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One Day In NYC

Do you have only one day in NYC? It can seem overwhelming to plan a trip to NYC on such a tight schedule, but I’m here to help. New York City is a big place filled with thousands of famous attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and activities. But if you find yourself with the ability to spend only 1 day in NYC, it is possible to see many of the major sites. In fact, a New York one day trip is a perfectly enjoyable way to see the city.

Having grown up just outside New York City, worked there for several years, and visited regularly since moving away, I know the city well. I’ve made several New York City posts on this blog over the years including my NYC Street Art Guide, Weird Things To Do In New York City, Cool Museums in NYC, and My Accessible Guide To NYC. But I wanted to put together the best NYC in one day itinerary for seeing the city if you’re short on time.

Word of warning, this New York City one day itinerary is jam-packed. The locations you’ll be visiting are all wheelchair accessible, but if you have chronic pain, or tire easily, you may want to cut back on some of the activities mentioned. I’ll also give you options at some of the locations to spend more time or have a rest while you take in the views.

Saving Money On Your 1 Day in New York City

You may want to invest in a City Pass for this one day New York City itinerary. City Pass gets you admission to many of the sites on this itinerary. Sites such as The Empire State Building, Top of The Rock, Statue of Liberty Ferry, The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. It will be cheaper than buying individual tickets at each location. But I will give you the option to do it either way via Get Your Guide and Viator.

Purchase Your New York City Pass Here

Tips For Enjoying Your One Day In New York City

Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will walk quite a bit on this itinerary. If you require a mobility aid, bring it. I always travel to NYC with my handy folding cane.
Have your phone wallet loaded with your credit card for easy subway entrance. Sadly, the MTA doesn’t offer unlimited day passes for the subway. Unlimited metro card options only come in 7-day or 30-day versions.
Have your Uber or Lyft app ready to access on your phone as well. Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city and are a good way to get around.
Before you go: Make decisions about which Broadway show, comedy show, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and buy tickets. Download The Today Tix app on your phone and start your search to book your seats in advance. If you’re feeling lucky and want to take a risk, you can also go to the TKTS by TDF booth in Times Square to try to score discount tickets to a same-day performance. But know that this takes a good chunk of time to wait in line and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to score tickets to the show you want.
Before you go: make dinner reservations. We’re going to end our 1 day in NYC itinerary Uptown, so it’s best to look for something on the Upper East or Upper West side. Alternatively, you can look for something in nearby Midtown. You can always cancel your reservations, but it’s good to know where you are eating so you don’t have to worry about finding food at the end of a long day.
Before you go: Book as many attractions as possible in advance. Popular attractions in NYC often have long lines. To maximize your time, book all your tickets for must-see sights like museums, observation decks, or Broadway shows well in advance. This will help you get better deals, avoid last-minute scrambles, and ensure you don’t miss out on experiencing iconic landmarks. You can book tickets for NYC attractions on platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide or get the aforementioned City Pass.

Now on to the fun stuff!

NYC One Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on things that make New York City unique. We’re talking about the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and Times Square. If you’re looking for things like The Bronx Zoo, or Coney Island, you won’t find it here. In fact, we’re spending our entire day in Manhattan because we have no time for the outer boroughs. For that, you’ll need more than a day in NYC.

We’re going to start our one day NYC trip at the southern tip of Manhattan in the Financial District just over the Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure to snap some photos of this gorgeous structure while you grab a bagel and coffee for breakfast.

You can get a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge starting at City Hall.

Address: City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007

Financial District - Wall Street

Wall Street is home to some of the largest financial institutions in the United States. You’ll find some of the following well-known sites in this area:

New York Stock Exchange: The epicenter of global finance, this is where stocks are traded. While the trading floor isn’t open to the public, you can have a look at the building itself, as it’s pretty iconic. Address: 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Trinity Church: This Gothic Revival church is an iconic landmark. Address: 89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Charging Bull Statue: Snap a photo next to this giant bronze sculpture, a symbol of American financial aggression. Address: Broadway just north of Bowling Green in the Financial District

Financial District: World Trade Center

The original World Trade Center with its famous twin towers was of course tragically destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Today, the rebuilt World Trade Center site stands as a symbol of strength and resilience on the same site as the original.

The main building of the 16-acre complex is One World Trade Center, known as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

There are 2 major sites in this area that you’ll want to see on your New York in one day tour:

Oculus: Oculus stands as a modern architectural marvel and a hub of activity in New York City. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in March 2016, this transportation and retail center serves as a key connection point for commuters using the PATH train and the subway.

The structure resembles a bird in flight, symbolizing the city’s resilience after the events of September 11, 2001. Its striking white, rib-like design floods the interior with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options inside, making it not just a transit space but a destination in its own right.

