3 day itinerary for New York

Itinerary

Oh, how exciting! A trip to New York City with your besties in December sounds like a blast! The city is absolutely magical during the holiday season, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a vibrant atmosphere. Let’s dive into an ideal 3-day itinerary that’ll make the most of your time together!

## Day 1: Exploring Manhattan’s Icons

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Classic Diner: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a classic NYC diner like Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the waitstaff performs Broadway tunes. It’s a fun way to kick off your trip!
• Central Park: After breakfast, take a stroll through Central Park. The winter scenery is beautiful, and you can visit iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a pair of ice skates at Wollman Rink!

Afternoon:

• Lunch in the Upper West Side: Head to the Upper West Side for lunch at Jacob’s Pickles for some comfort food. Their fried pickles and biscuits are a must-try!
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Spend a couple of hours exploring the Met. Even if you’re not a huge art buff, the museum is stunning, and you can see everything from ancient artifacts to modern art.

Evening:

• Dinner in Times Square: After the museum, make your way to Times Square. Grab dinner at Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restaurant that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
• Broadway Show: End your day with a Broadway show! Check what’s playing and grab tickets in advance. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live performance in the heart of the theater district.

## Day 2: Downtown Delights and Holiday Cheer

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day at Balthazar in SoHo for a French-inspired breakfast. Their pastries are to die for!
• SoHo and Greenwich Village: Spend the morning wandering through SoHo’s trendy shops and boutiques, then head to Greenwich Village. Don’t miss Washington Square Park, where you can snap a cute photo with the arch!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Chelsea Market: Make your way to Chelsea Market for lunch. There are so many delicious options, from tacos to lobster rolls. Grab a bite and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
• The High Line: After lunch, walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track. The views of the city and the Hudson River are stunning, especially with the winter chill in the air.

Evening:

• Dinner in the West Village: Head to the West Village for dinner at The Spotted Pig, a cozy gastropub with a great vibe.
• Holiday Window Displays: After dinner, take a stroll to see the holiday window displays at department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. They go all out with the decorations, and it’s a perfect way to soak in the festive spirit!

## Day 3: Brooklyn and Beyond

Morning:

• Breakfast in Brooklyn: Start your day with breakfast at Juliana’s Pizza in Brooklyn. Yes, pizza for breakfast is a thing, and it’s delicious!
• Brooklyn Bridge: After breakfast, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. The views of the skyline are breathtaking, especially in the crisp December air.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in DUMBO: Once you’re in DUMBO, grab lunch at Time Out Market, where you can sample a variety of local eats. Don’t forget to take a photo with the iconic Manhattan Bridge in the background!
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Evening:

• Return to Manhattan: Head back to Manhattan and freshen up at your hotel.
• Dinner in the East Village: For your last dinner, try Momofuku Noodle Bar for some delicious ramen or Veselka for a taste of Ukrainian comfort food.
• Nightcap at a Rooftop Bar: End your trip with a nightcap at a rooftop bar like 230 Fifth or The Press Lounge. The views of the city at night are the perfect way to wrap up your NYC adventure!

Tips:

• Dress Warmly: December can be quite chilly, so make sure to layer up and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking!
• Book in Advance: For popular restaurants and Broadway shows, it’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time.

I hope this itinerary helps you and your besties have an unforgettable time in New York City! Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🎉🗽✨