Let me start by saying that while 3 days in NYC is not enough to cover it all, it’s a really good amount of time to explore a lot of Manhattan. In this guide I decided to focus on the most popular attractions, a few hidden gems, and lots and lots of good food in only one borough. 

Even though venturing out to Brooklyn or Staten Island is well worth it, if it’s your first time in the city you’ll probably want to check all the iconic landmarks off your list first, and those are in Manhattan. 

A Few Notes on This Guide to 3 Days in New York

  1. Wear comfortable shoes. I planned this itinerary in a way that you can walk most of it with very few exceptions where a metro or Uber ride makes more sense. 
  2. The stops on this itinerary are arranged in logical order, so you can just enter them in Google Maps one after the other.
  3. I tried to include as many iconic NYC attractions as possible. And while 3 days in NYC is a good amount of time, you won’t be able to cover it all. Besides, we all have different interests. You will find my notes on what else there’s to do and see near popular sights in case those sound more attractive. 
  4. I skipped visiting observation decks of Empire State Building and Rockefeller center, since those might take up to 2-3 hours. With only 3 days in New York, I would rather spend the time walking the streets and enjoying the vibe of the city than waiting in lines. But if that’s a priority, go for it. You’d have to skip something else on this itinerary, though.
  5. Food is a big part of exploring new cities and countries in my travels, so I give a lot of suggestions of where to stop for food, coffee, and dessert. You don’t have to stop at all of them, but it’s nice to know where to grab an excellent cappuccino or the most delicious babka in NYC along the way. 

Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking the link I will earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.

3 Days in New York: Day 1

What you’ll see: Lower East Side, Financial District, Statue of Liberty, Greenwich Village

9.00 — Breakfast at Russ & Daughters

Start the first of your 3 days in New York with iconic bagels at Russ & Daughters, a so-called appetizing shop. As described on their official website,

“The word appetizer is derived from the Latin appete, meaning to desire, covet, or long for. Used as a noun, appetizing is most easily understood as the foods one eats with bagels. Its primary components are a variety of smoked and cured salmon, homemade salads, and cream cheeses.”

And that’s exactly what you’ll find at this little shop in the Lower East Side: all kinds of bagels and everything that traditionally goes with bagels. 

Tip: get a numbered ticket when you walk in the shop, when it’s called out be ready to tell exactly what you want. 

Alternative: there’s no seating inside the shop, so you’ll have to find a bench to eat your bagel outside. If you’d rather have a sit down breakfast, head to Russ & Daughters cafe nearby. And here’s a list of other places in the Lower East Side of Manhattan where you can have a delicious meal. 

Russ & Daughters — 179 E Houston St

9.30 — Morning Coffee at Caffè Vita in LES

A 6-minute walk from Russ & Daughters

Now that you have your bagel, we need to get you a coffee fix. Steps away from Russ & Daughters is an amazing little coffee shop called Vita Caffe. As I stayed in the Lower East Side for 2 weeks during my last trip to NYC, this is where I got my coffee every morning (and sometimes afternoon, too). 

Caffe Vita originally comes from Seattle where they have a roastery and multiple cafes. In New York, there are two location as of now, one being in the Lower East Side. 

Caffè Vita — 124 Ludlow St

10.00 — Book Browsing at Sweet Pickle Books

A 7-minute walk from Caffè Vita

Sweet Pickle Books has the most unlikely combination of products on offer: used books and jars of pickled cucumbers. It is not one of those famous landmarks you have to cross off your list if you have 3 days in NYC, but rather a unique, quirky space that makes New York truly special.

Fun fact: Harry Styles visited once and got a jar of pickles for himself. Apparently there were so many fans asking what exactly he got that the owner had to display a note at the cash registry. 

Browse the shelves, talk to the book store attendant, and get yourself a jar of pickles. They have dill and double dill varieties, as well as bread and butter pickles. 

10.20 — The Museum at Eldridge Street

A 6-minute walk from Sweet Pickle Books

Don’t let the word museum in the name confuse you! It is in fact a museum, but one that is located inside the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, and that’s what we are here to see — its stunning interior.

