21 Best Things To Do In Manhattan In One Day (2025)
Want to know all the best things to do in New York when you’re visiting Manhattan in one day?
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City.
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.
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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 great to visit any time of year, but it’s even better during holidays and special events.
Each year at Christmas you can go ice skating and see the Christmas tree.
During events like the Olympics, they create a mini Olympic village.
Click Here To Book Your Rockefeller Center Architecture And Art Walking Tour Today!
2. St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is just across the street.
It’s a beautiful, historic building that is still operating as an active church.
But you can also take guided tours outside of mass times.
Click Here To Book Your St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour Exploring The Catacombs Today!
3. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is in this same area and is known as one of the largest indoor theaters in the world.
It’s home to 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 also located at Rockefeller Center.
You just might be able to get tickets to be part of the live studio audience.
5. FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is a beloved toy store that’s been around since 1862.
You might remember it for the giant piano from the movie “Big”.
6. Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is a store you can go to anywhere.
But this is THE Fifth Avenue location that Saks Fifth Avenue is named for.
The department stores here have been around for so long that there are so many historic elements that still exist in the decor and architecture of the stores.
7. Central Park
Central Park spans 843 acres and includes the Central Park Zoo.
It’s a nice break from being surrounded by concrete.
Click Here To Book Your Central Park Carriage Ride Today!
8. The Plaza
As you’re walking up toward Central Park from Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue, you’ll pass by The Plaza.
It’s a historic and luxurious hotel that’s been featured in tons of movies.
You can enjoy fine dining and afternoon tea too.
9. Lunch At Five Mile Stone
By the time you reach this area, it should be lunch time.
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 probably the most famous area of New York to visit.
If you book one of those hop on hop off bus tours, this is a great location to start your bus tour.
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 is one of the skyscrapers in New York where you can go up to the observation deck on top and see panoramic views of the city.
I did this when I visited New York as a kid, but haven’t been up to the top since.
Click Here To Book Your Empire State Building Ticket Today!
15. Macy’s New York City
The world’s largest department store is the Macy’s in Herald Square.
This location is known for iconic annual events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and it’s historic significance as a New York City landmark.
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.
If you have time, the 9/11 Memorial Museum is located here and I highly recommend it.
We didn’t do it on this day, but on a more recent visit we had more time to explore.
Click Here To Book Your One World Trade Center And Observatory Tour Today!
19. Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is an iconic concert venue that’s been open since 1891.
The acoustics are phenomenal here, making it a popular place to see an orchestra.
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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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.
