Welcome to the city that never sleeps! New York City is the perfect place for a girl’s trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure! There are SO many things to do, that you will likely need a vacation from the vacation when you get home 🙂 After living in (and near) New York City for the past 15 years, I’m so excited to share (what I believe to be) the ultimate 3-days in New York City! Here’s exactly how I would spend one weekend in New York City!
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Side Note: This post was written by Julie, a local of NYC! This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend in New York City guide. Locals know best! Read more about Julie in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
How do I get to New York City?
When visiting New York City it is recommended that you don’t drive and instead rely on public transportation to get you both into the city and around the city during your stay.
The easiest way to get into New York City is by flying into one of the 3 surrounding airports. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are all within close proximity to the city.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal or many buses come into Port Authority Terminal. Once in the city, you can then walk or take the extensive subway system to all of the following stops.
What is the best time to visit New York City?
The best part about New York City is that you will find so much to see and do no matter the season. December and early January will offer stunning Christmas and Holiday displays and activities, Spring and fall will bring more mild weather, perfect for exploring, and summer offers outdoor concerts and shows to enjoy.
With that said my personal favorite time to visit is in the fall. It’s this time of year that has some of the best weather and so many things to see and do during your stay.
If you come during the month of October, be sure to check out some of the incredible Halloween displays (definitely one of the best US cities to visit for Halloween) or other festive events taking place in the city. If you are coming in September, you can enjoy a leisurely picnic in Central Park or Governors Island without battling all the summer crowds.
Where should I stay in New York City?
When choosing where to stay in New York City, there is so much to think about! If you want to be right in the heart of it all then Midtown is perfect thanks to its close proximity to Times Square, Central Park, and iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. Alternatively, if you’re after an authentic New York experience then some of the smaller neighborhoods like the West Village or Union Square could be great options.
My personal recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: The FIDI Hotel
- Mid-range Option: Motto by Hilton
- Luxury Option: The St. Regis New York
- Dog-friendly Stay: Kimpton Hotel Eventi, an IHG Hotel
- Unique Option: CitizenM Hotel
Sample 3-Day New York City Weekend Itinerary
It’s time! Here’s how I would spend 3 days in New York City. It’s jam-packed with all the must-see touristy-stops plus some hidden gems! I know you’ll have THE BEST weekend trip in New York City!
Day 1 in New York City
Morning:
Start your weekend off by grabbing a coffee and New York City Bagel from Ess-a-Bagel. Once you taste what a true NYC bagel tastes like you will never be the same! Once you have finished carb loading, get ready for a lot of walking while exploring some of the best New York City Sites!
Head to the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) to explore the many beautiful collections. It’s easy to spend several hours here exploring so try to pick a few specific exhibits or collections that interest you and focus on those. Another option is to take one of their guided tours, which can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art on display.
Afternoon:
For the afternoon, grab some lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before making your way to the next stop. This will be the perfect time to take a stroll through the winding paths in the picturesque Central Park as your next stop is just on the other side!
Make your way across town to the American Museum of Natural History located on the west side of the park. Here you can explore the museum on your own or opt for a tour to see the highlights and learn from an expert. There is so much to see and do at this museum and makes for a wonderful family-friendly activity as well!
Evening:
Later that night, once the sun goes down will be the perfect time to grab a slice of NY pizza for dinner at Patzaria Perfect Pizza and check out Times Square. With its dazzling lights, neon signs, and bustling crowds- Times Square is best seen at night and is something you won’t want to miss.
Finally, end your evening catching a Broadway show. From beloved classics to modern hits, there’s something for every taste. You’ll be enchanted by the stunning productions, each one a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that abounds in this vibrant city.
MONEY-SAVING TIP!: Be sure to look into the New York CityPass during your weekend to see up to 40% on 5 of the city’s top attractions!
Day 2 in New York
Morning:
Start the day off by heading to Fifth Avenue to shop at some of the luxury stores or browse the street vendors.
Then walk to Rockefeller Center and check out Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observatory, and NBC Studios. Today will be a great day to explore the city at a more leisurely pace and find all of those truly unique things to do!
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon visiting some more of New York City’s iconic attractions, like Grand Central Terminal, the Main Branch of the New York City Library, or the Vessel. These attractions are a bit more low-key (after your busy day the day before) and a perfect option for sightseeing you can do at your leisure.
