Perfect New York Itinerary: 3 Days from Manhattan to Brooklyn
People often ask me if 3 days is enough to spend in New York City. For short trips, 3 days is definitely enough, but if you want to explore the surrounding areas by car, it might be a bit rushed. 3 days is more than enough to explore the shops, malls, landmarks, museums, restaurants, and more in downtown New York City!
In this article, I'll suggest a 3-day itinerary for New York City. Ultimately, you can decide how to plan your trip after reading this article. Because you're sure to get some interesting ideas!
See all flights
Pre-Departure Preparations for New York: My Practical Tips
- Trip.com offers the New York City Pass, which includes access to major attractions such as the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It can save you over 40%!
- As for accommodation, while everyone wants to stay in Manhattan, if you're looking for a balance between budget and experience, Long Island City is a truly underrated option. It's just one subway stop from Manhattan and offers fantastic skyline views.
- Also, rather than agonizing over choosing a SIM card after landing, having an eSIM in advance gives me peace of mind. I can use navigation immediately upon arrival without having to circle around looking for a signal!
Day 1: Reliving Classic Manhattan
The first day can be spent in Lower Manhattan.
In the morning, visit the 9/11 Memorial to experience its tranquility and the weight of history. Then, take the classic Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park. Although crowded, the feeling of watching the Statue of Liberty slowly pass by on the deck is still very New York.
In the afternoon, explore Chinatown and the Little Italy. In New York, the best lunches are often found in these bustling neighborhoods. In the evening, I highly recommend Greenwich Village. The low-rise red brick buildings and ubiquitous jazz clubs are the most authentic New York seen in American TV shows.
Statue of Liberty
Day 2: Skywalk and Modern Perspective
On the second day, explore this vibrant city from a different angle. The High Line is a place I always walk through whenever I visit. From a former abandoned railroad to a modern aerial oasis, the visual impact is fantastic. The High Line ends at Hudson Yards.
If you're interested in technology or history, the nearby Intrepid Museum is worth a visit. In the evening, don't forget to stroll through Times Square: the numerous LED screens and crowds create a truly magical atmosphere. If you still have energy, save the remaining time for a Broadway show.
Times Square
Day 3: Slow Moments in Central Park and the Brooklyn Night
On our last day, we can slow down. Wake up early and head to Central Park. Find a spot on the grass and watch locals walk their dogs and jog. Spend the afternoon strolling along Fifth Avenue. Even if you don't buy anything, looking at the shop windows is a treat!
In the afternoon, I recommend saving it for the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk across the bridge and admire the Manhattan skyline. After crossing the bridge, stay in the DUMBO area until dark. When the lights on the other side come on, you'll understand why this scene is always featured in movies—it's truly beautiful.
Brooklyn Bridge
NYC Travel Tips: Food, Budget & Best Time to Visit
What to eat in New York
Bagels and pizzas are the soul of life here. If you have trouble deciding, just browse Trip.com's local food section. You'll often find well-reviewed but not overly touristy eateries!
Regarding budget
Expenses in New York are quite flexible. I usually recommend booking hotels and flights through Trip.com's package deals. Wouldn't it be better to use the money saved to treat yourself to a nice dinner or catch a good show?!
Best time to visit
May and September are my top choices. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for aimlessly wandering the streets!
New York eSIM
Day Trips in New York
See all attractions
92087 booked
🚗 Rent a Car in New York
Car Rentals
Car Rental Promo Code - 8% Off
New User Enjoy up to 8% Off
TRIPCAR8
🔥 Recommended Hotels in New York
New York Hotels
5 star
Very Good192 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.31km from city center
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to Times Square. The front desk upgraded us to a room facing the square during check-in, which was a nice bonus! 👍
The room was quite small. It was difficult to open two large suitcases, making it feel more suitable for a solo traveler; it would be quite cramped for two people. Housekeeping was quick to respond when we requested water.
The breakfast restaurant had a nice ambiance, and everything was à la carte. The food was decent. However, the hotel didn't inform us in advance that there was a credit limit for breakfast included in our stay, nor did they mention it at check-out. We never received an electronic bill either. We only found out about the charges when we saw them on our credit card statement later. This process is really unreliable; I almost thought the hotel was overcharging me! This issue brings my service rating down from what would have been a 4.5 to a 3.5.
