This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jason Tsoi. Find him on Instagram at @jason.tsoi. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Visiting “The Big Apple” for a day and don’t know where to begin? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve got the perfect one day NYC itinerary specifically for you. This itinerary will guide you on places to sightsee, step-by-step directions and quick grab-and-go spots in Midtown Manhattan.
Ideally, a NYC trip should last around three to five days to get the full experience. Due to time constraints, this itinerary will not cover Lower Manhattan or the other four boroughs. But, who says you can’t explore some of the city’s famous landmarks within a day? Before we begin, this requires a lot of walking. We’re talking about over 15,000 steps. So, put your walking shoes on and let’s hit the streets.
Grand Central Terminal
First, we will start our sightseeing journey at the heart of NYC: Grand Central Terminal. Located on 89 East 42nd St., this popular landmark obtains its “grand” title for good reason. With 44 platforms and 33 miles of track, Grand Central Terminal is the largest railway terminal in the world. Not only does it serve as a transportation hub, but it’s also an architectural jewel.
Built and designed in Beaux-Arts architectural style, Grand Central Terminal brings a classical look to the ever-changing modern day city. From its staircases to its chandeliers, the terminal is embellished with sculpted acorns and oak leaves — an homage to the Vanderbilt family, who funded the building’s construction. Another sight to marvel at is the Main Concourse’s celestial ceiling — a mural containing 12 constellations and 2,500 stars. And finally, you can’t visit Grand Central Terminal without stopping at the iconic information booth clock, located at the center of the Main Concourse.
Want a quick bite before continuing sightseeing? The Dining Concourse, located on the lower level, features grab-and-go eateries from tacos at Dirty Taco to lobster rolls at Luke’s Lobster. However, the prices are on the higher side, so I recommend you wait . As you exit out of the entrance on East 42nd St., you’ll find the Chrysler Building to your left and One Vanderbilt to your right. Walk past One Vanderbilt until you hit Fifth Ave. and then turn right.
Rockefeller Center
Known for its shopping scene, Fifth Ave. is also home to one of NYC’s finest cultural landmarks — Rockefeller Center. Named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., the complex is the site of historical public art, including Paul Manship’s renowned sculpture, “Prometheus,” located at the lower plaza. The complex is also home to NBC Studios, where Saturday Night Live and the Today Show are taped. Besides art and entertainment, the complex is mainly known for its holiday displays, making it a popular destination during the holiday season.
In the spirit of the holidays, Rockefeller Center is traditionally adorned with a large Christmas tree, stationed above the lower plaza’s iconic ice skating rink. The Rink is open to the public from October to April with general admission prices ranging from $21-114 for an hour skating session. During the warmer months, The Rink is transformed into public seating for visitors to relax in the sun. And it’s not Christmastime in NYC without stopping at Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes’ “Christmas Spectacular.”
But, a must-see experience is Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock. The three level observation deck provides viewers with mesmerizing scenes of the city’s skyline, including panoramic views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park. After exploring the complex, make your way back to Fifth Ave. and walk north, where you’ll pass by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and The Plaza. As you continue walking north, the concrete jungle will begin to look a lot more green.
Central Park
Amidst the bustling city, enjoy a moment of serenity with a beautiful stroll at NYC’s famous park — Central Park. The park, spanning 843 acres, contains bridges, gardens, performance centers, and playgrounds, as well as sports facilities from ballfields to tennis courts. Central Park also offers recreational activities, from renting a boat onto the Lake to birdwatching.
Two Central Park landmarks you cannot miss are the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Featured in films, like The Avengers, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and television shows, like Law & Order and Gossip Girl, you can relive your favorite movie and TV moments in person. Tired from walking and need to rest your feet? Take a break at the Great Lawn, where you can unwind on the open grass and admire the distant buildings.
Once you’ve finished taking in the stunning scenery of the park, walk back south towards the Avenue of the Americas (a.k.a. Sixth Ave.). Continue walking down Sixth Ave. until you reach West 53rd St., where you’ll find the famous food cart — The Halal Guys. This iconic street food will keep you full at a reasonable price. I personally recommend getting the Combo Platter with their signature white sauce. Once you’ve finished eating, continue down Sixth Ave., make a right on West 48th St. and then turn left on Broadway.
Times Square
While walking on Broadway, you will be encompassed by big bright billboards, a distinct feature of NYC’s most visited attraction — Times Square. NYC is not referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps” for no reason. The attraction dazzles with lights all day long, drawing in between 150,000 to 235,000 visitors per day. But, before you further step into the attraction, be prepared to avoid taking pictures with costume characters, unless you’re willing to give a tip.
Need a selfie for your social media post, but don’t know where to find the perfect photo spot? Climb up the red stairs and strike a pose with the backdrop of the crowded entertainment hub. Have time to catch a Broadway show? Located below the red staircase is the TKTS ticket stand, where you can get 20% to 50% off discounted tickets to a few Broadway shows, including “Aladdin” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
After exploring everything that Times Square has to offer, continue walking down Broadway until you’ve reached West 34th St., where you’ll find Herald Square. Known for being the home to Macy’s flagship store, Herald Square is also the end of the sensational Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Meanwhile, sitting across the intersection is one of NYC’s most recognizable buildings.
Empire State Building
And last but not least, this one day NYC itinerary will conclude at the city’s most famous skyscraper — the Empire State Building. Located on 20 West 34th St., the landmark valiantly sticks out of Midtown Manhattan with a height of 1,454 feet.
On the 2nd and 80th floor, the skyscraper features exhibits, including the history behind the Empire State Building’s creation to a recreation of the iconic 1933 “King Kong” scene. And finally, what better way to end a day trip in NYC than with a view of the city? The Empire State Building’s observation decks, located on the 86th and 102nd floor, offers spectacular views of the city that you won’t forget.
Have you visited NYC? If so, what is your favorite landmark and why? Let us know in the comments what you think about our one day NYC itinerary.
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