Once you’ve explored a bit more, check out the Highline, a park on top of an old rail line. Here you can grab a coffee and light snack and take in the views of this unique park.
Evening:
End your night by taking a walk through Little Italy and Chinatown, two of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.
For dinner, try some delicious soup dumplings at Shanghai 21. If soup dumplings aren’t your thing, you’ll have no trouble finding a delicious dinner spot in either neighborhood. There’s even a guided food tour that will take you to some of the very best spots in Little Italy AND Chinatown!
Day 3 in New York City:
Morning:
Wake up early and begin your day with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It wouldn’t be the best one weekend in New York City without this quintessential stop.
Take in the views from Lady Liberty’s crown or learn more about America’s history by touring Ellis Island. You can also opt to see the Statue and NYC skyline through a scenic cruise through the Harbor.
Afternoon:
For your third afternoon, take a stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, taking in all of the views of New York City’s skyline. Make a stop to explore Brooklyn Bridge Park. Grab a late lunch or snack at one of the many restaurants and eateries.
While in Brooklyn, take your time to explore the park and surrounding areas. You can head to the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street for an iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Check out the Brooklyn Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays) before making your way back across the bridge and into Manhattan.
Evening:
On your final evening in the Big Apple, head back over to Manhattan to grab a farewell dinner and rooftop drinks. This will be your perfect chance to soak in the city as you end your weekend getaway.
Lower Manhattan will be the perfect area to find a rooftop bar and restaurant. Dine and wine while overlooking the incredible skyline of New York City. One of my favorite rooftops is Jimmy‘s located in SOHO for incredible views of the lower Manhattan skyline.
Other things to do in New York City:
- Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): This museum is located in midtown, so it would be a good option for day two while you are exploring the area. At MOMA, you can explore a wide range of modern and contemporary art from around the world. You’ll find works by famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and many more. You can also take part in interactive educational experiences to learn more about art movements and the lives of iconic artists.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus City Tour: This is great if you aren’t feeling up to all the walking! Your ticket allows you to board (unlimited times) during the day.
- The Morgan Library & Museum is one of New York City’s most renowned cultural landmarks. It’s also located in Midtown Manhattan, it houses an impressive collection of manuscripts and works by some of the world’s greatest artists, authors and musicians.
- New York City Helicopter Tour: For those looking to splurge, a helicopter tour is a memorable experience to see all of NYC’s best sights from above! There are several tour providers with various tour options.
Where (else) to Eat in New York City
- NYC Thin Crust Pizza This is a small pizza franchise in New York City and each location has its own name. The pizza here is a bit different from your traditional NYC-style pizza and has a super thin crust. They offer large pizzas to share or your party can also order individual personal pizzas with their own topping.
- Beauty and Essex is a unique dining experience that is so much fun! Hidden behind a pawn shop on the lower east side, enjoy a night of cocktails and drinks with friends. The menu includes everything from seafood to gourmet steaks and shareables for the entire table.
- Eataly’s SERRA by Birreria is located in the Flatiron district inside Eataly. This rooftop restaurant has beautiful decor that changes with the season and makes you feel like you are dining in southern Italy.
Other Tips to know before visiting New York City
- Come with a flexible plan and a priority list of the top sights and attractions that you want to see.
- Map everything out so that you can easily navigate the city and know where everything is (Hint you can use the map below to have the best 3-days in New York!
- Be sure to check out the New York City Pass or the Go City Explorer Pass to save money on multiple attractions.
- It will be impossible to see it all in one weekend, so make the best of your stay and try to have fun and enjoy the experience.
- No matter what time of year you visit, it will be busy… be prepared for crowds and lines 🙂
One Weekend in New York City Map
Here’s a nice and organized map to use during your 3-days in New York City! Feel free to download it and add your own stops to your weekend in NYC!
One Weekend in New York City isn’t enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in New York City that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day New York City itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in New York City.
Love weekend trips? Check out my entire library of USA Weekend Guides here!
Or here are other East Coast Getaways you may be interested in!
- One Weekend in Philadelphia, PA
- One Weekend in Pittsburgh, PA
- One Weekend in Boston, MA
- One Weekend in Washington, DC
About the Author!
Julie Dameron has been living in the New York City area for over 15 years. After moving here to be with her now husband, she spent many years living and working in the City before moving to the surrounding areas. She now enjoys taking day trips into the city with her 3 kids to show them the incredible sights it has to offer. You can find her on her blog Family Trips and Travels and on Instragram.
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