How to spend one unforgettable day in New York City

Let’s be straight: you can’t ‘do’ a city like NYC in just one day. But you can sure give it a good shot. So, don’t worry if 24 hours is all the time you have on your schedule: we’ve plotted a New York itinerary that packs in some of the city’s standout cultural hotspots, views and eats—minus the tourist traps and mad dashes. Tick off big-hitters, devour local favourites, and even unearth a few surprises with our morning-to-evening guide, which will leave you feeling like you’ve taken a substantial bite from the Big Apple, including…

• Central Park sights
• American Museum of Natural History
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Eataly Downtown
• The High Line & Hudson Yards
• Edge
• Hell’s Kitchen
• Times Square

Start your day in Central Park

New Yorkers can’t get enough of Central Park. Here’s where the city wakes up, with runners, dog walkers, workers and families all sharing the fresh morning air. Ride the subway to the park’s southeast corner at 5th Ave/59th Street, where a takeaway flat white from Blank Street Coffee (open from 6.30AM on W 57th St) helps kickstart your day.

Stroll into the park and meander north through this leafy urban paradise, pausing at the whimsical Central Park Carousel, before continuing by Sheep Meadow to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge for those all-important Central Park selfies. Heck, you might even consider hiring a rowboat at Loeb Boathouse for a gentle morning paddle across the water.

The American Museum of Natural History

Emerging from Central Park near the 79th Street exit on the west side, you’ll find the American Museum of Natural History (10AM opening). We love this spot for its immersive dinosaur exhibits and dazzling planetarium shows; even seasoned travelers are bound to find something of interest. The museum's towering T.rex skeleton is genuinely impressive up close, and you can easily spend hours here, but we recommend focusing on the dinosaur halls, the giant blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life, and a quick wander through the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Next stop: Lower Manhattan. Walk south on Greenwich Street from Chambers for around 10 minutes to reach the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The two vast memorial pools stun with their quiet tranquility—a reflective pause in a busy city. Inside the museum, evocative displays chart the history and impact of 9/11, giving visitors space to reflect. Even if you’re short on time, don’t miss seeing the pear tree that survived the attacks, now a symbol of hope. We find the museum moving, but also uplifting—a celebration of resilience.

One day in New York: Afternoon

Deli lunch with a view

You’ll be ready for lunch by now, so head across the street to Eataly Downtown, nestled inside 4 World Trade Center. This Italian marvel is as much a feast for the senses as the stomach. Grab a table at La Pizza & La Pasta for their pizza Margherita: the pillowy, charred crust topped simply with tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping city views. The vibrant energy of the food hall adds to the fun, and you can pick up a sweet treat and espresso on your way out.

Take a stroll along the High Line

Back on dry land, it’s time to get moving again—but this time, above the streets. Ride the subway uptown from South Ferry to 14th Street (1 train), then walk west to the start of the High Line near Gansevoort Street. This unique park, planted along an elevated stretch of former railroad tracks, seems to float above the city. Pick a bench, people-watch and snap panoramas of the Hudson River and ever-changing cityscape.

We always recommend grabbing a popsicle from La Newyorkina’s seasonal stall, especially if you catch a sunny day. Floral plantings and striking art installations pepper the route, and if you make it to the north end, you’re just steps from Hudson Yards.

Hudson Yards

At the northern end of the High Line, you’ll find Hudson Yards—the latest chapter in the city’s architectural story. Step into the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards for a quick browse: we’re always wowed by Little Spain’s lively tapas market, crafted by celebrated chef José Andrés, if you fancy a late afternoon snack.

But the best reason to come here? It’s time to ride the elevator up to Edge, the western hemisphere’s highest sky deck. Step out onto the angled glass platform: nothing prepares you for the feeling of floating above Manhattan’s rivers, cranes and endless city blocks. Sunsets are spectacular here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the city awash in pink and gold.

One day in New York: Evening

Evening Broadway stroll (and a sweet finale)

As darkness falls, make your way back to the bright lights of Times Square. There’s nothing quite like the sensory overload of neon billboards, street performers and that unmistakable city buzz. Even if you don’t have tickets for a Broadway show, the hum of anticipation here is infectious. Snap a photo, maneuver through the crowd and take in the electric atmosphere—there’s simply nothing else like it.

If you still have a little room for dessert, cross over to Junior’s Cheesecake (on 45th Street and Broadway) for a legendary late-night slice. Their classic New York-style cheesecake—with its dense, creamy filling and light sponge cake crust—has made fans of locals and visitors alike. The vintage diner décor, complete with red leather booths and cheerful neon signs, feels perfectly in step with the city’s retro-meets-modern spirit.

Fancy a nightcap? Head up!

If you’re ready for something a bit more dramatic to close out your evening, it’s time to toast your day in New York from above. Stroll 10 minutes north to 48th Street and check out St. Cloud Rooftop Bar atop the Knickerbocker Hotel. Their inventive cocktails—like the Knickerbocker Martini, a blend of botanical gin and house-pickled brine—taste even better when enjoyed from plush couches overlooking Bryant Park and the city’s sparkling skyline. The vibe is stylish and relaxed; the kind of place you could linger for hours, plotting your next visit.

Night stroll back to base

From Times Square, you’re perfectly positioned to stroll back to your downtown hotel, or hop on almost any subway line for connections to all corners of Manhattan and beyond. It’s the city’s way of letting you choose your own adventure.

Tips to keep your NYC day running smoothly

A one-day New York adventure is fast-paced but endlessly rewarding. Here are a few tips to make it even better:

• Start early and book ahead. Many attractions, like the American Museum of Natural History and Edge, allow for advance reservations. Booking early minimizes waiting.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll do more walking than you think, between subway stops and city sights.
• Pick up a MetroCard. Available at any subway station, it makes getting around town speedy and simple (and yes, most buses and subways are stroller-friendly too).
• Check subway alerts. The MTA website and CityMapper app show service changes and delays, ensuring you never waste a minute.
• Stay flexible. New York is full of happy surprises, from sidewalk jazz to impromptu festivals—leave just a little time for serendipity.

In search of more NYC knowledge? Check out our guide to spending three days in the Big Apple, and check out our favourite New York attractions for young kids.

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