So you’re in Manhattan for one day. While you won’t have time to taste every pizza slice, peruse every art gallery and shop every boutique, you will have time to experience the borough’s unmistakable energy and some of its essential attractions. Check out our guide below to get the most out of your visit (and make sure to wear your walking shoes).
If you want to see as much of NYC as possible, the tallest building in the western hemisphere is going to come in handy. From the top three floors of this site, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
View the footprints of the Twin Towers and the stunning reflecting pools filling them; the names of the victims of the 2001 and 1993 terror attacks are etched around the perimeter. The memorial is free and open to the public daily (the related museum requires ticketed entrance).
Spot this shopping destination by the striking white architecture of the Oculus, one of the most Instagrammable spots in NYC. Once you’ve entered the retail center, take your pick from the more than 100 stores and restaurants within.
Fuel your whirlwind tour of Lower Manhattan with some fresh Italian eats: pizza, pasta, bread, vino and gelato for starters. (Don’t be afraid to take some for the road too.) There’s plenty to explore at this Eataly outpost; check out our complete guide to the expansive market here.
Take the R or W subway line from Lower Manhattan to 57th Street to approach the southern border of this famous oasis, adding a refreshing dose of greenery to your visit. The lower portion of the park contains playgrounds, a vintage carousel and lush natural spots like Sheep Meadow, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and the Pond.
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the country’s foremost modern art institution. Explore over 200,000 works including instantly recognizable pieces by Van Gogh, Dali, Lichtenstein and Warhol. An ever-evolving assemblage of photography, painting, sculpture, film and performance art add to the picture.
Bright lights, billboards and Broadway marquees are the hallmarks of this bustling area. It’s packed with opportunities for people-watching, photography and shopping, as well as scoring discount Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth.
Find cuisine from all over the world tucked within this one-block stretch of 46th Street (between Eight and Ninth Avenues). You’ll find steak at Frankie and Johnnie’s, authentic Brazilian fare at Brazil Brazil, Italian at Barbetta and a whole lot more. It’s conveniently located in the Theatre District for a pre- (or post-) curtain bite.
