One Day In New York City – Ideal for First Timers (2025)

You only have time for one day in New York City and want to make the most of it. What should you do?

Let me help! While I’ll always encourage you to spend as much time in NYC as you can, I also have tons of inspo for an all out – see as much as you can – kind of day! Obviously, I need to leave a few key things out, but I believe this one day in NYC itinerary gives you a sense of the best parts of New York and, on a return visit, you can add the other stuff.

To know me is to know that I love me some NYC time! I lived there for years and now visit many times a year. Lucky for us, our daughter is there, so it’s a great excuse to go!

New York offers so much to see and do, you’re guaranteed to have a great time on your one day visit. I’ll help you see a lot of the great island of Manhattan and still give you some time to sleep in the city that never sleeps.

Plan on seeing a lot of iconic sites, taking pics with great landmarks, learning some history, soaking up some views, and eating great food!

You’ll start the day Uptown and work your way to Lower Manhattan before wrapping up the day in Midtown for a Broadway Show. Trust me, you’ll be exhausted, but if you want to add more, I’ll give you those options too!

One Day In New York City

I’ve created a 1 day itinerary of NYC that will cover some of my favorite parts of the city. It’s a lot to cover in one day, so use this as your outline and make changes as necessary. I’ve included some “Alternative Options” just in case you want to mix up the itinerary a bit.

Your 1 day will cover some highlights of uptown, midtown, and lower Manhattan. I’ve tried to narrow it down to help you get the most bang for your buck!

If your plans change, check out the 2 Day in NYC Itinerary, 3 Day in NYC Itinerary, 4 Day in NYC Itinerary, and 5 Day in NYC Itinerary!

Important Pro Tips:

• Wear the most comfortable shoes you have. There will be A LOT of walking.
• Have your phone wallet loaded with your credit card for easy subway entrance.
• Have your Uber or Lyft app ready to access on your phone as well.
• Bring your portable charger because you’ll be taking a lot of pics and videos and won’t want to run out of juice!
• Before you go – Make decisions about which Broadway show, comedy show, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and buy tix.  This evening should be well planned before your trip to be sure you get tix to the show you want. Download Today Tix app on your phone and start your search to book your seats in advance. 
• Before you go – MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS! You can always cancel them, but it’s golden to know where you are dining, without the stress. 

Itinerary For One Day In New York City

First Stop – Breakfast on the Upper West Side
& The Jackie O. Reservoir

Start on the Upper West Side to get coffee and breakfast: 

Modern Bread & Bagel – 472 Columbus Avenue/ 83rd Street- My favorite and amazing gluten free bagels and bakery. There will be a line, as these are not your average bagels! Super delish and super popular. 

Zabar’s – 2245 Broadway/ 81st Street – The famous and iconic market is the staple of the UWS and a place I have spent many an hour there over the years. You’ll find everything you want!

Walk Around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

Next walk east and enter Central Park. Central Park runs from 110 the Street down to 59th Street and is in between the upper West Side and the Upper East Side. The park is known for its vast beauty, incredible history, and sheer joy that it brings New Yorkers and its millions of visitors each year.

Find a pretty spot to eat your bagel and you’ll come to the jogging path around the famous Jackie O. Reservoir. Follow the path to the east side. Exit when you get to 5th Avenue. (Don’t worry, you’ll have more time in the park after the museum).

Next Stop – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

As you exit the park onto 5th Avenue, you’ll walk south (turn right) just a few blocks to reach The Met. The museum opens at 10AM, so you shouldn’t have a long line if you get there at opening.

The Met is a stunning place to spend time, but given you are on a one day schedule, I suggest you pick one exhibit or one floor that hosts your favorite artists and spend about 90 minutes at the museum. Enjoy the architecture of the building as much as you enjoy the exhibits.

Next Stop – Central Park

You’ll exit the museum and head back into the park. You’ll see the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the rear garden of the museum and then head south through the park. You’ll pass all these fantastic landmarks:

• The Great Lawn
• The Ramble
• Loeb Boathouse
• Delacorte Theater
• Belvedere Castle
• Bethesda Fountain
• The Mall
• The Central Park Zoo
• Friedsman Carousel

Book A Top Rated Walking Tour of Central Park Here!

Exit the Park at Grand Army Plaza to see the famed Pulitzer Fountain at Central Park South and 59th Street. You’ll see The Plaza Hotel in front of you. Yes, this is the home of the one and only Eloise, created by Kay Thompson and Hillary Knight. You’ll love the grandeur of this historic and beautiful hotel.

Next Stop – Lunch at The Plaza

I often recommend lunch at The Plaza because it is just so special and quintessential NY. If you have a reservation for the Palm Court, great! If you can’t get a table at the Palm Court, then you are likely to get one in the Champagne Bar, which is also lovely and serves a delicious menu.

Alternative Option –
Lunch at Urban Hawker 135 W. 50th – A very cool, food court with excellent choices from Sinagpore. It’s also great because everything is served To-Go and everyone can make their own choices.

