New York's Best Sights in 3 Days: For History Buffs, Families & Solo Travelers

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Kick off your day at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a retro-themed eatery known for its singing waitstaff. Try their famous Stardust Classic Burger, Red Velvet Pancakes, or Mac & Cheese.

Attraction: Madame Tussauds New York

Description:
This iconic wax museum features lifelike figures of celebrities, historical icons, and pop culture legends, offering interactive exhibits and photo opportunities that make you feel like a star.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Times Square, East 42nd and Broadway (Red route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Pose alongside Hollywood icons, global leaders, and music legends for unforgettable, photo-worthy moments.
• Step into the Music Room and “perform” alongside legends like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Elvis Presley.
• Explore the Chamber of Horrors, a spine-chilling exhibit featuring infamous figures and eerie settings.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the 4D Cinema Experience, a short but thrilling show that combines 3D visuals with physical effects like wind and motion for a fully immersive experience.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Grab a bite at The Leaping Frog Café, located inside the zoo. This casual spot offers kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, salads, refreshing smoothies, and ice cream for dessert.

Attraction: Central Park Zoo

Description:
A charming urban oasis, this compact zoo features a variety of animals, from playful sea lions to exotic snow leopards, alongside lush gardens and interactive exhibits perfect for all ages.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo, 5th Ave & E 66th St (Blue route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Watch the Sea Lion Feedings at the Central Garden, where these agile creatures show off their tricks and personalities.
• Visit the Tropic Zone, a rainforest habitat housing colorful birds, monkeys, and even a sloth.
• Explore the Penguin House, home to a lively colony of Antarctic penguins swimming and waddling in their icy enclosure.

Pro tip: Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and feeding times – they’re a great way to learn more about the animals and see them in action.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Empire State Building

Description:
An iconic Art Deco skyscraper and symbol of New York City, the Empire State Building offers breathtaking panoramic views from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Empire State Building / Koreatown, 5th Ave & W 32nd St (Red route)
• TopView: Empire State Building (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Take in the 360-degree views from the 86th-floor open-air observatory, where you can see landmarks like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.
• Explore the Dare to Dream Exhibit, which showcases the building’s history, construction, and role in pop culture through interactive displays and artifacts.
• Visit the 102nd-floor observatory for a more intimate experience with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning, unobstructed views of the city.

Pro tip: Visit the 2nd-floor exhibit before heading up. It’s often overlooked but provides fascinating historical context about the building’s construction.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Late night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Dine at The Smith, a trendy American brasserie nearby. Popular dishes include the Mac & Cheese, Skirt Steak with Chimichurri, and Banana Cream Pie for dessert. The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it perfect for both group gatherings and intimate dinners.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your day at Hutchinson Café, a cozy spot near the museum. Try their Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito, or Fresh Pastries paired with a cup of locally roasted coffee.

Attraction: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Description:
Housed on a historic aircraft carrier, this museum showcases iconic aircraft, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a Cold War-era submarine, offering a hands-on journey through maritime and aerospace history.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Red route)
• TopView: The Intrepid/West 42nd St (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Explore the Flight Deck, home to historic aircraft like the A-12 Blackbird and the F-14 Tomcat, with stunning views of the Hudson River.
• Step inside the Space Shuttle Pavilion to see the Space Shuttle Enterprise up close and learn about NASA’s space exploration history.
• Tour the Growler Submarine, the only American nuclear missile submarine open to the public, and experience life aboard this Cold War relic.

Pro tip: Stop by the Exploreum Hall, an interactive space where they can pilot a virtual aircraft, climb into a helicopter, and learn through hands-on exhibits.

Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Lokal Mediterranean Kitchen offers Mediterranean dishes and craft cocktails in a cozy, brick-lined space. Popular for its small plates and great wine list, it provides a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch.

Attraction: American Museum of Natural History

Description:
One of the world’s largest museums, this New York landmark showcases over 34 million specimens, including dinosaur fossils, cultural artifacts, and immersive exhibits on space and biodiversity.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Central Park West (Blue route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Explore the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, home to the towering Tyrannosaurus rex and the massive Apatosaurus.
• Visit the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, featuring the famous 94-foot-long blue whale model suspended from the ceiling.
• Discover the Rose Center for Earth and Space, where the Hayden Planetarium offers breathtaking shows about the universe.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the Butterfly Conservatory (seasonal) – a serene, interactive exhibit where you can walk among hundreds of live butterflies in a tropical environment.

Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: The High Line

Description:
A unique elevated park built on a historic freight rail line, the High Line offers stunning views of the Hudson River, public art installations, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Chelsea Market (Red route)
• TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Stroll through the Chelsea Grasslands, a wildflower-filled section that changes with the seasons and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
• Admire the rotating public art installations, which include sculptures, murals, and interactive pieces by renowned artists.
• Relax at the 10th Avenue Square, an amphitheater-style seating area with panoramic views of the city and the Hudson River.

