NYC is full of amazing and fun attractions. However, choosing which ones should be number one on your list is difficult, as there are so many to see. Here is a day filled with the must-sees to have an amazing and fulfilling day in The Big Apple.

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Start The Morning with a Bagel

Also known as the Bagel Capital of the World, NYC has hundreds of bagel shops. Some popular ones include Liberty Bagels, Pop Up Bagels, and Tompkins Square Bagels.

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Liberty Bagels: Founded in 1995, Liberty has become a staple for fresh, yummy bagels. One popular selection is their Rainbow Bagel with Birthday Cake Cream Cheese. Store locations include Midtown and 5th Avenue near Central Park.

Pop-Up Bagels: Known for its freshly baked bagels, the chain has exploded on social media. Customers choose from different bagel types and a rotating weekly schmear to enjoy. Locations include Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side, Williamsburg, and more.

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Walk around Central Park

The city’s largest and most iconic park lies between Manhattan’s Upper East and Upper West Sides. Attracting nearly 50 million visitors yearly, it offers a peaceful escape from the loud distractions of the city.

This excellent space is the perfect place to relax and connect with nature. Highlights within the park include the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo. Whether you want to stroll or get active, this park is an amazing outdoor space, especially in the City that Never Sleeps!

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Explore the MET

If you are walking on the Upper East Side, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art (known as the MET). The MET has its iconic steps (thanks, Gossip Girl!), where many people like to sit, snap some pictures, and enjoy a drink. Once you’re done channeling your inner Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodsen, check out the museum, which holds the infamous celebrity-filled Met Gala each year!

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Subway down to SoHo

To do some good shopping and finally use the iconic NYC subway, head down south to SoHo (South of Houston Street). Here, all the popular stores (Brandy Melville, Edikted, Aritzia, etc.) are located. Take some cute pictures in the streets and have an amazing time shopping!

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Walk up the West Village

The West Village is renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and trendy atmosphere. Walk up from SoHo to it, walk around, and grab lunch! Additionally, many of New York University’s buildings are located in Greenwich Village, a part of the West Village, so be sure to check them out if you are interested!

Check out Grand Central/Empire State Building

Subway up to the Empire State Building and go up the iconic skyscraper. The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper in the Midtown South neighborhood. It attracts nearly four million tourists each year to visit the 86th and 102nd floor observatories. (Some nights it lights up a different color in honor of different celebrations and people.) After this, do the 15-minute trek up to Grand Central Station and check out the beautiful train station.

The station’s distinctive architecture and design have earned it many honors, including being named a National Historic Landmark. The terminal’s Main Concourse is often featured in films and television. These two iconic spots are must-sees!

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Watch a Broadway show

New York City is the theatre capital of the world, with hundreds of shows to watch on the world-famous Broadway Avenue. Some popular shows include The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Wicked, Hamilton, Chicago, and more.

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Grab dinner in Midtown!

Time to eat! Feast in one of Midtown's hundreds of restaurants. This could be at the giant raising canes in Times Square or anything else nearby. I would recommend looking at TikTok for the best reviews and recommendations.

Times Square at Night

After the show, it’s time to go to the city’s most famous tourist attraction: Times Square. Although it is very crowded, it is still something you must check out. Filled with stores, theatres, and billboards, the vibrant lights of Times Square at night are truly amazing!

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Now, after a long, fulfilling day in the best city, return to your hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep!