Planning One Day in New York City? Start with These 10 Ideas

Eat a Quintessential New York-Style Breakfast Sandwich

One of the things we miss most about New York is the food we grew up eating—especially a classic bacon, egg, and cheese. Add salt, pepper, and ketchup, and you’ve got a BEC-SPK, as locals call it. It’s usually served on a kaiser roll, and that roll makes all the difference—it holds up, has the right chew, and just works.

And no, we don’t have real kaiser rolls in LA. Even when something’s labeled “kaiser roll,” it’s not the same. Out here, most egg sandwiches come on brioche, which just isn’t it.

So if you want to order like a local, walk into a deli or bodega and ask for a bacon, egg, and cheese with salt, pepper, and ketchup. It’s the first thing we do when we land in New York. It’s essentially a New York breakfast sandwich.

Not into egg sandwiches? A New York bagel with cream cheese is always a solid choice. The city’s bagels are some of the best and don’t hold back on the smear.

Create Your Own Walking Tour of NYC

Once you’ve had your New York-style breakfast sandwich, start your day with a self-guided walking tour. You could book a tour if that’s your style, but you really don’t need to. Put on your walking shoes, take a deep breath of that “fresh” New York City air, and start exploring.

As you walk the streets, you’ll feel the pulse of the city—the energy, the noise, the organized chaos. In just a few blocks, you’ll see everything from towering skyscrapers and historic buildings to quiet parks and tucked-away alleyways. It’s part of what makes New York feel alive. People-watching alone could fill your whole morning.

It’s easy to see why NYC is called the city that never sleeps. No matter the time of day, there’s always something going on. Walk through Times Square or down Fifth Avenue, and it’s clear—this city doesn’t slow down.

If you’re staying near Midtown Manhattan, you can easily hop on the subway to visit farther spots like the 9/11 Memorial, Chinatown, Little Italy, Wall Street, or the Brooklyn Bridge. But you can cover a lot just by walking.

To help plan your route, use Google Maps ahead of time. I like to create a custom list that starts with our hotel and builds out from there. On your phone or desktop, just search for a location, tap “Save,” and add it to a list—like “New York City.” You can even leave notes for each spot, which helps with organizing your day.

Repeat this with all the other places in New York City you’d like to see. You can even add notes to each one.

Tour Ideas:
Private New York City Midtown Landmarks Walking Tour [book here]
SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York City [book here]

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

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If you have time to head downtown, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a meaningful stop to include during your one day in New York City. It’s a powerful place to visit, and the museum walks you through the events of that day, the lives impacted, and the aftermath that changed the world.

The memorial outside is a quiet, moving tribute to those who lost their lives. Even though this is one of the heavier stops on the list, it’s an important one—and often a moment to pause in a fast-paced day.

Hubby visited during a short solo trip to NYC and spent half the day there. If you have the time, the guided tour is worth doing. You can also walk through the outdoor memorial without going into the museum if you’re short on time or just want a moment to reflect.

Plan to See a Broadway Show

If you’re into live theater, seeing a Broadway show is one of the most memorable things you can do in New York City. There are so many great productions, from long-running hits to newer shows getting all the buzz.

Try to book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows. If you didn’t plan ahead, the TKTS booth in Times Square sometimes offers same-day discounted tickets. The line can get long, but it’s worth checking—you might score great seats at a solid price.

Short on time or flexibility? Consider seeing an off-Broadway show instead. They’re usually more affordable, easier to get into last-minute, and still deliver a great theater experience.

See NYC from the Top of the Empire State Building

If it’s your first time in New York, visiting the Empire State Building is a classic move. It’s been a city icon for nearly a century and still draws crowds for a reason.

You can get great views from other spots—Top of the Rock and One World Observatory come to mind—but there’s something special about standing on the 86th-floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. You’ll get sweeping views in every direction, and on a clear day, you can even see into neighboring states. For an extra splurge, there’s a smaller viewing area on the 102nd floor.

You can get incredible views from other observation decks—Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and The Edge at Hudson Yards are all solid options—but there’s something special about standing on the 86th-floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. You’ll get sweeping views in every direction, and on a clear day, you can even see into neighboring states. For an extra splurge, there’s a smaller viewing area on the 102nd floor.

