New York City in 3 days
A day-by-day itinerary · 9 places · United States
Updated · Every place checked on Google Maps and grouped by area, one area per day.
Discover the highlights of New York City over three days, exploring iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum, along with cultural stops like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Cloisters. Enjoy delicious meals at Carmine's Italian Restaurant, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and relax amidst the greenery of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, all while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
Make this trip yours
Your dates, budget and interests, with opening hours for the days you visit.
Day 1
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Fraunces Tavern
Morning· 2 hrs
Statue of Liberty
Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the iconic Lady Liberty up close. Enjoy the panoramic views of Manhattan from the pedestal and explore the island’s history exhibits.
New York · Map
Afternoon· 1.5 hrs
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Walk through the historic halls where millions of immigrants first stepped onto American soil. Discover compelling stories of hope and hardship through interactive exhibits and preserved architecture.
Jersey City · Map
Evening· 2 hrs
Fraunces Tavern
Dine at this historic pub dating back to 1762, famous for its colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. Savor hearty American fare and enjoy the friendly, social vibe perfect for group friends.
New York · Map
Book tickets for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island online in advance to skip long lines and ensure availability.
Day 2
The Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Morning· 2 hrs
The Cloisters
Explore this tranquil branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art nestled in Fort Tryon Park, featuring medieval European art and architecture. Wander through the serene gardens and admire the stunning views of the Hudson River while immersing yourself in historic art collections.
New York · Map
Afternoon· 2 hrs
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Stroll through one of the world's largest and most diverse art collections, focusing on European paintings, ancient artifacts, and medieval armor. Join a group tour or explore at your own pace, soaking in the museum’s grandeur and rich history.
New York · MapEvening· 2 hrs
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Gather with friends in this lively, family-style Italian eatery famous for its generous portions and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy classic dishes like pasta, chicken parmigiana, and hearty sauces, perfect for sharing and socializing late into the night.
New York · Map
Book tickets online in advance for The Cloisters to avoid long lines and arrive early to enjoy the peaceful courtyard gardens before the crowds set in.
Day 3
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Bridge and Juliana's Pizza
Morning· 1.5 hrs
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Stroll through the lush gardens, marvel at the vibrant seasonal blooms, and explore the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden for a peaceful outdoor experience. Expect to see beautiful plant collections and enjoy a relaxed start to your day immersed in nature.
Brooklyn · Map
Afternoon· 1 hr
Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the iconic bridge, taking in sweeping views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Capture photos of the bridge’s Gothic arches and enjoy the lively atmosphere of DUMBO from the Manhattan Bridge viewpoint nearby.
New York · Map
Evening· 1-2 hrs
Juliana's Pizza
End your day with a slice at this renowned pizzeria famous for its thin-crust, wood-fired pies. The lively ambiance makes it a perfect social spot for friends to unwind and share delicious food after a day of outdoor exploration.
Brooklyn · Map
Book tickets for Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Bridge online in advance to avoid long lines and secure your preferred times.
Make this trip yours
Your dates, budget and interests, with opening hours for the days you visit.
Questions
- What should I see on my first day in New York City?
- This plan starts with Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum, close together so you spend the day exploring instead of travelling.
- Is 3 days enough for New York City?
- 3 days covers 9 places in this plan, one area of New York City per day. For more, see the 5-day plan.
- Where should I eat in New York City?
- Each evening ends near that day's sights: Fraunces Tavern, Carmine's Italian Restaurant and Juliana's Pizza.
- Can I change this itinerary?
- Yes. Plan New York City with TripPlano and set your own dates, budget and interests. You get opening hours for the days you visit, travel times between stops and a map, free for trips up to 3 days.