Nomadlytics

I will be honest with you. I have never been in love with New York City.
It has never been my dream to go there and I have never spent there more than three days. Still, I understand very well why some people spend their life to plan this unforgettable trip to the iconic New York City. I was happy to fly through NYC and extend my stop overs. For me it’s perfect to stop in the city while flying toward other destinations. This is why I came up with this 3 days guide based on my personal experience.

Day 1: Grand Central Station, Central Park and Broadway Show

Once you checked in to your accommodation or left your luggage at your friends place (really convenient to know people available to host you in New York), start your visit at Grand Central Station. It’s beautiful, with a bustling food hall downstairs, and it’s just a short walk to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. Pick up a snack, relax on the lawn, and soak in the atmosphere. From here you can head to Central Park to relax and deal with your jet leg while you are watching people and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful green area. You can reach the Central Park easily from Bryant Park by walking up Fifth Avenue, where you’ll pass by high-end boutiques and impressive architecture.

In the evening head to Broadway and watch a show. Of course you cannot just show up and buy the tickets. Plan in advance and book online. You can get some good deals if booking on certain websites. Even if you are not a fan of musicals, I would still recommend to watch a Broadway show: it is simply incredible and magical. Worth booking your tickets in advance directly on the Broadway website.

Wrap up the evening in Times Square, but keep in mind—it’s bright, loud, and bustling! If you’re feeling jet-lagged, save this one for Saturday night when the lights are in full effect.

Day2: Brooklyn Promenade, Chinatown,
MET and the Rockefeller Center

As you have only three days in the city you will need a certain pace in visiting places. Try to get up early. If you just arrived from Europe, you will have no problems in being super active in the mornings.

Start the day in Brooklyn. The best way to get there is of course by subway: get off at Clark street and walk to the Brooklyn Promenade in Brooklyn Heights, where you’ll find a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. If you need a break, here you will find many charming cafés: take advantage of that and grab a quick coffee and snack before heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a must to cross the bridge on foot into Manhattan. Even if you are not into big cities and NYC doesn’t appeal to you as a modern metroplis, you will be surely astonished by the magnificent views and you will stop to take some pictures. It’s not as incredible as the asian cities but it is still worth a photo.

Once you’re on the Manhattan side, head toward Chinatown. This area is a world of its own, especially for first-timers—bustling markets, colorful storefronts, and authentic dim sum. Joe’s Shanghai is always a great place to have lunch but let’s say that we could have an entire blog dedicated just to food recommendations in NYC. It’s really up to you where wiull you eat.

Once your legs are well rested and your belly is full, I give you three options depending on your interests:

1. Make your way to the Lower East Side. This was the heart of immigration in the 19th century and is still rich with history. If you’re interested in New York’s immigrant history, the Tenement Museum offers guided tours through original tenement buildings. However, it is not as good as Ellis Island Museum
2. Go directly to the Metropolitan Museum. I have once spent one full day at MET (actually if you have a connecting flight from JFK and 10 hours to spend in the city I would tell you to spend them all at MET). The museum is huge and it has an incredible atmosphere. You can even be lucky and get on a free tour organised by the Museum.
3. Go first to the Tenement Museum and then to the MET. It is absolutely possible to visit both in one afternoon if you use the subway. If it is your very first time in NYC this option may be the best for you.

For the evening, skip the Empire State Building and head directly to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. The view is phenomenal, with the Empire State Building itself in sight, along with fantastic views of Central Park and Manhattan. I recommend booking a ticket online to avoid long lines. Sunset is the perfect time to go to watch the city light up. Book about 30 minutes before sunset for the best experience. Make sure to plan your visit well and buy the tickets directly at the website of the Rockefeller Center.

Sunday: Financial District, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island

In the morning hop on a subway and head to Wall Street and start your day exploring the Financial District. On weekends, the usually bustling streets are much quieter, making it easy to take in the impressive architecture and historic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull. From here, stroll to Battery Park for a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Then, hop on the Staten Island Ferry—it’s free and offers fantastic views of the statue and the Manhattan skyline. Ferries run every 15 minutes during rush hours, with slightly longer waits off-peak. Plan for around an hour – an hour and a half, including waiting and the ride itself. Check schedules directly on the website Staten Island Ferry. If you have more than 2 hours then, instead of ride on the free ferry, book a visit to Ellis Island Museum. The ticket include the ferry ride and the museum: it is really worth a visit if you are inetrested in discovering NYC ‘s history of immigration.

Accommodation and where to stay?

Where you stay in NYC can set the tone for your entire trip here. New York is packed with hotels, hostels and guest houses and they are all fairly expensive but not more than those located in the European capitals. It’s worth spending a bit more and sleep in a comfy accomodation close to the main attractions. Manhattan is the place to be and finding a place next to the Central Park will give you the opportunity for a nice walk early in the morning. As said, there are tons of places so it is really up to you what you prefer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, traveling with family and need a neighborhood that is safe, exploring the city alone and looking for a lively spot, New York has the perfect accomodation for you.

Bonus tips

If you stay longer or simply if you happen to visit the city more than once and you have one day layover in between your flights you can get some more of the real NYC vibe.

• Have a Sunday Brunch in the West Village or Greenwich Village. Washington Square Park is nearby and a lively spot to people-watch, especially with New York University students in the area.
• Go for a stroll along the High Line, a unique park built on a former elevated train line. It’s filled with greenery, art installations, and offers cool views of the city below. Along the way, stop at Chelsea Market to explore its food stalls and shops.

• Visit Museum of Modern Art which will endulge you with a great collection of American and European art ranging from the late 19th century to the present.
• Hop on the L-train to Bedford Ave for a stroll in the artsy area of Williamsburg where you will also find great cafés.
• Go for a stroll in Harlem, known for its beautiful brownstones
• Have a drink in one of the Rooftop Bars from which you will enjoy stunning views. 230 Fifth is one of the best spots for a cocktail with a view.

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