When you’ve got only one day to spend in New York City, it can be difficult to choose what you’re going to do with these hours. With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see some of the most important highlights while spending as little time travelling as possible.
This carefully crafted 1 day New York City itinerary (based on personal experience) encompasses some of the most important things you need to see during your first visit, while going about it super efficiently.
Midtown Manhattan
This day promises to be a whirlwind of iconic landmarks and breathtaking views. We’ll kick the day off in midtown Manhattan, around 8 AM.
Times Square (8 AM)
How better to start a trip to New York City than amidst the neon lights and towering billboards of Times Square? Soak in the electric energy of this famous location as you grab breakfast at a nearby cafe or supermarket.
Wondering what type of breakfast you should get? My recommendation would be to grab a bagel with your drink, like a true New Yorker!
A visit to Times Square is the perfect start of any New York trip.
Top of the Rock (9 AM – 10.30 AM)
After fueling up and shooting some pictures at Times Square, make your way to Rockefeller Center, a 10-minute walk. Built between 1929 and 1940 in Art Deco style, Rockefeller Center is a historic landmark entailing 19 commercial buildings and a viewing platform.
The center is best known for its central plaza with the golden Prometheus statue. During winter, this plaza gets turned into an ice-skating rink where you can marvel at an 80-feet Christmas Tree (often with a sparkling Swarovski star as topper).
Rockefeller Plaza is famous for its Prometheus statue (and the Christmas tree during the holiday season).
Top of the Rock
One of the main reasons to visit Rockefeller Center, however, is to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
Top of the Rock is my preferred viewing point, rather than the forementioned skyscrapers, as it includes both iconic buildings in view. You can also check out the other side of the city, including a good view of Central Park.
From Top of the Rock, you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.
The Beam Experience
Have you ever dreamt of being a construction worker before there were any labor laws? Look no further! A relatively new feature of Top of the Rock is the Beam Experience, where you can sit on a metal beam for 90 seconds to reenact the 1932 photo ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’. Of course, this is done safely and includes high quality pictures being taken.
The Beam Experience at Top of the Rock (image: Rockefellercenter.com)
Practical info:
- Open: Daily from 09:00 – 23:00.
- Admission: $34 – $55 general admission, $85 express pass (includes the Beam Experience), $160 VIP (includes a guided tour, expedited entry, priority elevator access and a 20% souvenir shop discount).
Downtown Manhattan
Next, we’re going to visit the New York symbols in and around Lower Manhattan – the location of the Financial District.
Wall Street (11.30 AM)
Take subway line 2 (red) or 3 (red) to Wall Street subway station. Try to arrive here between 11 AM and 12 PM.
Charging Bull
Start the day off with a visit to the Charging Bull, the symbol of financial optimism and prosperity standing proudly at 75 Wall Street. It’s just a short walk from the Wall Street subway exit. Some believe that placing your hands on his… ‘package’, so to speak, ushers in financial prosperity. Why not give it a shot?
New York Stock Exchange
Next, head to New York Stock Exchange – a 5-minute walk from the Charging Bull. Visiting the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) offers a glimpse into the heart of global finance. While tourists can observe from designated viewing areas, access to the trading floor is restricted.
Wall Street is the heart of the financial district in Lower Manhattan.
9/11 Memorial & Museum (12.30 PM)
A 10-minute walk away lies the solemn 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where the memories of lives lost are honored amidst the backdrop of the towering One World Trade Center. Pay your respects at the twin reflecting pools, the location of an event that changed the world forever.
The museum’s exhibits serve as reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged from tragedy. Learn about the background of the attacks, what happened on a minute-by-minute basis and experience the stories of everyone involved on that fateful day.
Take a moment to reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, built in the footprints of the Twin Towers.
Practical info (museum):
- Open: Open six days a week (closed on Tuesday) from 09:00 to 19:00.
