Planning just one day in NYC can feel daunting. There’s so much to do and so many amazing things that you really have to pick and choose based on what you’re most interested in! That’s where I come in – here are 5 ideas for how to spend one day in NYC.
I’ve been to New York more times than I can count, and it really has something to offer for everyone. These one day NYC itinerary ideas will give you tons of options to consider.
Table of Contents
Planning for One Day in NYC
Before we get into the itineraries, I wanted to share some tips and the rationale behind the design. This will help you consider the factors and take what you need from this post to create your own perfect one-day itinerary for New York.
Every single one of these tips is meant to help you maximize your time and do as much as possible with your one day in the city. It would be a huge bummer to go to NYC and only get to do one or two things because of the time wasted!
Tip 1: NYC is huge; choose an area of the city to focus on.
It can be tempting to try to do a ton of different things across the city. However, if you have just a day in such a big city, you could end up spending all your time in cars or on the subway instead of enjoying the city.
Instead, choose a few areas to focus on based on your interests. That is how these itineraries were designed! You’ll find each is focused on interests and particular parts of the city.
Tip 2: Use public transit; avoid taxis/Ubers
Along the same lines of not wasting time, avoid taxis and Ubers if you just have a day. Actually, avoid driving at all! The traffic in NYC is notorious for being bad, and it can take an hour to go a mile, not an exaggeration.
Instead, enjoy the city by walking through different neighborhoods and taking the subway when needed to get from place to place. It’s easy to find a nearby station, and it goes everywhere the main sites are!
Tip 3: Make reservations (and skip the line when you can)
Many of the top museums, observation decks, restaurants, etc., have the ability not just to take reservations, but also to skip the line. This is especially helpful during peak tourist season (summer and the holiday season).
Tip 4: Tours are great, but not always the best option for just one day
I love a guided tour, but in most of these itineraries, I don’t include one. That’s because with such limited time, it’s often not worth spending three hours doing one thing.
Instead, I would suggest going at your own pace and getting a self-guided audio tour if you want to read up or listen while spending your day in NYC.
Tip 5: Bring your walking shoes
When in NYC, you’re going to do some walking! I always recommend wearing some good walking shoes and packing a few blister pads (just in case). You will be walking a lot, no matter which itinerary you choose, and there’s nothing worse than getting tired or sore halfway through the day.
Option 1: Top Sites in NYC
If you want to get to know NYC or are visiting New York for the first time, then this is the perfect option for your trip! This itinerary will take you to some of the top sites in NYC that are worth stopping at.
In this itinerary, you’ll spend a morning in Central Park, then head to the Met. From there, walk around the Upper East Side (stroll Madison Ave), then end your day in Times Square.
Morning in Central Park
This is one of the most magical places in New York and the perfect place to start your trip. Start at the southern part of the park and walk from there in order to do everything on this itinerary.
I’d recommend choosing 1-3 stops from the list below to visit. You can easily walk past all of them in a few hours, though.
Grab bagels from pretty much any bodega nearby and head to Sheep’s Meadow or the Pond. You want to start on the south side and stick to this itinerary for the rest of the day.
Hang out in Sheep’s Meadow, which is known for its picnics, and you’ll likely see lots of New Yorkers there on a nice day. The Pond is home to the Gapstowe Bridge and close to Wollman Rink (where you can ice skate in the winter!). Both are beautiful options for a bagel breakfast!
From there, walk over to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain are famous architectural features overlooking the southern shore of the Lake in New York City’s Central Park and are beautiful.
Walk through the Ramble to one of the most iconic features in Central Park. Belvedere Castle, a miniature castle, is located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park. It houses a welcome center, a gift shop, and a lookout point worth climbing to.
From Belvedere Castle, head to the Met!
Mid-day on the Upper East Side
The MET
Your time in the middle of the day will be spent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the MET. This is one of the largest museums in the world, with over 5000 years of fine art and pieces from prehistory to the modern day from all over the world.
While technically smaller than the Louver, it covers the largest floor area of any museum in the world. You’ll find no shortage of places to explore within this museum!
Before (or after) exploring for a few hours, make sure to take a break and head up to the Met’s rooftop. They have drinks and bites to try with a view overlooking Central Park and Manhattan. It’s beautiful and a great stop from all the walking you’ve been doing!
General Admission: Adults, $30; Seniors (65 and over), $22; Students, $17; Children (under 12), Free.
You can also book a Met Tour through Walks Tours, one of my absolute favorite tour companies!
