3-Day New York Itinerary: Live Like An Influencer
So you’re going to visit the big apple? Your flights are booked. Your bags are packed. If you’re ahead of the game, you’ve probably got a few places in mind that you want to visit, but only a few days to cram everything in - you’re going to have to be smart about your New York itinerary.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve sent a seasoned traveler ahead to figure this all out, so you don’t have to.
Here’s a rundown of some of the things in this New York itinerary:
- The Met Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Statue of Liberty
- Coney Island
- Big Bus Tour
- Empire State Building
- And more
Travel like an influencer
image credit: hola_nina
Over 65 million people visited New York between 2018 and 2019. That’s thousands of people frequenting whichever part of the ‘Big Apple’ you are visiting. That’s also hundreds of extra people standing in line at each attraction. And hours of your day wasted standing behind 'said' people.
But what if you could take the stress out of your holiday planning?
Hola_Nina is as traveled as they come and has visited the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ on several occasions. This time, Nina went with a handy three-day New York Pass®. The pass helped save her money and time, leaving her more time to explore everything the city had to offer.
Check out some of the savings Nina enjoyed with her three-day pass.
With over 100 attractions to choose from included with the NYP, this Chinese traveler handpicked the best spots for her three-day trip with VIP benefits like discounts to restaurants and rooftop bars. Needless to say, she holidayed in style.
Here’s our first tip: Be sure to pack your camera, because the pics from this trip will take your Instagram game to new heights.
New York itinerary - Day 1
Let’s begin with one of the most famous museums in the United States, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is NYC’s artistic pride and joy, playing host to the annual Met Gala for celebs, stylists, and VIPs within the fashion industry.
This picturesque establishment is perfect for those who love to lose themselves in history. It houses over 5,000 years of art within its walls and more than 30 annual exhibits. View the Sculpture Garden, works from Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, plus a multitude of designs and architecture.
Tip: New York Pass® holders can benefit from free entry to The Met, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters when visiting them on the same day.
Getting in: The Met is located on 1000 5th Ave and opens every from 10 am. Tickets run at $32 for adults but are included with the New York Pass®. Just show your pass and enjoy ‘skip the ticket line’ access.
Where to eat in New York City
Are you thinking about lunch yet? Enjoy a carefree picnic in Central Park with The Family Picnic. Order online then collect your food from their store right by Central Park - NYP holders get 10% off when using the app!
Guggenheim Museum
image credit: hola_nina
Guggenheim Museum is home to impressionist, post-impressionist, early-modern, and contemporary art from around the world. The nautilus-shaped building is an architectural masterpiece designed by the visionary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It has featured in numerous films, including Men in Black, Bye Bye Birdie, and When in Rome.
View masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Manet across several rotunda-style floor-levels that break the mould on traditional gallery space.
Tip: The Guggenheim hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year and offers a free guided tour, held daily at 2.00 pm. Be sure to check what’s on before your visit.
Getting in: You’ll find the Guggenheim at 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), New York. Tickets cost $25, but you can save on time and money with NYP 'skip the ticket line’ access.
Madame Tussauds
With Broadway just around the corner, you may spot a few famous faces on your trip to NYC. If you’re looking for a done-deal and a selfie as proof, then Madame Tussauds is the place to be. Get up close and personal to over 200 wax figures of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Puff Daddy, Marilyn Monroe, and more - with no barrier ropes to hold you back.
Tip: Want to see more than wax figurines? Play the zombie apocalypse sensory multi-game in 7D. Or watch Marvel’s superheroes come to life in 4D. Be sure to grab yourself a personalized wax hand sculpture as a memento.
Getting in: Head down to 234 West 42nd Street (between 7th/ 8th Avenues). Ticket cost $37.02 for adults and $32.66 for children, but the NYP gets you entry, at no additional cost.
Best rooftop bars in New York City
If you want to make the most of your evening, the NYP app offers money off nightlife experiences. Save on entry to rooftop bars from Times Square to the Hudson River.
New York itinerary - Day 2
No New York itinerary is complete without a few iconic landmarks.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic installations in the United States and a rite of passage for NY visitors. Learn the inspiring creation story behind this beacon of freedom. Visit the Immersive Theatre and the Engagement Gallery. Or view the Inspiration Gallery, which displays the original torch as well as recreations of Lady Liberty’s face and foot.
image credit: hola_nina
Tip: The Museum is incredibly popular during the summer months. Plan your trip during the spring or fall to beat the crowds.
