge tolls, and gratuity. You will reach Midtown Manhattan in 30 to 60 minutes.
AirTrain: AirTrain will link the airport to the Long Island RailRoad and subway and charge you $8.25 (free for kids under 5).
Subway: Subway takes you to Midtown Manhattan in 40 to 60 minutes and charges $2.75 along with the AirTrain fare. It takes you from Howard Beach/JFK subway station or E, J, or Z subway stop at Archer Ave/Sutphin Blvd./JFK station.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 8 miles away from Midtown Manhattan.
Taxi: Take a metered taxi which charges $30-$38 plus the MTA state, and surcharges, etc. A taxi takes 20 to 40 minutes to reach Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
City Bus: The M60 and Q70 express buses take you to Midtown Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) by connecting you to major subway lines in the area.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
Taxi: Metered taxi takes a $55-$75 fare, in addition to other charges, and drops you off in Midtown Manhattan in about 45 to 60 minutes.
AirTrain: AirTrain links Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) via NJ Transit to and from the Penn Station in Manhattan and costs $15.75.
Train
You can access numerous bus lines and subway stations from Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station in NYC.
Grand Central Terminal: Grand Central Terminal is on the east side and is Metro-North Railroad service’s main terminal. It goes to Connecticut and upstate New York.
Penn Station: Penn Station is home to Long Island Rail Road, which serves parts of Brooklyn and Queens and Long Island, and NJ Transit, which serves parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Amtrak offers the best deals and packages if you are visiting New York for the first time, and connects the city to multiple spots throughout the country for sightseeing purposes. Its busiest station is Penn Station, making it the perfect option to begin your three day trip in New York.
Bus
If you are visiting from around the US or parts of Canada, then you will find plenty of affordable bus lines, such as FlixBus, Greyhound, and Megabus, that travel to New York City. Buses aren’t as convenient as planes or trains, but they are the cheapest way to reach New York City.
Car
As a first-time visitor, we wouldn’t recommend driving to get into NYC. The traffic jams, confusing one-way streets, and aggressive drivers are common in the city. Furthermore, parking is very difficult to find (and expensive too). Google Maps is your best friend when it comes to navigating the city as a first-time visitor.
The Best Way To Get Around New York City As A Tourist
Choosing modes of transport, including subways, buses, taxis, etc.
Buses
Subways and buses are your best bet when covering great distances during your 3 day itinerary in NYC. The MTA New York City Transit is inexpensive and the best way to get around the five boroughs. What’s even better is that it operates 24/7 and is accessible to passengers with disabilities.
Card readers at the stations accept debit, credit, and prepaid cards, digital wallets, and Fitbit and Apple Watch-like wearables. Alternatively, you can purchase a dedicated OMNY card for $5 which takes only a swipe over the reader to pay.
You can also buy MetroCards or SingleRide tickets at stations. The unlimited MetroCard allows you to ride as often as you like. Card options include the one that lasts for 7 days (cost $34) or 30 days (costs $132).
A single pay-per-ride ticket costs $2.90 no matter how far you are traveling, and you can get a free transfer on the same device or OMNY card if you use it within two hours of your first ride.
Subways
Subway trains are operating 24/7 in NYC. They are the quickest way to travel around the city and feel like a local. For a $2.90 single-ride payment or $3.25 pay-per-ride MetroCard, you can use the subway station throughout the city.
We highly recommend choosing the subways for getting around NYC during your 3 days itinerary. If you need a subway map, you can get it for free from the booth attendants or NYC Official Information Center.
Other Transport Options
Taxis in NYC are also available 24 hours and can take you to every corner of NYC. However, the fare is quite expensive as compared to buses and subways, and an additional rush hour surcharge, congestion surcharge, and bridge and tunnel tolls are added to your metered fare which can raise the numbers even higher.
Where Should I Stay In New York For The First Time?
Finding a location as central as it can get, within walking distance of major attractions in NYC.
The best place to stay during your three-day New York City itinerary is Midtown Manhattan. Manhattan is the heart of NYC and oozes a sort of energy that you can only find in The Big Apple. It is the perfect place to stay for a first-time and short trip to NYC. Why? Because all the popular attractions will be within walking distance of your hotel.
Just north of Midtown Manhattan is Central Park, which is, spoiler alert, the first place we will be covering during our 3 day itinerary in NYC. This area can look a bit hectic and densely populated, especially if you’re visiting from Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, or other such areas. However, that’s the beauty of Manhattan.
Subway connections here will conveniently take you everywhere in NYC. Penn Station is located at the southwestern corner, from where you can also find trains to Amtrak and Newark International Airport.
And the best part is, despite being as centrally located as possible, Midtown Manhattan is quite an affordable part of NYC to stay in. Here are our favorite hotels that you can browse for a 3 day stay in NYC.
