North America
3 days in NYC itinerary for first timer visitors
Sep
Are you looking for a 3 days in NYC itinerary? I spent 5 days in New York and decided that 3-5 days is the perfect timeframe for a first timer’s visit to New York! As magical as the concrete jungle where dreams are made of is, the prices in the Big Apple can make expensive to stay longer.
So not only am I here to share my own itinerary, but how to save money on your 3 days trip to New York!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions on visiting New York
Is it worth going to New York for 3 days?
Yes! New York is the Big Apple and have been the backdrops of so many iconic movies and tv series. There are many star attractions like Central Park, Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as amazing cafes and restaurants.
Is 3 days in New York enough?
You can easily spend more time there but it is not a cheap destination. 3 days is a perfect amount of time to get a feel and see the highlights.
How do I plan a 3 day trip to New York?
By prioritising what you want to see and making sure you organise your route well. I’m here to help which is why I’m writing this blot post on my own 3 day itinerary to New York. I have made sure to visit top attractions, eat the iconic food, and also picked some sight-seeing method that would get me to the most amount of landmark sights.
Is New York safe?
As a first time visitors who have heard a lot about the potential problem in New York, I think it’s still a relatively safe city to visit if you know where you are going at all times.
I did do a bit of walking around at night in midtown Manhanttan area and it felt safe.
New York City Essential Information
Getting around New York
New York is made up of many boroughs and many neighbourhoods. The metros generally connect the Mahanttan Island north to south, while east to west is linked up by buses. On a short trip to New York, you’re most likely be only be visiting Manhanttan Island and Brooklyn, and going to and from the airport, so my transport guide will focus on that.
Understanding New York layout
New York layout is mostly blocky squares with
- North-south running avenues, counting from east to west
- East-west running streets, counting from south to north
That is pretty much the rule of thumb in Manhattan until you go north out of New York City limits, and the stations following the street names, which can be confusing at first.
For Brooklyn it follows a similar set up in the south, but the rest of it is less structured. Staten island has its own street names.
Metro in New York
Metro in New York can be confusing, but with the help of google map, it is not difficult to follow. Here are some quick tips:
- You can use credit cards for New York Metro
- Metro rate within the city limit is a flat rate of 2.9 USD
- Some stations have separate entrance for north bound and south bound trains, so make sure of the direction before entering
- You might see rats in the station, it’s ok
Bus in New York
I personally did not end up taking a bus in New York, but their schedule can be found when you plan a route on google map and you can also use your contactless cards to pay for the fare, which is the same as metro at 2.9 USD except for express buses, which are 7 USD
Taxi in New York
You can use Uber or Lyft in New York, although personally I find walking and public transport sufficient for my time in the city. You can also hail a yellow cab like you do in the movies, but if you are not familiar with addresses, ride hailing app are probably better and safer.
Just avoid rush hour! The traffic can get quite bad.
Sharebike in New York
I used the Sharebike to cycle along the west seafront of Manhattan Island, since there is a dedicated bike lane.
The bikes I used was rented through Lyft and it ended up being more expensive than I thought for a 30 minutes ride even with new customer’s discount.
You can see that there is an unlock fee, and I had no choice but to use an Ebike, and with NYC sales tax it came to 11.20 USD.
Walking in New York
New York is a big city, but it’s not impossible to walk if your attractions are near each other. There are a few neighbourhoods that are suitable to explore on foot.
I ended up walking around a lot in lower Mahnattan area and felt that it was generally safe enough. But as someone who is used to the bright lights of Hong Kong and Bangkok, the streets of New York is dim in comparison.
AirTrain from JFK Airport
The cheapest public transport option to reach the JFK airport is via the AirTrain. Depending on where you hotel is, it might also be the best option since you don’t need to account for traffic.
There are 2 stations that links up to the AirTrain:
- Jamaica Station – connecting to Subway E, J, 2, and Long Island Rail Road
- Howard Beach – connecting to subway A and parking lot
Howard Beach connects to A trains
You can plan your route on google map – it should tell you which one is most ideal. For my return journey to the airport, I actually walked with my suitcase for 15 minutes to get the E train which connects to Jamaica Station directly. It’s easier than changing lines and carrying your suitcase up and down as New York streets are well paved and flat.
Sim card in New York
Most telecom providers should provide US roaming, but if your sim card doesn’t support that, you can easily get an E-Sim since time is money when you are in New York!
- Airalo offers 10 GB for 30 days for 26 USD, and as low as 4.5 USD for 1 GB for 7 days, and more package spending on your data consumption. This is cheaper than most US telecom packages!
- Yesim is an alternative that offers unlimited GB for 1, 7, 15, 30 days.
Cash or card in New York
You can use cards or digital wallet for almost everything in New York.
Tipping in New York
One of the things I found most daunting as a foreign visitor is the tipping. Expect to be asked to tip up to 25% at any places, even takeaways, but here are my experience on how to deal with it after talking to some local friends.
- No need to tip for takeaway – you are not dining in afterall, don’t hesitate to press that no tip option
- The normal tipping rate is around 20% depending on your dining experience, although you can always leave a custom tip depending on how you feel the service is
- If it’s self-serviced, you can leave a lower tip
- For good service, you can consider rounding it up
- If you are not good at math, just choose the % option offered on the screen
- For taxi and Uber, you can choose not to leave a tip or a 10% tip
- Tipping service staff in places like hotels is up to your own discretion and best done in cash
The most important thing is not to get flustered. When in doubt, just do 20%.
Passes and ticket combo in New York
New York City is not a cheap place to sight-see. You can save a pretty penny with passes and ticket combos available. Here are my recommendations:
New York CityPass
The New York CityPass helps save 40% off ticket prices for 5 attractions. It’s an interesting structure where you have tickets to visit 2 set attractions and 3 more from a pool of 6:
Set tickets:
- Empire State Building Observatory
- American Museum of Natural History
Then you can choose 3 out of the 6:
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck*
- Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum*
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises*
- Intrepid Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
I chose the one that has an *, although I would have liked to see the Guggenheim Museum but the tickets for it needed to be reserved further in advance than 1 day due to popularity.
You can reserve these later, some even on the day!
They also offer exclusive discount for broadway shows, subject to availability.
Price: 146 USD Adult, 124 USD 18>
Note: it’s valid for 9 days on first activation
Day 1 in New York
We landed in New York bright and early for our day 1 in the city! We dropped off our luggage and went ahead to explore the city!
Tompkins Square Bagel
Since we stayed near West Village, we went to the Union Square Tompkins Square Bagel – one of the bagels in town. I had never have any American bagels before and was shocked to see the cream cheese options available as well as the bagel variety.
We got the everything bagel with the Bacon Scallion Cream Cheese and it was delicious!
They have a total of 3 locations but all around lower Manhattan.
Natural History Museum
After we ate we headed to Natural History Museum, arguably one of the top museums to visit in New York and yes, we were also there because of the movie Night at the Museum. Here are 2 quick tips for anyone looking to visit:
main entrance Gilder Center
- Get CityPass to skip the queue
- Enter at the Gilder Center for a shorter queue
- Leave from the Theodore Roosevelt Hall to see the hall in all its glory (without queuing)
The Natural History Museum spans over 5 levels and it can be overwhelming to visit. You can easily spend a whole day there and more if you try to see everything. Here are some top tips for you to plan your visit:
- Make use of the museum’s free WiFi (AMNH-GUEST)
- Photos (with flash) is allowed, but not tripod and selfie sticks
- Check for the museum map here, or download the app. Paper maps are also available inside the museum
- The museum span overs several building and you might end up walking around and around if you are not careful, so best to plan your route
If you enter at the Gilder Center like me, here’s my suggested routes and highlights to see:
New York Natural History Museum Level 1
- Gems and Minerals – a must for geology fans
- Meteorites – some of the world’s biggest metoerites are here!
- Human Origin – THE Lucy, the australopithecine 3.2 million years ago that marks the transition from ape to human is here. The exhibit is also very detailed with other homo species specimen as well
LUCY!
New York Natural History Museum Level 2
- African Mammals – the giant elephants from Night at the Museum!
New York Natural History Museum Level 3
- Pacific People – this is where you’ll find the Easter Island statue from Night at the Museum
New York Natural History Museum Level 4
- Vertebrate Origins – start here before you go into the dinosaurs or mammals exhibition
- Dinosaurs – there are 2 dinosaurs exhibitions!
- Primitive and Advanced Mammals – both are great for understanding the evolutionary chain that lead to us
If you get hungry, there is a foodcourt at LL level, a cafe on level 1, and a restaurant at Gilder level 2.
Opening time: 10:00 – 17:30
Admission fee: 28 USD Adult, 22 USD student, 16 USD child (does not include ticketed exhibitions)
*I used CityPass which does not include ticketed exhibition but saves me time to queue and money
Nearest Metro: 81st Street Station C/B(weekendonly) line, Broadway and West 79th Street for 1 train
Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market)
Los Tacos is a famous taco chain with a street food style set up (aka no seatings). There are many branches across the city but we headed to the one in Chelsea Market since it’s near where we want to go after.
The line is generally long but it also goes quickly, and the menu is short but sweet. I tried their carne asada and pollo asada tacos, both are great!
Finding a seat in the Chelsea Market was harder, but we managed!
Opening times: 11:00 – 22:00
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
Little Island
Little Island is a short walk from Chelsea Market. It opened in 2021 and is an artificial island designed by Heatherwick Studio to be a public park. It covers 2.4 acres and is supported by pillars with two bridges connecting it to Manhantten Island.
It’s a great place to catch the sunset and also hosts performances and cozy corners as well for visitors to enjoy.
The High Line
The High Line is a former freight rail line turned urban park and a nice walk that connects Chelsea Market towards the Hudson Yard.
The park is elevated and offers a unique blend of nature, art, and stunning city views. As you wander along its 1.45-mile stretch, you’ll see quirky art installations, graffiti on buildings, and some of the best people and traffic watching spots in NYC.
It’s not a bad place to glimpse the sunset colours as well, and makes for a great afternoon walk.
Hudson Yards
The High Line takes you all the way to Hudson Yards, most famous for the Vessel, which still remained closed for nw. The area has been redeveloped from rail yards, hence the name, and another top attractions there is the Edge Observation Deck.
Times Square
From Hudson Yards you can either take Line 7 to Time Square or walk 26 minutes. We decided to walk and see the area some more, passing by Penn Station on the way.
I don’t think anyone is a stranger to Time Square with the iconic Broadway Billboards and a bustling intersection. It is a bit smaller than I expected and crowded, but a must-see on anyone’s first trip to New York for sure!
Koreatown
From Time Square, it’s a 15 minutes walk down Broadway to Koreatown, where we are meeting friends for dinner. Koreantown is a small two block area but it has many great restaurants and Asian dessert place.
Day 2 in New York
We got up bright and early for our day 2 in New York! Since we had to reserve our tickets for Top of the Rock and Empire State Building in advance via CityPass New York.
Top of the Rock
Perched atop the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock offers a breathtaking experience with its three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks. Opened in 1933, the observation deck was inspired by the design of a luxury cruise liner, complete with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor refreshment bar.
After a period of closure and extensive renovations, it reopened in 2005, providing visitors with unparalleled 360-degree views of New York City. From the 70th floor, it has an unrivalled view of the Empire State Building and Central Park. You can even see the Statue of Liberty, but it is quite far.
The view point is unobstructed but have glass panels that will cause reflections in photos. You can also recreate the iconic moment of the Bean for extra 25 USD. There is an indoor cafe if you get hungry!
