How do we distill the best of New York City into three days of activities while giving visitors a balance between famous attractions and lesser-known haunts? It’s a hard task.
Our aim is to present a thoughtfully curated three days’ look at some of New York City’s must-visit neighborhoods and attractions, with enough variety to appeal to all kinds of travelers.
This itinerary is full, but it’s not so packed that you won’t be able to enjoy the moment and take in the vibe of different areas and cultural offerings in the City. Use it as a framework for your trip, but use the rest of our site as a resource to organize your time just the way you want it—and feel free to delve deeper into any of the suggestions that spark your interest.
Flushing, Queens. Photo: Shelli Weiler
Day 1: Midtown Manhattan and Flushing, Queens
Day one is all about taking in Midtown Manhattan’s biggest sights and eating lunch in one of Queen’s most recognized neighborhoods. After sightseeing all day, an Italian dinner eases you into the evening.
Morning
Reservoir, Central Park. Photo: Will Steacy
Take a Short Stroll Through Central Park
Central Park South/59th Street entrances or East 61st Street entrance, Manhattan
Central Park is a massive green space with so much to see, but even if you only have an hour, it’s easy to take in one or two of its best sights. One convenient starting point is from Grand Army Plaza, at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, just a seven-minute walk to Gapstow Bridge and the Pond, one of the park’s most cinematic spots. It offers great photo ops and calm scenery that feels both romantic and timeless.
Sarabeth's. Courtesy, Sarabeth's
Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South
40 Central Park South, Midtown West, Manhattan
This New York institution has been serving its renowned breakfast since 1981. The lemon and ricotta pancakes are divine, but they offer everything from omelettes to quiche to avocado toast. This location is directly across the street from the southern end of Central Park.
Take the N/R/W train from 5 Av/59 St to 34 St-Herald Square
Empire State Building. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Visit The Empire State Building
20 W. 34th St., Midtown, Manhattan
New York City’s skyline wouldn’t be the same without the Empire State Building, once the world’s tallest skyscraper. You can choose your own adventure when touring the art deco marvel, whether you want to take a guided tour of all its exhibits and viewpoints or simply snag tickets to the 86th floor observatory.
Walk or take a car to Grand Central Terminal
Afternoon
Grand Central Terminal. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Visit Grand Central Terminal
89 E. 42nd St., Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Terminal is one of the City’s most beautiful public spaces, with a soaring celestial ceiling and the kind of architectural drama that cements it as a living piece of history. Part transit hub, part landmark and part shopping and dining destination, it’s a great space to explore for a while, using a self-guided audio tour to learn more about its history. (Bonus: familiarize yourself with some of Grand Central's secrets before you go.)
Take the 7 train from Grand Central Terminal to Flushing-Main St
Lunch at Hunan Cafe
137-40 Northern Blvd., Flushing, Queens
Hunan cuisine is known for being bold and spicy, filled with chiles and lots of garlic. Few places in New York City do it better than Hunan Cafe, which is famous for its braised fish head. But even if you’re not that adventurous, you can enjoy dishes like Hunan smoked duck, pork belly in garlic sauce and chili crab.
New World Mall. Photo: Alexander Thompson
Shop, Eat and Browse at New World Mall
136-20 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, Queens
You can’t visit Flushing without exploring this multilevel shopping and dining hub. While you might be too full to grab dumplings or hand-pulled noodles, browse the food stalls and enjoy a shaved ice or brown sugar bubble tea for dessert.
Evening
If You Have Time: Opt for a Drink at The Portrait Bar
1 W. 28th St., Nomad, Manhattan
Whether you want to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or stop by for a nightcap, The Portrait Bar is one of NYC’s most elegant spaces. Tucked inside the sumptuous Fifth Avenue Hotel, it has a cocktail menu inspired by locations from all over the world, from Yuma, Arizona, to Kolkata, India. Make a reservation to ensure your space.
Walk 4 minutes east
Scarpetta. Courtesy, LPV Hospitality
Dine at Scarpetta
The James New York, 88 Madison Ave., Nomad, Manhattan
Scarpetta is one of New York’s favorite Italian restaurants, known for its seafood crudi and homemade pastas. The red shrimp carpaccio with kumquat and Szechuan peppercorns is a must-order, and the simple spaghetti with tomato and basil is a crowd favorite. If you’re dining with people who love to share, don’t miss larger-format dishes like grilled prawns in lemon butter and veal chop Milanese.
Harlem. Photo: Shahar Azran
Day 2: Harlem, Chelsea and the Theatre District
You’ll get your fill of NYC’s best cultural institutions and wander around two of Manhattan’s most beautiful neighborhoods on day two. Once evening arrives, the excitement continues on Broadway.
