2 Days in New York City Itinerary (by a local)
After living in NYC for almost seven years, I have a lot of experience hosting and planning travel itineraries for friends and family visiting New York and spending the weekend in NYC. Exploring New York in a short span of time can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but if you carefully plan what to see during your 2 days in New York you will have a great time and will get to explore plenty of your favorite places and more!
When looking at everything NYC has to offer, you’ll probably feel like you should have planned a longer trip! It’s true, you won’t get to see EVERYTHING in two days, but just remember that even people who live in the city for years haven’t seen and done everything NYC has to offer. I think that’s impossible!
The city always has something new and exciting to explore even for the locals. But don’t worry, if you do a bit of planning and decide what’s important for you to do and see, you’ll have plenty of time to visit your favorite tourist attractions and then some more. And I promise you will go back home completely amazed by all the incredible experiences and iconic places that you’ll discover!
NYC consists of 5 main boroughs or neighborhoods: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. Most of the places you have probably heard about and are interested in seeing as a first time traveler are in Manhattan, the most central area of the city. Manhattan might not look huge on the map, but once you get here you’ll see the importance of carefully arranging your 2 days in New York City Itinerary.
You’ll save lots of travel time and energy with a little planning, as there are lots of tricks for getting around that you might not know about.
How to See New York City in 2 days
Our 1st day will be exploring downtown and some areas in Midtown Manhattan, and the 2nd day itinerary in NYC will focus mostly on the Uptown area.
Let’s go! There’s so much to see and explore!
DAY 1: Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue Of Liberty, One World Observatory, the High Line, Edge, Times Square...
STOP 1: Brooklyn Bridge
Start your 2 days in New York City adventures early by taking an Uber or subway ride to the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn bridge and walking back across to Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and there’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise while walking over the bridge to get to the Manhattan side.
It might seem like an unusual way to start a NYC itinerary, but I can assure you it will be one of the best experiences you’ll have. The views from the bridge are simply breathtaking, and going there during the early morning hours will help you beat the crowds.
Local’s tip. Crossing the bridge by foot will take approximately an hour if you take time to enjoy the views and appreciate your surroundings. If you don’t want to take this much time, just start on the Manhattan side and appreciate the bridge from land before heading on to your next stop.
STOP 2: South Street Seaport
Located in the lower part of Manhattan adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge is South Street Seaport, one of the most historical neighborhoods in New York City. The neighborhood dates back to the 1600s when the Dutch West India Company first built a pier and assumed control of the area.
With the development of the district and the flourishing of several commercial activities, South Seaport became an important maritime transportation and commercial hub in the city. In recent years, the city has renovated and redeveloped the neighborhood, making it a really fun destination to visit.
With the neighborhood being on the waterfront, it is easy to find places to sit along the river to admire the dramatic city views. Plus visitors can always walk around the charming old alleyways and cobblestone streets.
Beyond that, the neighborhood stays quite busy during the day, mainly due to the influx of local New Yorkers who work in the proximity and the tourists visiting the free historic ship tours, the South Street Seaport Museum, or the art gallery exhibitions.
At night the area gets a bit quieter, but there’s still plenty of things to do: dining at one of the popular restaurants and bars in the area, watching a movie at IPIC cinema, or getting a drink at The Greens rooftop while seeing some great artists perform during the summer months.
STOP 3: The Elevated Acre
Straight up from the South Seaport neighborhood, travelers will find a bit of an oasis tucked away from the bustle of downtown New York. Located up the outdoor mechanical stairs in 55 Water St is the Elevated Acre, a public green space and beautiful park, the perfect place to stop and relax for a few minutes before continuing your 1st day of exploration
If you are spending 2 days in New York during the summer months, the park organizers set up a wine bar and beer garden, making a great destination to go on a romantic date or have a few drinks with friends while watching the sun set!
STOP 4: The Statue of Liberty & The Charging Bull
A few minutes by foot from the Elevated Acre will bring you to Battery Park, which is the area where you’ll find ferries to the Statue of Liberty. Walk along the Stone street area to get there, making sure to make a quick stop at the famous Charging Bull statue representing the energy and unpredictability of Wall Street.
You can also head there after leaving your Statue of Liberty stop, but keep in mind that the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of beating the crowds and getting a good picture. The Charging Bull gets super crowded throughout the day, especially during the summer.
If you are spending 2 days in NYC during the summer months, you might want to take in the views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park itself by sitting on a bench and maybe doing some morning meditation and relaxation.
Lines to catch the ferry to the actual Statue of Liberty island during the summer are very long, and you can easily spend half of your morning there just waiting. If you catch it at a good time, it’s worth a quick trip to the island to see the statue up close and appreciate the Manhattan skyline.
Although the ferry lines are always there, during the fall and winter time the crowds tend to thin out considerably.
STOP 5: 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory
A few minutes away by foot from the Battery Park area, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial. This is definitely worth a visit! The site was built as a tribute to those who lost their lives during 9/11, and it’s honestly an extremely powerful experience just to be there.
Spend a few minutes appreciating the memorial sight and water before heading to the top of the One World Observatory. From all the tall iconic buildings in NYC, the view from the One World Observatory is one of my favorites. I can’t help but feel certain emotions and magic when I’m there. Make sure to book your tickets to go up the tower online in advance to avoid the crowds, and head right after to...
STOP 6: Oculus
The Oculus is one of the newest attractions in NYC, consisting of a large modern transportation hub structure and tons of stores, restaurants, subway stations, and everything else. Add the Oculus to your 2 days in New York itinerary and spend some time exploring the area and doing some light shopping before heading to one of the cafes or restaurants to enjoy a tasty lunch and a good cocktail.
Once you finish lunch, head to the subway entrance to catch the train up to The High Line and the Meatpacking area.
Local’s tip: Take the 1,2,3 or E from the WTC station to the 14th Street Station (Trains go Uptown). Buy a 2 day metro card to save money!
STOP 7: Meatpacking & the High Line
A few minutes away from the subway station you’ll find The High Line, The Whitney Museum and The Standard Hotel, just a few of the well known destinations in the Meatpacking area. Walk around and explore the area and snap a few pictures along the way before making your way to The High Line.
The High Line is a 1.5 mile-long elevated park that would take you through a few Manhattan neighborhoods. It’s as unique as it sounds, and something that both locals and visitors love. Along the way, you’ll not only experience unique views of the city but also find some great spots to grab delicious food, see local performers, and at the end you’ll be rewarded with The Vessel.
STOP 8: The Vessel
I definitely recommend getting to the end of the High Line by sunset. I went recently and experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in the city. Sit down on a bench at the end of the line and relax for a bit after a long day of exploration. One of my favorite things to do, not only in NYC but every time I visit a new city, is people-watching. This is a perfect place for that! Once you have taken in all the beauty of the area, stop by Edge.
STOP 9: Edge
One of the newest and most exciting additions to the ever changing New York City skyline is Edge! The tallest open-air observation overlook in the American continent is located right in the complex area than the Vessel and Hudson Yard. It opens every day from 10AM to 10 PM and offers visitors a variety of unique experiences, like a champagne welcoming package and City Climb, where you’ll go climbing up the building attached to a harness.
The experience sells for $185 but the jaw dropping New York City views are on the house! The views are exceptionally beautiful during sunset and at night.
Once you have taken in all the beauty of the area, stop by Mercado Little Spain.
STOP 10 : Food Market
Mercado Little Spain is an amazing Spanish themed food hall located in the Vessel area, offering a number of street food options as well as more elevated cuisine. A group of famous Spanish chefs and owners of Michelin starred restaurants are involved in the market, so you already know it will be amazing.
Between the fun, upbeat ambiance and the delicious food, you’ll find it hard to leave! And speaking of the Mercado Little Spain, visiting markets is a great way to enjoy NYC‘s delicious food and explore a more local view of the city.
I personally love big indoor markets that have food vendors and restaurants, hence why I recommend Mercado Little Spain. Chelsea Market is another popular market. Eataly NYC is the Italian version, and has different locations throughout the city. I love the Flatiron location!
Another great market for foodies is the NYC Time Out market in Dumbo, which has tons of yummy food options all under one roof!
If you are visiting during the Christmas holidays, Bryant Park sets up a very popular Christmas market and ice skating rink, where skating is completely free (just make sure to bring your own skates, or you can rent a pair for 25 dollars too).
In the summer, the park has different food vendors, festivals, and daily activities, including movies and concerts. You can check their schedule beforehand here.
Note: Union Square has a smaller version of the Christmas market during the winter, and is a go-to farmer’s market for locals.
If you are visiting NYC for Christmas, read our NYC Christmas travel guide here!
STOP 11: Times Square
Once you have tasted a few of the tapas and enjoyed a glass of wine, it's time to discover the soul of the city at night! And there’s no better place to do so than in Times Square. The area will definitely be a bit crowded (it always is) but the crowds tend to be a bit less at night, and the effects of the lights will be even more powerful.
Even though the area it’s not always a favorite place for locals due to how busy it is, you should definitely experience the magic for yourself. Even though it has been almost 8 years since the 1st time I saw it, I still remember the feeling I got being surrounded by all of the people, the lights, the yellow cabs, and the billboards. For a 1st time visitor to NYC, Times Square is a must! It truly doesn’t get more New York than that.
STOP 12: Broadway Show
Going to Broadway shows is an experience that travelers spending 2 days in New York City won't want to miss, especially if this is your first time in the city. Broadway Theaters host more than 30 musical plays every year and millions of people attend the productions.
Some of the most iconic and most attended Broadway Shows are the Lion King, Aladdin, Chicago, Hamilton….just to name a few. Yet, regardless of which show you choose to attend you’ll be sure to have a great time as actors and performers in Broadway are known for being among the best in the world.
One thing to keep in mind is that show entrance fees are usually a bit pricey, but the city and art organization offer different initiatives throughout the year to make Broadway more accessible for tourists and locals.
A few options you might want to check when booking your Broadway ticket are the TKTS Discount Booths, Broadway for Broke People and NYC Broadway Week. Tickets through these initiatives can go for as low as 40 per person or if you are really lucky even less.
DAY 2: Soho, Empire State Building, Grand Central, Central Park, The MET…
STOP 1: Soho
Start the next morning of your 2 days in New York City itinerary by strolling around one of the most popular downtown neighborhoods in New York City: Soho. Soho is a popular destination for those looking to go shopping in New York City but the area not only has great shops and amazing boutiques, it also has super cute cafes, eateries and picturesque streets that you have probably seen all over instagram.
Spend a few hours walking around the cobble streets while also making your way to another of the most famous parks in the city…
STOP 2: Washington Square Park
Parks are a big part of the New York City entertainment scene especially during the warmer months when New Yokers flock to every green area in the city to sunbathe, picnic and relax. Washington Square Park is one of the most popular parks in the city and the area is always filled with New Yorkers and visitors strolling around and enjoying the lively atmosphere that's characteristic of the park all year round.
Expect seeing talented artists playing their instruments while sitting near the Arch and locals playing chess among many other fun activities!
STOP 3: Empire State Building
Stop by the iconic Empire State building next and head to the top to learn about the fascinating history of the building, while enjoying one of the most famous views in New York City! The building construction was completed in 1931 making it for years one of the tallest buildings in New York and the world.
Its visually impressive Art Deco style makes the tower easily recognizable among the New York City skyline. Travelers can go up and enjoy the views from its two observation decks in the 86th and 102nd floor respectively. To avoid some of the long lines, make sure to purchase your tickets online ahead of time!
STOP 4: Grand Central Terminal
Around 10 minutes away by foot from the Empire State Building, you’ll find Grand Central Terminal. This is another transportation hub, with subways and trains all converging in one historic location. It’s a sight to behold, especially the gorgeous main hall. On the way over, make sure to look up and admire another famous landmark, the Chrysler Building.
When you arrive at Grand Central, you’ll see why a subway station is such a major destination for both New York tourists and locals!
The place is crowded at all times due to being a major stop for lots of the public transit options in New York, but you can always find a spot in the main concourse to admire the architectural beauty of the building! The Grand Central Terminal is not only a major commute stop for thousands of New Yorkers every day, it’s also a great place to shop, drink, eat, and catch up with friends.
STOP 5: Rockefeller Center & St Patrick Cathedral
The next stop during these 2 days in New York City will be the Rockefeller Center & St Patrick Cathedral. Both are a short trip from Grand Central Terminal, they’re pretty much adjacent, making it a perfect stop for those visiting for the weekend or spending a limited time in the city.