- Moxy NYC Times Square – Boutique hotel with beautifully designed rooms, affordable, and has an all season rooftop bar with Empire State Building and skyline views.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton New York Manhattan Times Square – Sleek high-rise buildings, stunning skyline views, and a lounge and bar for complimentary evening reception.
- Arlo NoMad – Most stylish rooms, best food and drinks scene, and a 31st-floor rooftop with a glass floor for a birds-eye view of Manhattan.
- Bryant Park Hotel – Elegantly designed rooms with a range of modern amenities, plus views over Bryant Park.
- Hotel Edison – Art Deco-style hotel with classic decor surrounded by the best of theaters, including Radio City Music Mall.
Tips For Visiting New York City For The First Time
Beginner tips and hacks and common mistakes that first-time travelers make in NYC.
The most important tip that we can give you as a first time visitor planning a 3 days itinerary in NYC is that – don’t overdo it. The city is huge, and if you think that you can see it in just 3 days, then you are wrong.
Which is why, when planning to spend three days in New York, only stick to two or three neighborhoods. Add more spots to your traveling plans and you will find yourself exhausted and unable to enjoy anything properly.
Secondly, even if you’re staying in Times Square, do not eat in the super expensive restaurants and bars. Food on a budget, especially from hot dog stands, bagel shops, pretzels and pizzas are great alternatives to chain restaurants as you can grab a quick bite and carry on with your New York City itinerary plans.
And lastly, one of the most common mistakes that first time visitors in NYC make are falling for the tourist traps! People will try to sell you everything on the streets including a Kevin Hart comedy show tickets, free entry to popular places, and designer bags for just $30. Just learn to say no, walk away to avoid running into any unpleasant situations in the city.
Day 1 – Manhattan
Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center.
Now, the best part! Let’s dive right into our 3 days itinerary in NYC.
Most first-time visitors stay in Midtown Manhattan during their short stay in NYC. Between traveling fatigue and settling into your hotel room, you will lose a couple of hours, which is why the best plan is to cover nearby attractions in Manhattan on day 1 during your NYC itinerary.
Central Park
Start your NYC trip on day 1 from Central Park. It is spread over a whopping 840 acres area, so we recommend choosing a walking tour which covers all major attractions in only a few hours, including Strawberry fields, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, and much more.
We highly recommend stopping by the Central Park Zoo on the same day or between other plans, if you can make time for it during your 3 days itinerary in NYC. The admission in the zoo costs $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children. Central Park is also one of the best places in NYC to visit with your children.
Times Square
Most of the locals will ask you to skip Times Square during your 3 day itinerary in NYC. That is because it is chaotic and filled with tourist traps. Times Square may not be the coziest neighborhood, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are seeing NYC for the first time.
However, the rubbing shoulders and masses of tourists are mostly worth it only when you are visiting for Broadway or a theater performance. The beauty of Times Square is even more ethereal after dark, especially when the neon lights, gigantic advertising screens, and street performers are a sight to behold. Just stay away from anyone trying to sell you a free copy of their album or taking a picture with you out of the ordinary.
Speaking of Broadway, the best picks for first timers have to be Wicked, Hamilton, and Lion King. Choose the right Broadway show and theater in advance, and book your tickets either from the official websites of the theaters, or apps like TKTS.
Rockefeller Center
From a vantage point 70 floors high, you can view NYC, including Long Island and New Jersey, in all its glory. Again, buy your tickets to the Top of the Rock ahead of time. Making a reservation in advance is not only a travel hack for busy holidays but brings together your three day plans in New York, as it comes with a tour of Rainbow Room and the top of 30 Rock.
However, if visiting Rockefeller Centre is a spontaneous decision during your 3 day itinerary in NYC, enter 50th street, proceed to the box office downstairs, and obtain tickets via credit card or cash.
Top of the Rock has three levels offering unobstructed views of NYC, and the topmost level on the 70th floor has 360-degree views over Empire State Building, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and even the Statue of Liberty.
Day 2 – Historical Sites
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Ellis Island.
Day 2 in NYC should be dedicated to the most iconic sights, including historical and cultural attractions from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Ellis Island.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-see indoor attraction when planning for 3 days in New York. It is one of the largest art museums in the world, with a collection of 1 ½ million artworks spanning over 5,000 years.
Please keep in mind that this museum is very crowded. While it is an attractive prospect to enter the building via the iconic steps at the front, prepare to find a long security line all the way down. This is why buying advance tickets to the museum is highly recommended ($30 for adults, $17 for students).
Since the museum is huge, you cannot see everything in just one visit. That is why you must keep the map with you at all times and pick out a few exhibits that most appeal to you, such as The American Wing, The Egyptian Art Exhibit, and the Fabergé Collection.
Otherwise, just wander around the place and take it all in leisurely before dining at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar or the pricey Met Dining Room.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum on 180 Greenwich Street, Lower Manhattan. Which is great because you can easily reach there using public transportation.
