Ultimate New York 3-day Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in NYC + Accommodation & Tips

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Are you wondering how to spend three days in New York City? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

This New York three-day itinerary will help you figure out what to do on your trip to the Big Apple.

New York is mesmerizingly beautiful, from domineering skyscrapers to cultural and historical sites, city parks and incredible food, there is no shortage of things to see and do in America’s most famous city.

This NYC three-day itinerary is ideal for first-timers wanting to see an eclectic range of top attractions and unique sites.

How to get to New York City

flight to NYC
airport in NYC

New York’s main airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens. It takes around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) to get from the airport to Lower Manhattan. You can also take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica and then take the subway to your destination.

There’s also LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Remember the Friends episode ‘The Last One’ when Ross chases Rachel through JFK airport only to find she’s at Newark? Remember to check your flights carefully!

Where to stay in New York City for 3 days

Grand Central NYC
Madison Square Park in NYC

Choosing where to stay in New York can be tricky as there are so many districts and you’ll want to be close to top attractions. Here are some recommendations for where to stay:

💲Budget: West Side YMCA is in a prime spot just 50 metres from Central Park in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This might be a budget option but there’s still a sauna, steam room, gym and two indoor swimming pools. A combination of semi-private, shared bathroom, and dormitory rooms make this an affordable accommodation choice.

💲💲Mid-range: Pestana CR7 Times Square is a cosmopolitan hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Rooms are influenced by the colours and flare of Portugal. Time Square and Macy’s are less than 10 minutes walk away.

💲💲💲Luxury: Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel offers four-star accommodation and wonderful views of the Empire State Building. The rooms have a luxury feel and the hotel is just a four-minute walk from Madison Square Park and conveniently located 0.5 miles from Penn Station.

How to get around NYC

yellow taxi near central park in NYC
Subway in NYC

So, if you are planning on the best way to see NYC in three days, you will need to organise how you are going to move around the city.

By far the most popular way to navigate the city is by subway. You can purchase an OMNY or a MetroCard at any vending machine or ticket desk at the station. Ticket prices are not dependent on the distance travelled like many other subways.

You can also take the MTA, New York’s bus service. You can pay in cash (only coins and exact change), by MetroCard or by OMNY. If you’re using OMNY, starting from Monday you only pay for the first 12 fares in a week then rides are free after that.

You can of course take the iconic yellow taxi. It is a classic New York experience, and they aren’t actually too expensive for shorter journeys.

Walking is also a great way to see the city. Getting the subway to one destination and then walking to attractions close by will allow you to see all the intricate details which make New York so fascinating.

The Ultimate New York Itinerary 3 days

Here is exactly how you can spend 3 days in New York City.

New York City Itinerary Day 1: Central Park, Midtown, MoMA and famous skyscrapers

Now all the logistics are out of the way it’s time to get down to the good bit, how are you going to spend three perfect days in New York City. 

This itinerary is pretty full on but it’s New York City, you’ve got to be up early and make the most of your stay. 

Stop 1: Central Park

Central Park in NYC
Riding a bike in Central Park in NYC

New York’s most famous park stretches from North 110th Street to Central Park South 59th Street and from Central Park West 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue.

It occupies an area of 840 acres, so don’t expect to see the whole park. In fact, you could spend this entire three-day itinerary exploring just Central Park!

There are many subway stations dotted around Central Park. You can head to Central Park North (110th Street) to be closer to Harlem Meer, Fort Clinton, and The Blockhouse. For the famous Strawberry Fields, you can head to the 72nd Street subway station.

Central Park is the perfect place to escape the noise of the city. Spend enough time there and you’ll soon forget you are in one of the most populous cities in the world. 

Some of Central Park’s top attractions include:

  • Conservatory Garden
  • The Ramble
  • Boat rentals at The Lake
  • Strawberry Fields
  • Belvedere Castle
  • Walk the Mall
  • Bow Bridge
  • Bethesda Fountain & Terrace

Fan of Friends? Cherry Hill fountain is often referred to as the ‘Friends’ fountain. In reality, it wasn’t since everything was filmed in Hollywood but if you still want to take a photo, that’s a nice spot.

