Spread the love

New York City is one of the most iconic locations in the world and it can be difficult to figure out the best way to see everything the city has to offer in just three days. 

If you’re pressed for time, this itinerary could help you experience some of the Big Apple’s most famous sights, esteemed architecture and memorable attractions.  

DAY 1

Stop #1: Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

Showcasing notable NYC attractions including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and Wall Street, a guided tour is a great way to take in stunning views and learn your way around. The knowledgeable guides will deliver facts on each landmark, along with important information about the city.  

Passengers can alight at most of the landmarks along the way and pick up the tour again on a later hop-on hop-off bus, as a ticket lasts for a full day.

Stop #2: Times Square

45 minutes

Time Square is a must-see tourist destination in New York. Surrounded by large LED screens, bright billboards and colourful shop fronts, the intersection perfectly captures the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs, with a range of designer brands, high street shops and boutiques lining the square.

Stop #3: Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing (Outdoor Option)

1.5 hours

This relaxing cruise is perfect for those seeking unparalleled panoramic views of the New York city skyline. You can luxuriate on board and soak up fun facts from the informative tour guides while enjoying the best landmarks of NYC, including the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and the United Nations.

Stop #4: The Met (Indoor Option)

2 hours

If you need to escape the bad weather, you can spend the afternoon soaking in some culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The MET is one of the world’s largest art museums and is home to a wide variety of masterpieces, with exhibits ranging from renowned painters to contemporary sculptors. To experience the expanded collection of modern art holdings, photography and performance art, visit the museum’s newest addition – the Met Breuer.

Stop #4: Central Park Bike Tour (Outdoor Option)

2 hours

If the sun is shining and you’re in the mood to explore the great outdoors, a picturesque bike ride through Central Park is a great way to take in this beautiful landmark. Adored by locals and visitors alike, highlights of the 843-acre space include the Cherry Hill fountain, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, the outdoor Delacorte Theatre and Shakespeare Garden.

Stop #5: American Museum of Natural History

2-3 hours

A firm favourite among adults and children alike, the American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of historic artifacts, natural wonders and interactive exhibits spanning through the ages. Travel back in time with the comprehensive collection of prehistoric fossils, take in the dazzling Hall of Gems and learn about complex aquatic environments in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

DAY 2

Stop #1: Food on Foot Tour

3-5 hours (depending on specific tour)

You’re sure to work up an appetite while exploring NYC, and a Food on Foot Tour is the perfect way to continue sightseeing while indulging in the city’s incredible culinary culture. Sample authentic local cuisine as you make your way across the city, from celebrity chef restaurants to ethnic eateries and rustic picnics, these guided tours are how to get a real taste of New York. These tours can run for as long as 5 hours, depending on the one you choose, so you may have to forfeit one of the other activities you have scheduled for the day.

Stop #2: Empire State Building

2 hours

Start your afternoon with a trip to the most famous skyscraper in the world – the Empire State Building. For the best views of the Big Apple and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, head to the 86th floor of this historically significant structure and take in the unobstructed city skyline.

Stop #3: High Line Park

45 minutes

Constructed on a historic elevated rail line above the streets of Manhattan, the breathtaking High Line park is a hidden gem in the city. Visitors can wander down the entire 1.45 mile line spanning from the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, or jump off at one of the designated descent points that are distributed along the track.

Stop #4: Top of the Rock Observatory

1-2 hours

Bring your afternoon to a close with amazing aerial views of NYC from the Top of the Rock Observatory. With three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks allowing you to reach new heights, highlights include the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower and Central Park.

Stop #5: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (Indoor Option)

2-3 hours

The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best creative spaces in the US, celebrating inclusivity, self-expression and diversity. The contemporary open building houses significant paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs from world-famous artists, including Monet, Warhol, Picasso and Pollock.

Stop #5: Little Italy and Chinatown (Outdoor Option)

2 hours

Spend your afternoon exploring the bustling neighbourhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown, situated just a few blocks apart along Mulberry Street. Treat yourself to some tasty souvenirs from the 120-year-old cheese shop in Little Italy, before bringing the night to a close with al fresco dining at Lombardi, the country’s first pizzeria.

DAY 3

Stop #1: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

1-2 hours

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a visit to two of NYC’s most famous attractions – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visitors can tour the grounds of Liberty Island before accessing exclusive areas of the colossal copper structure, including the Pedestal and Crown.

Located on a separate island just a stone’s throw away, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum documents the moving American heritage of the immigrants who travelled to New York in the early twentieth century. Highlights include the World Migration Globe and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.

Stop #2: 9/11 Memorial & Museum

1.5 hours

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum serves as a poignant reminder of lives lost during the tragic events of 11 September 2001. As one of the most emotive attractions in NYC, the museum houses several commemorative exhibitions featuring authentic artifacts, first-person accounts and spaces for reflection.

Stop #3: Battery Park

30 minutes

Travel to the Southernmost point of Manhattan to take in the idyllic waterfront views and and attractions in Battery Park. Highlights include the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Skyscraper Museum and the various public art installations dotted around the park.

Stop #4: Whitney Museum of Art (Indoor Option)

2 hours

This innovative museum plays an essential role in New York’s art scene, with never-before-seen exhibitions celebrating artwork from established and upcoming artwork alike. The extensive collections cover everything from twentieth-century portraits to sculptures made just this year.

Stop #4: Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour (Outdoor Option)

2 hours

Another landmark that can’t be missed is the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk the impressive suspended structure that links Manhattan and Brooklyn, then learn about the nearby DUMBO neighbourhood with the help of insightful tour guides. To get a real feel for the city, spend your evening browsing through the independent boutiques, art galleries and high-end restaurants in Brooklyn.

All the attractions, excursions and more featured in this itinerary are covered by the official New York Pass, which offers savings of up to 50% on top activities around NY. For more details on each attraction, visit: https://www.newyorkpass.com/new-york-attractions/