The Ultimate 3-Day NYC Itinerary From a Blood NewYorker

New York is massive, overwhelming, and absolutely not the kind of place you just "wing it." You could spend a month here and still miss things, but let’s be real—you’ve got three days. That’s not a lot of time, but it’s enough if you do it right.

This is the itinerary that works. Not the one where you spend half your time in Times Square (big mistake) or follow some list made by someone who thinks eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp is a "must-do." This is how you see NYC properly, eat well, and not waste a second.
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Day 1: The Brooklyn-to-Manhattan Warm-Up
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You want to start strong, and that means Brooklyn first. Yes, NYC is all about Manhattan, but there’s something special about starting on the outside and working your way in.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Martha’s Bakery in Williamsburg. No diners, no Denny’s-level breakfasts—just good pastries, cakes, and coffee to start the day right.
• Walk around Brooklyn Bridge Park and DUMBO. Snap the famous Manhattan Bridge photo, explore the waterfront, and soak in the skyline views before the madness of the city swallows you whole.
• If you're into boxing, hit Gleason’s Gym, a legendary spot where actual champions train. Otherwise, grab a coffee at a nearby café and take in the Brooklyn atmosphere.
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Midday:

• Pizza debate: Juliana’s vs. Grimaldi’s. The locals know Juliana’s is the real deal (long story involving ovens, landlords, and betrayal). If there’s no crazy line, stop in for a bite. But honestly? These aren’t true NY slices—save your stomach for later.
• Take the ferry from DUMBO to Williamsburg. Don’t just take the subway. The ferry is scenic, underrated, and a great way to see the city from the water.

Afternoon:

• Walk the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan. Forget the Brooklyn Bridge (for now). The Williamsburg Bridge has graffiti, steel beams, and a real old-school NYC feel.
• Cholula’s near the bridge is the move for Mexican food. Hands-down one of the best Mexican spots in the city. No frills, just great tacos and unbeatable prices.
• Explore SoHo and Chinatown. Walk down Broadway, check out Mott Street, and just let yourself get lost in Chinatown’s food scene.

Evening:

• Dinner in Chinatown at one of these spots:
  • Big Wong for classic HK BBQ meats and wonton noodles.
  • Bo Ky for the legendary curry chicken with broad noodles.
  • Joe’s Shanghai for soup dumplings, if that’s your thing.
• Explore the Seaport and Wall Street at night. Grab a drink, walk the Pier 17 area, and if you’re up for it, take the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close for free. Then immediately U-turn and get back to Manhattan because Staten Island is not the destination.
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Day 2: The Classic NYC Experience
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Now that you’ve warmed up, it’s time to hit the big stuff.

Morning:

• Union Square Holiday Market (if it’s winter). If you’re here during the holidays, this is a must. Otherwise, just explore the area and grab coffee.
• Walk up Broadway to Koreatown. Small, dense, packed with energy. If you’re hungry, hit Five Senses for the garlic soy chicken wings—trust me.
• Macy’s on 34th Street. Even if you’re not a shopper, check out the historic wooden escalators inside the world’s original department store.

Midday:

• The High Line. This is one of the best urban parks in the world. It’s an old elevated train track turned into a walking path with incredible views of the city.
• Lunch options:
  • Raku for Japanese Udon. The broth here is next-level smoky, earthy, and perfect.
  • Il Corallo for Italian. If you’re craving pasta, get the Fettuccine Molisane—a personal favorite.

Afternoon:

• Ghostbusters Firehouse in Tribeca. A must-see if you’re a movie fan.
• Subway to Central Park. You can’t rush this park. Get lost in it. Walk through, find a quiet bench, and just exist for a while.

Evening:

• Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th. The original cart. The only cart. Their white sauce? Perfect. Their red sauce? Extremely dangerous. Proceed with caution.
• Bryant Park and Breads Bakery. If you see chocolate babka at Breads Bakery, buy it immediately. This stuff sells out all the time for a reason.
• Times Square, but only at the end of the day. Avoid it during peak hours. Late at night, it’s empty enough to actually enjoy.
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Day 3: The Brooklyn Bridge Finale
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Your last day needs to hit different.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Junior’s in Downtown Brooklyn. Not just cheesecake. Get the "Something Different," which is brisket between potato pancakes, dipped in au jus. Absolute perfection.
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. No trip to NYC is complete without this. Take your time, take pictures, soak it in.

Midday and Afternoon:

• Dominique Ansel Bakery for the original cronut. If there’s no line, try it.
• Washington Square Park and West Village. Chill in NYU territory, then walk through the West Village.
• Comedy Cellar. If you’re staying one more night, this is the best comedy club in the city.

Final Thoughts: How to Do NYC Right

New York isn’t about ticking landmarks off a list. It’s about walking until your legs give out, finding random spots that weren’t in any guide, and eating more food than you planned.

This 3-day itinerary is designed to give you the full NYC experience—the sights, the food, the neighborhoods. It’s structured, but not restrictive. If you’re not exhausted by the end, you didn’t do it right.

So now the real question is: How long are you staying? Because New York will take whatever time you’ve got.

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