Next Stop – Rockefeller Center

Continue south on 5th Avenue past some of the most famous and exclusive stores in the world. After a bit of window shopping, you’ll get to 50th Street where you’ll find Rockefeller Center. Look for the Atlas Statue and Radio City Music Hall. If you are there October – April, you’ll see ice skaters, and at Xmas time, the tree, of course. But all year round, you’ll see the flags, the art deco statues, and can enjoy the many photo opps.

Alternative Option –
Wander inside Rockefeller Center’s giant mall with exclusive stores and restaurants. Or go to
30 Rockefeller Plaza to the famous observation deck, Top Of The Rock. If you choose this option, then forgo the Empire State Building stop below. You don’t need to squeeze in two observation decks into one day.

Next Stop – Bryant Park & New York City Public Library

Continue to walk down 5th Avenue from Rockefeller Center to 42nd Street and Bryant Park. Some might tell you to skip this gem of New York, but not me. I say if you’re walking past you should take the minute!

Bryant Park is a very beautiful park in midtown that is famous for its many events throughout the year. Festivals, fashion shows, holiday pop ups. Wander through the park toward the Bryant Park Cafe and then enter the main branch of the New York City Public Library. This beautiful and historic building has one of my favorite features –  the Rose Main Reading Room. You’ll appreciate the short visit in this breathtaking space before moving on to the next stop.

Alternative Option –
Angelina Paris – 1050 Sixth Avenue – You’ve never tasted hot chocolate until you’ve experienced Angelina’s. No need to wait for a table in the tea room, you can get a cup of cocoa and some macron To Go!

Next Stop – The Empire State Building

As you leave the library, continue walking south on 5th Avenue for 7 blocks to the Empire State Building. Enter the world famous art deco lobby and If you decide to go to the
86th Floor for the iconic observation deck, then be sure to enjoy all the displays along the way.

This attraction is so well done and informative, by the time you get to the observation deck, you’ll have a much fuller appreciation of the building and its history. Enjoy the views, take lots of pics and have a glass of champagne. I love to think of all the people who have been on that deck too, making special memories – not to mention all the celebrities!

Please Note: Visiting this observation deck requires a couple of hours, so factor that in to the rest of the day.

Get Tix for the Iconic Empire State Building Here!

Next Stop – The High Line

Continue your trek, about 20 minutes, (I warned you that there would be a lot of walking!) west from 5th Avenue to 10th Avenue. Or take a ride share if your feet are tired. At 34th Street and 10th Avenue, you’ll climb up the steps onto the unique park above Manhattan called The High Line. This is one of many FREE things to do in NYC!

The High Line was a railway used to transport meat and refrigerated goods to other parts of the city. It’s been transformed into a spectacular promenade filled with art, flora, and fauna.

Starting at 34th Street you’ll walk the 1.45 miles along the beautiful path of the High Line, down to Gansevoort Street in the Chelsea/Meatpacking District. Enjoy the views, the plants, the art, and the benches for resting.

Next Stop – Snacks at Chelsea Market/Little Island/Pier 57

The Chelsea District has a lot of options for you at this point in your day. How are you doing on time? Are you hungry? You can’t do it all, but here are a few things you can choose from while in Chelsea:

• Chelsea Market – The former Nabisco Factory, home of the Oreo cookie, is a very chic market hall filled with gourmet foods, artisan boutiques, and gift shops.
• Little Island – A man made island in the Hudson River for sweet views, public park spaces, and cool photo opps.
• Pier 57 – A huge food court with a rooftop park for picnicking and relaxing with views.
• Gansevoort Plaza – Upscale shops and great restaurants.
• The Whitney Museum – A contemporary American art museum that has some of my favorite pieces and is an easy, relatively small museum to explore.
• Galleries, Galleries, Galleries – Chelsea is known for being the home of over 300 art galleries!

Next Stop – 9/11 Memorial/Oculus

Take a Ride Share , or
Take the Subway from 8th Avenue and 14th Street to the 9/11 Memorial and the Oculus.
The 1, 2, 3, A, E, L .

I’m adding this trip to Lower Manhattan to your one day because I really think it is a meaningful and worthwhile experience.

The 9/11 Memorial Site is the place that honors the lives lost on 9/11/2001 as well as those killed in the World Trade Center bombing on 2/26/1993.  You won’t have time for the museum, or for the observation deck at Freedom Tower, but visiting the reflection pools and exploring the area will be enough to move you and give you a lasting impression.

The twin reflecting pools and their cascading waterfalls are surrounded by the names of all the victims. There’s no fee to enter the memorial site and it’s open to the public between 10 AM – 5 PM daily. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is open Thursday – Monday 10AM – 5PM.

Alternative Option
If you feel like you have time and really want to see more of the Financial District (FiDi) then head to Wall Street to see the New York Stock Exchange. Tourists are not allowed inside but in front of the building is The Fearless Girl statue, a 4 foot inspiration made in 2017 in honor of International Women’s Day. Then walk a few blocks to Bowling Green Park, at Morris St. to see the infamous Charging Bull.

