Obviously, you can't see everything in New York City in 24 hours, but you could easily have a different meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This post is designed to give you a little taste of New York -- and hopefully, it has convinced you enough to come and spend some more time here.
I have narrowed down a small, curated list of things that I would do if I only had 24 hours in NY.
7 a.m.
THINK Coffee
1 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10003
I am by far an early riser. And if you are too, then this coffee shop is for you. THINK coffee opens their doors at 7 a.m. If you're hungry and still feeling the jet lag, they also offer bagels as well. Grab your coffee and bagel to go, take a quick 10 min walk to Elizabeth Street Garden, find a hidden bench and enjoy your morning. I know that there's plenty of coffee shops in Manhattan, but I chose this one because it had both my essentials -- the coffee and the bagel.
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Jacks Wife Freda
If you are someone who likes to takes their time to get ready out the door and a sit down meal -- drop on by to Jacks Wife Freda. They have 4 locations: SoHo, West Village, Chelsea and Williamsburg. If you are looking for a hearty breakfast, I'd suggest ordering Maya's breakfast bowl. The Mediterranean Breakfast is also a top fav. No matter how full I get, I can't leave without ordering the Rosewater Waffle and a Fresh Cantaloupe Juice.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Forget about the shopping, you can do all that online. You can't leave New York though without visiting at least one tourist attraction. Here are a few suggestions:
The museum is conveniently located right by Central Park. You can easily hop on the train and get off on either 77th street or 86th street and enjoy a nice walk over by crossing through Park and Madison Ave.
If you really, really, love art and would like to spend a good chunk of time in one place -- this is it. The Met is the largest art museum in the United States. It is the crown jewel of museums in New York City. They have one of the world's greatest collections of art, from ancient to contemporary -- you can experience a bit of everything. If you need to take some time out and get some fresh air, take the elevator to the 4th floor, walk up a flight of stairs and you will catch a glimpse of the iconic Manhattan Skyline.
If you want to see some art but don't care to wander too far uptown then head to the Whitney. There are always different exhibitions going on -- worth checking the website prior to see if there's anything in particular you want to see.
Since you only have one day in New York, I would recommend going here for 'the view'. Top of the Rock has three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks with unobstructed views of the city skyline. It has panoramic sights that makes it THE ultimate sightseeing deck. The views are breathtaking and photos won't disappoint. These are the photos that you'd want to show off from your 'trip to New York'.
2 p.m - 3 p.m.
Motorino Pizzeria:
139 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
When in New York, you have to have at least a slice or a whole pizza! Known for their thin crust pies, you won't be disappointed. They have a location on the Upper West Side, East Village and Williamsburg. I love their Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza or their Cherry Stone Clam pizza. Perfect place to grab a pie to go.
6 p.m.
Paulie Gee's:
60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, 11222
Their wood fired pies are meant to be enjoyed right away. Seating is available or pick up to go if you wish -- the place brings you back to the early 2000s with back to rustic aesthetic. Like an urban loft filled with vintage furniture softly lit by candles. It's cozy and has a welcoming feel to it. People travel "all the way out" to Brooklyn for this. They have a vegan option and also a "secret pizza" list on the back of the menu. My favorite is the HELL BOY pie (Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Tomatoes, Berkshire Soppressata Picante, Parmigiana Reggiano w/ MIKES HOT HONEY). Try go as soon as they open to avoid the long wait.
Ill Passatore:
14 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
This place is a HIDDEN gem - I say hidden because there is never a crowd and you don't need a reservation to come here on a week night. I religiously come here once a week. If you are someone who likes dining in a chill atmosphere and loves a good homemade authentic pasta - this is the place.
Here is what I order every single time:
- arugula salad w/ pear
- red sauce mussles
- Fettuccine Verdi ai Porcini e Salsiccia - which is the spinach fettuccine with porcini, cremini, shiitake, oyster mushrooms and pork sausage mixed in a cream sauce.
Dim Sum Palace
Are you craving for some authentic Chinese dim sum? Then go here. I've been to a lot of Chinese restaurants in Chinatown and Flushing. This place is the closest thing to cantonese Hong Kong style food I can find in New York. Conveniently enough, they have 7 locations -- take your pick. The food here is consistently delicious.
All photos by: Venus Tong