3 days in New York itinerary
A balanced 3-day New York City plan combining iconic sights with neighborhood discoveries, local meals, mindful breaks, and realistic transfers. Walks and transit are paced so you can enjoy museums, parks, neighborhoods and Brooklyn without rushing.
Highlights
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art & Central Park
- High Line, Chelsea Market and Greenwich Village
- Brooklyn Bridge + DUMBO sunset
- MoMA and Midtown shopping
- Local meals at well-regarded neighborhood restaurants
Itinerary
Day 1
Uptown museums and Central Park in the morning, Midtown viewpoints and a lively evening in Times Square / Midtown.
Breakfast at Café Sabarsky
A refined Viennese-style breakfast to start the day near the Upper East Side museums.
Local tips:
- Order a classic Austrian pastry and coffee; café can be busy on weekends.
- Located inside the Neue Galerie — short walk to The Met.
- If you prefer quicker coffee, ask for takeaway and walk to The Met.
Walk to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (transfer)
Short walk across the Upper East Side to the main entrance of the Met.
Local tips:
- Allow 10–20 minutes depending on pace; enjoy the streets along 5th Avenue.
- Pick up a map at the Met entrance to prioritize galleries.
- Restroom facilities are available inside the museum.
Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Major collections: European paintings, arms & armor, ancient art and rooftop views (seasonal). Focus on 1–2 sections you care about most.
Local tips:
- Buy timed-entry tickets or arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds.
- If short on time, prioritize the European paintings and Egyptian galleries.
- Rooftop (seasonal) offers great park and skyline views.
Stroll in Central Park — Bethesda Terrace & The Mall
A relaxed walk through one of the Park’s most iconic spots between The Met and mid-park areas.
Local tips:
- Good spots for photos: Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes; there are benches along the route.
- If weather is nice, consider a short row-boat rental near the Loeb Boathouse (time permitting).
Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
Casual sit-down lunch by the lake — a calm mid-day meal after your park stroll.
Local tips:
- If you want a quieter option, request a lakeside table (seasonal).
- Service can be slower at peak times; allow time so you aren’t rushed.
- They offer a mix of sandwiches and full entrees — good for groups.
Transfer to Rockefeller Center / Columbus Circle area
Subway or quick taxi down to Midtown for afternoon viewpoints.
Local tips:
- From the Upper East Side, take the subway downtown (crosstown transfer) or hail a cab for ~15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
- Use the 59th St - Columbus Circle station as a central transfer point.
- Check for service advisories on the MTA app if taking the subway.
Top of the Rock observation deck
Panoramic city views including a direct view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Local tips:
- Best light is late afternoon for warm tones — reserve tickets with a time slot.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for security and elevator queues.
- Bring a camera; the viewing levels give different photo opportunities.
Quick walk through Times Square
Experience the lights and energy of Times Square; short stop for photos and people-watching.
Local tips:
- Keep belongings secure — it’s crowded.
- This is a short experience; nearby restaurants and theaters are accessible if you want to extend.
- Evening lights are best after sunset; this visit is brief to keep nice pacing.
Dinner — Ippudo Westside (ramen)
Flavorful ramen in Midtown West for a satisfying, local-favorite dinner.
Local tips:
- Ramen houses can have waits — go early or add your name to the list and explore nearby blocks while you wait.
- Try a tasting order to sample broth styles if sharing.
- They offer vegetarian options; ask staff for recommendations.
Evening rest / short park break (Bryant Park)
Unwind in Bryant Park with a coffee or dessert — a pleasant green space near midtown hotels and transit.
Local tips:
- There are pop-up food kiosks and seating in good weather.
- If you’re staying in Midtown, this is a convenient place to orient for tomorrow.
- Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the park.
Day 2
Village charm, Chelsea’s market culture, High Line stroll, then downtown to the 9/11 Memorial and a sunset walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO.
Breakfast at Buvette (West Village)
Classic French small plates and coffee in a cozy West Village spot — great start before exploring the Village.
Local tips:
- Small interior — early arrival recommended.
- Try a light savory tartine or croissant with coffee.
- Cashless — card payments only.
Explore Greenwich Village (neighborhood stroll)
Wander tree-lined streets, Washington Square Park, independent shops and coffeehouses.
Local tips:
- Walk slowly and peek into side streets for unique shops and architecture.
- Washington Square Park is lively — good for street musicians and people-watching.
- Bring a reusable bottle; there are small spaces to rest.
Transfer to Chelsea Market (via short subway or taxi)
Move north-west to Chelsea for market browsing and lunch.
Local tips:
- Take a quick subway ride (A/C/E to 14th St) or a 10–20 minute cab depending on traffic.
- Chelsea Market is compact — plan which vendors you want to sample.
- Allow extra time if you want to visit the High Line head gates nearby.
Lunch at Chelsea Market
Food-hall style lunch with many vendors — great for groups with different tastes.
Local tips:
- Try to arrive before peak noon to avoid long lines.
- Popular vendors sell out midday — consider grabbing small bites from different stalls.
- There are both indoor and limited outdoor seating options.
Walk the High Line
Elevated park built on a former rail line with art, gardens and skyline views — good calm-to-lively transition.
Local tips:
- Enter near Chelsea Market to walk south-to-north or vice versa; plan direction based on daylight.
- Benches and viewpoints are spaced out — stop for photos at sunset if timing allows.
- The High Line can be windy — bring a light layer.
Transfer to 9/11 Memorial / One World area
Subway or taxi downtown to the Financial District for the memorial and observatory.
Local tips:
- Plan about 30–45 minutes for transit depending on transfers; allow extra time for security at memorial/observatory.
