21 Best Things To Do In Manhattan In One Day (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in New York when you’re visiting Manhattan in one day? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City, specifically in Manhattan.
If you’re short on time, the best itinerary is to try to see as much of Manhattan as possible in one day.
We found that staying in one area allowed us to see and do a ton more than if we had traveled through a variety of boroughs.
Check out our full day in New York City on our YouTube Channel.
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Things To Do In Manhattan In One Day
We spent a day exploring Manhattan as part of a larger road trip around the US.
At this point, we had just made our way up the East Coast from places like Savannah, Charleston, Williamsburg, Washington DC, and Philadelphia.
From New York, we were headed to Newport, Boston, and Cape Cod.
We had each been to New York City before, but we had never visited together, so it was fun to experience the city in a different way.
1. Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Plaza is known for its iconic art deco architecture, ice-skating rink in the Winter, and the famous Prometheus statue.
A visit to Rockefeller Plaza offers a chance to see the stunning Christmas tree during the holiday season and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Rockefeller Center Architecture And Art Walking Tour Today!
2. St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral that serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
It has stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and religious significance.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour Exploring The Catacombs Today!
3. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall, located in the Rockefeller Center complex, is an iconic entertainment venue and one of the largest indoor theaters in the world.
It’s known for its Art Deco design, dazzling stage shows, and the world-famous Rockettes dance troupe.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour Today!
4. NBC Studios – The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
NBC Studios, home to “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” is a legendary television production facility located in Rockefeller Center.
Here you can be part of a live studio audience and experience the energy and entertainment that make “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” an iconic New York City attraction.
5. FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz, a beloved toy store located on Fifth Avenue, is a whimsical wonderland that has been enchanting visitors since 1862.
It is renowned for its vast selection of high-quality toys, interactive experiences, and the iconic giant piano featured in the movie “Big.”
A visit to FAO Schwarz offers a chance to relive childhood memories, explore a treasure trove of toys, and indulge in a truly magical shopping experience.
6. Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue, located on the prestigious Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is a luxury department store.
During the holiday season they have a stunning window display that attracts visitors from around the world.
A visit to Saks Fifth Avenue, at the actual Fifth Avenue location is an easy bucket list item to check off your list.
7. Central Park
Central Park, a sprawling oasis in the heart of Manhattan, is an urban park known for its natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and diverse recreational activities.
Spanning 843 acres, Central Park offers a respite from the bustling city, with picturesque landscapes and famous attractions like the Central Park Zoo.
A visit to Central Park provides an opportunity to stroll along its winding paths, have a picnic on the expansive lawns, rent a rowboat on the lake, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst nature.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Central Park Carriage Ride Today!
8. The Plaza
The Plaza, located at the southern end of Central Park, is a historic and luxurious hotel that has become an iconic symbol of New York City.
Known for its timeless elegance, opulent decor, and storied history, The Plaza offers a glimpse into the city’s grandeur and charm.
A visit to The Plaza allows one to experience the epitome of luxury hospitality, indulge in fine dining at its renowned restaurants, enjoy a classic afternoon tea, or soak in the glamorous ambiance that has attracted celebrities and dignitaries for decades.
9. Lunch At Five Mile Stone
JP and I shared beef & chicken empanadas as our appetizer and penne a la vodka as our entree.
Both of our friends had the chipotle chicken wrap with fries.
This meal was so good!
We normally would have gotten dessert (especially since they have chocolate lava cake), but we already planned to visit a bakery down the street.
10. Levain Bakery
I found this place on Instagram and apparently it’s a pretty big deal.
We all know all things chocolate are my favorite, so we went with the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie and the regular Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Each one was $4, which wasn’t bad considering how large they are.
They were the perfect dessert and I could easily eat these every day!
11. Times Square
Times Square is often referred to as the “Crossroads of the World”.
It’s known for its dazzling billboards, neon lights, and bustling energy.
Times Square is a bucket list attraction for many visitors to New York City.
Experience the excitement of Broadway theater shows, indulge in shopping at flagship stores, and witness the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop celebration.
