All About New York
New York City is the most populous city in the US (over 8 million people) and hosted more than 60 million tourists in 2017. Needless to say, a lot of people are in NYC, and that is for good reason! New York buzzes with a certain energy that I have never encountered anywhere else, and I’m always wanting to go back. This is the itinerary that Garrett and I did as the first stop of our honeymoon in 2016. It was a LONG three days, but I felt so good about how much we were able to get done! Since it was Garrett’s first trip to New York, we made sure to fit in all of the classics, but I honestly enjoyed every single one.
How to Get Around
For a detailed guide to New York airport, check out New York City Airports: A Guide
You will be using buses and the subway, both of which are well documented with your best friend – Google Maps! Google Maps will instruct you on the best route to take at any given moment, utilizing New York’s public transportation. To ride the subway and bus simply buy a MetroCard for $1 the first time you enter a subway station at one of the vending machines. You can also buy one at the airport station as you head into the city.
Where to Stay
This itinerary assumes that you’re staying on the Upper East Side within walking distance of Conservatory Pond in Central Park. However, it could easily be altered for the Upper West Side, or any neighborhood that allows you to quickly access Central Park in the mornings. Some other neighborhoods to consider would be Midtown or Chelsea.
What to do Ahead of Time
In general, I like to do things ahead of time when possible when traveling. It’s just something that I won’t need to worry about in the moment! The things I recommend doing before arriving in New York are:
Purchase a New York CityPass
The New York CityPass is not always worth it, but will be a cost saver if you follow this itinerary! Purchase the pass online and bring it with you instead of having to secure one at your first destination.
Broadway Tickets
If there is a specific show you wish to see, and if you’re a theater seating snob like me, I strongly recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time! Check out Broadway.com to learn about currently running shows. However, if you’re open to seeing any show, and want to save some money, then consider purchasing your tickets same-day at one of the TKTS booths.
Day 1
8:45am – Breakfast: Le Pain Quotidien at Conservatory Pond
Walk over to Conservatory Pond for your first experience in Central Park! Get breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien located right next to the pond. Then, walk across the park to the American Museum of Natural History. Enjoy the walk!
9:15am – American Museum of Natural History
Tour the museum for a couple of hours until you’re ready for lunch. The museum is large enough where the basic general admission ticket should be enough, but if you are particularly interested in a special exhibit or show, feel free to upgrade and start there! Either way, you probably won’t be able to get through the whole museum by lunch… prioritize!
12:30pm – Lunch at Shake Shack
If you don’t have Shake Shack where you live, make sure to grab lunch at this classic burger joint. And maybe dessert too! Burger + fries + shake!
1:30pm – Empire State Building
Take the subway to Midtown;Enter the Empire State Building and follow the signs. There will be lines to get to the main deck, but once you’re there, enjoy the view! I recommend going to the 102nd-floor deck as well; we ended up walking from the main deck to the tippy top to avoid lines. It was worth it for the views!
2:45pm – Grand Central Terminal
Inside grand central terminal, check out the iconic clock and ceiling of the main concourse. Check out this page if you’re looking for a detailed self-guided tour.
4:30pm – Early Dinner at Serindipity 3
Serindipity is super crowded; check in as soon as you get there to get on the list! You may have to wait a bit, but once you get seated, make sure to stay for dessert! The frozen hot chocolate is a must!
7pm – Harbor Lights Circle Line Tour
The harbor lights circle cruise is a sunset cruise around Manhattan, featuring a photo op at the Statue of Liberty and all the sparkling lights of New York City! Arrive 30-45 minutes early; seats are first-come first-serve!
Day 2
9am – Breakfast at Maison Kayser
If the weather is good, grab breakfast to go and head over to the park to enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, enjoy a nice breakfast inside. Make sure to eat a filling breakfast; you’re scheduled for a later lunch.
10am – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The MET is a huge museum, and like The Natural History Museum, you won’t be able to hit up the whole thing. I recommend grabbing a map in the lobby and selecting a few of the most interesting exhibits. Generally, I recommend 19th and Early 20th Century European Paintings and Sculpture as a touchstone. For something more specific to The MET, check out the extensive Egyptian exhibit.
1pm – Top of the Rock + Times Square
Grab a hotdog for lunch on your walk from the bus to The Rock (make sure to have cash). Once you arrive at The Rock Plaza, check everything out and head inside for another great view of the city at the Top of the Rock. Afterward, take a few moments to wander through Times Square.
2:30pm – See a Broadway show
It’s always a good time to go to the theater, and you have no excuse when you’re in New York! Buy tickets ahead of time for your favorite show, or go to one of the TKTS booths to get tickets same-day. I will always recommend a musical!
6:30pm – Dinner at Carmine’s
Carmine’s is a great classic Italian restaurant with huuuge portions. If you didn’t feel like that hotdog for lunch was enough, you will more than make up for it here! There’s another location on the Upper West Side if you would rather move out of midtown.
Day 3
10am – Katz Deli
Katz Deli is a classic must-see for visitors to New York, but, it can be pretty overwhelming. Make sure to read a guide ahead of time so you understand the order process. A pastrami sandwich on rye is a must; they’re huge and delicious!
11:15am – Brooklyn Bridge
Take the subway to the Brooklyn side, and then take the walking path across the Brooklyn Bridge for a great view and some good exercise! It’s just over a mile long, so should take you 20-60 minutes depending on your page.
12pm – 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is sobering, and will probably feel like a bit of a damper on your day, but it is a really important and well-done museum. I recommend the free official audio tour narrated by Robert de Niro.
1:45pm – Washington Square Park
Grab some food nearby if you’re hungry and then hang out in Washington Square Park! See the famous arch on the north side and check out the dog park on the south side.
3pm – Mop Up!
The best itineraries give you a little bit of time at the end to catch up on anything you may have missed. Since this is a pretty jam-packed itinerary, it’s possible you may have skipped something out of exhaustion. Now is the time to catch up! Alternatively, wander through the East Village, West Village, Time Square, or Central Park! Or… another Broadway show?
**Featured image by Jorge Ramírez
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