Here’s a 3 days in New York travel guide, the only guide you need. The Urban Jungle, Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the capital of the world – No matter how you’ve heard it called, there’s no denying that New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet.
Known as the urban jungle, BIG APPLE, the city that never sleep, New York City is the most populous city in the USA. New York City can feel like an overwhelming city to visit. New York was such an exciting city to visit and if you like fast-paced urban adventures then we think you will have a great time here. There are so many attractions, historical locations, pop culture landmarks and delicious foods that it may seem hard to cram everything in just one visit, so I hope this post will help you.
New York City needs at least a week to just scratch the surface. I’ve been to NYC four times now and I still feel, there so much to do and see. In this post I have covered it all, best places to eat, to see and things to do. Whether you stay for 3 days or a week, I have you covered.
Few important things
Best time to visit New York
The best time to visit New York City is from April to June and September to early November when the weather is warm and pleasant but the tourist crowds are not overwhelming. The cheapest time to visit New York is on weekends from mid-January to the end of February. July is the hottest month. And winters are freezing with storms.
How many days to stay in New York
You need at least three days to really see the main highlights (though a “quick hits” tour could be done in a two-day NYC itinerary). However, I suggest 4-5 days to see the main sights without rushing too much. A week is perfect to get in some nice activities, shows and great food.
Getting around
Stay in the downtown and it’s easy to walk around everywhere.
- MTA—Subways and Buses. If you can’t walk to your destination, mass transit is the next-best way to get around.
- Subways. The easiest and quickest way to travel around NYC is by the subway.One of the most popular ways to get around New York is the New York Subway. This is a great way to get around the city as you avoid any traffic.With 472 subway stations, the New York City subway is the largest subway system in the world as measured by total number of stations. It’s also one of the oldest subway systems in the world, as well as one of the busiest. It’s operates twenty four hours a day across 36 lines, and serves four out of five of New York’s boroughs.
- Buses.
- The Roosevelt Island Tram.
- Taxis
- Car.
- Uber
- NYC by Bike
How to dress
New Yorkers Really Do Wear Black
It’s true. New Yorkers really do wear more black and dark colors than people in most other major cities. And the reason is simple: Black clothing is functional and hip.
In New York, you never know if your happy hour will turn into a rooftop party, after-hours museum gallery visit, or dive bar crawl. And you should always dress like you’re ready for New York’s best moments. Stack your wardrobe with a few black or grey merino wool t-shirts and a dark-colored pair of travel pants—making sure that they actually fit you well—and you’ll be ready for (almost) anything the city can throw at you.
Wear a Pop of Color
A color to stand out and for your pics
It’s All About Your Shoes
New Yorkers walk a lot, and when you visit the city you’ll be walking a lot too. And that’s a good thing because walking the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan is the best way to actually get a feel for the city. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money not taking cabs or the subway.
Wear what makes you feel fierce and Have a great time. Make sure to pack according to the weather. Layers are good, get fitted jackets, flared long jackets, hats and beautiful bags.
3 sections of NYC:
1) Midtown
2) Village & SoHo
3) Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn
Where to Stay:
We suggest you stay in Manhattan. It is the heart of the city, walking distance to Time square and the Broadway, the edge. We’ve stayed in all the four and have loved it. The recent one was Langham and it was exquisite.
I’ve stayed in all of these places over the years and have enjoyed each one of them for different reasons.
Most important things to see and do in New York City:
- Central Park
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York City, colloquially “the Met”, is the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Its permanent collection contains over two million works, divided among 17 curatorial departments. You need to reserve your tickets.
- Times Square
- Broadway, watch atleast one show
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – Buy your tickets here.
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Washington Square Park
- A comedy or jazz club in Greenwich Village
- Shopping in New York City – Soho
- Walk along the High Line -A few people hoped it would become a rollercoaster or a mile-long swimming pool. In 2009, the first section of the new High Line opened. It exists today as a 1.45-mile elevated walkway that showcases art, public events, and more than 500 species of plants and trees
- The Edge -The Ultimate Skyscraping Adventure at Edge is Now Open. Scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground, then lean out and look down. BUY your tickets HERE.
- Little Italy – Little Italy is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan in New York City, once known for its large Italian population. It is bounded on the west by Tribeca and Soho, on the south by Chinatown, on the east by the Bowery and Lower East Side, and on the north by Nolita
- Helicopter ride – If you want to see the most amazing statue of liberty by air, this is the one. DO NOT miss out. Buy your tickets on VIATOR HERE>
Places to Eat:
Breakfast:
1. Clinton St Baking Company and La Parisienne for Breakfast – American restaurant especially known for its very popular weekend brunch & its pancakes.
