New York in 3 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge

Sail out to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, then cross the Brooklyn Bridge for skyline views at dusk.

1
8:30 AMBook aheadStatue of LibertyMeet at Battery Park for your booked early ferry, allowing security time. Spend about 2 hours on Liberty Island; pedestal and crown access need separate reservations.About 2 hours 30 min here
Ferry ticket: $26 · Book a ferry time
Official fees: US National Park ServiceLast verified Nov 3, 2026
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Ferry to Ellis Island, about 10 min
2
11:15 AMEllis IslandExplore the National Museum of Immigration in the restored main hall. Ferries back to Manhattan leave from the same dock.About 1 hour 45 min here
Included in the ferry ticket
Ferry to Battery Park, then walk, about 35 min
3
1:30 PMBrookfield PlacePick from the food counters for a late lunch, then step outside for views over the Hudson River.About 1 hour 15 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 5 min
4
2:45 PM9/11 MemorialWalk around the two reflecting pools, where the victims' names are inscribed. The museum next door needs its own timed ticket.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 20 min
5
4:15 PMBrooklyn BridgeJoin the walkway near City Hall and walk across to Brooklyn, about 30 min. Late afternoon light is good for photos.About 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 15 min
6
5:15 PMOptionalBrooklyn Bridge ParkFollow the waterfront paths for views back to Lower Manhattan and the bridges as the city lights come on.About 1 hour here
Free to visit
Walk about 12 min
7
6:30 PMTime Out Market New YorkDinner in Dumbo with many kitchens under one roof. Take your food up to the rooftop for views of both bridges.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Book these aheadStatue of Liberty (day 1), Tenement Museum (day 3), Empire State Building (day 3): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Buy ferry tickets officiallyStatue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Buy online or at Castle Clinton, and ignore street sellers near the Battery.
Tap to ride the subwayTap a contactless card or phone at the subway gates. Trains run all night, but weekend service changes are common, so check before you ride.
Plan around the Met's closing dayThe Met is closed on Wednesdays. If day 3 falls on a Wednesday, swap it with another day.
Expect security checksThe Liberty Island ferries screen bags like an airport. Pack light and arrive early for your ferry time.
Tip at sit-down restaurantsTipping is expected for table service in restaurants and bars. At food hall counters it is optional.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in Midtown near a subway hub such as Grand Central or Times Square: every day of this plan starts or ends a short ride away.

Hotels in New York

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 3, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.