The Ultimate 3-Day New York City Itinerary (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)

Planning a trip to New York City can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re visiting for the first time or traveling during the busy holiday season. After receiving so many questions about how we planned our trip, I’m sharing our 3-day New York City itinerary that balances iconic attractions, walkable neighborhoods, great food, and time to actually enjoy the city.

This NYC itinerary for first-time visitors is designed to be realistic, flexible, and stress-free. I have been to NYC at Christmas a few time & think I have finally created the perfect well rounded plan. Whether you’re visiting NYC during Christmas, planning a long weekend, or just want a tried-and-true plan, this guide covers exactly how to see the best of New York City in three days.

Where We Stayed in New York City

We stayed at Lotte New York Palace, and the location truly made this itinerary work. Situated right next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, this Midtown Manhattan hotel is within walking distance of many of NYC’s top attractions.

Why this hotel location is ideal for a 3-day NYC trip:

• Walkable to Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City
• Easy access to Central Park
• Perfect home base for sightseeing without constant transportation

If you’re deciding where to stay in NYC for a short trip, Midtown is one of the most convenient areas.

Day 1: Arrival Day & Midtown Manhattan Highlights

Our flight arrived mid-morning, allowing us to maximize the day without feeling rushed. After heading to the hotel and getting settled, we explored some of the most iconic Midtown Manhattan attractions.

We started with Glacé Hot Chocolate, just steps from the hotel. This is a great cold-weather stop, especially if you’re visiting NYC in winter. Nearby, you’ll also find a Ralph’s coffee truck if you’re short on time.

Right outside the hotel is one of the most photographed New York City Christmas tree locations, making it the perfect place to soak in the holiday atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Day 1 was visiting Top of the Rock Observation Deck. If you’re choosing between NYC observation decks, this one offers incredible skyline views and is easy to fit into a packed itinerary. Definitely buy the tickets ahead of time for this. It ensured we got in during our allotted time & a wait free experience.

We also visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is directly next to the hotel and a must-see historic landmark in New York City.

After returning to the hotel to change, we grabbed drinks at the Gold Room at Lotte New York Palace. This bar fills up quickly, so arriving early is key. We loved this because it was in the hotel, gave us plenty of time to get ready & the drinks were PHENOMENAL!

For dinner, we headed to Piccola Cucina Osteria in SoHo. We met the owner in Italy when we went in September. This was such a good experience and so delicious. If you prefer to stay closer to Midtown, La Pecora is a great alternative.

Day 2: Upper West Side, Central Park & Broadway

Day two focused on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, combining food, museums, shopping, and Broadway.

We started the morning with breakfast at Sarabeth’s Upper West Side, a popular brunch spot for both locals and visitors. Make sure to get a reservation here! Across the street is Central Park, making it easy to enjoy a peaceful walk before heading to our next stop.

We spent time at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most famous museums in New York City. Even a short visit is worthwhile if you’re limited on time. At the very least- get the gossip girl photo on the steps of the Met.

Later, we stopped by Ralph’s Coffee and Ladurée for coffee and sweets. If you’re visiting during peak season, expect long lines—especially at Ralph’s.

Next, we walked Fifth Avenue, known for luxury shopping, iconic storefronts, and holiday window displays.

After resting at the hotel, we headed to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, one of the most popular holiday shows in NYC.

Following the show, we had drinks at The Peninsula New York, which offers a beautiful and upscale setting if you’re able to get a table. It was truly a Christmas miracle we got in.

Dinner at La Grande ended up being one of the best meals of the trip and a great option for a special night out in Manhattan. We finished the evening with another walk to see the city lights and Christmas decorations.

Day 3: Bryant Park, Times Square & Empire State Building

On our final day, we explored areas close to the hotel, starting with Bryant Park, one of the most charming spots in Midtown. Ice skating here is optional, but the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit.

We then walked to the New York Public Library and Times Square, two iconic New York City landmarks. While Times Square is busy, it’s something most visitors want to see at least once.

We planned to stop at Joe’s Pizza on Broadway, a well-known NYC pizza spot, but didn’t make it—still, it’s a great lunch option if you’re nearby. I have been here before and it is so yummy!

A major highlight of Day 3 was visiting the Empire State Building. and the Starbucks in the building.
Pro tip: Put your name in at the Starbucks inside, tour the observation deck, and return to Starbucks afterward—you’ll have a table waiting. It is a Starbucks that serves alcohol as well- yes please!

After changing at the hotel, we did some final Fifth Avenue shopping, then enjoyed our last dinner in NYC at Cognac, a cozy and relaxed way to end the trip.

Of course, we ended the evening with one final walk to see the Christmas tree and city lights—because no NYC holiday trip feels complete without it.

Tips for Planning a 3-Day Trip to New York City

• Stay in Midtown for walkability and convenience
• Build in hotel breaks to avoid burnout
• Prioritize a few must-see attractions instead of trying to do everything
• Walk whenever possible—New York City is best experienced on foot

If you’re looking for a printable 3-day New York City itinerary, I also created a downloadable PDF version you can save to your phone or print for travel.