New York City is an epicenter of commerce, diversity, tourism, and culture. While two days isn’t nearly enough time to enjoy the big apple in full, sometimes you’ve got to make the best of the time you have! When you only have time for a forty eight hour trip, it’s a given the schedule will be action-packed.
Whether you’re in town for a bachelorette party, solo exploration, a concert, or a couples adventure, there’s so much to see! The vibe of this itinerary is very much a never-been-to-NYC-before-trying-to-see-as-much-as-I-can, as we attempt to tackle all of the must-see highlights.
In the last six months I took a solo trip by myself and then again just recently visited to celebrate McKenna’s 21st birthday. I had an amazing time both visits… NYC can definitely get touristy but in the best way! Below I have includes an action packed two-day itinerary, hitting all the classic, must-see spots in New York City— with a walking map included!
DAY ONE
American Museum of Natural History
I’m not always a big museum person but the Museum of Natural History is certainly an exception. There’s an abundance of unique exhibitions that could truly keep you entertained all day. I was here a couple hours and only made it through the two dinosaur halls and the African mammals exhibit. I’m already eager to go back and explore the Hall of North American Forests!
The MET
Back to back museums? Not quite! The MET is a cornucopia of rich culture; however, because of time constraints, I was just keen to see it from the outside. Having watched Gossip Girl, I rather wanted to get a picture on the step. Not only is the building grandiose, but the area around the MET was rather lovely as well. A worthy pit stop, at the very least. If you are a connoisseur of art, this stop may warrant a more thorough review!
Central Park
A walk in the park anyone? Not only is the park a refreshing contrast to the ambiance of the city but it makes for some fun sightseeing: yoga, picnics, and performers, but also some lovely foliage in the fall months. Whether you’re wandering around or giving your legs a little rest at one of the many benches, the park is worth stopping by– especially since it’s easy to wander through as you’re walking around.
While it might not be a main stop for most, we loved watching the Eloise at the Plaza movie growing up, so if you’re similarly inclined to have your own ~main character~ moment, the Plaza is right along the walking itinerary for the day and super easy to swing by.
Rockefeller Center
Perhaps a more seasonal stop, but if you happen to be in New York around the holidays, the Rockefeller Center would be worth wandering through, just to see the oversized tree! Not necessarily worth stopping by any ‘ole day of the year, but absolutely magical around Christmas!
Times Square
The intersection of consumerism, tourism, and entertainment glows at this epicenter of New York culture. Whether you’re keen to catch a broadway show or simply enchanted by the groundbreaking graphics, Times Square is about as NYC as it gets. Touristy? Yes, but you have to go at least once just to see it!
Just an FYI: there’s so much in the big city that might catch you by surprise. I was startled to learn a ‘Naked Cowgirl’ (a granny with nipple covers) is a regular fixture there. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Bryant Park
Central Park isn’t the only charming park to rest your weary legs at! I snagged some freshly sliced mango from a street vendor (much better than the hot dog), and took a little break. The multitude of benches makes it easy to sit down, enjoy a snack, and relax for a moment. A fun fact: if you happen to visit in the winter months, the lawn at Bryant Park is transformed into NYC’s only free admission ice skating rink!
One Big Macy’s
Macy’s Herald Square store is the largest department store in the United States with 1.25 million square feet of retail space. It takes up an entire city block!! The flagship store blows the hometown Macy’s out of the water! I didn’t exactly have time to shop ‘til I dropped, but it was fun just wandering through such a seemingly endless store. A perfect shopping break if you find yourself early for you Empire State Building reservation.
Empire State Building
Timing is everything for this outstanding stop, and making a reservation in advance is a must! I went at sunset, and loved seeing the sun set over the city. As a bonus, you can stay up there for a bit and watch as the sky turns dark and the lights of the skyline come to life. It costs a little extra to go all the way up to the 102nd floor observatory, but it’s worth every penny. At the 86th floor, the observation area is inside, but up on the 102nd the observation deck is outside. This alone makes the view so much more engaging!
If you’re hoping to make it up to the top by a certain time— perhaps sunset— make your reservation, 20-30 minutes earlier than you want to be up there. They will not let you in early, and it takes some time to work your way through the line to the elevators and get through security. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your perfect sunset view!