Open 10 am – 5 pm Sunday – Tuesday & Thursday (closed Wednesday), 10 am – 9 pm weekends.
For lunch, you’ll find a few great quick bites nearby, including Shake Shack (founded in NYC), La Sandwicherie, and Unregular Pizza.
Afternoon and Evening in Midtown
After exploring the MET, head to Midtown via Madison Avenue. Madison Avenue is home to flagship boutiques of the finest fashion & jewelry designers, world-class art galleries, and more.
You could spend time here shopping if you’re interested, but it might take up a lot of your time! Instead, I recommend walking through and window shopping unless something really catches your eye as you head south toward Times Square.
Times Square
Times Square in New York City is one of the most iconic and bustling places on Earth. This area, located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, is home to some of the world’s largest billboards and signs, making it a must-see destination for any traveler or tourist.
The most famous street in Times Square is Broadway. This is where you’ll spot the flashy lights and advertisements, where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, and the heart of the commercial district in this area, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the TKTS ticket counter to get Broadway tickets. You’ll want these for day two, but more tips on getting them later!
While in Times Square, I’d recommend eating at Serafina for fantastic Italian food. They have a few locations, are quick, and serve up good eats.
Broadway Show
No first trip to New York is complete without seeing a show on Broadway. When buying Broadway tickets, be aware of the show’s schedule, seating options, pricing, and any special promotions or discounts available.
It’s also a good idea to purchase tickets well in advance, especially for popular or high-demand shows. Lastly, watch out for any potential scams or fraudulent ticket sales and buy from reputable sources to ensure you receive valid tickets for the show you want to see.
I’ve had great luck booking far in advance or last minute through official Broadway Websites. You just Google the show you want to see and find its official website to buy tickets. Several services offer discounted Broadway tickets, including TKTS and TodayTix.
Don’t want to DIY this day? Join this tour instead to see some of the highlights.
Option 2: Art, Architecture, and Music
This itinerary option is for those who want to discover the art, music, and views in NYC! It will take you through some unique areas of the city to see art and experience the music that New York is famous for.
From outdoor spaces to unique art installations, here are some ideas for an artsy and music filled day in NYC.
Morning in Hudson Yards
Start your morning in Hudson Yards – a vibrant redevelopment area of New York City perfect for a morning of unique architecture and outdoor art. This redevelopment of an abandoned elevated train station into a huge multipurpose space is perfect for exploring!
Grab a Coffee
Start off at a well-known New York chain for coffee and pastries – Blue Bottle Coffee. This is a quick and easy spot to grab a great cup of coffee or a latte to fuel your morning full of walking!
The Vessel
Make your first stop with your coffee at the Vessel. Recently reopened, the Vessel is an interactive 150-foot-tall landmark designed by Thomas Heatherwick, featuring 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and spectacular vantage points.
Gallery Hop or Go Shopping
The stretch of Tenth Avenue just south of Hudson Yards used to be casually referred to as West Chelsea, and there are notable galleries just a short stroll away from the new complex.
Heller Gallery, located between West 27th and 28th streets, is known for displaying glass sculptures (many artists championed by the gallery now have pieces at the Met, MoMA, and other museums worldwide). Head to Kasmin Gallery, on the corner of Tenth Avenue and West 27th Street, for contemporary art and sculpture from a global collection of artists.
If you’re more interested in shopping, head inside Hudson Yards for tons of options. From retailers like H&M to high end stores like Louis Vuitton, there are plenty of shopping options here.
Brunch at PEAK and Observation Deck the EDGE
Peak is a stunning restaurant space located on the 101st floor at the summit of the 1,296 foot tall tower, one level above the Edge – the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, when you eat here, you get free entry to the Edge.
Edge tickets are $38 a piece, and a meal at Peak will run you about the same. Why not get food AND a view for $38 instead of just the view? Make sure you make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.
Open 11 am – 10:30 pm on weekends, 11:30 am – 10 pm on weekdays.
Afternoon in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District
Located not far from Hudson Yards is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in New York City – Chelsea! In this itinerary, we’re going to make several stops for art installations and outdoor spaces between Hudson Yards and Chelsea.
Note: If you haven’t noticed already, I highly recommend good walking shoes for this itinerary!
The High Line
Before 1934, Tenth Avenue was known as “Death Avenue” because of the many accidents caused by the then street level trains. New York Central Railroad built a new elevated train line to serve the area and improve safety: the West Side Elevated, which we now know as The High Line.
