3 Days in NYC; Where to Slurge & What to Skip

NYC truly is a city like none other. With so many neighborhoods, attractions, countless places to eat, and infinite tourist destinations, 3 days in NYC can seem like it’s not enough time. And you’re right, it isn’t but for those same reasons, you can experience SO much in a very short amount of time. 

Even though it’s one of the most expensive destinations you’ll visit, it’s absolutely possible to fully experience this city on a modest budget. I’m here to tell you what to splurge on and what to skip if you have a few days to spend in The Big Apple.

DO: Travel alone if you can

If you only have 3 days in NYC, traveling alone is the way to go to maximize your experience. New York is expensive and there is A LOT to do. I mean, it’s truly mind boggling. Mismatched budgets and differing travel styles/interests can really put a damper on your experience in this city. I’ve always had a better time there when I’ve gone alone because I can do things at my pace and my budget and not have to worry if my friends don’t want to or have the money for the things I want to do… Or worry about them passing out from the 8 hour shopping trip I’ve done.

It’s a city you can truly enjoy alone too because you’ll never actually feel alone. Despite the stereotypes you may have in your head, New Yorkers are just as friendly as any other people in the world. Just don’t be in the way if they’re in a rush. 😉

DO: Stay in Brooklyn

You’ll get more bang for your buck and probably have a better view.

I loved Brooklyn, I can’t say that enough. I vibe with Brooklyn and would recommend staying in Williamsburg or Bushwick if you can. Williamsburg is definitely more hipster and Bushwick still has some spunk to it. Both locations are a quick ride in to Manhattan as well.

DON’T: Stay in hostels 

When visiting New York, DO NOT STAY IN HOSTELS. Hostels are overpriced and disgusting here. Instead, reserve an AirBNB. You’ll get a better value for your money and have a more comfortable visit. If you look enough in advance, the price difference probably won’t be that drastic between a hostel & AirBNB. I’ve found them for as low as $45/nt!

My favorite AirBNB I’ve ever stayed in (Yes, out of ALL of them) was this one below. The host is quick to respond, has a beautiful, clean home with up-to-date furnishings and a great eye for decor. She knows the city well and is very helpful.

DO: Forget the diet & eat lots of pizza!

From literally anywhere. If you’re like me and would marry pizza if you could, New York is the place for you. Stay away from me with that deep dish crap! Thin crust and greasy is New York’s specialty and it’s my favorite.

You only have 3 days in NYC so it’s not like it’s going to totally throw your eating off kilter. Treat yourself for these few days and enjoy the carb-loaded, cheesy, greasy goodness!

Avoid the touristy looking places and hop in to the hole in the wall pizza joints. That’s where you’ll find the goodness. I even managed to find a great slice right by Times Square. Unfortunately I was so lost (and hungry!) by the time I went in, I forgot to get the name of the place.

Roberta’s Pizza in Brooklyn is delicious and I would absolutely recommend it.

DO: Drink at the local watering holes

I’m always amazed what happens when you just let go and allow yourself to truly experience a place and go in with an open heart and excited mind.

One of my weekend trips to New York was 4th of July weekend. The day I arrived in Brooklyn was so hot outside–It was truly unbelievable how hot it was. After lugging my suitcase up and down 2 separate subway stations and then up the 4 flights of stairs to my AirBNB, I was wiped! And ready for a cocktail.

Still excited to dive in to the city, I asked my hostess for tips on how to maximize my 3 days in NYC and her favorite place to grab a drink. One happened to be right across the street–A Texas-themed bar called Skinny Dennis.

I popped my headphones back in to continue listening to my favorite podcast and walked across the street. As I was putting my ID back in to my wallet, I gasped.

I mean, literally, audibly gasped. Because who should be directly in front of me at this small bar but the podcast host I was just listening to–Ben Kissel.

I gushed my fandom to him and his girlfriend and wished them a happy 4th and Ben was kind enough to offer a picture with me.

If you watch Broad City, definitely check this place out as well since it made a cameo in the ‘Friendiversary‘ episode. I didn’t know this until later that night when I was watching Broad City in bed and recognized the window from earlier — No joke!

DO: Visit the Museum of Sex.

Whether you have a few hours or 3 days in NYC, this is something you absolutely should not miss!

Personally, I’m not a huge museum-goer myself. Especially since I have the Smithsonians in my back yard and they are all FREE, I don’t usually go in to museums when traveling unless it’s something unique like this.

This museum is worth every penny. (General admission is $20.50, with a la carte add-ons). It’s curated very well and organized nicely which is something you do start to notice once you’ve visited the Smithsonians which are impeccably designed.

10/10 would recommend checking out this gem. It’s unlike any other museum you’ve been to.

DO: Splurge on Top of the Rock

Spectacular is a word that might come close to describing the awe you’ll experience at the top of Rockefeller center. Sure, it’s pricey to some but it’s a place I would dedicate a portion of your budget too no matter how small it is.

I would recommend a sunset, evening or nighttime reservation. It will be crowded, yes, especially on a nice day. But just wait patiently and I promise you’ll get your photo op. If you’re traveling solo, I would recommend bringing a tripod or a selfie stick so you’re not stuck getting only an up-close selfie like I did.

