Epic One Day in NYC Itinerary (Perfect for First Time Visitors) (2024)

This one day in New York City itinerary was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps)and a NYC local.

Welcome to the City that Never Sleeps, where every street corner tells a story and skyscrapers touch the clouds – New York! As a proud local, I’m thrilled to be your guide on a whirlwind adventure through the NYC in one day. So long as you understand that you won’t see it all, there’s no reason not to use your one day in New York City exploring and trying to make the most of it.

From iconic landmarks to underrated gems, there’s plenty of quick things you can see in New York City in a single day. This is the exact itinerary I used when I hosted my best friend on his one day layover in NYC. It’s been tested, and (so long as you’re willing to walk!) a great introduction to the Big Apple.

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

One Day NYC Itinerary

One Day in NYC, Morning: Central Park (9AM to 11AM)

As a local, I start my mornings with a walk through Central Park, and it’s where I recommend you start yours too. You won’t explore the park’s 842 acres during a one day trip to New York City (I live a half-block away and still haven’t) but you can hit more than a few recognizable landmarks.

My suggested route begins on the park’s west-side entrance at 72nd Street. Walk in near the John Lennon memorial called Strawberry Fields towards Bethesda Terrace, an ornate architectural piece in the park that overlooks The Lake and the Angel of the Waters fountain.

Next, walk down the elm-tree & vendor lined promenade known as The Mall towards the Gapstow Bridge. From here you’ll notice the opulent Plaza Hotel peeking between the trees, which is near where you’ll exit the park at the Grand Army Plaza. The route is 1.2 miles and takes about 30 minutes.

But give yourself an hour or two in the park, so you can stop for photos without feeling rushed. Depending on the season, you can also go ice-skating at Wollman Rink or rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse. Just remember they’re time guzzlers that will force you to cut something out elsewhere.

One Day in NYC, Early Afternoon: Fifth Avenue (11AM – 2PM)

Fifth Avenue is just as embedded in the lore of New York City as the Statue of Liberty or Times Square, which is why you can’t afford to miss it during your one day in NYC. Although the thoroughfare runs for more than 100 blocks through Manhattan, we’ll be focused on the most-star studded section.

After exiting Central Park head south and prepare for a runway of grandeur. You start at the opulent Plaza Hotel, famous for numerous appearances hit NYC movies. From there bop your way down towards St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Rockefeller Center, which is never void of bustling crowds.

As you work your way further south step into the marble-lous Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, also known as the main-branch of the New York Public Library. When finished, head back outside for a stroll (with an afternoon-coffee) through Bryant Park, a small but lively New York City park.

From the park head towards Grand Central Terminal, one of the most famous buildings in New York City and admire the stunning celestial ceiling. When you’re tired of looking up at the ceiling, climb the 1,400 feet at neighboring Summit One Vanderbilt and look down at the city from the observation deck.

One Day in NYC, Late Afternoon (Option A): The Financial District (2PM – 5PM)

Getting to the Financial District from our last spot is a breeze, just hop on the subway from Grand Central Terminal and head downtown. The neighborhood is full of top tourist attractions that are surprisingly close together, and it’s a treasure-trove for history-buffs.

Your first stop should be the jaw-dropping Oculus Center mall, which is right next-door to the moving 9/11 Memorial. The twin cascading pools stand in place of the Twin Towers, representing a void that will never be filled. Pay your respects and continue to Trinity Church, which is only a five minute walk.

The church was founded more than 320 years ago, and is the final resting place of founding father Alexander Hamilton. You can take the time to walk through its cemetery. On occasion the church is also open to the public, free of charge. After your time at Trinity Church cross Broadway onto Wall Street.

The intersection of Wall and Nassau Streets is a hub of historical attractions. You’ll be at the foot of Federal Hall (where George Washington was sworn is as the first president), the New York Stock Exchange, and the Fearless Girl Statue. Make sure to snap some photos before heading back onto Broadway in search of the 7,000 pound Charging Bull Statue.

You’ll find it directly in front of Bowling Green, a park that dates back to the times of the Revolutionary War. Truth be told there isn’t much to do in the park, but it’s surrounded by the oldest fence in New York City (that was meant to protect a statue of King George III from anti-English vandalism).

