If you’re a 30-something year old girl who wants to spend 3 days in New York City, look no further than this itinerary. With so much to do in NYC, you’re probably wondering how much you can really cram into 3 days. Truthfully, you can fit a lot in…but I’ll confess, I always leave this city feeling like I have FOMO because there’s so much to do and see. To give you the best experience with this itinerary for 30-something’s who want to spend 3 days in New York City, I created a map with color coordinated days below!
Since there’s always something going on in New York City, it makes sense that I always find myself coming back! That means that I will constantly be updating not only this post, but all my New York City posts. Make sure to subscribe to my email list or follow me on Instagram to know when new posts launch!
Although people of all ages could find this post helpful, I created this itinerary for those of us who were raised on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, Taylor Swift, and the belief that NYC is the ultimate American Dream. In case you had any doubts, that means we’re visiting the MET, walking down Cornelia Street, and seeing Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. Hop in your Getaway Car (errr…plane?) and come to the city – I’m so excited to share my 3 days in NYC itinerary with you!
- Share the Love! – I’ve included all my favorite New York City activities here, but if you stumble upon something you love during your 3 days in NYC, leave me a comment at the bottom! I always love getting rec’s from my readers. If it happens to be something I include in an updated version of my post, I’ll give you a shout-out!
For a list of NYC restaurants I recommend, check out The Top Restaurants to Visit in Manhattan
Hotel recommendations
Where Should You Stay in New York City?
Anytime anyone asks me for hotel rec’s, I always advise staying in the Midtown area of NYC. This is a central location below Central Park, right near Grand Central Station. Notable hotels I’ve stayed in include Club Quarters Grand Central and Park Terrace Hotel.
3 Days in NYC Itinerary Map
Days 1, 2, and 3 are organized by color on this map.
- Day 1 is in RED
- Day 2 is in TURQUOISE
- Day 3 is in PURPLE
Day 1: SoHo, The West Village, Chelsea Market, The Edge, and a NYC Bar
Wake up and grab yourself a latte (and pastry!) from Maman…we’re hitting the ground running!
Go Boutique Shopping in SoHo
SoHo (South of Houston Street) is known for it’s boutique shopping and quintessential, It Girl aura. While the Upper East Side reminds me of Blair Waldorf, SoHo reminds me of Serena van der Woodsen. Popular and gorgeous, yet approachable and nice.
SoHo is known for its trendy boutique shopping – however, I’ll be honest with you and say that shopping here is not as convenient as somewhere like 5th Avenue, where all the stores are grouped together. (Don’t worry, we’ll get to 5th Avenue on Day 2!)
Boutiques in SoHo are scattered throughout the neighborhood, but half the fun is exploring the different streets to find them. Some of my favorites include:
- Kikichic (a jewelry boutique with a charm bar where you can make your own necklaces, charm bracelets, etc)
- 12th Tribe (trendy clothes that aren’t overly expensive)
- Free People (okay, I realize this isn’t an independent boutique, but it’s a really nice FP. I find something every time I go in here!)
Notable streets in SoHo include Bleeker St, Canal St, and Spring St. I could spend hours just wandering these streets and taking in SoHo’s chic yet artsy vibe.
Snap a Pic in the Archway of NoMo SoHo
NoMo SoHo is a hotel located at the southern part of SoHo towards Lower Manhattan. It’s famous for its iconic archway that’s one of the best photo ops in New York City. If you have time or find yourself close to this area, it’s worth snapping a pic inside. The hotel restaurant, NoMo Kitchen, is a good place to grab a bite if you’re hungry.
Explore the West Village
The West Village is one of the most dreamy, aesthetic parts of New York City. Whereas SoHo is slightly more fast-paced with all the shopping, West Village is romantic, residential, and slower. You’ll find some cobblestone streets, along with trendy cafes and quaint wine bars.
Walk Down Cornelia Street
Taylor Swift fans likely recall the song “Cornelia Street” on her album Lover, where she famously sings about renting an apartment on this street in NYC. In her song, Swift says she’ll “never walk Cornelia Street again” if her and Joe Alwyn break up.
As fate would have it, the couple called it quits in 2023. Taylor may not be walking Cornelia Street again, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. In fact, you can even snap a pic of the apartment she rented: the address is 23 Cornelia Street.
See Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
The brownstone that is famous for being Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in Sex and the City is also located at in the West Village. The first few seasons were filmed at 64 Perry Street, and Season 3 onward was filmed at 66 Perry Street. Regardless, you can’t go wrong. Take a photo on the steps and imagine you’re getting ready to meet Mr. Big in your Manolo Blahniks.
Grab a Bite at Chelsea Market
We’re making our way back up to Midtown, but first, we’re stopping at Chelsea Market, an area with a variety of restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops, coffee, etc located in NYC’s Meatpacking District. This is a food hall on steroids. You can easily get lost in here…in fact, I’ve done it many times. No matter if you want lunch, a snack, or dessert, you can find it here. There are even a variety of shops like Anthropologie and a flea market.
- Fun Fact: When I attended New York Fashion Week, the show I went to was located on the top floor of the Chelsea Market building.
Visit The Edge at Hudson Yards
The Edge is an observation deck with a champagne bar and 360 degree views of Manhattan. It’s best to go here at sunset, so you can see the city during the daytime as well as all lit up at night. There is even a glass floor where you can see all the way down to the street below…and considering you’re 1,100 feet above the ground, that’s pretty impressive.
The Edge is another iconic NYC Instagram spot. When I was here, it had rained earlier in the day, and I lucked into seeing a rainbow from this high up. Multiple NYC locals told me that they hardly ever see rainbows in the city, so this was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget!
End Your Night at a NYC Bar
The NYC nightlife scene is second to none. Whether you want a rooftop bar, a club, or a seductive speakeasy, this city has got you covered.
My favorite rooftop bar is Nubeluz at the top of the Ritz Carlton, but you’ve gotta make reservations to guarantee you can snag a spot. To see others I recommend, check out The Best Rooftop Bars With a View in NYC.
For a club/lounge hybrid, check out Madame X in Greenwich Village.
For speakeasies, check out The Back Room in the Lower East Side. It’s got a prohibition-era vibe, and they serve their drinks in teacups.
Day 2: Central Park, Upper East Side, 5th Avenue, and Times Square
Explore Central Park
You could probably spend an entire day in Central Park…or at least half a day. It’s massive, and there’s so much to do and see. Have a picnic, ride bikes, or just take a leisurely stroll…the world is yours!
One of the most famous buildings located in Central Park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, aka The MET. This museum is obviously famous for its artwork, but perhaps also equally famous for the steps outside where Blair Waldorf sat in Gossip Girl. If you don’t go inside, at least sit here with your besties and snap a photo!
For other photo ops and all my favorite spots along this area, be sure to check out 9 of the Best Instagram Photo Spots in Central Park.
Grab an Afternoon Beverage
You have 2 options here, depending on your preference (or, do both…who am I to judge?).
Option 1: Champagne at The Plaza Hotel
I will never forget the first time my best friend took me to New York City and we stopped to get a glass of champagne at The Plaza. Ever since then, it’s become our unspoken tradition – we know if we’re heading to NYC, we’re also heading to this iconic hotel.
The Plaza is one of the most upscale, famous hotels in NYC. Treat yourself to the champagne bar, where you can indulge in drinks, food, and coffee…or if tea is more your thing, ask about their Afternoon Tea.
Option 2: Le Café Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton opened their first flagship cafe in NYC, and the people went wild. Le Cafe Louis Vuitton is located on the 4th floor of a giant LV store and, IMO, is worth checking out. If nothing else, go inside and walk around and look at the displays…the amount of detail put into the design of the restaurant and the store itself is mind-blowing.
Le Cafe LV has a full menu, but I recommend getting dessert and a cocktail or coffee. When I was here, I opted for the chocolate entremet and a latte, because, well…they’re monogrammed. /shrug
- Pro Tip: This cafe is NOT located in the giant 5th Ave shop that looks like a luggage trunk; it’s inside the LV store on 57th Street, adjacent to 5th Ave. Make reservations, or try your luck sitting at the bar.
Shop Along 5th Avenue
You already know 5th Avenue as the famous spot for high-end shopping stores. You’ll find everything from Chanel to Gucci to Valentino here, but rest assured, there’s also more affordable options. Check out stores like Aritzia, H&M, and lululemon, along with brand-specific flagship stores like HOKA and UGGs.
I always love checking out Saks 5th Avenue when I’m here. Even though it’s pricey, you can usually find sales on some expensive pieces if you go to the floors with womens’ clothes. Don’t get me wrong, the sales will still be expensive, but maybe we won’t feel *quite* as bad for treating ourselves?
