3-Day New York Itinerary: Live Like An Influencer

By Shashia Mitchell

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.

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What to do on Thanksgiving

When the turkey has been eaten and the last piece of pie has been fought over, what is there to do on Thanksgiving in New York? Plenty, as it turns out. We’ve got the scoop on what to do on Thanksgiving post-feasting, below. Radio City Rockettes The rest of us may be chowing down on turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but The Rockettes are still Rockette-ing--and several times, too. Seeing them is a great way to kick off (ha ha) the holiday season—there is almost nothing quite as festive. All dancing, all singing and plenty of special effects, this is the show that will charm your whole family. (Even cynical teens have been known to crack a smile or two.) It’s what to do on Thanksgiving! (And also check out the Rockefeller Tree lighting at Rockefeller Center with the New York Pass! Holiday Markets When the turkey has been eaten, it’s time to start holiday shopping! Or at least browsing. This is a good day to head to one of the holiday markets that spring up across the city. Especially if you’re traveling, a great one to check out is the Grand Central Terminal holiday market. (You can get something both coming and going!) This market focuses on American made products; it’s the place to get toys, accessories, and home goods—plus it’s indoors. While you’re there, don’t forget to gaze at the glorious station interior—an added plus. Central Park Zoo If it’s a nice day, a brisk walk in Central Park with the zoo as your destination should be high on your list. The small zoo is the perfect size to see in an afternoon or morning. At 6.5 acres, it encompasses four different sections—Polar (including penguins, always a favorite); Tropics (the rainforest area) the Central Garden (Sea lions) and Temperate (Red Pandas!). If you’ve got wee ones with you, don’t forget the Children’s Zoo. And make sure to watch at least one animal feeding—you can’t go wrong with the sea lions. Staten Island Ferry Looking for something that won’t set you back money-wise on Thanksgiving? How does free sound? The Staten Island Ferry is one of the last vestiges of a ferry system that predates most bridges in the city—and it’s free. Seventy thousand people a day (not including weekends) take the ferry--and you can join the masses. You’ll get a fun (if cold) ride, a great view of the city and the harbor, and a chance to burn off some of those pie and stuffing calories. [caption id="attachment_3202" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Photo Courtesy Trevor Gherardi[/caption] Empire State Building While many tourist attractions close down on major holidays, The Empire State Building, the art deco masterpiece that dates back to 1931, isn’t one of them. (It’s actually open every day of the year.) You can choose from a variety of packages (and makes sure to go only if the weather is good and there's no fog--you want those stellar views.) If you were wondering, the building is 1454 feet tall. Make sure to check out the Observation Deck, and see everything that’s offered at the Visitor’s Center. Want the scoop on the Rockettes’ holiday show? Check this out!
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Great Places To Do Your Holiday Shopping

When you shop for the holidays, you want your gifts to be cool, personal, chic, fun, and thoughtful. A tall order, yes, but New York is the place where you can actually fulfill it. We've rounded up great places to do your holiday shopping in New York, so you can just have the fun of actually choosing the gifts. The Transit Museum Gift Shop Truly, this is one of the most fun—and underappreciated—places to shop for holiday gifts. You’ll find a ton of New York and transit-themed gifts (yes, that’s a thing.) Jewelry made with subway tokens—oddly cool. Lots of great metro card cases—we can all use at least one of those, and we’re partial to the one with the subway map, because, two birds with one stone. They’ve got coffee table books, fun collectibles (special edition metrocards, incredible model trains, and even socks, scarves, and A-train baby rompers—hey, one day that kid is going to ride the subway too.) Truly one of the great places to do your holiday shopping in New York. [caption id="attachment_3092" align="alignnone" width="2400"] (Photo courtesy The Transit Museum.)[/caption] Brooklyn Flea Want a great place to do your holiday shopping? Brooklyn Flea is so cool that it doesn’t even have the word “market” in its name--you just need to know. The winter market is a great place to shop for gifts, partly because you have that element of surprise--what will you find today? (Note: It’s not the place to go if you know you absolutely want to get Cousin Millie a size M blue wool sweater.) But it is the place to go for just about everything else—jewelry and rugs, scarves and vintage clothing, even furniture and local crafts. Keep an eye out for antiques and collectibles—and you can always find stuff to munch so you can fuel up for the next round of the hunt. Bryant Park Holiday Market The holiday markets in New York are one the great announcers of the season—and also one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the season and shop for gifts. The one at Bryant Market is especially good. The open-air market, inspired by ones in Europe, has a festive feel and a wide range of goodies, many that you won’t see everywhere else. You can find jewelry and robes made from hand-woven Turkish towels; candles and bath products; eco-friendly kids’ toys; and ornaments inspired by Bryant Park itself. And save room for food--both to eat and to pack up to give. Fancy a crepe? Or a pastrami sandwich? (Maybe not the best ones to pack up.) But just about anyone would be happy to get some adorable gingerbread people in their stockings. Pearl River Mart For plenty of stuff you didn’t know you either needed or wanted, Pearl River is your go-to. Its Asian-accented home furnishings and clothing is a New York staple. The store has fun, kitschy stuff, like porcelain chopstick holders shaped like fortune cookies; socks with sumo wrestlers or sushi (to be clear—not real ones); and Kung Fu Dragon fans (the kind you flutter provocatively in front of you). See? Your holiday list is practically shopping for itself. It’s a great--and enjoyable--place to do your holiday shopping. (Photo courtesy of Pearl River) Bloomingdales New York is no longer rife with department stores—Bloomingdales is one of the only holdouts. But if you’re looking for designer duds, chic accessories, or a well-curated selection of makeup to give as gifts, this is the place. (Plus, whatever you buy will come in a fun Bloomies bag.) Head to Bloomies for high-end wallets and scarves, handbags and lipsticks, sweaters and gloves (plus a few treats for yourself). The bag will elicit “oohs” from the receiver, and that’s a holiday win if we’ve ever heard of one. S. Feldman Housewares Feldman’s is the kind of place you might walk right by if you didn’t know the goodies that awaited you inside. It’s got great housewares, for starters—everything from cookware to vacuum cleaners. But it’s also got more unusual offerings—the kind that would make perfect gifts. You can get candles in beautiful glass containers, cool alarm clocks, and elegant tea kettles. But if you want to stray even further afield, you can also pick up a Ruth Bader Ginsburg action figure, a solar-powered rainbow maker, and a container for keeping guacamole fresh. They’re also known for the tin toys that appear in their window around the holidays—check out the Ferris wheel, a perennial favorite. This is definitely one of the city’s great places to shop for holiday gifts. Photo courtesy S. Feldman McNally Jackson Whither thou goest, New York independent bookstores? Ah, there you are! The McNally Jackson bookstore carries bestsellers, but they also feature cool magazines you won’t find anywhere else; familiar and (possibly) unfamiliar kids’ books; plays; and travel guides. This is a great place to browse and to buy for your bookish friends. (Yes--there’s a cafe to keep you fueled.) A great place to do your holiday shopping! Looking for a way to get around while you do your holiday shopping? Check out our subway tips!
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The Best Hot Chocolate in New York

