New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and welcomes over 54 million visitors a year! It is a magical city that I believe should be on everyone’s bucket list. Between the iconic landmarks, museums, restaurants, parks and so much more, you could easily spend a month in NYC and still not see everything. However, since a month is not necessarily realistic for everyone I’ve created a “24 Hours in New York City” list. In my opinion, if you are new to NYC, are a first time visitor, or just want a good long walk with lots of pretty destinations- this is the route I would recommend.
I created the detailed map below, which you can save to your Google maps and use as you walk around the city. This map includes the main landmarks you should see along with the best walking route to hit them all. I’ve even added additional landmarks worth visiting if you have additional time.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
I believe the best place to start a tour of NYC is at the very southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park. From here you can see views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. While a trip to Lady Liberty is worth it, I’d save it for a longer trip or follow my sunset cruise recommendation for a closer view of her {more at the end of this post}.
After soaking up views of southern Manhattan, make your way up Broadway and walk past the “Charging Bull” sculpture in the financial district. This bull represents the stock market in NYC. Fun fact about this iconic bull- in an act of “guerilla art” the artist secretly put the bull on the street in NYC and it quickly became popular. The city intended to get rid of it, but due to its popularity chose to leave the bull there “temporarily.” The bull has now been there since 1989. This famous bull has even inspired a couple New York Bull themed slot machines at casinos in colorado springs at EasyMobileCasino.com.
Continue walking northwest past Wall Street and on to the 9/11 Memorial & Freedom Tower. Take a moment to notice the two large square memorials. Each square is the exact size and in the exact place of the base of the original Twin Towers. Around each square you will find the names of those who lost their lives that day. If you have time, a trip to the top of the Freedom Tower is well worth it. To say the views are gorgeous would be an understatement.
Next continue walking north through Tribecca and SoHo. Please notice the architecture as you walk. Some of the buildings are incredible. Continue walking until you get to Washington Square Park. I believe this is one of the prettiest parks in NYC. Spend time people watching and take a break by the center fountain. You are sure to see a few street performers and locals lounging on the benches. When you are ready to leave, be sure to look through the Arc de Triomphe and notice how perfectly it frames the Empire State Building.
A few blocks north you will run into Union Square Park. While this may not be the prettiest park, it is full of things to do. Farmers Markets are hosted here every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and tons of artists sell their items every other day of the week. You will find everything from oil paintings and t-shirts to fake pigeons and musicians. There is also a Shake Shack if you need a pick-me-up {get the black & white shake- you won’t be disappointed!}.
After Union Square Park, continue walking north until you hit the Flatiron Building. This building is actually considered the oldest skyscraper in America. It is named after its shape, as it truly is triangular like an old cast-iron clothes iron. Please spend a couple moments to notice the gorgeous architectural detailing. It is a stunning building and should not be missed! You can even grab a cup of coffee from Eataly across the street for $2 and rest for a moment. Also next to the Flatiron Building is Madison Square Park.
Continue north a few blocks to the Empire State Building. You do not need to go in it, but I often use it as a frame of reference in the city. {It is also where my office is located!} Fun facts- it was the tallest building in the world for almost 40 years and is made up of 10 million bricks!
After the ESB, go across the street to see Macy’s. I personally love this store for their Thanksgiving Day Parade and I enjoy riding the original wood escalators at the top of the building. After walking past Macy’s continue north to Times Square. No visit to New York City is complete without a stop to Time Square. Notice the shows, the famous New Years ball from the ball drop and the plethora of bright lights.
From there, continue walking east to Bryant Park. I love this little park. It is located right next to the New York Public Library and is the perfect place to rest, people watch, grab lunch and simply enjoy the views. In the summer it has a large green lawn for relaxing in and during the winter it holds the only free skating rink in the city. After you’ve spent time here, notice the grand lions in from of the New York Public Library and go inside. Some of the rooms are insanely gorgeous- specifically the old map room.
Then continue walking east towards Grand Central Station. As you are walking, you will have gorgeous views of the Chrysler Building. Take the time to go inside Grand Central- again, you will not be disappointed! Notice the two grand staircases on either end {the design is based on those in the Paris Opera}. On the roof above one of the grand staircases you will see a tiny brown rectangle {watch my video to see it}, this rectangle shows just how dirty the cieling was before renovations were completed in 1996. Fun fact- over 750,000 people go through Grand Central a day!
After Grand Central, walk north on Fifth Avenue. This street needs little introduction, as it is home to some of the most high-end brands in the world. You definitely need to walk down this street- even if you have no intention of actually shopping. The windows and over all opulence is incredible. You will also walk past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I love noticing the stark contrast between the modern buildings and the Neo-Gothic style church.
Just before you make it to Central Park you will see The Plaza on your left. I recommend popping in just to see the beautiful foyer. Countless movies have been filmed here and it really is beautiful. It is on my bucketlist to have high tea here!
Finally, make your way into Central Park. We go into Central Park about once a week just to enjoy the slower pace, nature and views. It is gorgeous in literally every season. Once inside, be sure to walk down the Mall. The Mall is the long, straight path lined by trees and various artists. It is in just about every NYC based rom-com and is great for people watching. It also leads you to my favorite part of Central Park- Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. We’ve seen countless proposals and multiple weddings take place here. It is just about as picture perfect as it comes.
