We recently visited New York City with grand plans to see as much as we could. During our research, we struggled to understand distances and manage our tight schedule before heading upstate.
New York City is a top destination in the US, so ideally, you’d spend a weekend there. However, even in just 24 hours, you can see a lot. Here’s a rundown of everything we managed during our trip, which might help you plan your own day-long adventure. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes!
Our itinerary focused on Manhattan. While New York’s other boroughs are fantastic too, we stayed in Manhattan to maximize our sightseeing time. We kicked things off by taking a Blacklane car from the airport, although the Air Train from JFK is another option.
We stayed at the W New York – Downtown in Lower Manhattan, which was a great central base for our explorations. The hotel is sleek with a vibrant atmosphere, and the onsite lounge with live music was a nice touch.
If you’re budget-conscious, Manhattan’s hostels are pricey, so consider staying in a more affordable borough like Queens, though this will add to your travel time and costs. Alternatively, you can look for cheaper Airbnb options.
We started our day at Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip. It’s a lovely area to stroll along the seawall and get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. If you want a closer look, ferries to Ellis Island and Liberty Island are available, but this can eat up an hour and a half, so a quick photo might be best.
From Battery Park, we followed Broadway to our next stops. First was the Charging Bull, where we joined the crowds to rub the bronze statue for luck. A bit further down Broadway, we checked out Trinity Church. It’s worth a quick peek inside if you have time.
Wall Street, with its stunning Gilded Age architecture, was next. Here, you can see major sites like The Trump Building, Federal Hall, 14 Wall Street, and the New York Stock Exchange in a short walk.
Heading to the East River via FDR Drive, we enjoyed views of the Brooklyn Bridge and shopped for trinkets from nearby vendors. From there, we made our way into Chinatown, seeking out Joe’s Shanghai for their authentic soup dumplings.
Next, we wandered along Canal Street, known for its affordable knock-off sunglasses and tourist gear, before heading to Little Italy for a taste of some of New York’s best cuisine. SoHo was our next stop, where the neighborhood’s narrow, cobblestone streets have a lot of charm.
In Tribeca, we admired neo-Renaissance architecture like the Powell Building and the New York Telephone Company. We ended the day by visiting the Freedom Tower and World Trade Memorial, marveling at the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and reflecting at the evocative memorial.
The next morning, after a restful night, we took the subway from Wall St. Station to Union Square, where there are often events and markets. From there, we walked up 5th Ave, renowned for its Gilded Age buildings and high-end shopping, and then on to Central Park to take in its green space.
Continuing to Columbus Circle, we snapped a few photos before boarding the subway again to 14th St. to visit Chelsea Market. This vibrant spot was perfect for a relaxed stroll.
The High Line, an old railway track turned pedestrian walkway and garden, was a highlight. It’s a beautiful place to walk, with lots of greenery and places to rest. From there, we visited Madison Square Garden and continued to Times Square to join the throngs of tourists soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
For a unique experience, consider going sailing around NYC with services like Sailo, which offer various rental options including sunset cruises. It’s a relaxing way to see the city after a long day of walking.
By now, your legs might be tired and your camera full, but you’ll have seen a lot of New York City, specifically Manhattan. There are still other areas like Brooklyn and Staten Island left to explore for another visit. Don’t forget travel insurance, as healthcare costs in the US can be high.
Think you can see more of New York in 24 hours? Share your tips with us in the comments. If you think we’re crazy for cramming this much into a day, let us know!
Some images in this article were sourced from Shutterstock.com.