3 Days in New York City: A Local’s Perfect First-Time Itinerary

New York City is one of those places that never really sits still. I’ve lived in the NYC area for several years now, and even after all this time, the city still surprises me. A new art installation pops up along the river. A restaurant everyone raves about opens seemingly overnight. Another observation deck appears in the skyline. It’s impossible to see everything – not in three days, not in three years, maybe not even in a lifetime.

But when friends come to visit, there are certain places I always take them. These are the classics that capture the rhythm and personality of New York, along with some of the neighborhoods and experiences that make people fall in love with the city. This 3-day NYC itinerary is the exact route I’d give to someone visiting for the first time. It hits all the iconic spots, but also leaves room for wandering through leafy streets, eating great food, and experiencing the city like someone who knows it well.

Where to Stay in New York City

With so many neighborhoods to choose from, figuring out where to stay can honestly be the hardest part of planning a trip. For convenience and atmosphere, I always recommend staying in central or lower Manhattan, especially if it’s your first visit.

Midtown

Midtown is incredibly convenient. You’re close to Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and multiple subway lines. If you’re planning to see a Broadway show, it’s an especially handy base. Just note: it’s busy. Very busy. Great for efficiency, not for quiet nights.

Chelsea

Chelsea has a calmer, artsy feel. You get the High Line, Chelsea Market, and tons of galleries, but without the frantic pace of Midtown. It’s central enough to get anywhere quickly while still feeling like a real neighborhood.

SoHo

One of my personal favorites. Beautiful cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, cafés, and a slower, more stylish energy. If you want to feel like you’re living in a movie, SoHo is the move.

West Village

Dreamy brownstones, leafy streets, corner wine bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s intimate and atmospheric and feels worlds away from the chaos of Times Square—even though it’s only a short subway ride.

East Village

Young, grungy, energetic, full of character. There’s no shortage of restaurants, late-night spots, and quirky shops. It’s great if you like staying somewhere with personality.

About Times Square

Times Square is convenient, but also hectic, touristy, and bright enough at night to make you question whether you’ve gone temporarily nocturnal. It’s worth experiencing once, but staying there can feel overwhelming. If you want somewhere more relaxed, go with SoHo or the West Village.

Short-Term Rentals

If you prefer apartment-style stays, there are plenty of options throughout Manhattan. A great place to compare different rentals easily is Cozycozy’s New York short term rental listings, which pull options from many different platforms into one simple search:

Day 1: Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Midtown Icons, Grand Central, Broadway or Hudson Yards

Your first full day in New York should feel iconic from the moment you step outside. This route flows naturally through some of the most famous sights in Manhattan, but in a way that feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Morning: Central Park

Begin on the southern edge of Central Park near 59th Street or Columbus Circle. Even if you’ve been here before, entering the park early in the morning feels special. Joggers weave past, dogs tug along their owners, and the sound of traffic fades under the rustling trees.

From the entrance, take your time following the paths toward the Pond and Gapstow Bridge, one of the most photographed places in the park. This area feels tucked away even though it’s right near the city’s busiest streets. Continue deeper toward the Mall, a long promenade shaded by arching trees. Street performers often set up here, playing violins, guitars, or saxophones that echo beautifully in the open air.

Keep walking toward Bethesda Terrace, where the grand staircase opens to a view of the fountain and the lake. Under the terrace, the tiled arcade carries sound in a mesmerising way, and you can often catch musicians who choose that spot specifically for its acoustics. If you continue around the lake, you’ll find rowboats gliding by and shaded paths winding toward Bow Bridge.

Late Morning: Fifth Avenue

Exit the park on the southeast corner and head down Fifth Avenue. This stretch is classic, glamorous New York. Luxury boutiques sit beside historic landmarks, and the sidewalks buzz with a mix of shoppers, tourists, and impeccably dressed locals moving at a pace only New Yorkers understand.

Along the way, you’ll pass The Plaza Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Each one is worth at least a look, even from the outside. If you have time, step inside Rockefeller Center, stroll past the ice rink (or summer dining area), and admire the Art Deco details. The MoMA is a short walk away if you’re in the mood for a quick art fix.

Afternoon: Top of the Rock or Empire State Building

For panoramic city views, choose between Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. Both are iconic, but each has its own personality.

