How to spend 3 Days in New York: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 3 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 itinerary to visit New York in 3 days.

I will start this guide with my best tips to avoid the long waiting lines (often more than 2 hours!) in front of the Empire State Building, or other must-see attractions.

Then, I will give you my optimized and detailed 3-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in the NYC.

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 things to do in New York in 3 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

As you surely know, New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world.

Tens of thousands of visitors every day are flocking to visit its emblematic attractions such as the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty!

You imagine that you sometime need to queue for hours before entering this city’s top tourist attractions.

Hopefully, there are a few ways to avoid this .

I am going to teach you 3 different options to beat the queue and save a ton of time (and money!) during your three days in New York.

1. The New York City Pass

The first solution to save time during your 3-day trip to New York, is to buy the New York City Pass. 

Most big cities offer City Passes these days. It’s really super convenient: you’ll bypass the queues and have priority entrances to the most famous tourist attractions of the city.

Another advantage: as the New York City Pass is 100% digital. You will just need to present your mobile ticket at the entrance of each included sites. No need for any paper ticket!

Just remember to check beforehand on the application if you need to reserve a date and time slot.

With the New York City pass, you will get skip the line tickets for 5 attractions:

• 2 “mandatory visits” – The Empire State Building (3rd 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 (3rd day)
  • Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum (3rd day)
  • Guggenheim Museum (1st day)

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

2. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

Another way to get priority access to the monuments you will visit during your 3-day itinerary in New York  is to buy the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

When you book this city pass, you will need to choose the number of tourist attractions you would like to visit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions. 

The pass allows you to choose between 90 attractions and activities. All the best things to do in New York during your 3-day visit are of course included!

After purchasing the New York Go City Explorer Pass, you will also be given a digital guide with attraction information including reservation instructions and opening hours, directions…

Here is a brief summary of 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.

You can find the full list of activities and book your New York Explorer Pass by clicking on the green button:

3. Fast track tickets for New York’s best tourist attractions

The last solution to save time is to buy skip-the-line tickets online for each attraction, depending on what you will want to visit during your 3-day itinerary in New York. 

I will now give you a list of all skip-the-line tickets and excursions that I will mention in this 3-day itinerary. For your convenience, you will also find these links throughout the article.

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

To see the prices and to book, just click on the links below:

3 Days in New York: Must-See Attractions:

•  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
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Madame Tussauds New York

One Last Tip for a Perfect 3-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 3 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now see how to visit New York in 3 days.

For each day, I will give you a detailed itinerary with all the details you need for your visits, along with a map of New York. This will help you optimize your trip and enjoy a stress-free stay in New York!

I assume that you will be staying in New York for 3 full days and that you have purchased the New York City Pass, the New York Go City Explorer Pass or Skip-the-Line tickets. This way you will be able to see as many places as possible during your 3 day stay!

If, after reading this article, you still have questions (or need help organizing your trip), you can ask me in the comments section at the very end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 3 days?

Day 1: Central Park, Museums, and the New York’s Most Iconic Landmarks

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 3-day New York trip by going to Central Park, an oasis amid the city’s concrete jungle.

Covering a vast area of 843 acres (3.1 km²), this park is the city’s green heart and an iconic location you simply can’t miss.

From the tranquil boat rides on the lake, to the Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon memorial, there are plenty of attractions to explore within the park itself.

Make also sure to check out my favorite spot, the Bethesda Terrace, known for its intricate stonework and picturesque views.

If you are visiting New York in 3 days with kids, don’t forget to visit Central Park Zoo (buy your fast track ticket here!) or see Alice in Wonderland Statue.

If you’re an early bird, you might even spot some of the park’s local fauna, such as raccoons and various bird species.

You have different ways to explore Central Park: on foot or by renting a bike (click here for more information).

For a more romantic moment you can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride or a pedicab tour.

B. Visit 1 or 2 Must-See Museums

Next, choose between 1 or 2 of the city’s most acclaimed museums:

• The American Museum of Natural History
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The Guggenheim Museum.

If you’re a fan of ‘Night at the Museum’, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit!

Here, you can learn about the mysteries of the universe and the evolution of life on Earth.

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:

On the other hand, if you’re an art aficionado, your best bet is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, boasting an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of art history.

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.

For modern and contemporary art lovers, the spiral-shaped Guggenheim Museum is a must-see.

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 your museum visit, it’s time to head over to Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets.

Even if you’re not into shopping, a walk along this prestigious avenue is a classic New York experience.

With luxury boutiques, top fashion brands, and the iconic Apple Store, Fifth Avenue is a shopper’s paradise.

Don’t forget to check out the historic Tiffany & Co, which has been a part of Fifth Avenue since 1940.

D. St Patrick’s Cathedral

A stone’s throw away from Fifth Avenue, you will find the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a must-see historical landmark in New York City.

This Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral is a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

I recommend spending a few moments here to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and the impressive architecture.

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, it’s time for a major New York highlight.

Head over to the Rockefeller Center and make your way to the Top of the Rock.

Once you’re there, you’ll get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.

I mean, who doesn’t want to see Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the One World Trade Center all at once?

It’s a truly unforgettable experience that’ll make you go ‘Wow’!

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

Without the pass, you need to book your ticket to Top of the Rock by clicking on the button below:

F. Times Square

After enjoying all those amazing views, it’s time to head on over to Times Square.

You’re not truly in New York until you’ve been dazzled by the bright lights of this iconic spot.

Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s noisy. But hey, it’s Times Square – the heartbeat of the city that never sleeps.

From massive billboards to street performers and a whole lot more, there’s always something happening here.

You should also visit the iconic stores, like the Disney Store and M&M’s World.

And that’s a wrap on Day 1!

You’ve made it through a busy day of sightseeing in the Big Apple, and hopefully, you’ve fallen in love with the city just as much as I have.

But don’t worry, we’re just getting started. Get ready for Day 2 of your amazing 3-day itinerary in New York.

Day 2: Sightseeing and activities in New York

Day 2 visits:

A. Brooklyn District and DUMBO
B. Brooklyn Bridge
C. Statue of Liberty
D. Financial District
E. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
F. One World Observatory
G. Little Italy / Chinatown

A. Brooklyn District and DUMBO

Let’s kick off Day 2 with a visit to the Brooklyn District.

Known for its unique vibe and cool eateries, Brooklyn is a place you’d surely enjoy exploring.

Take a stroll through its streets, soak in the local atmosphere, and maybe grab a coffee at one of the many hip cafes.

But don’t spend all your time here because your next stop, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, a specific part of Brooklyn), is waiting for you.

This neighborhood offers an unbeatable view of the Manhattan Skyline from its waterfront park. Plus, it’s got some fantastic places for food and shopping.

B. Brooklyn Bridge (and helicopter tour – optional)

Once you’ve had your fill of DUMBO, it’s time to walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

The Bridge is not just a landmark but also a superb vantage point offering panoramic views of the city.

Plan some time for photos, as you will for sure take a lot!

C. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

After experiencing the charm of Brooklyn, it’s time to catch a ferry at Battery Park. It will take you to the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

You will enjoy a 15 minutes boat ride, after which you can choose to disembark on Ellis island and view the Statue of Liberty up close, or if you’re pressed for time, just enjoy the view from the water and go back to Manhattan.

If you ask me, I think you should definitely step foot on Ellis Island, which once served as the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. The museum there is pretty interesting.

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 have the pass, you need to purchase your ferry tickets online by clicking here (audio guide included):

If you only prefer to do the cruise around the island, tickets are available here:

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

From there, we’re heading to the Financial District of New York, where fortunes are made (and sometimes lost) at the New York Stock Exchange.

Feel the buzz of Wall Street and don’t forget to pose with the famous Charging Bull. Fun fact: Did you know the bull symbolizes the optimism and prosperity of Wall Street?

And to learn more about the finance’s world, you should definitely book this guided tour during your 3-day stay in New York:

E. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Just a short walk from the hustle of Wall Street, you’ll find 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.

The two large reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers are a powerful sight, and you should absolutely visit the museum to understand more about that tragic day.

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!

F. One World Observatory

Next on your 3-day New York itinerary, it’s time to head up to the One World Observatory.

The elevator ride alone is an experience as you can see a short movie projected on the walls. You can observe New York’s transition from a land where there was nothing to the impressive buildings of today.

Once you’re at the top of One World Trade Center, the view is simply stunning!

I loved how you can literally see the entirety of Manhattan from this vantage point.

And don’t miss to stand over the Sky Portal, an impressive glass showing real-time street scenes 100 stories below.

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:

G. Little Italy and Chinatown

Wrap up your day with a journey to other continents without leaving the city.

First, stroll through Little Italy, which, as the name suggests, is filled with Italian shops and restaurants.

Then, just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find yourself in Chinatown with its hustle, bustle, and myriad of authentic eateries. Trust me, if you’re a foodie, these are must-visit areas.

Day 3 in New York: The best places to visit

Day 3 visits:

A. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
B. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
C. Madame Tussauds New York
D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters
E. Empire State Building
F. See a musical on Broadway

A. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Your final day in the city that never sleeps should begin with a visit to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

Here’s where you get to geek out over a range of cool military and space hardware.

Imagine strutting around on an actual aircraft carrier, or eyeballing a genuine British Airways Concorde, and even touching a piece of the moon.

You don’t need to be a hardcore aviation or maritime fan to enjoy this. It’s just fun to explore the insides of these gigantic machines, imagining what life would have been like aboard them.