You can explore Central Park on foot but since the park is so big, we highly recommend renting a bike instead. It’s quite a cheap thing to do, especially for NYC, and you will get to explore much more of Central Park.

You can also opt for a bike tour of Central Park. You will be with a guide who will take you to all the highlights of Central Park which is very practical.

Stop 2: Trump Tower

entrance of trump tower in NYC
Photo by bloodua

No matter your opinion on the 45th President of the United States, there is no disputing that the Trump Tower is an impressive architectural feat.

Trump Tower is just a three-minute walk from the southwest entrance of Central Park and conveniently located close to the 5th Avenue/59th Street subway station.

This 58-story skyscraper is a mixture of offices, shops, and apartments. The atrium where there are some shops and eateries, and the 5th level roof garden are the only parts open to the public.

Stop 3: MoMA

Van Gogh Starry night in NYC
Andy warhol soup can in NYC at the MoMa

The Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA, is an unmissable art museum in Midtown Manhattan. Featuring art from the 18th century to today, this is one of the world’s best collections of art. 

Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, this is an excellent stop on your NYC three-day itinerary. 

More than one million visitors head to MoMA each year, especially to the fifth floor where the most famous art pieces are. Some of the museum’s most poignant pieces include Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”, Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. 

This is by far one of the best museums in the world. There are so many famous pieces and even people who are not particularly into art will love that museum.

view from the Moma in NYC
monets waterlillies at the MoMa

There are 6 floors and we recommend you start by the last one and make your way down through the museum. Most people do it the ‘right way round’ therefore, you will avoid the crowds by starting by the top.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance since the museum can get quite busy. This will spare you having to stand in line and waste time. You just need to show your QR code at the entrance and they will let you in.

Make sure to have at least a couple of hours ahead of you (or more) since it’s quite a big museum and you will spend quite a bit of time there.

The nearest subway station to MoMA is 5th Avenue 53rd Street. From the subway station it’s just a five-minute walk to the gallery.

Stop 4: Rockefeller Center

rockefeller center in NYC
rockefeller center in midtown

The Rockefeller Center simply must be included on your itinerary for three days in New York City. You will most likely know the Rockefeller Center because of the famous Christmas tree light switch on that happens each year.

The Rockefeller Center is actually a complex of 19 commercial buildings between 48th Street and 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan. 

views from the top of the rock in New york city
top of the rock in New york city

One of the most iconic experiences you must try whilst there is heading up to the Top of the Rock. This is Rockefeller’s observation deck which provides unforgettable views of Manhattan. You’ll be standing on the 70th floor of one of the most iconic buildings in the city whilst staring right at the Empire State Building.

While most people head straight to the Empire State Building to see the views of Manhattan, we actually think that the one from the Top of the Rock is better.

Why? Because you get to actually see the Empire State Building. It’s a stunning skyscraper and it’s nicer to be able to see it. Also, from the top of the rock, you get amazing views of Central Park, which you wouldn’t get from the ESB.

Since this is one of the most visited attractions in NYC, we highly recommend you book a timed entrance ticket in advance. That way you don’t need to stand in line when you get there and can go straight to the elevator.

Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, so you’ll need to enter on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest subway station is 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center Station.  

Stop 5: Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central NYC
ceiling of grand central in NYC

Grand Central Terminal (yes, it’s a terminal, not a station) is one of the busiest train terminals in the world. If you were a fan of Gossip Girl, you’ll know it as the place where Dan first clapped eyes on Serena van der Woodsen in the very first episode of the series.

The buildings neoclassical exterior is well worth admiring but the real beauty is inside.

Its grandeur, marble floors, intricately painted ceiling and chandeliers are so breathtaking it’s funny to think that commuters must be so busy going about their day not to take much notice.

See the famous clock, the whispering gallery and the Grand Central Market which sells gourmet meats and treats.

If you are particularly interested in this landmark, you can also join a walking tour to discover all the secrets of Grand Central.

