How to Spend 48 Hours In New York City

There's so much to do, see, and deal with, that it can seem a little overwhelming if it's your first time here.

But there's no need to worry.

It's one of the most well-connected cities in the world and a very safe one, too. With the proper planning, anyone can do New York on their own budget and have the trip of a lifetime when doing so.

Getting there

• Flights - With it being one of the world's major hubs, New York City has various domestic/international airports. The main ones are JFK, Newark and La Guardia, but you can also fly into the likes of Stewart International.

• Transferring from airports - The easiest, yet most expensive, route is by using one of the taxi ranks located outside each airport (which can work if there are a few of you). There are also buses and trains that link to the city, as well as shared shuttles, so it depends on how much time and money you have.

Getting Around

• Subway: New York City is arranged in a grid system, and the subway neatly ties it together. You'll find subways running regularly, with stations every few blocks. They run up and down the city (check the numbers to work out which block) and from side to side (whether you're on the East side initially or the West side etc.).

• Cabs: The famous yellow cabs are another easy way of getting around, even though New York traffic is notorious. If you're in a rush and with people, you can hail a cab down and share the cost; just try and avoid rush hours as gridlock often happens.

Where to Stay

New York can be expensive, so your budget will play a big part in where to stay and what type of accommodation.

Lower Manhattan tends to be the most costly as it's the closest to the action, but the surrounding districts can be slightly cheaper (and still well connected). Brooklyn and Queens have become trendy areas full of accommodation, so it's a common choice for summer camp staff.

Your budget will also affect accommodation type. Hostels always give good value for money and are a good choice if you're at the end of your wages. If you want to sign off in style, hotels could be the one, whereas if you can get an Airbnb, you can get a feel for everyday New York life.

For something that feels straight out of the movies, head to a local New York cafe around Central Park.

There's a variety of diners, bagel shops, and cafes that have outdoor seating, which is a perfect people-watching spot to start your morning. Central Park is an incredible solitude of greenery in the immediate middle of New York’s concrete jungle. From baseball fields and basketball courts to lakes and fields, Central Park is an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Once you've eaten, be sure to take a trip around the park and take it all in. Whether you walk the paths or decide to hire a bike and leisurely ride it, you'll see the quintessential New York lifestyle in one loop.

At the midway point of the west side of Central Park, you'll find the American Museum of National History, an incredible doorway through time.

The museum covers an incredible range of history in an entertaining and enthralling way, with exhibits dotted throughout. This vast museum has everything from a replica blue whale and dinosaur fossils to ancient artefacts that early settlers first used.

For those who are fascinated by history, this museum (which was in the film 'Night at the Museum') is a must-see during your 48 hours in New York.

One of the most famous views in New York is the one looking directly at the Empire State Building, and that shot comes from the Top of the Rock viewing point.

The Top of the Rock is the vantage point atop the Rockefeller Centre, and it provides a full 360 view of the city. You can capture the perfect shot of the Empire State Building on one side, whilst you can get a bird's eye view of Central Park from the other.

It provides iconic views that stick with you a lifetime. You could go up the Empire State Building to get another great view, but the Empire State building is a landmark you want to see in all its glory.

Once you come down, there are many things you can do nearby. For those interested in history and architecture, you can find St Patrick's Cathedral a short walk away, so it's certainly worth stopping by.

Another suggestion is Grand Central Station, one of the major transport hubs in the city. Although it's primarily to get around, you'll recognise the station from countless films. The impressive design (especially the ceiling) means it's a great, free tourist stop during your 48 hours in New York.

An evening in the 'city that never sleeps' needs to begin with the most iconic night-time stop; Times Square.

Although it's always hectic, seeing it in the evening is something to witness. Billboards multiple stories high line every road, with the glaring lights making it feel like it's daytime again. It's arguably the most popular tourist spot in New York, so there are always loads of things to see and do whilst you're there.