Trains passed through approximately 30 buildings, including meat packers and the Nabisco factory, which added to the neighborhood’s distinctive architecture. Freight traffic began to decline in the 1960s as trucking became the preferred mode of commercial transportation, and the last train ran on the elevated line in 1980.
In 1999, a group of activists rallied to save the structure and convert it into a unique public space. This is how the High Line began. It offers unique views of the city, incredible art installations that change regularly, and a way to become a part of the history of the city.
In the spring and fall, this can really nice to do with your partner. It can feel pretty romantic to walk along the Highline and take in the view hand in hand!
Chelsea Market
Walk along the High Line until you get to Chelsea Market. Once at Chelsea Market, you can stop in for a late lunch, or you can stop in a few of the unique shops for a great souvenir.
Chelsea Market is housed in the former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex. The building’s architecture and industrial history make it an interesting and unique location for visitors. You’ll find everything from gifts and flowers to home goods and gourmet specialty foods.
You can also be a part of an immersive art experience while here at Artechouse. Chelsea Market regularly hosts live music, sample sales, and other events. Check here for the latest events.
Little Island
After some time exploring Chelsea Market, walk over to Little Island. Little Island is a public park and performance space in New York City, located on unique architectural pillars over the Hudson River.
Little Island offers a mix of nature, art, and entertainment in the heart of Manhattan. It has quickly become a beloved addition to New York City’s cultural and recreational scene.
Visiting on a sunny afternoon, you’ll find plenty of people walking around and hanging out here.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney’s collection includes a wide range of American art, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, photography, and works on paper. The collection features works by prominent American artists, both historical and contemporary.
Dinner in the West Village
From the Whitney, walk over to the West Village, one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City, known for its historic homes, especially brownstones.
This neighborhood is one of my favorites as it feels like you step away from high-rises and into a quiet part of the city. Here, you’ll grab dinner before heading to a show!
Option 1: Make a reservation
I’d recommend two options here: first, you could make a reservation at a restaurant of your choice. There are so many great places to eat here that it could be tempting to try to walk up to a favorite.
However, because this is a popular neighborhood, you’ll sometimes spend a long time (especially at popular spots) looking for a place that is easy to get into. Many restaurants in this neighborhood don’t take reservations either.
With limited time, I’d recommend choosing a spot that takes reservations. A few recommendations are below:
- Cafe Cluny: The food is a mix of French and American; try the corn-and-crab fritters and burger. Side note: you might spot celebrities here!
- White Horse Tavern: This is New York’s second oldest bar and offers a step back in time. You’ll find pub classics here like great burgers and fries or fish and chips.
- Waverly Inn: American classics in a beautiful dining room setting. This is a pricier option, but I’d say it’s worth it.
Option 2: DIY Pizza Tour
There is no shortage of famous (and delicious) pizza spots in the West Village. A great way to walk around and see the area is to do a DIY pizza tour, grabbing a slice at all the different places as you walk around.
On our DIY pizza tour, we went to:
- L’Industrie
- Mama Too’s
- Joe’s Pizza
- John’s of Bleeker Street
Truly, all amazing spots worth the calories.
Enjoy a Musical Performance
To end your day, I’ll share two musical options, depending on your style. In our other itinerary, I talked about Broadway, which, of course, is always an option; however, for this itinerary, I’ll share two other fabulous musical experiences in NYC.
Jazz in Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is famous for its jazz clubs, which are found throughout the neighborhood. Jazz clubs opened in this neighborhood during Prohibition, and it’s remained a hub for music ever since.
This is a great way to end your day, since you’ll be close by after dinner and drinks in the West Village. Below are some well-known jazz clubs to consider:
- Village Vanguard: over 100 jazz albums have been recorded here, opened in 1935
- Cafe Society: first integrated nightclub in New York, opened in 1938
- Smalls Jazz Club: hub for jazz and well known for playing up and coming artists, opened in 1994
Listen to Classical in Carnegie Hall
There are few places better to listen to live music than Carnegie Hall. This historic venue offers all types of musical performances from classical orchestras to tap dancing and choirs; there’s always something going on here.
Carnegie Hall opened in 1891, with Tchaikovsky conducting the inaugural performance, and is known for its amazing acoustics. It is truly something special to get to see a performance here!
Option 3: Get to Know New York’s Past
If you love history and want to learn more about New York specifically on your trip, this is the itinerary for you! On this day, you’ll explore some of the historic neighborhoods and modern history of New York City.
