New York in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are enough for New York's must-sees: one day for Central Park and Midtown, one for Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, and a third for the High Line, Greenwich Village and SoHo. The subway runs 24 hours and connects everything.

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Day 1. Central Park and Midtown

  1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    One of the world's great museums, from Egypt to Van Gogh. Closed on Wednesdays; allow at least three hours.

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  2. Central Park

    Walk out of the Met straight into the park: the lake, Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields are a stroll away.

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  3. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

    Head down Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center. The Top of the Rock observation deck looks out on the Empire State Building and Central Park.

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  4. Times Square

    Come back at night, when the screens light everything up. The Broadway theatres are right next door.

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💡 For Broadway, the TKTS booth in Times Square sells discounted same-day tickets.

Day 2. Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn

  1. Statue of Liberty

    The official ferry leaves from Battery Park and includes Ellis Island. Book ahead to go up the pedestal or the crown. Security is airport-style.

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  2. Wall Street

    The Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and the Charging Bull, in the financial heart of the city.

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  3. 9/11 Memorial

    The two pools on the site of the Twin Towers. The memorial is free; the museum charges admission.

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  4. Brooklyn Bridge

    Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn, ideally at sunset. It takes about 30 minutes.

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  5. DUMBO

    The classic shot of the Manhattan Bridge framed by brick buildings, and skyline views from the waterfront park.

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💡 If you only want to see the Statue of Liberty from the water, the Staten Island Ferry is free and passes nearby.

Day 3. High Line, the Village and SoHo

  1. The High Line

    A park built on an old elevated railway, with gardens and art. It's free.

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  2. Chelsea Market

    An indoor market packed with food stalls at the end of the High Line. A good lunch stop.

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  3. Greenwich Village & Washington Square

    Tree-lined streets, jazz clubs and the arch in Washington Square Park.

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  4. SoHo

    Cast-iron buildings, galleries and shops. End with dinner in nearby Little Italy or Chinatown.

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Practical tips

  • Pay for the subway and buses with a contactless card or your phone (OMNY): after 12 rides in 7 days, the rest of the week is free.
  • Prices don't include sales tax, and restaurant tips are usually 18–20%.
  • Book the Statue of Liberty ferry, observation decks and musicals in advance.
  • Manhattan's streets are a grid: avenues run north–south and numbered streets run east–west.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for New York?

For the essentials, yes: Central Park, Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Village. With more days, add Harlem, MoMA, Coney Island or a ball game.

How do I visit the Statue of Liberty?

Take the official ferry from Battery Park, which also stops at Ellis Island. Pedestal and crown access must be booked well in advance.

How do I get around New York?

The subway runs 24 hours and reaches almost everywhere. Pay with a contactless card or your phone; walking is also a great way to see Manhattan.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

Personalise this itinerary →

Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.