Ultimate New York One Day Itinerary
Highlights, Sights, and Tastes of New York City
1. CENTRAL PARK
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Central Park is a wonderful place to start your day in New York City. Here’s a how to make the most of your hour there: enter Central Park at the corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West or Fifth Avenue. Make your way to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain for some of the most picturesque spots in Central Park.
What to see
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace – One of the most photographed locations in the City, this iconic spot features the beautiful fountain known as the Angel of the Waters. The Terrace is adorned with intricate carvings and offers stunning views of the lake.
The Mall and Literary Walk – A wide, tree-lined promenade that leads up to Bethesda Terrace, known for its majestic American elms and statues of famous writers and poets. It is the only straight road in Central Park.
Balto Statue – A bronze statue commemorating the sled dog Balto, who led a team that delivered life-saving medicine during a diphtheria outbreak in Alaska in 1925.
The Lake with the view to the Loeb Boathouse – The Lake is a serene body of water where you can see rowboats and enjoy picturesque views. The Loeb Boathouse adds to the charm to the idyllic setting.
Tours to take
Use this popular narrated audio tour to make the most of this enormous park in 90 minutes: Central Park Walk: The Mall, Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields
This self-guided walking tour isn’t just a walk in the park, it’s a stroll through time with tales of love, loss, laughter, treachery and tragedy at every turn.
Where to eat
Hot dogs from street vendors – Classic New York-style hot dogs are perfect for a fast and tasty bite while exploring the park.
Tavern on the Green – A historic restaurant offering American cuisine in a charming, fairy-tale setting. The outdoor seating area with a large patio wrapped in twinkling lights is especially lovely.
The Boathouse – A beautiful lakeside restaurant offering American cuisine. It’s a great place for a relaxing meal, with stunning views of The Lake and rowboats drifting by.
Next Step:
Exit at the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
2. MIDTOWN/FIFTH AVENUE
Time needed: about 2 hours
This is the most glamorous part of town, with major landmarks, fancy stores, and stunning eclectic architecture. One of the most famous streets in the world, Fifth Avenue runs through Midtown Manhattan and is synonymous with luxury shopping and historic landmarks. Most of the sites listed below are located along Fifth Avenue between 59th and 42nd Streets.
What to see
- The Plaza – An iconic “Old New York” historic hotel overlooking Central Park.
- Tiffany’s – This world-famous jewelry store was immortalized by “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” a classic film featuring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a charming socialite who dreams of a glamorous life.
- St. Thomas – A historic Episcopal church renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and magnificent reredos.
- Cartier Building – All glitz and glamour of the Gilded Age, this once-private home is now the flagship store of the House of Cartier.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and a functioning Catholic Cathedral, it’s a religious landmark and a New York cultural icon. One can visit for free but it’s a great idea to take St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour.
- Rockefeller Center – A major NYC landmark, famous for its art deco architecture, ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, and the iconic Christmas tree during the holiday season. Get the tickets to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
- New York Public Library – A historic Beaux-Arts landmark, it is renowned for its vast collections of rare books, manuscripts, and historic artifacts and for its majestic architecture.
- Grand Central Terminal – A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece renowned for its architectural grandeur, revolutionary design, and staggering statistics. It’s one of the “must-see” sights in the city. If you’d like to learn its many secrets, join a tour.
- The Chrysler Building – With its glistening spire and glorious triangle-shaped crown, this iconic Art Deco skyscraper is one of the finest buildings in the world.
- The Empire State Building – A symbol of New York City’s skyline and one of the greatest engineering achievements in the world, the Empire State Building broke records as the tallest in the world, the first to have more than 100 stories, and the one to be constructed in a record time of one year and forty-five days. Get your Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets here.
Tours to take
This Grand Central Terminal’s Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour is a great companion for getting to know the Grand Central Terminal.
You’ll spot the details others miss, like why its famous starry ceiling is backwards, why it has a hole for a rocket, and why they neglected to clean one tiny spot. You’ll learn how Grand Central birthed the phrase “red carpet treatment” and the word “commuter.” You’ll find out how “air rights” were first conceived here – and how they made Grand Central possible, and then nearly destroyed it.
Where to eat
Here are a few suggestions for food stops in the area.
Grand Central Food Court – In one of the most iconic NYC locations, you can find a wide variety of food options, from quick snacks to tasty meals in cafe settings.
Oyster Bar at the Grand Central – The oldest restaurant in Grand Central, it’s well-known for its unique ambiance, vaulted Guastovino ceilings, and a menu featuring over 25 different varieties of fish, oysters, and shellfish.
Tartinery Café – Bar | Olympic Tower – This casual and very tasty café-bar serves bountiful salads, grain bowls, pastries, craft coffee, fresh juices, and smoothies from breakfast to dinner. It is hidden in the courtyard of Olympic Tower, right by St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
DUOMO 51 – This upscale Italian restaurant features a terrace with the views of St Patrick’s Cathedral. During the summer and spring months, the terrace transforms into a green oasis reminiscent of the Toscana region of Italy.
Next Step:
After you are done, you can take the subway from the Grand Central Terminal to Fulton Street (4 or 5 train) to explore Downtown/FiDi.
3. DOWNTOWN/FINANCIAL DISTRICT/WALL STREET AREA
Time needed: about 2 hours
This is the most historic part of town. The city started here in the 17th century as a Dutch colony called New Amsterdam. This is where the American Revolution was brewing and where the first institutions of the new republic were located. This is the location of world-renown Wall Street—the financial center of the world—as well as the World Trade Center.
