Destinations

Weekend in New York: The Good 2 Day Itinerary

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

New York is a metropolis of superlatives. It’s the biggest in the US, and the 8 million-plus New Yorkers are keen on calling it the best metropolis on the planet.

To be honest, they undoubtedly have a case to make. There’s no denying that New York Metropolis is without doubt one of the most vibrant, numerous, and thrilling cities on the planet.

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

The Statue of Liberty, Instances Sq., Central Park, Broadway, Wall Road, the Empire State Constructing — the checklist 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 Yr with my spouse and our favourite band, I’ve had some good instances within the metropolis.

As I’m a giant 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 right down to enterprise and see what you may rise 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 received snug strolling footwear. It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend in New York.

Day one can be a whirlwind tour of the Large Apple that provides you the chance to test lots of the most well-known landmarks off your checklist. I’ll additionally present some fascinating detours and ensure to incorporate time to wander and linger while you really feel prefer it.

Earlier than we get going, it’s best to most likely look into the New York Metropolis Explorer Cross. 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 also needs to observe that this itinerary will concentrate on 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 solution to begin a New York weekend journey than with a scrumptious bagel. There should 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 an area deli for a extra genuine expertise.

bagels new york itinerary 2 days

Since we’re going to begin the itinerary off in Decrease Manhattan, listed below are two native choices for grabbing a bagel and occasional – 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 means 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 turn into the nation’s first president.

Upon seeing all of the skyscrapers, it could be laborious to imagine that this metropolis started as a easy buying and selling put up. This nook of New York Metropolis is regarded as the monetary middle of the world. It’s residence to the New York Inventory Trade, the epicenter of capitalism. 

With only a weekend in NYC, you’ll wish to take advantage of 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 study extra concerning 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. 

walking in new york city with 2 days

As with different free excursions, these are donation-based. Make sure to present your information some love in case you loved the tour, which I’m positive you’ll! In addition they have some superior audio excursions that you should utilize in case you choose a DIY strategy.

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 may catch a glimpse of some of the iconic American pictures — the Statue of Liberty.

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

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

Simply remember that selecting both of these choices will take up your complete morning. Time will not be in your aspect 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 fashion pizza (which is totally totally different from the Chicago deep dish). 

eating pizza in new york city on a weekend trip

It’s not laborious to discover a pizza joint in Manhattan, however the very last thing you wish to do is have a disappointing slice in NYC. You’ll be able to’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 Heart. 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 all the names of those that handed away in each the 1993 and 2001 assaults on the World Commerce middle. 

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 permits you to skip the road. In the event you’d fairly simply buy your entrance ticket, click on right here to take action

9 11 memorial new york city

If it’s a pleasant sunny day within the metropolis, your subsequent cease ought to be Rockefeller Park. It’s a fantastic place to take a seat and mirror 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 Large 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 depends upon what you’re into. Some could wish to make a reservation at one of many metropolis’s world-class eating places, whereas others can be content material consuming a road vendor scorching canine!

You’ll be able to 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, attempt 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 named the “Metropolis That By no means Sleeps,” so that you’ve received numerous choices for nightlife. I’m assuming you’ll be a bit exhausted after that epic day and really actually wish to get some sleep.

You’ll be able to sleep while you’re lifeless, although. No relaxation for the weary on a weekend in New York! Summon that third wind and energy by for at the least just a few extra hours.

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

My finest 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 enjoying while you’re on the town.

Trying For Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?

Day 2 in New York

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

Morning

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

I personally don’t assume I’ve stepped outdoors earlier than midday on any journey to NYC in my grownup life. My technique is often to seek out the closest native cafe for a cup of espresso and a fast chew to eat.

In the event 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 take pleasure in brunch is aboard a ship with unbelievable views of the NYC skyline. Take a look at that have right here.

Nevertheless you select to get your day going, ultimately make your means over to Central Park. It’s fairly laborious to overlook — it’s that huge inexperienced house on the map smack dab in the course of town.

new york city central park

There’s a lot happening in and across the park that you might simply spend your complete day there. If you wish to go that route, I totally help your resolution. 

Central Park actually is big, so you may want some wheels that can assist you get round. You’ll be able to 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 an area information if you wish to get extra out of your go to.

Spending all the 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 aspect, by no means worry. There are many methods to spend a morning indoors.

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

gugenheim building new york

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

Afternoon

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

Take a look at the structure, do some window purchasing, pop into an area bar for a drink, and simply see the place the wind takes you.

Some nice locations for this embrace Greenwich Village, the Decrease East Facet, 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 solution to the Chelsea Market. That is the right place to seize a snack or a cup of espresso earlier than persevering with in your means. For the patrons amongst us, you might resolve to linger a bit to peruse the choices.

Chelsea can be residence 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 a captivating place to expertise nature, artwork, and design within the metropolis. 

chelsea market new york

There’s nothing unsuitable with exploring Chelsea by yourself, however you’ll get much more out of it with an area information. Take a look at 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 off-the-cuff night. This glorious champagne sundown tour departs from the Chelsea Piers.

For individuals who choose 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 suggest you do no matter goes to make you cheerful. It could be cliche, however there actually is one thing for everybody in NYC!

In the event you’re a sports activities fan, catching a sport ought to be in your weekend in New York itinerary. The town is residence 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 named the “World’s Most Well-known Area.” Catching a sport or a live performance there’s a must-do expertise in NYC.

In the event you’re extra into the performing arts, I like to recommend catching a present on Broadway. There are such a lot of totally different reveals each evening of the week so it shouldn’t be laborious to seek out one thing. Tickets might be robust to get and costly, although.

broadway show new york weekend

Take a look at the humorous web site Broadway for Broke Folks to seek 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 laborious 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 checklist. Go forward and be part of the throngs of individuals below the neon glow of fixed billboards and take a selfie with Spiderman. 

Maybe the right solution 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 received loads of choices!

On the Rockefeller Heart, you may head to the High of the Rock for what simply may be the very best 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 take pleasure in a unbelievable 2 days in New York with that epic itinerary. You’ll have an excellent higher time in case you comply with the following tips:

Carry snug footwear – You’ll be doing an entire lot of strolling, so it’s vital to be snug.

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

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

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

times square and taxis in new york 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 an alternative.

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 reveals to Pleased 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 may 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 finest wager. There’s no rail service to town, however there are just a few totally different buses you may take.

Non-public Constitution

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

Plenty of folks come to the Large Apple for a marriage get together, a household reunion, a piece occasion, or only a group of pals getting collectively for a weekend in New York!

In the event you’re a type of folks, try Nationwide Constitution Bus for a free quote. With non-public transport, you received’t want to fret about discovering parking, coping with complicated transportation techniques, or having too many drinks at evening!

Bus

The general public bus is the most cost effective but in addition the slowest and also you’ll want a MetroCard or cash. Because you don’t have a whole lot of time, I wouldn’t suggest this selection.

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 likewise has door-to-door service. Click on right here to take a look at all their choices. 

AirTrain

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

airtrain nyc

Taxi

In fact, taxis are available in any respect three NYC airports. You’ll be able to anticipate 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 in case you don’t really feel like navigating public transport. These have their very own pickup areas that may be complicated to seek out if it’s your first time, so ask round.

Attending to New York By Prepare/Bus

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

Lastly, there are numerous corporations 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 totally different boroughs. 

For only a weekend in New York, you’ll undoubtedly wish to keep in Manhattan. The place you resolve to remain there depends upon 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 may search for a spot within the Higher East or Higher West Facet.

Those that choose a extra central location close to landmarks like Instances Sq. can look to Midtown. Desire a extra hip vibe? Take a look at SoHo or the Decrease East Facet.

The nice information about NYC is that regardless of the place you keep, you may get anyplace 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.

where to stay on a weekend in new york

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

Take a look at our put up about methods 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? In the event 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 by this information. I’ve offered you with a number of choices to make sure you can take advantage of a brief journey there and get a style of what town has to supply.

There’s little doubt that New York might be an intimidating place to go to.

There’s a lot to see and do right here, there are 1,000,000 totally different subway strains to determine, and individuals are at all times in a rush. In any case, 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 may get a style of what probably the most well-known metropolis on the planet has to supply. 

In fact, there’s no solution to do all of it in simply a few days. You could possibly spend a lifetime exploring NYC and nonetheless not see all of it. It’s a metropolis that undoubtedly warrants many return visits.

It might not be the best or least expensive place to journey, however it’s one. There’s a sure vitality about New York Metropolis that’s laborious to explain. You’re simply going to should expertise it for your self.

Photos on this article had been sourced on Shutterstock.com. Study extra and seek for royalty-free pictures, right here.

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