New York in 24 Hours
For my first trip to New York, we took the Amtrak from D.C. into NYC and had less than 24 hours to see it all. While we definitely didn’t see it all, I felt that we got a very good taste for the New York vibe. Luckily, we stayed with our friends who live in Brooklyn and know their way around, which helped tremendously with planning this trip. Hopefully, this guide helps you fit in as much as possible in your limited time or just gives you recommendations for a slower, longer trip. Enjoy!
Day 1:
1. Brunch at Modern Bread and Bagel for something quick or Henry and the Lion for a sit down with Mimosas (both are relatively close to the train station in Manhattan if that’s where you’re getting off)
2. Walk around Greenwich/West Village
- People Watch at Washington Square Park
- Take pictures at Washington Mews Street
- The Spaniard bar for drinks
- Bar Pisellino for more drinks
- El Coco for $5 margs
- WILD for dinner (gluten free and dairy free pizza!)
3. Comedy cellar for comedy show- best thing you can do for a proper NYC experience, for around $60 per person. Book below!
4. Visit a speakeasy- The Little Shop (so many to choose from but this one was recommended by our friends)
5. End the night at a dive bar (Doc Holidays) or go dancing at Common Ground
Day 2:
1. Get coffee at devoción- multiple locations around the city
2. Take the train across the Brooklyn bridge or walk across it if you have time (walking across it very time consuming which is why we opted for the train). Ubering is also an option.
- Take pictures at Dumbo, the Manhattan Bridge View (39-21 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States)
3. Get lunch at Bareburger- multiple locations around the city, but there is one directly south of Central Park
4. Walk around Central Park:
- View the skyline atop Umpire Rock
- Sit by the lake at Cherry hill
- Option to go ice skating at Wollman rink
5. Stop for a drink at M Social rooftop bar overlooking Times Square
6. Walk down Times Square- be prepared, it’s crowded!
7. Go back to Greenwich for some last minute bites and a drink:
- Sushi Counter - Aussie owned takeaway sushi counter
- Nadas - gluten free rainbow empanadas place also with vegan options
- Bibliotheque - fun Bookstore and Café by Day/Wine Bar by Nightclub
If you have more time:
- Vintage green rooftop for drinks (East village)
- Summit one Vanderbilt for best views of city- reserve far in advance!!
Use this link to reserve your tickets!
- Stone street (notable street- could see after Staten Island ferry)
- Albertine - very picturesque book store (up by Central Park)
- 230 fifth rooftop bar (heated igloos)
- Staten Island ferry for up close views of Statue of Liberty
* Instead of Staten Island Ferry which can be chaotic, time consuming and hard to figure out the schedule, opt for this 90 minute cruise which includes an onboard bar for drinks and food as well as professional photos of you and your party in front of the statue. Only $29.99 per person! Use the link below.
- Darling rooftop- views of Central Park
- Red Hook Winery- on the water in Brooklyn, can see Statue of Liberty
- New York Helicopter tour- for the best views of the city, use the link below
Because I’m Celiac (gluten-free):
- Friedmans (American, chain)
- INDAY (Indian food, multiple locations)
- TAP NYC (gluten-free, nutritious, and delicious food made authentically from Brazilian superfoods)
- Little Beet (health food)
- Busy bee organics
- Gnocchi on 9th (to-go gnocchi)
- Rawsome Treats (to satisfy your sweet tooth)
- Pommes Frites (street fries!)
- Wild (gf and df pizza, Italian)
- Modern Bread and Bagel (all bagels gf!)
- Nadas (rainbow gluten free empanadas, vegan options too!)
- Bareburger (multiple locations, burgers)
- Sushi counter (Aussie owned, all gf!)
- Crepe master
- Bar Verde (vegan)
- Alimama Tea (mochi donuts and cream puffs and tea)
- Springbone kitchen (multiple locations)
- Kesté Pizza e Vino
- TWENTYONEGRAINS (health food)
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