24 Hours in a City: Making the Most of Your Short Time in New York City

You could spend years of your life in New York City and still not see everything it has to offer. Full of more than 8.4 million people, with everything from famous Broadway shows to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. So how do you cover the highlights in just 24 hours?

Here’s a great guide to experiencing New York in just a day:

Landing in the Big Apple

To make your trip to New York easier, take an Uber from the airport and head into the city. With Uber’s Fare Estimator you know just how much that trip will cost. If you’re looking to save on getting into Manhattan, grab an UberPOOL and make new friends on your way. Be sure to check out the airport you’ve landed at to see if there are any special Uber pick-up locations or details for your particular airport. If you’ve got extra bags or a pet, check out UberXL or UberSUV for your needs. If you have a business meeting, perhaps an UberBLACK is right for you. In any case, Uber makes the most sense for an easy, comfortable, and quick trip into the city.

Where to Rest Your Head

Manhattan is what most people think of when they talk about New York, and it’s the center of many of the things that you’ll want to check out in your limited time on the ground. That being said, Brooklyn is booming as a center for culture, art, and events, too, so depending on what you’re up for, either Manhattan or Brooklyn are the best boroughs to stay in.

In Manhattan, choose a location that is relatively centrally located. Manhattan has a fantastic system of public transportation, which makes it easy and affordable to get around. You can also hop in one of the famous yellow taxis or grab an Uber from anywhere on the island. New York hotels are not cheap. The average cost of a hotel room is right around $250, with many well above that figure.

If you’re looking to save a bit, but still have a very authentic NYC experience, check out The Jane Hotel in the West Village. The neighborhood place is at once kitschy and trendy and it has affordable rooms that start around $99—though for that price you’ll have to share a bathroom with someone else.

Get Cultural

Museums, Central Park, and iconic landmarks are everywhere you turn in. If it’s your first time, head to the top attractions like the Museum of Modern Art and Central Park. These two sites alone can take an entire day to see and walk through. If you’re tight on time, we suggest that you hit the highlights: visit the permanent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Monet exhibits, and be sure to walk through the outdoor sculpture garden, too.

In Central Park, take a horse-drawn carriage to get a unique experience of the park, and be sure to check out sites like the boathouse, Strawberry Fields, and Bethesda Terrace. Expect Central Park to be crowded when the weather is nice.

If you’re looking for something more low-key and less crowded, check out the Brooklyn Museum. They’ve got a stellar Egyptian exhibit, as well as an incredible collection of Degas and Monet paintings.

You can also take the subway downtown toward Grand Central Terminal and marvel at the recently redone stars on the ceiling. If you go down into the basement level, stop in one of the arched hallway areas and check out the Whispering Arch. If one person stands on one side facing the corner and you stand caddy-corner to them in the opposite corner you can hear them whisper from across the cavernous hall. It’s a fun party trick, and a fascinating feature of Grand Central.

Gain a New Perspective

From Grand Central, head south to the Empire State Building. There you can take a couple of fast elevators up to the very top for a fascinating view of the city. Buy express tickets ahead of time (for $32 per person) to ensure that you don’t have to wait in lines that can be up to an hour long.

Once you’ve taken in a view of the city, hop an Uber and head southwest to High Line Park, a public park built on top of an historic freight rail line that’s elevated above Manhattan’s Meat Packing District. This area is known for great food, great drinks, and a happening nightlife. The park itself is generally crowded on beautiful days, but still worth a wander. It’s also free and will give you a chance to see the West Side and the Hudson River up close.

From there, take some time to poke your head into the many boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants that populate the streets of the West Village. You’ll find everything from bespoke cupcakes and one-of-a-kind drinks, to luxurious housewares and incredible fashion house clothing. It’s well worth your time to wander the cobblestone streets in this area.

At the end of your day, take an Uber back to your hotel and sleep soundly, knowing you’ve experienced many of the highlights of one of the greatest cities in the world.