12. New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour
The Big Bus Tour of New York City helps you get around the city faster than walking.
This way you can see more of the city in just one day.
The guided narration will tell you about all the places you’re passing by and where you’ll want to hop off the bus to see the places you want on your visit.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Of New York City Today!
13. Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is often called “The World’s Most Famous Arena”.
It is a legendary sports and entertainment venue located in Midtown Manhattan.
It’s known for hosting major sporting events, concerts, and other live performances.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Madison Square Garden All Access Tour Today!
14. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, an architectural marvel soaring over the Manhattan skyline, is an iconic symbol of New York City.
It’s known for its Art Deco design.
With an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city, a visit to the Empire State Building offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the city from incredible heights.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Empire State Building Ticket Today!
15. Macy’s New York City
The world’s largest department store is a retail institution in Herald Square, Manhattan.
Macy’s is known for its vast selection of merchandise, iconic annual events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and historic significance as a New York City landmark.
Exploring the various departments allows visitors to discover a piece of New York’s iconic shopping history.
16. Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
The ferry was included in the bus sightseeing tour tickets which is why we decided to do it.
Not only do you see the Statue of Liberty up close, but you also get a nice view of the entire skyline of the city.
It was unbelievably windy out by the Statue of Liberty, so it was hard to get photos.
But the sky cleared up and it was really nice outside by the end.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Statue Of Liberty Tour Today!
17. Dinner At Lombardi’s Pizza
We came across Lombardi’s and a hot pizza sounded so good after the rainy afternoon we had.
Lombardi’s is located in Little Italy on Spring Street.
It is considered to be the first pizzeria in all of America!
18. One World Trade Center and Memorial
One World Trade Center and Memorial, located at the site of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers, stand as a symbol of resilience and remembrance.
Also known as the Freedom Tower, it’s an impressive skyscraper that offers views of the city from its observation deck.
The Memorial features the reflecting pools, which are inscribed with the names of the victims from 9/11.
A visit to One World Trade Center and Memorial allows visitors to pay their respects.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your One World Trade Center And Observatory Tour Today!
19. Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall, an iconic concert venue located in Midtown Manhattan, is known for it’s history and exceptional acoustics.
Since its opening in 1891, it has hosted countless legendary performances by renowned artists and orchestras.
A visit to Carnegie Hall offers the opportunity to witness exceptional live music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary performances, in an atmosphere imbued with history and artistry.
20. Carnegie Club
We loved the set up of the place and liked our nice little cozy corner.
For drinks, JP had the Barrel Aged Old Fashioned since that is his go-to drink.
I’m pretty certain the drink I tried was the Carnegie Punch since it was their signature drink.
It’s made up of a blend of Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Rockey’s Liqueur, Combier Banana Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Peychaud’s Bitters, and Champagne!
21. Times Square at Night
Times Square is completely different when lit up and night and is worth checking out as your last stop of the evening.
Parking In Manhattan For One Day
We parked in a pre-paid underground lot that was near where we planned to end our day, so we could essentially just make a giant loop around Manhattan for the day, ending where we began.
We spent $45.15 to park for 12 hours, which is about average for what you’ll find in New York City.
It’s also a secure underground garage with attendants and valet so it’s one of the safest options as well.
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Resources For Planning Your Trip To Manhattan
If you need help planning your trip to New York City, check out our Tips For Planning A Trip To Anywhere (A Step-By-Step Guide).
Also, read our Best Tips For Staying Safe When Traveling During Extreme Weather if you’re traveling during the extreme heat in Summer or the snow in Winter.
Also check out our Best Tips For Staying Well While You Travel if you’re prone to getting colds or allergies when you travel or have other ailments.
Lastly, if you’re traveling on a budget, read up on our Best Tips For Traveling On A Budget: Your Guide To Planning An Affordable Trip.
Conclusion: Things To Do In Manhattan In One Day
With so many fun things to do in New York City, it’s hard to narrow down what all you can do in Manhattan in one day.
We did this exact itinerary and it is still one of the best travel days we’ve ever had.