The main entrance to Grand Central Terminal is on 89 E. 42nd Street (Park Avenue), you can get there via subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7 and S.

Stop 6: Chrysler Building

Chrysler in New york city

It might be smaller in stature than the Empire State Building, but the Chrysler Building is equally as impressive. 

This Art Deco-style building was the world’s tallest building for 11 months after its completion in 1930. It is absolutely stunning and definitely a sight you want to see while you are around Grand Central Terminal.

As you can only go inside the lobby of the Chrysler Building it’s best to view this shiny building from 3rd Avenue between 43rd and 44th Street.

Stop 7: New York Public Library

New York public library
New York public

New York has nearly 100 branches of its library system, but this 5th Avenue branch is the most famous in the city. This is the United States’ second-largest library.

Step through the main three arches of the building’s façade and you’ll enter up a grand marble staircase. On the library’s first floor, you should check out Astor Hall and the Dewitt Wallace Periodical Room. Upstairs there’s the McGraw Rotunda and the Harry Potter-esque Rose Main Reading Room.

If you are a Gossip Girl fan, you will also recognise the steps leading to the NY Public Library since it was used as a filming location for one of the most iconic scenes in the show.

The New York Public Library backs onto the next stop on this itinerary, Bryant Park.

Stop 8: Bryant Park

Entrance of Bryant Park in NYC
Bryant Park in NYC

Central Park’s grandeur sometimes takes away from New York’s other amazing parks. Bryant Park might not be massive but it’s a personable and local delight. 

Framed by shimmering glass skyscrapers and lined by trees, Bryant Park is a great spot to take a breather from your busy New York three-day itinerary.

Bryant Park is between 40th and 42nd Street and 5th and 6th Avenue just one-minute walk from the New York Public Library.

There are table tennis tables, coffee shops, an ice skating rink in winter, and even handy tables with charging sockets, perfect if you are running low on battery.

If you are there around lunch time, you can easily get some take away food somewhere and come back for a little picnic. That’s what a lot of New Yorkers do and it’s a very nice spot.

Stop 9: Empire State Building

Empire state building
Empire state building at night

Does your three-day itinerary for New York get any more iconic than the Empire State Building? Standing 443m high this 1931 building has become a symbol of New York.

You must head up to the 86th floor observatory deck because the views are spectacular and somehow watching tiny yellow cabs way down below makes you feel wildly insignificant.

This 360-degree view features the Hudson and East Rivers, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge to name a few.

Even though I still think that it’s worth going to the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building is one of the best observation decks in the city and a bucket list item. If you want to go up to the top, make sure to book your tickets in advance online.

It is quite expensive to do both, the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock but if you opted for the NY city card, both attractions are included so it’s definitely worth it.

It is best to get off at Penn Station and walk for eight minutes down West 34th Street. Don’t worry you won’t get lost, just look up!

Stop 10: Times Square

Times square in NYC
Times square in NYC at night

Japan has Shibuya, Paris has Place Charles de Gaulle and New York has Time Square. Time Square is the point at which Broadway meets Seventh Avenue. A whopping 50 million people visit Time Square each year.

Time Square has been made even more famous because of the New Year’s Eve countdown as people gather to watch the ball drop. 

Visit during the day and you’ll be faced with a bombardment of advertisement billboards, honking horns, street performers, tourists, and locals. 

Visit at night and you’ll feel the same colourful and chaotic explosion only with fluorescent neon undertones. 

Subway lines 2, 3, 7, A, C, F, N and Q all stop near Time Square. If you are following this exact route and coming from the Empire State Building, it’s just a 13 minute walk along Broadway.

Bonus stop: Broadway Show

aladdin musical in NYC
Harry Potter play in NYC

Since you’ll be in Times Square tonight, you should consider going to see a Broadway show.

Broadway is by far the best place in the world to see musical and theatre plays. There are so many of them, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Whether that’s something you are usually into or not, it is an experience that you won’t forget.

Ideally, we recommend you book your tickets in advance but if you go to one of the numerous box office booths, they will be able to find you tickets for the same day.

