Itineraries for Your Trip to New York City
2 Days in New York City For First Timers
If you’ve only seen New York City in the movies, rest assured: The Big Apple is even better in real life. With its soaring skyscrapers and iconic bridges, its riverfront views and tranquil parks, its major monuments and unmissable museums, its world-beating dining scene, and glitzy theaters, the city seems to pack the whole world into just five boroughs.
As a former NYC resident, I know you can never hope to see it all in two days—but that’s nothing to mourn. Instead, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the city’s flow and let its light and color sweep you off your feet. Here’s how to make the most of two days in New York.
From frozen winters to hotter-than-hot summers, New York City experiences all four seasons; pack accordingly.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the top of the Empire State Building.
The Statue of Liberty is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, but if you're pressed for time, you may struggle to squeeze a visit into a busy sightseeing schedule—unless you book an express cruise, that is. During your first morning in the Big Apple, you can set sail on the New York Harbor, greet Lady Liberty up close, and admire postcard-ready views of the Manhattan skyline.
Once you’ve returned to dry land in Lower Manhattan, it’s a quick trip to one of New York’s most-visited—and most moving—landmarks: the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Prebooking your tickets gives you extra time to see this somber landmark at your own pace. View carefully preserved artifacts, reflect at the memorial, and pay tribute to New Yorkers’ bravery and resilience in the face of tragedy.
With its dizzying scale and wealth of attractions, Manhattan can be overwhelming for first-time visitors—and that’s exactly why you should end your first day in town with a hassle-free, open-top bus tour. Exploring after dark doesn’t just mean you’ll miss the worst of the city’s famously gridlocked traffic—you’ll also cover more ground than you could on your own and see New York’s top landmarks all aglow.
Once you’ve enjoyed a New York bagel and coffee for breakfast, spend a cultural morning at the city’s biggest, best-known museum. That would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art, whose sprawling collection covers 5,000 years of art history and hundreds of galleries. Sure, seeing it all might not be possible in a day (or a lifetime), but you can spot the collection highlights on a guided tour.
New York City takes its food very seriously—and no first-time trip would be complete without a deep dive into its culinary highlights and heritage. After visiting the Met, hop on a downtown train to see—and devour—the best of two neighborhoods in one on a combination Chinatown and Little Italy walking tour. Along the way, nosh on everything from dumplings and cheesecake to classic NYC pizza.
And just like that, two days are gone in a flash. But before you bid adieu to the Big Apple, it’s worth seeing your trip out in style. Few other experiences can rival ascending to the top of the Empire State Building just as the sun sets. Book ahead to bypass the long lines of fellow visitors—and be rewarded with 360-degree, unobstructed city views.
- I’m in New York City for two days. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?
No visit to New York City is complete without strolling through Central Park (the largest park in New York City), crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, and visiting the top of the Empire State Building. Since you have two days, that means you’ll also have time to take a boat ride out to the Statue of Liberty (and don’t worry—there are plenty of alternative activities if it’s sold out).
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in New York City?
NYC is a city for foodies, with must-try dishes that range from hot dogs and bagels to soup dumplings and halal chicken. But because New York City has so many different types of cuisine, it’s worth joining a food tour, where a guide will ensure you get to see (and taste) it all.
- How can I avoid the crowds in New York City?
Crowds are a part of any large city, and you may not be able to entirely avoid people during a trip to NYC, especially if you plan to visit the major attractions. However, being strategic about when you visit popular landmarks and tourist hot spots (especially Times Square) is an easy way to see the sites without the crowds. Careful planning and purchasing skip-the-line tickets are other ways to enjoy New York City with fewer people around.
- Which New York City neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for two days?
Some of the best neighborhoods in New York City for a 2-day stay are the Lower East Side, the East Village, the West Village, Little Italy, SoHo, Chelsea, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, and Harlem—all in Manhattan. Popular Brooklyn options for an overnight stay include Williamsburg and Carroll Gardens.
- What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around New York City?
If it’s your first time in New York City, the best thing to do is walk around, so you can see everything while you move from point A to point B—you might even discover some NYC hidden gems while you’re walking. For traveling farther afield, taking the subway is a safe, affordable, and easy choice.