Optional: Statue of Liberty Views

With only one day in NYC a trip to Ellis Island likely isn’t worth it. With that said, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sneak a peek at Lady Liberty. Before leaving the Financial District head towards The Battery, a park on the southern tip of Manhattan that overlooks New York Harbor. From here you have a distant, but unobstructed view of Lady Liberty herself.

One Day in New York City, Afternoon (Option B): West Village (2PM-Late)

If you want to taste the local life during your day trip to NYC ditch the Financial District for the charming West Village. It’s one of the most bewitching neighborhoods in Manhattan! Fortunately, you can (very easily) spend an afternoon popping into cute cafes and enjoying happy-hours aplenty.

Start at the iconic Washington Square Park and snap some photos in front of the Washington Square Arch, enjoying the street performers. Route your GPS to the apartment used in the TV show Friends, and you might as well hit Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from the TV show Sex and the City, too.

From this point it’s all about drinks and good food, but pace yourself because it’s easy to get carried away. Three of the 100 Best Bars in the world (Katana Kitten at 27, Dante at 36, Employees Only 99) are in the neighborhood, and it’s also home to 69 Michelin-Star restaurants. If you plan ahead I suggest making reservations, otherwise there are plenty of local restaurants and bars that won’t have lines.

But, for those that would rather keep it moving, there’s always Little Island on the north-end of the neighborhood. The small park is a redesigned pier that stretches over the Hudson River over bulbous, cement pillars. Plus, it has a short hike that leads to one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.

One Day in NYC, Night: Times Square

Alas, your one day in NYC is coming to an end. But there’s one attraction missing from the day trip itinerary: Times Square. Full of crowds, bright lights and street performers this is the beating heart of Manhattan. I saved it for last because that’s when the lights shine the brightest!

There’s the M&M store that kids can’t help but love, rooftop bars for lovebirds, and plenty of photo-ops to go around. But word to the wise: it will be full of crowds and and ripe for tourist traps. So long as you use common sense though it’s a safe place to visit, and one you can’t afford to miss.

How to spend one day in NYC (Post Summary)

Here’s a quick and digestible summary of this one day NYC itinerary.

• One Day in NYC, Morning: Central Park
  • Oak Bridge
  • Ramble Stone Arch
  • Bow Bridge
  • Bethesda Terrace and Founatin
  • The Mall
  • Wollman Rink
• One Day in New York City, Early Afternoon: Fifth Avenue
  • The Plaza Hotel
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • The Rockefeller Center
  • New York Public Library
  • Bryant Park
  • Summit One Vanderbilt
  • Grand Central Terminal
• One Day in NYC, Late Afternoon: Financial District (Option: A)
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum + the Oculus
  • Trinity Church, Wall Street + the Fearless Girl
  • Charging Bull and Bowling Green
  • The Battery for views of the Statue of Liberty
• One Day in New York City, Late Afternoon: Greenwich Village (Option B)
• Washington Square Park
• Friends & Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartments
• Best Bars in the World
• Michelin Star Dining
• One Day in NYC, Night: Times Square

Tips for Spending One Day in NYC

Take advantage of the subway: If it’s your first time in NYC riding the subway can be intimidating. Don’t sweat it, just use Google or Apple maps and set it to public transportation. The app will tell you what subway station to enter, what line to ride, and when to get off. Also, Tap to Pay makes it a breeze!

Bring a portable charger: If you’re only spending one day in NYC I assume you won’t have a hotel room. So, make sure your phone has plenty of juice, and bring a portable charger. You’ll be snapping photos and using your phone’s GPS draining its battery, and you don’t want it to die!

Comfortable shoes are a must: New York City is best explored on foot. As such you’ll spend a lot of time walking from Point A to Point B. Whenever friends visit me we keep track of steps, and we typically average 10 miles a day! All this to say, bring good walking shoes for your one day in NYC.

One Day NYC Itinerary (Helpful Map)

And there you have it, my one day NYC itinerary. I hope you find it useful in planning your trip to the Big Apple.

Until next time, Alejandro.