NYC in 3 Days: The Real Guide (No Sugarcoating, No Tourist Traps)
NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world, but it can also overwhelming, expensive, and full of tourist traps that make you question your life choices. 🗽
But this itinerary is a mix of hidden gems and what popular attractions are actually worth it. We’ve both been luckily enough to have lived in NYC and have figured out how to experience the city without draining your wallet or getting lost in a sea of fanny packs. We both go back multiple times a year, because there really is nothing like NYC, so trust us. Here’s how to do NYC right—balancing must-see spots, hidden gems, and accessibility tips so you don’t end up with blisters and regret.
TL;DR: Your 3-Day NYC Itinerary
Day 1: Brooklyn & Downtown – Start with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, explore DUMBO’s charming streets, then dive into history at the Financial District. Grab a bagel or slice of pizza before wandering Soho’s boutiques, then unwind with cocktails at a hidden speakeasy.
Day 2: Midtown & Broadway – Kick off the day at Grand Central, then admire the Chrysler Building before strolling Bryant Park. Explore MoMA or window shop on Fifth Ave. Score last-minute Broadway tickets and grab pre-show dinner at a classic theater district haunt, then finish with rooftop drinks overlooking the skyline.
Day 3: Culture & Farewell Views – Spend the morning at The Met or strolling through Central Park. Grab lunch at Chelsea Market before walking the High Line. Hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for stunning Statue of Liberty views, then toast to NYC at a historic cocktail bar before heading home.
Where to Stay & How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Picking the right hotel in NYC is like choosing your Hogwarts house—it will dictate your entire experience. Here are four solid options based on budget, location, and overall vibes:
Budget: The Jane Hotel – A quirky, historic spot in the West Village. The rooms are tiny, but you’re in one of the best areas. ($)
Mid-Range: Arlo Soho – A stylish and well-located hotel perfect for first-timers. ($$)
Luxury: The Ludlow – A boutique hotel with artsy vibes and skyline views. ($$$)
Splurge: The Ritz-Carlton Central Park – Because who doesn’t want a bougie Central Park view? ($$$$)
Getting Around NYC
The subway 🚇 is your best friend, and walking is unavoidable. Here’s what you need to know:
Subway ($2.90 per ride): Fast, cheap, and the best way to get around. You can even use your phone to pay!
Walking: Expect to hit at least 20,000 steps a day. Your feet will hate you, but you’ll see so much more.
Cabs/Uber: Great for late nights or when your feet give up.
CitiBike ($4 per ride): Ideal for short distances if you’re comfortable with NYC traffic.
🚨 Accessibility Note: While the subway is the fastest way to get around, not all stations have elevators. Walking is great, but the sheer volume of people and stairs can be overwhelming.
Day 1: Iconic NYC Walk & Hidden Gems
Morning: Brooklyn Bridge & Financial District
Alright, let’s start strong with an early morning Brooklyn Bridge walk. I know, waking up early on vacation is rough, but trust me, this is worth it. Walking across with that morning glow on the skyline? Chef’s kiss. Just avoid peak hours unless you enjoy shuffling along at a snail’s pace with a hundred other tourists.
Once across, wander through Battery Park and South Street Seaport. You’ll get a great view of Lady Liberty without paying for an overpriced ferry tour. Next, head into the Financial District. Snap a quick pic with the Charging Bull, but don’t linger unless you really love finance bros.
Fun fact: Kelly used to live in FiDi, and she swears it’s one of NYC’s most overlooked neighborhoods. If you’re into skyline views, One World Trade is incredible—it costs about $50, which can be steep if you’re planning another lookout spot, but it’s a stunner. There’s also so much history here, but we’ll dive into that in a future NYC history itinerary. For now, let’s keep moving!
🚨 Accessibility Note: Brooklyn Bridge can be packed, and the walk is long with some inclines. The Financial District is mostly flat, but subway access can be tricky with limited elevators.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: Stand near the Seaport for a killer shot of the Brooklyn Bridge with fewer crowds!
Afternoon: Soho & The Village
After all that walking, it’s time to chill a bit. Head to Washington Square Park for top-tier people-watching. Grab a coffee, soak up the NYU student energy, and enjoy the street performers (there’s always at least one guy absolutely shredding on a grand piano). 🎹
If shopping is on your radar, Soho is the spot. You’ve got everything from designer boutiques to tiny artist pop-ups. If you’re more into vintage finds, check out Artists & Fleas, an indoor market with cool handmade goods.