Thankfully, Trip.com customer service was very helpful. We only learned the full story through their communication, and they eventually resolved everything perfectly. I want to specifically commend them for that! 👍From$286
Very Good114 Reviews
Gramercy New York|3.76km from city center
This is a great hotel
1. First of all, the location is very good, located on Park Avenue and 28th Street, next to Fifth Avenue and only 1 minute away from the 28th Street subway station, which is very convenient for going to North or South Manhattan. We took the subway to Sumit, then walked along the way to Times Square and the shopping street, and finally passed the Empire State Building and walked back in less than half an hour!
2. A 5-minute walk away is a large supermarket WholeFood. It has a large buffet restaurant with a lot of oriental food, which is very convenient and delicious. There are nearly 10 kinds of soups to choose from. The buffet has a lot of cold dishes and cooked food. It feels like the problem of eating is completely solved. In addition, it also includes a sushi restaurant and a pizza restaurant, so no matter what kind of diet you need, it can be solved. Although the price is not as cheap as imagined, in New York, I think it is worth the money 😊
3. Although the equipment in the room is a bit old, it is modern so it doesn't look old. In addition, the size of the room is considered large in New York, which is a big advantage.
4. We stayed here for four nights. Room number 1401 was at least very quiet. The air conditioner, which is the most criticized in the United States, was very noisy. It didn't happen here at all. And its LCD air conditioner control was the simplest and most convenient to adjust by myself that I have ever used, so I slept well for four nights.
5. The staff is of good quality and helpful. The room service is mainly Chinese, so there is no problem in communication. They are also very polite, so I think this is a plus.Very Good636 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.2km from city center
I recently stayed for a business trip and it was exactly what I needed. The location is unbeatable, right in the heart of the business district with easy access to offices, yet just steps away from major shopping centers.The room was exceptionally large, clean, and modern, offering a perfect, quiet workspace for my meetings. The staff were professional, responsive, and went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. Highly recommend this for both business travelers looking for efficiency and leisure travelers wanting to be near the action. I will definitely be returning!”From$293
Very Good118 Reviews
Greenpoint New York|4.24km from city center
My girlfriend and I stayed in a large king suite complete with balcony and stunning view of NYC over the East River. We had an excellent room service breakfast the following morning. Would def recommend and return again one day!From$286
Very Good166 Reviews
New York City Center New York|5.34km from city center
The breakfast selection was fantastic, featuring congee, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, salmon, cheese, various yogurts, and even dumplings. Of all the hotels in New York, this one likely caters best to Chinese tastes. I was particularly pleased to be able to enjoy two bowls of congee for breakfast. Plus, the room was very clean.From$180
Business travel
Very Good150 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.37km from city center
Environment: Okay, alright.
Environment: This should be fine by now.
Service: I understand that.
Hygiene: Uh-huh.
Hygiene: I want you to understand a bit.
Service: Very good, looking forward to new works.
Environment: Very good, very close to the river, very convenient.From$124
Very Good118 Reviews
SoHo New York|1.14km from city center
Room and sheets were very clean and I was given a quiet spot which I was really happy about. Water was well heated and pressure was perfect as well. Loved that I was able to cast my phone screen on to the TV as well. Room size was perfect for me because I was travelling solo. Location was safe and very convenient as well. But I have to say I was disappointed by the lack of bottled water and kettle in the room. I had to get my own bottle and refill it downstairs daily. Apart from this, I’d say I had a great experience and will definitely consider staying here again when I’m back in New York.From$121
Very Good1862 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.28km from city center
Best room service we’ve ever had!! The cleaning staff were incredible and made it feel like a new room each day!
Location is right next to the park where Statue of Liberty tours take place, but several miles from Times Square and Fifth Avenue. There are PLENTY of subways around to get you uptow in 30ish minutes though!
Breakfast is at a restaurant in the same building, typical no frills buffet but we enjoyed it.