Now that it’s November, we can move on from Pumpkin Spice Lattes and look at what’s really important—hot chocolate. It’s a bold move on our part, but we think we’ve tracked down the absolute best hot chocolate in New York. Just to be safe, why not try them all? Serendipity 3 Serendipity is about as New York an institution as it’s possible to be. They’re famed, of course, for their frozen hot chocolate—and justifiably so. We’d be remiss if we didn’t include it here; the chocolatey crystals, served in a tall icy mound, are a joy to behold on a summer’s day. (Although truthfully, we wouldn’t say no at any time of the year.) But they also have an extremely delish hot version, crowned with whipped cream, cinnamon, grated orange and shaved chocolate (because, why not.) This is the place to take out-of-town guests, your mother in law, your college BFF, or even yourself, to enjoy one of the best drinkable chocolates (ok, two of them) in New York. [caption id="attachment_3032" align="alignnone" width="3022"] Drink up! At Serendipity, you can get your liquid chocolate hot or frozen (Image courtesy of Serendipity)[/caption] Jacques Torres A cup of hot chocolate at Jacques Torres is something to be savored—it’s so thick and rich, it’s like having dessert for the next few months in one sitting (we mean that in the best possible way.) This hot chocolate--definitely among the best in New York--will satisfy the sophisticate as well as the kid in you—as well as that actual kid sitting next to you; it’s that good. And if you can’t bear to say good-bye to it when you leave the shop—hurrah! You can get your own tin to make some at home. (Better hide that though...) [caption id="attachment_3028" align="alignnone" width="4776"] Indulge at Jacque Torres! (Image courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolate)[/caption] MarieBelle Want one of the best hot chocolates in New York? The hot chocolate at MarieBelle is so important that it has its own category. There it is, with pretty much a page all to itself. Wow. This is good, because you might temporarily be distracted by the other offerings. Do not be led astray. Stand (sit) firm. You are here for the hot chocolate. You can have dark hot chocolate (yes, please)—perhaps Aztec? Spicy? Hindu Cardamom? Tropical orange? Just...yes. You can also sample milk hot chocolate and white hot chocolate (maybe with Japanese matcha?) Make sure to get some containers to give as gifts (and for yourself, of course), and plan to linger in a space that feels like you’ve wafted into mid-century Vienna. [caption id="attachment_3030" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Where to enjoy New York's best hot chocolate? For starters, head to MarieBelle. (Image copyright MarieBelle New York)[/caption] Maman The lovely maman is probably best known for having a chocolate chip cookie that Oprah declared one of her “favorite things” a few years ago. They’re also known for their lavender hot chocolate—you could do worse than decide to have a chocolate overload and order them both together. (They also have a kids’ hot chocolate, just FYI.) Maman, you will not be surprised to hear, has a French vibe and a French influence, as well as several locations. Go see what the fuss is all about; you’ll thank us for pointing you towards one of the best hot chocolates in New York. [caption id="attachment_3056" align="alignnone" width="3575"] Try the lovely lavender hot chocolate at Maman (Photo copyright Victoria Morris)[/caption] L.A. Burdick A place that bills itself as a chocolate shop is a good bet for hot chocolate. Their “gourmet drinking chocolates” include milk, dark, and white; they’re so rich that it’s suggested you can add milk and use it as a dessert sauce. (You can get it to go, so you can make your own at home. Why would you not?) This is a rich, smooth hot chocolate that says, “Stay here for a few more hours! Your boss won’t care!” [caption id="attachment_3099" align="alignnone" width="800"] Hot chocolate makes everything better[/caption] The Chocolate Room Not surprisingly, the Chocolate Room serves very good hot chocolate, or ”drinking chocolate,” as it’s classily known here. For a kick, try the spiced, with Ancho and Chipotle chilies, plus cinnamon and cloves; or the Café Torino—dark hot chocolate with espresso and dollop of foam. Pretty much everything here is made with chocolate—you will probably feel it seeping out of your pores when you leave (not the worst sensation, honestly.) [caption id="attachment_3097" align="alignnone" width="2837"] It’s a chocolate world, and we’re just living in it (Photo courtesy of The Chocolate Room)[/caption] Honorable Mention: Starbucks Don’t judge us—for an on-the-go hot-chocolate fix, this one is a solid option—not meltingly sweet and unctuous, but a surprisingly satisfying choice. The smooth chocolate taste makes Starbucks’ hot chocolate a satisfying choice New Yorkers can not, sadly, live by hot chocolate alone. If coffee is calling to you, let us lead you to some new sources.
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