By now, you’re hungry. If you just want a quick bite, grab a slice at Prince Street Pizza—the spicy pepperoni slice is legendary. If you’re feeling fancy, Balthazar is a classic French brasserie with incredible steak frites. Pricey? Yes. A little touristy? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Soho has some cobblestone streets, which can be tricky. Washington Square Park is fully accessible and has plenty of seating.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The arch at Washington Square Park with the Empire State Building peeking through—perfect classic NYC shot!
Evening: Hidden Speakeasies & Skyline Views 🍸
Okay, now it’s time for some fun. If you love a good speakeasy, Lower Manhattan has some of the best. First up, The Back Room—one of NYC’s last true Prohibition-era bars, where cocktails still come in teacups (because discretion). It’s cozy, dimly lit, and full of old-school charm.
Want something more interactive? Attaboy is your move. There’s no menu—just tell the bartenders what flavors you like, and they’ll whip up something magical. It’s tiny, so expect a wait, but it’s worth it.
For something a little moodier, Apothéke in Chinatown is like stepping into an old-world apothecary, with botanical-infused cocktails and a dark, mysterious atmosphere.
And because no speakeasy list is complete without Death & Company, we have to mention it. It’s not in Lower Manhattan, but this East Village legend is one of the best cocktail bars in NYC, period. It’s elegant, intimate, and a perfect way to end the night.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Many speakeasies are small with stairs at the entrance. Apothéke is one of the more spacious ones.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: Snap a pic of your teacup cocktail at The Back Room for peak Prohibition vibes.
Day 2: Midtown Madness & Broadway Magic 🎭
Alright, buckle up, because today is all about that classic NYC energy. Glamorous buildings, Broadway dreams, and cocktails with a view.
Morning: Grand Central & The Most Charming Tea Party
Start your day at Grand Central Terminal, it’s not just a train station. This place is an architectural masterpiece, and if you know where to look, it’s packed with hidden gems. The Whispering Gallery is a personal favorite. Stand in opposite corners and whisper to a friend—you’ll hear each other perfectly, like a little magic trick built into the walls.
Next head over to The Morgan Library & Museum. Nestled on Madison Avenue, this gem was once the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan. Imagine stepping into a space where rare manuscripts and priceless artworks are framed by stunning architecture. It's like walking into a bibliophile's dream. I remember spending an afternoon there, utterly lost in the beauty of ancient texts and the serenity of the space. Plus, it's a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
After soaking in the literary vibes, why not unwind at Greenacre Park? Tucked away on East 51st Street, this tiny oasis boasts a cascading waterfall that drowns out the city's noise. It's one of those spots you'd never expect to find in Midtown. I stumbled upon it by accident once and ended up spending a blissful hour there with a coffee. It's the perfect place to recharge before diving back into the urban adventure.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Grand Central is fully accessible with elevators and ramps, but it does get crowded during rush hour. The Morgan Library & Museum is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout. Greenacre Park has multiple seating areas accessible via ramps, but be mindful that space can be limited during peak hours.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The chandeliers inside Grand Central’s main hall give off major old-school glam. Snap a shot looking up. Inside The Morgan Library, the East Room is a stunner with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and ornate decorations—a book lover's paradise. In Greenacre Park, capture the waterfall framed by the park's lush greenery for a serene cityscape shot.
Afternoon: Broadway & The Hunt for Cheap Tickets
No NYC trip is complete without a Broadway show, but let’s be real—tickets can be expensive. Feel free to buy tickets ahead of time but if you’re not picky there’s many ways to score a deal. Head to the TKTS booth in Times Square (or even better, the one at Lincoln Center (it’s less crowded). If you prefer to stay in your pajamas and try your luck, digital rush lotteries are the way to go.
No NYC trip is complete without a Broadway show
Once you’ve secured your golden ticket, grab lunch at Joe Allen, a classic Broadway haunt where actors, stagehands, and theater fans all mix together. There’s even a flop wall covered in posters of Broadway shows that bombed, which is weirdly comforting. If stars like Hugh Jackman need a safe space after a bad performance, so do we.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Times Square is a lot. It’s loud, chaotic, and full of aggressive Elmo impersonators. If crowds overwhelm you, try visiting in the morning when it’s slightly calmer or walking through Hell’s Kitchen to get to your show.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The famous red stairsin Times Square are an iconic photo op, but for fewer tourists in the background, head to the side streets around 44th Street where some of the smaller theaters have charming neon signs.
Evening: Live Music & Rooftop Cocktails
You have to check out Don’t Tell Mama, a piano bar where Broadway hopefuls (and sometimes actual Broadway stars) casually belt out show tunes while you sip cocktails. It’s the kind of place where strangers sing along, and by the end of the night, you’ll feel like you’re in a musical.