- Admission: $21 – $33 general admission, $41 – $53 admission + Museum Tour, $84 Memorial + Museum tour, $74 Early Access Museum Tour, $97 Family Pass.
Joe’s Pizza (2.30 PM)
After two hours of reflection, it’s time to indulge in a slice of (possibly) New York’s best pizza. Joe’s Pizza has earned a reputation among New Yorkers of having some of the best slices in the city and is confirmed to exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (after appearing in the 2004 movie Spider-Man 2).
Joe’s Pizza officially exists in the MCU. Peter Parker (Spider-Man) briefly worked as a delivery guy here.
Staten Island Ferry (4 PM / 3.30 PM in winter)
No visit to New York is complete without paying a visit to the most famous NYC landmark of all: the Statue of Liberty. Since 1886, Lady Liberty has been a symbol of hope and promise for millions of immigrants. Nowadays, it is a beacon that attracts approximately 4.4 million visitors every year.
You can visit Lady Liberty via helicopter or a combined Liberty Island and Ellis Island tour. A free way to see the statue, however, is via the Staten Island Ferry.
This ferry runs 24/7 between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St George Terminal in Staten Island. To get to the Terminal, take the subway from Houston Street to South Ferry – a trip that will take between 20 and 30 minutes.
Tip: in winter, arrive 30 minutes earlier. Should you miss the ferry, you can take the next one without it getting too dark outside to see the statue.
When boarding the ferry at Whitehall Terminal, make sure to claim a spot at the right side (starboard) of the boat to be able to see Lady Liberty. When heading back to Manhattan, go for the left side of the ship (port). The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty within a few hundred yards, so you’ll be able to see it clearly!
The Staten Island Ferry passes Lady Liberty within a few hundred yards.
Practical info (ferry):
- Open: 24/7.
- Runs: Every 15 or 20 minutes.
- Admission: Free.
Staten Island
When you disembark on Staten Island, there’s plenty to do, especially if you’re into snagging some great deals on brand-name clothes. Head over to Empire Outlets (a 2-minute walk from the Terminal), an outdoor shopping mall packed with outlet stores like Levi’s, Nike, and Guess.
Evening: Times Square & Broadway Musical
At this point, you’ve already seen Times Square by day. But by night, it is a completely different experience and definitely worth a second visit. Upon returning at Whitehall Terminal, head to the South Ferry subway station and take one of the many subways to Times Square. The trip should take less than 30 minutes.
At night, the energy of Times Square is extra radiant with the billboards beaming even brighter than by day. It’s also much busier, which adds to the unique sensation. Street performers and loud music (you’ll hear JAY-Z – Empire State of Mind ft. Alicia Keys a LOT) brings the whole experience to the next level.
By night, Times Square offers an even more vibrant atmosphere than by day.
Take some pictures and find a nice place to eat. Afterwards, we’re going for the final activity of the day.
Broadway Musical (8 PM)
To end the day, let’s enjoy a Broadway Musical! Whether you’re drawn to classic favorites like The Lion King, Aladdin and Wicked or contemporary hits, Broadway offers something for every taste and are the heartbeat of New York’s theater scene.
To secure seats for Broadway musicals, make sure to book in advance through official websites with prices typically ranging from $50 to over $200 per ticket depending on the show and seating location.
If you’re seeking cheaper Broadway tickets, consider purchasing rush tickets or participating in lottery drawings on the day of the show, where prices can range from $30 to $50 per ticket depending on availability and demand.
Summary: 24 Hours In New York City
Visiting New York for just one day takes some preparation, especially if you want to the main highlights. This carefully crafted itinerary ensures you’ll go about it in an efficient way. Remember: The Big Apple isn’t going anywhere, and you can always come back to explore more!
PS: If you’re going to visit New York’s top attractions, consider opting for a New York City Card. These cards offer bundled packages of admissions to various popular attractions and activities at a discounted rate, compared to purchasing individual tickets. Skip-the-line may also be included.
