WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS?

Our 24-Hour New York City Itinerary

If you’ve only got one day in New York City, don’t waste it trying to see everything.

Trust me—we considered it.

Instead, we built an itinerary that included iconic landmarks, incredible museums, great food, and just enough time to soak in the city’s energy without spending the entire day rushing from place to place.

This itinerary is exactly what our family followed during our first visit to New York City, and while it definitely required some walking, it was completely doable.

Need the backstory? Read about our whirlwind adventure in We Drove Six Hours for Just 24 Hours in New York City… Was It Worth It?

Nervous about public transportation? Check out How We Navigated the NYC Subway (Without Losing Our Minds) before you go.

At a Glance

Time in NYC: Just over 24 hours

Hotel: DoubleTree New York Downtown

Transportation: Walking + Subway

Walking: Approximately 10–12 miles

Best For: First-time visitors, families, and anyone who loves seeing as much as possible in a short amount of time.

Day One

9:30 AM — Arrive in Lower Manhattan

We checked our bags at the hotel and parked our car at Dock Parking Garage. Once the car was parked, we didn’t use it again until we were leaving the city.

Tip: If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan, skip driving between attractions. The subway is much faster.

10:00 AM — Battery Park

Walk to Battery Park for views of the Statue of Liberty.

We skipped the ferry because it would have taken several hours, and with only one day, we wanted to maximize our time exploring Manhattan.

Time Needed: 20–30 minutes

10:30 AM — 9/11 Memorial & Museum

This was one of the most meaningful stops of our trip.

The museum is much larger than it appears from the outside, so don’t rush through it.

Plan for: 2–3 hours

Family Tip: While the museum is incredibly well done, some exhibits cover difficult topics. Consider your children’s ages and comfort levels before visiting. I think it’s also important to provide context prior to visiting the museum.

1:00 PM — Subway to Central Park

From the Oculus, take the 1 Train Uptown to 66 St–Lincoln Center.

Before entering Central Park, grab lunch from one of the hot dog vendors nearby.

1:30 PM — Explore Central Park

Don’t over-plan this part. One of our favorite memories was simply wandering through the park.

Walk toward the American Museum of Natural History while enjoying the scenery.

Time Needed: 45–60 minutes

2:30 PM — American Museum of Natural History

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t skip this museum.

Our original plan was to spend about an hour here. We stayed until closing.

The dinosaur fossils, Hall of Ocean Life, and crystal exhibits were the biggest hits with our family.

Plan for: 2–4 hours

5:30 PM — Times Square

From 79 St, ride the 1 Train Downtown to Times Sq–42 St.

Spend some time taking photos, browsing souvenir shops, and simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Even if it’s crowded, it’s one of those places everyone should experience at least once.

7:00 PM — Charging Bull

Take the 1 Train Downtown to Rector St.

Walk to the Charging Bull.

If the line is long, don’t wait for the “perfect” photo.Stand off to the side and watch for gaps between groups—you’ll probably get a better picture anyway.

8:00 PM — Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

This ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. If you’re visiting during a busy season, consider making reservations in advance.

What to order?

The Chicken Pot Pie. Seriously. It is life-changing.

Day Two

8:00 AM — Breakfast at Leo’s Bagels

Fresh New York bagels are worth waking up for.

We checked out of the hotel and picked up the car and drove to the next destination.

9:00 AM — Cornelia Street

Taylor Swift fans won’t want to miss this quick stop. It’s a fun photo opportunity and only takes a few minutes.

There was plenty of street parking and there were so many cute coffe shops and stores.

10:00 AM — Harry Potter New York

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, plan more time than you think you’ll need.

Between shopping, interactive displays, and Butterbeer, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here.

Budget Warning: This store has a magical ability to empty your wallet.

12:30 PM — Head Home

We picked up the car and made the six-hour drive back to Niagara Falls.

Tips We’d Give a Friend

  • Park once and use the subway.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll walk more than you expect.
  • Build extra time into the museum stops.
  • Download Google Maps or update Apple Maps before you arrive.
  • Don’t try to see everything- choose your top items and allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy those stops.
  • Prioritize what excites your family. This itinerary was built around what our family wanted to see, but there is SO much more. Change it to reflect what is important to you and your family.

If We Had More Time…

I already have a list of Must-See’s for next time:

  • A Broadway show
  • Empire State Building and Flatiron Building
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • High Line
  • Ellis Island
  • A ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty

New York is one of those cities that always gives you a reason to come back.

For us, this was just the beginning.

Caitlin

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