✈️ Two Days in New York City from Chicago: A Quick Getaway Guide
If you’ve got a free weekend and a little wanderlust, a two-day trip from Chicago to New York City is totally doable. With budget airlines, mid-range hotels, and a well-planned itinerary, you can pack in sightseeing, food, and culture without feeling overwhelmed.
🛫 Flight from Chicago to NYC
- Airlines: Look at Southwest, Spirit, United, or Delta. Flights can run $120–$200 roundtrip if booked early.
- Airports:
- JFK (ideal if you don’t mind a longer ride into Manhattan).
- LaGuardia (closest to Manhattan).
- Newark (good if you’re staying in lower Manhattan).
- Flight time: About 2 hours.
Plan for an early morning departure from Chicago on Day 1 and a late evening return on Day 2 so you maximize your time.
🏨 Hotel Suggestions (1 Night Stay)
Look for hotels in Midtown Manhattan for easy access to transportation:
- Pod Times Square (budget-friendly, modern).
- Hilton Garden Inn Midtown.
- Moxy NYC Times Square (stylish, mid-range).
Expect $150–$250 per night depending on season.
📅 Day 1: Classic Manhattan Highlights
Morning
- Flight lands around 9–10 AM.
- Drop luggage at hotel.
- Walk to Times Square for the quintessential photo op.
Midday
- Head up to Central Park. Rent a CitiBike or just stroll—hit Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields.
- Grab lunch at Gray’s Papaya (famous hot dogs) or a New York slice at Joe’s Pizza.
Afternoon
- Visit The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). If art isn’t your thing, swap for The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
- Coffee break at Blue Bottle Coffee or Birch Coffee.
Evening
- Dinner in Hell’s Kitchen (try 5 Napkin Burger, or Totto Ramen).
- Optional splurge: Broadway show (buy tickets in advance or use TKTS booth in Times Square for discounts).
- Night stroll at Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral nearby.
📅 Day 2: Downtown & Local Flavor
Morning
- Breakfast: NYC bagel (Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters).
- Head downtown: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (book early morning ferry tickets).
Midday
- Stop at Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
- Grab lunch in Chinatown (try Vanessa’s Dumplings or Wo Hop).
Afternoon
- Explore SoHo and Greenwich Village for shopping, murals, and local cafés.
- Walk the High Line—an elevated park with great views.
Evening
- Dinner in Chelsea Market (lots of variety).
- Quick stroll through Hudson Yards to see the Vessel (and snap pics).
- Pick up luggage, head to airport for late flight home.
💵 Estimated Budget (per person)
- Flights: $150–$200
- Hotel: $200
- Meals: $100 (2 days casual mix)
- Attractions (museum + Statue of Liberty + subway fares): $80
- Total: Around $500–$600
✨ Tip: Get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard ($34) even for 2 days—it saves money if you take multiple subway/bus rides.