Visiting the top of the Rock is optional, but those who choose to go up to the Top of the Rock will enjoy 3 observation decks with 360 views of the city. If you’re visiting in the winter there are a few things you can’t miss!
The lights show, the ice skating rink, and the Christmas tree all make this area unique and magical...Right across the street along 5th Avenue Saks sets up an incredible show and display of Christmas light and holiday decor in its windows and facade. There’s just no place quite like The Rockefeller Center in New York for Christmas!
For great free entertainment all year-round the Rockefeller Center Complex hosts popular shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, SNL and Late Night with Seth Meyers all offering free tickets through different lottery systems. Visit each official website to find all the details about it.
STOP 6: Central Park by The Plaza
Central Park is the perfect NYC destination all year round. My favorite seasons in Central Park are definitely the Fall and the Spring, but I also love having a picnic, renting a rowboat at the Loeb boathouse, and just walking around the park in the summer.
For those winter visitors, there’s another great ice skating rink in Central Park with some truly magnificent views in the background. All of these are perfect activities before heading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a relaxing afternoon during your 2 days in New York City!
P.S Take a picture in the Bethesda Terrace to save memories of a lifetime!
STOP 7: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
Out of all of the NYC museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is by far my favorite. I am a bit obsessed with it, probably because I saw it in TV shows all the time before moving to NYC, or maybe because I live a few blocks away!
No matter the reason, the reality is that the MET will captivate you and should be a designated stop on your New York itinerary. The museum has numerous exhibitions for all kinds of art lovers, and even if you weren’t a huge fan of art before visiting, you’ll become one afterwards!
The Museum is huge, which in my opinion is perfect because you can pick the exhibits that really interest you and go straight to check them out! It also helps to spread out the crowds, so there will be plenty of empty rooms to explore.
It’s worth noting that The MET entrance fee is actually a suggested donation for New York residents and students of CT and NJ only.
Pro- tip: There’s an amazing rooftop wine bar in the museum! Access is free through the elevators (ask a security guard, it can get confusing) and the space offers magnificent views of Central Park and the city. A little known but unique treasure! There’s no better way to end your museum visit than with a glass of wine overlooking Central Park.
STOP 8: Shakespeare In The Park
Another great activity to do while visiting Central Park and neighboring areas is to go see a Shakespearan play in the Delacorte Theater located just inside. Free Shakespeare in the Park plays take place every summer starting in July and going all the way through September.
To get tickets the company hosts a daily online lottery system as well as an in-person distribution on the theater premises. The activity is quite popular among locals so the earlier you get in line the more chances you’ll have to snap a ticket.
STOP 9: Ferry Ride
To finish your 2 days in New York in style, travelers can go on a ferry ride from Uptown Manhattan to one of the many popular downtown neighborhoods to sip a great cocktail or cheers to a successful trip. There are several ferry stops connecting all the East Side of Manhattan, Brooklyn and parts of Queens.
It’s the best way to see NYC from the river without having to pay for an expensive river cruise. Ferries are part of the city's public transportation system and cost the same as a subway ride. On board you’ll find convenience establishments selling everything from wine and beer to snacks.
The perfect route for travelers to take on the UES is the Soundview route going all the way from 90th St. to Wall St. downtown and stopping several times along the way. The perfect way to navigate the city on your last day!
STOP 10: Speakeasies
There’s no better way to end your 2 days in NYC than by celebrating all the incredible places you have visited and the experiences you have had at one of the city's most famous speakeasies.
Speakeasies are some sort of secret prohibition style bars very popular among New Yorkers. There are plenty of these “hidden” establishments all throughout New York but some of the most popular ones are in the downtown area. Attaboy, the Back Room, Bathtub Gin, The Garret’s and Angel’s Share are among the most favored ones.
The first and one of the coolest secret establishments in NYC is Attaboy. Its long narrow bar, high stools, personalized cocktails and sexy atmosphere make it the perfect place to go if you’re visiting NYC with a significant other.
On the other hand, those exploring the city with friends might want to check The Back Room, Bathtub Gin or the Garret’s. They are perfect to go on a girls’ night out or to have drinks with the boys. The bars are always filled with a young and fun crowd that loves to mingle around the copper bathtub on Bathtub Gin, the velvet couches on the Back Room and the busy bar on the Garret’s.
