For your next stay in New York or during a tour in the United States, you want to visit New York in 2 days.
Below you will find a guide to the most beautiful visits that can be done in 2 days and ideas for optimized itineraries to make your travel easier and save time.
I am also sharing with you the 2 self-guided walking tours that I followed to visit New York with the Google maps of each route.
Tips for Visiting New York
I'm not going to lie to you: It's impossible to visit all the tourist attractions in New York in just 2 days! The ideal way to visit the Big Apple is to plan 3 or 4 full days.
However, in 2 days it is still possible to visit only the most beautiful sites in New York by choosing:
- to organize your visits in tourist bus.
- to resolve not to visit all the museums and churches in favor of the most emblematic sites of New York. Indeed, in two short days, you will not have enough time, especially since the queues are endless, even with skip-the-line tickets.
- To take the card New York Explorer Pass. This card allows you to visit the New York attractions that interest you while sometimes saving up to 50%.
- to concentrate visits on Manhattan. Others New York neighborhoods (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and other boroughs) are certainly interesting but should be reserved for a second stay.
- to follow optimized itineraries to discover all the emblematic sites of the city. See below my 2 self-guided tours to visit New York on foot.
What do you absolutely have to see in New York?
The list of tourist attractions in New York is endless! But some of them are more popular and appreciated by visitors. Here is the list of visits that you should not miss during a stay in New York:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- Ground Zero (11/XNUMX Memorial)
- Empire State Building
- The Flatiron Building
- Chrysler Building
- Grand Central Terminal
- Saint Patrick's Cathedral
- Rockefeller center - Top of the Rock
- Times Square and Broadway
- The Edge
- Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
- Central Park - Bow Bridge
- Guggenheim Museum
- Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
- Harlem with Apollo Theater
Program and itineraries to visit Manhattan in 2 days
Here is the itinerary and the program that allowed me to visit New York in 2 days (Manhattan only):
- DAY 1 : Discovery of the must-see sites of New York going from Downtown Manhattan to Times Square (Midtown);
- DAY 2 : Visits to the 2 most beautiful museums and the legendary Central Park going from Midtown to the North of Manhattan (Uptown).
For these two days, you will find below the Google Maps routes for the 2 self-guided walking tours.
Self-guided walking tour to visit the must-see attractions of New York
The tourist circuit of this 1st day allows you to visit the most emblematic sites of New York grouped together from the south of Manhattan to Midtown. You can easily do it on foot because you will walk on average 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon but with well-coordinated stages.
Self-guided walking tour of northern Manhattan
For this second day of visiting New York, my tourist circuit leaves from Times Square to go to the Harlem district. This represents about 1 hour of walking in the morning + 1 hour of walking in the afternoon.
Program and itinerary for your first day in Manhattan
My walking route starts in southern Manhattan with the must-see Statue of Liberty.
DirectionBattery Park Pier A to take the ferry that will take you to Liberty Island.
To go there in Metro : South ferry (line 1), Whitehall St / South Ferry (lines R and W) or Bowling Green (lines 4 and 5) or by taking the big bus by choosing the Downtown circuit (see my good plan at the end of the article).
To take the first boat which leaves at 1 am, I advise you to go to the pier when the ticket offices open at 9:8 am.
Be careful to choose the Ferry ticket that allows you to go to the 2 islands (Liberty Island + Ellis Island) at your own pace, staying there for as long as you want and which gives access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
Around 9:30 a.m., you will disembark on the island to see the Statue of Liberty, monument donated by France in 1886 for the centenary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. You can climb up to the pedestal observation platform (6th floor).
Ellis Island
From Liberty Island, you will take the ferry back to Ellis Island. You can visit the Immigration Museum which traces the journey of foreigners who arrived in the USA during the 19th and 20th centuries. From Ellis Island you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty and on the huge skyscrapers of Manhattan.
You will then take the ferry back to Battery Park.
Ground Zero
The history of New York had a terrible and dramatic episode with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. My tour now takes us to discover this World Trade Center district which has changed a lot but which keeps in mind this atrocious tragedy (15 minutes walk).
