Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
Feeling overwhelmed trying to plan the perfect day in New York? Big Apple enthusiast and Original Travel Content Manager, Susie Thorne, tells us exactly what to do with 24 hours in New York to get the best out of this vibrant and culture-filled city on your USA holiday...
There's a lot to fit into one day in New York, so rise early and get breakfast to go. We've got a couple of favourite delis across the city that we can recommend - order an everything bagel and coffee to look like a true New Yorker. Next, make your way to the very southern tip of Manhattan and board the ferry to take you to the iconic Statue of Liberty. You'll get amazing views of both the city and imposing statue as you sail - a must-do for your 24 hours in New York. We can book tickets to explore inside Lady Liberty herself, then you can hop on the ferry over to Ellis Island where the museum creatively details the migrant history of New York that has so shaped its culture.
Fresh off the boat from your tour, it's time for lunch. Head to the characterful neighbourhood of Little Italy, just a short walk away, for a good old-fashioned slice or two of pizza in a warm and friendly setting, or venture further north to trendy Chelsea for a chic lunch. Here you can sit down for a spot of people watching as you eat, or get it to takeaway and head to the High Line - an old train line converted into a lovely communal garden space - to refuel with a view.
The Big Apple has endless neighbourhoods to discover, so if you only have 24 hours in New York, this afternoon's activities really depend on your interests. Shoppers can head to Tribeca for boutiques, SoHo for designer shops and to Midtown for the huge department stores, including famous Macy's; culture lovers should make their way to the Upper East Side and Upper West Side to experience world-class galleries such as the Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim or the Met which flank Central Park; history buffs should take a walking tour around historic Harlem; and bucket list-tickers should definitely visit the key sights, including the Empire State Building, the sobering 9/11 Memorial and the Rockefella Center, to name just a few. We can pre-book tickets and help you organise logistics so that you can make the most of the famous sights of New York in one day.
If there's one must-do while in this bustling metropolis, it's heading into one of its rooftop bars to catch the sunset; watching the light dip behind the soaring skyscrapers with a cocktail in hand is a truly amazing experience. New York really comes alive at night, so once the dark has drawn in it's time to get out and see the other side to the city. Greenwich Village - the epicentre of NYC's counterculture movement in the 1960s - is the place to be for an underground bar with live music or a hidden comedy club; SoHo is best for high-end bars if you want to get your gladrags on; and the East Village is famous for its LGBT scene and vibrant nightlife if you're looking for a party, but there are pockets of fun to be found across the island. For dinner we can book a table at the best restaurants in town - some of which are regarded as the best in the USA - to round up your 24 hours in New York City.
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to postcard-perfect beaches, the USA has them in bucket-(and spade)-load. From California’s colourful coast and Florida’s buzzing beaches
4th August 2025 - USA Beaches & Islands
Americans know a thing or two about wide, open spaces, and our USA specialist, Dave, discovered what all the fuss was about during his research trip to the Rockies and the American West.
15th July 2025 - USA Travel Tips
With its dramatic landscapes, explosive geysers and wonderful wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is one of our favourite places in the USA. Spread across
30th June 2025 - USA Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
