2 Days in New York City: The Perfect Itinerary (2025)

Planning a weekend trip to NYC? This itinerary will help you plan out a perfect 2 days in New York City, including what to do, where to stay, and more NYC travel tips!

Are you looking for an easy 2-day itinerary for New York City?

I’ve been to New York City quite a few times now. Sometimes I’ll be able to spend several days exploring the city, but other times I only have a couple of days to squeeze in a visit.

Even if you only have two days to spend in NYC, you’ll still have plenty of time to see a lot of what the city has to offer. You’ll probably be tired at the end, but you can sleep when you’re dead, right?

One of the last times I visited NYC, I only had two days to spend there. Since it was my fourth or fifth visit to the city, I spent my time doing things a bit more off the tourist track.

But, I still wanted to be able to provide you with a perfect 2 day NYC itinerary for those quick trips, so I asked my fellow travel blogger Julie from Family Trips and Travels to help out with this post!

Perfect for everyone who wants to cover some classic tourist spots as quickly as possible, this itinerary will have you enjoying all the sights and sounds of NYC.

From iconic attractions such as Times Square and Central Park to delicious authentic foods like pizza and bagels, we’ll show you how best to experience New York City in just 48 hours.

So, let’s get started with everything you need to know to plan 2 days in New York City!

About this Itinerary

This itinerary was designed for travelers with two full days to spend in New York City.

Two days might not seem like a lot to spend exploring the biggest city in the USA, but it’s just enough to give you a bite of the Big Apple.

This itinerary is great for travelers visiting NYC on a weekend trip, having a stopover in the city before flying internationally out of JFK or Newark, or visiting the city as part of another longer USA trip.

After two full days of exploring NYC, you’ll be ready to come back for more!

Have more time to spend in New York City? Check out my 4-day New York City itinerary.

2 Days in New York City Itinerary

Ready to dive into this 2 day NYC itinerary?

For both days, we’ve put together everything to do from morning to night.

No itinerary is one-size-fits-all, so there are also spots in the itinerary with options to choose from so you can customize the itinerary to fit your trip.

New York City Itinerary: Day 1

Ready to spend your first day in New York City? Here’s everything we’ll cover today:

• Central Park
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• American Museum of Natural History
• Times Square
• Broadway

Morning in Central Park

As the hustle and bustle of New York City slowly picks up pace in the morning, Central Park offers an oasis of serenity.

Start off day 1 in New York City by grabbing an NYC bagel, grabbing a park bench, and enjoying the slow morning before your busy day of sightseeing begins.

From locals walking their dogs to tourists jogging on the winding paths, the park fills with activity as the day begins.

If you are staying in midtown, there will be tons of great options to grab bagels in that area before heading up to Central Park. 

Zucker’s (with locations all over the city) is a great option, or Broad Nosh Bagels (located on West 58th) is another option to stop at before making your way into the Park.

As you’re strolling through the park, there are several spots to stop and do some sightseeing. Perhaps the most famous is the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, which has been featured in several movies and TV shows.

Strawberry Fields, which is dedicated to Beatles member John Lennon, is another popular spot, as is the Central Park carousel.

Getting to Central Park: There are subway stations all around the perimeter of Central Park. Use Google Maps to find the best route from your hotel. If you’re staying nearby, you can also start your morning by walking to the park.

Afternoon Museum Visit: The MET or American Museum of Natural History

As your first day in the city continues, the excitement only grows with a visit to either the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History. These are two classic NYC museums that you won’t want to miss.

At the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll be immersed in the wonders of the natural world with their exhibits showcasing everything from prehistoric creatures to the depths of the ocean.

Plan Your Visit to the American Museum of Natural History

Getting to the American Museum of Natural History from Central Park: The museum is located on the western perimeter of Central Park at 200 Central Park W. To get there, walk through Central Park to Belvedere Castle; from there, walk west to the perimeter of the park to get to the museum.

Hours: The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The only closures are on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but some exhibitions do close temporarily for maintenance. For updated hours and temporary closures, visit the official website.

Admission: Admission for adults is $28, and admission for students with valid IDs/seniors age 60+ is $22. Children ages 3-12 are $16 (ages 2 and under are free). Book your admission tickets here.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At the Met, you’ll be transported across the globe and through time with their extensive collection of art and artifacts from cultures ranging from ancient Egypt to modern-day America.

Don’t miss the famous Met Steps, featured in shows like Gossip Girl.