The Oculus is also adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which adds historical significance to the area.

9/11 Memorial and Museum: The National September 11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the September 11 attacks in New York City, which killed 2,977 people as well as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing which killed 6 people. The memorial is located on the former World Trade Center grounds. The grounds feature a forest of swamp oak trees, and two square reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. 152 bronze parapets surrounding the memorial pools are inscribed with the names of the 2,983 victims. The museum itself contains a collection of more than 40,000 images 14,000 artifacts, 500 hours of video, and 3,500 oral recordings.

For tickets visit 9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Tickets.

The museum is wheelchair accessible. An accessible drop-off/ pick-up location is located at the intersection of Liberty Street and Trinity Place. The museum offers free admission to one accompanying caregiver. All restrooms have wheelchair-accessible stalls. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to rent on a first-com-first-serve basis.

Induction loops that transmit sound to visitors with T-coil compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants are installed throughout the museum. Captioning is also available on all video exhibits. An ASL tour is also available. The audio guide includes an audio description tour to help guide visitors who are blind or partially blind.

Address: 180 Greenwich Street, NY, NY

Battery Park & The Statue of Liberty

The next stop on our tour will have you taking a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views from Battery Park. From here, you can see the famous Statue of Liberty across New York Harbour.

Unfortunately, a trip to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island takes an estimated 4-6 hours. If you’re doing New York City in one day you won’t have time for a Statue of Liberty tour. But you can still appreciate the fabulous views of the statue from Battery Park.

If you want to get closer to the statue, you could take a 50-minute express cruise from Battery Park. This boat ride gives you the best close-up views of Lady Liberty from the water and doesn’t take up half your day. It’s the perfect way to see the statue with a 1 day New York itinerary. The cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Another option is to hop on the free Staten Island Ferry, (also wheelchair accessible) which goes between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. It’s a fantastic way to see the Statue of Liberty up close without spending money. Just remember, the ferry comes every 15-30 minutes. The round trip takes about 25 minutes each way. If you go this route, it might take you about 1.5-2 hours to get back to Battery Park. While it saves you money, this could cause you to have to trim out other segments of the itinerary.

Lunch in Little Italy

Your NYC itinerary continues with one of my favorite NYC experiences, strolling through Little Italy. Bordered on the west by Tribeca and Soho, on the south by Chinatown, on the east by the Bowery and Lower East Side, and on the north, by Nolita, this neighborhood is known for its once-large Italian population. Today, Little Italy is made up of 50 or so Italian restaurants and cafes, and an ethnically diverse population of residents. Fun fact, it’s also home to Alleva Dairy on Grand Street, the oldest cheese shop in the United States. Opened in 1892, it’s still in operation today.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in September during the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro you can check out the area’s large street fair along Mulberry Street between Houston (pronounced “House-Ton”) and Canal Streets.

While today the area may be more nostalgic than an actual hub of Italian Americans, it still has some of the best food in the city and you can’t throw a rock without hitting a great chicken parm. If you’d like some recommendations, I highly recommend Emilio’s Ballato, Peasant, and America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s.

For a full sampling of the best foods in Little Italy check out the Italian Food Tour of New York.

Click Here For Tickets To The New York Italian Food Tour

Afternoon: Midtown Manhattan The High Line And Central Park

If you’re looking for an easy, accessible, and scenic walk to do on your NYC day trip, you can’t beat the High Line. One of my favorite unique NYC activities, the High Line takes you past a number of NYC’s cool places.

The High Line is an elevated linear park stretching 1.45 miles along a former NYC central railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan. The park runs from Gansevoort Street through Chelsea to the northern edge of the West Side Yard near Javits Center.

Attractions include plants and flowers, great views of the city and Hudson River, and multiple art installations and murals.

Another great attraction is the Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour.

The High Line is fully wheelchair accessible and made of a nice flat pathway. Wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits with elevators are available at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 23rd Street, 30th Street, and 34th Street. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at Gansevoort Street and 16th Street.

Address: Enter at Gansevoort Street and Washington Street (there is elevator access here)

Click Here For Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour Tickets

Following the High Line you’ll arrive in Hudson Yards. Oh Hudson Yards, what could have been… Unfortunately, today Hudson Yards is mostly known for an upscale mall with a now-shuttered sculpture, The Vessel.

You can still view the Vessel, pictured above, but due to multiple people dying from jumping off the sculpture since its opening in 2019, it has since been closed. If you’d like to know more about the area, check out the Hudson Yards Tour.

Click Here For Hudson Yards Tour Tickets

The Vessel Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Click Here For Tickets To The Hudson Yards Food Tour

New York Public Library & Bryant Park

Our next stop is the New York Public Library. First opened in 1911, the building was declared a New York City Designated Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Register of Historic Places site in the 1960s. Located along Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets the Beaux-Arts style library sits just east of Bryant Park.

