Weekend in New York: The Best Itinerary for 2 days + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 2 days in New York and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect 2-day itinerary in New York.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

How to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time!) at New York’s tourist attractions

When you visit one of the most touristic cities in the world, you can expect to queue for several hours to visit the most famous tourist attractions.

In New York, the Empire State Building, the Rockfeller center or the ferry for the Statue of Liberty are always crowded by people who, like you, dream of discovering the Big Apple!

But don’t worry, with my tips, you can avoid that!

Here are the 3 ways to save time and optimize your 2-day itinerary in New York:

1. The New York City Pass

The first solution to save time during your 2-day trip to New York, is to buy the New York City Pass. 

This pass is really super convenient as you’ll get priority access to the most famous tourist attractions of New York!

The New York City Pass is also 100% digital. You just have to scan the tickets at the entrance of the sites on your phone.

With the New York City pass, you can visit 5 attractions:

• 2 “mandatory visits” – The Empire State Building (2nd day of your itinerary) and the American Museum of Natural History (1st day)
• Plus 3 of the following attractions:
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck (1st day)
  • Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (2nd day)
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum (2nd day)
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
  • Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
  • Guggenheim Museum (1st day)

You need to buy your New York City Pass for your week end in New York by clicking on the button below:

2. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

The New York Go City Explorer Pass is your 2nd option to get priority access to the main tourist attractions during your 2-day trip in New York.

There is a New York Pass available for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions. 

The duration of your stay doesn’t really matter, as this pass is based on the number of activities you would like to do during your 48 hours stay in New York.

The New York Go City Explorer Pass grants you access to no less than 90 places to visit and activities in New York!

Here are the most popular attractions included in the New York Go City Explorer Pass:

• The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• 9/11 Museum and Memorial
• Empire State Building
• MoMA
• American Museum of Natural History
• Top of the Rock
• One World Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Sightseeing
• St Patrick’s Cathedral Tour
• …and many many more!

To purchase your New York Explorer Pass, it’s very simple – you just have to click on the green button below:

3. Skip the line tickets for New York’s tourist attractions

If you don’t want to buy a pass, the last option for your 2-day stay in New York is to purchase skip the line tickets for each attraction you want to visit.

In order to make it easier for you, I have prepared the list of all skip the line tickets that will be useful for your week end in New York.

By purchasing them using these links, you are 100% sure to get the official tickets.

To check the prices and to book, just click on the links below (you’ll also find them throughout the article):

•  Central Park Zoo
• A private tour in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage
• A pedicab tour in Central Park – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version
• American Museum of Natural History
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Top of the Rock
• National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• One World Observatory
• Wall street guided tour
• Helicopter tour over New York
• Statue of Liberty
• Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
• Walking guided tour in Brooklyn
• Empire State Building
• Broadway show

One Last Tip for a Perfect 2-Day Stay in New York

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in New York by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in New York.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in New York, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

New York in 2 days: the best itinerary

It’s now time to plan your 48-hour itinerary in New York!

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits, as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

For this itinerary, I assume you will be spending 2 full days in New York and purchased a City Pass (New York City Pass / New York Go City Explorer Pass) or have purchased skip-the-line tickets.

That’s the best way to save time and money and see as many places as possible during your 2 day stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide or need help planning you trip, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 2 days?

Day 1 of this New York itinerary – Experience the Heart of New York City

Day 1 tourist attractions:

A. Central Park
B. Museums
C. Fifth Avenue
D. St Patrick’s Cathedral
E. Top of the Rock
F. Times Square

A. Central Park

Let’s start your 2-day New York itinerary with a visit to Central Park, the city’s largest urban oasis.

Nested in the heart of Manhattan, this 843-acre park (3.41 km²) offers a lush and tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. From lakes to gardens, from pathways to picnic spots, Central Park is a must-see attraction in New York.

Here are the best places to see in Central Park:

• The Strawberry Fields memorial dedicated to John Lennon
• The Bethesda Fountain
• The Belvedere Castle
• Central Park Zoo
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Bow Bridge
• Alice in Wonderland Statue.

You can choose to take a leisurely stroll or (simply click on the orange links below to book your activity):

• Rent a bike
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
• A pedicab tour – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version

Regardless of how you choose to explore New York’s most famous public park, you will undoubtedly enjoy the refreshing and serene ambiance of Central Park.

On a side note, as Central Park is featured in many films and TV shows, it’s a popular spot among cinephiles. Maybe you can recognize a few places from your favorite movies!

B. Visit 1 or 2 Must-See Museums

Just beside Central Park, you will find New York’s most renowned museums.

You can’t really visit them all if you’re spending 2-days in New York, so I recommend picking one or two that interest you the most.

• The American Museum of Natural History is a great option if you’re into paleontology, astronomy, or biology.

It’s well-known for its impressive dinosaur fossils and the famous Hayden Planetarium.

You can visit the American Museum of Natural history for free with the New York City Pass and the New York Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have a city pass, you need to book your tickets here:

• If you’re an art lover, head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

With over 2 million works, the Met boasts extensive collections spanning 5,000 years. Its rooftop offers fantastic views of Central Park!

You need to book your tickets on the official website.

And if you prefer a guided visit, you need to book it by clicking here.

• The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim not only famed for its modern and contemporary art collections, but also its unique spiraling architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Access to Guggenheim museum is included with the New York City Pass or the New York Explorer Pass.

Otherwise, you have to buy your tickets for the Guggenheim museum here:

C. Fifth Avenue

After soaking in some culture at the museums, it’s time to head to Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets.

Even if shopping isn’t your thing, a stroll down this iconic avenue is a must.

You can admire the stunning window displays of high-end stores like Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, and of course, the Apple Store with its distinctive glass cube entrance.

But remember, the best things in life are free… window-shopping included!

D. St Patrick’s Cathedral

Now, let’s make a pit-stop at St Patrick’s Cathedral, located right in the middle of Fifth Avenue.

This stunning Gothic-style cathedral is hard to miss and believe me, it’s even more impressive inside.

Whether you’re religious or not, stepping into this serene oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city is a special experience.

Don’t forget to look up and admire the beautiful stained glass!

Entry to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included in the New York Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have this city pass, you need to book your tickets here to be able to go inside:

E. Top of the Rock

Next up, we’re heading to Top of the Rock, the observatory deck at Rockefeller Center.

This is simply where you get one of the best panoramic views of New York City! (My favorite at least 😄)

You can see everything from the Empire State Building to Central Park. It’s simply breathtaking! Make sure to take your time here and snap some memorable pictures.

Even the ‘Sky Shuttle’ elevator, that takes you to the top, is an experience in itself with a dynamic light show. You’ll see, it’s super cool!

You need to book your ticket to Top of the Rock by clicking on the button below:

Access to Top of the Rock is included in the New York City Pass or the New York Explorer Pass.

F. Times Square

To end your first day in New York, head over to Times Square.

There’s nothing like seeing those huge electronic billboards light up the night. It’s like a scene straight out of a movie.

It’s the perfect spot to grab a late-night bite, do some souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy spending time in an (the?) most iconic part of New York. And yes, it’s touristy, but come on, it’s Times Square!

Day 2 of your weekend in New York

It’s now time for day 2 of your New York itinerary! Prepare yourself for another day packed with iconic landmarks and memorable experiences. Let’s jump right in.

Day 2 visits:

A. 9/11 Memorial and museum
B. One World Observatory
C. Financial District
D. Helicopter tour above New York
E. Statue of Liberty
F. Brooklyn Bridge
G. DUMBO
H. Empire State Building

A. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Start your 2nd day in New York by visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

This moving tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is an essential stop during your visit to New York.

You will be able to walk around the twin reflecting pools, which mark the footprint of the Twin Towers, and visit the museum, where you will learn more about 9/11 through multimedia displays and artifacts.

The visit of the National 9/11 memorial and museum is free with the New York City Pass or the New York Explorer Pass.

Without the pass, you need to book your tickets for the museum here:

If you prefer, you can also take a 90-minute guided walk around Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Book it here!

B. One World Observatory

Just a few steps away, you’ll find the One World Observatory, located at the top of One World Trade Center.

The elevator ride to the top alone is worth the visit.

The transformation of New York City from an undeveloped land to today’s skyline is shown on the walls of the elevator as you ascend. It’s like taking a time machine!

Once you’re at the top, the views are, as you imagine, pretty awesome!

My favorite part was the ‘Sky Portal’ where you can stand over a circular disc showing real-time street scenes 100 stories below. It really makes you feel like you’re walking on air!

Entrance to One World Observatory is free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the city pass, simply click on the green button below for more info and to book your tickets:

C. Financial District / Wall Street / New York Stock Exchange / Charging Bull

Let’s now head to the nearby Financial District, home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull statue.

This is where big deals are made, and fortunes are won or lost!

D. Helicopter tour above New York (optional)

You’re looking for a thrilling experience?

Well, buckle up!

Taking a helicopter tour above New York is a once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and also the perfect gift/surprise for your family or lover.

Seeing Manatthan island and its iconic skyscrappers from the air is really something, trust me!

Well, in fact, don’t just take my word for it. Hop on and see for yourself 😎

You need to book your helicopter tour here:

And if you have the guts, you can opt for a “door off” helicopter. This is just epic!

That’s what we did and it was simply the best moment of our trip!

E. Statue of Liberty

No trip to New York would be complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty.

You can catch a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island. Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty, and enjoy a great view of the Manhattan skyline from the island.

You need to purchase your tickets online by clicking here (audio guide included):

The New York City Pass and the New York Explorer Pass both includes round trip ferry ticket for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you don’t want to visit Liberty Island and just see the Statue of Liberty, you can also choose to do a cruise around the island.

You have to book it here:

F. Brooklyn Bridge

Next, it’s time leave Manhattan and cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Take a stroll across this historic bridge and enjoy the view!