Pro tip: Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic at the Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck, where you can lounge on wooden chaise lounges and soak in the views of the Hudson River.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner:
Stop by Chelsea Market, just a short walk from the High Line, for a variety of food options. Try the famous lobster rolls at The Lobster Place, tacos at Los Tacos No. 1, or artisanal pizza at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your day at Bluestone Lane, a charming Australian-inspired café nearby. Try their Avocado Smash, Breakfast Burrito, or Banana Bread, paired with a flat white or fresh juice.

Attraction: DiMenna Children's History Museum

Description: Located within the New York Historical Society, this interactive museum introduces kids to American history through engaging exhibits, games, and stories about young historical figures.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Central Park West (Blue route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Meet the “History Detectives”, interactive exhibits where kids can solve mysteries using clues from the past.
• Explore the “Dreaming Up America” exhibit, which uses multimedia displays to teach children about the nation’s founding and growth.
• Visit the “Hudson River Playground”, a hands-on area where kids can build bridges, and sailboats, and learn about New York’s waterways.

Pro tip: Check the museum’s calendar for family programs like storytime, craft workshops, or history-themed scavenger hunts, which are often held on weekends.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Stop by Clara for lunch, which offers contemporary takes on classic New York dishes like the New York strip steak, and roast chicken for two. Enjoy its a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere with outdoor dining.

Attraction: New York Historical Society

Founded in 1804, this museum is New York City’s oldest, offering a deep dive into American history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the city’s and nation’s past.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo (Blue route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Explore the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, where kids can engage with interactive exhibits about young historical figures and New York’s history.
• Admire the Tiffany Lamp Collection, one of the largest and most stunning displays of these iconic stained glass lamps.
• Visit the Audubon’s Birds of America Exhibit, featuring John James Audubon’s exquisite and life-sized bird illustrations.

Pro tip: Visit the museum store for unique gifts like history books, replicas of historical artifacts, and New York-themed souvenirs.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Brooklyn Bridge

Description:
An iconic symbol of New York City, this historic suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering stunning skyline views and a memorable walk above the East River.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Brooklyn Bridge (Red route)
• TopView: City Hall (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Walk the pedestrian pathway for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the East River.
• Capture the perfect photo at DUMBO’s Washington Street, where the bridge frames the Manhattan skyline in a picturesque shot.
• Learn about the bridge’s history through plagues and markers along the walkway, detailing its construction and significance.

Pro tip: Stop by Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park after your walk – it’s a beautifully restored carousel with stunning views of the bridge and skyline.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Before your walk, dine at Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO, known for its coal-fired pizzas. Popular dishes include the Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, and White Pizza.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: The Ellis Café provides a variety of snacks, including organic fruit, chips, and cold beverages, along with an espresso bar serving Starbucks Coffee.

Attraction: Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Description:
A symbol of hope and opportunity, this museum tells the story of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954, shaping the cultural fabric of America.

Nearest Stop:

• Big Bus New York: Statue of Liberty / Battery Park (Red route)
• TopView: Battery Park (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Walk through the Great Hall, where immigrants were processed, and imagine the hopes and fears of those who arrived seeking a new life.
• Explore the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, featuring the names of over 700,000 immigrants, including ancestors of many visitors.
• Visit the “Through America’s Gate” exhibit, which uses photographs, artifacts, and oral histories to bring the immigrant experience to life.

Pro tip: Check the museum’s website for temporary exhibitions and events, which often include special programs or guest speakers.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 1-hour bus ride.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: A lively American brasserie, The Smith is a go-to spot for comfort food classics. Whether it’s their rich mac and cheese, a perfectly cooked burger, or fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone.

Attraction: New York Historical Society

Description:
Founded in 1804, this museum is New York City’s oldest, offering a deep dive into American history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the city’s and nation’s past.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Central Park Zoo (Blue route)
• TopView: Times Square North (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Explore the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, where kids can engage with interactive exhibits about young historical figures and New York’s history.
• Admire the Tiffany Lamp Collection, one of the largest and most stunning displays of these iconic stained glass lamps.
• Visit the Audubon’s Birds of America Exhibit, featuring John James Audubon’s exquisite and life-sized bird illustrations.

Pro tip: Pair your visit with a stop at the New York Historical Society Library, which offers access to rare manuscripts, maps, and documents for history enthusiasts.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A poignant tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, this museum and memorial honors their lives and tells the story of that fateful day through artifacts, exhibits, and personal stories.

Nearest Stop:

• Big Bus New York: World Trade Center (Red route)
• TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Visit the Memorial Pools, two massive reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of the victims.
• Explore the Historical Exhibition, which chronicles the events of 9/11 through photographs, artifacts, and firsthand accounts.
• See the Survivors’ Stairs, a staircase that hundreds used to escape the World Trade Center on 9/11, now preserved as a symbol of resilience.

Pro tip: Leave a white flower on a victim’s name as a tribute – just like the staff does on their birthdays. Visitors are welcome to take part in this heartfelt tradition.

Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Visit O'Hara's Restaurant & Pub, for a cozy dinner, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service. It offers a diverse menu of classic pub fare and drinks. The walls are adorned with patches from fire and police departments worldwide, adding a unique historical significance.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Stop by Balthazar, a classic French brasserie in SoHo. Enjoy breakfast favorites like Eggs Benedict, Croque Madame, or Freshly Baked Pastries, paired with a café au lait or fresh orange juice.

