Up for a two day adventure through New York City? With this time-efficient itinerary, you’ll be able to see the most important highlights without getting overwhelmed.
This carefully crafted 2 days New York City itinerary (based on personal experience) encompasses everything you need to see during your first visit. I like to travel as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the activities in this itinerary have been clustered, reducing travel time.
Day 1: Midtown Manhattan
The first full day in the city promises to be a whirlwind of iconic landmarks and breathtaking views. However, because it’s the day after travelling, let’s not overdo it and focus on midtown Manhattan.
- Times Square
- Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
- Morgan Library & Museum
- Empire State Building
- Flatiron building
- Evening: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt & Chrysler Building
Times Square
How better to start a trip to New York City than amidst the neon lights and towering billboards of Times Square? Soak in the electric energy of this famous location as you grab breakfast at a nearby cafe or supermarket.
Wondering what type of breakfast you should get? My recommendation would be to grab a bagel with your drink, like a true New Yorker!
A visit to Times Square is the perfect start of any New York trip.
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
After fueling up and shooting some pictures at Times Square, make your way to Rockefeller Center, a 10-minute walk. Built between 1929 and 1940 in Art Deco style, Rockefeller Center is a historic landmark entailing 19 commercial buildings and a viewing platform.
The center is best known for its central plaza with the golden Prometheus statue. During winter, this plaza gets turned into an ice-skating rink where you can marvel at an 80-feet Christmas Tree (often with a sparkling Swarovski star as topper).
Rockefeller Plaza is famous for its Prometheus statue (and the Christmas tree during the holiday season).
Top of the Rock
One of the main reasons to visit Rockefeller Center, however, is to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
Top of the Rock is my preferred viewing point, rather than the forementioned skyscrapers, as it includes both iconic buildings in view. You can also check out the other side of the city, including a good view of Central Park.
From Top of the Rock, you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.
The Beam Experience
Have you ever dreamt of being a construction worker before there were any labor laws? Look no further! A relatively new feature of Top of the Rock is the Beam Experience, where you can sit on a metal beam for 90 seconds to reenact the 1932 photo ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’. Of course, this is done safely and includes high quality pictures being taken.
The Beam Experience at Top of the Rock (image: Rockefellercenter.com)
Practical info:
- Open: Daily from 09:00 – 23:00.
- Admission: $34 – $55 general admission, $85 express pass (includes the Beam Experience), $160 VIP (includes a guided tour, expedited entry, priority elevator access and a 20% souvenir shop discount).
Morgan Library & Museum
After having enjoyed the view from Top of the Rock, it’s time to head towards the Empire State Building and see it from up close – a 20-minute walk. If you enjoy books and art, however, you should consider a stop at the Morgan Library & Museum first.
Built between 1902 and 1906, this was once the personal library of the famous banker and collector J.P. Morgan. Nowadays, it is open for visitors to marvel at the old books, pieces of art and the painted ceiling.
Practical info:
- Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10:30 am to 7 pm.
- Admission: $22 for adults, $14 for seniors, $13 for students (with current ID) and disabled visitors (free for caregivers), free for children under 12.
The Morgan Library & Museum (image: Themorgan.org)
Empire State Building
With an impressive height of 1.250 feet (1.454 feet including the antenna), the Empire State Building is one of the tallest and most recognizable buildings in New York. This world-famous Art Deco style skyscraper – built between 1930 and 1931 – has featured in many movies and television shows, including King Kong.
It offers viewing platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, however after having seen the view from Top of the Rock, visiting these viewing platforms isn’t a necessity. You can still enjoy the shops and restaurants though.
The Empire State Building remains one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers.
Practical info:
- Open: Varying opening hours, mostly from 10:00 – 21:00. Check beforehand.
- Admission:
- Main Deck / 86th Floor Observatory: $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, $38 for children.
- Most Popular Deck / 102nd Floor + 86th Floor Observatories: $79 for adults, $77 for seniors, $73 for children.
Flatiron Building
If you’re interested in iconic architecture, paying a visit to the Flatiron Building is a must. Take a 15-minute stroll to the intersection of Broadway with Fifth Avenue where the building stands.
Built in 1902, the Flatiron Building is not only significant because of its unusual appearance, but also because it is one of the city’s oldest surviving skyscrapers. It currently isn’t open to the public.
The Flatiron Building is one of New York’s oldest skyscrapers.
Evening: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt & Chrysler Building
Finally, as evening descends upon the city, it’s time to ascend once more. This time at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Here, you’ll step into a multi-sensory art experience with 360-degree views of NYC. Explore the 91st, 92nd and 93rd levels filled with immersive experiences that will challenge your perception of New York.
Practical info:
- Open: 09:00 – 22:30 (last entry at 21:30).
- Admission: $42 general admission (starting price), $56 signature experience (includes a cocktail, starting price), $62 SUMMIT Ascent (includes 12-story glass elevator journey, starting price).
Chrysler Building
Also make sure to take check out the Chrysler Building while you’re here, as it’s only a very short walk. This skyscraper was the tallest building of New York in 1930 and 1931 (until the Empire State Building was completed later that year).
It is an iconic Art Deco masterpiece, renowned for its striking design and glass spire. It reflects a bygone era of American ingenuity and is definitely worthy of some pictures!
Why not take a moment to gaze upon the beautiful Chrysler Building while you’re nearby?