I’ve visited a fair share of gorgeous churches, temples, and mosques in my travels, but this might be the most beautiful one of all. What strikes you right away is the domed ceiling painted with the most ethereal color blue and decorated with golden stars. 

While you are inside, the feeling you get is of looking straight into a starry sky. I cannot put into words, how incredibly stunning the experience of standing inside was. 

This is one of the lesser known attractions, which means fewer tourists. When I visited with my kids, we were all alone inside. 

Also nearby: the Museum at Eldridge Street is located in Chinatown so you can spend some time exploring the streets, shops, and restaurants of this neighborhood. Pier 35 is a 15-minute walk away. It’s one of the newly-renovated piers that offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, as well as Manhattan skyline. 

11.10 — Brooklyn Bridge

A 20-minute walk from the Museum at Eldridge Street

A definite must-do if you only have 3 days in NYC is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It will take you about 20 minutes on foot to get to the starting point of the bridge from the Museum at Eldridge Street and then about 40 minutes to cross the bridge to the Brooklyn side. Then again, you have to walk back to Manhattan. So lots of walking! 

An alternative is to take the metro from the Museum at Eldridge Street straight to Brooklyn, then walk back to Manhattan on the bridge. 

Here’s what it can look like! 

Walk: walk from the Museum at Eldridge Street to the starting point of Brooklyn Bridge (20 minutes) — walk on the Brooklyn Bridge to the other side (40 minutes) — make a stop at Dumbo or Brooklyn Bridge Park for a photo opportunity — walk back to the Lower Manhattan on the bridge (40 minutes). Depending on your pace, the whole walk will take about 1.5 – 2 hours. 

Walk + metro: take a train from the Museum at Eldridge Street to Dumbo (15 minutes) — make a stop at Dumbo or Brooklyn Bridge Park for a photo opportunity — walk back to Lower Manhattan on the bridge (40 minutes). 

What to see on the Brooklyn Side

Since I haven’t included exploring other boroughs in this 3 days in NYC itinerary, you really only have time to see the Manhattan skyline. You can do it from the extremely popular spot called Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View or else from Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 1). 

Also nearby: riding Jane’s carousel might be a cool idea. It’s a restored 1922 carousel that provides beautiful views of Manhattan skyline. 

13.00 — Lunch at Eataly 

A 40-minute walk (or a 20-minute metro ride) from the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View 

Now that you are back in Manhattan it’s time to explore the Financial District. But first — lunch! 

Eataly is an Italian marketplace in New York (there are several locations, but for the purposes of this itinerary head to the one in the Lower Manhattan) where you can shop for Italian produce or eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants. 

If you are looking for an affordable lunch, go fo a panini or focaccia. You will also find traditional Italian pastries, gelato, and a coffee counter here. 

14.00 — Explore the World Trade Center Campus

A 4-minute walk from Eataly 

The World Trade Center Campus refers to the area where the original World Trade Center towers once stood. Here’s what to see here (the sights below are within a few minutes walk from each other).

The Oculus

The Oculus is a transportation hub and a shopping complex, but as a tourist you come here to be blown away by the unbelievable architecture. It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a dove taking flight. Although I personally felt as if I were inside a big fish skeleton. USA Today called it “Stegosaurus rising”. So come and figure out for yourself what it reminds you of.

One World Trade Center 

One World Trade Center is a skyscraper that you’ll easily recognize because of its unique triangular-shaped glass facade with a spire on top. There’s an observation deck called One World Observatory that takes up the 100th to 102nd floors. You can get skip-the-line tickets here.

9/11 Memorial Pools

9/11 Memorial Pools honor those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 attacks, as well as the people killed in the bombing of WTC in 1993. The pools are built on the exact spot where the twin towers once stood. 

9/11 Memorial Museum

I didn’t plan the time for visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum in this guide, but if you have more than 3 days in NYC, it’s well-worth a visit. The museum chronicles the events that transpired on the 11th of September, as well as the consequences it had for New York and the country at large. It’s an incredibly moving experience and you should be ready it won’t be an easy one. I spent about 3 hours inside. You can get your tickets here.

