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!
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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!
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🔥 Recommended Hotels in New York
New York Hotels
5 star
Great282 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.83km from city center
Really a pleasant surprise for us!
Initially, we planned to book another 5-star hotel, but due to the long weekend most places were fully booked, so we chose this one instead.
We honestly didn’t have very high expectations at first, but the room completely exceeded them. It’s new, spacious, very clean, and well equipped. The staff are friendly, fast, and efficient. We were also pleasantly surprised to find a water filter machine in the room, along with complimentary water bottle
The bed is incredibly comfortable, and the view is lovely too.
Definitely worth the money 🫶🏻FromIDR 7,913,033
Very Good187 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! 👍FromIDR 5,500,922
336 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.12km from city center
The location is very convenient, close to Times Square for shows. I didn't give 5 stars for service because the breakfast area was very crowded with limited seating, requiring guests to wait a significant amount of time at the restaurant entrance until everyone from their room arrived. If you're in a hurry in the morning, this could cause you to miss your plans or be too late to get a breakfast spot. Be sure to factor in waiting time.FromIDR 4,453,128
Very Good657 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.2km from city center
The room size is a real advantage for this area; two large beds, three people, and three suitcases fit perfectly without feeling cramped. The sofa is comfortable, and the desk is good for working, making the room a pleasant place to relax. There are several restaurants to choose from, and the breakfast menu is extensive and delicious. The 'Stranger Things' theater is right downstairs, which is convenient, and the location is excellent. Highly recommended, I'll definitely choose this place again next time. My only minor issue is the daily $45 destination fee, which was charged even when I spent more at the hotel restaurants. I plan to write to them to inquire about it. Otherwise, no complaints.FromIDR 6,810,666
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!FromIDR 6,824,309
Business travel
Very Good159 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.37km from city center
I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Financial District. The location was excellent—right next to Staten Island Ferry, making it perfect if you're planning to visit the Statue of Liberty. The walk to major attractions and nearby food options was very convenient.
However, for the price I paid, I expected a better experience. There was a lot of construction happening outside, which was quite noisy and disruptive. While the location is great, the overall stay could have been much better if not for the ongoing construction and some other amenities that didn’t quite meet my expectations.
Overall, a decent choice for its location, but there’s room for improvement considering the cost.FromIDR 2,873,250
Very Good119 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.FromIDR 3,710,940
Very Good1995 Reviews
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.28km from city center
I stayed at this hotel on my last day in New York. It's conveniently located near Wall Street, making subway access a breeze. This was especially helpful as I had a helicopter tour booked in New York, and getting to the heliport from here was very easy. It was also super convenient for heading to San Francisco and Kennedy Airport later on. The hotel is quite high-rise, offering fantastic views, including the Hudson River. The front desk staff were polite and friendly, and luggage storage was available on the first floor.FromIDR 2,731,361
157 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.38km from city center
The New Yorker Hotel boasts an excellent location, especially for those traveling by Amtrak, as it's right next to Penn Station, a major hub for subway and bus lines. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, it offers easy access to Fifth Avenue, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and Times Square. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and the hotel feels secure, with staff checking room cards before you can use the elevators. On the downside, the rooms lack refrigerators, and the air conditioning can be quite noisy.FromIDR 2,813,220
Very Good131 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.31km from city center
Located in Times Square, it's a pleasant walk to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The rooms are a bit small, and breakfast is grab-and-go with three vendor options. I recommend Carve at the intersection of 47th Street and 8th Avenue for more choices. They also offer complimentary red and white wine every Tuesday and Friday from 5-6 PM. Pictures 4 and 5 are from Bond 45.FromIDR 2,684,974
Family friendly
Very Good130 Reviews
Chinatown/Little Italy New York|1.52km from city center
Great hotel stay, perfect location and clean room would definitely stay again! But only downside was the staff seemed a little impatient during checkin and didn’t explain much to us. I found out from another guest later on that hotel guests has free entry to roof top bar. Which we didn’t know about and paid for.FromIDR 6,043,920
Great55 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.45km from city center
Moxy NYC Times Square
In the bustling heart of Times Square, with the Empire State Building right next door. It's super convenient for trains and subways from Penn Station, and surrounded by lively shopping areas. A great stay!FromIDR 2,895,079
Great126 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.39km from city center
We really enjoyed our stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. The staff at the front desk were friendly and helpful, as were the employees in the restaurant and rooftop bar. The ambiance is typical Hard Rock, making it quite unique. The bed was large and comfortable, and we slept very well. The hotel's location is excellent; Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park are all within walking distance. The subway and bus stops are just around the corner, which is very convenient. We also had breakfast at the hotel, and it was delicious. The coffee machine in our room wasn't working, but the technician promptly checked and fixed it – very competent service! The only minor issue was the somewhat noisy air conditioning, which is why I'm deducting a point. I've also uploaded a picture of the shower because I found the shower fixture very practical. Thank you for the wonderful time!FromIDR 5,080,713
Very Good46 Reviews
Chinatown/Little Italy New York|0.8km from city center
We had a wonderful stay at Hotel 50! Conveniently located in Chinatown, it’s perfect for enjoying affordable and delicious Chinese food. The front desk staff were extremely helpful and kind, and the check-in process was seamless. Our corner room on the 6th floor was spacious, clean, and comfortable with stunning views. The rooftop was nice, though smaller than it looked in photos. We’d definitely return and highly recommend this hotel!
