What’s the best way to spend three days in New York City?

My partner and I had been to NYC in 2019 with some friends, but in 2023 we decided it was time to go back and revisit.

Here is how we spent 3 days in New York City!

Day One: Times Square and Chelsea Market

Having travelled together a few times before, Brandon and I know the best plan for us does not include three meals a day. We usually have a big brunch that will get us through the day, snack at some point mid-day, and then indulge again for dinner.

We had a solid brunch at In Common before beginning our full day of walking around NYC.

Thankfully, it was a beautiful spring day – perfect for walking and exploring.

We visited the Vessel and then walked along the High Line, which was new to us but full of other tourists with the same idea.

*At the Vessel and High Line (April 2023)*

It was still a charming walk.

We made it to Chelsea Market and wandered around the indoor market before deciding to walk all the way back to our hotel near Times Square.

That night, we got dressed up for a night on the town.

We returned to Don Antonio for a delicious slice of pizza – we’d been to this spot last time we were in NYC, and it merited a revisit.

And then for the main event: Moulin Rouge on Broadway!

On our previous trip to NYC, we’d seen an off-Broadway production of Avenue Q. But this time with some planning, we were able to book tickets to Moulin Rouge.

I was really excited, but wasn’t sure what Brandon would think.

We were both absolutely blown away. The talent. The music. The costumes and sets. The whole production was non-stop fun. Brandon said it was one of the best musicals I’d taken him to, which is a great review.

On a short walk after the show, we stopped by Times Square for a nighttime view before calling it a night.

Day Two: the Village and Midtown

We slept in a bit after a late night and found a basic brunch spot to fuel us for the day ahead.

I don’t think we planned for a lot of walking, but the weather was just too nice not to spend as much time as we could outside.

Brandon and I walked down to the Village for a less busy vibe, and then stopped into Jeffrey’s Grocery for a bite. Walking makes us hungry!

On our walk back to Times Square, we decided quite spontaneously to stop at the Museum of Sex.

*The Pink Bedroom at the Museum of Sex (April 2023)*

I love a quirky museum, but this one was actually pleasantly surprising. The museum covers many topics, such as the history of devices, sex portrayal in the media over time, and an exhibit, Portia Munson’s The Pink Bedroom.

That night’s adventures took us to Ippudo NY for an iconic bowl of ramen.

Then we headed to Summit One Vanderbilt for our first New York City lookout. Summit is an observation deck with some pretty cool interactive art pieces.

We had a signature cocktail at the top of the summit for one last moment to enjoy the view, and then headed back for the night.

Day Three: Central Park

After three days of Googling “brunch near me,” Maps provided some less-than-stellar options. So we went to a spot called Times Square Diner and Grill. And you know what? It was my favourite brunch of the trip.

I got a strawberry French toast sandwich filled with walnuts and cream cheese. Two years later, I still think about that dish.

This is your lesson: even if the place seems super touristy, don’t write it off. You never know.

*Strawberry Fields and Cherry Blossoms (April 2023)*

Brandon and I walked to Central Park from brunch, beelining for the Strawberry Fields John Lennon memorial. I love the Beatles (not really a hot take, I get it), so it was nice to visit.

It was also just so gorgeous in the park, as the cherry blossoms were starting to come out.

*American Museum of Natural History (April 2023)*

After a bit of a walk, we headed to the American Museum of Natural History. It was on my list of epic museums to visit, and it was amazing to finally see that giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling.

I’m not a huge history museum person, but this was one of my favourites.

*Ice cream on a warm spring day (April 2023)*

We were exhausted from a day of walking around the park and museum, so we grabbed an ice cream from a truck and picked up some fast food on our way back to the hotel.

After a short nap, we went to our hotel bar for a drink and dessert to say goodbye to New York City.