Travel

3-Day New York City: Weekend Travel Itinerary

3 Day New York City Weekend Travel Itinerary
View from Top of the Rock

No other city in the world can compare to New York. New York City is the city that other cities can only dream of being. You could spend years living here, and you would not get bored with the seemingly endless number of sights and attractions, things to do, and places to eat. Now – the challenge is trying to see as much of this city as possible in the span of a weekend. I actually lived in New York City for a few months last year, and I spent my free time playing ‘tourist’ in my new city. In that time, I had several friends visit me as well, and for most, it was their first time in NYC. I made a weekend travel itinerary for their visits and adjusted and fine-tuned it after each visit. As a result, I’ve perfected a weekend travel itinerary for New York City!

Follow this New York City travel itinerary if you want to see and experience the most of NYC in a weekend.

Day 1: Broadway, Times Square, and Skyline Views!

Are you ready to explore one of the greatest cities in the world? My New York City weekend travel itinerary is jam-packed with activities, so get ready! This first day depends on the time you’re arriving in the city.

Most people will tend to arrive later in the afternoon or evening on Fridays, so I am going to start my itinerary around that time. However, feel free to adjust and start following whenever it fits best.

Attend a Broadway Show

One of the classic things to do in NYC is attending a Broadway show! There are numerous shows to choose from, from newer productions such as Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton and timeless classics such as Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Lion King. If there is a show you know you want to see, then be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance to ensure you have seats. However, if you are indifferent, then there are cheaper options to see a show. You can enter the daily Broadway lottery system for seats for less than a quarter of the usual price! Also, you can check the TKTS booths in person when you arrive in NYC for Broadway tickets up to 50% off.

Explore Times Square

After an entertaining show, it is time to explore one of the most famous places in the world! Everyone needs to visit Times Square at least once in their life. The activity, traffic, and bustle there is unlike any other place in the world! Walk around under the flashing lights and towering billboards and explore the shops and attractions around the square. You’ll stumble upon street performances and find your senses filled with delicious aromas of hot dogs, peanuts, and halal food.

Have a Delicious First Meal in NYC

There are so many great restaurants and dining options in New York City, but for your first meal, I recommend eating at a well-loved restaurant around Times Square for the quintessential NYC dining experience!

Here are some of my favorite restaurants in this area:

  • Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery: You can’t go wrong eating at a classic neighborhood diner. Check out Junior’s for deli sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and other classic and comfort American foods. Plus, they have an amazing dessert selection and famous, mouthwatering New York cheesecakes!
  • Carmine’s Italian Restaurant: When I first stepped inside this Italian restaurant and saw the portion sizes, I thought I was in heaven. Carmine’s serves heaping portions of classic Italian food, and it truly is family style. I ordered the penne alla vodka, and it was absolutely delicious.
  • Los Tacos No.1: If you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos, then look no further! This bustling, no-frill taco spot is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
  • Ichiran: Try one of Japan’s most popular ramen restaurants in the heart of NYC. Ichiran specializes in Tonkotsu ramen, which is a pork-based aromatic broth. It also offers a unique dining experience by serving you in a private ramen booth that allows you to focus on the flavors of your meal.

Tip: Try and get a reservation as these restaurants can be crowded on a Friday evening.

Enjoy Panoramic Scenes at The Press Lounge

After dinner, head to the Press Lounge for drinks and panoramic scenes of the New York City skyline. The lounge is located on the rooftop of the Ink48 Hotel, and there is no cover charge to enter. This is by far my favorite rooftop view in New York City. Have fun, but don’t stay out too late as it is an early morning the next day!

Day 2: Manhattan, Mayhem, and More!

Catch Sweeping Views at the Top of the Rock

Kickoff a full day of exploration by first catching sweeping views of Manhattan at the Top of the Rock. The Top of the Rock is an observatory on top of the Rockefeller Center, and it is well worth the price ($38 USD) to visit. The first entrance time is at 8:00 AM, and I recommend visiting bright and early for a less crowded experience. Make sure to reserve your tickets online in advance for a guaranteed time slot.

Stop for Breakfast Bagels

Bagels are a must in New York City. There’s a long-standing debate over the best place to get bagels in NYC, but my favorite is Best Bagel & Coffee. My favorite combinations are the sun-dried tomato spread on a toasted everything bagel and the strawberry cream cheese on a cinnamon raisin bagel. I also order a coffee… because it’s in the name 🙂

Head to Battery Park and see the Statue of Liberty

Take the subway to the southernmost point of Manhattan to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. As soon as you reach Battery Park, there will be people handing out flyers to visit Liberty Island. Personally, I don’t think taking a ferry to Liberty Island is worth it (especially not when you’re on a weekend time limit). However, if you do want to see the Statue of Liberty closer and for free, check out the Staten Island Ferry that is part of the New York City Department of Transportation. This ferry won’t take you to Liberty Island, but it will pass close by it on its route between lower Manhattan and Staten Island.

From Battery Park, we’re going to work our way back up through Manhattan.

Explore the Financial District

After Battery Park, the next stop is the Financial District. Check out the famous (or infamous?) Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. Make sure to stop by the statue of the Charging Bull for a photo. Another highlight in the Financial District is Trinity Church. This historic church is the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton and many other early Americans.

Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial

After exploring the Financial District, walk up a few blocks and find yourself standing near where the Twin Towers used to be. The 9/11 Memorial, commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks, now occupies the space at the site of the One World Trade Center. Look up and you’ll find the Freedom Tower, a symbol of unity and rebirth at a staggering (and patriotic) height of 1,776 ft. Nearby, you’ll find another attraction, the Oculus, in the new World Trade Center.

Grab New York Style Pizza

Trying New-york style pizza in New York is a given! Head to the original Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village for a slice of the famous pizza.

Relax at Washington Square Park

There is no seating available in Joe’s Pizza, but luckily, there are plenty of benches at the nearby Washington Square Park. People-watching there is one of my favorite things to do in NYC. There is always something going on, whether it be musical performances, rallies, or filming. My personal favorite performer is the piano man who lets you lay under the piano (I know it sounds weird, but it is such a cool experience). Enjoy your pizza and this walking break!

Admire the Flatiron Building and Empire State Building

Next is a quick stop to admire the unique Flatiron Building and then the Empire State Building. Once again, I don’t think going to the top of the Empire State Building is worth the time and money, especially since you can get a much better view at Top of the Rock.

Stop by Bryant Park and New York Public Library

New York City might be nicknamed ‘the concrete jungle’, but there are plenty of green spaces and parks spread throughout the city. Bryant Park is also one of my favorite areas, and be sure to check out the New York Public Library that is adjacent to the park. The Rose Main Reading Room is a stunning sight to be seen.

Shop around the Diamond District

The Diamond District is full of fancy shops such as Cartier and Saks, and it is fun to window shop (not much time for actual shopping). While you’re in this area, stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well. I love seeing the juxtaposition of this towering Neo-Gothic church against the skyscrapers.

Wander around Central Park

This might be obvious but it needs to be said. Central Park is huge. I have never managed to walk Central Park in its entirety in a single day. The top sights are located in lower Central Park and include the Gapstow Bridge, the Mall and Literary Walk, Bow Bridge, Bethesda’s Terrace and Fountain, and the Lake (yes, it is just called the Lake). Depending on the season of your visit, you can rent a boat from the Loeb Boathouse and row around the Lake. I love watching the sunset over the lake.

Eat To Your Heart’s Desire

New York City is what food dreams are made of! There are so many great places to eat that you really can’t go wrong. Here are some of my other favorite dinner spots:

  • Veselka: This bustling establishment serves traditional Ukrainian food – their pierogies are to die for!
  • Cafe Mogador: Classic Moroccan cuisine – check out their savory chicken tagine!
  • Xi’an Famous Foods: A taste of western Chinese cuisine in New York City! Their noodle soups are delicious!
  • SriPraPhai: This authentic restaurant claims to have the best Thai food in NYC, and I can’t disagree.

If you’re visiting in the summer or fall, I highly recommend taking the subway to the Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the Queens Night Market. You’ll find mouth-watering street food at this sprawling international market, with numerous vendors from dozens of different countries – I had an arepa from Colombia, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, Singapore rice noodles, and Korean shaved ice all in one meal 🙂

Day 3: Chinatown, Chelsea, Cookies!

Walk around Chinatown and Experience Dim Sum

We are starting out your last day in NYC by exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown. If you’ve never had an authentic dim-sum experience, then get ready to be amazed! Head to Golden Unicorn around opening time (11:00 AM) to grab a table. You’ll start seeing delicious and authentic Cantonese foods being wheeled around on carts…and all you have to do is point at what you want. There are sweet and savory options! Some of my favorite items include steamed bun, fried taro cake, steamed shrimp dumplings, siu mai, mango pudding, baked egg custard, and rice congee.

Check out Chelsea Market and Walk the High Line

Now that you’re stuffed with dim sum, let’s take a walk on the High Line. Take the subway to Chelsea Market, and check out all the shops and restaurants there. You can access the High Line by Chelsea Market and then walk towards Hudson Yard for New York City’s newest attraction, the Vessel.

Admire the Vessel

New York City’s newest attraction, the Vessel, is an architectural sight to be seen. People either love it or hate it – you’re just going to have to see for yourself! It is free to visit, but make sure to reserve your ticket online or in-person at the kiosks as only a certain number of people are allowed inside at a time.

Try New York City’s Most Famous Cookies

It’s time for another food stop! Head to Levain Bakery on the Upper East Side for rich and gooey freshly-baked cookies! My personal favorite is the chocolate walnut 🙂

See Famous Pieces of Art at the Met

Only a 10 minute walk away from Levain Bakery is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums! You could spend days exploring the Met (which unfortunately you don’t have), but you could visit the highlights within a few hours.

Take the subway to DUMBO

DUMBO, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, is one of my favorite areas in NYC! Be sure to stop at the intersection of Water St and Front St for the iconic photo of the Manhattan Bridge. A few steps away from that spot is Main Street Park where you’ll find a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Head to Time Out Market’s rooftop for drinks and soak it all in.

Watch the sunset on the Brooklyn Bridge

Lastly, walk the Brooklyn Bridge around sunset from Brooklyn to Manhattan to see the transformation of the NYC skyline from day to night. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my favorite things to do in the city and I have saved the best for last 🙂 It is the perfect way to end your weekend in NYC!


I gathered my favorite spots in New York City to put together this weekend travel itinerary and planned each activity out to maximize your time. As mentioned earlier, I actually used this New York City weekend travel itinerary to show my friends around when they visited me. By the end of this trip, you will most likely be exhausted, but you will have made the most of your time and lasting memories!


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