What to see
Here is a checklist of essential sights in the Financial District, along with a selection of Civic Center attractions.
- Wall Street is the historic heart of New York City’s Financial District, renowned for its role as a global financial hub and home to the New York Stock Exchange.
- New York Stock Exchange is the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization and a symbol of global finance and economic power.
- Trinity Church is a historic Episcopal church located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, known for its Gothic Revival architecture and an 18th century churchyard with the graves of such notable figures as Alexander Hamilton.
- Federal Hall is a historic site where the first offices of the American government were located, and George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States.
- Charging Bull is an iconic bronze sculpture located near Bowling Green Park, symbolizing the financial might of Wall Street.
- The Statue of Liberty is the universal symbol of freedom and democracy, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
- Brooklyn Bridge is the famous suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, renowned for its revolutionary architectural design and panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
- The Municipal Building is one of the few monumental skyscrapers of the early part of the Twentieth Century and one of the largest government office buildings in the world. It was inspired by the Roman Arch of Constantine and the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.
- South Street Sea Port is a historic district featuring cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings offering a charming glimpse into New York City’s maritime past.
- The Woolworth Building is a spectacular neo-Gothic edifice dubbed the “Cathedral of Commerce.” One of the most magnificent skyscrapers, it stood the tallest in the world from 1913 to 1930.
- St. Paul’s Chapel is New York City’s oldest public building in continuous use and Manhattan’s oldest surviving church. It is notable for its historic significance as George Washington’s place of worship and its role as a relief center after the 9/11 attacks.
- 9/11 Memorial is a poignant tribute located at the World Trade Center site, commemorating the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- Oculus is a striking transportation hub and shopping mall designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It is known for its futuristic design, spacious interior, and symbolic role in revitalizing the area after the September 11 attacks.
Tours to take
Explore the Financial District with the Wall Street Insider Tour or take advantage of these self-guided options.
Get a glimpse into the city’s colonial and revolutionary history, walking in the shoes of Alexander Hamilton and his colonial neighbors with History of Alexander Hamilton in New York or take a 90-minute walk The Battery: NYC origins from Bowling Green Park to Stone Street and find out why New York was named after a Duke who never even set foot in the city and how from a humble dirt-walled fort it became the center of one of the most powerful cities on earth.
Where to eat
Here are a few suggestions for food stops in the area.
- Fraunces Tavern is a historic tavern known for its role in American history as a place where George Washington gave the farewell dinner after the victory in the Revolutionary War. The food and the ambiance are both fantastic
- Delmonico’s is a historic fine dining establishment that has a distinction of being the first restaurant in America and the birthplace of Egg Benedict.Stone Street is a charming cobblestone street (the first paved street in New York!) lined with historic buildings that house lively restaurants and bars. The street’s vibrant atmosphere is ideal for dining and socializing.
- Stone Street is a charming cobblestone street (the first paved street in New York!) lined with historic buildings that house lively restaurants and bars. The street’s vibrant atmosphere is ideal for dining and socializing.
- Eataly NYC Downtown is a vibrant Italian marketplace offering a wide array of gourmet Italian food products, cafes, and restaurants in a bustling, market-style setting with views of the World Trade Center.
- Tin Building is a historic structure that used to be a fish market but was turned into a fantastic food court. It’s located steps ay from the Brooklin Bridge which means that one can get the food to go and enjoy it “al-fresco” enjoying sweeping views.
- Kokos at Pearl Alley at Pier 17 is a waterfront entertainment and dining destination, offering stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge.
Next Step:
Take a subway to Times Square
4. MIDTOWN/TIMES SQUARE
Time needed: 1 hour
With typical modesty, the New Yorkers call Times Square ‘The Crossroads of the World’. If it’s not central to the whole world, it is pretty central to the island of Manhattan. Times Square is located in the heart of the New York Theater District, hosting around 40 Broadway theaters. Come in the evening to be dazzled by bright lights, gigantic billboards, a bustling atmosphere, and a well-deserved dinner.
What to see
Theater District and Times Square, with their bustling atmosphere, Broadway theaters, and dazzling billboards, are among the most visited and recognizable locations in New York City.
Bryant Park is a lovely urban oasis located right behind the New York Public Library. Seasonal events include free music and dance performances, outdoor movie nights, and artisanal markets.
Where to eat
Restaurant Row is a stretch of West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues known for its diverse selection of restaurants within walking distance of Broadway theaters.
Swing 46 is a lively jazz club and restaurant located on Restaurant Row. It offers live music performances every night, great food, a dance floor, and a vintage-inspired atmosphere that evokes the spirit of the Swing Era.
John’s of Times Square bills itself as the most unique pizzeria in the world. It’s located in the old Gospel Tabernacle Church, and pizzas are made to order in 800-degree coal-fired brick ovens.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe is a classic American diner known for its nostalgic ambiance and extensive New York diner-style menu.
Gallaghers Steakhouse is a historic steakhouse located in Midtown Manhattan, celebrated for its classic steakhouse fare, aged beef, and old-world charm since 1927.
Marseille is Hell’s Kitchen’s quintessential French brasserie enjoyed by locals, theater enthusiasts, performers, and tourists alike.
Next Step:
This is a good place to finish your day of sightseeing, catch a show, or have dinner in one of many restaurants.