Let’s face it, NYC can be intimidating. It’s a huge metropolis condensed on a tiny island that spills over into 3 other fascinating boroughs. There’s a plethora of museums, more great restaurants than room in your stomach, and major attractions to keep you busy for days. Planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. Many people ask us to recommend the best of what the city has to offer. Here at Real New York Tours, we understand you want to experience the creme de la creme of the city in the short time you have to explore it. Here’s a handy guide to what we think helps make the Big Apple one of the best cities in the world.
This itinerary is designed for a 3 night stay in the city and includes attractions that are, for the most part, year round. We recommend checking out our blog or websites like Time Out New York for events happening the week you’re traveling.
Day 1 – Take our Tour!
If you’re already thinking about joining us on a tour, then your first day is an ideal time to do it. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the city, learn the ropes of the subway, and figure out which areas you might want to spend some more time exploring on your subsequent days.
Day 2 – Culture Time!
New York is chock full of great museum’s. It’s really easy to spend a whole day exploring just one. Below are a couple of our favorites. Check out their websites to see if there’s a new exhibit that inspires you.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – NYC’s mini Louvre! https://www.metmuseum.org
MOMA – houses some of the best modern art in the U.S. They usually have ongoing exhibits. Free on Fridays (but watch out for the crowds!) https://www.moma.org
Brooklyn Transit Museum – a little out of the way but worth the adventure there! http://www.nytransitmuseum.org
Fashion Institute of Technology – this small museum is attached to the school itself. They have free rotating exhibits all year long. https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/
TKTS Booth – see a Broadway show at half the price! Buy day of tickets to select shows and have a night at the theatre! https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/TKTS-ticket-booths
Day 3 – Get Outside!
Exploring museums is fun but now it’s time to get back outside and see the city again! Here’s some great outdoor activities that are not to be missed:
Staten Island Ferry – The one hour trip offers a great view of the city, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It’s also FREE!!!! http://www.siferry.com/schedules.html
The High Line and Chelsea Market – The Highline is a great secret of the city – stroll along the gardens above the city, great at sunset! Grab a delicious treat after at the Chelsea Market. http://www.thehighline.org, http://chelseamarket.com
Central Park and Prospect Park – both designed by Olmstead and Vaux, these parks offer a much needed respite from crowded streets. http://www.centralparknyc.org, https://www.prospectpark.org
9/11 Memorial and Museum – The Memorial and Museum offer a moving tribute to the tragic day. The Memorial is open to the public but the Museum requires admission. Be sure to plan for a couple hours at the museum as there’s a lot to see. https://www.911memorial.org
Or ….(swap these fun activities for the ones above)
Katz’s Deli and Tenement Museum – Learn about the immigrant experience and fill your belly with a giant pastrami sandwich! https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com,http://www.tenement.org
Top of the Rock – BEST view of the city. period. https://www.topoftherocknyc.com
Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (try at sunset!) and then enjoy a meal on the other side. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml
Governors Island – a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It’s easily accessible by ferry and open to the public during the summer. https://govisland.com
Scott’s Pizza tours – munch on the best slices in NYC while seeing the sites! http://www.scottspizzatours.com
These are a just a few of our favorites!!! We’re sure to add more as we discover things to love about this city! Stay tuned!