It’s definitely not as fancy and outstanding as the double tree hotels we’ve stayed at in other cities, but NYC tends to do that with its long-established buildings which are often converted into other types of establishments over time. We were happy with our stay in the end and would come again!From$135
Very Good135 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.38km from city center
This is an older, established hotel with an excellent location right in Midtown Manhattan. It's convenient for taking the subway to the train station. I really appreciated the security guard checking room cards before entering the elevators in the lobby – it made me feel very safe. The room and bathroom were small, likely due to the hotel's age, and the poor soundproofing was a definite downside. The air conditioning was quite loud, but the temperature was stable. The view from the window was nice; you could even see The Edge. Housekeeping cleaned the room daily, and both the security guard and the housekeeping staff were very polite. I arrived from San Francisco at 10 AM, and it was raining and snowing and freezing outside. The front desk said I had to wait until 4 PM to check in, or pay an extra $75 for early check-in, which I couldn't do. Luggage storage wasn't free either; they charged $5 per bag.From$135
Very Good135 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.31km from city center
Room was quite small and basic, and walls were thin. Staff was very helpful. There is no on site restaurant except for the steakhouse so it was not an option for my 15 night stay to dine there every night. Great location near to Central station. Overall, it was a pleasant stay.Family friendly
Very Good51 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.45km from city center
Fenomenal location close to everything + subway
Just be aware that there is the Roof Top Bar with Lou music friday-saturday until 4AM (18th floor) we could hear it a little bit from 9th floor so closer floors might have suffered it a little more...or they maybe joined the party??!!! Needs to be 21 to get in.
Saturday Sundays entry is admitted to everyone as they offer Brunch Service there.
The grab&go thing is great for breakfast and also if you want to grab something to eat during long days visiting the city. Also ask for free water if needed!!!
The 10 dollars to spend every day per room is also good as you can use them to get some extra food or coffee or beer or discount when using the hotel bar/restaurants/club facilities.
In brief, very good place to stay in New YorkFrom$159
Very Good61 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.47km from city center
The hotel being at the heart of Midtown Manhattan is stone throw away from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square, the Theater District, Central Park, port authority bus terminal, among many others. There are also lots of grocery stores and restaurants around so you won't worry about food. Staffs are helpful and when you're out of room, they do daily housekeeping, just make sure you remove the ”occupied room” tag on your doorknob. They support sustainability through providing a water dispenser instead of bottled water. The room size is good. Having a mini kitchen is a plus, with microwave oven, kitchen sink, water kettle and mini refrigerator. Overall, we enjoyed our stay especially the hotel's proximity to lots of attractions. Thank you, Beldevere Hotel!From$123
Very Good96 Reviews
Upper East Side New York|6.2km from city center
Great Stay, Prime Location!
I had a wonderful stay at Park Lane Hotel, New York. The hotel is situated in a fantastic location, just steps away from Central Park and many of New York's iconic attractions. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making the check-in process smooth and easy. The room was spacious, clean, and offered a great view of the city, providing a relaxing atmosphere after a day of sightseeing.
The hotel’s amenities were top-notch, and I especially appreciated the comfortable bed and the stylish, modern decor. The proximity to public transport made getting around the city very convenient. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting New York. Will definitely consider staying here again on my next trip!From$452
Great42 Reviews
SoHo New York|1.24km from city center
I looked a lot online and saw that various hotels had bad reviews, so I just picked one at random. I didn't expect it to be a pleasant surprise. The front is not big, but the staff are very enthusiastic when I go in. The room is much larger than I expected, and there is a separate sink and a sofa, which is suitable for family travel. The room is cleaned every day, and chocolates that can help you sleep are placed at the head of the bed. Soho is around, and the nearby restaurants are also blindly selected, but they are delicious. I also found a treasure cake shop, which should be opened by Japanese, but it is not sweet, and the cream tastes very good. Banana and strawberry cakes are more suitable for Chinese tastes~ I will stay again~From$432
Very Good105 Reviews
Tribeca New York|0.57km from city center
Incredibly noisy, even on the top floors. The live music can be loudly heard the rooms (stayed on the 8th floor) due to open ceiling from ground floor all the way to the top floor. No escaping from it, no matter which room you get.From$239
Gym
Very Good64 Reviews
New York City Center New York|4.46km from city center
The hotel has great location, old furniture, shower and they didn’t give me high floor room. The elevators are slow and need to wait forever to catch one. The photos from the hotel don’t match with the reality, in reality everything is super old, reception is bad and I don’t understand in what reality this hotel has 4 stars. I’ll come back to New York but will choose another hotel in the same location.From$148
Very Good179 Reviews
Gramercy New York|4.07km from city center