There are a lot of play that are worth seeing but I particularly recommend Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (though it’s in two parts so you will need to set aside more time for this one) or Aladdin.

Aladdin is a Disney classic but the production on Broadway is just purely amazing. Everything from the flying carpet to the costumes was so incredibly good!

And they included pop culture references as well which is pretty cool.

New York City Itinerary Day 2: Hudson Yards, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown

Day two of this itinerary for three days in New York City will allow you to visit the western side of Manhattan, namely Greenwich Village and the West Side Neighbourhood of Chelsea.

Day two will let you enjoy some classic local life and New York’s cultural heritage.

Stop 1: The Vessel 

The vessel in NYC
The vessel in Hudson Yard NYC

Let’s start with one of the newest attractions in NYC, the Vessel. 

The Vessel is a remarkable sculpture at the heart of Hudson Yards. This landmark comprises 154 interconnecting staircases with 2,500 individual steps. This futuristic spectacle provides visitors with views of the Hudson River and the surrounding city.

If you have an interest in photography, you will love taking pictures of this fascinating structure and its geometric pattern.

The closest subway station to The Vessel is 34 Street-Hudson Yards and then it’s just a 2-minute walk.

Stop 2: The High Line

the high line in NYC
high line in NYC

The High Line opened in 2009 and is a 1.45 mile long linear greenway/park/reformed railway.

The historic railway line was under threat of demolition, but the Friends of the High Line group fought for its survival with the plan of converting it into an extraordinary public space that embraces environmentalism and nature.

The High Line runs from Hudson Yards to the northern part of Chelsea. To reach the High Line you can take the 1 or C train to 23rd Street and then head up 10th Avenue. 

If you don’t stop along the way, it takes around 30 minutes to walk the entire High Line. There’s a bunch of artwork, beautiful flowers, and benches to stop at and absorb the view.

It is such a lovely spot in NYC and one of the rare places in the city where you feel at peace. It’s quiet, lush and just simply amazing. It’s a lovely place for a walk with friends or your other half so I have no doubt this will be one of the highlights of your trip to NYC.

Please note that if this is an area you are interested in learning more about, you can join a walking tour of Hudson Yard and the high line. Prices here.

Stop 3: Chelsea Market

outdoor seating at chelsea market in NYC
takumi taco in NYC

Chelsea Market is one of the best food spots in New York City. 

Boasting more than 35 vendors, this market is packed with amazing flavours. Visit between 8am and 9pm to enjoy the market but take note that between 12 and 2pm this place is packed as the surrounding businessmen and women flock to get their lunch. 

Chelsea Market’s exposed brick and quirky décor make this a lovely place to visit. Head to Los Tacos for Mexican food (though expect a long wait), grab a smoothie from Daily Goods, try the iconic NY pretzel or tuck into some top-notch grub at Friedman’s.

If you are visiting in summer, you can also take your food outside. There are tables in the street by the market and it’s always nice to have lunch al fresco.

You should also consider joining one of the Chelsea market food tours. Since it’s such a big place, it comes in very handy to be with a guide who takes you to the best spots.

That also means that you don’t have to wait in line as much and you get to sample way more food than you would have on your own.

You can reach Chelsea Market via the A, C, E or L train to 14th Street (8th Avenue) station and then walk to 9th Avenue and 15th Street but if you’ve been walking along the high line, keep going until you see the signs and you can then walk down the stairs to the entrance of the market.

Stop 4: Little Island

little island park in NYC
little island in NYC

Little Island is Manhattan’s floating green space, it’s quirky, unique and loads of fun. It’s also one of the newest free attractions in NYC since it only opened in May 2021.

You’ll find Little Island at Pier 55 in Hudson River Park. The closest subways are the 1, 2, and 3 trains to 14th Street and 7th Avenue but you can easily get there on foot from Chelsea Market.

Little Island is home to 30 tree species, 300 varieties of grasses and 66,000 bulbs. 

The tulip-shaped columns that the pier sits on are highly unique and well worth marvelling at. It makes for a peaceful escape from the city. 

Enjoy this urban nature spot whilst soaking in the views of the Hudson River. 