After soaking up the Broadway magic, head to The Campbell inside Grand Central for a nightcap. It’s an old-school cocktail bar tucked inside what used to be the private office of a 1920s tycoon. Think dark wood, leather chairs, and strong martinis—basically, a classy end to a very New York day.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Don’t Tell Mama is small and can get packed. If crowds aren’t your thing, go early in the evening. The Campbell is inside Grand Central, which is fully accessible.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The moody lighting and vintage decor inside The Campbell make for a stunning, old-money NYC shot.
Day 3: Museums, Ferry Rides & Farewell Toasts
Morning: The Met & Central Park
Okay, even if you’re not a museum person, hear me out—The Met is different. This place is packed with history, art, and just straight-up cool stuff. The Temple of Dendur is always a highlight—an ancient Egyptian temple just casually chilling inside a grand hall, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that make it feel like it’s floating in time. If you need a breather, head to the Met rooftop for sweeping views of Central Park with a cocktail in hand (yes, they serve drinks up there!).
From there, let’s talk about Central Park. No, it’s not just a park—it’s the park. Walk through Bethesda Terrace, take a cheesy but necessary photo at Bow Bridge, and stop by Strawberry Fields to pay tribute to John Lennon. If you have extra time and money, rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse or watch people watch while you enjoy an ice cream.
🚨 Accessibility Note: The Met is fully accessible with elevators, but Central Park’s paths can vary. Some areas, like Bow Bridge, have steps.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The Bethesda Arcade with its intricate ceiling is pure magic, especially when street musicians are playing in the background.
Afternoon: Shopping & Hidden Eats 🛍️🍽️
By now, you’ve walked enough to earn an amazing lunch. Check out Roscioli NYC in Soho. This buzzy Italian import from Rome features an upstairs casual a la carte alimentari and a downstairs tasting menu spot. We recommend checking out whether they’re doing wine tastings in the cellar or not: an interesting cavern that points to the building’s past (very few buildings on the street have maintained the room that used to give residents access to waterways). If that’s not the vibe today, head to Chelsea Market instead. It’s got everything from tacos to fresh seafood, plus some super cute indie shops tucked in between.
While you’re in the area, take a walk along The High Line, a gorgeous elevated park built on an old train track. It’s one of those things that shouldn’t work—but totally does. Strolling above the city, surrounded by plants and public art, makes for a nice break before diving back into the NYC madness.
🚨 Accessibility Note: Chelsea Market and The High Line are both accessible, but The High Line can get crowded, especially on weekends.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The view from The High Line near 10th Ave and 17th Street gives you an amazing cityscape framed by greenery.
Evening: The Best Free NYC Hack & One Last Cheers
Alright, let’s talk about the best free boat ride in the city: the Staten Island Ferry. Instead of dropping $$ on a crowded tour, hop on the ferry. It’s completely free and glides right past the Statue of Liberty. The ride takes about 25 minutes each way, and if you time it at sunset, the views? Unreal.
Once you’re back on land, there’s only one way to end your NYC adventure: drinks at The Dead Rabbit. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best cocktail bars in the world, and once you sip their Irish Coffee or a perfectly balanced old-fashioned, you’ll get why. Plus, the cozy, dark-wood pub aesthetic makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret 19th-century hideaway.
🚨 Accessibility Note: The ferry is fully accessible, but The Dead Rabbit is small and can get packed—if tight spaces aren’t your thing, go early.
📸 Picture Spot Suggestion: The view from the Staten Island Ferry—Lady Liberty on one side, the NYC skyline on the other. Absolute perfection.
Not a Planner? GetYourGuide Has You Covered.
If you’d rather let someone else handle the details, check these out:
🍎 NYC Walking Tour of Hidden Gems – Explore SoHo’s charming streets, enjoy delicious cannoli in Little Italy, and dive into the vibrant energy of Chinatown on this guided tour. Experience iconic NYC neighborhoods in a fun and tasty way!
🗽 One World Trade Observatory: Journey to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and admire the incredible 360-degree views over New York. Choose between 3 skip-the-line ticket options or a VIP guided tour.
🎭 Broadway District Tour – Experience the Great White Way with an industry professional and walk in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists.
🌇 Empire State Building Observation – Ascend to the 86th floor for panoramic views across 6 states from the highest 360-degree open-air viewpoint in New York City. Go even higher with the 102nd floor combo ticket.
🎨 NYC: MoMA Before-Hours Tour with Art Expert: Admire the works of The Museum of Modern Art before it opens on a guided morning tour. Enjoy a rare chance to explore the galleries before the crowds rush in for the day with an art historian guide.
Final Thoughts: NYC, You Were a Dream ✨
Three days in NYC is intense, but if you follow this itinerary, you’ll leave feeling like you actually lived the city, not just checked off a list. Now go rest your feet (and start planning your next trip back).
