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3 Days in New York City: First-Timer's Itinerary

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Midtown's icons and Central Park with the Met — three days that hit the classics without zig-zagging across the city.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

    Battery Park, Manhattan

    Ferries leave from Battery Park for Liberty Island and the Ellis Island immigration museum.

    Tip: Book pedestal or crown tickets well ahead; the free Staten Island Ferry is the no-ticket alternative for the view.

  2. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

    180 Greenwich St

    Twin reflecting pools on the footprints of the towers, and the museum below.

  3. Brooklyn Bridge

    Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan side

    Walk the 1.1-mile pedestrian path from Manhattan to Brooklyn for skyline views.

    Tip: Walk toward Manhattan for the better view — take the subway over and walk back, or do it at sunset.

  4. DUMBO

    Washington St & Water St, Brooklyn

    The famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by brick warehouses, plus Brooklyn Bridge Park and pizza nearby.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Empire State Building

    20 W 34th St

    The Art Deco landmark with an open-air deck on the 86th floor.

    Tip: Late evening has the shortest lines and the city lights.

  2. Grand Central Terminal

    89 E 42nd St

    Look up at the constellation ceiling and find the whispering gallery outside the Oyster Bar.

  3. Top of the Rock & Rockefeller Center

    30 Rockefeller Plaza

    The observation deck with a view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

  4. Times Square & a Broadway show

    Times Square

    The neon crossroads of the theater district.

    Tip: Discounted same-day tickets are sold at the TKTS booth under the red steps.

Day 3 · 4 stops

  1. Central Park

    Bethesda Terrace, Central Park

    Walk from the Mall and Bethesda Fountain to Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields.

  2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    1000 5th Ave

    One of the world's greatest museums, from the Temple of Dendur to the rooftop garden in summer.

    Tip: New York State residents pay what they wish; everyone else pays general admission.

  3. The High Line

    Gansevoort St & Washington St

    An elevated park on an old rail line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards.

  4. Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park

    Washington Square Park

    The arch, street musicians and the Village's cafés, jazz clubs and pizza slices.

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