You can have a walk around and sit on one of the benches. It’s a very nice area and it feels so far away from the city even though you’re still very much in Manhattan.

Stop 5: Greenwich Village

greenwich village in NYC

The next stop on this New York three-day itinerary is Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village is a bohemian neighbourhood filled with historical monuments and cultural sites.

The Village as the locals call it is on Manhattan’s west side between 14th Street and Houston Street. Broadway is on the east side of Greenwich Village whilst the Hudson River is to the west.

This eclectic village is well worth wandering around and getting lost in. Head to 90 Bedford Street and you can see the Friends apartment building. 

Please note that the apartment inside wasn’t actually Monica’s, only footage of the facade was used in the show. Regardless, it’s still a cool photo spot.

Be sure to head along Bleecker Street to discover restaurants, clubs, live music spots and shops. 

You can stop for a bite to eat at any number of bakeries and authentic Italian pizza joints in the area.

Stop 6: Washington Square Park

washington park in NYC

Washington Square Park is a place for people watching, gatherings and artistic inspiration. This park is defined by its marble Washington Square Arch, which is named after the Continental Army commander and first President of the United States, George Washington. 

After a morning of walking Washington Square Park is an excellent place to take a rest and absorb the hustle and bustle of local life.

There are several ways to get to Washington Square Park but taking the A, C, E, and B, D, F trains to West 4th and Washington Square is the easiest option. If you are coming from Bleecker Street, it’s just a seven minute walk to the park. 

Stop 7: Soho

Soho in New York City
Soho in NYC

Another fashionable and hip New York City neighbourhood is Soho. Soho is defined by its trendy shops, excellent dining spots and cobbled streets and spectacular architecture. Once an industrial powerhouse, Soho is now for New York’s creatives.

It’s a perfect place to have a wander and discover the cast-iron architecture in NYC.

If you have time, you can also visit the Fire Museum or the Ice Cream Museum.

To get to Soho from Washington Square Park you can head south down West Broadway and LaGuardia Place.

Stop 8: Little Italy

little italy

Love Italian food and culture? You must check out Little Italy. Italian immigrants flocked to this area of Manhattan during the 1880s.

Though over time the Italian community has reduced in size and now mainly centres around Mulberry Street, the Italian culture is still highly influential.

Whether it’s pizza or pasta you cannot go wrong with picking up dinner in Little Italy. It’s not just food, there’s a Little Italy Street Art Project too which features a number of murals.

If it’s raining, spend some time hopping into the specialty food stores like Di Palo’s Fine Foods and Alleva Dairy.

It’s also a great place to go on a food tour since there are so many amazing food spots here.

Stop 9: Chinatown

chinatown in NYC

You started the night with Italian food. How about you squeeze in some Chinese food too? 

Walking from Little Italy to Chinatown is a complete juxtaposition. But the two different cultures represent beautifully what New York is all about and the multiculturalism that has been there since the 1850s. 

Spot the Buddhist temple, crazy atmosphere of Doyers Street and see if you can find some of the speakeasy basement bars. Of course, you must try some dim sum and malatang. 

To make the best of your time in Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown, we highly recommend joining a walking tour. The guide will show you all the best spots and give you some recommendations for places to eat.

New York City Itinerary Day 3: Lower Manhattan and the Financial District

For those looking to see New York in three days the final day will be spent around Lower Manhattan and the illustrious Financial District. 

Stop 1: The Battery

Battery Point NYC
Battery Point NYC WWII memorial

Set on the banks of the Hudson River, Battery Park City is an upscale residential neighbourhood. To reach The Battery you’ll want to take subway line 4 or 5 to Bowling Green station or the 1 to South Ferry station.

Here you will find a beautiful park with war memorials and more importantly, amazing views of the statue of Liberty.

You’ll see in the rest of the itinerary that we didn’t squeeze in a visit to the statue of Liberty in this NYC 3-day itinerary. This is because there are a lot of things you can see in the financial district but if you’d rather going to the statue of Liberty, that’s entirely possible.