Admission fee: 40 USD adult, 38 senior (62+), 24 child (6-12), VIP and express tickets available
See how to get there on their website
Empire State Building
Standing tall at 1,454 feet, the Empire State Building is an iconic symbol of New York City and a marvel of Art Deco architecture. Completed in 1931, it held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years.
The visit starts with the building’s museum on the 2nd floor where you have some interactive exhibits and display that tells you the history of the building, including how it was built and movies it’s featured in.
Empire State Buildings have an older set up with railings, and on a clear day you can see up to six states on a clear day. The real downside is that since we are since we are in the Empire State Building, it is not part of the skyline, and it’s not near the Central Park.
With CityPass, we can have free same night re-entry, although we were too tired to take it up!
Note: we only visited the main deck on the 86th floor, there’s also the 102nd floor which is indoor with glass window.
Entrance fee: 44 USD adult, 42 USD senior, 38 USD child, included in CityPass New York
How to get there: 123 or ACE lines – 34nd street Penn Station + 5 minutes walk
Tompkins Square Bagel
We actually went back to Tompkins Square Bagels and tried a different flavour – and it was still delicious!
Washington Square Park
After eating at Tomkins Square Bagel, we took a stroll to Washington Square Park. Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, the park is a great place to see cherry blossoms if you are here in spring
The park was originally a marshland and later a potter’s field, now dominated by the iconic Washington Square Arch, build in 1895. The 9.75-acre park offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and the central fountain is a popular gathering spot.
Levain Bakery
The preferred Levain Bakery I would suggest is the Flat Iron branch, which also have the special chocolate cookie with white chocolate chuck, Levain is a sweet-tooth’s must visit when in New York.
Yes, it’s fairly sweet and expensive, but it’s worth the deliciousness!
NoHo address: 340 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Opening times: Tues – Fri 7:00 – 20:00; Sat – Mon 7:00 – 23:00
Flat Iron address: 2 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Opening times: 7:00 – 23:00
Central Park
Central Park is the green heart of New York City and a sprawling 843-acre oasis that has been enchanting visitors since its opening in 1858. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, this iconic park offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm, featuring picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and historic landmarks.
From the tranquil Ramble and Lake to the bustling Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Central Park provides a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. There are lots in Central Park, including boating, cycling, and picnicking, or simply relax.
As a Gossip Girl fan, I paid a visit to some of the filming locations as well:
• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: the iconic archways and fountains is frequently seen in gossip girl
• The Mall and Literary Walk: Featured in several episodes, this tree-lined promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll and you might spot some cute dogs
• The Pond: Where Blair and Serena often met for heart-to-heart conversations
• The Conservatory Water: Known for its model boat sailing, this spot appeared in scenes with the show’s younger characters
Of course, if you are walking through Central Park, you will have to end up at the MET steps for the iconic photos!
Route: we started at Colombus Circus and walked our way to the MET.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Famous for pastrami sandwich, Katz’s Delicatessen is an old school diner runs the old school way.
Diner style with ticket system so you have to get a ticket on entry, pick a queue that sells what you want (drinks and sandwiches are separate), and then join the line.
It took quite a while to get our sandwich and meanwhile my sister did go and get a seat since it’s free and self seating.
Opening times: Mon – Thurs 8:00 – 23:00; Fri 8:00 – 0:00; Sat: all day; Sun 12:00 – 23:00
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Nearest station: 2 Av (A, F train)
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic symbol of New York City, and has been a marvel of engineering since its completion in 1883. Designed by John A. Roebling and completed by his son Washington Roebling, this steel-wire suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, spanning the East River with a main span of 1,595 feet.
we turned back here
Walking across the bridge is a long journey (1825 meters) but the view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and East River below is worth it. I recommend walking back once you reach the river. But it’s worth going all the way to the Brooklyn side.
Manhattan side: Chamber Street (J/Z), 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall
Brooklyn side: A, C, or F to Jay Street/MetroTech Station; N, R to Court Street Station; 2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall Station.
