New York City is a unique global destination, perfect for a family vacation. Its mix of historical landmarks, contemporary style, rich culture, diverse shopping opportunities, and unique architecture is unmatched. However, because of so many things to do and its iconic sights, careful planning is a must. Our essential 3 day New York City itinerary is crafted to help you maximize your experience in the city that never sleeps!
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DAY ONE
The Met
The Met is one of the world’s top museums, showcasing an incredible variety of exhibits that captivate visitors. To make the most of your experience, planning ahead is essential, as it’s easy to lose track of time while exploring. Creating a well-organized route will help you maximize both your time and energy.
Don’t miss the stunning Egyptian exhibit, featuring an actual Egyptian temple, and be sure to visit the museum’s rooftop for breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York City skyline.
For a smoother experience, consider purchasing tickets online in advance and perhaps opting for a guided tour to deepen your understanding of what’s on display.
Central Park
Covering 843 acres, Central Park offers a wide array of activities for families of all ages. The park boasts playgrounds for energetic kids, peaceful walking paths, and a charming zoo.
Seasonal highlights include ice skating rinks, and there are numerous historical monuments that add an educational touch. After a cultural visit to the nearby Met, Central Park is the perfect place for a relaxing picnic.
For a touch of adventure, rent rowboats at the Boathouse for a scenic trip on the lake. Other popular attractions include nostalgic horse-drawn carriage rides and the famous Central Park Carousel, a favorite for both kids and adults.
5th Avenue
When you exit Central Park to the south, you can either walk or catch a bus to 59th Street and 5th Avenue to kick off your shopping adventure.
This iconic area of Manhattan offers a variety of retail experiences, from high-end luxury stores like Louis Vuitton to popular spots like the Apple Store, the Lego Store, and more budget-friendly options like H&M.
Even if you’re not planning to splurge, shopping on the legendary 5th Avenue is an experience worth having.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, located on 5th Avenue, is a vibrant landmark that transforms with the seasons. In the winter, it features an iconic ice skating rink, and throughout the year, it serves as the home of the Today Show—arrive early if you want to join the live audience!
One of the top attractions here is the Top of the Rock observation deck. Perched at the top of Rockefeller Center, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York City’s vast skyline, making it the perfect spot for photography and soaking in the city’s energy.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt offers a unique observation deck experience in NYC, earning its place among the city’s top five viewpoints.
More than just stunning views, Summit One delivers an immersive adventure from the moment you arrive. Mirrors on the floors, ceilings, and walls amplify the breathtaking cityscape and create a sense of expanded space, making it the perfect spot for photographers and social media enthusiasts.
During our visit, the partly sunny skies enhanced the reflections. On the second level, a smaller room features an art installation and incredible views, including a glass floor that lets you peer directly down onto the street below.
While there may be a wait to access this thrilling spot, the experience is well worth it. Even the bathrooms boast impressive views! The visit culminates with the open-air viewing deck, providing a spectacular finale to your journey.
You can buy your tickets here for this amazing experience.
DAY TWO
American Museum of Natural History
The museum’s standout attraction is undoubtedly its breathtaking dinosaur exhibit, which alone is worth the visit. Seeing the fully assembled dinosaur skeletons up close is a mesmerizing experience, highlighting their enormous scale.
With so much detailed information, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this section. The insect exhibit is also captivating, featuring high-resolution magnified photos that showcase the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of different insects.
Don’t miss the Big Bang Exhibit either, where you’ll enjoy an immersive 3D audio-visual experience. You can purchase your tickets to the museum here.
You can purchase your Museum tickets here.
Washington St./Manhattan Bridge View
After your museum visit, take the C train to Brooklyn and disembark at the High Street station. While in Brooklyn, make sure to photograph one of the city’s most iconic scenes: the Manhattan Bridge from the corner of Washington Street and Water Street.
The classic view down Washington Street, framed by the vibrant blue of the Manhattan Bridge, is ideal for Instagram-worthy selfies.
