2-Day New York City Itinerary: essential tips

Choosing New York as a destination is already a highlight. And it doesn't matter if you're only staying for a couple of days, I guarantee that the experience will be unforgettable. You will have enough time to take pictures in the most emblematic places of Manhattan, and even a selfie next to the Statue of Liberty! Here is the travel guide that will make it all easier for you.

If your time in New York is short, the key is to choose areas of the city where the attractions are close to each other. This way you can take advantage and see several things at once. You may not be able to get into everything, but you will be able to see it from the outside and get some great photos along the way.

Walk around Times Square

If you start your day from Times Square you have a great advantage: many of Manhattan's other popular destinations are within walking distance. The walk takes you no more than 15 minutes towards Broadway. It is also one of the stops if you book the New York sightseeing bus, an option to consider if you are spending a short stay in New York, as you can move comfortably between the main places.

Times Square is usually full of tourists, so if you go early in the morning you will feel less crowded and you can take your pictures in peace. In addition, from this meeting point many tour buses depart withtours of different areas of the city Take advantage of them and kill more than two birds with one stone.

Take a tour of the south side of Central Park

The famous Central Park, in the heart of Manhattan and has about 341 hectares. You may not have time to see it all, but you'll see the highlights. From Times Square you can take the C subway line to Strawberry fields, the iconic monument to John Lehnon. Or if you prefer, you can walk the same route for 30 minutes. This way you see some things on the way like the famous Tavern of the Green or Greyshot Arch.

Then go back the other way heading first a little further east. There take pictures next to The Lake. Then cross the Bow Bridge and take the path The Mall that surely you have seen in more than one movie or TV series.

If you are up for it, you can also rent a bike in Central Park especially for this tour and you will be able to cover more sites in less time (plus it's quite an adventure!). If you prefer to visit another park in the city because you already know it, you can check here which are the best parks in New York.

Visit the MET, the most complete museum in New York City.

You can't visit the Big Apple and not spend at least a couple of hours at the Met or Metropolitan Museum of Art. More than two million pieces of art from around the world that will leave you with your mouth open. This is undoubtedly one of the best museums in New York.

The MET opens its doors at 10 a.m. in the morning. Book your guided tour of the MET as soon as possible or buy your tickets early so you don't miss out. Another option to skip the line is to book the best New York City Tourist Card. This way, you can enter directly to see the most emblematic works of its permanent collection.

Make a stop at Rockefeller Center

Whether it's Christmas because you want to access the giant glowing tree and skating rink or just to climb to the Top of the Rock, you can't miss New York's largest shopping complex.

Walk out of Central Park to Fifth Avenue and walk for 13 minutes to meet the facade of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Take a few photos to remember. Then go inside for a few minutes and appreciate the interior. The entrance to the Cathedral is free and you can enter until 6 p.m.

When you leave the Cathedral continue to the front, there you have Rockefeller Center. In addition to climbing to the top I recommend that you make a stop to eat here. Find here the best places to eat near Rockefeller Center or book a food tour.

Book a contrast tour

Another option if you are only going for a couple of days is to book the contrasts tour because it will be a comfortable and easy way to get to know the popular neighborhoods of Harlem, Bronx, Queens and Manhattan and discover their cultural diversity.

All this with a local guide who will show you each of the places in detail in this five-hour tour.

Return to Broadway and enjoy a show

Close the day by returning to Times Square and be wowed by the neon lights. And while you're at it, why not see a musical? The soundtrack, the characterization, the staging... the best of the best.

You have manymusicals to choose from. Most performances start around 7:30 pm. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance, so you get a good seat.

Get ready because Manhattan is not all that New York has to offer. On the second day I recommend you to get off the island a little bit and visit two must-see places that every tourist in New York can't miss: the Statue of Liberty and the famous Brooklyn borough.

Head to the Statue of Liberty

With yourStatue of Liberty tickets already purchased, skip the lines. First book a ferry cruise to the Statue of Liberty and watch the skyline take shape as you sail away from Manhattan. Take a picture of the backdrop of Manhattan and a selfie with the Statue of Liberty.

Once you arrive at Liberty Island you can access the interior of the monument and learn about its history at the museum. You also have access to the observation deck from which you can appreciate the views of Manhattan in the distance.

On your way back I recommend that you stop with the ferry at Ellis Island and take a few minutes to visit the Immigration Museum. You will learn all about the great waves of immigration that made New York the multicultural city it is today.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

As you return to the south side of Manhattan, it's a good idea to take a tour of the World Trade Center and next to it, the 911 Museum. There you will witness the impact of this tragedy and how the events of 9/11 had consequences not only for the American people, but for the rest of the world.

As I have recommended before, buy your tickets to the 9/11 Memorial in advance and skip the lines.

Head to Brooklyn

To the southeast of the island of Manhattan rises the bridge that connects it with the famous borough of Brooklyn, home to renowned artists and much of the New York population. Crossing it on foot takes about 45 minutes and by subway from Memorial 911 you can take the A line. I recommend the former for a more authentic experience.

Once you are in Brooklyn, you will notice a strong architectural identity as opposed to Manhattan. For this, I mainly recommend the neighborhood of DUMBO. It is approximately a 15 minute walk once you cross the bridge. Take a walk to explore Brooklyn and be amazed by those industrial buildings now converted into apartments that we all dream of owning one day. Also, be sure to visit the Broadway Museum.

Once there, you can also visit Williamsburg and New York's Jewish Quarter.

Discover the Guggenheim Museum

To round out the afternoon, book your skip-the-line tickets to the Guggenheim Museum and catch up on modern and contemporary art with an impressive collection that will dazzle you with works by Pollock, Kandinsky, Picasso and Renoir.

Also, pay close attention to the building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is an architectural masterpiece that will impress you.

Say goodbye to Manhattan at the top of the Empire State Building

As you have seen, there is plenty to see and do in New York. It's time to say goodbye to Manhattan and celebrate that, despite your short visit, you managed to see more than you thought you would.

Make the most of it and do it in style by climbing the Empire State Building. If you have it, we recommend you to use your tourist card to avoid the queues. And if you have not purchased them, do not hesitate to book your ticket to the Empire State Building. And take pictures, lots and lots of pictures. The Manhattan nightscape deserves to be remembered and immortalized.

You have time to go up until before 1:15 a.m., as the access remains open until 2 a.m.