Inside the building, you’ll find the main reading room, public catalog room, library shop, various reading rooms, and art exhibitions. You don’t have to be a local to visit. Out-of-state visitors can apply for a temporary card. My personal favorite spot is the maps division, which houses more than 20,000 atlases and 433,000 sheet maps, some dating back as early as the 16th century. There’s also a Manuscripts and Archives division containing illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

The rare books division houses the first Gutenberg Bible to be brought to the US, and first edition works by Shakespeare, Voltaire, and Walt Whitman, among others. However, admission to the rare book division requires pre-registration.

Even if you’re not a voracious reader, you can appreciate the building’s art and architecture. I also highly recommend the library shop if you’re looking for unique gifts for that literature lover or quirky NYC gifts and souvenirs.

The building has been featured in such films as 42nd Street, The Wiz, Ghostbusters, Network, The Thomas Crown Affair, Spider-Man, Sex and the City, Arthur, and many more.

The New York Public Library’s flagship location the Stephen A Schwartzman Building is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Address: 476 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Bryant Park

While you’re there, visit nearby Bryant Park. Located between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan, the eastern part of the park is occupied by the New York Public Library. The western section contains a lawn, shaded walkways, and a carousel. But my favorite part of Bryant Park is the seasonal Bryant Park Winter Village and ice rink which takes place around the Christmas holiday season. During this time you can shop for all kinds of gifts and crafts from the booths set up inside the park. If you happen to be spending your 1 day in NYC at Christmas time you can also enjoy the ice skating rink.

You may choose to stop by the Bryant Park Grill for a bite to eat if you’re feeling peckish.

Bryant Park is wheelchair accessible. All of the public areas, walkways, and entrances to the restaurant are ADA-compliant.

Address: 5th and 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets New York, NY

Panoramic Views from an Observation Deck

When you only have one day in the city, you simply must get a bird’s-eye view of NYC! The city has several incredible observation decks. Here are five of the most popular:

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Edge Observation Deck (Hudson Yards): 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
One World Observatory (One World Trade Center): 117 West St, New York, NY 10007
Empire State Building Observatory: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

At this point in the itinerary, you’ll be closest to Top Of The Rock and Summit One Vanderbilt. I recommend Top of The Rock as it offers some of the best views including 360-degree views of Central Park, the iconic Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, and the entire Manhattan skyline. It also lacks glass barriers to obstruct your photos.

If you visit Top of the Rock, check out the famous Channel Gardens and the lower-level concourse at Rockefeller Plaza. During the Christmas season, there is a popular ice rink and you can see the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Plus, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are just around the corner. If you’re there during the holiday season, don’t miss out on the gorgeous Saks 5th Avenue windows and light show.

Your other nearby option, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, is the newest observatory, with mirrored walls and ceilings that create an infinity effect. This is also a fantastic choice to take in those NYC views.

Grand Central Terminal

Depending on where you’re coming from you may travel through Grand Central Terminal. But it’s so much more than a train station. It’s a stunning historical building that’s well worth looking at even if you aren’t there to catch a train. The building’s Beaux-Arts design incorporates numerous works of art earning it a place as a National Historic Landmark.

Believe it or not, Grand Central Terminal is actually one of the world’s 10 most visited tourist attractions. I highly recommend the NYC Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour for a more in-depth experience.

Grand Central Terminal is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, NY, NY 10017

Central Park

No one day NYC itinerary would be complete without a stop in Central Park. Central Park is a much-needed respite from the bustling streets of New York City. Located between the Upper East and Upper West sides of Manhattan, Central Park spans an impressive 843 acres. It’s the most filmed location in the world and the most visited urban park in the country. Central Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963.

The park’s main landscape attractions are the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, Strawberry Fields, the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Ramble and Lake. Central Park also offers several amusement attractions like the Central Park Carousel, Wollman Rink, and the Central Park Zoo. Other highlights include Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Mall, and Delacorte Theater. There are also tons of recreational activities like carriage horse rides, bicycle tours, sports facilities, Shakespeare in the Park, and outdoor concerts.

Click here for a Guided Central Park Pedicab Tour.

Click Here For Pedicab Tour Tickets

Also, consider getting tickets to the Central Park Zoo.

Click Here For Zoo Tickets

Even if you have no specific park activity or destination in mind, it’s fun to just take a stroll through the park. You never know what or who you’ll see wandering through Central Park. A few years ago I saw the great Joan Didion, which was easily the highlight of my trip to NYC.

Evening: Entertainment

Option 1: Broadway Show

Seeing a Broadway show is one of the quintessential NY experiences. Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, seeing a show at NYC’s theatre district is a must. You can often see big Hollywood stars taking a turn on Broadway and it’s quite the experience to see them in such an intimate theater setting.