Attraction: The Cloisters

A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this museum is dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, housed in a stunning building inspired by medieval cloisters.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Circle Line Sightseeing (Red route)
• TopView: The Intrepid/West 42nd St (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Explore the Cuxa Cloister, a serene garden surrounded by Romanesque arches, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
• Admire the Unicorn Tapestries, a series of intricate and beautifully preserved tapestries depicting the hunt for the mythical unicorn.
• Visit the Bonnefont Cloister, featuring a herb garden with plants used in medieval times for cooking, medicine, and symbolism.

Pro tip: Take a moment to reflect in the Trie Cloister, a quiet space with a fountain and lush greenery, perfect for meditation or quiet contemplation.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 40-minute bus ride.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Take a lunch break at Fraunces Tavern, a historic landmark where revolutionaries once gathered. Savor Scotch Eggs, Slow-Roasted Chicken Pot Pie, and Shepherd’s Pie, all served in a colonial-era ambiance.

Attraction: Federal Hall National Memorial
This historic site marks the location where George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President and served as the nation’s first capitol building.

Nearest Stop:

• Big Bus New York: World Trade Center (Red route)
• TopView: Brookfield Place (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Stand where George Washington took the oath of office in 1789, marked by a statue of the first President outside the building.
• Explore the Rotunda, featuring exhibits on the early days of the U.S. government and the history of Federal Hall.
• See the Bible used during Washington’s inauguration, a powerful symbol of the nation’s founding principles.

Pro tip: Take a moment to reflect in the Rotunda, a quiet space with exhibits that tell the story of the nation’s founding and early struggles.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Grand Central Terminal

Description:
A historic transportation hub and architectural masterpiece, Grand Central Terminal is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts design, celestial ceiling, and vibrant atmosphere.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus New York: Empire State Building / Koreatown (Red route)
• TopView: Empire State Building (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Gaze at the celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, featuring a mural of the night sky with 2,500 stars and constellations.
• Visit the Whispering Gallery, where the unique acoustics allow you to hear whispers from across the archway.
• Explore the Grand Central Market, a bustling food hall offering gourmet treats, fresh produce, and artisanal goods.

Pro tip: Take a moment to admire the Tiffany clock on the terminal’s exterior, one of the largest examples of Tiffany glass in the world.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Enjoy a meal at The Oyster Bar, a historic restaurant located inside Grand Central. Try their New England Clam Chowder, Fried Oysters, or Lobster Roll, all served in a classic, elegant setting.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Stop by the Villard for a refined setting with dishes like Eggs Benedict and Brioche French Toast. Located in the historic Villard Mansion, it provides an elegant atmosphere with a touch of Italian Renaissance style. 

Attraction: St. Patrick's Cathedral

Description: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, this iconic Fifth Avenue landmark is one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant cathedrals in the United States.

Nearest stops:

• Big Bus: Midtown East (Blue route)
• TopView: Bryank Park (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Admire the stunning stained glass windows, including the Rose Window, which bathes the interior in colorful light.
• Visit the Lady Chapel, a serene and intricately designed space dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• Explore the cathedral’s exterior, featuring towering spires, intricate carvings, and the famous bronze doors.
  

Pro tip: Attend the 8am Mass for a peaceful and spiritual start to your day, followed by a quiet exploration of the cathedral before it gets crowded.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Bryant Park Grill, located just behind the library. Popular dishes include the Bryant Park Burger, Grilled Salmon, and Seasonal Vegetable Risotto, all served with a view of the park.

Attraction: New York Public Library

Description: A Beaux-Arts masterpiece, this iconic library is one of the largest in the world, housing millions of books, historic manuscripts, and stunning architectural details.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus: Midtown East (Blue route)
• TopView: Bryank Park (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• Marvel at the Rose Main Reading Room, a breathtaking space with towering ceilings, chandeliers, and rows of wooden desks under natural light.
• See the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals in the Children’s Center, a delightful exhibit for both kids and adults.
• Explore the exhibitions and galleries, which often feature rare books, maps, and artifacts from the library’s vast collection.

Pro tip: Traveling while working? Bring your laptop – the library’s quiet reading rooms are perfect for work or study in a serene environment.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - Historical Art Collections

Description: One of the world’s most influential modern art museums, MoMA houses masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, showcasing the evolution of modern and contemporary art.

Nearest stop:

• Big Bus: Midtown East (Blue route)
• TopView: Bryank Park (Downtown route)

Highlights:

• See Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”, one of the most iconic and beloved paintings in the world.
• Explore Pablo Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, a groundbreaking work that redefined modern art.
• Explore the exhibitions and galleries, which often feature rare books, maps, and artifacts from the library’s vast collection.

Pro tip: Take a break at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, a serene outdoor space with sculptures and seating, perfect for reflection.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Late Night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Dine at The Modern, MoMA’s upscale restaurant. Try their Tasting Menu, Duck Breast, or Herb-Crusted Lamb, paired with a glass of wine from their curated list.