Access to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is included with the New York City Pass or the New York Explorer Pass.

Without it, you need to book your ticket in advance by clicking here:

B. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Next, it’s time to hit the water and see New York from a different perspective.

A Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique view of the city’s skyline, including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

And you know what? The Circle Line cruise is included with the New York City Pass or the New York Explorer Pass. It would be a shame not to make the most of it!

Good news for those who haven’t bought a city pass for these 3 days in New York, you can buy your tickets for the cruises by clicking on the button below (and then choose from various options):

C. Madame Tussauds New York

I know, I know… why should you visit a wax museum during your 72 hours in New York?

But wait! Don’t be so quick to judge. Madame Tussauds is not a typical wax museum, it’s one of the best museums of its kind in the world (with the one in London).

This place is a full-on experience with its interactive exhibits and uncannily lifelike figures.

And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a selfie with Rihanna, Leonardo di Caprio or the Avengers?

You need to buy your tickets for Madame Tussauds here:

Free entrance to Madame Tussauds is included with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters

It’s now time to visit the heart of New York.

The New York Public Library is more than just books. Its magnificent architecture alone is worth the visit. But do take a peek inside. You might just get tempted to sit down and lose yourself in a good book!

Not far from the library is the Grand Central Terminal.

Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s still worth a visit. The architecture is, quite frankly, breathtaking.

Make sure to look up at the celestial ceiling and whisper in the Whispering Gallery. Yes, you heard it right – a corner where whispers from one corner can be heard clearly from the other. Cool, huh?

A stone’s throw away is the art-deco masterpiece, the Chrysler Building. While you can’t go inside, the view from the outside is more than enough to wow you.

Last but not least, don’t forget to drop by the United Nation Headquarters. If you’re interested in world affairs, this is the place for you. There are guided tours that give you insights into how the UN operates.

H. Empire State Building

Let’s move on to something tall, shall we? And by tall, I mean the iconic Empire State Building.

I bet you’ve seen it in countless movies, but trust me, seeing it in person is a whole other experience! It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in 3 days in New York.

You can visit during the day for great visibility, or in the evening to see the city’s lights. There’s something magical about standing at the top, wind in your hair, as you gaze down at the bustling city below. I loved it!

My advice? Try to be there at sunset. The transition from day to night is simply breathtaking from the Empire State Building.

The Empire State Building isn’t just a must-see for its views.

The building itself has a rich history. Did you know it was built in just over a year? Yep, the ’30s sure knew how to get things done. And if you’re into photography, the Art Deco style of the building is a joy to capture.

 To visit the Empire State Building, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

Access to the Empire State Building is included with the New York City Pass and the New York Explorer Pass.

F. See a Musical on Broadway

Now, what would a trip to New York be without a visit to Broadway? Even if you’re not a theatre buff, a Broadway show is a must-see. It’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else!

Seeing a Broadway show isn’t just about the performance; it’s about the atmosphere, the history, and the buzz of excitement that fills the air.

You can choose from long-running classics, like “Phantom of the Opera” or “Lion King,” or try a new, off-beat show. There’s something for everyone.

You can see all Broadway shows tickets and book them by clicking here!

Where to stay in New York?

You now know all the best places to visit during your 3-day trip to New York!

However, you still need to do 1 important thing before leaving: booking your hotel.

In order to help you out, I have prepared a 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 3 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 3 days with your family

This 3-day itinerary is also ideal if you plan to discover New York with your kids.

Even if New York is quite big, the public transport network is really good, making it super convenient for families to move around the city. You can reach most destinations very easily by metro.

Here is the list of the best things to do in 3 days in New York with your family:

• 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
• Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Madame Tussauds
• Broadway Show

As you can see, most tourist attractions in New York are perfect for a family trip!

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

More places to visit during your 3-day stay in New York

The itinerary you’ve just read really allows to see as many must-see attractions as possible in 3 days.

However, don’t hesitate to personalize 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 72 hours trip to New York!

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

Map of your 3-day itinerary in New York

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 3 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 3-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.

• Itinerary: 10 days USA West coast – How to visit Western USA in 9, 10 or 11 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks USA West coast – The perfect 14-15 days road trip!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks USA West coast – An epic 20-21 days road trip!

• Las Vegas: Top 30 Best things to do and must-see attractions
• Los Angeles: The 45 best places to visit
• New York: The 57 best things to do
• San Francisco: The 27 epic must-see attractions

• 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
• 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary
• 4 Days in New York – The perfect itinerary for your visit
• 5 Days in New York – Itinerary + Best things to do + My Tips
• One Week in New York – The perfect 7-day itinerary

• Where to stay in New York ? My guide of the best hotels for an EPIC stay!

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