See A Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway performance is one of the most iconic NYC experiences there is. New York theater productions are second to none. I have seen Wicked and Chicago on Braodway, and highly recommend both. Not to mention, they serve alcohol in the theater! Just don’t get buzzed to the point that you start singing along…
Walk Through Times Square
Since Broadway is right near Times Square, it’s only fitting that we end our night here.
Times Square is what everyone thinks of when they think of New York City: the massive billboards, the lights, the music. It’s the ultimate Empire State of Mind moment. Notable places include Radio City Music Hall, One Times Square (where the New Years Eve ball drops), and the center of Times Square with all the billboards.
If you take the subway here, check out the colorful mosaics throughout the Times Square subway station.
Times Square is one of the most iconic NYC photo spots. To view more, check out the Best Instagram Spots for Your New York City Photoshoot
Day 3: The Brooklyn Bridge, Time Out Market, and Dumbo
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
When I think of NYC, I think of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of the most monumental, iconic things about the city. When I was in college, I had a framed black and white poster of the Brooklyn Bridge hung up in my room. The photo was taken at nighttime, and you could see the lights from the bridge glittering against the dark background. I remember looking at it, wondering if the bridge looks that beautiful in person.
Spoiler alert: it does. However, if you want the bridge all to yourself, you’ll want to go early in the morning…especially if you plan on taking any type of photos like this:
Fun Fact: I got here at 5:00am to get this shot!
Okay…it’s a little much for some people. But if you’re inspired, check out 5 Tips for Taking the Best Brooklyn Bridge Photos to learn how my photographer Kelsey and I pulled this one off!
The bridge gets more crowded as the day goes on, especially when the weather is nice out. To enter from the Manhattan side, go to the pedestrian entrance on Centre Street, directly across from City Hall Park. The pedestrian walkway takes you up above the road, so you can look down and see cars as you’re walking. You can also look out over the East River and get great views of the Manhattan skyline.
Eat at Time Out Market, Then Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park
Once you exit the bridge on the Brooklyn side, you’ll be right near Time Out Market, a food hall in Brooklyn that’s right on the water. If you come here for breakfast, I am a fan of the chocolate chip pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Co…but there are other options like donuts from Doughnuttery, bagels from Ess-a-bagel, etc. They also have plenty of lunch and dinner options if you choose to walk the bridge and come here later in the day.
Time Out Market also has a rooftop, where you can get epic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
After eating, walk around Brooklyn Bridge Park, a waterfront park complete with a playground and even a beach. To get here, you can type in Jane’s Carousel or Pebble Beach in your GPS, bur it’s right behind Time Out Market so you can’t miss it. This is one of the best places to get epic photos with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
Explore Dumbo Before Heading Back to Manhattan
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a trendy area of Brooklyn with shops, restaurants, and cute photo spots. One of the most iconic photos to get in this area is at the intersection of Water St. and Washington St, where you can get this shot of the Manhattan Bridge flanked by 2 matching brick buildings on each side.
For a list of other cool things to do in Brooklyn, check out The Best Things To Do in Brooklyn, NYC
Spend the Rest of Your Day in Manhattan
After you get done exploring Brooklyn, head back to your favorite part of Manhattan and spend your last day doing your favorite activity. Grab a slice of New York pizza if you haven’t already. Walk through Rockefeller Plaza and check out where they ice skate in the winter. Sign up for a workout class to sweat out all the incredible food you’ve been eating all weekend. Hit up any stores you didn’t get to visit.
Don’t forget to check out my post about my favorite Manhattan restaurants for all my foodie recs, and make sure to keep following along on here and on my Instagram to get my top tips for all the places I visit.
Getting to New York City
New York City has 3 airport options to fly into: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark (in New Jersey). The most convenient airport is usually LaGuardia, but it honestly depends on the time of day. I’ve seen it take less time to get into the city from Newark compared to LaGuardia before.
The easiest way to get from all 3 airports into the city is going to be to Uber, but this isn’t always the cheapest. In fact, it’s never the cheapest. The following websites give you more information about how to take other forms of public transportation (buses, the subway, etc) into the city:
- Laguardia Public Transportation website
- JFK Public Transportation website (note: the Airtrain will link you to the subway station)
- Newark Public Transportation website (note: the Airtrain will take you to the NJ Transit and/or Amtrak, which you can then use to transfer to the NY subway)
