Summary of Your 24-Hour NYC Itinerary
If you are in New York City for under 24 hours, planning an itinerary that allows for the most out of your Big Apple trip can seem daunting. With so much to explore and so little time, you’ll need a reliable travel plan. Fortunately, we’ve prepared a comprehensive list of activities you can enjoy in just one day in the Concrete Jungle.
However, to maximize your experience in New York City, be ready for an action-filled day and wear good walking shoes, as you’ll likely walk over 10 miles.
You will traverse the island of Manhattan, and the best option is utilizing NYC’s public transit system, which requires a MetroCard. An unlimited day-pass can be purchased at any MTA subway station. To make navigation easier, consider acquiring a New York City street map.
Your itinerary will include everything from breakfast at H&H Bagels to a morning exploring the city’s various museums and parks, followed by an NYC pizza lunch and an afternoon spent in Greenwich Village. Review the following itinerary to plan your adventure.
Morning Itinerary: Breakfast, Museums, and a Bus Tour
A quintessential breakfast in New York City features a bagel and a great variety of bagels. To kickstart your day, we highly recommend visiting H & H Bagels located at 80th Street and Broadway. Their fantastic bagels and ideal Upper West Side location make it the perfect breakfast stop.
Getting There: With your MetroCard, take the 1 (red line) to 79th Street station. Walk one block north on Broadway, and you will find H & H Bagels on the corner.
While one day is not enough to fully explore New York City’s museums, an ideal plan for this itinerary allows you to spend your morning at either the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, keeping in mind that the Metropolitan Museum is closed most Mondays.
A morning at either museum provides limited time, so consider the “Museum Highlights Tour,” which is available for free with admission at both locations. Check the schedules for the AMNH Highlights Tour and Metropolitan Highlights Tour if you’re adjusting your plans.
Getting There: From H & H Bagels, walk north one block, then east three blocks on 81st Street to reach the entrance of the American Museum of Natural History. If you choose the Metropolitan, enter Central Park at 81st Street and walk east to Fifth Avenue, where the museum is located at 82nd Street. Ensure you pay attention to your map as Central Park’s winding paths can easily lead you astray. This journey will take you past the Shakespeare Garden, Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn, with exit points at 79th or 85th Street.
Afternoon Itinerary: NYC Pizza and Greenwich Village
Regardless of the museum choice, make your way to Fifth Avenue to catch the M1 bus downtown using your unlimited MetroCard. This above-ground travel provides a great view of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue shopping district. The ride takes about 45 minutes to reach Houston Street, where you will disembark for lunch.
Experience the quintessential New York City pizza at Lombardi’s Coal Oven Pizza, America’s oldest pizzeria. Although many excellent pizza spots exist in NYC, Lombardi’s is a superb choice for first-time visitors. Arriving around 2 p.m. during the week minimizes wait times for seating.
Getting There: From Houston, walk two blocks south on Broadway, passing Prince Street, and turn left onto Spring Street. Walk four blocks, passing Crosby, to see Lombardi’s red awning. Alternatively, you can catch the subway from 86th & Lexington (three blocks east and four blocks north of the Metropolitan Museum) and take the 6 (Green Line) train to Spring Street.
Now that you are satisfied with your pizza, it’s time to stroll off the calories in the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village. This area feels like a bit of Europe with a modern twist. You can wander through tree-lined streets and beautiful houses, enjoying the tranquility just steps away from the urban hustle. Using a map will help you explore interesting corners and find notable spots. For more insights into the area, consider exploring local walking tours.
Getting There: From Lombardi’s, walk two blocks north on Mott Street (Prince Street will be the first street crossed) and turn left onto East Houston. Walk about two blocks to see the Subway for the B, D, F, V (orange line). Take the first uptown train one stop to West 4th Street.
Night Itinerary: Dinner, a View, and a Night Cap
New York City offers a nearly endless array of dining options. Renowned for its top-tier restaurants and affordable eateries, it’s tough to recommend just one dinner spot. However, if you’re in the mood for excellent Chinese cuisine, Chinatown is the place to go.
Chinese food in New York is both exceptionally tasty and surprisingly reasonable in price. Two local favorites, Wo Hop (17 Mott Street) and Oriental Garden (14 Elizabeth Street), offer distinct dining experiences: Wo Hop serves hearty Chinese-American dishes, while Oriental Garden specializes in fresh seafood. Consider checking local recommendations to discover more dining options.
Getting There: From the West 4th Street Subway, take the B or D downtown 2 stops to the Grand Street Station. Exit on Grand Street and walk west, crossing Bowery. To reach Oriental Garden, take a left onto Elizabeth Street and walk two blocks, or to reach Wo Hop, turn left onto Mott Street (one street past Elizabeth) and walk two blocks.
After an eventful day, take in the stunning panoramic view from the top of the Empire State Building at night. It’s advisable to purchase tickets online to minimize waiting times—there are two lines: one for buying tickets and another for the elevator ride. By printing your tickets in advance, you can bypass the first line. Although audio tours are offered, the breathtaking view speaks for itself.
Getting There: From the recommended restaurants, take the B, D, F, or V train uptown to 34th Street. Walk one block east to Fifth Avenue and turn left; the Empire State Building entrance is between 33rd & 34th Streets.
New York’s vibrant nightlife caters to various tastes, making it challenging to select experiences for everyone. However, we suggest visiting Pete’s Tavern (129 East 18th Street), the longest continually operated bar & restaurant in the city (established in 1864), frequented by both locals and celebrities. Enjoy a drink before concluding your New York City adventure.
