New York is full of possibilities! It is the Big Apple, home to Broadway, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. There is no shortage of things to do in New York. But where do you stop when you are short on time and only have three days?
There are so many awesome things to do when in New York. When spending time in the Big Apple, if the vacation is short, make sure to add these five awesome attractions to your itinerary:
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Statue of Liberty
- Museum of Modern Art
- Empire State Building
New York will always keep you on your toes from the people to the places you see. But these five attractions are necessary to visit, especially if you only have three days. This post will cover each of these attractions and why they are the place to be. We will also discuss the number of days for the perfect vacation and how much money you need for your trip to New York City.
How Many Days Do You Need in New York?
It can be difficult to see all the sites in New York City, but you only need three days in New York to have a well-rounded trip. From nature lovers to museum fanatics, New York has it all. But you can tailor your three-day trip exactly to your wants. You may also decide to jampack your schedule to see as much as possible or take a more leisurely pace.
What does New York City have to offer?:
- Bridges
- Burroughs and neighborhoods
- Memorials
- Museums
- National Landmarks
- Parks
- Skyscrapers
No matter what experience you aim to create, New York City has a little something for everyone. Even though three days does not seem like a long time, it is the perfect amount of time to cover those iconic sites everyone loves about New York. But the next thing that hinders many people when planning that trip to New York, besides time, is money.
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How Much Money Do I Need for 3 Days in NYC?
In New York City, you can expect to pay anywhere between $700 and $1,000 per person for your three-day trip. While you may only be spending three days, it can be difficult to do New York City on a budget. The most expensive part about New York City is generally lodging. You can be rent an Airbnb for a day or two, or just stay in a local hotel. (Check out these Airbnbs in upstate New York!)
The following is a list of items where you can expect your money to go:
- Attraction entrance fees
- Entertainment
- Lodging
- Meals
- Shopping
- Transportation and parking
You can still save some money by creating a budget for going out to restaurants and looking for lodging just outside the city. However, no matter what, New York City is expensive. Yet since you are only spending three days in the city, your vacation will be much cheaper than even someone spending an entire week there.
What Can You Do in New York in 3 Days?
Three days in New York is just enough time to see some of the most iconic sites New York has to offer. Planning is key to see all five of these awesome attractions in the three days you spend in New York. Read on to learn all about each of the five attractions we mentioned at the beginning of the article.
Times Square Is A Sight To Behold
Times Square is a sight all its own, with the sheer number of people you will pass as you move through the square. It is currently an entertainment and business sector of New York City. It is not just a location to see, but a moment to experience. Surrounded by so many people from all around the world, it is a true tourist destination.
What can you see if you stop in Times Square on your New York City vacation?:
- Entertainment
- Restaurants
- Shopping
Times Square offers iconic billboards, but it is so much more than an advertising hub. In Times Square, there are shops, venues, and restaurants to visit, too.
Here are some of the highlights you will not want to miss as you travel around Times Square:
- Bea
- Broadway Theaters
- City Kitchen
- Comedy Cellar
- Don’t Tell Mama
- Drama Book Shop
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner
- H&M
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Jimmy’s Corner
- Madame Tussauds New York
- Muji
- PlayStation Theater
- Stand-Up New York
- Theatre Row
- Yakitori Totto
You may just be looking for the bright lights and the hustle and bustle that Times Square has to offer, but Times Square can offer so much more. Do not miss out on these amazing entertainment and eating experiences.
Central Park Is A Wonderful Nature Retreat
Central Park is a major attraction in New York City. It can be an oasis among the big city skyscrapers and bustling streets.
You can find the following attractions within the park:
- Belvedere Castle
- Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
- Central Park Carousel
- Central Park Zoo
- Conservatory Garden
- Horse and carriage rides
- Ice Skating
- Loeb Boathouse on the Lake
- Sheep Meadow
- Strawberry Fields
- The Mall
- The Ramble
If you need a quiet reprieve from all the noise of the city, Central Park is the place to go. Check out any of the attractions offered within the park, or simply stroll through its many paths.
The Statue of Liberty: A Must-See Attraction
One of the most iconic statues on the east coast, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see on any New York Trip. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island and also allows you to visit the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island. You can opt for one experience or both, depending on the time you allot.
