So you’re traveling through the United States and you’ve only got 1 day in NYC. Don’t panic - there’s still time to catch the unforgettable sights and sounds in the city!
What’s at the top of your must-do list? We’ve got a range of ideas for arranging the best day trip to NYC, from activities for all the family to famous sights to see. No matter how much time you have to spend in our great city, you won’t regret the hours you’ve spent in the Big Apple!
What to do in NYC in one day
You won’t be able to see everything, but it’s easy to have an unforgettable day in New York packed with memorable moments. Here’s a one day in NYC itinerary that’s perfect for a quick visit to the city.
Morning: Enjoy the sights with breakfast
Take a nice walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge while eating a delicious bagel (a traditional snack!). Or stop off for coffee in one of the city’s numerous coffee shops near Central Park and pretend you’re in Friends’ Central Perk.
Afternoon: Get a casual lunch and visit a museum
New York is well-known for its cuisine, influenced by the many people who have settled in the city since it was established. Try some amazing delicatessen dishes or famous pizza slices - there’s plenty of places to grab a casual lunch as you wander around for your one day trip to NYC.
For the afternoon, you can visit one of NYC’s famous museums. Some of the most wonderful works of art and history are held in the halls of NYC’s museums, and they’re well worth visiting if you’re only in NYC for a day trip.
Evening: Catch a show
New York is famous for many things, but its Broadway shows are renowned across the world for a reason! You can see shows like Hamilton, Wicked, Moulin Rouge and more in some of the world’s most celebrated theaters. You can also see real outfits from these productions, including Wicked and Hamilton, in our Broadway exhibit at RiseNY!
Top theatrical institutions like the Gershwin Theatre have tickets to book all year round, so there’s bound to be a show on the day you’re visiting.
Must-Do Activities in a Day in NYC
If you’re pressed for time, we’ve got some suggestions for some must-do activities for your one day itinerary in New York:
Tour RiseNY
If you’re worried you won’t catch all of the Big Apple’s wonders in one day, why not try RiseNY? In one location, you can experience many of New York’s famous sights and sounds from all the eras of the city. With museum exhibits with everything in it - from Broadway show memorabilia to authentic items from TV and movie history - a Jeff Goldblum-narrated documentary and an immersive ride across the New York City skyline, there’s something for everyone!
How long is RiseNY?
You can spend a few hours at RiseNY - there’s a lot to keep you and your loved ones busy!
Book your tickets now
Get your tickets for RiseNY's three-in-one experience and make sure you see as much as possible for your one day in NYC!
Visit Central Park
This iconic location is a green haven in the middle of the city. If you have time in your busy itinerary for your one day in New York, you can take a quick 20 minute stroll through this natural gem to reset after walking the city streets.
How long does it take to walk through Central Park?
How long it takes to walk through Central Park depends on which route you take and the pace you set! You can walk from north to south of the park in about 2 hours, and doing an entire loop of the park will take about 3 hours. Alternatively if you are pressed for time, you can do a quick walk through.
See Times Square
You’ve seen it in nearly every film set in New York - so go and see the big billboards at Times Square and feel like you’re on set! It’s a busy location but for a quick stop-off, it’s perfect for getting a real sense of the city life.
How long should you spend at Times Square?
As you’re on a tight timeline for your one day trip to NYC, there’s no need to spend hours in Times Square itself. However, there are plenty of amazing places to visit just off of Times Square - including RiseNY!
Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Singing waiters called “The Stardusters” are a staple part of a visit to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and they make it a great place to eat on a whistle-stop tour of NYC. Named after singer, actor, and model Ellen Hart-Sturm, this establishment offers an unforgettable dining experience not to be missed!