If you’ve never been, this is a great way to spend part of your one day in New York City. Tickets must be reserved, so book ahead if any observation decks are on your list.

Eat a New York Style Pizza

Pizza in New York City is its own thing—thin, cheesy, massive slices that somehow hit differently than anything you’ll find elsewhere. It’s one of the foods we miss most and always make time for when we’re back.

What makes New York-style pizza so special? It’s the thin crust, the melted mozzarella, the huge foldable slice. It’s cooked in a brick oven, and some swear it’s the NYC tap water that gives the dough that perfect texture. Whatever it is, the flavor is hard to replicate—and totally worth it.

You’ll see $1 slice spots all over, and they’re fine in a pinch, but we’re talking real New York pizza. Some of our go-to places include John’s of Bleecker Street, Joe’s Pizza, and L&B Spumoni Gardens or Di Fara Pizza if you’re up for heading to Brooklyn.

And if you’ve got room, grab a Sicilian slice, too. It’s a different experience, thick and square, and equally worth the bite.

And if you’re anything like us, you could easily spend the day touring pizza spots and trying out random slices around the city. It’s one of the best (and tastiest) ways to explore NYC.

Take the Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

If you want to step outside of Manhattan during your one day in New York City, consider taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a memorable way to experience two of the city’s most iconic landmarks—especially if you’re interested in history or want a different view of the skyline.

The ferry departs from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan and includes roundtrip service to both islands. You can purchase general admission tickets or upgrade for pedestal access to get closer to Lady Liberty.

Plan for a few hours if you decide to go—between the ferry ride, Liberty Island, and the Ellis Island museum, this can easily fill a morning or afternoon. It’s not something to squeeze in, but a solid option if this experience is high on your list.

Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid long lines or sellouts.

Short on time? You can still catch a distant view of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park or hop on the Staten Island Ferry, which is free and sails right past the statue—no stops, but great views.

Stroll Through Central Park

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No one-day itinerary in New York City feels complete without a walk through Central Park. It’s one of the city’s most iconic green spaces, and for good reason.

Spanning over 800 acres, the park is home to landmarks like the Central Park Zoo, Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, and even the edge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You could spend an entire day here—but even a short walk offers a refreshing break from the city streets.

You can choose one or two things to check out, or just stroll and enjoy the mix of street performers, hidden paths, bridges, and wide open lawns. Grab a hot dog or ice cream from one of the many street carts, find a bench, and take it all in.

So many memories have been made in Central Park. One of my favorite things was ice skating at Wollman Rink in the winter, which I always preferred over Rockefeller Center.

Tour Ideas:
Guided Bike Tour of Central Park New York City [book here]
New York Central Park Secrets – Walking Tour [book here]

Visit a Museum (or Two)

If you’re spending one day in New York City, consider carving out some time for one of the city’s world-class museums. Whether you’re into art, science, or something quirky, there’s a museum in NYC for it.

Some of the most popular picks include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum. And if you’re in the mood for something more playful, the Museum of Ice Cream offers a fun, colorful experience.

You won’t get to them all in a day, but picking one or two that match your interests is a great way to balance your day and step out of the city rush for a bit.

Do a New York City Food Tour—or Just Eat Your Way Through the City

No one-day itinerary in New York City is complete without trying some of the city’s iconic eats. When it comes to food, NYC doesn’t hold back—whether you’re into street snacks or sit-down meals, there’s something for every budget and craving.

One fun way to explore the city is by booking a food tour. It’s a great way to try a variety of dishes, learn about the neighborhoods, and experience the city through its food scene. As foodies, this is one of our favorite ways to spend a day just about anywhere.

Not into a tour? Just eat your way through the city.

Grab dumplings in Chinatown, a cannoli in Little Italy, or a shawarma from a street vendor. Don’t skip a classic New York hot dog, especially if you’re passing through Central Park. Every bite has its place: roasted nuts in the winter, a pretzel, or one of those oversized bagels.

Tour Ideas:
New York City Food Cart Walking Tour [book here]
Cannoli Crawl New York City Walking and Food Tour [book here]
New York City Bagel Tour [book here]
Ultimate Chinatown Walking Food Tour in New York City [book here]

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