2. Brooklyn Bagel Company for Bagels – Bagel shop offering a list of spreads & other Jewish deli fare, plus indoor & outdoor seating.
3. Ruby’s – Ruby’s prides itself on using fresh local product balanced with Australian culinary influences to provide the local and international community with some of the best food, espresso coffee, and drinks in New York City.
4. Buvette – You need to reserve. The best croissant outside Paris. Popular, quaint bistro offering a French small-plates menu at breakfast, lunch & dinner (till 2 AM)
Brunch or Dinner:
Mid range to Lower Amazing places to eat
Bluestone lane – Healthy (branches many places)- If you’re looking for a healthy option for breakfast this is the place to go. I love their avocado toast with a poached egg and their yogurt and granola bowl is awesome as well. Pro tip order the Brekkie Board so you get both.
Shake Shack for Burgers – Just a burger’s throw from Broadway’s leading theaters, the Theater District Shake Shack made its debut in July 2010, taking center stage in Midtown Manhattan’s West Side. Guests can drop in for their Shack fix for lunch, dinner, late nights, and anytime in between. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a front row seat to all the action, color and mesmerizing neon lights.
Ippudo for Ramen – The best I’ve had in US
Toto Ramen – If you aren’t yet familiar, Totto’s style of ramen lies somewhere in between the porky excessiveness of Ippudo and the basic, hangover curing magic of more traditional spots like Rai Rai Ken. It’s a chicken-based broth as opposed to pork, and the noodles are thin. It all feels pretty authentic, and it’s always satisfying – especially if you can hit it for lunch. You will have to wait 45 minutes at times.
Joes Pizza – The best pizza in NYC
Los Taco No1 for Tacos – he authentic taste comes from family recipes and from fresh, simple and tasteful ingredients straight from home. In every taco from LOS TACOS No. 1 there is a bit of true Mexican culture and flavor.
Katz’s Delicatessen – Katz’s for pastrami on rye – No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.
High End Restaurants- need reservations much in advance:
All restaurants need reservation much in advance.
Eleven Madison Park
For an unforgettable fine dining experience, head to Eleven Madison Park. This decadent restaurant will wow you with its views of Madison Square Park. Of course, its fare is the highlight of the experience. Although the menu changes, it always boasts fantastic taste pairings. You might be lucky enough to enjoy the clams with fennel or the foie gras two ways depending on when you visit. Dishes are artfully prepared so be sure to bring along your smartphone to chronicle each masterful plating.
Gramercy Tavern
Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Gramercy Tavern is revered for its New American cuisine and myriad of accolades. A staple of NYC’s food scene for roughly two decades, this eatery boasts chef-prepared dishes and impeccable service. If you’re dining in the tavern for lunch, you might opt for popular offerings like monkfish stew or the cheddar-strewn Tavern Burger. If you’re heading for the dining room, be sure to consider renowned dishes like the pork schnitzel.
Nobu
It was here that the fusion between the two cultures became apparent in his cuisine. Since then, he has brought those flavours to his chain of restaurants as they expand throughout the U.S. The average meal at Nobu Downtown costs $135 per person. I know that sounds incredibly expensive, but New York has some of the most expensive sushi prices in the country.
Restaurant Daniel
The Capital Grille is an American restaurant chain of upscale steakhouses . Enjoy exceptional fine dining of dry aged steaks and Sommelier-selected wines in midtown Manhattan at The Capital Grille at Rockefeller Center.
Boucherie
BOUCHERIE is a traditional French brasserie and steakhouse, celebrating Joie de Vivre. The restaurant prepares a menu of French classics and timeless bistro favorites, in addition to the dry-aged steaks. In addition to an extensive wine list and classic drinks, a beverage program that boasts an inspired menu of absinthe-driven signature cocktails. Surrounded by walls of majestic wooden-framed mirrors and original Belle Époque posters, seating at our Union square location varies among pristine white marble and wood bistro tables, cozy burgundy leather booths, a 32ft. handmade pewter bar, and an option for a 40-guest private room, to make the 222-seat restaurant feel timeless.
Haven Rooftop
Cabanas & views go with cocktails & French-influenced bites at this heated, glassed-in rooftop spot. “Haven Rooftop Restaurant is perched on top of the Sanctuary Hotel, offering an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan. In the summer, Haven projects an ambiance reminiscence of the French Riviera showcasing lush greenery, complimented by custom-built cedar wood furnishings and energetic music to create the vibe. During the winter, the venue transforms itself into a specialty winter wonderland ski lodge themed venue that patrons have grown to look forward to. Haven features an innovative cocktail menu utilizing fresh juices and garnishes to quench any thirst. Our chef has created a diverse menu, with dishes such as Tuna Tower, Crab and Avocado Palette, and our signature Havenly Chicken. Along with stunning city views.”
RH rooftop
Glamorous rooftop restaurant offering American fare amid chandeliers, greenery & skyline views. Don’t expect great food, but the views can’t be beaten. Have a few drinks and food, keep your expectations low.
Toloache
One of the best Mexican restaurant in NYC and amazing food overall. chef-owner Julian Medina’s contemporary Mexican bistro located in the heart of the Theater District. Toloache is named after a flowering plant famed in Mexico for its use in love potions. We hope that when you dine with us you too will fall under the spell of chef Medina’s creative cooking, which incorporates seasonal and natural ingredients and more than a dozen types of chilies. Our festive, two-story space features a guacamole and ceviche bar, a wood-burning oven, and an exceptional tequila list, along with elegant decorative elements imported from Mexico. We looking forward to seeing you soon.
Places to shop – Vintage and Some fun places
Urban Jungle
Location: 120 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11237
Oh my God. To this day I kick myself for not finding this place sooner. This is a giant Aladin’s cave of vintage and thrift at ridiculous price points. Make a bee line for the endless racks of summer dresses (around $20) and leather jackets. Also check out their bags which at a glance seem meh, but keep digging and you unearth great ones. You can literally lose yourself in here so take your time because it’s worth it.
No Relation
(Photo: The Full Monty on Sue Williamson with a dress from No Relation)
Location: 204 1st Avenue, New York NY, 10009
This is one of my top fave vintage shops in Manhattan (besides the one below). It is two floors so remember to check out their basement level which customers don’t notice is even there. Rows and rows of Levi denim shorts average $5. This is also where you go at the start of each season to find the perfect summer dress, leather jacket, old Coach bags and jeans. They have an impressive selection of suede and denim skirts in the back and an epic range of even more jackets, denim and dresses in the basement. Their shoe and boot range is impressive too.
Village Style
Location: 111 East, 7th Street New York NY 10009
I love this small gem tucked away in the east village. It’s relatively quiet which is relaxing and always makes me think how the heck is this place not mobbed. There’s a well curated section of mens jackets that clearly women could wear. Loads of women’s jackets and coats and an impressive selection of vintage tees. Go in spring for their denim shorts which sell quickly as the summer rolls in. Their outside shop window always makes me want to buy everything in it and I’ve undressed their mannequin constantly.
Gypsy Vintage Nation
Location: Inside the Artist & Flea Market – 70 North 7th street, Williamsburg Brooklyn
It’s the only vintage spot that makes me gasp when I first walk in. You know when you walk into a place for the first time and want everything? That’s this place. It’s all vintage and re-worked vintage seen through a boho hippy lens.
Housing Works
Location: 126 Crosby Street, NY NY
They are located all over the city but this particular location is better curated for my vibe. . It’s a random mish mash of thrift, some vintage plus a few designer pieces (usually inside their glass display cabinet).
Beacons Closet
Location: 74 Guernsey Street, Brooklyn NY 11222
You know the name but this location is my favorite. You could get lost in this giant warehouse space but thankfully clothes are grouped by colour which makes it easy when looking for the perfect white summer dress or toffee brown leather jacket. Make sure to check out their shoes which are spread across the store and against one long wall. This is where you find past season Acne, Anna Sui, Prada, Comme de Garcon mixed with Free People, Converse and hundreds of random vintage. On my last trip I got a Dianne Von dress for $70.
You can sell your clothes here too so it’s a chance to make some cash in hand.
Anna Corinna
Location: 377 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11211
This is a relatively new space for Anna, also known as the joint owner of the brand Foley & Corinna. Anna describes herself as a gypsy. Being a fellow vintage lover and shopper, her beautiful boutique is loaded with the vintage that you don’t have the patience to find but have always been looking for. Anna shops in different states and brings her finds here. Her eye for vintage is incredible and it shows. No rummaging through heaps of clothes. Anna did it for you and I dare you not to be tempted by one of the vintage bags or beautiful vintage pieces for the home.
