When you only have a day in New York City, simply looking at a map can leave you feeling a little down and depressed. I mean, how are you realistically going to fit everything you want to see and do into such a tight schedule?
You can spend the day running from sight to attraction, only spending a couple of minutes at each one—or, you can take some advice from this list of NYCs top spots for the traveler short on time. Obviously, this list isn’t going to include everything you could find in an extensive guidebook, but with it, you’ll get to experience some of the best that the Big Apple has to offer.
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Catch the Sunrise from Rockefeller Center
If the thought of getting up before the sun makes you want to hide in bed, you may want to skip out on this one. After all, there’s nothing wrong with having breakfast in bed before starting your fun-filled day in New York City.
However, early risers may want to consider heading over to Rockefeller Center, since the Top of the Rock is one of the best places to watch a NYC sunrise—but what is the Top of the Rock? This fond nickname refers to the center’s iconic observation deck. There, not only do you get a fabulous view of the rising sun, but you can also take in the city’s iconic skyline at the same time.
Don’t forget to take a quick tour of the center before leaving. The lobby is more than worth a quick view before heading outside to marvel at the humongous statue of Atlas located in front of the plaza.
Wander Down 5th Avenue to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Constructed in the mid-1800s, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is impressive both inside and out. Mass is held regularly each day at the cathedral, but you can time your visit to miss the scheduled services if you just want to see and visit the iconic building. Did you know that this famous cathedral has even hosted a visit by Pope Francis?
As you wander through the expansive cathedral, try to pay close and special attention to the numerous stained-glass windows. When the sun hits the windows, it’s a stunning sight you aren’t soon going to forget.
Visit the Brooklyn Bridge
Why would you want to add a bridge tour to your already busy day? The answer is quite simple—the Brooklyn Bridge ties Manhattan to Brooklyn and is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the city’s skyline in the morning.
If you want a great photo opportunity, head off the bridge to Front and Washington Streets. There, you can get a shot of the bridge with the Empire State Building in the background. Before heading back into Manhattan, make a stop at Pebble Beach and try to take a ride on Jane’s Carousel.
Become a Wall Street Insider for a Couple of Minutes
Okay, so you’re not going to find yourself on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, which also means no ceremonial ringing of the iconic bell. However, a trip into the city’s financial district isn’t a waste of time during your short stay.
In fact, you can have your picture taken with the iconic Charging Bull. This famous bull statue is located right outside the stock exchange. So, while you may not be an influential stock trader, you can get a taste of the excitement just by being in the area.
Spend an Hour or Two at Ground Zero
The tragic fall of the Twin Towers still resonates deeply with New Yorkers and Americans across the country. Over two decades later, the area has become an impressive and emotional memorial you can visit during your stay. While the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are well worth the time it takes for a visit, you also don’t want to miss stepping inside the Oculus, too.
You don’t have to worry about missing the building; the Oculus is designed to be noticed, and the interior is just as strange and impressive. Along with the eye-popping design, you can do a bit of shopping and catch the subway to your next destination while you’re inside the Oculus.
A quick tip if you plan on visiting the 9/11 Museum—buying your tickets in advance lets you skip the long line you could encounter. Since you’re short on time, it makes sense to try to skip any unnecessary waits where you can.
Explore Central Park
One of the largest parks in the city, Central Park, is something you don’t want to miss while you’re here—you can stroll down the paths, rent a bicycle, or even splurge on a carriage ride to get by.
Exploring the park can take several days, but you can fit some of the famous attractions into a short 45-minute visit. Make time for a short ride on the Central Park Carousel and smile at the Alice in Wonderland statue. Toss a coin into Bethesda Fountain and catch a glimpse of the painted rowboats of Loeb Boathouse.
Don’t forget to include a quick lunch in your itinerary. Central Park is home to some fabulous restaurants. You can also grab a bite from one of the local food carts. You can find everything from pizza and hot dogs to pretzels, roasted nuts, and more.
Window Shop on 5th Avenue
When you think of luxury goods, one street always comes to mind. 5th Avenue is where the rich and famous spend their days shopping for the latest fashions. Even if you’re visiting New York City on a budget, window shopping is free.
Strolling down the iconic Upper East Side Avenue is also a great way to work up an appetite for dinner in the evening.
Dinner and a Show
If your budget allows, spend your last few hours splurging on dinner and a Broadway show. There’s always something playing on Broadway, or you can save a few bucks and catch an off-Broadway show.
A couple of restaurants with rave reviews near Broadway include Broadway 49 and the Broadway Lounge. You may also want to check out Bond 45. The restaurant is as cool as its name.
You Can Do a Lot in a Day in the Big Apple
One day in NYC will never be enough to see everything, but you can cram a lot into a few hours if you try. Carefully creating an itinerary before starting your day will help ensure you make it to all of your must-see stops. Don’t forget to buy tickets in advance where you can, and most importantly, have fun along the way.
If you do miss a stop on your list, don’t worry—you can just add it to the list when you come back for another visit.
