5 Things to Do in New York City in 1 Day | NYC Bucket List
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New York City was honestly never on my bucket list. Big cities can really overwhelm me. BUT, I know it’s something everyone should see at least once. Since I have lots of friends living there at the moment, I knew it was time to just go! So I did. And what was supposed to be a weekend trip turned into 24 hours (thanks to myself for getting sick and not being able to keep any food or water in).
Despite this, I decided to make the most of the time I was there, and I really felt like I got to see so many classic things in New York City. Like I always tell people – even though it wasn’t long, now I know what I want to do and see and eat next time I’m there! It’s just a little taste test.
To make the most of your time, you can always book a tour, which is a great way to see the city and learn so much, even in a short amount of time. I almost always use Viator when booking these, and you can find a variety of tours here: Viator. We used Viator to book our boat tour, which I will mention below! So, here is how I spent 24 hours in New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of:
1. Summit One Vanderbilt
Looking for 360-degree views of this massive city? Although this is a classic tourist spot, it really is incredible to see. From over 90 stories up, you walk through the glass/mirror-floored rooms and take in the views. Summit One has windows from the floor to the ceiling. They also have a ton of interactive rooms and you can get more included with your ticket if you want!
We decided to save money on this spot and just got the basic ticket, but it got us access to 3 floors. The first floor (over 90 stories up) has massive mirror floors – and trust me, they tell you not to wear skirts or dresses to avoid unwanted exposure. The second floor has a room full of massive silver balloons and fans to keep them in the air. Admittedly, it gets a little chaotic in there, but it makes for amazing pictures and fun. The third floor has an outdoor terrace and a cafe area!
We honestly did not expect to have THAT much fun here, but it was exceeded our expectations. We were able to see so many iconic buildings and landmarks. Highly, highly recommend. BONUS: it is right next to Grand Central Station – actually you have to go through it to get to Summit One – but you can sightsee at the station all in one stop!
2. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a great place to find something to eat for everyone. But it also has some good shopping! This market is mostly indoors, and has lots of different places to get a wide variety of cuisines. From sweets to Asian foods to pizza, they have it all. Chelsea Market has lots of outdoor seating for meeting up with friends or eating the food from inside. Also – covered seating!! A great bonus. It doesn’t take that long to walk through the whole market or around it.
Chelsea Market could definitely be a great spot for taking a break during the day. You can grab food here, do some shopping, sit down, AND be close to lots of other things to do. Oh, and they have a public bathroom! Always good to know where those are in NYC.
3. The High Line
Running directly over Chelsea Market is the High Line. You’ve probably seen pictures of this iconic New York park that is an elevated park, or walking path. It was once a solution to freight trains that were street-level, which led to the creation of this raised route. When it was no longer being used for that, it was turned into this space that preserved history while providing culture, events, and an outdoor greenway for residents and visitors. How about that history lesson?
Anyway, now it is a paved greenway with greenery and plants lined along it. It is a nonprofit and maintained by people in the community. This a place by the community for the community. It is really fun to walk along the High Line and feel like you’re getting a piece of nature in this concrete jungle.
4. Manhattan Architecture Cruise
I can’t say enough good things. This cruise was such a fun experience – from the staff, the guide, the other tourists, the service, and the views. We were some of the few younger people on this cruise. We originally wanted to go on one of the brunch cruises or something with more of a ”party” vibe, but this was honestly better.
We booked the “Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise”, and you can book the same one here: Manhattan Architecture Cruise. Like I mentioned above, you can also find tons of other options for doing a cruise around the island of Manhattan, and you find all of those here: Viator.
It is an almost 3-hour cruise around the entirety of Manhattan Island. You go past all of the iconic sights in New York City, from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge to Roosevelt Island. There are so, so many things they go over on this cruise. We learned so much about not only the architecture but the incredible history of NYC.
The tickets were about $130 per person, but for 3 hours on a yacht? So fun. Plus, it wasn’t overcrowded, and it comes with a free drink! As well as additional drinks and food available for purchase. They have a front deck you can go on to get a better view and enjoy the breeze as you sail past everything.
5. Prince St Pizza (Bonus: on a rooftop)
I hear this place is pretty classic when it comes to NYC pizza. While I was pretty sick during this whole day here, I took one look at the pizza and couldn’t help myself. It is New York-style pizza complete with the tiny pepperonis. I’m not a foodie so don’t make fun of me if I’m not saying any of this right! I can only speak from experience.
They have lots of pizza here, and honestly, it was worth getting sick over. It was thick and the flavor was amazing. The crust was fluffy yet crispy, and you can get a vegetarian pizza likes my friends did!
I said to enjoy this on a rooftop, because that’s what I got to do. I was staying with a friend who had an amazing rooftop terrace, and watching the sunset with a view of NYC from above was unbeatable. Find a rooftop to eat your pizza, or at least make your way to one of the many rooftop restaurants in the city!
For another big city, 1-day itinerary, click here: 10 Things to Do in Chicago in 1 Day
For more domestic destinations in the USA, click here: Domestic Destinations
For a guide to Nashville (where I’m a local), click here for tons of local, lesser-known spots: Best of Nashville
