One Day in New York City – The Perfect Itinerary

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Think it’s impossible to visit New York City in one day? As a local, I’m here to tell you it’s doable! You’ll just need a pair of good walking shoes, a coffee, and quality sleep beforehand to take on the adventure-filled day. 

There are so many incredible things to do in New York City. In this itinerary, I’ll assist you in narrowing down your list of must-see spots to take full advantage of the Big Apple. 

Plan on staying longer? Check out my comprehensive 5 day New York City itinerary.

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Where to Stay if You Only Have One Day in New York City

For a 1-day visit to New York City, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 Best Overall – Broadway Plaza Hotel 
• 💎 Luxury Stay – The Plaza 
• 💵 Budget – Pod 51 Hotel 
• ✨ Best Near Times Square – Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square 
• 🌳 Best Near The High Line – Hotel Chelsea 
• 🚉 Best Near Grand Central Station – The Renwick
• 🏢 Best Near the Financial District – Conrad New York Downtown

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in New York City.

One Day New York City Itinerary

8:30 AM – A Quick Breakfast Before Exploring Midtown

You’re going to begin the day in Midtown, full of major attractions within walking distance of each other to cram in as much as possible. 

There’s no better spot than Culture Espresso for a coffee and pastry to grab on the go. It’s just two blocks from Bryant Park in Midtown West. Avoid having a big breakfast and save your appetite for lunchtime so you’ll have plenty of energy for walking. 

With very little seating inside the cafe, I suggest grabbing a table in Bryant Park to sit and relax, especially if the weather is nice. The location is prime to begin your day. The park attracts visitors at all hours, so it’s a great spot to “people watch” in true New Yorker fashion.

Once you’ve taken in the sights and sounds at Bryant Park and you have a nice caffeine buzz, head over to the front entrance of the New York Public Library’s flagship location on Fifth Avenue. Bryant Park is located directly behind the library, so you’ll have no issue seeing it!

The library is free to enter and is a National Historic Landmark, boasting a rich history and stunning architecture internally and externally. One of the few buildings in the city with a Beaux-Arts architectural style, it’s a marvel to see in person. Note: The library is closed on Sundays. 

📚 Related Reading: If you want to see a museum in New York City, you can visit the famous Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) at 11 W 53rd Street. You’ll be within walking distance of the other major attractions in Midtown, so feel free to adjust this itinerary to include a museum stop.

The inside of the library is architecturally remarkable, featuring gorgeous marble ceilings, chandeliers, long corridors, and winding stairwells. 

You can visit the Rose Main Reading Room, tour The Polonsky Exhibition featuring world-renowned artifacts like Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, and hang out at the library shop and cafe. Be sure to check out the stunning murals in the McGraw Rotunda. 

View the library’s rotating event schedule for unique activities happening throughout the year.

Once you exit the library, you’ll walk southeast on 5th Avenue to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Arguably the most famous church in New York City and the largest Gothic Revival church in the United States, the giant steps are a great place to rest or snap a quick photo. You only need to spend a few minutes here, but it’s worth seeing for the beauty. 

The church welcomes visitors to tour for free, and I recommend getting some photos inside. You can book a guided or audio tour if you want an in-depth history lesson.

Next, you’ll want to check out Rockefeller Center, just a one-minute walk across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Once you’re in Rockefeller Plaza, you’ll have a few options for things to do.

I suggest booking tickets to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck if you want to see 360-degree elevated views of the city. The ground floor of Rockefeller Center features a shopping center and restaurants such as Ace’s Pizza, if you’re craving a quick slice. 

If you’re traveling during the holiday season from late November to early January, you can snap photos in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go ice skating in The Rink. Be prepared for crowds as this time of year is the busiest in Midtown. 

After exiting Rockefeller Center, you’ll have some flexibility on what to do next.

You can walk for five minutes southwest to see Times Square and shop at stores like Hershey’s Chocolate World, M&M’s New York, and The Disney Store if you’re traveling with kids. Make sure to take a photo on the iconic red steps in Father Duffy Square.

If you head southeast after leaving Rockefeller Center, you can do some retail shopping and see the Louis Vuitton flagship store on East 57th and 5th Avenue. You’ll find a mix of luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, and trendy shops like Artizia and Urban Outfitters if shopping is on the New York City agenda.

12:30 PM – Grab Lunch at Refinery Rooftop and Visit The Empire State Building

At this point, you’ve done plenty of sightseeing, and you’ll be craving lunch. If you’re coming from shopping on Fifth Avenue or from Times Square, you’ll be a 15-20 minute walk to The Empire State Building. 