เราพักที่ Hotel 50 โรงแรมตั้งอยู่ในย่านไชน่าทาวน์ ใกล้ร้านอาหารจีนอร่อยและราคาไม่แพง ราคาต่อคืนยังพอรับได้เมื่อเทียบกับโรงเเรมใกล้ระเเวกนั้น พนักงานต้อนรับเป็นกันเองและช่วยเหลือดีมากๆ เช็กอินรวดเร็ว ห้องกว้างขวาง สะอาด สบาย ครั้งหน้ามาคงกลับมาพักอีกแน่นอน แนะนำค่ะ!FromIDR 4,008,361
Very Good53 Reviews
Boerum Hill New York|3.49km from city center
Room was clean and the views were amazing (see photo of the view from our room)! Although it’s a slight distance from manhattan, but it’s worth it. Nearest metro station is across the street but there’s only stairs (something to note if you are carrying luggages!) but the hotel is a walking distance from other metro stations as well so travelling is an ease.
Would recommend for those who are looking to stay at a good place in Brooklyn!FromIDR 4,360,354
Gym
Very Good79 Reviews
New York City Center New York|4.46km from city center
At the time of check in I asked for a late checkout and was asked what time I am asking for. I told 12:30 and was told that it is going to be granted.
I stayed at the hotel just for one night and just to sleep. My door got knocked 4 times on the morning of departure by room service for cleaning starting from 9:50 am.
First of all, why would you try to do room service on the day of departure? It is clearly not communicated between room service team and front desk. Even more, Communication of my departure time was not properly communicated and thus a hotel manager was knocking my door at noon to ask if I am not going to leave.
Room service personnel were extremely loud yelling each other at distance on the aisles all this time, so even if I were not disturbed by door knocking, I would've woken up because of them yelling and closing the doors full force.FromIDR 7,394,593
Very Good155 Reviews
Gramercy New York|4.07km from city center
I always stay at this hotel whenever I'm in New York because of its convenient location and excellent facilities and services. It's right above Koreatown, which is great for anyone who loves Korean food, and the subway station makes getting anywhere a breeze. The gym is also perfect for maintaining my workout routine while on business trips. This year, I noticed the hotel lobby has been renovated and is much brighter, and while the exterior is still under construction, it doesn't impact the stay. The lobby has also introduced a new restaurant (Carnegie Diner). My friends and I had planned to go for a run in Central Park on Sunday morning, so we looked for a brunch spot nearby. Since this restaurant is very popular and it's currently World Cup season, my friend made a reservation in advance. But when I checked in, I realized the hotel had also brought in this restaurant. Pictures three and four are from the one we ate at near Central Park – it was excellent, and I highly recommend trying it. You can even share a dish if you find the portions too big. Then, right across from the hotel downstairs, I spotted the bright red storefront of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea. I heard it opened last year and it's incredibly popular; there's always a queue whenever I pass by! So, I highly recommend this hotel when you visit NYC, as they are continuously improving!FromIDR 3,236,158
Very Good113 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.FromIDR 5,263,531
Very Good134 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.FromIDR 4,534,987
Very Good124 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.02km from city center
Beyond its good location and a decent lobby, this hotel completely misses the mark on Westin standards. The room was small, but it was the outdated facilities that really stood out—the sink stopper was broken, and the hot water couldn't be regulated. Soundproofing was terrible; you could hear every conversation in the hallway clearly. For two consecutive days, the changed sheets had stains, and the gray blanket on the bed looked visibly dirty. The room's cups always seemed unwashed. While the staff's attitude was okay, my overall experience was extremely disappointing.FromIDR 5,992,076
Breakfast
90 Reviews
Chelsea New York|3.64km from city center
On the day I checked in, I rang the doorbell for ages but no one opened it. We only got in because another guest happened to be entering. Turns out there was a front desk, but the staff acted like they didn't hear the bell. The cleanliness was pretty good for the 6 days we stayed. Checkout was bizarre though; they took my card, asked for my name, and then just let me go without giving me any receipts or anything. Whatever. But then, 3 hours after checking out, I got a credit card charge for $354. The first time it showed as 'payment failed,' and I didn't think much of it. Twenty minutes later, it charged again and showed 'payment successful.' Were they waiting until they knew I'd be on a plane? What a strange hotel, just randomly charging my credit card!FromIDR 2,076,489
Great139 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.FromIDR 3,069,711
Very Good357 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.01km from city center
The location is fantastic! Times Square is right downstairs, making it super convenient to get everywhere. The environment is great; though the room is small, that's to be expected in prime Manhattan real estate. Overall, it's excellent. There's a rooftop where you can enjoy city views, and they offer free coffee. My only minor complaint is that the Mexican girl working there was a bit stingy and wouldn't offer milk unless asked, haha.FromIDR 2,161,077
Very Good139 Reviews
Times Square New York|4.71km from city center
The hotel is reasonably well located in Midtown. The staff is friendly and helpful. Check-out is at 12:00 PM, which is a good time. The rooms are modern but not very well maintained (the sliding bathroom door was very difficult to close).
In any case, the stay was pleasant, even if the price is slightly above what the hotel offers.FromIDR 2,927,822
Good122 Reviews
Times Square New York|5.15km from city center
The staff were very helpful and nice. The room was small. And I don’t think the ac had been running all day so when I got to the room it was a bit warm. I ended up sleeping on top of the covers so I could feel the fan cooling me down. There was no fridge in the room, no chest of drawers and no desk. There was an ice bucket and a water and ice machine on the floor. The bathroom was only big enough to fit one person at a time. But the thing that was really inconvenient was the elevator. There was only one working elevator for 28floors so going somewhere took a while as the elevator stopped on nearly every floor. And the elevator wasn’t even that big. It felt cramped with just 6 adults.FromIDR 3,519,935
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