So you’ve got three days in New York City, a checklist of iconic sites, a stomach ready for pizza, and zero interest in wasting time. Perfect. This guide is built for travelers who like their itineraries full, their steps logged in the tens of thousands, and their memories packed. Here’s how to hit the best of NYC without losing your mind (or your MetroCard).

Day 1: Hit the Ground Running — Uptown to Midtown

Start strong. If you’re arriving early, drop your bags, grab a coffee (preferably from Cafe Reggio in Greenwich Village — historic and charming), and head to Central Park. Even a quick stroll through Sheep Meadow or around the reservoir is worth it. If the weather’s good, get the park done first — trust me, you’ll want some flexibility if rain creeps in later.

Museum Stop

If you’re torn between MoMA and the Guggenheim, go with MoMA. The collection is more iconic and the layout doesn’t feel like you’re spiraling into madness (sorry, Guggenheim). Already seeing a major museum? Here’s the wild card: the Tenement Museum. Book a guided tour. It’s raw, real, and tells the NYC immigrant story in a way that no other museum does. Afterward, explore the Lower East Side — grab a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, argue over whether it’s worth the hype (it is), and walk it off.

Evening

Catch a Broadway show. Doesn’t matter what — pick something with energy. After the curtain call, grab a late dinner at Los Tacos No. 1 (yes, it lives up to the name) or a beer at McSorley’s Old Ale House, NYC’s oldest Irish pub, sawdust floors and all.

Day 2: Statue, Skyline, and Chelsea Vibes

Morning means Lady Liberty — but here’s the thing: either do the full Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty tour, or skip it entirely and ride the Staten Island Ferry for a free harbor view. Doing both? That’s Statue overkill.

Afternoon

Head to Chelsea Market — great food hall, but it’s more of a power-hour stop than an all-afternoon destination. Grab spicy noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods or split a lobster roll. Then walk the High Line north through the city — a repurposed elevated rail track turned park with killer views and street art vibes.

If you’re in the mood for a quieter, artsier detour, pop into the Rubin Museum nearby — small, focused on Himalayan/Asian art, and a peaceful escape from Manhattan noise.

Optional Add-ons:

• Radio City Rockettes Show if it’s the season

• Hamilton Grange (way uptown, but underrated)

• A stop at Veselka for pierogis and borscht, especially if you need fuel for…

Nightcap

A late-night slice from Joe’s Pizza, then sleep. Or don’t. It’s New York.

Day 3: The Bronx, Brooklyn, or Wildcards

Here’s where you pivot based on mood and stamina.

Option 1: Brooklyn Food & Views

• Skip Coney Island unless it’s summer or you’re dying to walk the boardwalk in a parka. It just doesn’t hit the same in winter.

• Instead, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, grab brunch at Peter Luger (book well ahead), and explore DUMBO for those postcard-perfect shots.

Option 2: The Bronx or Uptown Hidden Gems

• Visit the Cloisters (branch of the Met in Fort Tryon Park) — medieval art, gardens, and Hudson River views. A peaceful vibe few tourists know about.

• If you’re thinking more sports than swords, hit a Yankees or Mets game (if the season’s right). Save Coney Island for then — the beach + baseball combo is much better.

Dinner

Celebrate your 72-hour sprint with something classic — maybe Sylvia’s in Harlem for soul food, or Gray’s Papaya for hot dogs that are weirdly perfect at 11 p.m.

Final Tips:

• Pack layers. NYC weather can mood swing like a Broadway actor.

• Build flexibility into your days. Front-load outdoor activities so you can swap them for museums if the weather tanks.

• Don’t try to do it all. You’re already planning to come back — next time for the Belmont Stakes, a baseball game, or a long layover.