My first choice for lunch is Refinery Rooftop in central Midtown on top of the Refinery Hotel. The restaurant serves delicious American-style cuisine in an industrial, cozy setting with skyscraper views. 

After lunch, you’ll be a three minute walk from The Empire State Building. I recommend getting tickets to view New York City’s skyline from the 86th-floor open-air observatory, or upgrade and also see the 102nd floor for views stretching 80 miles. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you opt to visit Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, you can skip The Empire State Building’s observation decks. Both offer incredible skyline views of the city, but you only need to visit one. You can head to Central Park or The High Line earlier if you skip The Empire State Building.

3:00 PM – Choose Between Central Park or The High Line

After seeing Manhattan’s landmark buildings, nature will feel like a reward. You’ll have two options of equal caliber: Central Park or The High Line.

If you choose to visit Central Park, I recommend taking the B train Uptown from 34th St-Herald Square for 12 minutes and exiting at 59th St-Columbus Circle. In this case, I’d recommend getting lunch at ROBERT which sits atop the Museum of Arts & Design, offering picturesque views of Central Park and serving modern American cuisine.

Columbus Circle is the easiest point of entry to Central Park in Midtown through the Merchants Gate at 59th Street. If you have lunch at ROBERT, you’ll have access to the park upon descending to Columbus Circle and facing the entrance directly to the east. 

If you want to enter the park after shopping on 5th Avenue, or if you’re coming from Rockefeller Center, you can gain access from Grand Army Plaza near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Central Park South. The entrance is directly across from The Plaza Hotel, my top pick for a luxury stay.

Once you’re in, Central Park has activities year-round. The park stretches 2.5 miles long and covers 843 acres. It’s the perfect place for a bike ride if you want to see more of the city away from the bustling streets. 

If you’re traveling with children, consider visiting the Central Park Zoo or taking a ride on the Central Park Carousel. Check out the cherry trees when they’re in bloom in Cherry Hill or bike uptown to visit the Central Park Conservatory during the springtime. 

If you’re traveling during the wintertime, ice-skating at Wollman Rink is both fun and romantic for couples. Make sure to check out the stunning architecture of The Bethesda Terrace & Fountain and Belvedere Castle.

If you’re traveling during the spring and summer, the High Line is my other recommendation if you want to skip Central Park. The weather will be ideal for walking, and you’ll have more options for outdoor activities. 

If you’re coming from the Empire State Building, you can walk 20 minutes northwest and enter the High Line at the Hudson Yards & W 33rd Street entrance. You can also ride the seven train for 10 minutes from Times Square-42nd Street to 34th Street-Hudson Yards if you need a break from walking.

The 1.5-mile-long pathway and trail are tranquil during the spring, surrounded by greenery and gardens. You’ll see incredible elevated views of Manhattan’s West Side at different locations during the walk. The High Line houses hand-painted murals and rotating public art, with benches to stop and catch your breath. 

While the High Line has multiple points of entry, I suggest exiting at Gansevoort Street and Washington Street to check out the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District. If you need a pick-me-up, New York City’s premier Starbucks Reserve Roastery is on 9th Avenue. 

5:00 PM – A Walk Through Washington Square Park and Greenwich Village

To start the evening, Lower Manhattan is the ideal neighborhood. From the Meatpacking District, order an Uber or walk southeast for 15 minutes to arrive in Greenwich Village. 

Take a stroll through Washington Square Park to see the arch, and rest by the fountain. The place will be full of students, locals, street performers, and artistic vendors. The ambiance is so unique; there’s nowhere else like it in New York City. 

Once you’ve refueled, wander the streets of Greenwich Village and take in the sights of the stunning brownstones and tree-lined streets. If you’re a fan of Friends, the apartment building featured in the show is on 90 Bedford Street. This is a great photo opportunity!

After you’ve taken in the sights and sounds of Greenwich Village, walk southeast to the Soho neighborhood. The area offers a lively atmosphere with walkable, cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, a fantastic dining scene, and endless shops. 

If you didn’t spend every penny shopping on Fifth Avenue, Soho is the ideal neighborhood for retail stores and eclectic boutiques. West Broadway, Spring Street, and Prince Street house brand-name stores such as Alexander Wang, David Yurman, Patagonia, and Ralph Lauren. 

If you’re seeking a more unique shopping experience, The Evolution Store has gifts and collectibles relating to science and history.