Morning
Breakfast at Altair
Arlo Midtown; 351 W. 38th St., Midtown, Manhattan
A meal in Altair’s glass atrium dining room is an uplifting way to start the day. Bask in the sun-filled space, no matter the time of year, and enjoy dishes like overnight oats with pistachio crumble and pan con tomate with ricotta and fried eggs. For a lighter start, choose from Altair’s daily array of fresh pastries.
Take the 2 train from Times Sq-42 St to 125 St
Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo: Albert Vecerka/Esto
Visit the Studio Museum in Harlem
144 W. 125th St., Harlem, Manhattan
Harlem’s Studio Museum just reopened in a new space, which offers community gathering spots and expansive galleries where you’ll see works by masters such as Faith Ringgold and cutting-edge contemporary pieces by rising voices. The institution is dedicated to art by and about people of African descent, and it’s long been a launching pad for Black artists through its celebrated artist-in-residence program.
If you have time before lunch, walk to The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, which opens at noon Thursday–Saturday; otherwise, walk partway on the same route to your next stop
Afternoon
Sylvias. Photo: Kate Glicksberg
Lunch at Sylvia’s Restaurant
328 Malcolm X Blvd. (Lenox Ave.), Harlem, Manhattan
Sylvia’s has been serving soul food for more than 60 years, making it a pilgrimage spot for many when visiting Harlem. It’s hard to choose between the famous barbecue pork ribs, fried chicken and waffles or grilled catfish; do load up on the delicious sides, including collards, candied yams and pickled beets. If possible, save room for desserts like coconut pineapple cake and peach cobbler.
Take the 2 train from 125 St to Times Sq-42 St and transfer to the 7. Take the 7 train to 34 St-Hudson Yards.
Choose your own adventure:
The Edge. Courtesy, Edge Observation Deck NYC
Check Out the Views from The Edge
30 Hudson Yards, Midtown West, Manhattan
This outdoor sky deck in Hudson Yards lets you step onto a glass-floored platform more than 1,100 feet above the City, giving you a panoramic view of Manhattan. The slanted glass walls, open air and sharp angles create the sensation of hovering over the skyline rather than just looking at it from behind windows.
or
The High Line. Photo: Matthew Papa
Stroll The High Line
The elevated park, built on an old freight rail line, is like a floating garden above the City. Enter at 30th Street and Hudson Yards and then walk south. You’ll see sleek new architecture, large-scale public art and views of the Hudson River.
The High Line’s southern end is right by the Whitney Museum of American Art. From The Edge, you can take a car or the M11 bus from 9 Ave/W 30th St to Hudson St/Horatio St to the Whitney.
Whitney Museum of American Art. Photo: Max Touhey
Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art
99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District, Manhattan
The Whitney is one of New York City’s most exciting contemporary American art museums, with a special emphasis on living artists and bold, experimental work. The galleries mix major names (Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder) with emerging voices, and the museum’s architecture opens onto sweeping views of the Hudson and The High Line.
Recharge at your hotel, or visit Little Island, across the West Side Highway, if you want to keep going.
Evening
Gallaghers Steakhouse. Photo: Daniel Krieger
Dinner at the Classic Gallaghers Steakhouse
228 W. 52nd St, Midtown West, Manhattan
Gallaghers is a New York classic and a great choice for dinner before catching a Broadway play or musical. When you arrive, glance at the glass-front dry-aging room, where massive cuts of beef deepen in flavor. Kick things off with selections from the raw bar or starters like clams casino, and then move on to a classic Caesar or wedge salad. The main event, of course, is steak, each one cooked over fragrant hickory for that unmistakable Gallaghers char. Most Broadway shows start at 7 or 8pm, so plan accordingly—having a dinner reservation at least two hours before curtain is recommended.
Hamilton Marquee. Photo: Lucía Vázquez
See a Broadway Show
Hitting Broadway is one of New York’s most exciting activities, so seeing a play or musical is a must when in the city. Whether you want a big, splashy musical like Wicked or an award-winning new play like Oh, Mary!, you’ll find something to your liking across Broadway’s many stages.
Dear Irving on Broadway. Photo: Ohad Kab
If You Have Time: Go for a Nightcap at Dear Irving on Broadway
1717C Broadway, Midtown West, Manhattan
If you’re still buzzing from your Broadway experience and don’t want to call it a night, grab a drink at Dear Irving on Broadway. It’s a hot spot for after-show crowds, and it’s not unusual to see actors relaxing with a carefully crafted drink in hand. The signature Gibson is a standout, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
West Village. Photo: Christopher Postlewaite
Day 3: Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Waterfront and the West Village
After a morning of decadent pastries and touring the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, you’ll have a chance to explore two Brooklyn neighborhoods before popping back into Manhattan for dinner and a show in the West Village.