Angel’s Share is the quietest of the speakeasies, and ideal place to have a fun family night out. Just make sure to arrive with plenty of time as the place is popular among locals of all ages.
Additional Travel information for your 2 days in New York City Itinerary
With 2 days in NYC, we’ve just shared the can’t-miss tourist landmarks along with some of the most popular places among New Yorkers. If this is your first time in the city, I hope you find it as cool and exciting as we locals do and end up coming back soon for a longer trip. If that’s the case, we hope you find as useful some of the extra tips and recommendations we are sharing below:
Little Island
Little Island park is another of the newest additions to the city landscape. The uniquely designed green area and park is located in the skirts of the Hudson River and its abundant greenery and fresh river breeze make it the perfect destination to escape after a long morning or afternoon of exploration.
DUMBO
DUMBO is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brooklyn. DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and as such New York visitors love to explore the neighborhood while taking in the iconic views of Manhattan and the Bridges: the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridges.
Photography aficionados and professionals flick the are everyday looking to get that perfect shot. Some other nearby destinations always worth visiting are the Brooklyn Bridge Park, River Cafe, Dumbo’s Flea, Jane’s Carousel and the 1 Brooklyn Hotel Bridge Park’s rooftop.
Travelers who are spending 2 days in New York City during the summer months might want to visit the area as early as possible when looking to take the insta famous picture with the bridge and the empire state in the background as the area gets extremely crowded after 9AM.
Languages
English is the official and most spoken language in New York City (obviously !). Travelers not as fluent in the English language might still find it easy to communicate in the city as New York houses large communities of Spanish, Italian, French and Chinese speakers.
Transportation Tips
The New York tri-state area has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) , and Newark International Airport (EWR). As such most travelers will arrive in one of these. I think John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the most easily accessible from NYC via public transportation although you can access any of them.
Taxis and ubers to and from the airport cost anywhere from 50 to 100+ dollars depending on the day, traffic, the airport, and the final drop off location. Taxis have a set fee while uber prices change regularly and are more often than not more expensive than yellow cabs when commuting to/from the airports.
While in the city, most New Yorker can walk almost everywhere but if you think the distance is too much for you subway trains and buses are very reliable. Alternatively you can hop on the ferry for the same price as the subway or rent a bike in many of the city bike locations.
Taxis and ubers are also available throughout the 5 boroughs of New York and are both decently priced. Although recently Uber prices in Manhattan have been on the rise and safety of females traveling solo during late nights has been at times compromised. So I recommend sticking with the official yellow cabs.
Best Time To Visit
Although the city's most popular season is the summer, I think traveling to New York City is always a good idea. Regardless of the time of the year, you choose to visit, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do.
During the Spring and Fall New Yorkers fill the streets to enjoy the nice temperatures and take in all the natural beauty with the respective blooming of the flowers or leaves color changes.
Winter brings holiday celebrations and Christmas and New Years decor all throughout New York while in the summer street cafes, restaurants, parks and rooftops are the top places to go.
Hotel Recommendations
There are plenty of places to stay while visiting New York from big hotel chains to more luxury or affordable stays. There are also many popular neighborhoods to experience, you don't necessarily have to stay near Times Square to have the best experience.
I actually recommend either booking more uptown or downtown especially if you are looking to get a scene of the city from a more local perspective. Areas like West Village, Greenwich Village or Soho are always a good idea. Regardless of what you choose, I’m sharing below some top recommendations of top places to stay all through the city with different price points.
A few hotel options to consider are:
citizenM New York Times Square
The city also has plenty of apartment listings to choose from. Just keep in mind to book everything in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak summer season
Other Interesting NYC ARTICLES:
General Travel Tips
Spending 2 days in New York on a budget? The Explorer Pass and New York Pass which offer discounts on admission fees to most of the iconic landmarks. If you are buying a lot of tickets, these discounts add up quickly!
For those interested in more food and restaurant recommendations, specific neighborhood guides and tips on how to celebrate Christmas in NYC (click here), or head to our New York section to find our latest articles!
Besitos from the Brooklyn Bridge,
Laura
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