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NYC Life Hacks

How to Spend a Day in NYC

New York City is one of the most anticipated travel destinations of the world. Furthermore, it’s simply impossible to see all of the attractions the city has to offer in one go!

From parks to museums, restaurants to boutiques, the city has every kind of entertainment you could imagine. If you only have a single day to spend in this amazing city, have a plan in place so that you can see as many attractions as possible without feeling (too) rushed. Our guide below will help you maximize your day in the mesmerizing New York City.

Morning:

Unlike jam-packed nights, mornings in the city can be quite peaceful. Head out early and grab a coffee at one of New York City’s millions of coffee shops by 7:30am. With your java in hand, take a walk to experience some of the best of NYC in the morning:

  • Chow down on an authentic New York Bagel
  • Bask in the early-morning serenity of Central Park, perhaps even with a walk, jog, or bike ride
  • Be first in line for popular destinations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lunchtime:

After hitting a few museums or stores early, you can get excited about the infinite array of dining options for lunch. But, we really suggest you taste authentic New York Pizza. Luckily, there are world-class pizza destinations all over Manhattan. You can find locally-esteemed pizza joints with full seating, or opt for a quick slice at one of the many pizzerias around the city.

Afternoon:

After lunch, go for a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of the most well-structured bridges in the world, and provides unmatched views of the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Once you get back to Manhattan, you’ve got some options for how you would like to spend the afternoon:

  • Visit the September 11th Memorial Museum
  • Take a small tour to Wall Street and explore the Trinity Church and the New York Stock Exchange
  • Hop on a ferry ride to Staten Island for fantastic views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
  • Visit to the New York Public Library and spend some quality time in the Reading Room.

If you’re feeling spontaneous, take the subway to a random spot and simply explore with no agenda!

Dinner:

Guess what? It’s time to eat again! Enjoy the heart of New York City–its status as a melting pot–by grabbing an authentic ethnic meal, such as Chinese, Mexican or Italian. For fancier options, look to Ashley Fine Food, Toscana 49 and InterContinental New York Barclay. After dinner, head over to MacDougal Street to get a crepe or bubble tea, then see a comedy show. Another option is to head to Hell’s Kitchen for some Off Broadway theatre.

Late-night:

The end of your New York City day should be marked with a great night. For dive bars and small DJ shows, head to the Lower East Side. If you’re a fan of flashing lights, there’s nothing like Times Square at midnight. Thousands of colours and lights create a feeling of daytime even at the darkest hours. You can’t fulfil your New York City desires in one day, but at least this schedule will help you get a sense of what you need to come back for! If you find yourself fantasizing about what it would be like to spend all your days in New York City, you’ll need to start planning as soon as possible. Reliable professional movers are a must in the city, so get a quote today and you’ll be on your way to your new life in the city.

map of New York City