Dumbo
If you make it all the way to Brooklyn, then it’s a must to check out the classic Dumbo view. I had an extra day in New York so I did come to shoot the view specifically!
Day 3 in New York
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal, often called Grand Central Station, is a must-see gem in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Opened in 1913, this Beaux-Arts beauty was designed by the talented teams at Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore1.
As you step into the main concourse, look up to marvel at the stunning celestial ceiling mural, which showcases the constellations in all their glory. But Grand Central is more than just a pretty face – it is an active train station and you can find foot court below the main concourse as well.
Note: you are not allowed to use tripod inside the station.
Diner Brunch (Skylight Diner)
I ended up going to a diner for lunch since it was a halfway point for me to stop by on foot and I wanted to try out an American diner.
I ordered their pancake breakfast set and was satisfied and almost didn’t have room for dinner!
Address: 402 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Opening times: 6:00 – 23:30
Circle Line Cruise*
Circle Line Cruise – Landmarks
The Circle Line Cruise – Landmarks tour is a fantastic way to see New York City’s most iconic sights in just 1.5 hours. You can switch between outdoor deck for panoramic views or the indoor deck with glass windows for climate-controlled comfort – I did a lot of switching since it was freezing the day I went.
It can get crowded so you might want to consider premium seating on the top level. There are also snacks and drinks available to purchase in the climate control room.
A knowledgeable tour guide will provide insights and stories about the landmarks on speakers, and we got up close to the Statue of Librety as well. This is by far the best way to see New York’s top sights in a short time! Highlights include:
Statue of Librety Ellis Island
- Statue of Librety
- Ellis Island
- Empire State Building
- Little Island
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Mahanttan Bridge
- Williamsburg Bridge
- Dumbo
Cost: Tickets start at 30 USD, included in CityPass. I actually made a mistake with my booking but they were super kind and just switch it to the one departing soon for me.
Address: PIER 93, Midtown
Cycle along West Bank
Pier 93 is an awkward location for public transport but it’s next to a cycling track. It took me around 30 minutes to cycle down, although that also costed me almost 12 USD. But it was a fun bicycle ride and felt like a great part of my NYC trip.
9-11 Memorial Museum*
The 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City is a tribute to the events of September 11, 2001. Located at the World Trade Center site, the museum opened in 2014 and offers a deeply moving experience through its extensive exhibits and artifacts.
It has detailed accounts of personal stories, photographs, and multimedia displays that vividly recount the tragic day and its aftermath. The museum also features the “Survivor Stairs,” which provided an escape route for many on that fateful day.
Outside, the Memorial Plaza with its twin reflecting pools and cascading waterfalls offers a serene space for reflection and remembrance. Whether you’re there to pay respects or to learn more about this pivotal moment in history, the 9/11 Memorial Museum provides a profound and educational experience.
Opening times: Weds – Mon 9:00 – 19:00
Admission fee: 33 USD adult, 27 USD senior (65+) and young adult (13-17), 21 USD youth. Student discounts and other passes available
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, United States
Mama’s Too Pizza
A trip to New York isn’t truly complete until you grab a slice of pizza. Mama’s Too have expanded from upper Manhattan to West Village. You can get a slice or a whole pie and it’s a very popular joint, so expect to queue and takeaway.
I grabbed a quick slice and ate it on the way back to the hotel to pick up my luggage and it was very good.
Address: 106th Street or West Village
Opening times: 12:00 – 22:00
Where to stay in New York for first time visitors
If it’s your first visit to New York, midtown Manhattan is one of the best places to stay to be near all the attractions. New York hotels can be quite expensive, so it’s best to book early whenever possible.
I stayed at Evelyn Hotel not too far from Koreatown and it’s a lovely experience, although the window faces another building’s wall for me. There is an overwhelming number of hotels in NYC and limited availability, so my suggestions is to look at the area I recommended, make sure it has good rating:
