New York City is the perfect place for a quick getaway (especially from Toronto) but also a destination that you could visit again and again and discover new and exciting things every time.
Here is how I spent 3 days in NYC. I hope that this itinerary helps you for your future trips to the city!
DAY 1
Fifth Avenue & Madison Avenue
Spend some time strolling down Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, considered to be two of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.
Stop at the iconic Tiffany & Co (maybe with a croissant and coffee à la Audrey Hepburn). When I visited, I was lucky enough to see the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, worn by Audrey Hepburn herself and most recently by Lady Gaga to the 2019 Academy Awards!
Macy’s
Take a look inside Macy’s flagship store, one of the largest department stores in the US. It’s insane!
Chrysler Building
Walk past the beautiful Chrysler Building.
Empire State Building
Next is another iconic NYC skyscraper, the Empire State Building (cue the Gossip Girl vibes). You can choose to go to the top but I prefer the Top of the Rock (see Day 2) to have the Empire State Building in your photos of the city from above.
Flatiron Building
Admire the unique triangular Flatiron Building.
Times Square
The heart of Manhattan and a place like no other! Bright lights, loud noises and thousands of people at all times of the day, but the best time to visit is at night.
Night time bus tour
If you’re looking for things to do in New York City at night, my boyfriend and I took a nighttime bus tour through Manhattan and over to Brooklyn. We loved seeing the Manhattan skyline all lit up while driving over the Brooklyn Bridge!
DAY 2
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Pop into the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Radio City Music Hall
Stop by this New York City landmark and entertainment venue. Guided tours are available. When I visited NYC at age 13 on a school trip, we toured the Music Hall and met some of the Rockettes!
Rockefeller Center
Wander around Rockefeller Center, filled with stores and restaurants. Pop into NBC studios to see the iconic M&M-filled logo.
Top of the Rock
Head to the Top of the Rock, the views are worth the wait. One of my favourite sites in NYC!
Central Park
Make your way to beautiful Central Park. I could spend hours here!
Don’t miss the Alice in Wonderland Memorial, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Great Lawn and Strawberry Fields (John Lennon Memorial).
Yankee Stadium
My boyfriend and I spent one of our three nights at Yankee Stadium. The New York Yankees were playing our home team, the Toronto Blue Jays! So much fun.
DAY 3
Ellis Island or Liberty Island Ferry – Statue of Liberty
Hop on a ferry – you don’t even have to get off! Up close views of the Statue of Liberty are worth it.
Battery Park
Walk through Battery Park, commonly known as the landing point for immigrants until 1890.
9/11 Memorial
Stop by the site of the former World Trade Center, which is now the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Take a moment to remember those who lost their lives there.
Tribeca & Soho
Wander through Tribeca and Soho, two of Manhattan’s trendy neighbourhoods and great areas for shopping and dining.
Broadway show
Another great night time activity is to see a show on Broadway! On my school trip I was lucky to see both Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Mamma Mia.
I hope you enjoyed this 3-day itinerary for New York City!