Explore all the different view points, take in the magnificence of the city and head down for some dinner. If you’re sick of pizza, I’d recommend Oaxaca Taqueria. I know NYC isn’t known for its Mexican food but you’ll have to trust me on this one, it’s crazy delicious.

DON’T: Bother with The Highline

I know this is an unpopular opinion but I’ve now done the Highline twice both in cold and warm weather and I honestly don’t get what the big deal is. Yeah, it’s cute and unique in its setting but so are plenty of other parks.

If it’s on your list, don’t let me discourage you. All my friends love the Highline and do it every time they go to New York but it’s personally not my favorite and if you’re short on time, there’s a million other things I’d rather do in the city.

DO: Shop (’til you drop?)

Make sure to leave room in your suitcase because the thrifting in New York is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Even if you have a small budget, just $50 aside for shopping is enough for 1 or 2 great pieces if you get lucky like I did when I snagged an Opening Ceremony top for $19 (Originally $145) and a Lizzie Fortunato necklace for $7 (Originally $290) from Housing Works.

The flea markets and Beacon’s closet in Greenpoint, Brooklyn were my absolute favorite spots and I would recommend carving a few hours out of your itinerary for each location if discount shopping is something you’d like to do. Here’s a few of my other favorite spots…

Brooklyn: Verameat, Catbird, Bird, Fox & Fawn, Norbu Bijoux (AMAZING jewelry store), Beacon’s closet, Brooklyn Flea, Artists & Fleas

Just walk up and down Bedford Ave and you’ll have no problem finding amazing shopping to suit any desire.

Soho: Bulletin, Artists & Fleas

Bulletin is one of my favorite stores I discovered in NY. It’s a funky feminist shop touting badass home decor and in-your-face graphic tees like this, all at reasonable prices and they proudly donate 10% of all proceeds to Planned Parenthood NYC!

Hell’s Kitchen: Annex Markets

Upper West Side: Grand Bazaar

DO: Get weird at The Bizarre

I usually only spend 3 days in NYC for holiday weekends, but every time I go now, I make sure to spend an evening at The Bizarre in Bushwick. When I visited last, I spent my last evening at a burlesque drag show here that included beginners and pro’s alike. It’s one of the best nights I’ve had in my entire life. This particular show was free and only accepting donations (100% of those proceeds went to Planned Parenthood) but there is a calendar covering all their events and I would encourage you to go to any one of them. They specialize in Absinthe cocktails and I guarantee you’ll make friends at this awesome joint.

DON’T: Visit Times Square during the day

Okay, if you haven’t seen it before, go ahead–Just to say you have. But if large crowds trigger your anxiety, like they do mine, just get in and get out as quick as possible. Honestly, just avoid Midtown in general if you’re looking for an authentic New York experience.

DO: Visit Times Square at night

It’s truly bizarre that Times Square is basically EMPTY at night but the lights are always on. You wouldn’t expect that this iconic destination would ever really be empty but if you’re out after last call or even around midnight, you’re likely to have the place all to yourself and it is breathtaking.

DON’T: Pay to see the Statue of Liberty

Seriously. Maybe someday when you have more time but for now, go ahead and skip the paid tour. It’s pricey and you can easily see it for free!

DO: Take the Staten Island Ferry

This is the best free way to see the State of Liberty and to get great views of the city like this…

True, you won’t get an close up of Lady Liberty but I promise it will be worth the wait and on a hot day, it’s great to sit outside on the ferry as the breeze goes by.

To see the statue, sit on the right side of the ferry when boarding from Manhattan and on the left side when leaving Staten Island.

MUST: Pig out at Smorgasburg

Dubbed “The Woodstock of Eating” by the New York Times, this is a foodie’s paradise.

100 local vendors gather in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to promote their best and favorite dishes. Come with an empty stomach because you’ll want to hit as many places as possible.

I had the best poutine and dumplings OF MY LIFE and I’m so sad I stumbled on it after already having eaten brunch! I can’t wait to go back this Summer and nom even more.

Smorgasburg only happens during the warm weather months so it runs April – October.

DO: Have a good hard cry at the 9/11 Museum

This is the only item on this list that I haven’t actually done but plan on doing so when I return to New York in a month or so. I’ve heard nothing but great reviews of this museum and how well it was done. I’ll be following my first tip and traveling alone when I visit this so I won’t make anyone I know watch me ugly cry because there’s a 100% chance that’s going to happen.

Tickets start at $26 and go up from there. Click here to get 20% off instantly.

In Conclusion: 3 Days in NYC can be just as magical as 7, 14 or 100.

New York City is a magical city and it’s hard to understand that magic until you actually visit. With there being so much to do, it’s easy to plan a trip for as long as you like–Whether it be 3 days or 2 weeks, you’ll never be bored.

I hope these do’s and don’ts are helpful to you and yours and that you’re able to fall in love with this city like I have. If you have any hidden gems you’d like to see me cover, comment and I’ll add them to my next trip!