Soho is also a great neighborhood for exploring art galleries, especially if you’re traveling to New York City on a budget. Eden Gallery and Park West Gallery are two fantastic options in Soho, both free to visit. 

The Leslie-Loham Museum of Art on Wooster Street is a visual arts museum dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ+ artists, the only one of its kind worldwide. The interactive Museum of Ice Cream is another popular destination in the area. If you have some time leftover before dinner, Soho can keep you busy exploring your creative side. 

6:30 PM – Dinner and Drinks to End the Day 

After a day of walking and seeing plenty of attractions, close out the night with dinner and drinks. Lower Manhattan is home to some of the best restaurants in New York City. 

Visit the Sant Ambroeus Lafayette location for high-end Italian cuisine. Be sure to book a reservation in advance, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend. 

Kiki’s is my favorite Greek restaurant in New York City, offering excellent food at an affordable price. Located in Chinatown, the restaurant was formerly a Chinese printing shop, with the original Mandarin signage kept above the restaurant. They don’t take reservations, so expect to wait. 

My top choice for dinner and rooftop views is RH Rooftop in the Meatpacking District. The ambiance, food, and service are always stellar. If you choose RH or Kiki’s, I suggest getting an Uber from Soho. 

After dinner, you have options for enjoying the nightlife. Art Bar is in the West Village within walking distance of the Meatpacking District, and is my top choice for a laid-back, old-school artistic vibe. 

If you want a truly deluxe experience, BOOM is a high-end lounge atop The Standard Hotel with incredible rooftop views, stylish interior, and live music after 10 PM. 

Thinking about pairing an activity with drinks? New York City is world-renowned for its stand-up comedy scene. Gotham Comedy Club is my top pick near the Chelsea neighborhood. The club occasionally hosts famous comedians such as Kevin Hart and Jerry Seinfeld, so you never know who could show up! 

1 Day in New York City – Itinerary Map

New York City 1 Day Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Map out where you want to visit

Before your trip, make sure you map out which neighborhoods you want to visit. My guide takes you from Midtown West to Greenwich Village, but you may want to modify the itinerary to include other neighborhoods. I suggest downloading Google Maps and pinning the locations where you want to go so you’ll have an easier time. 

Tip #2 – Book reservations for popular restaurants in advance

Popular restaurants in Manhattan can book out quickly, especially on the weekends. Be sure to book reservations well in advance, especially for a large party. There will always be places to go for walk-ins, but you don’t want to miss out on a bucket list choice! 

Tip #3 – Download The Official MTA App

I always recommend taking advantage of the subway system when you’re in New York City. It’s efficient and affordable, so it should be your number one choice for transportation. Download the MTA App to help you navigate routes and be alerted to any train delays. 

If you’re traveling around late at night, it’s worth booking an Uber or Lyft. If you choose to take a cab, only ride in a metered yellow taxi to avoid fare hikes. 

Tip #4 – Know when & when not to visit New York City

Much of New York City’s charm is the walkability and outdoor attractions such as Central Park and the High Line. While you can travel here all seasons of the year and find plenty to do, inclement weather will hinder your trip.

I recommend avoiding New York City from early January (post-holiday season) to the end of April, unless you have specific events planned. While there are warm days, March and April still have colder days requiring warm clothes and other NYC travel essentials.

The best time to visit New York City is from late August to early November. May and June are also great months for spring bloom and better temperatures. 

Tip #5 – Book museum tickets & live entertainment in advance

If you want to see a Broadway show or visit a museum while visiting New York City, make sure you purchase tickets in advance. If you wait until the last minute, tickets can book out, or you’ll pay higher prices. There are free museum options, too, but many of them need to be booked in advance as well.

Tip #6 – Holidays and parades bring more traffic and congestion

One of my underrated New York City travel tips is to consider any celebrations or parades and how they may affect your trip. Year-round, the city celebrates culture with parades such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, the Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, the Pride Parade in June, and others. 

These special events lead to increased traffic, booked-out hotel rooms, and street closures. 

Tip #7 – Decide what areas to skip if you only have one day

It’s important to consider what you might want to skip if you only have one day. Times Square is worth a walk through for first-time visitors, but you only need a few minutes there. Double-decker bus tours are popular, but with traffic, you’re better off walking. 

There are incredible New York City neighborhoods I didn’t cover in this itinerary, so plan according to your interests and consider what you want to forgo.  

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Thanks for reading my one-day itinerary! Feel free to change it up, and enjoy your trip to one of the world’s greatest cities. Plan on being in New York longer? Check out our guide to the best towns in New York.