Here are some intriguing facts about the Statue of Liberty to know before you head to Liberty Island on the ferry:
- 305 feet – The height of the Statue of Liberty
- Copper – The material used to mold the statue; today, the statue is green due to the natural oxidation of the metal
- Ellis Island – A federal immigration site that is part of the same National Park and houses the national museum of immigration
- Liberty Island – The island on which the state is located
- The crown – The statue’s crown offers viewing by climbing a spiral staircase
While entrance to the park is free, you must purchase a ferry ticket to transport you between the mainland and the islands. However, tickets are reasonably priced. Always reserve your tickets ahead of time to ensure the best use of your time during your short trip.
The Museum of Modern Art Is Too Beautiful To Miss
The Museum of Modern Art offers six floors of art for viewing at your leisure. You can easily spend a whole day in this museum, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.
The Museum of Modern Art has some standard collections, as well as rotating exhibitions. You can expect the following collections each time you go:
- The 1880s to 1940s – There are 23 galleries hosting pieces from this period.
- The 1940s to 1970s – In the museum, you can find 23 galleries housing these period pieces.
- The 1970s to present – Walkthrough 11 galleries of modern art from this era.
Then you can explore some of the current exhibits. In the past, they have shown the following as part of their collections:
- American Folk Art
- Arts of the South Seas
- Diego Rivera
- Early Modern Architecture: Chicago 1870 -1910
- Fruit and Flower Paintings
- Painting and Sculpture by Living Americans
- Picasso
- Realism in Photography
- The Arts in Therapy
- Various film series
No matter what type of modern and contemporary art you like, you are bound to find something of interest at the expansive Museum of Modern Art. When planning your trip, make sure you schedule your time here carefully, so you can see all the exhibits and collections you are interested in before having to leave. Dive more into The Best Art Museums to Visit in NYC guide.
The Empire State Building: A World-Famous Skyscraper
The Empire State Building has a rich history and award-winning architecture that is sure to make any guest ecstatic. But that is not all, head up to the observation deck and see New York City like you never have before.
The following is a list of historical moments that would make any history buff swoon:
- 1928 – The land to build the Empire State Building is bought up by the Bethlehem Engineering Corporation.
- 1930 – Construction begins on the Empire State Building. It makes history by being the world’s first building with more than 100 stories.
- 1932 – The Empire State Building is solidified as a tourist attraction as people come from all around the world to see the New York skyline.
- 1933 – “King Kong” centers the Empire State Building as one of its important moments in the film.
- 1955 – The building wins an accolade placing it among seven of the greatest engineering achievements by the American Society of Civil Engineers
- 1976 – The observatory at the Empire State Building surpasses 50 million visitors
- 1981 – The Empire State Building is named a landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
- 1986 – The Empire State Building is named a National Historic Landmark by the National Parks Service
- 1994 – The first Valentine’s Day weddings are held at the Empire State Building, and more come every year following this event!
- 2006 – The Empire State Building turns 75, and a restoration project is now underway.
- 2007 – The American Institute of Architects ranks the Empire State Building as number one on the list of America’s Favorite Architecture.
- 2019 – New renovations to the exhibition spaces are revealed.
The Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall when measured to the top floor; its spire and antenna make it a bit taller at 1,454 feet. And if the heights start getting to you, head down a few floors to the shops and restaurants, fuel up and head on to your next adventure.
While New York is a big city, three days is the perfect amount of time to see the city without becoming tired of the less than stellar parts of a vacation. Check out all five awesome attractions on your next trip to New York City, and you will leave feeling satisfied and happy.
In Brief: 5 Attractions In New York City In 3 Days
If your next trip to New York City can only be three days, it is time to make the most of that trip. Spend time in Central Park, taking in the winding paths, birding or people watching. Float to the top of the Empire State Building and take in the New York skyline.
Walkthrough Times Square and take pictures in front of the oversized billboards. Stop by the Statue of Liberty and learn some of the country’s immigration history while seeing New York City from a different perspective.
For a relaxing and beautiful experience, consider visiting the New York Botanical Gardens during your trip to the city.
Pass from gallery to gallery at the Museum of Modern Art and be transported around the world and back in time. But no matter how you choose to spend your time in New York City, these five attractions should be a part of your itinerary. Check out these cheap flights to New York to start planning your trip!
(For your next 3 day trip or weekend getaway, there are many things to do in San Francisco in 3 days!)