24 Hours in New York City
24 Hours in New York City
Start spreading the news – you’re leaving today, and when you arrive, New York is ready to show you the time of your life, even if you’ve only got 24 hours to play with.
A day is never enough in one of the most vibrant and exhilarating cities the world has to offer, but you can still have a whole lot of adventure into your short time.
We’ve put together an itinerary of classic NYC activities, with a few off-the-beaten-track suggestions thrown in for good measure, to help you make the most of those 24 hours:
Hit the Streets for Breakfast
In the city that never sleeps, you’ve got unlimited options for the perfect breakfast. From superfoods and sushi to quintessential New Yorker bagels, you’d be a fool to miss out on the most important meal of the day here.
Part of New York City’s charm is its street food culture, so browse around your local area and pick whichever stall takes your fancy. High-rises and grand structures may be the visual heart of the city, but its culinary heart beats in the streets.
Journey to the New World
For visitors to New York, a real must-see is the Museum at Ellis Island, where visitors of old had to pass rigorous tests before they could begin new lives in the USA.
Hop on a ferry from Battery Park early in the morning to beat the rush, and take in the stunning view of Lady Liberty – she looks incredible from the boat, so stay aboard the whole way to Ellis Island to see her in all her glory.
On Ellis Island, you can take a tour through the Immigration Museum to learn about this fascinating part of American history.
The ferry journeys and tour can take up to three hours, which is perfect for an early morning excursion.
Cross the East River
Manhattan’s neighboring borough, Brooklyn, is just a 30-minute walk away across the Brooklyn Bridge – a walk which boasts incredible views that any keen Instagrammers will struggle to resist!
Enjoy your stroll, and when you’ve reached Brooklyn, head straight to Juliana’s on Old Fulton Street for a slice of mouth-watering pizza.
Before you leave, head 10 minutes east to Jay Street to grab a cup of New York’s richest coffee at the Brooklyn Roasting Company. There are two more branches in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan, so if you get cravings for another later on, you can always pick one up!
Be There or Be Square
Hop on the subway and make your way to Union Square in Manhattan: an important spot in the city’s political history, and home to beautiful statues of George Washington and Mahatma Gandhi.
On Union Square West, you can find the site of Andy Warhol’s famous Factory, where he and his “superstars” would congregate for the wildest parties in town.
For a very different kind of New York tradition, look out for the street chess players at Union Square, playing against the clock with any passer-by who’ll stop for a game.
Once you’ve explored Union, head to the most exciting Square of them all: Times. A short subway ride away, Times Square is the epicenter of New York’s hustle and bustle, so it’s a must-see spot for anyone visiting the city.
Stop By Stone Street
Tucked away next to New York’s financial heavyweight – Wall Street – is Stone Street: a cobbled haven for food-lovers.
The street is full of historical charm, with restored buildings and authentic street lighting from years gone by creating a stunning backdrop for the street’s many bars and restaurants.
One of the most thriving spots for dinner, Stone Street is an ideal place to recharge your batteries after an exciting afternoon. If the weather’s nice, try to grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy watching the world walk by.
Dance in the District
Since its transformation in the 1990s, Manhattan’s Meatpacking District has become renowned for its electrifying nightlife, and is the perfect place to finish your day in New York.
This most fashionable neighbourhood has an array of bars and clubs to choose from, so take a stroll through the streets and pick out your spot for the night.
If you want to combine modern thrills with historic New York, look out for the many speakeasy bars that the city has to offer. Just around the corner from the Meatpacking District is Bathtub Gin, a bar ‘hidden’ behind a coffee shop in Chelsea, which will transport you straight back to the roaring 20s while you sip on hand-crafted cocktails.
New York is full of unique experiences and incredible sights, so trying to cram everything into one day can be tricky! This collection of activities should give you a flavor of authentic New York, showing you the very best of what the city has to offer, but leaving plenty to enjoy the next time you visit.