Then there are your regular stores. I love visiting the Real Real for designer handbags for a steal. Trintage, What comes around goes around, REbag.
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How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in New York City
Three days in New York City might not be enough to see the entirety of the city – after all, it is enormous – but those 3 days would be just enough to see a lot of its most popular attractions.
The best way to experience the city on your first trip to New York is to explore its attractions in sections, breaking it up area by area. Manhattan is massive with a lot of things to do, so by dedicating your time to particular locations you will end up with the most efficient use of your limited time here.
If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before and are feeling a bit lost on what to see in New York City in 3 days. So, break it up and see what your priorities are and pick and chose what you want to see.
3 DAY ITINERARY IN New York City
1ST DAY
The first day try to get the feel of the city. Have breakfast at Ruby’s or Buvette. Take the subway to go to Brooklyn Bridge. Walk and take as many pictures, soak in the sights. You can have lunch in Roccos or near DUMBO. Take the subway back to Manhattan right in time to go to the observatory at the Edge. You need to reserve ahead. Go have a look when it the sun sets, it’s the most beautiful site ever. After that you can either walk 40 minutes or take the subway, come to Time Square and take in all the madness. It is the best at night. You can have dinner at any rooftop, Haven rooftop is very close to Times square or have the most amazing ramen or Joe’s Pizza.
2nd Day
Wake up early and go to visit the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is one of those true New York City icons, with the famous ‘Lady Liberty’ representing freedom and opportunity for millions of overseas immigrants throughout the years.
Sent over as a gift to the US from France in the 19th century, the State of Liberty was dedicated on October 28th, 1886 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is a must-do during your New York City itinerary. That takes half a day. Book in advance.
After that get a quick bite and go to see the ONE TOWER which is close, you can walk, uber or take subway.
The One World Observatory was officially opened in 2015 as the replacement to the Twin Towers that made up the World Trade Centre, and since then it receives thousands of visitors every single day.
You’ll be observing the city in all its majesty from the 100th, 101st and 102nd stories of the tallest building in the western hemisphere (a dizzying 1776 feet, or 541 metres, high).
Once you are done with that, walk the Wall Street, spots like the statue of George Washington and the Federal Hall National Monument are pretty interesting sights to check out.
The New York Stock Exchange is another fascinating place to see on Wall Street, so you definitely shouldn’t skip out on it in your 3 days in New York City.
You can dine near there, lots of fun places. You can come back and watch some broadway. What a fun way to wrap up your day!
3rd Day
Greenwich Village
Just like plenty of other locations in New York City, Greenwich Village has appeared in a lot of movies. So if you’re on a mission to visit all of the most famous spots in town, you’ll have to stop by.
The entire village used to be the rundown home of artists and bohemians in the 60’s, and it still counts as one of the trendiest spots in the city.
Today many of the ramshackle units have been replaced with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants, and lots of amazing music venues, like at Bleecker Street, as well as plenty of unique architecture.
Washington Square Park
It’s only a 5-minute walk to get to Washington Square Park, where you’ll be greeted by the beautiful marble arch, impressive fountain and lots of lovely, shady trees.
This is a spot where many of New York City’s avant-garde artists gather, a place for people to enjoy games of chess, and you’ll find plenty of joyful children running around.
The famous district of SoHo is quite close too if you didn’t get your shopping fix over on 5th Avenue yesterday.
Central Park
Considered as New York’s backyard, Central Park is absolutely one of the most iconic spots in the entire city.
Located right in the centre of Manhattan, in what is obviously prime and expensive real estate, it’s amazing to see that New York has prioritised keeping the city’s loveliest scenery.
From the Strawberry Fields, the Belvedere Castle, to the Zoo, there’s no shortage of things to see in Central Park.
No matter your plans for a trip to the Big Apple, you must see Central Park during your 3 days in New York City.
Madame Tussauds
Jump back on your favourite public transport system, the Subway, and make your way to Times Square to see the surprisingly realistic wax figures of Madame Tussauds
There is something eerie about standing next to a lifelike sculpture of someone you’re used to reading about or maybe seeing on TV.
However, it’s not only merely about taking selfies with the wax figures as much as it’s about atmosphere and presentation.
Unlike most other types of museums, Madame Tussauds in fact encourages interactivity.
Don’t forget, instead of simply standing idly and looking at the figures from afar, you’re encouraged to touch them, take pictures and do all kinds of funny poses.
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