Only have a couple days for a once-in-a-lifetime tour? The thrill of New York City is found in its great variety and overwhelming number of attractions. But even two days can give you a glimpse of the greatness. Here’s a sample itinerary when you don’t have many days to spare. You’ll still find this amazing city unforgettable.
Day One
You’ll find this attraction at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which may sound familiar from the television show named after the abbreviated version of the address, 30 Rock. Tour the studios that bring us The Today Show, Tonight Show, and Saturday Night Live, plus much more, including pop culture memorabilia and a behind-the-scenes look at the television industry.
Next travel to the top of the same building where you’ll find the most spacious observation deck in the City with a breathtaking view of Upper and Lower Manhattan.
Some groups prefer to fill this space with a more sentimental observation deck, The Empire State Building.
Times Square
This intersection of three major New York City streets has become one of the City’s most iconic tourist attractions. Famous for the annual ball-dropping on New Year’s Eve and its massive digital billboards, you’ll also find tons of fun shopping, popular restaurants and exciting museums in this highly energetic space.
Broadway
Enjoy a performance of your choice. Choose from comedies, whodunnits, dramas, and classic musicals like Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, or Rent. After the show, enjoy the brilliance of Times Square after dark.
Day Two
Rise and shine, then head to the Southstreet Seaport to hop a ferry for Lady Liberty, one of the most inspiring and iconic of New York City’s sights. You can leave the ferry for an excursion on the island that houses the famous symbol of liberty, tour her museum and stand on the platform at her feet.
Ellis Island
Return to the ferry and take it to Ellis Island nearby. You’ll be inspired again as you view the images and artifacts within, glimpse the names of those who entered the United States through the Ellis Island gates, and hear the stories of many of them as well.
World Trade Center Rebuilding Site
Learn about the tragedy of 9/11 from the perspective of those who were there. Stand on the second floor of the Winter Garden and overlook the construction site, rebuilding the World Trade Center where it fell. You can also tour the World Trade Center Visitors Center and see what it will look like when completed, including the beautiful memorials which will be built into the footprints where the Twin Towers formerly stood.
Financial District
Continue touring lower Manhattan’s financial district, including Wall Street and the famous Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green Park.
Chinatown
Spend some time in this iconic neighborhood or in others nearby, similarly identifiable by history and reputation – including Little Italy and SoHo.
Browse our other itineraries for more New York City ideas. Our tours are all fully customized. You can exchange any of these attractions for another so that your 2-day tour is exactly what you want in New York City group tours.
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