New York City in 3 Days
New York City is unlike any other and while 3 days merely scratches the surface, it can also be the perfect amount of time for an escape. Having lived in the city for nearly 20 years, breaking out of my own 10 block radius can often make me feel like I’m on a bit of a getaway myself. Each neighborhood encapsulates its own aesthetic with great things to do, see and eat. Whether you are embarking on your first visit or back for more, the city leaves you with a memorable experience each and every time. My favorite seasons are late Spring and Fall - the moderate temps make seeing the city on foot that much more enjoyable. With so many micro neighborhoods its easy to carve out a day’s itinerary by area.
Having lived uptown, making my way downtown to Soho and the West Village always makes for a great day:
Grab a Coffee and a small bite at Maman - they have multiple locations and having been to several they do not disappoint. It’s a great place to start out your day or for a quick respite in between sites. Then get a bird’s eye view by taking a walk on the High Line and stroll through the MeatPacking District, taking in the shops and scenery. Enjoy lunch in the heart of Meatpacking at Pastis and then visit the Whitney Museum. With so many great restaurants nearby, enjoy walking the neighborhood and find yourself at ISodi fora can’t miss Italian dinner (charming aka. small restaurant - be sure to make a reservation prior).
Spend a second day exploring Central Park and the Upper East Side - start your day out at the museum of modern art (MOMA), grab lunch at BG, on the 7th floor at Bergdorf Goodman and enjoy the view over 5th Avenue. Then you are mere steps from Central Park. Enjoy the walk and make your way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And if the museum still has you wanting a bit more, then take to the streets and walk along Madison Avenue. And to experience a NYC classic (if you like old school Frank Sinatra vibes), have a drink at Bemelman’s Bar in The Carlyle Hotel.
Explore Columbus Circle, Broadway and Lincoln Center on day 3. This area is centrally located and if you missed the MOMA or want to spend more time in Central Park, you’ll be a stone’s throw from these sites too. You can also start at Hudson Yards (and if you love Spanish Food, check out Mercado) and then walk up to Columbus Circle. Ready for lunch? check out The Smith (and don’t sleep on their burger). You can then stroll up Central Park West and visit the Natural History Museum. After another full day have an early dinner before a broadway show - or a later dinner after at Quality Bistro - great atmosphere, food and the only restaurant I have been to that has had “butter service” as an appetizer.
You can really not go wrong whether you spend your days in one area or all over city, There are so many great things to do in NYC, whether you love museums, theater, food or just great people watching a few days in the city will leave you with memorable experiences each and every visit.