I’ve always had a soft spot for New York City. There’s something about the energy, the diversity, and the endless things to do that keeps pulling me back. Recently, I got the chance to spend a short 3-day vacation in Manhattan, which has become my favorite spot to stay when I’m in the city. Even though I’ve been to NYC many times, there’s always something new to discover, and this trip was no different.
Day 1: Arrival and Walking Around Times Square
I arrived in the afternoon and immediately felt the buzz of the city. There’s just no place like New York, and every time I get here, it’s like my excitement goes through the roof. After checking into my hotel, which was conveniently located near Times Square, I decided to kick off my trip with a walk around the area.
I know, I know—Times Square is super touristy, but it’s one of those places that’s just fun to be in, even if it’s crowded. The bright lights, the people watching, the giant screens—it’s sensory overload in the best possible way. I love strolling around, soaking in the energy, and watching street performers.
For dinner, I wanted something simple and budget-friendly, so I went to Joe’s Pizza. It’s a no-frills pizza joint that’s been around forever, and it’s famous for a reason. The slices are huge, delicious, and cheap. I grabbed a couple of slices and took them back to Times Square to eat on the steps by the TKTS booth. Eating pizza while watching the world go by in the middle of Times Square? It doesn’t get more New York than that.
Day 2: Central Park and Exploring Museums
The second day started with a morning walk in Central Park, which is one of my favorite places in the city. It’s such a huge contrast to the bustling streets surrounding it, and there’s always something new to see in the park. I made my way up to the Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge, two of the most iconic spots in Central Park. The view from the bridge is always stunning, especially in the morning when the city feels like it’s just waking up.
After Central Park, I headed to the American Museum of Natural History, which is an absolute must for me every time I visit. It’s huge, so even though I’ve been here many times, I always seem to find something new to check out. Plus, it’s budget-friendly if you know the trick: the museum has a “pay what you wish” policy for general admission, so you can decide how much you want to spend on tickets. I spent hours wandering through the exhibits, from the dinosaur bones to the massive blue whale hanging in the ocean hall.
For lunch, I wanted to stick to a budget-friendly option, so I stopped at Gray’s Papaya for one of their famous hot dogs. It’s a small, no-frills place, but the hot dogs are iconic, and you can grab a couple of them for a few bucks. Paired with their signature papaya juice, it was the perfect quick bite before heading to my next destination.
In the afternoon, I made my way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), which is another must-visit. Like the Natural History Museum, The Met also has a pay-what-you-wish option for admission. It’s easy to get lost in here, but in the best way possible. The art and exhibits are just incredible. I could spend days here and still not see everything.
Day 3: Exploring Lower Manhattan and Missing Out on Some Favorites
My last day in the city started with a trip to Lower Manhattan. I’ve always loved the more historic side of New York, so I spent the morning walking around Battery Park and soaking in the view of the Statue of Liberty from a distance. I’ve done the ferry ride to Liberty Island on a previous trip, so I skipped it this time, but it’s still a cool sight from the park.
Afterward, I walked over to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which is such a powerful and moving experience. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you haven’t before. The reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood are a beautiful tribute, and the museum itself is incredibly well done, both respectful and informative.
For lunch, I decided to try Los Tacos No. 1, a popular spot in Chelsea Market. This place gets a lot of hype, and I can totally see why. The tacos are amazing, and for New York standards, they’re pretty affordable. I grabbed a couple of tacos and ate them while wandering around Chelsea Market, which is also a fun place to explore if you like food markets and unique shops.
With only a few hours left before I had to catch my train back home, I realized there were a couple of places I didn’t have time to visit. I’ve always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), but with only three days in the city, I just couldn’t squeeze it in. It’s definitely on my list for next time, though. The views from the bridge are supposed to be incredible, and DUMBO has a ton of cool cafes and shops that I’m dying to check out.
I also really wanted to visit The High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line that runs through the West Side. I’ve walked parts of it before, but I’ve never had the chance to do the whole thing. It’s such a unique way to see the city, with all the greenery mixed in with views of the skyline.
Final Thoughts: Why I Keep Coming Back
There’s just something about New York City that I can’t get enough of. Even though I’ve been here many times, every trip feels like a new adventure. Whether I’m exploring famous landmarks or discovering new places, the city never gets old for me. Plus, there’s always something budget-friendly to do, which makes it easy to enjoy even when you’re trying to save money.
Next time I’m in New York, I’ll definitely make sure to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO, as well as take a full walk along The High Line. I already can’t wait for my next trip to the city. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of pizza, hot dogs, and tacos from my favorite spots in Manhattan.