To follow my route on foot, you will have to take the direction Ground Zero taking :
- the Hudson River Greenway;
- by visiting the 11/XNUMX Memorial;
- passing in front of theOculus (shopping center in the shape of large white wings + train station);
- to get to One World Trade Center.
You can admire from the outside the One World Trade Center which opened in 2014. This 104-story tower bears the same name as the original North Twin Tower of the World Trade Center.
My schedule for the day does not leave time to visit the 11/XNUMX museum. However, you will have time to go and see the September 11 Memorial. These are two huge pools of very original waterfalls located exactly where the twin towers.
From Ground Zero to Empire State Building
To walk from Ground Zero to the Empire State Building, you can:
- Walk on foot (1 hour) from Oculus going up Broadway.
- Take the metro (around 30 minutes) by taking the red line 1 at the station WTC Cortlandt and going out at the 34 St. Penn Station.
- Or take the Big Bus Downtown circuit (see my good plan at the end of the article).
Empire State Building
In the heart of Manhattan, you will arrive at another iconic New York site: theEmpire State Building. Take the time to go up to the 86nd floor and enjoy its belvedere. The view is impressive all over theManhattan Island and much further (Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty…).
The Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building, known as the Fuller Building, was built in 1902 and quickly became one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This 22-story building is notable for its unique triangular shape, resulting from its location at the intersection of 5th Avenue, Broadway and 23rd Street.
Grand Central Terminal
If you have time, a short trip to Grand Central Terminal is worthwhile (lines 4, 5, 6, 7 and S exit Grand Central Terminal). This station was rebuilt on the old Grand Central Station of 1871 and has retained a remarkable architecture and impressive hall by its dimensions.
Chrysler Building
You have been able to admire it and in particular its magnificent Art Deco architecture from the Belvedere of the Empire State Building but if you want to approach it, the Chrysler Building is located right next to the Grand Central Station. In just 3 minutes walk on 42nd St towards Lexington Avenue you will be at the foot of this mythical skyscraper!
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
10 minute walk to now reach St Patrick's Cathedral. It's here largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America. Another must-see site on a first visit to Manhattan!
Top of the Rock
My New York walking route takes us to 5 minutes walk until Rockefeller Center between 5th and 6th Avenue. You will recognize these superb Art Deco style buildings that were the setting for many shoots in Manhattan.
Top of the Rock is another legendary New York lookout. Located on the 70th floor of the skyscraper Comcast Building, it allows you to enjoy a spectacular view of Manhattan which incorporates the Empire State Building!
Times Square and Broadway
My “New York on foot” itinerary ends for this first day in the most famous district of Manhattan: Times Square. Located between 1th and Broadway, you should go there in the evening or at night to enjoy the effervescent, festive, bright and very special atmosphere that reigns there!
If you are not too tired, you can extend the evening by enjoying a musical in one of the many Broadway theaters.
Program and itinerary for your second day in Manhattan
The visits on this second day are more cultural than the stops on the first day because they include 2 must-see museums in New York: MOMA and the Guggenheim Museum.
The Edge and its platform 300 meters high
Situated at the top of the Hudson Yards complex, The Edge enjoys a prime location close to Times Square. This skyscraper has the highest exterior walkway in the world. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the New York skyline, this feat of engineering will take you more than 300 feet into the air.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
From Times Square, following my route, you will go to MOMA which is the first stop on my self-guided tour. This Manhattan Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is located 12-minute walk to Times Square on 53rd Street. Many great world masterpieces are grouped there such as:
- Les demoiselles d'Avignon and the three musicians by Picasso;
- The Starry Night and the Olive Trees by Van Gogh;
- Matisse's dance;
- The bathers by Cézanne;
- Salvador Dali's soft watches;
- Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol.
Central Park - Bow Bridge
A 10-minute walk from MOMA will take you to the entrance to Central Park. I advise you to take a short walk to the Bow Bridge to feel the green heart of Manhattan.
Then you can continue on foot from Central Park and arrive in 20 minutes at the Guggenheim Museum.