You can book your entrance to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the ferry online. You will need around 4 hours to do everything.

Stop 2: Bowling Green Park and the Bull

Bowling Green Park NYC
Bull in Lower Manhattan NYC

Located at the southern end of Broadway, Bowling Green Park became a park in 1733. A beautiful fountain and benches make this a great spot any time of day. 

It is quite a small park but was actually quite important. You might notice that the top of the poles of the fence were cut. This is because they used to be shaped like a crown.

When the US declared independence from Britain, they cut all symbols of monarchy and that was one of them.

Just a short walk away is the Charging Bull sculpture, a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity.

It was sculpted by Arturo Di Modica who is famous in the entire city for the tactics he used to become famous.

Long story short, he used to drop his sculptures in certain places (including in front of Rockefeller Christmas tree) without being authorised. Eventually, he became quite famous and this statue of a charging bull has won a permanent place in the heart of the financial district.

Stop 3: Stone Street

Stone Street in Lower Manhattan NYC
Stone Street in Lower Manhattan NYC

From the statue of the Charging Bull, keep walking to the beautiful Stone Street. 

Stone Street runs between Whitehall Street and Hanover Square. This old cobblestone road is part of the designated historic district.

The contrast of the cobbles and brick buildings with the lower Manhattan skyscrapers is quite impressive. The street is mostly home to bars and restaurants but it’s well worth a stroll up the road.

There are also some historical pubs that used to be used for meetings by George Washington.

Stop 4: Wall Street and The Trump Building

Wall Street in New York City
Trump building in New York City

Your next stop is one of the most famous streets in the world: Wall Street.

Did you know that Wall Street was named because of an actual wall that the Dutch built to keep out the British during colonial times?

When New York City was called New Amsterdam, Governor Peter Stuyvesant ordered the wall to be built in the northern part of the colony.

It is now the most important street in the financial district since it’s home to many U.S. brokerages, investment banking firms and of course, the Stock Exchange.

You will also see the Trump Building, known as 40 Wall Street is a neo-Gothic skyscraper standing at 255m high.

Stop 5: The New York Stock Exchange and the Fearless Girl Statue

NYSE in New York City
Statue of the fearless girl in New York City

The New York Stock Exchange is one of the oldest and largest stock exchanges in the world. Located on Wall Street this is one of the most poignant buildings in the Financial District.

The main stock exchange building opened in 1903 and its six pillared exterior with elaborate carvings made for an impressive site. Today the New York Stock Exchange feels even more impressive because it feels wildly small and insignificant in comparison to its surroundings.

You will notice that the New York Stock Exchange which features an incredibly beautiful facade with greek columns.

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area and was purposely designed this way to ‘educate by architecture’.

Right across from the New York Stock Exchange is the Fearless Girl statue. This art installation was installed in 2017 to commemorate International Women’s Day.

It was designed by Kristen Visbal and has become one of the most iconic statues in NYC as well as the most instagrammed statue in the city.

Stop 6: Trinity Church

Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan NYC
Trinity Church Cemetry in Lower Manhattan NYC

Trinity Church sits at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway.

This old church looks quite remarkable next to all the shiny glass skyscrapers of the financial district. The church was originally founded in 1697 and the current church was designed in the Gothic Revival style and completed in 1846.

Step inside the church and an imposingly tall arched ceiling, large stained glass windows and beams greet you. Trinity Church is an active church, but you can still step inside and explore.

Lunch break: Street food

Day three is so packed with activities it’s recommended to check out some of the street food vendors near Wall Street. There are a ton of food carts on Hanover Street where you can quickly grab an array of cuisines.

Restaurants in this area can be very expensive so grabbing street food is a good way to stay on budget and continue to explore the area.

Stop 7: 9/11 Memorial Pools and One Trade Center

one world trade center
memorial pools 911

The 9/11 Memorial Pool and One Trade Center make for a harrowing stop but an important one for anyone visiting New York.

Located at the World Trade Center Complex site, architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker’s Reflecting Absence pools were chosen as the competition winners for a new 9/11 memorial.