15.00 — More of the Lower Manhattan

A 5-minute walk from 9/11 Memorial Museum

The first of your 3 days in NYC is all about exploring the Lower Manhattan. Here’s what else you need to see here! All the spots below are located within minutes from one another.

Trinity Church 

Trinity Church was originally established in 1697, but the building you see today is the 3rd iteration constructed in 1846. It’s a great example of Gothic Revival style, with its stained-glass windows and a spire, that was once a landmark for ships coming into New York. Trinity churchyard is the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.

Federal Hall

Federal Hall is where George Washington’s Inauguration and the first U.S. Congress took place.

New York Stock Exchange 

NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the world. As I am far from the financial world, to me this is the place where celebrities ring the bell at the opening and closing times (9.30 am and 4.00 pm respectively), as seen on the news and in some movies and TV shows. 

Charging Bull

Also known as the Wall Street Bull, the sculpture was designed by Arturo Di Modica in 1987. It represents bull market, a market in which share prices go up. There’s always a big line of people waiting to take a picture with the bull, but it moves rather fast. 

In 2017 a sculpture of a little girl standing confidently with her hands on her hips was installed in front of the bull to bring attention to gender equality in the financial world. It has since been moved. You will find it a few steps away on Broad Street, in front of New York Stock Exchange.

Alternative: if you have more than 3 days in NYC and would like to explore Lower Manhattan in more detail, take a guided tour of Wall Street.

16.00 — A Ferry to See the Statue of Liberty 

A 7-minute walk from the Charging Bull Statue to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal

There are several ways to see the Statue of Liberty. In this guide, I included the fastest and most budget-friendly option which is the Staten Island Ferry. 

Staten Island Ferry

This option will cost you literally nothing, as the ferry is free of charge. You will travel from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in the Lower Manhattan to Staten Island and pass the Statue of Liberty on the way. This ferry doesn’t stop at the Liberty Island, nor does it come very close to it. But you definitely get a good view of the Statue of Liberty on the way.

Upon arrival to Staten Island, you will have to disembark and then right away get on to the ferry that goes back to Manhattan (unless of course, you want to explore Staten Island). The whole trip there and back takes about one hour. 

Alternative: See the Statue of Liberty Up Close

The tour to see the Statue of Liberty up close (as well as Ellis Island) takes about 5-6 hours. Since this guide is only for 3 days in New York, I didn’t plan that much time. However, you can fit it into this itinerary if you are ok with a much shorter tour. 

The last ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island leaves at 15.15. The last ferry back to Manhattan leaves at 17.00. Which means you will have limited time to spend on the Liberty Island and no time on Ellis Island. You’ll be able to take lots of pictures, but probably not explore the museums. 

18.00 — Dinner

Option 1: Dinner in the Lower Manhattan at Xi’an Famous Foods

A 15-minute walk from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal

Tip: choose this option if you are done for the day and would like to have dinner somewhere not too far from the ferry station. 

I try to have a meal at Xi’an Famous Foods on every trip to NYC — it’s that good! This chain of fast-casual restaurants offers cuisine of the city of Xi’an in China. Their most popular dishes are hand-ripped noodles, flat, thick and chewy, served with rich spicy sauces (you can choose your level of spiciness). 

Although they have multiple locations in New York, almost at each one you will see a line of people during lunch and dinner times. The line moves really fast, though, not to worry. You order at the counter and can watch how your meal is prepared. The prices are budget-friendly. This is, hands down, one of the best cheap eats in all of New York

Xi’an Famous Foods — 8 Liberty Pl

Option 2: Dinner (and a Walk) in Greenwich Village

A 25-minute train ride or a 12-minute Uber ride from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal

If you are still full of energy, after the ferry ride head to Greenwich Village. Especially if you are visiting in summer and the light day is long, you still have time to walk around and try a few of the famous foods of this neighborhood. Here’s what to cover in the Greenwich Village.

Washington Square Park

This park is where you will find the famous Washington Square Arch. It is relatively small, but cosy, popular with both locals and tourists. You will often find street performers here. 

Joes-pizza-Spiderman

Joe’s Pizza for Dinner

Your 3 days in NYC would not be complete without a classic New-York-style slice of pizza. Joe’s Pizza is probably one of the most popular places to get one. It has been around since 1975, opened by an Italian immigrant from Naples Joe Pozzuoli. 

