There is no gentle transition into the New York City way of life. As you step out of the airport, you will be transported into its vibrant, 24-hour culture. So we've put together a little guide to help you pack as much as you can into a short stay in the Big Apple.
Day 1: See the Mother of Freedom in New York
As soon as you've dropped your bags at the hotel, you'll want to explore the New York main attractions as quickly as possible - intrepid explorer that you are!
Manhattan is a great place to start your sightseeing trip. First, dive into Wall Street, in the south of the island. One of the world's major financial hubs, you can easily access the view from the One World Observatory here, which will let you survey the city from 1,776 ft in the air.
A short walk south will deliver you to the famous Battery Park. Grab a bite to eat from the street vendors (we recommend hot dogs) and then hop on the ferries to get to Staten Island and you'll get the best view of the Statue of Liberty in all her majesty. Another short ferry trip will take you to Liberty Island, where you can visit the monument in person, and history lovers may want to carry on to Ellis Island where they can find a museum about immigration in the city.
Day 2: Experience the cultural capital of the US in New York
Prepare to fully immerse yourself in Broadway. Start the day by visiting Times Square, the bustling central hub of the entertainment district. It's home to a range of shops and entertainment venues that you may want to partake in. It even has its own museum dedicated to the area's rich history.
As the sun begins to set, the square takes on a whole new look. Book in advance for one of the area's fantastic eateries, then secure your tickets for any of Broadway's world-famous shows. These can include everything from musicals to dramas. Tickets go quickly, so you should book in advance (you may also be able to get better deals that way). Follow this up with a short evening stroll down the High Line, a former railroad that has now been turned into a raised green area.
Day 3: See the green space of New York
On your final day, get one last view of the city from above at the grand Empire State Building. As you make your way to the top, you'll see exhibits and photographs about the history of this monumental building, once the tallest in the world. While not the biggest anymore, the view is still terrific.
Art lovers should then head to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It has a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, with work from famous contemporary American artists such as Andy Warhol. You can even book before-opening-hour tours with an art expert if you want an early start to the day.
The final few hours should be spent relaxing and walking around central park. The biggest open space in the city, you will recognize many of its paths, ponds, and monuments from Hollywood movies - and Friends. Even around it, buildings such as the famous Dakota will catch your eye. The Central Park Zoo is a great place to keep young ones entertained before you leave.