Three days in New York City barely touches the surface of what this dynamic city has to offer, but it’s a good start.
Check out these three New York City itineraries each one designed to explore attractions and activities New York is famous for, all concentrated in specific geographies in order to maximize your time.
Day One of your 3 days in NYC: Hudson Yards, High Line, Chelsea
One of New York City’s newer neighborhoods, Hudson Yards is the creation of several New York City departments that collaborated to develop an area of the city that was previously neglected.
Now it is one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods.
Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards lies to the east of the Hudson River and is home to upscale shopping centers, a large residential community, restaurants (including one of my favorites Jose Andres’ Little Spain) and outdoor art projects including The Vessel.
The Jacob Javits Center, New York City’s largest and busiest convention center is right next door.
At 30 Hudson Yards you’ll find the new skyscraper known as The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Wester Hemisphere.
This breathtaking attraction takes visitors to a platform virtually suspended in mid air. You feel like you are floating over the city while you experience thrilling views.
Make a reservation but if the weather does not cooperate you can request admission for a different day.
The High Line
The High Line is unique, I believe, anywhere in the world. It is an elevated train track that was once very busy supplying NYC with grains and meat from the midwestern states.
When the service ended, the abandoned tracks became an eyesore on the city’s westside and were eventually slated for demolition.
A community organization, Friends of the High LIne, petitioned the city to preserve the tracks and turn them into a local public park. The project was approved and the High Line was born.
Today the High Line blooms with native flora, public art work and remarkable views of the surrounding iconic New York City sights.
It winds its way through buildings under crossways and touches some of Manhattans most interesting and exciting neighborhoods.
This 1.75 mile elevated city park runs from 34th Street in the north to Gansevoort Street in the south.
About two thirds of the way south on the High Line, on the water’s side, you come to another of New York’s newest attractions, Little Island at Pier 55 at Hudson River Park.
This remarkable piece of floating architecture (it’s not really floating, it just gives that impression) is actually a public park built on tulip-shaped moorings.
Little Island
Little Island is 2.4 acres of meticulously landscaped flora- all 350 species worth, undulating over the tulip-shaped moorings interspersed with wooded walkways.
The views of Manhattan, needless to say, are awesome.
In one section there is a 687-seat amphitheater prepared to host a series of performances.
Nearby is a food court with reasonably priced (for New York City) snacks and drinks – think hot dogs and soft drinks.
This is a unique venue worth visiting.
Chelsea Market
On the east side of the High Line is Chelsea Market. One of the three elevators and stairways off High Line will deposit you directly in front of this massive indoor market.
It is hard to describe Chelsea Market. Yes, it’s a market selling food products, but it is also a foodie heaven with restaurants offering many different ethnic cuisines, some in snack bar form, others in high-end restaurants.
Eat inside the market or, on warm days, take it to the streets and enjoy your meal outside in view of the High Line.
You’ll also find shops selling all kinds of unique artisanal products both edible and decorative. If you find something you totally love, they’ll ship it to you!
Lastly, Chelsea Market hosts performances from philharmonic symphonies to puppet shows.
It’s a great place for shopping unique products, a quick snack, a leisurely formal meal or a coffee pick-me-up. You could spend an entire day here but there is so much more to see nearby.
Whitney Museum of American Art
New York has a ton of museums and the Whitney Museum of American Art is just one of them, but it is situated off the southernmost point on the High Line.
If you love art and museums, or if you just want to visit one of New York City’s premier art venues, stop at the Whitney.
The Meat Packing District
The High Line empties out on the southernmost point into Gansevoort Street, the heart of the Meatpacking District.
This area was where wholesale meat deliveries were received from the midwestern states before the 1980s.
The area was all industrial slaughter houses and meatpacking warehouses, hence the neighborhood’s name.
Today, the area is all about high-end stores, trendy restaurants, exciting clubs and rooftop bars.
The original cobblestone streets, a rareity in New York City still remain lending an air of historic industrial chic to the neighborhood.
One outstanding restaurant in the Meatpacking District is “Catch” for fresh seafood. Try and snag a seat at their rooftop restaurant.
Another long-time favorite is “The Old Homestead.” This steak house has been in business in the same location since 1868. Can you imagine!
They must be doing something right. Everything is good here, but steaks are their claim to fame. A meat lover’s paradise.
End day one of your 3 days in NYC here at one of the local clubs, or continue on to other Manhattan neighborhoods.
Where to stay in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Day two of your 3-days in NYC: Museums, Central Park and Times Square
Begin your day two of your 3-day NYC itinerary early as it will be a busy day. Start your day in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
The Museum of Natural History
Maybe your were there as a kid and something in this fascinating place moved you. Maybe you’ve never been there before. Regardless, you are in for a treat.
Meet your ancestors, see the largest mammal that ever lived, experience the newly renovated Great Hall of Minerals. Just don’t miss this amazing place,
Central Park
Once you leave the Museum of Natural History you cross Central Park and make your way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Any time of the year is great for visiting the park. Just take your time and enjoy everything these remarkable “lungs of New York City” have to offer.
Don’t have time to walk across the park, take a romantic horse and carriage ride.
The Metropolitan Museum or Art
Spend half a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply, “The Met.” That will only give you time to see a couple of exhibits but at least you can plan to return.
Many museums including the Natural History and The Met have pay-what-you-wish admissions for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents.
Wander SOHO
SOHO (short for South of Houston Street) is an artsy neighborhood filled with art galleries, trendy one-of-a-kind boutiques, cute Instagramable cafes, street vendors and much, much more.
Just wander aimlessly through the neighborhood with no particular place in mind and enjoy the vibe.
Have dinner in Chinatown
For one of THE quintessential New York City experiences, have dinner in Chinatown. There are a huge number of restaurants there; some good, others better.
But if you want to pick the perfect place to have your New York City Chinatown experience, head to Wo Hop.
This legendary eatery has been in the area since the 1930s as is now owned by the third generation.
The food is consistently outstanding and their prices deliver some of the best value for your money in New York City.
Don't be put off by the restaurant's appearance, down the stairs into a crowded basement with workers yelling orders in Cantonese in the kitchen.
This is one of those places in life where you just have to trust someone that tells you to...just go!
If you have the time - and the energy - while you're in the neighborhood, check out an indie foreign movie at the Angelika. A great way to top off your 3 days in New York City.
It is important to pick a accommodation in New York City near where you want to spend time so you don't waste time and money traveling.
Check out this post to see where to stay in New York City based on what you want to see and do.
Check out these reference materials on New York City so you'll be better prepared when you arrive.
What are YOUR thoughts on how to spend the perfect 3 days in New York City? Let us know in the comments.
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