A few weeks ago, we shared an itinerary for seeing the best of New York in just 24 hours. That list included the classic sights, but today we’re sharing an off-the-beaten-path itinerary. Maybe you’ve already been to New York before or maybe you’re just not that into the idea of Times Square. It’s fair and we get you. Here’s an itinerary for 24 hours in New York that will just feel like…you live here.
Brooklyn Bridge Sunrise
This is the only touristy part of the day but I promise if you go before 8am, you can avoid the crowds and it will feel so special. I love to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise. The sun over the bridge is dazzling and you get great views of Brooklyn. Start on the Manhattan side and cross over to Brooklyn.
For a quick breakfast, grab some coffee and pastries at Arabica. This is one of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn and is a quick walk from the bridge. The beans here are great and make for a great souvenir! The Osprey at 1 Hotel is a great bet too.
SoHo & West Village
Hop on the A or C train to SoHo for the morning. There’s always something happening in this part of town: shops, galleries, and the coolest locals.
If you’re looking for shopping you can find mainstream and designer stores between Broadway and West Broadway but check out the area around Elizabeth Street for less mainstream shopping. Some of my favorite shops in SoHo are Alex Mill, Clare V., American Vintage, Sezane, Muji, McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Everlane, and Le Labo. One of my favorites is SoHo is M. Crow. which just feels like such an exciting experience. Every room is perfectly curated and feels like a complete different world. It’s impossible to explain but peek your head in if you have a minute!
Washington Square Park
After a busy morning, you’ll probably be ready for a break and there’s no better place than Washington Square Park. I promise you there’s something happening here any hour of any day of the week. In my opinion, parks are the heartbeat of a community and you can really get the local energy here.
For a coffee break, check out our guide to the best West Village coffee spots.
For a quick lunch in West Village, check out the famous Washington Square Park Dosas, San Panino, Daily Provisions, or Joe’s Pizza.
If you want to sit for lunch, check out Bar Pisellino, Buvette, Saint Jardim, or Anton’s.
After lunch, head to the West Side Highway and spend some time exploring Little Island which is New York’s “floating park”. Walk all the way to the top for great views of the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.
High Line or Chelsea Galleries
Your next stop is Hudson Yards but there are two ways to get there.
Option 1: Walk the High Line.
This is a public park/walkway developed on old railways. It’s elevated which gives great views over the streets and there are beautiful flowers and gardens along the way. The walk is roughly 1.5 miles but will take you directly to Hudson Yards. Enter on Gansevoort St. and follow the path to the end.
Option 2: Explore Chelsea Galleries
Chelsea is known for the many galleries featuring up-and-coming artists and better-known ones as well. Bonus: the galleries are almost all free. You can find them from West 18th to West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues and zig your way through.
Hudson Yards and The Edge
Hudson Yards is like a city within the city. A stroll around the Vessel is a must! If you’re up for more art, check out The Shed. If you’d like to hit some shopping, check out the mall for great shopping. Behind The Vessel is a large screen where you can often find sports being streamed. There’s also an ice rink called Manhattan West.
If you want to see New York from above, head to The Edge. Fun fact: it’s the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! You can try your luck at getting a reservation at Peak which is on the 101st floor that has access to the observation deck included in the restaurant visit. You can also check out Queensyard located in the mall which has huge windows overlooking The Vessel and is much easier to get a table at 😉
New York Night Life
There are few things more special than watching a sunset in New York from a rooftop. Our sunsets are spectacular and getting to view one from above really makes a magic moment.
In Manhattan, check out: Cloud M, 230 Fifth, and Somewhere Nowhere.
In Brooklyn, check out: Harriet’s Rooftop and Westlight.
To end the night, head to a show! Broadway shows are a classic but if you want to continue off the beaten path check out some comedy shows, the New York Ballet, or the Metropolitan Opera.
And there you have it, a very full 24 hours in New York City! If you follow this itinerary, I’d love to hear about your trip.
Neighbors at the 1 Hotel is also a must!
Ooooh yeah! Great suggestion