As a bonus to visiting the Met, you can also make your way up to Met Cloisters, a unique NYC attraction that is included in your visit to the museum.

Explore the gardens as you marvel at the collection of art and architecture from the Medieval times set against a backdrop of the Hudson River.

Getting to the Met from Central Park: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located inside Central Park itself, on the east side of the park. The museum is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street.

Hours: The Met is closed on Wednesdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The rest of the week, hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The MET is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the first Monday in May. For up-to-date hours, visit the official website.

Admission: Admission for adults is $30, admission for students with valid ID is $17, and for seniors age 65+ is $22. Children under 12 are free. Book your admission tickets here.

Evening: Visit Times Square and see a Broadway Show

New York City’s Times Square is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and it’s even more breathtaking at night.

The bustling hub of lights and energy is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

After taking in the lights and sounds of Times Square, why not experience it further by catching a Broadway show?

Times Square is located in the Theater District, so you’ll be very close to some of the most famous theaters in the world. Broadway has both musicals and plays, so everyone can find a show they’d enjoy.

For discounted Broadway tickets, head to the TKTS booth in Times Square. You won’t be able to miss it – it’s the big set of illuminated red steps.

You can also book Broadway tickets in advance on GetYourGuide – this is what I typically do when visiting NYC.

Some popular shows currently featured on GetYourGuide include:

• The Lion King
• Wicked (my personal favorite)
• Hamilton
• Aladdin
• The Book of Mormon
• Once Upon a One More Time (the Britney Spears musical that recently opened on Broadway – I can’t wait to check this one out on my next visit to the city!)

I recommend grabbing dinner nearby, either a quick grab-and-go pizza at any of the local shops or a more upscale reservation at The View for a truly unique dining experience.

New York City Itinerary: Day 2

Ready for another action-packed day in NYC? Here’s what Day 2 has in store:

• Rockefeller Center
• Top of the Rock
• Statue of Liberty
• Battery Park
• 9/11 Memorial
• Little Italy
• Chinatown

Morning: Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

As the sun rises on day two of your NYC itinerary, head over to one of New York’s most iconic landmarks: Rockefeller Center.

Home to NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the famous ice-skating rink, there is so much to see and do in this bustling complex.

During the holiday season, Rockefeller Center is also home to the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

The highlight of the morning will be heading to the Top of the Rock observation deck, where you’ll take in some of the most breathtaking views of the city skyline.

From Central Park to the Empire State Building, the views are truly incredible and one of the best the city has to offer.

Tip: Book the earliest time available to visit Top of the Rock. This will allow you some time to explore the surrounding areas before the large crowds come in. I also recommend checking out St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is located around the corner from Rockefeller Center.

Top of the Rock Hours: The observation deck is open daily from 9:00 AM to midnight, with the first entry at 9:05 AM and the last entry at 11:10 PM. Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.

Top of the Rock Ticket Prices: Adult general admission tickets start at $40, senior tickets at $38, and child tickets at $34. There is a $15 surcharge for peak times (typically noon to 8:00 PM). Book your tickets here.

Note about the ticket prices: the $15 peak time surcharge is showing when booking tickets on the Top of the Rock website, but at the time of publication (July 2023), the surcharge isn’t showing on GetYourGuide, an authorized Top of the Rock ticket seller. Make sure to book on GetYourGuide if you’re planning to visit during peak times!

Afternoon: Statue of Liberty & Downtown NYC

Later in the afternoon on day 2 will be a perfect time to head downtown for one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC: The Statue of Liberty.

The quickest route from Rockefeller Center Plaza will be a 30 min train ride on either the 1 train or 4/5 train.

Take the train to Battery Park; there, you can hop on the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. There are signs in Battery Park directing you where to go.

A symbol of freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty is one of those must-see places that simply awe and inspire anyone who visits.

There are several options for tours to take. You can opt to visit the island and explore everything it has to offer, or simply view from afar or up close on a NYC harbor cruise. You really can’t go wrong with either option.

When you’re finished at the Statue of Liberty, spend some time checking out Battery Park or heading to the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory for some additional sightseeing before dinner.

Planning your visit to the Statue of Liberty: If you want to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you’ll need to book tickets.

When booking, you’ll choose if you want to depart from Battery Park in NYC or Liberty State Park in New Jersey – make sure to select the Battery Park departure.

Statue of Liberty Ticket Prices: Adult tickets are $31.50, seniors 62+ are $25, and children 4-12 are $19. These tickets include the ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island (where the statue is located), Ellis Island, and back to Battery Park.

