Free NYC Weekend Guide

Free NYC Weekend Guide

Jen Sierra
Visiting NYC for the first time? Check out this 3-day guide that has gone viral on social media now on Thatch!
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Day 1

Day one start with some 5th avenue shopping where you can visit the iconic Rockefeller Center and Radio City Hall. 

Rockefeller Center
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Bryant Park
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Its Winter Market is iconic, but they have events year round whether it's outdoor movies, yoga, etc.
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New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
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Free tours are here! The reading room is gorgeous, but you cant enter unless you are studying or on a tour.
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Times Square
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Hate it here.. but first-timers usually want to visit! Just make sure you don't pay for any traps like taking photos with people in costumes.
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Vessel
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This has been closed to the public again, but very cool to see. There are often free events that are being hosted next to it during the summer!
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Electric Lemon
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This is such a beautiful rooftop bar with sunset views. However, it is pricey. Pro tip, if you visit on a Sunday afternoon rather than a Friday evening for example, drink prices are cheaper.
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Mercado Little Spain
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Personally, I think this spot is a bit overrated, but so many people love it, so maybe I need to give it another chance!
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The High Line
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You can enter from Hudson Yards down to Chelsea. It can be crowded, but much quicker to walk on than the street. Plus it's gorgeous!
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Pier 57
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Free rooftop park with views of the city! There's also a nice foodhall below.
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Little Island
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Free man-made island with cool events and views!
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Chelsea Market
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No need to eat here and it's not a must-see, but it's a cool place regarldess. Artists and Flea inside the market has a lot of unique small businesses though.
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Starbucks Reserve
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This is the BIGGEST Starbucks with unique drinks and food. They have a $30 espresso martini flight as well!
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Bathtub Gin
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End the night with a cocktail and a show!
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Day 2

Staten Island Ferry
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Please don't pay to see the Statue of Liberty. Take the ferry and immediately run to the returning ferry because they only run every 30 min.
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The Battery
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Walk through the Battery Park to reach Brookfield Place ~15min walk.

Brookfield Place
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If you need a bathroom, stop here! It's by the Michael Kors. There's also a food hall and beautiful pier.
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9/11 Memorial & Museum
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World Trade Center
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Oculus World Trade Center
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The COOLEST mall I've ever seen.
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Time to walk across the bridge into Dumbo!

Brooklyn Bridge
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Dumbo - Manhattan Bridge View
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Jane's Carousel
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Ignazio's
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Great local spot for pizza! You can order slices and drinks from their outdoor window. They move much quicker than other nearby pizza spots!
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Bring your pizza to a picnic at Empire Fulton Ferry (cover pic) 

Empire Fulton Ferry
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This is the BEST picnic spot with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge!
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Time Out Market New York
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Grab a drink and admire their rooftop. If it's in season, definitely get their sangria!
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Brooklyn Flea
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powerHouse Books
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Day 3

Day 3 we're taking it "easy", but it will be a lot of walking with both Central Park and ONE of these museums (pick one otherwise you'll burn out). Personally I prefer the AMNH; the Met is difficult to navigate. You can also get a Citi bike day pass and bike around the park!

Central Park
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Bow Bridge
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Belvedere Castle
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Not a lot of people seem to know about this spot! It's great for a picnic and it's so cool to see a little castle in the middle of the park.
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The Pool
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This is such a tranquil space, but way up there.
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American Museum of Natural History
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Bonus!

If you have the energy, visit these spots!

Empire State Building
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Koreatown
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Perfect area to get some food whether it's boba, a Korean corndog, curry, udon, etc.
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Flatiron Building
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Eataly NYC Flatiron
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SERRA by Birreria
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This rooftop Italian spot in Flatiron Eataly has a seasonal menu that is absolutely delicious! It's not just a pretty rooftop, they have great food to match it.
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Union Square Greenmarket
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Ariston Coffee Bar
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Hope you guys enjoyed your 3 days in NYC! If you want any alternatives or have any questions, reach out to me on IG @jensierraaa <3

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen Sierra
Hi guys! Happy to see you here :) I'm a NYC-based travel creator who grew up in Atlanta, GA and previously studied/worked in London, but I have been traveling since I was just 6 months old! My family truly created my love for travel as I am half Indonesian visiting my family, my dad has a PHD in German and visits every few years, etc. I am trusted by travelers on social media to create the ultimate guides/itineraries and find "money-worthy" spots to share; NYC and Paris are my most popular locations! I wouldn't call myself a luxury traveler, but I'm not a budget traveler either, somewhere in between that gets the most bang for your buck. I love a balance between adventure and slow travel because working a 9-5 has taught me the importance of balance! It has also taught me how to maximize my time to be able to travel frequently (my friends don't understand how I do it haha)
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