2 days in New York: itinerary with prices (2026)

Day 1 — Lower Manhattan and the harbor

The morning ferry from Battery Park reaches both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on one ticket, and the 9/11 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge are both close enough to cover on foot afterward, before heading uptown for sunset at the Empire State Building. Day 1 confirmed entrance fees total $70 per adult — the 9/11 Memorial's outdoor plaza is free, and only its museum carries a separate, unverified ticket price.

Day 2 — Central Park and Midtown

Central Park in the morning leads naturally into the Met on its eastern edge, then south into MoMA, Top of the Rock and Times Square for the evening. Day 2 confirmed entrance fees total $60 per adult across the Met and MoMA — the Met's $30 is the fixed price for visitors who don't live in New York State, and Top of the Rock prices its timed tickets by date — check the official site.

What 2 days in New York costs

Core entrance fees with confirmed 2026 pricing total $130 per adult across both days — the Statue of Liberty ferry, the Empire State Building, the Met and MoMA — or $135 all-in with the Empire State Building's mandatory $5 booking charge at checkout. The 9/11 Memorial Museum and Top of the Rock are priced separately by their operators — check their official sites when you book.

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FAQ

Is 2 days enough for New York?

It covers the harbor, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park and the Met/MoMA/Times Square cluster in Midtown described above. Add a third day for Brooklyn neighborhoods, a Broadway show, or extra museum time.

How much do entrance fees cost in New York?

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry is $26, the Empire State Building is $44, and the Met and MoMA are $30 each (the Met's $30 applies to visitors who don't live in New York State). Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge and the 9/11 Memorial's outdoor plaza are all free.

Do you need to book tickets in advance in New York?

Yes for the Statue of Liberty ferry and the Empire State Building — both use timed entry and can sell out on busy dates. The 9/11 Memorial Museum and Top of the Rock also require timed tickets booked through their own official sites, which show current prices by date.