New York is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world and anytime spent exploring it is bound to be memorable. While you could spend a lifetime exploring all New York has to offer, you can see a lot of it in 24 hours with a good plan.
This itinerary covers the classic tourist sights and is perfect for those visiting New York for the first time. If you’re coming back to the city or prefer to see things off the beaten path, then this off-the-beaten path itinerary is for you!
Before we dive in, let’s cover some basics.
Where to Stay
Stay in Manhattan if you’re able to! You’ll want to be close and coming in from the other boroughs may end up eating up a lot of your time. Midtown is a central location for most of the stops although Greenwich Village/SoHo/Chelsea are where you’ll find all of the locals.
How to Get Around
Trains are the fastest form of transportation (yes, often faster than cabs/Ubers). One ride costs $2.75 and you can purchase or reload a metro at most stations. You can also use the OMNY system on your phone.
Biking is also a great option if the weather is cooperative but beware not every street has a bike lane and you’ll need to really know where you’re going as traffic moves quickly. (If you want to go for a bike ride, the Hudson River Parkway on the West Side has designated bike lanes along the water. It’s a scenic and low-stress ride ;))
This itinerary starts in the very South of Manhattan and works North up to Central Park but can easily be done in reverse if that fits your day better. Alright, let’s jump into it!
Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, 9/11 Memorial
If you haven’t had breakfast, grab some bagels at Leo’s Bagels or Zuckers.
Start your morning with a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty. Of course, making the trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island will bring you up close and let you explore the museum but this route is much quicker, the ferry is free, and you get great views and photos of the statue.
Next, spend a bit of time exploring lower Manhattan and the Financial District. Notable things to see here are the Charging Bull on Wall Street as well as the 9/11 Memorial and Oculus. If you’re a history buff (or enjoyed Hamilton), right near the Oculus is a graveyard where Alexander Hamilton was buried.
Flat Iron and Empire State Building
Hop on the W train (yellow line) uptown and get off near the Flat Iron. Full disclosure, it’s currently being restored (and has been for probably two years) and has scaffolding around it but it’s still visible and worth a visit. Right nearby is Madison Square Park where you can find the very first Shake Shack! If you’d like to see Manhattan from above, follow 5th Avenue up to the Empire State Building and visit the 102nd floor for spectacular city views.
At this point, you may be ready for lunch, and what’s better than a slice of New York pizza? Head to the Joe’s Pizza, a New York classic right at the edge of Times Square! (Also nearby and good for a quick lunch are: Bluestone Lane, CAVA, Paris Baguette, and DIG. If you want to sit for a while or need a hot chocolate to warm up, I highly recommend Angelina).
Times Square, Bryant Park, NYPL, Grand Central
Head toward 7th Ave and 40th St. to get to the heart of Times Square. There’s little I can say to describe it. It’s the best and worst place in New York but must be experienced at least once : )
Once you’ve taken it in, catch a breath at Bryant Park. This park always gives me strong European vibes with the fountains and lounge chairs surrounding the grass lawn. It’s a great place to sit and people watch if you have some time to spare. During the winter, they have an ice rink, Christmas markets, and a lovely Christmas tree here.
Right around the corner is the beautiful New York Public Library building. Even if you’re not into libraries, it’s worth the peek to see the iconic lions on the front steps named Patience and Fortitude.
Get on East 42nd St and follow it down to Grand Central Station. It dates back to 1913 and feels so grand. Of course, there’s the buzz of travelers coming in and out of the city but in my opinion, that just adds to the energy. Spend some time taking in the celestial painting covering the ceiling of the main hall. I love to bring people to the Whispering Gallery. Downstairs you’ll find lots of food options and restrooms. (If you’re looking for a sweet treat, I love Magnolia Bakery banana pudding and cheesecakes!)
Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Let’s keep moving to the famous Rockefeller Center! In the winter you’ll find an ice rink and our cherished Christmas tree but in the summer the space is transformed to a roller rink. There’s much to see on this block: Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, and my favorite, Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show studio!
Just a block away from Rockefeller Center is St. Patrick’s Cathedral which was built in 1879 and is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America. I always feel so at peace when I spend a few minutes there and it’s free to enter.
5th Ave and Central Park
And last but certainly not least is Central Park! Follow 5th Ave up to the park and be sure to take a look at the famed Bergdorf Goodman store windows on the way.
You could spend an entire day in Central Park but if you don’t have much time to spare these are some options:
- Relax and soak in the sun in Sheeps Meadow (it feels as serene as it sounds)
- Walk The Mall (a tree-lined alley, especially pretty during the fall) and end at Bethesda Fountain
- In the winter, visit Wollman Rink to ice skate or people watch
- Visit the Conservatory Garden (three European gardens modeled after French, English, and Italian styles – this is one of my favorite parts of the park but keep in mind it’s pretty far north and may be a bit of a trek if you’re short on time)
Dinner
Phew, what a day! It’s time to wind down for some dinner. Here are some dinner recommendations in different areas depending on where you’re headed.
Near Central Park: Sant Ambroeus, momofuku, Sarabeth’s
Midtown: Skirt Steak, Le Grande Boucherie, Bondi Sushi
Downtown: Jack’s Wife Freda, Katz Deli, Bar Pitti
Lower Manhattan: Joe’s Shanghai, The Odeon, Bubby’s
If you still have energy to spare, I recommend catching a Broadway Show, a comedy show in Greenwich Village, opera or ballet, or strolling through Times Square under the night sky.
And there you have it, a full day in the greatest city on earth. I hope it fills you up and that you can return for more : )
This is a really great itinerary! Well done!