Getting in: The museum is only accessible by boat or ferry, and tickets will set you back $18.50 for adults and $11.00 for children. If you have a NYP you can benefit from a round-trip journey from Battery Park, plus an audio tour of and museum tickets to Ellis Island Museum.
Lunar Park and Coney Island
image credit: hola_nina
Coney Island, or ‘the city’s playground’ as it’s often called, has a host of things to do all year-round like movie nights and concerts. During the summer months, thrill-seekers and sun lovers can make the most of Lunar Park’s exhilarating rides and lounge on one of NYC’s top beaches.
If you’re looking for a seat with a view, head to Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The Wheel has been the cities favorite attraction since its construction in 1920. The view from its peak is breath-taking, offering a panoramic of Coney Island and the Manhattan skyline.
Tip: Maximise your time and money with an all-day ride wristband and free entry to Deno’s wonder wheel, and access to up to 24 rides with the NYP.
Getting in: Lunar Park on Coney Island is closed from November to March. You can get Lunar Park tickets for $39.00 and access Deno’s wonder wheel for $9.00, but you’ll have access to both with a NYP at no additional cost.
Need help planning your itinerary? Compare how much you could save when visiting top attractions with the NYP.
New York Itinerary - Day 3
By this point, you would have experienced a plethora of art and culture, spectacular views, and a rush of adrenaline.
Now it’s time to uncover the hidden gems on NYC’s streets.
Big Bus Tour
If you’d rather make your way around the city on four wheels instead of two, hop on a Big Bus Tour.
Learn about the city’s enthralling history as you make your way past the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Chinatown, Grand Central Station, and the Statue of Liberty. Jump off at any of the 25+ stops and take your time exploring each area. Then when you’re ready, hop back on and continue your tour.
Tip: Need to cross the city with convenience? Take advantage of a Big Bus 1-day classic ticket, included with the NYP. The NYP app allows you to view which attractions are close by via its map, so you can take advantage of the Big Bus’s free Wi-Fi and plan where to go next.
Getting in: Purchase your tickets from the Big Bus website for $55 for adults and $45 for children. Then scan your NYP or present your purchased ticket to a Big Bus agent at any of the designated stops.
Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour
image credit: hola_nina
The Brooklyn Bridge has featured in numerous works by Andy Warhol and Woody Allen as well as films Sex and the City, Limitless’and Selma. The Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and spans almost 1,600 feet. Venture across this iconic structure at your own pace with a Bike Tour and bike rental from Unlimited Biking. Make a stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park for views of New Jersey or grab some food at any of the food vendors.
Tip: The tour includes a free helmet, lock, and basket, but NYP holders can benefit from complimentary drop-offs at any one of the Unlimited Biking’s seven locations (which would usually set you back an additional $5).
Getting in: Unlimited Biking is a stone’s throw away from Brooklyn Bridge at 38 Park Row, and tickets cost $45.00. Tours between November and March run daily at 9 am, with bike rental services open between 9 am and 5 pm. Tours between April and October run at 9 am, 12 noon and 4 pm with rentals between 8 am and 8 pm.
Best Views in New York City
Empire State Building
image credit: hola_nina
The ESB is located in Midtown Manhattan and welcomes over 3.5 million visitors each year, from soon-to-be-engaged couples to celebrities. It has over 100 floors and a brand new range of interactive exhibits across nine galleries.
Tip: Plan your visit between 8 am-11 am to beat the crowds. Can’t wait to experience the views from the deck? Check out the ESB’s live stream, right now.
Getting in: The ESB is located on 20 West 34th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue). You can grab tickets from the attraction website from $43.55 for adults. Alternatively, gain access to the 86th-floor Observatory plus skip the ticket line access with the NYP.
Want more of a VIP experience? NYP holders can upgrade to get expedited entry and access to the 102nd floor at a discounted rate.
Check out our interview with the Director of the Empire State Building, Jean-Yves Ghazi.
Top of The Rock
The view from Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor Observation Deck is unparalleled and offers a beautiful nighttime scene of Manhattan.
Tip: The venue also has a few unique exhibits. The Interactive Beam Walk display allows you to walk in the footsteps of the fearless construction workers who built the Rockefeller Center.
Getting in: Head down to 30 Rockefeller Plaza for this multi-level observation experience. Tickets will cost you $41.37 for adults and $34.84 children, but NYP holders can get in for free.
That’s all for our three day New York itinerary! If you're planning your next weekend away, why not see how much you could save with a New York Pass©.
In the meantime, for more things to do, places to visit, and where to eat in NYC, look no further.