From Manhattan to Brooklyn: The Perfect 3 Days in NYC

Arrival and afternoon:

• Arrive at LaGuardia Airport or other NYC area airport.

• Take Uber Shuttle (book through app), subway, taxi, or rideshare to your hotel.

• Walk to hotel, check in, and rest/unpack.

Evening:

• Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar for city views.

• Dinner at nearby restaurant (Zoob Zib Thai near Midtown or explore your neighborhood).

• Early night to prepare for full exploration days.

Why I recommend it:

• Rest period: Starting with rest instead of rushing prevents burnout and jet lag from ruining your weekend.

• Rooftop bar: Gives you a chance to orient yourself with the city layout while enjoying your first proper NYC moment

• Casual dinner: Keeping it reservation-free removes pressure and lets you settle in at your own pace

Insider tips:

The Uber Shuttle from LaGuardia is a game-changer—regular Ubers run $95+ and taxis around $80, but the shuttle gets you to Midtown in a clean Sprinter van with AC and power outlets for a fraction of the cost. There's no convenient bus or subway route from LaGuardia, so this is your best budget-friendly option.

Morning:

• Coffee at a nearby café.

• Subway to Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Explore the Met (focus on 2–3 specific galleries).

Lunch:

• Pick up sandwiches at a nearby deli.

• Lunch in Central Park (30-minute people-watching break)

Afternoon:

• Visit The Frick Collection.

• Walk back through Central Park (grab ice cream if desired).

• Return to hotel for rest period.

Evening:

Choose your entertainment: baseball at Citi Field, Broadway show, comedy club, or rooftop bars. Nightcap at local bar or lounge.

Why I recommend it:

• The Met: One of the world’s greatest museums with unparalleled collections across multiple cultures and time periods.

• Central Park lunch: Strategic energy management between museums—not wasted time, essential recharging.

• The Frick: Offers an intimate art experience that prevents museum fatigue after the Met’s grandeur.

• Flexible evening: Lets you choose based on your interests and what tickets are available.

Insider tips:

The Met houses over two million artifacts across 2.2 million square feet—it’s literally impossible to see everything in one visit. Before you go, pick 2–3 specific galleries that most interest you (Egyptian Art, European Paintings, Arms & Armor, etc.) and see those first, then let yourself wander. This prevents museum overwhelm and ensures you actually remember what you loved instead of everything becoming a blur.

For evening entertainment that requires tickets (Broadway shows, Comedy Cellar, etc.), book in advance—these often sell out and waiting until the day-of limits your options.

Morning—West Village:

• Coffee from corner bodega.

• Subway to West Village.

• Breakfast at Murray’s Bagels (outdoor seating for people-watching).

Mid-morning—village exploration:

• Stroll to Washington Square Park.

• Browse Goods for the Study and grab coffee at Stumptown Coffee on your way to sit in the park.

• Stop at Strand Books for browsing.

Late morning/early afternoon—Brooklyn:

• Subway to DUMBO, Brooklyn.

• Walk to Pebble Beach for Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge views.

• Walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Take the ferry to North Williamsburg.

• Explore artist flea markets and local plant/paper shops.

• Lunch at Teddy’s or nearby neighborhood spot.

Afternoon:

• Return to hotel for rest time.

• Pack and prepare for tomorrow’s morning departure.

Evening:

• Final dinner at Capizzi or neighborhood restaurant of your choice

Why I recommend it:

• West Village: Represents classic Manhattan charm with tree-lined streets, independent shops, and authentic New York energy.

• Washington Square Park: Central gathering place that captures the neighborhood’s bohemian character.

• Strand Books: Iconic NYC bookstore (plus excellent bathrooms for neighborhood exploring).

• Ferry to Williamsburg: Both practical transportation and scenic experience that most tourists miss

• North Williamsburg: Showcases Brooklyn’s creative side with artist markets and innovative shops—less crowded than DUMBO.

• Afternoon rest: By day three, you need time to recharge and process everything you’ve experienced

• Final dinner: End on a high note with a special-but-not-pretentious meal.

Insider tips:

Sometimes authentic beats Instagram-worthy—that bodega coffee is part of the real NYC experience. The Strand Books bathroom stop is strategic; when exploring neighborhoods all day, knowing where clean restrooms are located saves stress. The ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Park to North Williamsburg is a local secret that most tourists miss—it offers incredible views while getting you to a less crowded part of Brooklyn.