One day in New York City? That’s all? It might not be enough for you to change the city, but it’s more than enough time for the city to change you.
While booking my tickets back to Europe from the United States, a 24-hour layover in NYC was the selling point. I welcomed the opportunity to explore one of my oldest and dearest haunts, a city that seeped its way into my bones and shaped me into the cafe-dwelling writer and entrepreneur (and annoyingly reckless walker) I am today. I stomped Manhattan grounds during my summer “breaks” in journalism school, where I hustled in internships that set the tone for my career and absorbed world cultures that set fire to my insatiable wanderlust.
The truth is, and now I know this to be completely true: you can find the entire world in New York City. One day will never be enough to see it all, but it’s more than enough time to ignite and affair with the best city in the world. Taking my personal and professional life to an international scale and coming back to this teensy-yet-endless island of dreams a couple years post-graduation revealed more about my professional progress and still-to-achieve dreams than I ever expected. All in 24 hours, in one perfect day, I discovered New York City and myself all at the same time. Here is how to spend one day in New York City:
Midtown: Morning Run Through Central Park
If you think the pumpkin patches and decor enlivening white pumpkins represent the magic of autumn, I dare you to take an early AM run through Central Park while the leaves are changing colors — or any season for that matter. Not only will the healing nature-in-the-city vibes feed your creative soul but you’ll end your run on a high of ambition endorphins that only a NYC run could deliver. It’s OK; be touristy.
West Village: Coffee at Grounded & Burnch @ Buvette
I don’t care if you’re on the Alkaline diet or preaching the Paleo lifestyle – if you’re in New York, you best treat your foodie soul to Manhattanite fuel (aka Coffee) and breakfast to indulge in one of New York City’s most coveted cafes. Grounded is my go-to writing and brunch spot in the city (always brimming with writer-types). Order the Honey Nut Latte.
For breakfast, I’m no stranger to Buvette. A little charming ode to french cuisine that maintains quintessential New York charm in the heart of WV.
Indulge in the Landmarks
When you only have 24 hours, I don’t suggest spending time in lines to climb to the top of the Empire State or tour other attractions. ABSOLUTELY do this on your next trip, but if you want to get the most out of Manhattan in one day, take a long walk through Midtown and be sure to hit these stops: Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, Radio City, New York Public Library and Rockefeller Center (yes, it’s all walkable and leaves plenty of opportunities for photo opps and city soul-searching).
SoHo: Sweet Treat @ Dominique Ansel Bakery
It’s time to caffeinate. No explanation needed. You’re a New Yorker now. If you end your walking tour near Rockefeller center, you’ll find yourself a few steps away from the famed Dominique Ansel Bakery (home of the cronut) — the summit of French baking nestled right in the center of Manhattan.
Chelsea: Stroll through Art Galleries + Relax at High Line
Grab a cab before rush hour and head to the High Line to take a relaxing stroll through Manhattan’s second-favorite urban escape. This 1.45 tree-lined miles of NYC skyline views offer plenty of moments to admire the architectural beauty of the city, take in magical views of the Hudson and sit down for prime people watching (because, New York).
Brooklyn: Pizza Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Finish off your night right: Carbs by the way of Brooklyn-style Pizza. Either dine in or order to-go and devour under the glistening glow of the Brooklyn Bridge. Skip famed Grimaldi’s which has long been bought out from the original pizza makers and head to Juliana’s. Walk it off in Dumbo while admiring the glittering Manhattan skyline. Every New Yorker knows BK has the best views.
Williamsburg: Night Cap at William Vale Hotel
If you’re still going strong, take a late-night stroll through my old neighborhood of Williamsburg. Zoe Kravitz lives here if that adds any skin of “undeniably city hip” for you. This vibrant big apple neighborhood is an authentic taste of authentic Manhattan living and is always pulsing with of-the-moment hotspots. If you’re looking for a watering hole at this point, the William Vale Hotel has one of the best rooftop views in the world.
