At this point I’ve been to the big apple seven times! It’s a city that has so much to offer and even after so many trips I’m still checking new things off my list.
On my most recent visit I had only 24 hours to soak up as much NYC as I could before heading home. So I thought, “what would a perfect 24 hours in New York consist of?” Thus, this itinerary was born!
May your day be filled with beautiful sights, smiles and very yummy food 🙂 If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, then check out my Essential Adventure Guide to NYC!
Step 1: Wake up to a good cup of joe
New York City is known for it’s quaint, character-filled coffee shops. It’s hard not to find one on nearly every block throughout the city. If coffee is one of your favorite goodies (it’s definitely one of mine!) then you won’t be disappointed here. And what better pairs with coffee than a bagel? Those fluffy, cream cheese-smothered, carbohydrate-filled baked goods are the BEST coming from the Empire City.
A few of my favorite coffee spots include:
- Hi-Collar (You can choose your bean!)
- Birch Coffee
- Brooklyn Roasting Company (The maple shay is everything)
Step 2: Dumbo, Brooklyn
New York is one of the most photographed cities in the world and for good reason. It’s hard to find a street that isn’t picture perfect! One of the most well known NYC money-shots is Washington Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The photo is perfectly framed by two brick buildings with a stunning view of the Manhattan Bridge and Empire State Building. I’d recommend getting there in the early morning hours before it gets busy as this location is a real visitor magnet.
Step 3: Stroll through a museum
Among the five boroughs that make up New York City you can find around 100 different museums. New York is it’s own kind of culture and it’s one that loves art. Ranging from the most famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Ellis Island, to smaller, unique museums like the Museum of Food and Drink, there really is something for everyone.
The Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History is quite a sight. Learn about this stunning species and get the chance to get up close and personal with these winged beauties!
Step 4: Ride the subway to lunch
Listen, this step might seem silly, but New York is one of the only cities in America that is fully accessible via public transport. The subway is to New York like veins are to our body. It get’s all the important things to the place they need to be! If you’re super comfortable with the metro then, perfect, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you’re not, put those adventure pants on and try something new!
Step 5: Good ol’ NY style pizza
One of the yummiest slices of pizza I’ve ever had was at Bleecker Street Pizza. In the words of the owner, “as soon as you try this you’re gonna want to move to New York City!” He didn’t lie! Their signature “Nonna Maria” is made from an old family recipe and is every bit of cheesy perfection you’d hope it would be. Besides the pizza, the owner is an absolute hoot. When I asked to get a picture with him he smiled, took me to the kitchen and we took a picture together holding an entire pizza! Between the delicious food and the friendly, home-like atmosphere, this pizza shop is as good as it gets.
Step 6: Chelsea Market
Always one of my favorite spots in the city, the Chelsea Market is boasting with life and culture. Find a yummy snack, a warm drink or sift through the craft market, this neighborhood market with a global perspective will keep you busy for hours on end (and warm if you visit the city in the winter!)
Step 7: Times Square
Times Square is iconic. In my opinion it’s not the most glamorous part of the city BUT it is a sight to see and it’s a quintessential New York moment! This past trip we took a walk through Times Square at dusk, so the marquee lights were bright but we still had a dim, golden glow leftover from the sun. Standing in the middle of this intersection, you understand why New York is called, “the city that never sleeps.”
Step 8: See a Broadway show
Broadway shows are practically synonymous with New York City. There’s nothing quite like nestling into a beautifully ordained theatre, watching the curtain rise and listening to the orchestra swell… As I said before, New York is a city that loves art and Broadway shows are mastery that shouldn’t be missed! On my most recent trip we saw School of Rock and we were blown away. The children are incredible and the writing is hilarious!
Step 9: Levain Bakery
Before you depart the big apple you’ve got to go out with a bang! Levain Bakery should do the trick. It’s a tiny cookie shop that now has a few locations in Manhattan and the cookies are to die for. These goodies are a rich, decadent, baked ball of cookie goodness that will surely end your stay in NYC on a high note!
Step 10: Leave with a happy heart and many memories
I hope this travel itinerary leaves you with fond memories of a city divulged of worldly fare, boundless art and a vibrant heartbeat. New York is a city that knows itself and it’s part of the city’s charming character to welcome all those that flock here.
“One belongs to New York instantly. One belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” – Thomas Wolfe