Once you've taken in the bright lights and had a bite to eat from one of the countless restaurants nearby, you can take the very short walk to Broadway. Catching a show on Broadway is a bucket list item, with crowd favourites like The Lion King or Harry Potter always available.

They can be a little pricey depending on the day/time, so plan your visit (and ticket) accordingly and swap some stops around if you have to.

You may be tired, but with only 48 hours in New York, you need to make the most of it.

Depending on where you're staying, it'll probably be easiest to take the subway down to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. As you walk out of the subway, it's hard to miss the crowds of people walking toward the Brooklyn Bridge. This free walk takes you across New York's most famous bridge, and you'll no doubt stop a few times to get pictures between the arches.

From the bridge, you're not too far away from Wall Street, so it's worth a walk to tick another famous street off your list. The Wall Street Bull (also known as Charging Bull) instantly recognisable from the number of films it's been in, always has a queue of people waiting for a photo. So be prepared to wait for 10/15 minutes if this free stop is of interest.

As you're in lower Manhattan, the next logical stop is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks; the Statue of Liberty.

There are two potential ways you could see it, depending on your budget. You could head directly to Liberty Island and pay a fee to hop off on the island, visiting the statue up close and personal.

But, if funds are a little tight after summer camp, you can try the Staten Island ferry instead. This free ferry doesn't take you to the island, but it sails right past it, allowing you to see the statue and get good photos on the way.

It'll be on the right-hand side of the ferry when it's on its way, so make sure you get yourself a good spot.

9/11 is a date that will be etched into history, and what happened that day serves as a reminder that something like this should never happen again.

The 9/11 Memorial fountains are where the original Twin Towers stood and are in remembrance of those who lost their lives. It's a sobering location, and that feeling is reflected in the adjacent museum.

Here, you can pay your respects and hear incredible stories of bravery and human nature that punctured through that horrific day in 2001. It's a place that reinforces that day into your mind to ensure that it is never forgotten.

Upon leaving the museum, it's hard to miss the building that replaced the Twin Towers; the new One World Trade Centre. It is the tallest building in the United States and stands as a beacon of hope for the city.

Its viewing point, the One World Observatory, provides some of the most incredible views of the city. As it's a newer building than the Rockefeller or Empire State, engaging, interactive features make it a must-visit during your 48 hours in New York.

There's so much you could do for your final evening in New York, but we suggest heading up to Hudson Yards.

This swanky area of New York is a few miles north of the One World Trade Centre, so taking the subway or a cab is the easiest way to get there. You'll find a newly renovated area, with all the top-end shops in a glittering shopping centre.

You'll head into the centre to get tothe Edge, one of New York's newest skyscrapers. Its uniqueness (and why it's named 'The Edge') is found in the fact that the viewing point is, quite literally, an edge of the building. One part has a glass floor, allowing you to see directly to the bottom nearly 100 floors below (if you dare).

Once you've braved the Edge, you'll come back down, and no doubt see an interwoven architectural masterpiece known as the Vessel. The Vessel is made up of conjoining staircases and arranged in a way which makes for a stunning building. You can get great pictures outside, and it's equally as impressive if you make your way up the weaving labyrinth of stairs.

After everything you've seen, it's a great way to sign off your 48 hours in New York in style.

Other top tips

• Subway card - Get a daily subway pass to save money on your journeys. It makes things easier, quicker and cheaper, whilst also allowing you to get around the city much more quickly.

• Tourist pass - Many of New York's top attractions can be found on the Sightseeing Pass or other relevant tourist passes. You can get 1 or 2-day passes (or more if required), allowing unlimited access to most attractions. If you're planning to do loads, you could save a small fortune by getting one.

Be aware of

• City tax - Most accommodations then require you to pay a 'city tax' or 'resort tax' on arrival, which is above and beyond the initial price of the accommodation. Bear this in mind when booking and budgeting.

• Tipping - Remember to tip. Tipping in America is expected, and about 15-20% is customary for good service.