Day 2: Downtown Manhattan
On the second day we’ll visit more New York symbols, this time in and around Lower Manhattan – the location of the Financial District.
- Wall Street
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Lunch: Joe’s Pizza
- Staten Island Ferry (Statue of Liberty)
- Evening: Times Square & Broadway Musical
Wall Street
The first stop of the day is Wall Street, New York’s financial heart. Take subway line 2 (red) or 3 (red) to Wall Street subway station.
Charging Bull
Start the day off with a visit to the Charging Bull, the symbol of financial optimism and prosperity standing proudly at 75 Wall Street. It’s just a short walk from the Wall Street subway exit. Some believe that placing your hands on his… ‘package’, so to speak, ushers in financial prosperity. Why not give it a shot?
New York Stock Exchange
Next, head to New York Stock Exchange – a 5-minute walk from the Charging Bull. Visiting the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) offers a glimpse into the heart of global finance. While tourists can observe from designated viewing areas, access to the trading floor is restricted.
Wall Street is the heart of the financial district in Lower Manhattan.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
A 10-minute walk away lies the solemn 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where the memories of lives lost are honored amidst the backdrop of the towering One World Trade Center. Pay your respects at the twin reflecting pools, the location of an event that changed the world forever.
The museum’s exhibits serve as reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged from tragedy. Learn about the background of the attacks, what happened on a minute-by-minute basis and experience the stories of everyone involved on that fateful day.
Take a moment to reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, built in the footprints of the Twin Towers.
Practical info (museum):
- Open: Open six days a week (closed on Tuesday) from 09:00 to 19:00.
- Admission: $21 – $33 general admission, $41 – $53 admission + Museum Tour, $84 Memorial + Museum tour, $74 Early Access Museum Tour, $97 Family Pass.
Lunch: Joe’s Pizza
After a morning of reflection, it’s time to indulge in a slice of (possibly) New York’s best pizza. Joe’s Pizza has earned a reputation among New Yorkers of having some of the best slices in the city and is confirmed to exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (after appearing in the 2004 movie Spider-Man 2).
Joe’s Pizza officially exists in the MCU. Peter Parker (Spider-Man) briefly worked as a delivery guy here.
Staten Island Ferry (Statue of Liberty)
No visit to New York is complete without paying a visit to the most famous NYC landmark of all: the Statue of Liberty. Since 1886, Lady Liberty has been a symbol of hope and promise for millions of immigrants. Nowadays, it is a beacon that attracts approximately 4.4 million visitors every year.
You can visit Lady Liberty via helicopter or a combined Liberty Island and Ellis Island tour. A free way to see the statue, however, is via the Staten Island Ferry.
This ferry runs 24/7 between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St George Terminal in Staten Island. To get to the Terminal, take the subway from Houston Street to South Ferry – a trip that will take between 20 and 30 minutes.
When boarding the ferry at Whitehall Terminal, make sure to claim a spot at the right side (starboard) of the boat to be able to see Lady Liberty. When heading back to Manhattan, go for the left side of the ship (port). The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty within a few hundred yards, so you’ll be able to see it clearly!
The Staten Island Ferry passes Lady Liberty within a few hundred yards.
Practical info (ferry):
- Open: 24/7.
- Runs: Every 15 or 20 minutes.
- Admission: Free.
Staten Island
When you disembark on Staten Island, there’s plenty to do, especially if you’re into snagging some great deals on brand-name clothes. Head over to Empire Outlets (a 2-minute walk from the Terminal), an outdoor shopping mall packed with outlet stores like Levi’s, Nike, and Guess.
Evening: Times Square & Broadway Musical
At this point, you’ve already seen Times Square by day. But by night, it is a completely different experience and definitely worth a second visit. Upon returning at Whitehall Terminal, head to the South Ferry subway station and take one of the many subways to Times Square. The trip should take less than 30 minutes.
At night, the energy of Times Square is extra radiant with the billboards beaming even brighter than by day. It’s also much busier, which adds to the unique sensation. Street performers and loud music (you’ll hear JAY-Z – Empire State of Mind ft. Alicia Keys a LOT) brings the whole experience to the next level.
Tip: While it’s tempting to visit a souvenir store at Times Square, my recommendation would be to shop for souvenirs in Chinatown later on because the prices are a bit lower there.
By night, Times Square offers an even more vibrant atmosphere than by day.
Broadway Musical
Broadway musicals are the heartbeat of New York City’s theater scene. Whether you’re drawn to classic favorites like The Lion King, Aladdin and Wicked or contemporary hits, Broadway offers something for every taste.
To secure seats for Broadway musicals, make sure to book in advance through official websites with prices typically ranging from $50 to over $200 per ticket depending on the show and seating location.
If you’re seeking cheaper Broadway tickets, consider purchasing rush tickets or participating in lottery drawings on the day of the show, where prices can range from $30 to $50 per ticket depending on availability and demand.
Summary: Two Days In New York City
Visiting New York for two days allows you to see the most famous highlights. This carefully crafted itinerary ensures you’ll go about it in an efficient way. Remember: The Big Apple isn’t going anywhere, and you can always come back to explore more!
PS: If you’re going to visit New York’s top attractions, consider opting for a New York City Card. These cards offer bundled packages of admissions to various popular attractions and activities at a discounted rate, compared to purchasing individual tickets. Skip-the-line may also be included.