Top of the Rock offers the best angles for photos of the Empire State Building and Central Park. The open-air decks feel spacious, and the layered terraces mean you can usually find a good spot for pictures.

The Empire State Building, on the other hand, feels like stepping into history. Its Art Deco interior, museum-style exhibits, and dramatic 360-degree views give it a cinematic feel. Whichever you choose, book tickets in advance to save time.

Times Square

Walk toward Times Square next. Even though it’s loud and crowded, visiting at least once is part of the NYC experience. The towering LED screens, street performers, and neon-lit madness create an overwhelming but unforgettable atmosphere. Take it in, snap a few photos, and don’t feel obligated to linger.

Grand Central Terminal

From Times Square, head to Grand Central Terminal. The moment you step inside the main concourse, the city’s noise seems to quiet under the high curved ceiling painted with constellations. Golden chandeliers hang from archways, sunlight filters through enormous windows, and the whole space feels like a mix of elegance and movement.

If you have time, explore the lower-level dining concourse or try the Whispering Gallery, where two people standing in opposite corners can hear each other perfectly thanks to the acoustics. 

Evening: Broadway Show or Hudson Yards

End your day with a Broadway show or a visit to Hudson Yards.

A Broadway performance is a must-do New York experience, so you could catch a show in the evening. If theater isn’t your thing, head to Hudson Yards. The architecture is sleek and modern, the Vessel is striking even from the outside, and The Edge offers one of the most dramatic observation decks in the city.

Restaurants and Bars in this Area

• Mercado Little Spain – A lively Spanish food hall at Hudson Yards with tapas bars, wine, croquettes, and churros. Ideal for a pre- or post-Edge meal.
• Dear Irving Rooftop Bar (Hudson) – One of Midtown’s best rooftops, with a stylish interior, great cocktails, and sweeping views over the Hudson River and skyline.
• The restaurant at the Hotel Chelsea (El Quijote or Café Chelsea) – Atmospheric, beautifully designed spaces with excellent food; perfect for a memorable dinner before or after a show.

Day 2: Chelsea, West Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Comedy Night

Day 2 is all about neighbourhoods: charming streets, brownstone homes, cafés, boutiques, and the slower, more atmospheric side of the city.

Morning: The High Line

Start your morning with a walk on the High Line, an elevated park built along old railway tracks. Enter at the northern end and wander south, surrounded by gardens, public art, and unique views of the river and surrounding architecture. The High Line is peaceful early in the day, when the air is cool and the crowds haven’t yet arrived. It’s a perfect introduction to New York’s creative urban design.

As you walk, you’ll come across overlooks where you can pause and watch the traffic below, wooden lounges built into the path, and hidden pockets of greenery. The mix of industrial remnants and lush planting gives the walkway a distinctive character.

Late Morning: Chelsea Market

Step directly into Chelsea Market once you reach the end of the High Line. This indoor market is home to local eateries, bakeries, coffee shops, and specialty stores. You can snack on tacos, seafood, artisanal chocolates, or freshly baked pastries. It’s a great place to take a break, grab lunch, and experience the international flavours that define New York’s food scene.

Afternoon: West Village

From Chelsea, wander south into the West Village. This area contrasts sharply with Midtown’s skyscrapers. Its winding streets, historic brownstones, and leafy sidewalks create a cosy, lived-in atmosphere. There’s no set route here, so just let the streets guide you. You’ll find small boutiques, independent bookstores, corner cafés, and charming wine bars tucked away on quiet blocks.

The neighbourhood feels like its own little world, removed from the noise of the city despite being right in the middle of it. 

Continue to SoHo

Keep walking south and you’ll naturally transition into SoHo. The cobblestone streets, cast-iron façades, and stylish storefronts give it a distinctive energy. This is one of New York’s most famous shopping districts, offering everything from high-end designer boutiques to curated independent labels.

Even if you’re not shopping, SoHo is perfect for people-watching and photography. The light reflects beautifully off the stone buildings, and every block offers a new backdrop.

Optional: Whitney Museum

If you have extra time and enjoy contemporary art, consider a visit to the Whitney Museum in the nearby Meatpacking District. Its outdoor terraces offer some of the best views in the neighbourhood.