The pizza here is so good, the spot became a cultural staple. Inside you will see pictures of the many-many celebrities, like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, and Gigi Hadid to name a few, who have dined here. 

And if you remember the opening scene of Spider Man 2, where Peter Parker is late to deliver a pizza, it is Joe’s Pizza that he delivers. By the way, if you are interested in more restaurants in New York featured in movies and TV shows, check out this post of mine!

Joe’s Pizza — 7 Carmine St

Pasticceria Rocco

Make a stop at Pasticceria Rocco for their famous cannoli. This shop on Bleecker street has been a neighborhood staple since its opening in 1974. The cannoli shells are filled right in front of you to order to ensure the shell stays crispy. You can choose between ricotta, chocolate chip or pistachio flavors. 

Pasticceria Rocco — 243 Bleecker St

Apartment Building from Friends

I know this place is a must-visit in New York for many Friends fans. So if you are following this guide for 3 days in New York in winter, maybe think of rearranging the day a bit to come here while it’s still light.

Although the apartment where Monica and Rachel lived was a set in LA, it was a building at 90 Bedford Street that was used to make exterior shots. TV show fans are almost always in front of the building taking photos, so you will easily find it.  

Apartment from Friends — 90 Bedford St

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment from Sex and the City 

Another iconic filming location in Greenwich Village is the brownstone where Carrie Bradshaw lived in Sex and the City. Since real people actually live there, you have to be extra careful not to be loud and not to step on the staircase (there’s a chain preventing you to do that anyways). 

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment — 66 Perry St

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery first got recognition for their outstanding cupcakes and banana bread pudding, but what propelled them to international fame was a scene from Sex and the City where Carrie and Miranda eat the cupcakes while seating on the bench right in front of the bakery while discussing Aiden. 

Magnolia Bakery — 401 Bleecker St

3 Days in NYC: Day 2

What you’ll see: Midtown Manhattan, Hudson Yards, Meatpacking District, Chelsea

9.00 — Breakfast at Amy’s Bread

Start your second of 3 days in New York at Amy’s Bread, one of the most beloved and well-known bakeries in NYC. Their Hell’s Kitchen location is the original one that has been around since 1992. 

The space is rather small but cozy: it only seats 18 people. They pride themselves in using traditional techniques and high-quality, wholesome ingredients. The bakery is especially famous for their artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes. If you’d rather start your day with something savory, they have sandwiches too, as well as coffee. 

Amy’s Bread — 672 9th Ave

Alternative: Blue Bottle Coffee in Rockefeller Plaza serves exceptional coffee. If a cup of really good coffee and a croissant sounds like your kind of breakfast, make a stop here.

9.30 – 11.00 — Midtown Manhattan Classics 

A 7-minute walk from Amy’s Bread

Your second of 3 days in NYC is all about covering major landmarks in Midtown Manhattan. Here’s what you should see here!

Times Square

Do I even need to say much here? Times Square is the most iconic NYC landmark, with its many billboards, screens, and theaters. In this guide I suggest visiting it first thing in the morning, which has its perks. 

There are fewer people at Times Square in the morning. I won’t say you’ll have it for yourself, but it’s definitely easier to make a good photo for your IG. There’s also something special about seeing this place when the city is just waking up. 

The vibe is most definitely different at night, so if you’d rather see the Times Square in its full glory, I have this one day in New York guide, which is kind of a reversed itinerary of this day. You can use it on the second of your 3 days in NYC if you want to end up at Times Square at night. 

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a historic entertainment venue, most famous for their annual Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. You can only see the exterior of the building. In order to see the interior, you need to buy tickets to a show or take a guided tour

Rockefeller Center 

Rockefeller Center is home to several popular attractions, but for me personally it will always be the workplace of Liz Lemon (if you haven’t watched 30 Rock yet, I envy you). If you are visiting during the Christmas holidays, this is where you’ll find the famous Christmas tree and the skating rink. 

Also nearby: inside the Rockefeller Center you will find another observation deck called Top of the Rock. You can get your tickets here

11.00 — A Visit to MoMA

A 4-minute walk from Rockefeller Center

New York has so many incredible museums, both world-famous giants like the MET and more cozy, lesser known gems like the Tenement museum. It may be hard to choose one if you only have 3 days in New York. But I have to say MoMa is one of my favorites and I genuinely love visiting it. 

Some of the most famous pieces at MoMA include The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol, and The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí.

Tip: I only planned 2 hours for visiting MoMa in this guide because, to my mind, any more time in a museum and you get overwhelmed with incoming information. So be strategic and make a plan of what you would like to see. 

You can get general admission ticket here or pay extra for a before-hours tour with an art historian.

13.00 — More of Midtown Manhattan

Saks Fifth Avenue 

A 6-minute walk from MoMa

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store. If you are not into shopping, window shopping here is fun. They are especially famous for their holiday window displays. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral also located on Fifth Avenue. It’s known for its towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and grand interior.

Grand Central Terminal

A transportation hub, an architectural masterpiece and the place where Gossip Girl’s iconic opening scene was shot (not to mention many other movies and TV shows like Armageddon, The Avengers, and Friends with Benefits), Grand Central Terminal is a must-see. 

Its most impressive feature is the dome, on which a celestial map is depicted. It showcases 12 zodiac constellations in gold color on the bright blue background. 

Also nearby: Chrysler Building is located steps away. It’s an office building, so you can only visit the lobby if you want to. Otherwise, just spot it on the skyline. Summit One Vanderbilt is yet another observation deck. Blue Bottle Coffee on E 42nd makes superb coffee. 

14.00 — Lunch at Vanderbilt Market

A minute’s walk from Grand Central Terminal

Just steps away from the Grand Central Terminal is Vanderbilt Market (also known as Urbanspace Vanderbilt), a food hall in Midtown Manhattan. It offers multiple options for lunch, including Indian food at Mysttik Masaala (try their naan wrap), delicious ramen at Kuro-Obi and gyros at Pita Yeero.

The space gets really crowded around lunch time, but we managed to find a table, nevertheless. 

Other options for lunch:

If you’d like a more elevated experience just go to the lower level at Grand Central Terminal where the Grand Central Oyster Bar, one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC, is located. It has been around since 1913 and is famous for their seafood, like fresh oysters, clams, and New England chowder. The interior is gorgeous, with tiled vaulted ceiling and horseshoe-shaped counters.

The Grand Central Oyster Bar — 89 E 42nd St

If you haven’t had dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods on the first of your 3 days in NYC, then you might as well grab lunch from their Midtown location on day 2.

Xi’an Famous Foods — 60 W 45th St

15.00 – 17.00 — Even More Midtown Manhattan

New York Public Library 

A 9-minute walk from the Vanderbilt Market

The second of your 3 days in NYC is all about exploring Midtown, so let’s keep walking! New York Public Library is one of the most gorgeous spaces in the city and completely free to visit so I suggest a short stop here. The lion statues at the entrance, the McGraw Rotunda, and the grand staircase are some of the things you must see. 

One of the most popular rooms inside is the Rose Reading Room. If you’d like to see it for yourself, you need to plan ahead.

How to see the Rose Main Reading Room

The Rose Main Reading Room is open to public from 10 am to 11 am (Monday through Saturday). If you follow this guide for 3 days in New York, you’ll arrive here later in the day. 

There are free guided tours to see the room at 11.20, 13.30, and 15.00 (you could technically make the last tour of the day if you hurry a bit). The tour only lasts 15 minutes and you can register at the McGraw Rotunda 30 minutes in advance. Check for more details on the official website

Also nearby: right behind the library is Bryant Park where you can relax on the grass or ride a carousel (only 4$). On the edge of Bryant Park is a little kiosk of Breads Bakery. They make delicious pastries. They are most famous for their chocolate babka and rugelach. 

Felix Roasting Co (Optional)

If you are feeling like an afternoon pick me up, may I suggest a coffee at Felix Roasting Co., which might be the most beautiful coffee shop I’ve ever seen! This will be a slight detour, but the great coffee and the stunning interiors are worth it.

Felix Roasting Co. — 450 Park Ave S

Empire State Building 

Empire State Building was the tallest building in New York and the world when it was completed in 1931. And although that is not the case anymore, it became a cultural symbol that appeared in countless movies (my favorite being Sleepless in Seattle). I didn’t plan a visit to the observatory on the 86th floor, since it can take 2-3 hours, but if it’s a priority you can get your tickets here

Macy’s Herald Square

Macy’s is a flagship department store, opened in 1902. It’s one of the largest stores in the world, spanning a whole block. Do make a stop here if you are visiting during the holidays — their window displays during Christmas time are unbelievable!

The Vessel 

The Vessel is one of the newer additions to NYC tourist attractions, opened in 2019. Its unique design resembles a honeycomb, with many staircases and landings made of copper-colored steel and glass. 

You can climb the staircases to get a unique angle of the building at every turn, as well as beautiful views of the city and the Hudson River. 

Tip: You can explore the building from the outside for free, but to go in you need a ticket. it’s best to reserve one in advance. You can do it on the official website for $10.

17.00 — A Walk on the High Line 

A 3-minute walk from the Vessel to the entrance to the High Line in Hudson Yards

Steps away from the Vessel is the entrance to the High Line, an elevated park that stretches from the Hudson Yards to Meatpacking District. This is urban design at its best: what used to be a freight railway is now turned into a green space (industrial vibes are still very much present).

The park is about 1.5 miles long and, depending on your pace, it will take you 30-45 minutes to walk its whole length.

17.45 — Coffee at Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Optional)

A 5-minute walk from the High Line exit in Chelsea

Another great coffee stop on the way is Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Meatpacking district. This enormous space includes a roastery, a coffee bar, a cocktail bar, and a bakery. 

The menu features unusual coffee variations, like hot honey dirty chai, whiskey barrel-aged cold brew, and toffeenut bianco latte. All the usual suspects, like cappuccino and latte, are on the menu, too. 

Starbucks Reserve Roastery — 61 9th Ave

18.00 — Dinner at Chelsea Market

A minute’s walk from Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Chelsea Market is probably the most popular marketplace in New York that offers an array of great options for dinner. What was originally Nabisco factory (the one that invented Oreo cookie) was turned into a food hall in 1997. 

You can have tacos at Los Tacos No. 1, Mediterranean food at Miznon, or a fancy dinner at Buddakan. Seed and Mill is great for dessert: they make insanely good halwa (they close at 6 pm though). Or simply walk around the industrial-chic space and see what looks good to you. 

19.30 — Little Island or Pier 57 (or Both)

A 7-minute walk from Chelsea Market

And now for an after-dinner walk! A short one, I promise! Just a 7-minute walk from Chelsea Market is located a newly-opened (in 2021 that is) green space called Little Island. The park rests on tulip-shaped concrete pillars that stand in the Hudson River creating a floating effect. 

The curved green pathways will take you all the way up where you’ll get beautiful view of the river and the NYC skyline at night. The park itself is beautifully lit too. 

Right next to the Little Island is Pier 57. What once used to be a passenger and cargo terminal is now turned into a mixed-use space. Here you will find a lot of dining options (if you are still hungry), but the actual reason why you should visit is the rooftop park that provides 360-degree views of New York. 

From the rooftop you can get another good look at the Little Island, too. It’s a nice idea to get a drink from the dining hall to have at the rooftop. 

3 Days in NYC: Day 3

What you’ll see: Upper West Side, Central Park, Upper East Side

9.00 — Bagels for Breakfast at Zabar’s 

Start the last of your 3 days in New York on the Upper West Side at Zabar’s, an iconic NYC bagel shop, originally opened in 1934. Zabar’s is a classic NYC deli that offers cold cuts, cheeses, smoked salmon, and pastries. 

Their bagels are extremely generous and will fuel you up for the day ahead. I tried the classic bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon which was fantastic. 

There’s no place to sit inside, but you’ll find a couple of tables where you can have your meal standing up. 

Zabar’s — 2245 Broadway

9.30 — The Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie at Levain 

A 9-minute walk from Zabar’s

Levain’s chocolate chip and walnut cookie is without a doubt the most famous chocolate chip cookie in New York (and beyond). The cookies are baked fresh every day since 1995 when the bakery opened. 

Originally, it was a bread shop on the Upper West Side started by two friends, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald. Even the name Levain comes from a French word for leavened bread. The cookie, apparently, was a complete accident, invented by the pair as a power snack for their marathon trainings. 

There are many more flavors on offer now, including dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. 

If you have dietary restrictions they have a vegan and gluten-free version of their original cookie!

Levain Bakery — 167 W 74th St

10.00 – 12.00 — A Walk in Central Park

A 7-minute walk from Levain Bakery

3 days in NYC might not be too much, but a stroll in Central Park is definitely a must. Here’s what you should see in the park.

Bethesda Terrace is often called the heart of Central Park. It consists of two levels, the upper one of which provides great views of the park and the nearby Bethesda Fountain.

Bow Bridge is a gorgeous cast-iron bridge that offers picturesque views of the Lake.

Strawberry Fields is a memorial to John Lennon.

Sheep Meadow is a lawn offering an iconic view of Manhattan skyscrapers.  

12.30 — Coffee at Ralph’s Coffee (Optional)

An 8-minute walk from Bethesda Terrace in Central Park

While exploring Central Park, slowly make your way from the Upper West Side to the Upper East Side where you will find Ralph’s Coffee. Ralph, just so you understand, is Ralph Lauren, the famous designer. And the coffee shop is part of the flagship Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue.

Is coffee expensive? Yes (Is coffee overall expensive in New York, though? Also, yes).  But it’s good, and the atmosphere is special. The interior is created in Ralph Lauren’s signature style: leather chairs, wooden accents, and the recognizable polo green color.

Ralph’s Coffee — 888 Madison Ave

13.00 — Starry Sky at Albertine Bookstore

A 9-minute walk from Ralph’s Coffee

Albertine is not you regular book shop. Located in the historic Payne Whitney House, within the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, it offers the largest selection of French books (as well as books translated from French to English) in the United States. 

If you are not particularly interested in buying French books on your trip, fear not. There’s a completely different reason why you should make a stop here. And that is the absolutely stunning ceiling mural created by artist Ettore Sottsass to depict a starry sky. 

Come to think of it, you’ve seen a starry sky ceiling on each of your 3 days in NYC: at Museum at Eldridge Street, in Grand Central Terminal and now at Albertine!

Sabarsky Cafe inside Neue Gallerie is a great spot for lunch on the last of your 3 days in NYC

13.30 — Lunch at Cafe Sabarsky

A 9-minute walk from Albertine Bookstore

Cafe Sabarsky is a perfect choice for lunch for multiple reasons, the first being, it is located inside the Neue Galerie, a museum dedicated to early 20th-century German and Austrian art, which can be your next stop on this itinerary. 

The cafe itself is modeled after beautiful coffee houses of Vienna that served as important centers of intellectual and artistic life back in the day. It features period furniture, the menu is in German (with translations), and popular items include Wiener schnitzel, sausages, and an array of German- and Austrian-style cakes. 

It’s pretty busy and you might have to wait in line to get in, but the wait is usually not too long. And the unique experience is well worth it. 

Cafe Sabarsky — inside Neue Galerie

Guggenheim museum

14.30 – 16.30 — A Visit to a NYC Museum

There are several museums on the Upper East Side that you can choose from. Here are your options.

Neue Galerie, a museum dedicated to early 20th-century German and Austrian art, would be my first choice. And not at all because I found my home in Hamburg, Germany. First of all, you are already there if you had lunch at Cafe Sabarsky. Second, it’s a (relatively) smaller museum that doesn’t leave you completely overwhelmed. 

But the main reason why I decided to visit Neue Galerie is Ryan Reynolds. Ok, let me try it again. I once watched a movie called Woman in Gold, a story about a Jewish refugee portrayed by Helen Mirren, who along with her lawyer, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, tried to reclaim a painting of her aunt, seized by the Nazis just before World War II. 

The painting in question is portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt. And you can see it at the Neue Galerie. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is your next option. It is one of the largest museums in the world. Its collection contains over 2 million works of art and spans 5000 years. Here you will find masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Raphael, to name a few. 