The two Memorial Pools sit in the footprints of the twin towers. As you walk around them you can see the names of those who lost their lives carved on a bronze parapet. 

You might also notice that there are roses in some of the names, they are placed every day on the name of the person it would be the birthday of.

This memorial was successful in its intentions of creating immense peace and despite being in busy Lower Manhattan a sense of tranquillity overcomes visitors.

It is one of the most poignant places in NYC. There is nothing that can quite prepare you for what you will feel when you watch it. We all interpret it in different ways but one thing is sure, it won’t leave you untouched.

Stop 8: 9/11 Memorial & Museum

911 memorial museum
911 memorial

On the same site as the Memorial Pools, there’s the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The museum is open seven days a week so you can visit anytime you want but it’s better to book your tickets online and in advance.

A combination of media narratives and first-hand experiences have been used to tell the story of the events and impacts of the 9/11 attacks.

The museum has been beautifully curated in a respectful yet informative way.

It is very interesting but also incredibly sad and difficult sometimes. No matter what, make sure you go there because that’s something everyone needs to see but it’s true that you need to be mentally prepared as it won’t be easy.

Stop 9: St Paul’s Chapel

st pauls chapel in NYC
st pauls chapel cemetry in NYC

Head east along Fulton Street from the 9/11 Memorial and it’s a four-minute walk to St. Paul’s Chapel.

Built in 1766 this is Manhattan’s oldest public building that’s been in continuous use. This is the chapel that George Washington prayed in after his inauguration as President.

Inside the chapel, there are a number of installations and a 9/11 exhibit. This is mainly because the church was used by the firefighters during the attacks to get water, food and rest.

At the time, the church also put up boards on the fences so the people of New York could come and put letters for the fire fighters.

Stop 10: City Hall Park

City Hall Park in New York City

Just up the road from St Paul’s Chapel is City Hall Park. Surrounded by 100-year-old buildings, this park offers tranquillity in the bustling downtown. Locals and workers flock to the park at lunch to relax and destress.

It’s a lovely park to watch as government workers stroll around, newlyweds emerge from City Hall and locals enjoy picnics.

Stop 11: Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn bridge in New York City
Brooklyn bridge New York City

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is a cable-stayed suspension bridge that stretches across the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Built in 1869 and completed in 1883 this was the first bridge that used steel for cable wires.

To access the bridge, you need to be on the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway which starts at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. There’s also a staircase in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street.

Walking along the bridge and looking back at the Manhattan skyline is a super rewarding thing to do in New York City.

It’s also one of the best photo spots in the city! Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to use it here!

Stop 12: Dumbo

Dumbo in Brooklyn

There are no doe-eyed elephants at stop number 12. Dumbo is actually an acronym for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass. 

This waterfront neighbourhood is small but brimming with charm and character. Dumbo is between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge and stretches east until Vinegar Hill.

Dumbo is filled with a number of parks, including the Brooklyn Bridge Park, The Cliffs and The Archway. Explore this quirky neighbourhood and admire Manhattan from the other side of the river.

Make sure to also go to Washington Street, that’s the famous Instagram spot where you get the wonderful views of Washington Bridge in the background.

You can also walk to Main Street Park and to Jane’s Carousel.

FUN FACT: The cardboard box was invented in Dumbo, by Robert Gair a Scottish immigrant.

Dinner: Time Out Market in Dumbo

Whilst in Dumbo grab some dinner at Time Out Market. The market is located in Empire Stores and has an array of delights to please foodies.

A bit like Chelsea Market (though nowhere as big), you’ll find loads of stalls and can get any type of food and drinks. They also have a rooftop which is a cool place to enjoy a drink while admiring the views.

Evening: Manhattan Bridge

Manhattan bridge in NYC

The Manhattan Bridge first opened in 1909 and today more than 450,000 commuters travel along the bridge each day. 

From DUMBO, you can head there and Walk along the Manhattan Bridge while admiring the city lights and head back to Manhattan.

And that’s a wrap for this NYC three-day itinerary, we hope you enjoyed it and know everything you need to plan your trip to New York City.

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