A visit to this historical site is a fascinating remembrance of the 1993 and 9/11 attacks. Various exploring opportunities let you honor the first responders and the victims and learn more about the attacks as well as their aftermath.
The Memorial is free, but admission to the museum costs between $21 and $33, which is justified for the memorable experience you can have here. If you need further ideas of what to do in New York in 3 days, you can opt for the museum tour for $41-$53.
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island is a serene, peaceful break from the bustle of the city and is home to a gorgeous museum from which you can view the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
You can take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan to get to the island. Purchase tickets in advance from Statue Cruises to guarantee your entry, especially during peak tourism days. (Again, a reminder to avoid any suspicious vendors trying to sell you peddling tickets – they won’t get you access to Ellis Island.)
Find the ferry service at Battery Park by subway (Local 1, or Express 4 or 5), or by bus (M1, M6 or M15). Liberty Island has a beautiful park and an innovative museum, all offering stunning views of Lady Liberty. The Statue of Liberty Museum is an exceptional experience. It offers incredible content to the Statue and exhibits, and is home to the original torch.
If you truly need a moment to appreciate American history, a visit to Ellis Island definitely deserves a spot on your 3 days itinerary in NYC.
Day 3 – The Stunning Neighborhoods
Little Island, Wall Street, Chelsea Market, and Brooklyn Bridge.
On the last day of your three-day New York City itinerary, we will cover a decent chunk of the most beautiful neighborhoods of NYC, such as Hudson River Park, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Chelsea neighborhood.
Little Island / Hudson River Park
Little Island is a beautiful, artificial island near the intersection of West 13th Street and West Street within Hudson River Park.
Take a moment to leave the busy city behind to lose yourself in the beautiful park on the Hudson River. The landscape changes every season, which means that you will find the park is completely different in winter, summer, spring, and fall.
The winter season brings snow to the park, with some evergreen plants and brightly colored berries and bark peeking through the white landscape here and there. Springs call for thousands of beautiful blooms in the park, including a dramatic show of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, white plumes, etc.
Similar change takes place in summer, with large grasses and lush greenery covering every surfacing, and in fall, the park takes on a red/orange hue dotted with fall foliage.
Wall Street
Exploring the New York Stock Exchange on your own can be a bit daunting. For this, you will need a Wall Street Insider guided tour.
There are two tours available depending on how much time you’re willing to spend here during your 3 days trip in NYC. The 2 hours in depth tour covers the 2008 financial crisis, famous landmarks, and the long term effects of the crisis on the NYC stock market.
Or you can opt for the 75 minutes shorter Wall Street Insider Tour that briefs you on Manhattan’s financial hub history, and the overall history of the American economy. These tours may contain lots of finance related lingo, but don’t seem boring.
Before you go, check out the other fun sites near the stock exchange, such as the bronze statue of the Fearless Girl, The Charging Bull, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and the longest-running restaurant in the city, the Fraunces Tavern.
Chelsea Market
While the best way to visit Chelsea Market is in the morning, most of the shops open around lunchtime. There’s no entry fee for the Chelsea Market, so yes, if you have a tight budget on day 3 of your NYC itinerary, this is one of the best places to visit.
Chelsea Market is also a great indoor activity in NYC for rainy days.
With more than 40 stalls offering everything from mini donuts to thin-slice pizzas, Chelsea Market is the best place to swing by on your last day and taste every recipe that New Yorkers cannot stop raving about.
There are plenty of guided tours of Chelsea Market that you can opt for instead, to try a lot of popular dishes and feel the culinary scene of NYC in its most intimate form.
Brooklyn Bridge
We cannot leave NYC without walking The Brooklyn Bridge. You might need to give this last and memorable site during your 3 day itinerary in NYC a minimum of 45 minutes, so that you can take beautiful pictures and capture the stunning views of Manhattan skyline in your eyes forever.
You can get to Brooklyn Bridge by taking the 4,5,6 Trains, and then exiting the City Hall/ Brooklyn Bridge. Then take the pedestrian entrance which you can find on Central Street.
Seeing Off
This 3 day itinerary in NYC is enough to cover everything from the historical sites of NYC to the most beautiful parks and attractions in the city. We hope that your trip is not just memorable but also budget-friendly and convenient at every step of the way.
Swing By These 11 Spots For The Best New York Fried Chicken
Top spots to find sizzling, crunchy, and tasty fried chicken in NYC.
Wake Up And Have The Best Coffee In NYC At These 21 Buzzing Spots
Get a cup of joe to explore The Big Apple at a leisurely pace.
From Open Air Spaces To Intimate Lounges, These Are The Best Music Venues In NYC
Feel the pulsating musical life of the city at these premier music venues.
11 Coolest Rooftop Pools In NYC
Cool off with a drink, poolside company, and stunning views of NYC at these rooftop pools.
