First Time In NYC? Here’s A Complete 1-Day Itinerary For Your Next Trip To The Big Apple!
Hey travel rookies! We’re sure you’re making up for lost time with plenty of trip-planning ahead in the coming year. If you’re keen on exploring what the West has to offer, how about fulfilling your movie dream of visiting New York City? Known as the city that never sleeps, it’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world with plenty of food, sights and lights to anticipate! We’ve got a one-day guide planned out for you, so read on to discover what’s in store.
Here’s How To Spend The Perfect Day In NYC
1. Explore Classic NYC Attractions With CityPASS
First things first- check out the iconic NYC landmarks in the morning as there will most likely be fewer tourists roaming about. Admire the glistening view from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or dive into a pool of knowledge at the American Museum of Natural History!
However, buying tickets individually for each attraction is a rookie mistake! Through purchasing a CityPASS ticket, you’ll be able to experience up to five or six attractions at up to 42% savings.
Here are the current options available:
- Empire State Building
- American Museum of Natural History
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR Guggenheim Museum
- Ferry access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The CityPASS ticket is valid for 9 consecutive days including the first attraction you visit, thus you’ll have plenty of time to get your money’s worth. As for shorter stays, C3 by CityPASS (receive admission to 3 attractions of your choice and save up to 38%) is a solid option instead. Tickets are available online here.
Website: CityPASS
2. Go On A Foodie Walking Tour For Lunch
By the time you’ve finished admiring the beauty of the city, you’ll have worked up an appetite! Onto the next- a local Foodie Walking Tour. Like A Local is who you turn to for a plethora of informative, guided, food-filled tours of various locations in NYC. Their Immigrant New York Food Tour comprising of Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy is one we’d recommend! You’d get the chance to indulge in bagels, knish, dumplings, pizza and more all while learning about the deep history and struggles of immigrants in New York.
The tour runs for 3.5 hours and will proceed regardless of weather, so be sure to dress extra warm in the winter!
Website: Like A Local
3. Visit A World-Famous Broadway Show In The Evening
There’s nothing quite like the experience of witnessing a Broadway show in the flesh. It’s exhilarating, moving- simply put, magnificent. We had the opportunity to catch Wicked, held in the renowned Gershwin Theatre and it’s certainly one you should not miss. The musical encapsulates everything that Broadway has to offer: the glitz, the drama, the romance! Without spoiling the fun for you, here’s a sneak peek of the award-winning musical.
Entranced? This is how to purchase Broadway tickets:
- Head to the official website
- Select your chosen show, and then choose your preferred seats
- Visit the Box Office right next to the theatre on the day of the show (at least an hour before) to collect your tickets
Et voila! You’re on your way to the most memorable night of your life. Some of the best shows at the moment include Hamilton, Funny Girl, Book of Mormon and a whole lot more! You’ll discover that each theatre is unique with elaborate props and designs, and every show comes with a Playbill for your perusal pre-performance.
Website: Broadway
4. End The Evening At A Rooftop Bar
Well, where do you go for the grand finale of a spectacular day? To one of the prettiest rooftop bars in town, of course! JIMMY is one of New York’s first rooftops that also features an outdoor pool deck. If you love an intimate and cosy yet sophisticated vibe, this is the spot for you. Enjoy the panoramic view of Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River, and the bridges spanning the East River while you sip on creative cocktails and groove to their playlist all year round! PS: the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is to die for.
Website: JIMMY
Cheers To The Next Holiday
Whether or not you’ll be visiting New York City soon, save this list anyway! It’s the city that never sleeps, so you know you’re welcomed at all times. Happy holidays!
NYC GO
