The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, Empire City … whatever you want to call it, we firmly believe every traveler needs to visit New York City at least once in their lifetime. From unforgettable entertainment and shows to truly incredible food, art, shopping and culture, there’s a reason NYC has earned its reputation as one of the greatest cities in the world, and to truly understand its magic, you need to experience it for yourself. Whether travelers have been there countless times or are planning their first visit, with so many exciting things to do and see, knowing where to get started in The Big Apple can be a challenge. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve created this nifty guide to help travelers spend 72 hours in New York City.
Day 1: Midtown and Times Square
No visit to The City That Never Sleeps is complete without checking off a few of the area’s most iconic sights. That’s why we recommend travelers start their first day in NYC in the Midtown/Times Square neighborhood, the same place visitors will find attractions such as the swanky shops of Madison Avenue, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and, of course, Times Square. The area is dense and easily walkable making it fun to explore on foot. Alternatively, abundant Hop-On, Hop-Off buses help riders conserve their energy and squeeze in all the big sights simultaneously.
Shopping and Dining
In addition to its seemingly endless landmarks and attractions, Midtown/Times Square is home to no shortage of shopping and dining. Accessible brands like Old Navy, Levi’s and Sephora all have shops in the general Times Square area, while nearby Fifth Avenue boasts higher-end offerings with names like Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton, Zara and more. Similarly, fashion fans won’t want to miss a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue, the famed department store dating to 1924 across the street from Rockefeller Center.
Regarding food, whatever they’re craving, travelers are sure to find it somewhere in Midtown/Times Square. Common chains are everywhere in the blocks adjacent to Times Square, while those who venture further from the hustle and bustle will be rewarded with a surplus of local gem eateries guaranteed to satiate their hunger. Seriously, from Japanese and Indian to French, Italian, Mexican and more, this corner of the city has it all.
Broadway and Beyond
No one does theater like NYC, which is why we feel everyone needs to add attending at least one Broadway show to their New York travel wish list. Those who want to choose their seats in advance can lock in their tickets online. Or, for a quintessential Big Apple experience, travelers can try their luck at TKTS Times Square where they can secure last-minute, same-day tickets for many popular shows — just don’t wait too long or they might sell out. If Broadway isn’t their thing, New York City lives up to its reputation as The City That Never Sleeps with year-round live entertainment — think music and comedy shows — no matter the day of the week.
Day 2: The High Line, Chelsea Market and Greenwich Village
Vacationers will want to wear their walking shoes for their second day in the city as we recommend kicking things off with a stroll on the High Line, an elevated walking trail that doubles as a public park beginning near the Javits Center and ending by Gansevoort St in the Meatpacking District. Well-lit and decorated with small gardens and colorful murals, the High Line is an efficient and lovely way to travel from point A to point B without pesky interruptions from traffic and stoplights. The walkway is also a direct path to some major attractions in the city including Vessel, various art galleries, Little Island, Chelsea Market, Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York, Whitney Museum of American Art and more.
Food and Fun at Chelsea Market
A hub for F&B, art, culture and shopping, Chelsea Market is an absolute must-visit for anyone who even slightly identifies as a foodie. A staple in NYC’s neighborhood by the same name, Chelsea Market covers an entire city block and is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat, attend a cooking class or browse quirky gifts and goods. Conveniently located just footsteps from the High Line, this beloved food hall is considered one of the best in the world and welcomes over six million visitors a year.
History and ‘Setjetting’ in Greenwich Village
Just south of Chelsea is Greenwich Village, NYC’s historic neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, live entertainment, charming brownstone homes and as-seen-on-TV locales. Prominent for its history with the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, Greenwich Village is home to significant landmarks like The Stonewall Inn, The Blue Note Jazz Club, the Jean-Michel Basquiat Commemorative Plaque, Julius’ (the oldest, continuously operating gay bar in NYC) and much more.
The beating heart of this trendy district is Washington Square Park, a ~10-acre green space where locals go to enjoy the fresh air and splash around in the centrally located fountain while visitors can’t get enough of snapping photos beneath the park’s picture-perfect marble arch. Frequented by musicians and street performers, visitors will want to spend at least a few minutes enjoying the vibe of this emblematic spot. Who knows, travelers might even see a ghost as Washington Square Park is rumored to be haunted.
Finally, fans of the beloved sitcom Friends will want to check out the “Friends Apartment Building,” the multi-story tan brick building that was used for exterior shots of the gang’s apartment in the long-running series. Also nearby is the charming brownstone that was used for exterior shots of Carrie Bradshaw’s home in Sex in the City.
Day 3: Museum Day and Central Park
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Modern Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, The Jewish Museum, the American Folk Art Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design … New York City has so many incredible, world-class museums that what we listed above barely even begins to scratch the surface. And while their theming varies, what the aforementioned collections do have in common is their proximity to Central Park, the famed 843-acre stretch of greenspace situated in the heart of Manhattan.
With surprises tucked around every corner, Central Park is home to unique attractions like a historic castle, full-sized carousel, zoo, garden, ice skating rink, fountain, a statue of Balto and even a tribute to John Lennon. Featured in countless movies and TV shows, eagle eyed visitors will recognize spots like the Bethesda Fountain and the Bow Bridge from movies like John Wick and Enchanted. Regarding people watching, Central Park is ripe with it and the benches that line the picturesque Mall & Literary Walk make for a great spot to do it. Similarly, the park’s many grassy areas and various nooks and crannies are perfect places to enjoy a quick lunch or simply escape the commotion of the bustling city streets.
Travelers can start their third day in the city with a walk through this incredible park followed by a visit to their museum of choice for the ultimate morning, or they can swap the order and enjoy an unforgettable stroll after exploring an exceptional museum with exhibits that are sure to stick with them long after returning home.
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