Morning in Lower Manhattan (Downtown)
Coffee at Remi and Bagels from Apollo Bagels
Lower Manhattan is where a lot of New York history can be found! Start your day with coffee at Remi 130 Flower and Coffee, just a few blocks from your first destination. This coffee shop is really cute and offers great coffee and tea options.
A block away, stop by Apollo Bagels for a great NY-style bagel with cream cheese. From here, keep walking over to the 9-11 Memorial and Museum.
I stayed near these two spots at The Beekman, which was just the perfect place to explore Downtown!
The Oculus
After morning coffee, head over to your first stop around the World Trade Center – the Oculus is a hub for transit, but inside you’ll find much more. The architecture is stunning and was designed by Santiago Calatrava, the same person who designed Brookfield Place in Toronto.
There are always things happening here. There are weekly programs, from farmers’ markets and art exhibits to musical performances and retail events. Make a stop inside for a few minutes or a long time!
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Just across the block, you will find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. An itinerary getting to know New York’s past has to include a stop here. The September 11 attacks were the largest terrorist attack in history when two planes were hijacked and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
The catastrophic events in New York claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and drastically altered global history. At the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, you’ll learn all about this horrible event and why it remains an important part of New York and the world’s history.
This museum and memorial are very powerful and can be very heavy. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here. There are lots of places to eat nearby after your visit for lunch.
Museum Admission $24-$36, recommended to book in advance
One World Observatory
After a morning of history, head to the One World Observatory for some amazing views of downtown, located inside the new One World Trade Center. This is the highest observation deck in New York City, offering panoramic views of the city and the Hudson River.
The views are beautiful, and the floor here is massive. There is a different view around every corner.
Standard Admission $44
Mid-Day Downtown
After spending the morning around the World Trade Center, head south to other sites downtown.
Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1 or Fraunces Tavern
Option 1: Los Tacos No. 1
This New York spot is popular and known for having some of the best tacos, not just in New York but on the East Coast. They make everything from scratch, and the food is great!
The best taco? Their spicy, marinated pork (adobada/al pastor), shaved straight from a vertical spit and topped with fresh pineapple. Absolutely delicious! Expect to wait in line if you decide to go here.
Option 2: Fraunces Tavern
If you want a historic spot, not just historic either, it’s the oldest bar in New York City, then head to Fraunces Tavern. This historic tavern is the former spot for the Founding Fathers to grab a drink, and you can go there, too! Grab a drink and some pub food for a unique experience. Would recommend making reservations.
Afternoon Option 1: Explore History Near Broad Street
Broad Street is a main street in New York’s financial district, specifically Wall Street, but the history of this area dates back far before the stock exchange was founded. This area has plenty of early New York City history to explore.
Potential stops:
- Trinity Church: a gorgeous church where Alexander Hamilton and other founding fathers are buried
- New York Stock Exchange and Fearless Girl: see where all the action happens, celebrities and CEOs come here to ring the bell for their businesses
- Federal Hall Museum: Customs House from 1842, where Washington was sworn in & the Bill of Rights was written. Now a museum to learn about US history.
- National Museum of the American Indian: Native American art & artifacts, some going back 12,000 years, displayed in a former customs house.
Afternoon Option 2: Statue of Liberty
Your second option is to continue south to the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is an iconic part of New York City’s skyline, but it holds so much more history than just being a landmark.
The Statue of Liberty was built to celebrate the centennial of the US Declaration of Independence and the abolition of slavery. Shortly after it was gifted in the 1890s, the Ellis Island immigration station opened nearby. The Statue became a monument of hope and the “American dream” for the millions of immigrants arriving in the US for the first time.
You can visit the Statue of Liberty by boat directly with Statue City Cruises, or join a small group tour with Walks Tours (my favorite!). They even have an express tour option that is only two hours. A visit takes 4 hours, so this will take up your entire afternoon if you choose to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
I’d strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines and secure your access to the Statue. They do sell out. Tickets include a visit to Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration here.
Tickets to go onto the pedestal and crown are very limited and go on sale up to 6 months in advance, usually becoming available on the first day of the month for that respective month.
Evening Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo
After your afternoon at either option, head over to the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge served as a major catalyst for the region’s growth, directly paving the way for the consolidation of Brooklyn into New York City in 1898.
Today, it is an iconic part of the city and serves as an important link between Manhattan and Brooklyn. I’d recommend walking from the Manhattan side to the Brooklyn side, where you’ll land in DUMBO – one of Brooklyn’s best known neighborhoods.