The area is pedestrian-friendly, with small platforms perfect for striking a pose and capturing that ideal shot.
Empire Fulton Ferry/Jane’s Carousel/John Street Park/Brooklyn Bridge Park
Several parks and green spaces line the East River in Brooklyn, tucked beneath and around the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
These areas provide stunning views and peaceful spots to relax and soak in the scenery. You can walk along the boardwalk and pathways, sit on benches, or dine at various nearby locations.
The area also features a playground, making it a great destination for families. One of the standout attractions here is Jane’s Carousel, a favorite for children.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market, located in Brooklyn’s vibrant Dumbo neighborhood near the East River, is a must-visit for food and culture enthusiasts.
This market showcases some of New York City’s best culinary offerings, all in one place. From gourmet dishes to artisanal desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The rooftop terrace also provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it the perfect spot to enjoy Brooklyn’s lively atmosphere.
Brooklyn Bridge
After enjoying the views of the Manhattan Bridge, the parks along the East River and taking your selfies, head south on Washington Street.
Just past Prospect Street, you’ll see stairs on your right leading up to the Brooklyn Bridge. Strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do in NYC, providing breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Take your time to explore the bridge and savor the scenic vistas at your own pace.
DAY THREE
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a short 15-minute ferry ride from Manhattan. This trip offers the chance to see the iconic statue up close, explore Liberty Island, and take in stunning views of Manhattan.
You can purchase tickets to climb to the statue’s crown and visit the island’s museum. While the ferry ride to the island is brief, the return journey can involve a long wait, particularly during busy periods.
Be prepared for possible lines, often in direct sunlight without shade, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
World Trade Center/Oculus
A visit to the World Trade Center is a profoundly moving experience. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum on site pays tribute to the lives lost in the tragic events of that day and remains an essential place to visit.
Nearby, the Oculus, an architectural marvel, serves as both a transportation hub and a shopping center. Its design, which lets in ample natural light, symbolizes hope and renewal. Together, these locations provide a powerful mix of historical reflection, commerce, and architectural brilliance.
High Line
The High Line turns a former rail line into an innovative and green urban park. This distinctive green pathway meanders through the lively cityscape, offering a serene retreat surrounded by vibrant plants and flowers.
Benches placed along the way provide ideal spots to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. With several access points along the route, you can enter or exit at various locations, so walking the entire length is optional.
The High Line stretches along the west side of Manhattan, from Hudson Yards to Chelsea.
WHERE TO STAY IN NYC
New York City offers a broad range of excellent accommodation options, but Midtown Manhattan stands out for the ultimate tourist experience.
We recommend staying in Midtown East due to its proximity to many popular attractions and the convenience of having numerous sites within walking distance. While finding affordable lodging in this area can be challenging, booking early can help you secure some great deals.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Midtown West is a good alternative. Situated just across the island, it provides cost-effective choices. During our recent visit to NYC, we found a fantastic hotel deal in this district, conveniently close to Penn Station and just a short walk from Times Square.
Check out a review of our stay at TRYP here.
HOW TO GET AROUND NYC
To get around NYC effectively, it’s best to combine the subway with walking. Whenever we visit, we opt for long-term parking and leave our car parked for the duration of our stay. Dealing with New York’s notorious traffic, searching for parking, and managing parking fees can be impractical and stressful.
The subway system provides efficient access to nearly every part of the city, and we occasionally use buses when they offer a quicker or more convenient option.
While the subway network is extensive, it can be tricky to navigate, especially compared to systems like London’s Underground or Paris‘ Metro. However, tools like Google Maps and asking locals for help can make getting around much easier. Don’t worry about making mistakes or getting a bit lost—it’s all part of the authentic New York City experience!
ENJOY YOUR NYC TRIP
This itinerary offers a rich sampling of New York City’s diverse attractions, including fantastic activities for families. With careful planning, you can make the most of your time in the city and ensure a memorable trip. Safe travels!