Book your Statue of Liberty tickets here.

If you’d prefer, you could also spend this afternoon exploring the 9/11 Memorial & Museum rather than visiting the Statue of Liberty.

If you chose to do this but still want to see the Statue of Liberty, walk down to the Statue View Point at Battery Park (you can enter “Statue of Liberty View Point” into your maps app to pull up directions).

On a clear day, you can get a great view of the Statue of Liberty from here. On a rainy day, you can still see the statue, but not as clearly.

Evening: Little Italy & Chinatown

On the evening of Day 2, take a cab or the subway from Downtown to Little Italy, one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods.

An incredible meal at one of Little Italy’s many restaurants will be a perfect end to your NYC trip.

Little Italy is the perfect place to indulge in a dinner that will leave your mouth watering.

With its quaint traditional restaurants and delicious Italian cuisine, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported straight to the streets of Italy.

When planning where to go for dinner, make sure to do a bit of research before choosing a restaurant. While there are many delicious places in Little Italy, there are also several tourist traps.

Il Cortile is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. I’ve always had great experiences at La Bella Vita – their lobster ravioli and cannolis are two of my favorite things!

Aunt Jake’s is another spot with incredible handmade pasta, or check out Gelso & Grand if you are in the mood for pizza.

If you are still up for some more exploring after dinner, head over to Chinatown for some dim sum and ice cream at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. 

And that’s a wrap on your 2 days in New York City! You’ve gotten an introduction to some of the must-see tourist attractions in the city, so on your next visit, you can dive a bit deeper and check out some hidden gems.

Do I need a New York City Card (CityPASS vs. Go City Card)?

Anytime you’ve visited a city that has a lot of tourist attractions, you’ve probably seen various city cards for sale. These cards include admission to several attractions at one set price.

When visiting NYC, there are several different city cards to choose from.

New York CityPASS

The most popular city card in NYC the New York CityPASS.

The New York CityPASS costs $138 and includes admission to 5 attractions. The pass is valid for 9 days after it’s activated. Reservations for the attractions are required and they can be made on the CityPASS app.

Two set attractions are included:

• Empire State Building (AM/PM experience – go twice in one day)
• American Museum of Natural History (included in this itinerary)

You also get to choose 3 more attractions from this list:

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck (included in this itinerary)
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (included in this itinerary)
• 9/11 Memorial Museum (can be swapped with the Statue of Liberty in this itinerary)
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
• Guggenheim Museum

I wouldn’t recommend buying a New York CityPASS if you’re following this 2-day NYC itinerary as it’s written.

Of the two set attractions, only the American Museum of Natural History is included in this itinerary. Of the extra attractions, only two are included (Top of the Rock and Statue of Liberty). You could also switch the Statue of Liberty with the 9/11 Museum.

If you’re loosely following this itinerary and want to purchase a New York CityPASS, here’s what I would do:

• On day 1, choose the American Museum of Natural History over the Met for your afternoom museum time.
• At the end of Day 1, head to the Top of the Rock after visiting Times Square/Broadway (rather than visiting on the morning of Day 2)
• On the morning of Day 2, head to the Empire State Building for the earliest entrance.
• After visiting the Empire State Building, make your way downtown for the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• After visiting the Statue of Liberty, head to the 9/11 Museum to explore before it closes for the day.
• After dinner, head back to the Empire State Building for the finale of your trip.

New York Go City Explorer Pass

An alternative to the New York CityPASS is the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

With this pass, you can choose between 2-10 attractions out of a list of 90+. The price will depend on how many attractions you choose and ranges from around $75 (for 2) to $189 (for 10).

Since there are more than 90 attractions included with the pass, there are too many to list here. Of the attractions mentioned in this itinerary, the following are included:

• American Museum of Natural History
• Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Memorial Museum (if time allows on Day 2 or if you choose this over the Statue of Liberty)
• One World Observatory (if time allows on Day 2)
• Central Park Bike Rentals (not included in this itinerary but you could explore the park by bike on Day 1)
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour (recommended to visit before exploring Rockefeller Center)

Since this pass is more customizable, it’s the one I would recommend purchasing if you want to follow this 2-day itinerary exactly.

You can choose which attractions you want to visit and then pick the number of attractions you want to purchase the pass for.

If you’re going to be getting student discounts at any of the attractions, it might be cheaper to just purchase tickets individually. Before purchasing a city card, do some quick math on the individual attraction costs vs. the city card cost to see if it will be worthwhile.