Snap the iconic Washington Street photo featuring the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building. Stroll along the rolling lawns of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Ride the carousel.
Grab dinner in Time Out Market for some great food, views, and a chill evening!
Option 4: Local New York
With this option, you’ll have the chance to explore New York from a more local perspective! You’ll get in some great views, explore awesome neighborhoods, and spend time just enjoying the city.
I love a day strolling through iconic neighborhoods and trying to fit in with New Yorkers (ha!). Note that this itinerary still takes you to more touristy neighborhoods, but they are famous for a reason and do give you a feel of a part of the city.
Morning in Brooklyn
Note: Here’s a map of your morning route in Brooklyn!
Stop 1: Williamsburg
Start your morning off in Williamsburg, where you will find plenty of New York originals! Grab a coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Company and a bagel from Apollo Bagels, then head to 6th Street for some shopping.
You’ll find boutiques, vintage shops, and trendy stores alike around here! Window shopping is fun, but at the vintage shops here, you’ll find many unique, curated collections worth more than browsing!
Stop 2: Domino Park
From here, walk over to Domino Park. Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, the park is a tribute to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families, and their neighborhood.
Domino Park offers great views of Manhattan and plenty of benches and grass, so you can find a spot to enjoy your pizza and take in the sights.
Stop 3: Ferry on the East River
Your next stop will be DUMBO, but to get there, you’re going to take a ferry with amazing views of the city. You’ll take the East River Ferry toward Wall Street, but get off at DUMBO.
This ferry has great views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and will have you feeling like a real local as you take the ferry instead of a touristy boat! Here are the full details on the route you’ll want to take.
Pro-tip: many of the ferries include snack and drink options, including beer, wine, and seltzers. Perfect mid-afternoon activity!
Stop 4: Dumbo
You’ll get off the ferry in Dumbo. Dumbo is one of Brooklyn’s best-known neighborhoods, short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge.” You’ve probably seen pictures of this neighborhood without even realizing it!
Snap the iconic Washington Street photo featuring the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building. Stroll along the rolling lawns of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Ride the carousel. You can easily spend a long time here or head straight across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Before heading out, grab lunch in Time Out Market, where you can find tons of great, affordable food options!
Stop 6: Brooklyn Bridge
From here, you’ll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get to Manhattan, specifically the Lower East Side! You can walk across the bridge or take the subway if you’re not up for more walking.
The Brooklyn Bridge served as a major catalyst for the region’s growth, directly paving the way for the consolidation of Brooklyn into New York City in 1898. Today, it is an iconic part of the city and serves as an important link between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Afternoon on the Lower East Side
Once you’ve made it across the river into Manhattan, head to the Lower East Side, where you will spend your late afternoon exploring one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Manhattan.
The Lower East Side was once an immigrant and working-class neighborhood. Its rich ethnic diversity and culture live on today, with many historic and iconic businesses offering a glimpse into the city’s past and what makes New York so special!
The neighborhood is best known for having once been a center of Jewish culture and for being a working-class neighborhood where many tenements were built. To explore this neighborhood, you’ll have two options.
Option 1: Food Tour
If you want to learn about the diverse history of this neighborhood, consider taking a food tour on the Lower East Side. You’ll learn about the history of the neighborhood, eat at some of the most famous places in New York, and enjoy strolling the streets of this historic neighborhood!
I loved taking a Lower East Side food tour, and you will too! Sidewalk Food Tours offers a fun one!
Option 2: Tenement Museum and/or Walking Tour
If you want to learn about the history of the industrial revolution in New York and the people who built New York into the city it is today, you should visit this museum.
The museum tells the stories of working-class tenement residents who moved to New York City from other countries and other parts of the country. Their work helped build the city and nation, and their stories help us understand our history.
They also offer guided walking tours of NYC’s Lower East Side. Explore the often-forgotten places, unexplored spaces, and the many histories of migration over centuries. On their walking tours, you’ll visit historical sites and learn about the people and neighborhoods that made New York City what it is today.
Evening on Governor’s Island
After a day of walking, good food, and views, it’s time to relax in a very special place – QC Spa. QC Spa is a wellness haven with outdoor heated pools that offer breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan.
Getting here is really easy; the ferry is less than 10 minutes from Lower Manhattan and runs until late, even in winter. It’s so perfect in the evening and relaxing. My favorite part is that you can watch a romantic sunset from the pool or even catch a seasonal performance!
