48 Hours in New York City
Take a small bite out of the Big Apple with a visit to the top attractions in Manhattan
Exploring New York City in 48 hours is an exhilarating adventure. The most populous city in the US brims with things to see and do. Of course, doing it all in just two days is impossible, but as a frequent visitor to the Big Apple, I’ve come to discover that you can see many of the borough’s most iconic landmarks in just a two-day itinerary designed for Manhattan first-timers. Here’s how to take a whirlwind tour of The City That Never Sleeps without feeling overwhelmed.
Day 1: Midtown and downtown landmarks
Morning: Starting in NYC’s bustling Times Square, take in trademark billboards and dazzling lights that sit above the crowds. Grab breakfast at any nearby diner for authentic local fare and conversation.
Stroll a few blocks up Sixth Avenue to the legendary Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center. At the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, along with unobstructed vistas of Central Park.
Next, cross Fifth Avenue to see the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which opened its doors in 1879, and then continue down Fifth past luxury stores toward the stately stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, at the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and Fifth.
Behind the library, Bryant Park provides the perfect setting for a relaxing al fresco lunch. Alternatively, head two blocks east to Grand Central Terminal for lunch inside the food court to marvel at the terminal’s majestic architecture and famous celestial ceiling.
Afternoon: Back on Fifth Avenue, capture photos of the famous Empire State Building, or head to its observation deck for sweeping city views if you skipped Top of the Rock earlier.
Meander south on Fifth toward the Flatiron Building, featured in movies such as Spiderman and Godzilla, and end your walk at Washington Square Park’s famous arch, also showcased in numerous films and shows, from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War.
Evening: Wrap up your day in Greenwich Village or SoHo where you can slow down with dinner in either one of Manhattan’s charming neighborhoods. Choose between trendy restaurants, classic NYC pizza, and explore the vibrant nightlife.
After dinner option: See a Broadway show, usually starting at 7 or 8 p.m. Buy tickets in advance, or try your luck with same-day discounts at the TKTS booth in Times Square (but beware that ticket lines can be long) or online at TodayTix.
Day 2: Central Park and Lower Manhattan
Morning: Start your day exploring Central Park, with its 843 acres spanning 2.5 miles from Midtown to Harlem. Although you could spend the whole day here, this itinerary lets you experience the essence of the legendary green space in only a few hours. Enter from Fifth Avenue at 59th Street, near the Plaza Hotel, stroll past Wollman’s Rink, wander up The Mall and Literary Walk, and take a break at Bethesda Terrace and Fountain to escape the concrete of the big city. On the walk back, soak in charming Bow Bridge before heading west to Strawberry Fields and The Beatles’ “Imagine” memorial. Exit near Columbus Circle to explore a lesser-known gem: The Shops at Columbus Circle with Instagram-worthy shots of Central Park South from the second and third floors.
At street level, head down Eighth Avenue, turning left onto 57th, and enjoy lunch at The Brooklyn Diner, home to the famous chicken noodle soup (which tastes homemade and comes with challah bread for dipping) and where breakfast is served all day. Afterward, continue to the corner of 57th and Seventh to see iconic Carnegie Hall. Even if you can’t squeeze in a show, guided public tours of this historic hall are well worth the visit.
Afternoon: Since Manhattan is an island, taking in its entirety from the water is a must. The Circle Line Cruise departs from Pier 83 at 42nd Street, offering multiple tour options, including close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Evening: After disembarking, head south on Eighth Avenue for a 25-minute walk to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where you can take a guided tour to learn about the 9/11 terrorist attacks and honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day. Experience the 9/11 Memorial Pools, a moving tribute set within the Twin Towers’ original footprint.
With inspiring landmarks, world-class dining, unforgettable city views, and so many other things to do in New York City, a 48-hour visit to Manhattan offers a small bite of the Big Apple, leaving you satisfied yet eager for your next trip.