To finish your day, I recommend either getting a glass of champagne from Tavern on the Green or booking the sunset or champagne cruise on the Classic Harbor Line. I’ve done each countless times and adore them both, but if you can- I would highly recommend the boat cruise. The boat takes you alongside the southern tip of Manhattan, right by the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge. I cannot suggest it enough. We try to book it every time we have guests in town.
New York City is a foodies paradise and we tend to just hop into any restaurant that looks good as we are walking. 9 times out of 10 we walk away impressed with our meals. But if you are a planner and want some suggestions, be sure to check out my list of where to eat in NYC based on occasion. As a tourist in NYC, I highly recommend getting a bagel for breakfast, a pretzel or hot dog from a street vendor for a snack {the best ones are on 6th Avenue} and a slice of pizza for lunch or dinner. Remember, you are walking a lot so you can justify the carb heavy day! ;)
What are some of your favorite things to do in New York City?
A big city like New York would make me so nervous!!! But I’m sure all of the beautiful sites would make it worth it! You are absolutely beautiful by the way.
NYC can be intimidating, but if you have intentional destinations it become less overwhelming! It is worth visiting at least once in your life! And the parks create good resting points!
First, you are beautiful! Second, you are making me so anxious to book a trip!!! It looks so pretty! Definitely will be using a few of your recommendations! And love your fun facts.
Yay!!! You must come! You will love it my dear! And thank you!
Absolutely loved looking through photos and reading where you all visited! So pretty! And I haven’t been to NYC in a couple of years, but I’ve been dying to do a sunset cruise to see the beautiful skyline! I also really want to go to Central Park!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Thank you Lauren! You would love this cruise and Central Park is an absolute must!
This is SUCH a great guide!! I will definitely be saving this!!
Thanks Ashley! After having lived here for two years and having visited at least once a year with my mom growing up, I’ve finally narrowed it down to fit everything into one day! I’ll be creating a few other NYC guides for longer stays soon too!
You guys did so much in such a short amount of time. Great job on getting a ton of activities and seeing so many places done in just a day!!!
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
We really did! It was so fun to play tourist in our own city for the day! It was a great reminder of how much you can really do/see in a day!
I haven’t been to NYC in ages, I would love to go back. Great map, too!
Oh you must come back! The city is changing so much! It is beautiful!
what a fun adventure! love nyc!
kelseybang.com
It really was a fun adventure! I love NYC too! Such a great place!
This is AMAZING!!!! It seriously makes me want to hop on a plane tonight and do all these things!!! I love your blog, Chloe!
haha! YES! Hop on a plane and come!!! xox
This is such a great guide! I grew up 2 hours from NYC but never spent much time there, I definitley need to go back and explore when I’m in town next!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Thank you Annessa, yes- you definitely must come back and explore more! It changes so much every year!
Looks like you had such a full day!! I never knew the Bethesda Terrace was in Central Park, I’m definitely gonna have to check that out next time I visit from Philly! Thanks for sharing~
x Kate
http://thegoldsister.com/travel-6-essentials/
Thank you Kate! It really was a full day- but such a perfect day! Bethesda Terrace is my favorite place to end the day, it is so peaceful and just gorgeous! You must visit Central Park next time!
This is such a great guide! You compiled all the best things in NYC!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you Rach! It was a busy day trying to get everything in- but it IS possible!
I love this guide Chloe! You guys always find such fun ways to spend your weekends!! xo Bryn http://www.waktonroad.com
Thank you Bryn! We’ve been very blessed and love exploring!
You hit on all the best spots in 24 hours!! Makes me want to plan another trip to NYC stat!
xo,
Alice at Lone Star Looking Glass
We really did! You must come back! Even if it is for a long layover!
This video is AMAZING!!! I love NY, in fact the hubby and I are talking about going back soon :) I love all the spots you hit!
You are the sweetest Bridget!! Thank you!!! You must come back during the holidays or spring time! Both are so magical!
this looks like soo muc fun babe!! –
It really was so much fun!
Such a great roundup of sights to see! I haven’t been to NYC in years and would love to go back and explore it all!
Oh you must come back! It never gets old exploring this city!
Next time we’re in NYC we are totally following this map! Loved it, Chloe!
You will love it! And you won’t feel the slightest bit guilty about indulging in a glass or two of champagne due to all the walking!
Wonderfully exhaustive guide. Will definitely follow this on our visit to NYC. Do let me know in case you need any help if you plan a trip to India.
http://www.widercanvass.blogspot.in
Thank you Mary! It was a busy day- but so much fun. India is on my bucket list! I will let you know when we make it there!! Thank you!
This is a great idea for a post! I have only been for NYC one time for a school day trip, but I want to go back and do it more thoroughly.
New York is one of my favourite places, especially at this time of year. I spent the Christmas season in New York a couple of years ago and I will never forget it. It was wonderful to view scenes that are familiar from movies and see the iconic seasonal decorations. Taking the 2 level bus and driving through Times Square on New Years Eve Day just as it started to get dark was to die for.
I’m planning a trip to Manhattan to visit family in a few months and I definitely have to do some sight seeing in the city!
These photos are so great! Now I want to go to NYC. I need to take my daughter, she has never been and it truly is so magical.
Such an awesome guide for 24 hours in the city! There is SO much to do and you certainly got a lot in. These photos are gorgeous!
Love your pictures. I second all of your recommendations! Voted and pinned this!
As a native New Yorker, I feel you really nailed it by capturing the true essence of the big apple and all it has to offer!
Thank you SO much for this, friend! I am planning to hit lots of these spots when I am in NYC ina few weeks!
The Best! One of my dreams!!!!
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