The spa has discounted tickets in the evening, so if you get an evening ticket, you’ll pay less, and it won’t be as crowded. The entry includes the saunas, Vichy showers, steam and foot baths, relaxation rooms, and wellness experiences.
There is also a health café where you can sip and savor salads, soups, sandwiches, tea, smoothies, and fresh fruit juices for dinner. I recommend making a reservation at the restaurant. There are sometimes discounted tickets that include a meal.
Option 5: For the Foodies
This last itinerary idea is for those that love food. The food in New York City really is unmatched so one great way to spend the day? Eat all the amazing food the city has to offer! In this itinerary, you’ll go to some of the iconic neighborhoods and try the foods NYC is best known for.
Morning on the Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is a vibrant neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Manhattan, New York City. It has a rich history and is known for its diverse culture, artistic scene, and wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
It’s famous for its diverse food scene. You can try traditional Jewish delis, modern eateries, trendy cafes, and international cuisine. This is the perfect neighborhood to spend the morning in, with lots of famous breakfast and bakery spots like Russ & Daughters and Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys.
Sidewalk Food Tours and Free Tours by Foot offer several food tours throughout New York City, and I’d recommend using them for this tour.
Free Tours by Food has a unique model; you pay what you want at the end of the tour. We paid for our own food, and it was easy for people to share things or only get samples instead of ordering too much. We then paid our guide a generous tip at the end.
Don’t want to do a tour? Visit Essex Street Market instead, or get breakfast at one of the famous spots I mentioned. Essex Street Market has served the neighborhood for over 75 years and features a selection of food vendors offering everything from artisanal bread and fresh produce to international cuisines.
Mid-Day in Chinatown
After a morning on the Lower East Side, head to a well-known neighborhood with plenty of small dishes to try – Chinatown. It’s just west of the Lower East Side.
With just a day in New York, I’d choose to grab a few things from different spots, then head through Soho and up through Washington Square Park over to the last neighborhood of the day – the West Village. This will be a 40-ish minute walk, so we will let you walk off your food and see some other iconic neighborhoods in New York!
Recommendations for stops in Chinatown:
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Shu Jiao Fu Zhou (boiled dumplings)
- HeyTea, Cha Cha Sen, or Molly’s Tea (bubble tea)
- 1915 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
- Double Crispy Bakery
On your walk from Chinatown to the West Village, make plenty of stops to grab photos, or even make a stop at the Museum of Ice Cream (a fun stop for foodie lovers) along the way if you have time.
Don’t want to do it on your own? Check out this food tour that is just 2 hours long!
Evening in the West Village
This neighborhood is one of my favorites as it feels like you step away from high-rises and into a quiet part of the city. It’s known for small restaurants with a quieter feel, but you’ll also often spot a celebrity in this neighborhood!
DIY Pizza Tour
Start off with a DIY pizza tour. There is no shortage of famous (and delicious) pizza spots in the West Village. A great way to walk around and see the area is to do a DIY pizza tour, grabbing a slice at all the different places as you walk around. This is a fun way to explore the neighborhood and is pretty cheap. Plus, when you’re full, you can move on to some wine.
On our DIY pizza tour, we went to:
- L’Industrie
- Mama Too’s
- Joe’s Pizza
- John’s of Bleeker Street
Truly all amazing spots worth the calories.
Spend the evening Wine Bar Hopping
There’s no shortage of great wine bars in the West Village, so end your day relaxing at some great spots and savor the awesome day you’ve had eating all types of food!
Suggested Wine Bars:
- Stafili Wine Cafe: dedicated to Greek wine and has a small feel with brick walls
- Sogno Toscano Market & Wine Bar: intimate hideout serving some of the neighborhood’s best paninis and live music on the weekend
- L’Accolade: simple spot specializing in unusual natural wines
- Temperance Wine Bar: chic neighborhood bar for true vinos known for its hard to find bottles and wine flights
- St. Tropez: great wines with a visually stunning patio
- St. Jardim: mellow spot, great no matter what time of day
Pro-tip: Start early on weekends, around 5 or 6 pm; popular spots fill up quickly. Many bars in the West Village accept reservations in advance, and I’d recommend planning your route and making reservations, especially during peak weekend hours.
Every one of these one day itinerary ideas for New York offers something unique and special. No matter which one you choose, you’re going to have a fabulous trip! I hope these ideas provide plenty of inspiration and you’re ready to go on your trip.
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City that you can clearly keep yourself busy (and have fun) no matter what you are into! I hope these one day New York City itinerary ideas give you plenty of inspiration and you’re ready for your trip!
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