The Met can become overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. I would suggest to choose what exactly you would like to see and start there.

Lastly, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a great choice if you are into architecture as much as into art. It was created by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is renowned for its unique circular, spiraling design. 

Here you can see the works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Wassily Kandinsky, among others. Get your ticket here.

16.30 — Madison Avenue Window Shopping and Upper East Side Eats

I’ll list a few options on what you can do and eat on the Upper East Side after a visit to a museum. It’s up to you to pick and choose what you like. 

Lexington Candy Shop 

Lexington Candy Shop can be a quick stop if you are a fan of soda. This diner is a neighborhood staple, founded in 1925. While they offer food, the real gem here is the old-school way they make soda by adding a shot of cola syrup to the glass first, then spraying carbonated water inside. 

Lexington Candy Shop — 1226 Lexington Ave

Orwashers

Orwashers is not just a bakery, but a New York institution, founded in 1916 by the Orwasher family, immigrants from Hungary. It is one of the finest bakeries in the city that offers artisan breads and baked goods. I tried their babka and rugelach, both of which were incredible. 

Orwashers — 308 E 78th St

I learned about both Lexington Candy Shop and Orwashers from my dear friend Nour, who lives in New York with her family and showed me around the Upper East Side neighborhood. Couldn’t be thankful enough for introducing me to these amazing places!

J.G. Melon

J.G. Melon is a classic NYC spot famous for their burgers. Their cheeseburger has been consistently ranked among the best burgers in town. I haven’t tried this place myself, so can’t vouch for it.

J.G. Melon — 1291 3rd Av

Ladurée

Ladurée is a French bakery most famous for their macarons.

Ladurée — 864 Madison Ave

madison avenue shopping can be part of your 3 days in NYC itinerary

Luxury Shops on Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue is known for its luxury shopping and high-end stores. Here are some of the shops you will find here: Elie Saab, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chanel. 

Walk all the way down to the 59th street where Upper East Side turns into Midtown Manhattan. Here are a few more famous spots here.

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel is an iconic NYC landmark (yet another one, I know), but I know it because of Home Alone 2, of course. The Palm Court restaurant inside is a perfect place for dinner if you want to finish your 3 days in New York with a bang (Do reserve beforehand!).

Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman is a luxury department store and a filming location for Ocean’s Eight (the scene in the beginning of the movie where Sandra Bullock’s character tricks the shop assistant and steals a few things from the store). The department store is most famous for their lavish window displays during the holidays. 

Tiffany & Co. — The Landmark

This store was in the famous opening scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s where Audrey Hepburn’s character stands in front of the windows with a coffee and a danish in hand (can you tell I love visiting movie locations?).

18.30 — A Broadway Show or a Performance at Lincoln Center

Finish the last of your 3 days in NYC with a show on Broadway. I’ve only watched two shows in my life (Chicago and An American in Paris) and both were nothing less of mind-blowing. It’s a classic New York experience that is extremely popular for a reason. 

Another option is to catch a show at the Lincoln Center. I watched Tosca for $25, and you can, too, if you get rush tickets on the day of the show. You can do it on the official website of Lincoln Center. They also offer $30 tickets to NYC Ballet for anyone between 13 and 30 years old. Check how to buy them here.

Here your 3 days in NYC come to an end! I hope you have fun and enjoy it as much as I did. If you follow this guide, do let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

view-from-staten-island-ferry

Do You Have More than 3 Days in New York?

Here are a few more ideas on things to do and eat if you have more than 3 days in New York!

Try the famous cronut at Dominique Ansel’s Bakery. There’s no line anymore, but do come early because they sell out quickly. Tip: try the DKA, too. There’s a rivalry between these two pastries. Try for yourself and decide whether you are team DKA or team cronut!

Check out other iconic NYC foods, like pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli and burgers at Shake Shack.

Take a helicopter tour of Manhattan and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city!

Visit the apartment from the show Friends. It’s a recreation of the famous set with some original props and costumes.

Take a guided tour of one of Manhattan neighborhoods, for example, Greenwich Village. Or venture out to Brooklyn for this Bushwick street art walking tour.

Finally, if you are traveling with a toddler, check out this guide of mine!