New York City, USA 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Manhattan

Where to Stay:

  • Midtown: Conveniently located near Times Square, Broadway, and Central Park. Recommended hotels: The Knickerbocker, Hyatt Centric Times Square New York, or Hotel Plaza Athenee.

Breakfast:

  • Egg: A cozy diner offering a variety of breakfast options in the Flatiron District.

Morning Activities:

  1. Central Park: Stroll through the park, visit the Central Park Zoo, or rent a bike and explore.
  2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Spend the afternoon exploring one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Afternoon:

  1. Times Square: Experience the hustle and bustle, take a picture with the iconic “New York” sign, or catch a Broadway show.
  2. Empire State Building: Ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city. (Avoid peak hours for shorter lines)

Dinner:

  • Le Bernardin: A high-end seafood restaurant with three Michelin stars, located in Midtown West.

Evening:

  1. Staten Island Ferry: Catch a sunset ride to Staten Island and back for free views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
  2. Nightcap at Rooftop Bar: Enjoy drinks atop a rooftop bar like Gallow Green or 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar & Penthouse Restaurant.

Day 2: Discovering Brooklyn

Breakfast:

  • Waffle & Wolf’s: A trendy brunch spot in Williamsburg with delicious waffles and pancakes.

Morning Activities:

  1. Brooklyn Bridge: Walk or bike across the iconic bridge for stunning city views.
  2. DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass): Visit the Washington Street waterfront, take a photo with the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge backdrop, and check out Jane’s Carousel.

Lunch:

  • Juliana’s Pizza: Enjoy a slice of New York-style pizza in DUMBO.

Afternoon Activities:

  1. Brooklyn Museum: Explore the art museum with diverse collections from ancient Egypt, African art, and American painting and sculpture.
  2. Prospect Park: Relax and soak up the scenery or visit the Prospect Park Zoo.

Dinner:

  • Frankies 457 Spuntino: An Italian-American restaurant in Carroll Gardens known for its homemade pasta and unique atmosphere.

Evening:

  1. Coney Island: Catch a subway to see the historic amusement park, take a dip at the beach, or watch a hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous.
  2. Nightcap at Nitehawk Cinema: Enjoy a movie with dinner and cocktails at this unique cinema in Williamsburg.

Things to Know:

  • New York is known for its subway system, which is the most convenient way to get around the city. Be sure to purchase a MetroCard before boarding.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars (15-20% of the total bill)
  • Manhattan is generally more expensive than Brooklyn when it comes to dining and accommodations.
  • Weather can vary greatly, so be prepared for any weather condition with layers.

Transportation:

  • Subway: The most cost-effective way to travel around the city. Purchase a MetroCard from a station vending machine or booth.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: A convenient option for late-night travel or when carrying heavy luggage.
  • Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is free, while other ferries (e.g., East River Ferry) have a fee and offer scenic views of the city.