Evening: Little Italy and a Comedy Show

Head east to Little Italy for a snack or dessert. The streets are lively in the evening, with outdoor seating, glowing lights, and the smell of espresso drifting from cafés. Pick up a cannoli or gelato, then make your way to Greenwich Village for a comedy show. New York’s comedy clubs attract both emerging talent and big-name drop-ins, making it a fun and unpredictable night out.

Restaurants and Bars in this Area

• La Mercerie – A beautiful French café and restaurant with stunning interiors, perfect for coffee, pastries, or a leisurely meal in SoHo.
• Great Jones Distilling Co. – New York’s very own whiskey distillery, offering excellent cocktails and a handsome bar space on Great Jones Street.
• Pisellino – A chic Italian café/bar in the West Village, ideal for espresso, aperitivo, or a light bite at the bar.
• Via Carota – A rustic Italian favourite known for its seasonal dishes, cozy interior, and the kind of food people happily queue for.
• West10West – A relaxed, intimate wine bar in the West Village, great for a quiet drink and conversation.
• Dante West Village – Famous for Negronis and beautifully balanced cocktails, with a great happy hour and lively atmosphere.

Day 3: DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, Seaport, World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty

Your final day brings together iconic views, history, and some of Manhattan’s oldest and most architecturally striking neighbourhoods.

Morning: DUMBO

Start your day in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, known for its postcard-perfect views. Begin at Washington Street, where the Manhattan Bridge is framed symmetrically between two rows of red-brick buildings. This is one of the most photographed spots in the city, so bring your camera. From there, walk toward the waterfront to explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers sweeping views of the skyline, the East River, and both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

Take your time strolling along the water. You’ll find rocky shorelines, grassy lawns, and plenty of places to sit and admire the scenery. This area is especially beautiful in the morning light.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

From DUMBO, head up the pedestrian entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking from Brooklyn into Manhattan gives you the best experience because the skyline unfolds ahead of you. The wooden planks, stone arches, and constant flow of walkers and cyclists create an energy that feels uniquely New York.

The walk takes about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to take photos. The bridge offers a different perspective with every step, so it’s worth going slowly.

Afternoon: Financial District

Once you arrive in Manhattan, you’ll step right into the Financial District. Its narrow streets and towering buildings create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow throughout the day.

Walk through the heart of FiDi, passing the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and the famous Charging Bull statue. Stone Street is nearby, known for its lively restaurants and pedestrian-friendly cobbled streets. The buildings here feel older, heavier, and more historic than in the rest of the city.

World Trade Center and The Oculus

From FiDi, head north to the World Trade Center area. The 9/11 Memorial Pools are deeply moving, with water cascading endlessly into the footprints of the former towers. 

Across from the memorial stands the Oculus, a striking white structure designed to resemble a pair of wings. Its interior is bright and spacious, with soaring ribs that curve overhead. Even if you’re not shopping or catching a train, it’s worth stepping inside to appreciate the architecture.

Late Afternoon: Statue of Liberty

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty up close, catch a ferry to Liberty Island or Ellis Island. Both options offer incredible views and important historical context. Liberty Island allows you to walk around the statue’s base, while Ellis Island’s museum provides insights into the immigrant experience.

For a quick, free alternative, the Staten Island Ferry is a great choice. It sails directly past the statue and offers beautiful skyline views, especially at sunset.

Restaurants and Bars in this Area

• Dead Rabbit – A legendary multi-level Irish bar combining a lively pub atmosphere downstairs with award-winning cocktails upstairs.
• Overstory – One of the city’s most impressive rooftop bars, with sleek interiors and jaw-dropping panoramic views from a Financial District skyscraper.
• Lobby Bar at the Wall Street Hotel – A chic, intimate bar with a refined feel, ideal for a relaxed drink between sightseeing stops.
• Crown Shy – A Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary American dishes in a beautiful, high-ceilinged space downtown.
• Mezze on the River – A Mediterranean restaurant with waterfront seating and views over the Hudson, perfect for a long lunch or sunset dinner.

A Final Word

Even after living in New York for years, I still feel like I’m only scratching the surface, and that’s what makes it so special. New York never runs out of surprises, which is exactly what makes every visit feel different. But this itinerary captures the exact combination I always recommend to visitors: the famous landmarks, the world-class views, and the unique neighborhoods that give NYC its magic.