Optimized 3-Day New York City Getaway from Los Angeles

Day 1: Arrival and Midtown Highlights

New York City, USA on April 30, 2025

8:30am

Flight from Los Angeles to New York City

Take an early morning direct flight from LAX to JFK or LGA, typically around 5-6 hours, arriving in New York around midday. Booking nonstop flights is recommended for efficiency.
Approx. USD300-500, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Modern

Dine at The Modern, a Michelin-starred restaurant at MoMA, offering refined American cuisine with a view of the sculpture garden. Open from 12pm to 2:30pm for lunch.
USD50-80, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore world-class modern and contemporary art at MoMA, open from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Don't miss iconic works like Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
USD25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Walk along Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center

Stroll through iconic NYC sights like Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and shop or window-shop along Fifth Avenue. This area stays lively into the evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Enjoy classic, family-style Italian dining in a lively atmosphere at Carmine’s on 44th Street. Perfect for a hearty meal after a day of travel and sightseeing.
USD40-70, 1h30m
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Day 2: Downtown and Brooklyn

New York City, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Balthazar

Start your day with a classic French breakfast at Balthazar in Soho, known for its fresh pastries and bustling Parisian atmosphere. Opens at 7am.
USD15-25, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Explore the deeply moving 9/11 Memorial pools and museum, open from 9am to 8pm, to gain insight into the events of September 11 and honor the victims.
USD26, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Downtown

Enjoy a variety of Italian food options in a vibrant marketplace setting at Eataly Downtown, adjacent to the World Trade Center site.
USD25-40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a scenic 1.1-mile walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, offering fantastic city views. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Stroll around DUMBO’s cobblestone streets and enjoy Brooklyn Bridge Park’s waterfront views and green space.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza

Savor some of Brooklyn’s best pizza at Juliana’s, open from 12pm to 11pm, located near the Brooklyn Bridge entrance.
USD20-35, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return to Manhattan or stay in Brooklyn for nightlife

Option to explore Manhattan nightlife or enjoy local bars in DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, many open late into the night.
Varies, Optional
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Day 3: Uptown and Central Park

New York City, USA on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Enjoy a classic NYC breakfast with pancakes or eggs Benedict at Sarabeth’s, a cozy spot near Central Park. Opens at 8am.
USD20-35, 1h0m

9:30am

Central Park Walking Tour

Take a guided or self-guided walking tour of Central Park’s iconic sights such as Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo. The park is open from 6am to 1am.
Free or guided tours approx. USD25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit The Met Museum

Explore the vast collections of art and artifacts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, open from 10am to 5:30pm. Admission is recommended.
USD30, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Dining Room at The Met

Relax with lunch inside The Met’s elegant Dining Room, offering seasonal American cuisine with beautiful views of Central Park.
USD30-50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Fifth Avenue Shopping

Stroll down Fifth Avenue for high-end shopping and to visit landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral if missed earlier.
Free to browse, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Smith

Enjoy a casual yet upscale American dinner at The Smith in Midtown, open until 10pm with excellent cocktails and comfort food.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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