Book a Top Rated Walking Tour of the 9/11 Memorial Site Here!

Next Stop – Times Square & Dinner & Broadway Show

It’s time to head into your evening plans – dinner and a show on the Great White Way!

Take a Ride Share or
Take the Subway up to Times Square.
Take the E Train from the Oculus station or the 4, 7, or S Trains from the Fulton Street Station.

Important Note: Check your tickets for show time – Most Broadway Shows begin at either 7PM, 7:30PM, or 8PM.

Times Square can be a bit overwhelming, exciting, but wild! You’ll see huge crowds, street performers, the billboards, lights, and where the ball drops at New Year’s Eve. Climb the steps above the TKTS office to get a full view.

We always eat dinner at Dos Caminos in Times Square at 47th St. & Broadway because it is right in the heart of the theater district and easy to walk to your theater on time for the show. Dos Caminos is a big Mexican restaurant with plenty of seating, good prices, and really good food. Nothing fancy, but an excellent choice for a pre-show dinner.

Here are some other traditional choices:

• Becco – 355 West 46th Street – Italian, busy and touristy, but a NYC staple.
• Gallagher’s – 228 West 52nd Street – Famous steakhouse opened in 1927.
• Joe Allen – 326 W 46th Street – American food with Broadway flops posters on the walls, easy and fun.
• Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – 249 West 49th Street – American comfort food in a Victorian mansion.
• The Meatball Shop – 798 9th Ave – Family friendly.

 Last Stop Of Your One Day In New York City – After The Show

Enjoy a New York tradition and have some drinks after the show, one of the best things to do at night in NYC. Here are some special places in the Theater District:

• St. Cloud Rooftop Bar – 6 Times Sq. Broadway & 6th Ave. 17th Floor – A luxury rooftop bar in the sky!
• Bar 54 – 135 W 45th St. &6th Ave. – The top of the Hyatt Centric with river to river views.

Where to stay on your One Day In New York City

Looking for the safest places to stay in NYC? I have done all the leg work, so you don’t have to!

Here are some good recommendations for your one day inNew York City – a budget hotel downtown, a mid-range hotel uptown, and a luxury hotel in midtown.  All with great reviews. Since I’m suggesting you begin your day, uptown, then I think The Beacon would be a great option for this trip.

* Important Note – hotel prices fluctuate A LOT, depending on what is happening in the city and when you go. 

→ Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho
Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. 

→ Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon – 2130 Broadway
The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. 

→ Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. 

→ Check Out Great Vacation Rentals in NYC Here!

Getting Around NYC

On your 1 day trip to NYC, I’m suggesting a combo of walking, ride shares, and subways.
The subway is efficient and sometimes quicker than a car, but it’s fun to stay above ground to see more on such a short visit.

NYC By Subway

Subways are the most convenient way to get around New York. Many of the train cars have been updated, which makes them a bit cleaner. However, you may see some unsightly or funky things down there. Be prepared!

PRO TIP:  Download the official MY MTA App (Metropolitan Transit Authority) on your phone.  You’ll find maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.

PRO TIP: With your Maps/GPS App on your phone, use the “transit” view to find exactly where the closest subway station is and which train to take to your destination.

PRO TIP: Make sure you have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” When you open that card, simply TAP the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. Just like that!

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are great for getting around NYC, especially at night. Obviously, they’re more expensive if you’re alone, but when with a group, it can be more cost effective than paying for separate subway fares.

PRO TIP:  Load all the apps onto your phone in advance. Check prices for Uber, Lyft, and Revel to compare. Prices will vary a lot at different times of the day. Taxis are also available everywhere, but you have to hail one from the curb. If the cab light is on that means it’s available. There’s a Curb App available for download, but I’ve been told the cabs don’t come as quickly as the other ride shares do.

Best Time To Go To New York City

I love New York all times of the year, but here are things to consider in your plans for your one day in NYC:

Mid June through Early July and Mid August through September are the most popular times to visit NYC. The middle of the summer can get pretty hot!

Fall is perfect with temps in the 60’s and 70’ s Fahrenheit. And the crowds thin out a bit.

November and December are very festive in New York. Lots of winter pop-up activities, decorations, and of course, the New Year’s Eve extravaganza!  Check out The Things To Do In New York City At Christmas here!

February and March are also fun because it’s snowy, not very busy, and the prices are better! Bundle up with layers, and be prepared with umbrellas and all-weather shoes!

What a Great One Day In New York City!

In a nutshell…

Your one day in New York City was a perfect blend of iconic sights and experiences. From starting with breakfast on the Upper West Side and exploring cultural landmarks like The Met and Central Park, to enjoying lunch at The Plaza and taking in the views from the Empire State Building, every moment was filled with the essence of the city.

The afternoon brought a mix of relaxation and reflection at places like the library, the High Line, and the 9/11 Memorial. And with the sun setting, the energy of Times Square, a Broadway show and a nightcap, you wrapped up a perfect day in the city that never sleeps.

xx,
Carrie