The challenge
Like a prize fighter, you have to have a plan when you tackle New York. You will see more and do more, but you can’t be doing something on one end of the island, then shuttle up to the top in the blink of an eye. It’s exhausting. My tip is to find an area you want to see and work your way progressively to point B.
Day 1 - Classic Manhattan Landmarks
Everyone wants to see the big ticket items, and you should. Just remember its a busy city, during peak times its hectic and everything takes long to see thanks to lines. 65 million people visited in 2024.
I’ve listed all the Points Of Interest at the end of each segment, so you can easily add to MyPlan in the app and create your own custom itinerary.
Start at the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
No trip to NYC is complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close. Take the only authorized ferry from Battery Park and spend a few hours exploring the Statue of Liberty and the moving Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Tips
1 Avoid the scam ticket sellers operating outside Battery Park.
2 Get to the ferry early. After 10am its busy and you will wait in the sun.
Wall Street & the Charging Bull
After returning to Manhattan, walk up through the Financial District, snap a photo with the iconic Charging Bull, and stop by the New York Stock Exchange.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
A powerful and essential experience. The waterfalls mark the footprints of the Twin Towers, while the pools and museum honor the lives lost and share the story of a defining moment in U.S. history.
Top of the Rock at Sunset
30 Rock. You know it and want it. End the day like a rock start with panoramic views of the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. It’s one of the best ways to begin sightseeing New York in style. You get to see Midtown and Central Park. Two for one, plus Rockefeller Center is art deco at its best. I can’t think of another place anywhere that does it as well.
Statue of Liberty
, Manhattan, New York County, 10004
251–265 Fulton St, Manhattan, New York County, 10007
22–40 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan, New York County, 10112
Day 2: Art, Parks, and Hidden Corners
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Spend your morning at “The Met“—one of the most iconic New York attractions. Don’t miss the rooftop garden for a spectacular city view. It’s a bit hard to find, as a staff member, but its so worth the trip up and not well known by tourists.
Tip:
1 The Met has one of the best gift shops in the city and I don’t like gift shops. Good quality items, reasonable prices for New York
2 I would put aside a good three hours for The Met. There is so much content to see and its world class.
Central Park
The Mets serves as a jump off point to Central Park, which is behind The Met. Work your way south towards 57th Street. You want to See Bethseda Terrace, the Boathouse, Model Boat Pond.
Explore the Upper West Side
A cruiser side of New York, definitely more laid back. This is Jerry Seinfeld territory. Wander through leafy streets and grab lunch at Zabar’s, a classic Jewish deli. or you can head up to Tom’s Restaurant up at W 112th and Broadway – which is the Seinfeld diner. If time allows, swing by the American Museum of Natural History. Again, a world class an well laid out museum, just not for kids.
The Morgan Library & Museum
One of my favorites in the city. The former home of a billionaire, it was converted to a library. There really is a lot of history at this location. The art is a side bonus – and a very good one. Head to the library with the gigantic fireplace and filled with rare books, rare manuscripts, art, and rotating exhibitions.
1000 5th Ave, Manhattan, New York County, 10028
3–5 Central Park W, Manhattan, New York County, 10023
231 Madison Ave, Manhattan, New York County, 10016
Day 3: Brooklyn, Views & Local Flavor
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Always a tourist favorite and for good reason. it’s awesome. Start your morning with a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in views of the skyline and the East River.
Tip
1 Go early during summer. Its gets super busy and wall to wall people. It’s not pleasant. If you can’t do morning, go in the evening. It’s cooler and makes for some sensational photos.
DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights
Explore DUMBO’s cobblestone streets and under the Manhattan bridge. Enjoy the Manhattan view from Pebble Beach, and discover the serene Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
Lunch at Time Out Market
Plenty of vendors and foods to choose from. There really isn’t much else around in the area, other than an over priced hot dog. Grab lunch at this indoor food hall with everything from artisanal pizza to gourmet donuts. Go to level 5 for rooftop views.
Evening Broadway Show or Rooftop Bar
I didn’t consider myself a musical or play fan before I lived in New York. But it’s a must do. No body does theater better than Broadway. Score tickets on StubHub. Don’t bother lining up TKTS beneath the red steps in Times Square. Book online. an alternative is to see an Off Broadway show in The Village. More low key but less ‘jazzy.’ Finish the night on a rooftop bar in front of the Empire State Building. It’s a moment you’ll treasure.
Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan, New York County, 10038
, Brooklyn, Kings County, 11201
Final Thoughts
This 3-day guide blends major landmarks with lesser-known gems to give you a true taste of New York. From the towering Statue of Liberty to Broadway, these places to visit in New York promise a trip you’ll never forget. Sightseeing in New York, has something for everyone.
Happy travels
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Bio | Brett Williams
Brett Williams, founder of Ylore Travel, has explored over 50 countries and lived in four, embodying his passion for travel and cultural immersion. His love for discovering new places and unique experiences inspired the creation of Ylore, making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide.
