New Yorkers are lucky. But you, dear visitor, are far luckier. This is a city made for explorers: the more you roam in New York, the more you discover, the more you'll want to see; and the more you'll be thrilled by the range of things to do in New York City.
Day 1: Get Oriented
A CityPass is still widely regarded as the best deal in Manhattan (a bold statement), and will help you to gain entry into a number of 'must-see' monuments and museums, all while skipping the line. Alternatively, see what you wish aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and roam the Big Apple at your own pace.
Day 2: Museums, Shopping, and Eating
New York is perhaps the center of the Earth for these three leisurely activities. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA) is a must-see experience, and routinely displays some of the best artistic exhibits anywhere in the world.
The Guggenheim on Fifth Avenue is also a sight to behold (both inside and out), and is highly recommended. While out eyeing masterpieces, window-shop your way into something more affordable than priceless art, and get your shopping fix. The city's Garment District in Midtown is singularly New York, while for cool boutique shopping check out SoHo (a great area in its own right), the once gritty, now chic Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village's Bleeker Street, NoLita, and the Lower East Side.
Got your shopping bags? Been on your feet too long now? Why not take it easy on a romantic dinner cruise, or enjoy some light jazz before heading to bed? And if you’re a natural New Yorker and sleep standing up, how about some culturally rich soul food and jazz in Harlem?
Day 3: More
Typically, with only three days in a location, it is advisable to see some of the surrounding countryside and the foray into what landscape made the city you’re visiting so spectacular. New York, however, is a different case. Practically a UNESCO World-Heritage site for the diverse range of cultural, historical, and beautiful monuments, spend this day seeing what you failed to earlier on.
A helicopter tour is an exhilarating and delightful way to see all of the cityscape, while taking in a Broadway play is another option. Don't forget Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, which beckon to those looking to explore the Big Apple a bit more.
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Walking Tour of Ground Zero with Optional 9/11 Memorial Admission
The tour would not have been so meaningful without our guide who was there on 9/11. I can't imagine taking the tour without visiting the Memorial and think that being in the group made entry into the Memorial faster/easier.
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: New York City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
I'm normally not in that kind of tourism, but it was the best way to see all New York for the few first day to know where I would like to go back and also use it as a nice transportation between attractions! A great deal to really recommend!
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Walking Tour of Ground Zero with Optional 9/11 Memorial Admission
We experienced an excellent 3 hour tour with our guide Tom. Tom provided information surrounding ground zero plus, he told us about the more important smaller things that we would never have heard about via the media. An excellent tour.
Find Recommendations by Type
- Bridge
- Cultural Experience
- Film & Cinema
- Good for Kids
- Good Place to Eat
- Good Place to Shop
- Good Views / Viewpoint
- Hotel
- Monument - Historical
- Museum
- Nature & Wildlife
- Off-the-Beaten Path
- People Watching
- Pier / Waterfront / Port
- Popular with Locals
- Restaurant
- Stadium
- Tip - Family Travel
- Tip - Suggested Itineraries
- Tip - Weather
- Tip - When to Go
- Town / City
- Walking/Hiking
- Cafe
- Festival
- Golfing
- Good Place to Drink
- Good Place to Relax
- Good Place to Sleep
- Holiday Activity
- Live Music
- Monument - Natural
- Must-Do Experience
- Neighborhood
- Park / Garden
- Photo ID required
- Pop Culture
- Religious Experience
- Sailing
- Tip - Dos & Don'ts
- Tip - General Travel
- Tip - Transport
- Tip - What to See & Do
- Tower
- Trail
- Waterfall
New York City Travelers Recommend
3 Days in NYC: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator
Best Views in New York City
Written by Viator
Getting the Best Broadway Show Tickets
Written by Viator