If you were to only do one touristy activity in New York City, this should be it—personally, it was my favorite part of the weekend!
Day One Road Map
Dust off your walking boots because it’s a full day! While 3.8 miles seems like it’s a ton of walking, remember it’s broken up into segments as you explore all the various stops along the way. Plus part the longest stretch of walking is either alongside or through Central Park, so at the very least, it would be a scenic walk!
DAY TWO
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Station is a rather eye-catching transportation hub! This cathedral-esque terminal is a temple to the everyday commuter as it has become so much more than a subway stop. Grand Central maintains various shops and over 30 different dining options– in addition to a rotating events schedule as well. Don’t miss the zodiac ceiling, information booth clock, or whispering gallery. I took the subway out of Grand Central to Battery Park, so a stop by this historic mainstay of New York City transit was built right in!
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
This personification of American freedom and democracy stands as tall and proud today as it has every day for over 130 years. Whether you are intrigued by history, have ancestors that immigrated through Ellis Island, or just want to see an iconic statue in person, the Statue of Liberty awaits your arrival. Statue City Cruises is the only ferry company that operates tours out to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, in conjunction with the National Park Service. All reservations need to be made in advance online.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are incredibly sentimental landmarks to the roots of American immigration culture. As such, prior to boarding the boat, you must go through security to ensure the safety of other riders as well as the monuments themselves. The ferries leave as scheduled, so be sure to allot time for the security line!
I don’t consider myself a huge history buff, but between the two islands, I spent a few hours wandering, reading, and trying to absorb everything there was to see. On a quick weekend trip time is extra valuable, but I truly enjoyed making the most of this stop. Even as I left, I felt it was somewhere I’d want to return to again in the future.
Pro tip: Do the 9am tour! It’s the first tour of the day, so you beat the rush. It’s a bit more relaxing with less people around–plus it makes for better pictures! Speaking of pictures, as you are going out to the islands, don’t forget to turn around and appreciate the NYC skyline.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
In the United States, September 11th has name recognition unmatched by almost any other day in the calendar year. While it’s a day of somber remembrance, I was too young at the time it occurred to really remember all the emotions and trauma. It was all too easy to spend a couple hours in the museum reading, listening, and contemplating on this pivotal day in American history. I found the 9/11 Museum to be a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the victims and heroes that died that day. A worthwhile stop!
Money in Your Pocket
New York can be expensive– especially when you’re trying to make the most of your time. Here’s a couple ways to save over a quick weekend adventure.
Public Transportation
Instead of paying for taxis or ubers, used public transportation! I flew into La Guardia, and took the LaGuardia Link (a free bus) to the subway station. Once I was in the subway station, I used the CityMapper app to help me navigate more efficiently. I took the Q70 and found it to be safe and fairly easy to navigate. A taxi from the airport to Times Square or Central Park will cost about $50, whereas a metro card will cost you around $3. Plus what’s more New York than taking the Subway?
New York Pass
I knew I would be trying to cram as much sightseeing into my two days as possible, so I bought the New York Pass. The cost of a two-day pass varies according to whatever promotions they’re running– I snagged mine for $160. It granted me admission into the American Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. If you know you want to check out museums and more touristy haunches, it could certainly be worth the monies.
If you’re more keen to walk around Central Park and go shopping on 5th Avenue, it would be a waste. When we went with friends for McKenna’s birthday, we had a less action-packed sight-seeing itinerary, so we didn’t make any New York Pass purchases. It’s all about the vibe of what you want to fit into your two days!
Hotwire
Use Hotwire to save a little on your stay! I ended up at the Renwick Hotel, and loved how centrally located it was. The room ended up costing around $235, which was super reasonable for being close to both Central Park and Times Square. They have luggage storage if you arrive before your room is ready and don’t care to lug your bags around the city with you. Also worth mentioning, I was a female solo traveler, and I felt super safe at this hotel.
written by Dana
CEO of being stubbornly independent, Dana lives to speak her mind as her feisty personality lends itself to her outspoken nature. Dana epitomizes the concept of “spending money on experiences, not things” as she is constantly complaining that she has nothing to wear, but ALWAYS has her next trip on the docket. Dana recently graduated from FSU, and has joining us big kids in the adult workforce. She works with our dad at Wherry Truck Lines, keeping all the good ‘ole boys in line.
