Weekend in New York: The Good 2 Day Itinerary

Headed to the Huge Apple and overwhelmed by all of the choices? Learn on for an in depth information on find out how to spend the right weekend in New York! 

New York is a metropolis of superlatives. It’s the biggest within the United States, and the 8 million-plus New Yorkers are keen on calling it the best metropolis on the earth.

To be truthful, they positively have a case to make. There’s no denying that New York Metropolis is likely one of the most vibrant, numerous, and thrilling cities on the planet.

New York is dwelling to so many iconic American pictures that it’s inconceivable to see all of it on a brief journey.

The Statue of Liberty, Instances Sq., Central Park, Broadway, Wall Avenue, the Empire State Constructing — the record goes on and on. With only a weekend in New York, you’ll have to choose and select.

I’ve been to New York a number of instances all through my life. From seeing the sights as a child to ringing within the New 12 months with my spouse and our favourite band, I’ve had some good instances within the metropolis.

As I’m an enormous fan of improvisation, I’ll depart you a number of wiggle room with this New York itinerary by providing you with loads of choices to select from. Let’s get all the way down to enterprise and see what you’ll be able to stand up to with 2 days in New York!

Day 1 in New York

I hope you bought some good sleep the evening earlier than and I hope you’ve acquired snug strolling sneakers. It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend in New York.

Day one can be a whirlwind tour of the Huge Apple that offers you the chance to test lots of the most well-known landmarks off your record. I’ll additionally present some attention-grabbing detours and ensure to incorporate time to wander and linger once you really feel prefer it.

Earlier than we get going, it’s best to in all probability look into the New York Metropolis Explorer Go. They’ve a number of choices, all of which prevent money and time. Each of those are valuable assets on a brief New York weekend journey.

I must also be aware that this itinerary will give attention to Manhattan. With solely 2 days within the metropolis, there merely isn’t sufficient time to enterprise to the opposite boroughs. You’ll simply have to return again.

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Day 1: Morning

I can’t consider a greater method to begin a New York weekend journey than with a scrumptious bagel. There have to be one thing within the water, as a result of bagels simply style higher right here. 

Each New Yorker has their favourite bagel spot, however no matter you do, simply skip the chains and ensure it’s a neighborhood deli for a extra genuine expertise.

Since we’re going to begin the itinerary off in Decrease Manhattan, listed below are two native choices for grabbing a bagel and low – Leo’s Bagels and Milk & Honey. With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared to begin exploring town.

Decrease Manhattan is the place all of it started for New York, and in a approach for the nation. That is the place the primary Congress gathered to draft the Invoice of Rights. It’s additionally the place George Washington took the oath of workplace to grow to be the nation’s first president.

Upon seeing all of the skyscrapers, it might be onerous to consider that this metropolis started as a easy buying and selling put up. This nook of New York Metropolis is regarded as the monetary heart of the world. It’s dwelling to the New York Inventory Alternate, the epicenter of capitalism. 

With only a weekend in NYC, you’ll need to benefit from your time. That’s why I like to recommend leaping on a strolling tour on your first morning. It ensures you’ll waste much less time getting misplaced and can be taught extra in regards to the metropolis.

There are 1,000,000 and one choices for strolling excursions of Decrease Manhattan. Free Excursions by Foot has fairly just a few, together with their 3-hour Downtown Manhattan Tour. It covers a whole lot of floor, together with SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. 

As with different free excursions, these are donation-based. Be sure you present your information some love when you loved the tour, which I’m certain you’ll! Additionally they have some superior audio excursions that you need to use when you want a DIY method.

Whether or not you do a strolling tour or not, it’s value it to take a look at Battery Park. From right here you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of one of the crucial iconic American pictures — the Statue of Liberty.

For a lot of, heading to the Girl Liberty is a must-do. If that’s you, you’ll need to enroll in this tour. 

For these like me preferring to keep away from lengthy strains and entrance tickets, you’ll be able to simply hop on the Staten Island ferry. It’s completely free and gives some nice views of each the Statue of Liberty and the Decrease Manhattan skyline.

Simply bear in mind that selecting both of these choices will take up your complete morning. Time just isn’t in your facet with solely 2 days in New York!

Afternoon

There’s nonetheless a whole lot of floor to cowl, so I like to recommend choosing a fast lunch. Which means it’s time to seize a slice of traditional New York model pizza (which is totally completely different from the Chicago deep dish). 

It’s not onerous to discover a pizza joint in Manhattan, however the very last thing you need to do is have a disappointing slice in NYC. You possibly can’t go unsuitable with Joe’s Pizza, which has been known as the “quintessential slice.”

From there, it’s only a fast stroll to the following cease — the One World Commerce Middle. This 1,776-foot tall constructing is the tallest within the nation, constructed after the horrific occasions of September eleventh, 2001. That is the place you’ll discover the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

The place the Twin Towers as soon as stood, there are actually two reflecting swimming pools. Surrounding them are plaques with the entire names of those that handed away in each the 1993 and 2001 assaults on the World Commerce heart. 

Whereas the memorial is free to go to, you’ll want a ticket for the museum. Click on right here to choose one up that lets you skip the road. When you’d quite simply buy your entrance ticket, click on right here to take action. 

If it’s a pleasant sunny day within the metropolis, your subsequent cease must be Rockefeller Park. It’s a fantastic place to take a seat and replicate on the somber expertise of visiting the 9/11 memorial. You can even soak within the views of the Hudson River and luxuriate in some high quality people-watching.

After a busy day of exploring the Huge Apple, it’s good to relaxation your drained ft and make a sport plan for the night.

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Night

The way you spend your first night in NYC relies on what you’re into. Some could need to make a reservation at one of many metropolis’s world-class eating places, whereas others can be content material consuming a road vendor sizzling canine!

You possibly can actually discover delicacies from all corners of the globe right here. New York actually is a foodie’s dream come true. 

What I’ll do is agree with Johnny T and what he says in a hilarious video giving suggestions for vacationers. If you could find a spot in your hometown, don’t go there in New York! Skip the tasteless chain eating places, strive one thing new, and ensure it’s native.

This video is a must-watch for any first-time guests to NYC, by the way in which. 

New York is called the “Metropolis That By no means Sleeps,” so that you’ve acquired numerous choices for nightlife. I’m assuming you’ll be a bit exhausted after that epic day and really actually need to get some sleep.

You possibly can sleep once you’re lifeless, although. No relaxation for the weary on a weekend in New York! Summon that third wind and energy via for at the least just a few extra hours.

The world actually is your oyster on a weekend in New York. You possibly can go salsa dancing, drink in a hidden speakeasy, hit a comedy membership, see an underground punk band, be a part of a pub crawl — the record goes on and on. 

My greatest recommendation on your first evening in New York is to do one thing you’re keen on. For me, that’s seeing dwell music, and there’s loads of it in NYC! Test the calendar on Jambase to see who’s taking part in once you’re on the town.

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Day 2 in New York

It’s time for one more busy day — a New York itinerary in 2 days is feasible, nevertheless it’s busy!

Morning

“Morning” means various things to completely different individuals, particularly on a New York weekend journey. The go-getters amongst us can seize a leisurely breakfast whereas the hungover of us battle to get away from bed.

I personally don’t suppose I’ve stepped exterior earlier than midday on any journey to NYC in my grownup life. My technique is normally to search out the closest native cafe for a cup of espresso and a fast chunk to eat.

When you’re into the entire brunch factor, there’s no scarcity of locations the place it’s completely acceptable to dine with sun shades on whereas nursing a Bloody Mary. A good way to get pleasure from brunch is aboard a ship with implausible views of the NYC skyline. Take a look at that have right here.

Nevertheless you select to get your day going, finally make your approach over to Central Park. It’s fairly onerous to overlook — it’s that large inexperienced area on the map smack dab in the course of town.

There’s a lot occurring in and across the park that you could possibly simply spend your complete day there. If you wish to go that route, I totally assist your choice. 

Central Park actually is big, so you may want some wheels that will help you get round. You possibly can hire a motorbike for 2 hours for simply $7.50 and discover at your individual leisure. There’s additionally a fantastic 2-hour bike tour of the park with a neighborhood information if you wish to get extra out of your go to.

Spending the complete morning out within the park is nice when it’s a pleasant day. It’s not so good when it’s raining or freezing chilly. If mom nature isn’t in your facet, by no means worry. There are many methods to spend a morning indoors.

New York is dwelling to some completely unimaginable museums, a number of of that are situated proper by Central Park. There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, which options one of many biggest artwork collections on the planet. Click on right here to e book your ticket and skip the road.

Only a stone’s throw away is the Guggenheim — a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed constructing full of contemporary and modern artwork. Get your ticket upfront for simply $25.

Afternoon

Among the best issues about spending a few days in New York is simply wandering across the metropolis’s many distinctive neighborhoods.

Try the structure, do some window purchasing, pop into a neighborhood bar for a drink, and simply see the place the wind takes you.

Some nice locations for this embody Greenwich Village, the Decrease East Aspect, and Chelsea. My private suggestion on a weekend in New York goes to the latter.

Hop on the subway or hop in a cab and make your method to the Chelsea Market. That is the right place to seize a snack or a cup of espresso earlier than persevering with in your approach. For the patrons amongst us, it’s possible you’ll determine to linger a bit to peruse the choices.

Chelsea can also be dwelling to the scenic Excessive Line, an elevated park constructed on a former railroad line. It was saved from the wrecking ball by decided residents and is now an interesting place to expertise nature, artwork, and design within the metropolis. 

There’s nothing unsuitable with exploring Chelsea by yourself, however you’ll get much more out of it with a neighborhood information. Try this superior expertise that excursions each the market and the Excessive Line — together with meals!

Night

On the finish of a busy weekend in New York, a sundown cruise is a superb choice for an informal night. This wonderful champagne sundown tour departs from the Chelsea Piers.

For individuals who want to remain on land, the Frying Pan is the right spot for dinner and drinks with a view.

As soon as once more, I’m going to advocate you do no matter goes to make you cheerful. It might be cliche, however there actually is one thing for everybody in NYC!

When you’re a sports activities fan, catching a sport must be in your weekend in New York itinerary. The town is dwelling to a number of groups in all skilled sports activities in addition to many minor league groups.

Each the Knicks (NBA) and Rangers (NHL) play in Madison Sq. Backyard, which is called the “World’s Most Well-known Area.” Catching a sport or a live performance there’s a must-do expertise in NYC.

When you’re extra into the performing arts, I like to recommend catching a present on Broadway. There are such a lot of completely different exhibits each evening of the week so it shouldn’t be onerous to search out one thing. Tickets may be robust to get and costly, although.

Try the humorous web site Broadway for Broke Individuals to search out data on offers. We used their tricks to rating standing room tickets to E book of Mormon for less than $30 and had an absolute blast. I’ve by no means laughed so onerous in my complete life!

It’s a bit too touristy and kitschy for me personally, however I do know lots of people have Instances Sq. on their record. Go forward and be a part of the throngs of individuals underneath the neon glow of fixed billboards and take a selfie with Spiderman. 

Maybe the right method to wind down a weekend in New York is by taking within the sundown views from above. In a metropolis filled with skyscrapers, you’ve acquired loads of choices!

On the Rockefeller Middle, you’ll be able to head to the High of the Rock for what simply may be the most effective view within the metropolis. On my go to there was even a band and a pop-up bar up there! Click on right here to e book your tickets.

Insider’s Ideas for a Weekend Journey to New York

You’re set to get pleasure from a implausible 2 days in New York with that epic itinerary. You’ll have a good higher time when you comply with the following pointers:

Deliver snug sneakers – You’ll be doing a complete lot of strolling, so it’s necessary to be snug.

Don’t hire a automobile – It may be complicated determining the NYC subway, nevertheless it’s value it for the financial savings in money and time. With solely a weekend in New York, you don’t need to be caught in a site visitors jam in a cab with the meter going up and up.

Seize a MetroCard – Choose up a MetroCard straight away and cargo it up. That approach you gained’t have to attend in line each time. A single journey prices $2.75 and also you pay $1 for the cardboard.

Make an inventory of your “must-sees” – Too many individuals come to NYC considering they’ll do all of it in a weekend. Spoiler alert – you’ll be able to’t. Having an inventory of your High 5 sights is rather more doable over a weekend.

Take breaks – It may be tempting to overdo it with simply 2 days in New York. Settle for the truth that you’re not going to see all of it and provides your self a break right here and there, even when it’s simply 5 minutes on a park bench. 

Skip the chains – I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more. Don’t come to New York simply to go to Starbucks and Applebees. Discover the native locations as a substitute.

Search for the offers – Cash tends to fade into skinny air in New York. Fortunately you could find nice offers, from sightseeing tickets and excursions to Broadway exhibits to Completely satisfied Hours. You can even get this CityPass card which saves 40% on many sights. In case your new York weekend consists of visiting a number of sights, it may be choice for you. Study extra right here.

Getting Round New York

New York Metropolis in a weekend is doable. Fortunately, as the largest metropolis within the nation, there are many choices for attending to New York.

If touring by air, you’ll be able to look into flights for any one of many three main NYC airports — JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. 

LaGuardia is the smallest and the closest to Manhattan. Within the curiosity of saving time, that is your greatest wager. There’s no rail service to town, however there are just a few completely different buses you’ll be able to take.

Personal Constitution

A enjoyable method to get round New York is with a non-public constitution bus, both a full-sized bus or minibus relying in your group measurement.

Numerous individuals come to the Huge Apple for a marriage social gathering, a household reunion, a piece occasion, or only a group of pals getting collectively for a weekend in New York!

When you’re a type of individuals, take a look at Nationwide Constitution Bus for a free quote. With personal transport, you gained’t want to fret about discovering parking, coping with complicated transportation programs, or having too many drinks at evening!

Bus

The general public bus is the most affordable but additionally the slowest and also you’ll want a MetroCard or cash. Because you don’t have a whole lot of time, I wouldn’t advocate this feature.

The NYC Airporter bus will get you from both LaGuardia or JFK to locations like Grand Central or Instances Sq.. Buses depart usually and value $15 one-way. 

Shuttle Bus

There’s additionally the Go Airlink Shuttle, which serves all three airports and in addition has door-to-door service. Click on right here to take a look at all their choices. 

AirTrain

When you fly into JFK, your greatest wager is to catch the AirTrain to town. It takes you to close by rail and metro stations the place you’ll must switch. This prices $7.75 for the AirTrain after which the same old $2.75 for the subway. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Taxi

After all, taxis are available in any respect three NYC airports. You possibly can count on to pay $60-70 or much more from JFK or Newark, and nearer to $30 from LaGuardia.

Rideshare

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are additionally choice when you don’t really feel like navigating public transport. These have their very own pickup areas that may be complicated to search out if it’s your first time, so ask round.

Attending to New York By Prepare/Bus

New York can also be a significant hub for trains. They arrive at Penn Station, which is immediately underneath Madison Sq. Backyard. Amtrak has 14 completely different routes that journey to NYC so that you’ve acquired a number of choices.

Lastly, there are numerous firms working buses to New York. I’ve taken each the Greyhound and the Megabus out and in of NYC and like the latter, particularly when reserving early as they’ve some nice offers.

The place to Keep For a Weekend in New York

One of many hardest issues about planning a visit to New York is deciding the place to remain. It’s a large metropolis comprised of 5 completely different boroughs. 

For only a weekend in New York, you’ll positively need to keep in Manhattan. The place you determine to remain there relies on a whole lot of elements, particularly your funds and pursuits.

If you wish to be close to Central Park and the museums, for instance, you’ll be able to search for a spot within the Higher East or Higher West Aspect.

Those that want a extra central location close to landmarks like Instances Sq. can look to Midtown. Desire a extra hip vibe? Try SoHo or the Decrease East Aspect.

The nice information about NYC is that regardless of the place you keep, you will get wherever within the metropolis on the subway. This itinerary strikes round Manhattan fairly a bit anyway, so it actually doesn’t matter all that a lot the place your lodging is. See our full information to the place to remain in New York.

It may be robust discovering lodging in Manhattan that doesn’t break the financial institution, that’s for certain. This positively isn’t the most affordable place for a weekend getaway!

Take a look at our put up about find out how to discover free lodging and take a look at these resort choices to go well with all budgets:

Click on right here to seek for extra lodging choices in NYC. One factor to think about when reserving a spot to remain on your weekend in New York is that this — how lengthy will you actually be spending in your room? When you comply with the itinerary above, not very a lot!

In my humble opinion, much less cash spent on a resort simply means extra money for issues like good meals, rooftop cocktails, and present tickets. 

Take pleasure in Your Weekend Journey to New York 

Hopefully you’re much more excited on your weekend in New York after getting via this information. I’ve introduced you with a number of choices to make sure you can benefit from a brief journey there and get a style of what town has to supply.

There’s little question that New York may be an intimidating place to go to.

There’s a lot to see and do right here, there are 1,000,000 completely different subway strains to determine, and individuals are all the time in a rush. In spite of everything, one of many unofficial slogans of NYC is “I’m walkin’ right here!”

That being stated, braving the crowds and the chaos is nicely value it. Even with simply 2 days in New York, you will get a style of what probably the most well-known metropolis on the earth has to supply. 

After all, there’s no method to do all of it in simply a few days. You would spend a lifetime exploring NYC and nonetheless not see all of it. It’s a metropolis that positively warrants many return visits.

It is probably not the simplest or most cost-effective place to journey, nevertheless it’s one. There’s a sure power about New York Metropolis that’s onerous to explain. You’re simply going to should expertise it for your self.

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