The Staten Island Ferry passes right by the Statue of Liberty.
Image: Avi Werde / Unsplash
Landing tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup means your travel plans to the United States are officially locked in.
While football is the primary reason for your journey, spending a couple of days in New York City is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
The tournament matches are actually taking place across the river at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
However, basing yourself in Manhattan allows you to explore the city before or after your match.
Here is a practical forty-eight-hour plan to see the city without overcomplicating your trip.
Known during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, MetLife is the "Centre of the World" and the prestigious host of the World Cup Final on July 19.
Image: Axel Sorin / Pexels
Start your first morning early by heading to a local corner bodega or a street cart for a classic New York breakfast.
Ordering a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll or a toasted bagel with schmear is quick, affordable, and exactly what the locals do.
Take your breakfast to Central Park for a morning walk. In the summer, the park offers a quiet break from the city streets.
You can walk past the Bethesda Fountain or find a bench to watch the local runners.
You can walk past the Bethesda Fountain or find a bench to watch the local runners.
Image: Sarah O'Shea / Pexels
From the park, walk down Fifth Avenue toward Midtown.
You will pass Rockefeller Centre, which is functioning as an official World Cup Fan Village with tournament displays and merchandise.
Instead of waiting in long lines at the major skyscraper viewing decks, head to the High Line in Chelsea for the afternoon.
Rockefeller Centre is functioning as an official World Cup Fan Village.
Image: Federico Abis / Pexels
This is a public park built on an old elevated rail line. It sits above the traffic, giving you a clear view of the streets and the Hudson River.
End the day in Greenwich Village. The neighbourhood is known for its brownstone buildings and jazz clubs.
For dinner, you can get a slice of thin-crust pizza at Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street, which is a straightforward and inexpensive meal option.
Grab a slice of thin-crust pizza at Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street.
Image: Matteo Modica / Pexels
Spend your second day exploring the southern part of Manhattan and crossing into Brooklyn.
Start at Whitehall Terminal and get on the Staten Island Ferry.
The ferry is free and passes right by the Statue of Liberty, offering a clear view of the harbour and the downtown skyline without the cost of a tour boat.
The Staten Island Ferry passes right by the Statue of Liberty, offering a clear view of the harbour and the downtown skyline.
Image: Richard Harris / Pexels
Once back in Manhattan, take a short walk to the Financial District to see Wall Street. From there, visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools, which are built into the footprints of the original towers.
In the afternoon, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The pedestrian walkway connects Manhattan directly to Brooklyn and provides an excellent view of the river.
On the Brooklyn side, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park in the DUMBO neighbourhood.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools, which are built into the footprints of the original towers.
Image: Alexey K / Pexels
This waterfront park is hosting a World Cup Fan Zone during the tournament, making it a good place to meet other football fans.
It also offers a view of the Manhattan skyline as the sun sets.
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