If you’re feeling a bit tired, there’s no shame in grabbing a cab or hopping on the subway – but walking across the bridge is a truly classic New York experience!

G. DUMBO

After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll arrive in DUMBO, an acronym for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’. Pretty cool name, right?

This neighborhood is the epitome of industrial chic, with its cobblestone streets and towering brick buildings. The street art here is worth checking out too.

And let’s not forget about the super famous shot of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street. Yes, the one you’ve probably seen on every New York-themed Instagram feed. Well, here’s your chance to take your version of this iconic photo!

If you want to learn more about Brooklyn, its famous bridge and DUMBO, you can book this walking tour (click here) with Sean. He knows everything about the district and will make sure you have a great time!

H. Empire State Building

Finally, let’s end your 2-day trip to New York with a visit to the granddaddy of all skyscrapers: the Empire State Building.

As far as I’m concerned, no other skyscraper encapsulates the spirit of New York quite like this Art Deco masterpiece.

Hop into the elevator and get to the 86th floor. The view from up there? Unforgettable. And if you’re up for it (and purchased the correct ticket), you can even go up higher, to the 102nd floor.

To get to the Empire States Building from Dumbo, you will need to take metro line F at York St station and get down at 34 St – Penn Station.

Then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the Empire States building. That’s the easiest route!

Where to stay in New York?

Now that you know the best itinerary to visit New York in 2 days, there’s just one last thing to address: where to stay in New York?

In order to help you out, I have prepared this list of the best hotels in New York depending on your budget.

To be honest, it’s really not easy to find budget accommodation in New York. As you’d expect in a city that attracts so many tourists, the hotels have no hesitation in charging high prices.

In any case, you should book your accommodation in New York as early as possible to get the best prices.

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay for your 2 days in New York (around Times Square / Empire State Building / Central Park).

• HI New York City Hostel: Youth hostel located right next to Central Park. Dormitory beds from €50 per night. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in New York City Center!
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45: Located next to Grand Central Station. Bright and spacious double room from €200 per night. Strong Points: the rooftop and the location.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South: Located 1 km from Times Square. Cosy, comfortable double rooms from €330 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: friendly staff, view, peace and quiet.
• Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square: Located next to Madame Tussauds. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and comfortable bedding from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for visiting New York on foot, very generous breakfast, very friendly staff.
• The Iroquois New York: Located less than 500 metres from Times Square, this 5-star hotel offers superb rooms with very chic decor, from €410 including breakfast. Strong points: ideal, quiet location, attentive staff.
• Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: Located next to the Rockfeller Center. Very comfortable, noise-isolated room from €450, breakfast €23. Strong points: very professional staff, varied breakfast, very easy to visit the centre of New York on foot.
• Hard Rock Hotel New York: Located next to the Rockfeller Center, this luxury hotel offers elegant, contemporary rooms from €500, breakfast €47. Strong points: the rooftop, the comfort, the classy design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in New York!

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the centre (don’t worry, it’s still very easily accessible by public transport), here is my list of the best hotels in Wall Street.

It’s a bit quieter than the hotels in Times Square and also slightly less expensive for equivalent quality.

• Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown: Located 160 metres from Battery Park. Comfortable, modern rooms from €225, breakfast €23. Strong points: the location close to the metro, very comfortable, practical for going to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
• The Washington by LuxUrban: Located 200 metres from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. Stylish rooms from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: metro stations right next to the hotel – perfect for sightseeing, view of the One World Trade Center, quality of bedding, peace and quiet.
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Located next to Ground Zero. Spacious and cosy double room from €330. Strong points: location next to several metro stations, views from the rooftop and some rooms, free unlimited water and coffee/tea, in-room fridge.

New York in 2 days with kids

If you’ve planned to spend 48h in New York with your family, you will be happy to hear that this itinerary is totally doable with kids.

Here are is a quick recap to make the most of your weekend in New York:

• Go to the Central Park Zoo
• Visit The American Museum of Natural History instead of the Met or the Guggenheim. They’re more likely to be interested in dinosaur fossils than paintings. 😅
• Going to the top of The Rock, the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building. 
• Pass by the M&M and Disney’s stores in Times Square and the Lego’s store on Fifth Avenue
• Take the boat to the Statue of Liberty. 

Both the New York City Pass and the New York Explorer Pass are available for children (prices depends on their age).

Other places to visit during your 2-day stay in New York

The itinerary you’ve just read is the best way to see as many must-see attractions as possible in 2 days.

However, don’t hesitate to personnalize it by modifying or adding activities!

For that, you should read my guide of New York. It’s packed with many more ideas for an amazing two-day trip to New York!

You can read it here: The 57 best things to do in New York. 

Map of your 2-day itinerary in New York

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 2 days in New York, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day. You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

Flight prices to New York

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to New York, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You need help to plan your 2-day trip to New York? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section located below!

You’re traveling in the US? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about USA: All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

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