2 Days in New York City: Travel Tips

Now that you have your day-by-day itinerary planned, it’s time to go through some helpful tips to help you make the most out of your trip.

How to Get to New York City

There are three major airports surrounding the city that you can opt to fly into: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Most airlines fly into at least one of those airports, so it’s pretty easy to get a flight into the city that’s either non-stop or that has just one layover.

It doesn’t really matter which one you choose to fly into – I usually pick whichever is the cheapest.

From the airports, you can take public transportation or a taxi to your final destination. The subway or commuter train (Long Island Railroad) will be the cheapest choice.

If you plan on taking a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, there is a $70 flat rate plus about $5 of surcharges and an additional $5 rush hour surcharge (4:00 to 8:00 PM on weekdays. You’ll also pay for any tolls plus driver tips.

Taxis from LGA are the standard metered fare plus a $5 LGA surcharge + any other applicable surcharges. From Newark, you’ll pay the standard metered fare plus a $20 EWR surcharge and any other applicable surcharges.

Another option to get to NYC is to take a train or bus.

Trains come into Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal.  Both are located in Midtown Manhattan (West and East sides) and provide access to Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Railroad.

Buses will bring you into Port Authority Bus Terminal, also located in Midtown on the west side.

I don’t recommend driving into NYC unless it’s your only option. Overnight parking rates are very expensive.

Getting Around New York City

Public transportation and walking are the best ways to get around New York City.

The cheapest and easiest way to get around New York City is the NYC Subway. There are stations all around the city, and the subway runs 24/7.

The cost of a single ride (with unlimited transfers) is $2.75.

Make sure to download Google Maps on your phone to help navigate around the city. I’ve found that Google Maps is better than Apple Maps for accurate subway directions.

Walking around the city is the next best way to get around. Depending on where you’re going, it is sometimes quicker to walk than to take the subway. Plus, when you’re exploring on foot, you’ll be able to see more of the city than you would while riding on the subway underground.

Where to Stay in New York City

If you’re spending two days in New York City, staying in a central location in Manhattan will be the best option.

That way, you’ll be able to quickly walk or take the subway to your destinations without having to spend time traveling in and out of the city.

There are tons of great hotels located in Midtown Manhattan that are walkable to many areas like Times Square and Fifth Avenue.

There are also subway stations all over that can quickly get you to further parts of the city like, the upper east and west sides when visiting museums, or Battery Park and Little Italy.

Recommended Hotels in Midtown Manhattan

The Andaz 5th Avenue is located across the street from the New York Library Main Branch.  This hotel is an excellent option for its ambiance, service, and central location. It’s a short walk away from Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. Check rates and book your stay here.

The Courtyard by Marriott Midtown West is a great hotel that’s affordable and centrally located. Penn Station and Hudson Yards are a short walk away, making it easy to get to anywhere in the city via subway. Walking east from the hotel on 34th Street also gives great views of the Empire State Building. Check rates or book your stay here.

Margaritaville Times Square is a great option with a central location and a fun atmosphere. The pool and bar area is a fun way to relax after a long and busy day seeing the city sights. Check rates or book your stay here.

Best Time to Visit New York City

The great thing about New York City is that even with the extreme weather in New York, there truly is something to do at any time of year. 

Summer will be hot and humid but the city is bustling with outdoor activities and concerts to enjoy.

Winter will be cold and frigid, but the beautiful holiday displays will distract you from all of that!

If you want to enjoy the city sights in the best weather possible then a trip in the fall will be your best bet. The weather will be mild and there will be plenty of activities to enjoy.

You can also get good weather in the spring, but there will be a greater chance of rain during that time. If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a rain jacket!

Frequently Asked Questions

2-Day New York City Itinerary: Final Thoughts

There is so much to see and do in New York City.

A two-day itinerary might seem short, but it’s enough to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

This will be a fast pace, on-the-go type of trip, but it’s a great way to see NYC on a weekend trip or if you are just passing through town.

It’s okay that you won’t see everything – NYC is HUGE, and there are enough things to see and do that would keep you busy for weeks.

This 2 day NYC itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors with limited time who want to make the most of their NYC trip while seeing some of the city’s most bucket list-worthy attractions.

After your 2 days are over, you’ll be ready to come back to take a bigger bite out of the Big Apple!

Looking for more New York City travel tips? Check out these posts next:

• The Ultimate New York City Bucket List – everything you need to see & do in NYC!
• The Perfect 4-Day New York City Itinerary – planning a longer trip? Here’s an itinerary!