Guggenheim Museum
Magnificent Museum of Modern Art located on Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side, the Guggenheim is the most famous of the museums created by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Harlem by Big Bus (around 1h15)
The famous Big Bus tourist bus offers a tour Harlem which allows you to discover the essentials of Harlem and the very chic district ofUpper West Side.
So, quietly installed in the bus, you will be able to see the beautiful buildings all around Central Park, Natural History Museum, St John the Divine Cathedral and the mythical Apollo Theater in the heart of Harlem. Of course you can stop where you want and take the big bus to continue the big tour.
Another idea for an itinerary to visit New York in 2 days
If you want to take a more extensive tour of New York, you can devote your first day to discovering Manhattan and the second to discover New York off the beaten track.
Here is the detailed itinerary for these two days in New York:
Discover Manhattan on day 1
Start by discovering the iconic Times Square, with its dazzling lights and electric atmosphere. Stroll through this bustling neighborhood and soak up the energy of the city that never sleeps. Take the time to admire the giant billboards and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.
After exploring Times Square, head to Central Park, a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. Enjoy the vastness of this iconic park, take a boat ride on the lake, discover the beautiful gardens and relax on the grass. Central Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and recharge your batteries.
Also be sure to visit the Top of the Rock, the observatory located at the top of Rockefeller Center. From here, you'll have stunning views of the New York skyline, with the Empire State Building as a backdrop. It is the ideal place to take panoramic photos of the city and appreciate its beauty.
Finally, end your first day in New York by attending a Broadway musical.
Brooklyn and beyond on day 2
On the second day of your tour, explore Brooklyn and its surrounding areas to see a different side of New York.
Start by crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge and explore the DUMBO district (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). This trendy neighborhood is full of art galleries, vintage boutiques and trendy cafes. Take your time to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the panoramic views of Manhattan.
Then, take the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is one of New York's most iconic symbols and a visit to its base is a must. Take this opportunity to learn about the history of immigration to the United States by visiting Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were welcomed.
After visiting the Statue of Liberty, head to the High Line and Chelsea Market.
The High Line is a former elevated railway transformed into a suspended park offering breathtaking views of the city. Stroll along this leafy promenade and admire the art installations along the way.
Next, head to Chelsea Market, a bustling food market where you can sample local specialties and shop.
Finally, end your day exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of SoHo and Greenwich Village. These neighborhoods are known for their trendy boutiques, quaint cafes and artistic atmosphere. Get lost in the narrow streets and discover unique boutiques, art galleries and trendy restaurants.
Recommended places to eat cheaply in Manhattan
During your visit to New York City, you will have the opportunity to discover a multitude of delicious restaurants and cafes. Here are some of my favorite places to eat cheaply in Manhattan:
Katz's Delicatessen
Located on the Lower East Side, Katz's Delicatessen is a must-visit for all pastrami lovers. This famous New York deli serves generous portions of meat between two slices of rye bread. Be sure to try their famous pastrami sandwich and enjoy a dill pickle on the side.
Lombardi's pizza
If you're a fan of pizza, Lombardi's Pizza is the perfect place for you. Considered America's first pizzeria, Lombardi's serves charcoal-fired pizzas with fresh, flavorful toppings. Sit back and enjoy a slice of authentic pizza at this historic location.
Magnolia Bakery
To satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to stop at Magnolia Bakery. Famous for its cupcakes and cakes in a variety of flavors, Magnolia Bakery is a true paradise for pastry lovers. Order a vanilla or chocolate cupcake and savor every bite.
Where to stay in New York for your weekend?
Accommodation represents a significant budget when sightseeing in New York. Indeed, in order not to waste too much time in transport, the ideal is to choose a hotel in the heart of Manhattan. So you can easily do my two circuits on foot!
For those who prefer to rent an apartment, I do not recommend an Airbnb because it is illegal in New York. On the other hand, I recommend them an apart-hotel because their rooms, studios or suites are fully equipped for long stays.
Le Club Quarters Hotel Midtown - Times Square is located in Manhattan in the Midtown district within walking distance of major museums and restaurants. Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center and Times Square are less than 10 minutes' walk away.
See this aparthotel in Manhattan
For very tight budgets, here is my article: CHEAP HOTELS IN NEW YORK