Morning
Have a Decadent Pastry at Frenchette Bakery
241 West Broadway, Tribeca, Manhattan
Frenchette Bakery comes from two of the City’s most beloved restaurateurs, and their lineup of viennoiserie—pastries made from yeast-leavened, butter-laminated dough—brings a little slice of Paris to NYC. Think croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon rolls and even a breakfast cookie with almond butter, cherries, rolled oats, seeds and coconut.
Walk 12 minutes or take the 1 train one stop from Chambers St to WTC Cortlandt
9/11 Memorial & Museum. Photo: Shanell Bryan
Experience the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
180 Greenwich St., Lower Manhattan
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum commemorates the lives lost in the 2001 and 1993 attacks, offering a deeply moving experience through artifacts, personal stories and multimedia exhibits. You can explore the museum at your own pace or join guided tours that provide historical context and insight into the events and the City’s resilience. The reflective memorial pools outside, set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, are an essential part of the visit. If it’s a clear day and you have time, visit the One World Observatory, which offers sweeping views of New York City from the top of One World Trade Center.
Walk 13 minutes crosstown
Brooklyn Bridge. Photo: Gabby Jones
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Strolling over the Brooklyn Bridge offers excellent views of the city skyline, East River and, in the distance, the Statue of Liberty. The pedestrian walkway, which is elevated above the traffic, gives a sense of the bridge’s impressive engineering while you cross one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks. The whole walk is a little more than a mile and will take 30 to 40 minutes walking at a leisurely pace.
If walking isn’t possible, you can take a car from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the A/C train from Chambers St to High St.
Afternoon
Juliana's Pizza. Photo: Joe Buglewicz
Lunch at One of Dumbo’s Excellent Pizza Spots
Pizza lovers from all over the world come to Dumbo for a taste of the neighborhood’s famous pies. L&B Spumoni Gardens is known for its Sicilian square, served with classic marinara or vodka sauce. Juliana’s, opened by the famous Grimaldi family, cook its signature thin-crust pies in the space’s hand-built, coal-fired oven. Over at Ignazio’s, pies range from a classic tomato-and-mozz-topped pizza to a Tex Mex version with cheddar, salsa, jalapeños and avocado.
Jane’s Carousel. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Visit Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Fulton Ferry Lawn is a magical slice of the Brooklyn waterfront, where a beautifully restored 1922 carousel spins inside a glass pavilion right at the river’s edge. The entire park’s greens, piers and pathways make it an easy place to linger, and it offers some of the best views and photo ops of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
Take the East River Ferry from Dumbo to North Williamsburg
Williamsburg. Photo: Christopher Postlewaite
If You Have Time: Shopping in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with a mix of well-known chain stores and independent boutiques selling everything from fine jewelry to vintage clothing. Spend an afternoon exploring its rich retail landscape, especially if you’re looking for an NYC keepsake. If you need a break and want to take in more spectacular views of Manhattan, pop up to the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel for a drink at Bar Blondeau.
Evening
Stonewall Inn. Photo: Elizabeth Bick
Enjoy a Pre-Dinner Drink at The Stonewall Inn
53 Christopher St., West Village, Manhattan
The Stonewall Inn is a landmark of LGBTQ+ history, known as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement after the 1969 uprising that resulted from a raid of its premises. Today, it’s both a functioning bar and a powerful symbol of resilience and community, making it a meaningful place to raise a glass. Stop in for a pre-dinner drink to enjoy the lively, welcoming atmosphere while celebrating a piece of New York history.
The Noortwyck. Courtesy, The Noortwyck
Head to the West Village for Dinner at The Noortwyck
289 Bleecker St., West Village, Manhattan
The Noortwyck has been a Village favorite since it opened in 2022, serving New American cuisine and excellent winesfrom two Eleven Madison Park alums. Expect familiar dishes with elegant preparations, like oysters with pickled ramps and chive oil, rigatoni with braised lamb and anchovy, and a pork chop with ’nduja XO sauce and broccoli rabe.
Photo: Willie Davis
If You Have Time: See a Late-Night Show at Village Vanguard or Comedy Cellar/Village Underground
The Village has always been a creative epicenter, from the underground cafés where Bob Dylan got his start to long-running jazz venues like Village Vanguard and Blue Note. Catch a jazz show in one of these intimate clubs or pop over to the Comedy Cellar for one of the best stand-up shows you can see.
Build your own NYC adventure by checking out our First Timer's page, where you'll find guides to our most beloved attractions like our famous observation decks, the Statue of Liberty and more!