The Perfect 3 Days in New York for a First-Timer!
DAY 1:
We'll concentrate your first day in New York City in Midtown. You could actually walk the entire day if you're too timid to take the subway. A taxi-ride mixed in here might be fun to say you took a "Yellow Cab". In fact, with so much surge pricing taking a Yellow Cab is typically cheaper than an Uber. This day should knock off any jet-lag, and give you a real taste of the Big Apple.
MORNING:
Breakfast Options
(NOTE: If your hotel has a free breakfast, I say take it at least one day since NYC is expensive enough. Save your money where you can!)
Head to Times Square-
I built in two potential stops in Times Square. Get it out of your system, because you really only need to visit once (maybe twice to see it at night).
If you didnāt read my Free Scams Guide now would he a good time šš¼
Walk to Bryant Park-
If you're lucky enough to visit between 10/28 and 1/2 you'll not only see Bryant Park, but be able to enjoy the Bryant Park Winter Village (Holiday Market)
For Skate Rental Information during the Winter Village Head Here:
Optional Bonus next to Bryant Park:
Enjoy the Views from One Observation Deck-
If you don't want to do this at sunset, the late morning is not a bad time to experience your first observation deck.
Top Pick:
Second Choice:
Explore Grand Central Terminal
Lunch Options:
Option 1: Stay at Grand Central and Eat at the Food Hall in the basement (it's unremarkable but if you're hungry will do.)
(Top Recommendation)
Post-Lunch: Walk/Subway to Central Park
Optional Add-On:
If you're staying in Midtown I always recommend a break before dinner/night time activities. Many tourists underestimate the amount of walking they do in just one day exploring Manhattan. Take a nap and/or a shower and refresh.
Nighttime Activities:
Dinner Options:
Nightime Activites:
1) Go See a Broadway or Off-Broadway Show. Pre-buy your ticket or go to TKTS Booth for a discounted option.
2) Rooftop Bar (Children can go to Beast & Butterflies see details)
3) Jazz Club (All Ages)
DAY 2:
We'll concentrate today on Lower Manhattan. You'll visit some of New York's most iconic neighborhoods including Chinatown and SoHo.
MORNING:
Breakfast (If you have to skip a hotel breakfast, this is a good excuse)
Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial Pools
Explore the Oculus (Transit Hub)
A Few Photo Opportunities If You're Interested-
Find the Fearless Girl in front of the NYSE. I like this one more . It depicts a 4-foot high (1.2 m) girl promoting female empowerment.
Located at:
If Time Permits:
Walk to Battery Park & SeaGlass Carousel
Optional To See The Statue of Liberty For Free: (Youāll need 1 Hour round-trip)
Admire Stone Street
(Start at the Corner of Broad and Stone Street).
Walk/Uber/Subway up to Chinatown and Discover Doyers Street
Lunch in Chinatown Options: Choose 1,2, or all 3!
If You're Still Hungry...
Walk To SoHo (Start at Canal and Broadway)
If you want to do designer shopping, now is your chance. I'll suggest one quirky store.
Quick photo opportunity here:
Bonus if you skipped dessert in Chinatown:
If you still have energy... Walk North through Greenwich Village (take Thompson or Sullivan Streets)
BREAK for shower/nap/relax.
DINNER Options (if staying in Midtown or Lower Manhattan)
Midtown-
Lower Manhattan-
Night time:
If you go to the Village Underground for Comedy, you can bar hop after on MacDougal Street between West Third and Bleecker Street. That block has one of the highest concentration of nightlife in the City.
DAY 3:
Breakfast-
Morning
Subway, Taxi/Uber or Long Walk to Brooklyn Bridge
Explore DUMBO for Photo/Video Opportunities
LUNCH Options:
AFTERNOON:
Take The Ferry from DUMBO To Pier 11/Wall Street
Explore the South Street Seaport Area
If You Have Extra Time:
Subway/Taxi or Uber Uptown for Roosevelt Island Tram
Roam Roosevelt Island for a Break from the City. Technically a part of Manhattan, it has so much history packed into just two-miles long and 800 feet wide. You don't need more than an hour here. Some points of interest:
If you have the ambition to walk to the other end of the island (estimate 30 minutes):
Take the Tram or Subway (F Train) to Manhattan for a Break OR
Dinner Options in Manhattan:
Post Dinner Drinks:
If in Upper East Side after NR:
If in Greenwich Village after Bleecker Street Pizza:
If in East Village after Ukranian East Village Restaurant (Same Building)
If youāre visiting during the Holidays, this guide is very comprehensive and will save you tons of time doing research šš¼šš¼
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