How to Spend 24 Hours in New York City
New York City is infamously the city that never sleeps, and those doing a whirlwind tour of the city shouldn’t sleep either. If you only have 24 hours in the Big Apple, it’s possible to get a pretty good taste of it – you’re just going to need a lot of coffee.
Start early with old New York
Kick off your day with a stroll through Central Park. Spanning 3.5 square miles in the middle of Manhattan, Central Park is free for all and full of things to do. Take a walk across the romantic Bow Bridge or stroll around the pathway that circles the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Depending how much time you want to spend in the park (and on the weather), you can rent a rowboat and take to the waters for a romantic and relaxing morning.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Museum, Park, Shop, Church, Building, Theater, Art Gallery
2. Saks Fifth Avenue
Shop, Store
Grab lunch in a melting pot
One of the best things about New York City is the diverse food scene. Dive headfirst into one of the most unique neighborhoods in the city by heading down to Chinatown.
3. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Restaurant, Chinese
Although it’s been satisfying dim sum devotees for nearly a century, Nom Wah Tea Parlor’s menu is as modern as ever. Rounding out the restaurant’s selection of Chinatown classics is an array of rice roll variations, beef balls and even gluten-free soy sauce. Many menu items are available in both traditional and gluten-free varieties, making this legendary local gem an ideal destination for every appetite.
While in Chinatown, be sure to spend some time walking around the smaller streets. Columbus Park is a must-see spot for those who want to be instantly transported to Asia.
4. Columbus Park
Park
Stroll around chic SoHo
Spend the latter part of the afternoon wandering around New York’s trendy SoHo district. Designer outposts are located west of Broadway, while trendy boutiques offering an upscale retail experience exist east of Broadway, in nearby Nolita.
5. McNally Jackson Bookstore Café
Cafe, American
6. Opening Ceremony
Store
Carol Lim and Humberto Leon created Opening Ceremony in 2002, fusing streetwear and luxury couture with this flagship boutique. The shop offers a signature label of avant-garde garments and accessories for fashion risk-takers. A range of international designers like Eckhaus Latta, Maison Margiela, Fung Lan and Co., Jacquemus and Yeezy define the aesthetic. Jewelry, footwear and accessories are sold alongside apparel in this uber-hip, experiential boutique.
After an exhausting afternoon of strolling through boutiques, stop by New York food institution Balthazar for a French-inspired dinner.
7. Balthazar
Brasserie, Restaurant, French
Yes, Balthazar is packed and pricey, but it also happens to be one of the best restaurants in town. Every local should brave the crowds (and check it out) at least once – the rewards of steak fries, roast chicken for two and the famously addictive Balthazar bread are well worth it.
Watch the sunset from the coast
8. High Line
Park
9. The Standard High Line
Chain Hotel
Next, grab a drink at the country’s coolest hotel chain – prost at a German beer garden, party with celebs at a rooftop bar, and savor the city from several stories up. With 338 rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and what may be the most popular hotel rooftop in New York City, a stay at The Standard is anything but.
10. Whitney Museum of American Art
Building, Museum, Art Gallery
Party with New York’s downtown cool kids
Spend the night bopping around the bars that pepper the Lower East Side.
11. 169 Bar
Bar, American
If a dive bar isn’t your scene, there are plenty of other options in this area, from fancy cocktail bars to hidden speakeasies.
12. The Back Room
Bar, American
13. Attaboy
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub
Before calling it a night, be sure to grab some late-night eats to cap the evening.
14. Crif Dogs
Restaurant, American
15. 2 Bros Pizza
Restaurant, Italian
2 Bros Pizza has multiple locations around the city and over the years has become a staple in the world of the dollar slice. 2 Bros is packed at all hours of the day (not just after midnight) with people seeking its soft, doughy goodies. As with many dollar-slice joints, it may not be the best slice of pizza you’ve ever eaten, but it’s cheap, quick and certainly satisfying.
Refuel and recharge
End your 24 hours in New York like a proper local — by sitting down for brunch. Although most New Yorkers are willing to spend their mornings waiting in line for avocado toast, you can beat the rush by making a reservation in advance.
16. Sunday In Brooklyn
Restaurant, American
This spacious and extraordinarily Instagramable restaurant was designed for lazy weekend brunches with friends. During summer, the back patio and sidewalk cafe area are the ideal settings for share-plates and mimosas. Come winter, nurse a festive cocktail in one of Sunday in Brooklyn’s dining rooms, which are warmed by a huge wood-burning oven.
17. Augustine
Restaurant, French
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