The hotel was perfectly located in the middle or close to all the major attractions. The staffs were friendly and helpful. However, when I arrived the gym was out for a few days and the hotel itself was under construction. The rooms were spacious. I would recommendFrom$127
Very Good112 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.78km from city center
The bedding in the room was incredibly comfortable, absolutely top-notch! It rivaled that of high-end luxury hotels. There was a coffee machine that could also boil water (single-serving size). The room was a bit small, but the bathroom was quite large. You couldn't open two suitcases simultaneously. The front desk and cleaning staff were very efficient. It could get a bit noisy on weekend nights due to people drinking nearby. However, there are plenty of shops and supermarkets in the vicinity, and the ferry and subway are within walking distance. In the mornings, the lobby offered coffee and hot water, perfect for making tea.From$109
Very Good138 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.03km from city center
We got upgraded which was very nice. The place was beautiful. Only thing is that our room we couldn’t adjust the temperature and in November having the AC on and not being able to turn it off made the room very cold. Otherwise everything else was great. Location was perfect for us because we had a wedding close by. Night time gets a little weird. Wall st use to be a quiet area but it became a party place at night.From$199
Very Good140 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.02km from city center
Nice 4* hotel closed to popular Times Square and Hard Rock cafe with easy access to lots of food and amenities. City Subway is just 2mins walk from the hotel lobby
Helpful staff and room is comfortable and clean
Got free pass for general admission fo American Museum of Natural History
Will stay at this Westin again in next visit to NYFrom$258
Breakfast
Very Good89 Reviews
Chelsea New York|3.64km from city center
Brought my family to New York City to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in the checkout the sites and I absolutely couldn’t be happier with my accommodations. Amazing service I couldn’t believe how awesome the front desk in the people taking care of our luggage before and after check-in check out. 5 STARS ⭐️ ALL DAY. Thank you 🙏From$109
Very Good138 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.32km from city center
The front desk staff were proactive in trying to solve problems, but the cleanliness of the room was disappointing. We didn’t want to know, but we ended up learning the hair color of the previous guest.
Having only two elevators was an inconvenience, but the relaxed pace of travel made it more tolerable. The hot water and coffee were really great.From$157
Very Good351 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.01km from city center
The hotel's location is good, within walking distance of Times Square. However, due to ongoing road construction nearby, traffic is very congested, and taxi wait times are long. The room is small but clean, though there's no complimentary drinking water, so you have to buy your own. The bar staff on the lobby level are very nice and provide free iced and hot water. The shower curtain in the bathroom shower stall is quite short and high off the ground, causing a lot of water to splash out when showering. One early morning, the hotel alarm went off; even though the announcement said it was a false alarm, it continued to ring intermittently for a long time before finally quieting down.From$89
Great138 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.71km from city center
I love Arlo. I stay at Arlo pretty often. But this time was off. I came back to my room in the evening, they cleaned it, but they didn’t take out the trash from the terrace and it started the rain. And I didn’t have coffee capsules (pods) at all. I called to reception and girl was like oh do you have a coffee machine in your room I was like yes I do. And a guy came at 11pm and was cleaning the terrace.From$143
Good107 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.15km from city center
I must say the location was perfect and very central. Close to nearly everything.
Things weren’t great from the check in as I was sent to two different rooms (both being occupied) with other people’s belongings inside. However this was escalated to management and they handled it well.
There were not many amenities in the room however the ideal location and stunning views made up for the loss.
Overall I would consider staying here again.From$172
FAQs about New York Itinerary 3 Days
-
Is 3 days enough for NYC?
-
Where should I stay in NYC?
-
How to save on NYC costs?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending Searches
-
Getting around
-
Popular attractions
-
Connectivity
-
Trending Searches
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
- Shanghai Tower Tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Universal Studios Japan Tickets
- Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry
- Sphere Tickets
- Chengdu Panda
- Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
- Great Wall of China
- Edge New York Tickets
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Beijing studio minisite
- Cheap Tickets for Shanghai Disneyland
- New Years Eve
- cheap honeymoon destinations
- what is the oldest religion
- taipei night market
- Christmas
- Best time to visit Cancun
- Cancun All Inclusive Resorts
- Things to do in Cancun
- Winter Park Ski Resort
- Zoo Lights
- Beijing Weather
- Layover Flight
- Las Vegas Airport Shuttle
- Air China Transit Hotel
- China High Speed Rail Child Ticket
- Manila Grand Opera Hotel location
- Louvre Museum
- Hotels near Madrid Atocha Railway Station
- Royal Plaza Hotel location
- Hong kong airport express
- hotel-poi
- Flights from this city to this airport
- Flight times between these cities
- Hotel location
- Hotel rankings