- Use PATH or subway lines to reach the World Trade Center complex.
- Check operating hours and pre-book tickets for One World Observatory if visiting inside.
Visit One World Observatory / 9/11 Memorial (downtown)
Reflect at the memorial pools and, if desired, ascend One World Observatory for sweeping waterfront views.
Local tips:
- Memorial plaza is outdoors and accessible; the museum and observatory have separate timed tickets.
- Allocate time for security lines and bag checks.
- Sunset from One World or the nearby waterfront is exceptional.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Scenic late-afternoon walk from Manhattan into Brooklyn — iconic skyline views and photo opportunities.
Local tips:
- Start the walk from the Manhattan side for classic skyline shots of DUMBO.
- The bridge can be crowded near sunset; keep pace steady and be mindful of bicyclists.
- Bring a light jacket — it can be breezy on the bridge.
Explore DUMBO and grab golden-hour photos
DUMBO’s waterfront and Washington Street viewpoints are perfect for skyline and bridge photos.
Local tips:
- The Washington Street photo spot (Pebble Beach) is popular — visit early in the golden hour to avoid crowds.
- Stroll Brooklyn Bridge Park piers for different views and benches to rest.
- There are cafes and shops nearby for a quick snack before dinner.
Dinner at Juliana's Pizza (DUMBO)
Classic coal-oven pizza in Brooklyn — a local favorite near the waterfront.
Local tips:
- Juliana's can have a line — arriving early or making a reservation (if available) helps.
- Share a couple of pies to sample different toppings.
- Outdoor seating options may be available seasonally.
Transfer back to Manhattan (subway from High St)
Evening subway ride back to Manhattan; relax and reflect on the day’s skyline views.
Local tips:
- High St - Brooklyn Bridge Station gives easy access northwest back into Manhattan.
- Subway trains run frequently; check MTA for any late-night service changes.
- Bring a MetroCard or use contactless payment for quick access.
Day 3
A museum morning on the Upper West Side, mid-day MoMA in Midtown, easy Fifth Avenue walk, and a relaxed East Village dinner to finish.
Breakfast at Levain Bakery (Upper West Side)
Hearty cookies and coffee to fuel a museum-packed morning. Quick, local favorite.
Local tips:
- Levain is famous for its cookies—grab one to go if you plan to eat at the museum.
- Lines can form; aim to arrive early to avoid waits.
- They have multiple locations; this plan uses the Upper West Side location near AMNH.
American Museum of Natural History
Explore dinosaurs, the planetarium (if you book separately) and wide-ranging natural history exhibits.
Local tips:
- Pick 2–3 halls to focus on (e.g., dinosaurs, fossils, and the Hall of Biodiversity) to make the most of your time.
- Planetarium shows require separate timed tickets — plan ahead if interested.
- Locker and coat check available for larger bags.
Transfer to Columbus Circle / Lincoln Center area
Short transit or walk to the Columbus Circle area for a quick transfer and lunch options.
Local tips:
- The walk down Central Park West to Columbus Circle is scenic and takes about 15–25 minutes.
- Subway options include the B/D at 59th St - Columbus Circle for quicker travel.
- Use this time to rehydrate and check your route to Midtown.
Lunch at Zabar's (Upper West Side deli)
Classic New York deli and smoked fish counter for a relaxed deli lunch.
Local tips:
- Order a bagel and lox or one of their prepared salads; counters can be busy at noon.
- Zabar’s also has packaged goods to buy as souvenirs or snacks for the day.
- Seating is limited — take food to a nearby park bench if you prefer.
Transfer to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
Travel to Midtown to visit MoMA for an afternoon of modern and contemporary art.
Local tips:
- Subway or a short cab will get you to 53rd St quickly; allow 20–30 minutes door-to-door.
- Check MoMA’s current special exhibitions and timed-entry options before you go.
- If you have an NY museum reciprocity pass, bring it to speed entry.
Visit MoMA
See masterpieces of modern art — prioritize rooms or artists you don’t want to miss (e.g., van Gogh, Warhol).
Local tips:
- MoMA can be crowded; head to the most important galleries first.
- Audio guides and maps are available to streamline your visit.
- Allow time in the museum shop for curated design products if interested.
Break at Bryant Park
Relax with a coffee or light snack in Bryant Park; good mid-afternoon breather.
Local tips:
- Sit by the seasonal green and watch passersby — good spot for people-watching.
- There are kiosks for coffee and snacks if you didn’t pack food.
- Free public seating is available when not reserved for events.
Walk along Fifth Avenue (shopping / window shopping)
Stroll the famous avenue for flagship stores, architecture, and Midtown energy.
Local tips:
- If shopping, concentrate on a few stores to avoid overextending; window shopping is a great alternative.
- Outdoor walking is the best way to absorb the avenue — use crosswalks and pedestrian phases.
- Take photos of store facades and landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Dinner — Momofuku Noodle Bar (East Village)
Finish with an East Village favorite for inventive ramen and small plates.
Local tips:
- Reservations may be limited; consider going early or be prepared for a short wait.
- Share a couple of dishes to sample the menu variety.
- East Village has many nearby dessert spots for a post-dinner stroll.
Optional nightcap / farewell stroll in East Village (Death & Co)
Cap the trip with a cocktail at a respected East Village cocktail bar or a relaxed neighborhood walk.
Local tips:
- Death & Co is a popular cocktail bar — reservations recommended, otherwise expect a wait.
- If the bar is busy, plenty of nearby lounges or bakeries are open for a relaxed end to the night.
- Walking back to transit is straightforward — plan 20–30 minutes to reach major subway lines.