10 Things To Do In New York In One Day

[Updated September 2019]

Exploring New York in a day is like having a million options and you are asked to pick just one of them. Popularly known as ‘the Big Apple’, it is a city that never sleeps, and a truly amazing place to visit – with an array of exciting things to do in New York and places to see. The city has a thriving social scene, combined with some of the most beautiful and recognisable landmarks in the USA.

If truth be told, it is not an easy task to explore the bustling city in a day, but as far as New York tourist attractions and exquisite places to visit in New York are concerned, here are 10 things to do in New York in one day, if you are looking for an unforgettable experience:

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a well-known landmark in the United States and there is no way you can pay a visit to New York without seeing the neoclassical statue. Whether you are catching a glimpse by ferry ride or from a distance at Battery Park – from any angle in New York she stands out.

2. Take a stroll in Central Park

Central Park

One of the best things about New York is the abundance of green spaces scattered across the city – worth every second of your visit. You can take a ride on the famous Central Park Carousel, dating as far back as 1908, or you can get a beautiful view of the lake from the famous Loeb Boathouse.. This park is measured at a staggering 3,41 kilometres squared! The Central Park Zoo is home to many animals, including the likes of grizzly bears,, sea lions, penguins, pandas and more. Central Park is a must visit for every tourist, and one of the most memorable of things to do in New York

3. Visit Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station

As North America’s third-busiest train station,this terminal registers most of the rush hours in New York City. Almost 800,000 people pass through this terminal on a daily basis. The Grand Square Terminal is a railroad terminal, located in Midtown Manhattan. Aside from the enormous amount of commuters that patronise this terminal, it’s a masterpiece in its own right, with well-designed cathedral-like windows and a circular arc scattered with bright lights and medieval paintings. If you are hungry, you can have a quick lunch in the food court on the lower level of the Terminal.

4. Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Colloquially known as ‘the Met’ and described as one of the best art museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located across three sites in New York City. It is home to artefacts dating as far back as 300,000 BC.. The museum features exciting events and activities every month. Enjoy amazing performances, tours, lectures and workshops that take place in the museum. The Met is open 7 days a week. Learn more about the Met Museum by visiting the official website.

Also read: When is the best time to visit New York City?

5. Pay respects at the National September 11 Memorial Museum

9/11 Memorial and Museum

The footprint of the world trade centre has been converted into the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial serves as an institution – a place to explore and learn about the events of September 11th and its global significance. The Museum displays a collection of artefacts connected to the events, presenting a story of loss and hope. This landmark has a descending pool, engraved with all the names of those who died on that notorious day. Visit the 9/11 Memorial, a place that holds lasting memories.

6. Get a glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the United States. Dating back to 1883, this bridge has seen many historic events since it’s construction and holds a lot of memories. It has a pedestrian path where you can walk, jog, run or stroll across, while you catch the breathtaking views of the city. From the bridge, you can see New York’s beautiful skyline. Access the bridge by way of a subway ride and short walk before using the underpass on Washington Street.

7. Catch breath-taking city views from the Empire State Building

The Empire State building

The Empire State Building is known for spectacular views and is New York’s most popular observation deck. The skyscraper of 102 stories is located in Midtown Manhattan. If you have the opportunity to visit, it is one of the best things to do in New York. The view from the rooftop is beyond description, where you will see stunning skyline views of New York City. Throughout the year, the iconic building is illuminated with coloured lights to mark important events and occasions.

8. Take a walk and explore Time Square

Times Square

Times Square is a top New York tourist attraction, bustling with street activities. It is an urban area mostly flanked by elevated buildings, adorned by gigantic electronic advertising boards. This is a part of New York that never sleeps. Movie premiers are shown on big screens and it is a place where one can get tickets to several Broadway shows. You can also shop on the streets and wine and dine at fine restaurants at any time of the day.

9. Visit New York’s urban relic – The High Line

High Line, New York

Stretching more than 2 kilometres, the linear park is constructed on a historic freight line, elevated above the streets of Manhattan. The several varying gardens boast numerous species of plants that bloom and change with the seasons. Meandering along the paths and waterways will give you a lovely view of the Hudson River and is one of the more unique things to do in New York.

10. Sample New York’s best pizza spots

Patsy's Pizza

Image courtesy of Patsy’s Pizzeria

Visiting New York without indulging in pizza will leave you feeling incomplete. .Pizza spots are scattered around the streets of New York – with many different recipes and tastes on offer. Places to visit are Rubirosa on Mulberry Street, Lombardi’s Pizza on Spring Street, John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street, Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn and Patsy’s Pizzeria on 2nd Avenue.

If you are spending a day in the Big Apple, make sure you don’t miss out on the best things to do in New York and top highlights of the city. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to discover more about this sleepless city and upcoming specials on New York flights.

Did we miss any of your favourite activities? Share them with us in the comment below.

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4 thoughts on “10 Things To Do In New York In One Day

  1. Take a ride on a subway, a greyhound etc. Experience the ticketing system online or at the stations.

  2. Thanks for this list! It’s so true that capturing NYC is a big task – millions of things to see & do and very less time at hand. Your list of top 10 things did a great job!! We largely covered NYC. However, we really felt a little heartbroken when we reached the 9/11 spot and saw the memorial having the names of the people who had died there written on it. We did capture our entire NYC Trip on roadlike app, a private app that has the trail of how we captured your suggested 10 places in a day. It was tiresome but awesome.

  3. Take a ride on one of the tourist buses offering guided tours depending on your fancied sights.Good value for money.

  4. I loved your post.Much thanks again. addebaeddgdcegce

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