A plan for your group trip, in a minute

1. Day 1

   Brooklyn

   1. 09:30· MorningDUMBOCobbled streets and the famous Manhattan Bridge view on Washington Street. Pair it with the bridge walk.~1 hFree
   2. 12:30· LunchSmorgasburgA huge open-air food market on weekends in the warmer months — dozens of vendors to share. Locations vary; check first.~1.5 hLow cost
   3. 15:00· AfternoonWalk the Brooklyn BridgeTake the subway to Brooklyn and walk back towards Manhattan to face the skyline. Early morning is quietest.~1.5 hFree
   4. 19:30· EveningBrooklyn Bridge Park at sunsetWaterfront piers with lawns, playgrounds and Jane's Carousel, facing the Manhattan skyline as it lights up.~1.5 hFreeKid-friendly
   ☔ Rainy day? Brooklyn Museum — A big, uncrowded museum with Egyptian collections and Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party, next to the Botanic Garden.
2. Day 2

   Lower Manhattan

   1. 09:30· MorningStatue of Liberty and Ellis IslandFerries leave from Battery Park. Book the official ferry early, especially for pedestal or crown access. Half a day.~5 hMid-rangeKid-friendly
   2. 12:30· LunchStaten Island FerryA free round trip with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. Stand on the right side going out.~1.5 hFreeKid-friendly
   3. 15:00· AfternoonOne World ObservatoryA fast elevator to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, with views over the harbor.~1.5 hPriceyIndoors
   4. 19:30· EveningDinner in the West VillageTree-lined streets packed with small restaurants and wine bars. Tables are tight — book ahead for groups.~2 hMid-range
   ☔ Rainy day? Tenement Museum — Guided visits to restored immigrant apartments tell the Lower East Side's story. Tours only — book a slot.
3. Day 3

   Midtown

   1. 09:30· MorningNew York Public Library and Bryant ParkPeek into the grand Rose Main Reading Room, then relax in the park behind it — winter brings a free-entry ice rink.~1 hFree
   2. 12:30· LunchGrand Central TerminalLook up at the starry ceiling of the Main Concourse, then grab lunch in the lower-level dining concourse.~1 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonEmpire State BuildingThe classic Art Deco observatory, open late. Timed tickets bought online save a long wait in the lobby lines.~1.5 hPricey
   4. 19:30· EveningTimes Square at nightWorth seeing once, lit up after dark. Keep it short and agree a meeting spot — groups split easily in the crowds.~1 hFree
   ☔ Rainy day? MoMA — Van Gogh's Starry Night, Warhol and Picasso across several floors. Timed tickets; the sculpture garden makes a nice break.

Suggestions are a starting point: check opening days and book tickets ahead.

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