Broadway shows are some of the best theatre productions in the world and a great way to spend an evening. I’ve been seeing Broadway shows since I was a kid in Jersey making class field trips to NYC.

For discount day of Broadway tickets check out the TKTS booth in Times Square. They offer same-day tickets for as much as 50% off. If you’re feeling lucky, you could also enter the Broadway ticket lottery where you’ll be entered to win tickets to hit Broadway shows for as little as $35 each. I’ve entered 10 or so times and was lucky enough to win 2 tickets to Kinky Boots once a few years back. Your luck will vary.

If you only have 1 day in New York City you’ll probably want to get your tickets in advance.

Option 2: A Comedy Show

Whether it’s Carolines or the Comedy Cellar, NYC has some of the best clubs in the country. I highly recommend getting tickets in advance and laughing your ass off.

The Comedy Cellar: 117 MacDougal Street NY, NY 10012 - wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance
Carolines: 1626 Broadway (Btwn 49th and 50th Streets) NY, NY 10019 - wheelchair accessible
Gotham Comedy Club: 208 W 23rd Street NY, NY 10011 - wheelchair accessible

Option 3: NYC Dinner Cruise

If shows aren’t your thing, consider an NYC dinner cruise on the Hudson River. A nighttime cruise offers a unique perspective of the city skyline and allows you to see the twinkling city lights set against the night sky.

You’ll see some of the most famous buildings in NYC, like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center, from a new vantage point.

Option 4: Rooftop Bar

Another option for your evening in the Big Apple is to enjoy the Manhattan skyline from a rooftop bar. There are plenty of choices.

Here are a few great rooftop bars from the list:

Beast & Butterflies at M Social Hotel: great views of Times Square with a vibrant atmosphere Address: 226 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square: offers multiple cocktail bars, a carousel décor, live DJs, and fantastic views Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel: serves up literary-inspired cocktails with a rooftop garden. This amazing penthouse allows you to chill on their wrap-around balconies or relax inside by the fireplace in the writers’ den. Address: 299 Madison Ave #14, New York, NY 10017

Option 5: Times Square

As someone who spent the late 90s working in Times Square in a building directly next door to MTV’s Total Request Live and despised pressing my way through the throngs of bridge and tunnel teens who clogged up the sidewalk, I’ve more than had my share of Times Square. But, if you’ve never been it’s definitely something to check off your list. Just be prepared for tons of traffic and tourists.

While there are a fair amount of things to do in Times Square, in my opinion, New York City has far more unique offerings than M&M World, The Naked Cowboy, a bunch of Elmos, Dave & Busters, and Madame Tussauds. But Times Square isn’t all bad. If you want to check out one of the many Broadway shows you’ll find yourself in the Times Square area.

If you’re there right before midnight, check out the Midnight Moment. It’s the world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program. Every night, from 11:57pm to midnight, the massive electronic billboards in Times Square synchronise to showcase a single digital artwork.

FAQ: 24 Hours in New York City

Is one day in NYC enough Time?

One day in NYC is enough to give you a taste of the city and allow you to see some of the iconic landmarks, but it won’t cover everything. This itinerary just scratches the surface of one of my favorite cities. To fully experience all that NYC has to offer, plan for a longer time in the city.

How many days do I need in NYC?

To truly appreciate NYC’s culture, sights, and neighborhoods, plan to stay for at least 5-7 days. With so many days in the city, you will be able to see some of the big sights in the outer boroughs as well as more of Manhattan’s museums and restaurants.

Can you SEE NYC without a car?

Yes, you can easily explore NYC without a car. The city has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. And yes, it;s wheelchair accessible. Walking and biking are also great ways to experience the city. In fact, I would highly recommend against having a car in NYC as parking is difficult to find and quite expensive.

Is it worth going to NYC for a day?

It’s worth going to NYC for a day. Just plan for a very full day and wear comfortable footwear. A day in NYC lets you experience some of the city’s iconic landmarks, quaint neighborhoods, and exciting energy. You just have to prioritize your must-sees, book attractions in advance, and embrace the crazy city energy.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect NYC One Day Itinerary

I hope this 1 Day in NYC Itinerary helps you experience the best of NYC in just one day. Sure, there are many more sites to see, but this NYC One Day Itinerary will take you to all the major sites and give you the most bang for your buck. Whenever possible I’ve included addresses so you can map out your path and decide if walking, cabbing it, or taking public transportation is best for you.

For those planning a 24-hour day trip to NYC, remember to prioritize your must-see sights and book activities well in advance to ensure you can see as much as possible. Don’t leave things to the last minute or you may find yourself in long lines or unable to get tickets at all.

What are some of your favorite New York sights? Let me know in the comments below.

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