What To Do in NYC for a Day 🗽

Main image courtesy of Full Suitcase.

Do you know someone who’s about to go to NYC for the first time, but they only have one day? Or perhaps they’ve been there before, but they only have time for a day’s worth of activities? Whatever the reason they find themselves in New York City (for business or fun) there’s no shortage of iconic things to do. And there’s lots of GiftYa gift cards to send them that can really make their short stay all the more memorable. Gift cards are one of the best gifts to give to someone, especially if they’re traveling to a new city for the first time. Hotels and flights can get expensive pretty quickly, which is why gift cards can really help make a difference and allow them to save some cash. 

If you’re looking for the top must-see things in NYC when you’re short on time, you’ve come to the right place, because today we’re discussing:

• Iconic NYC monuments you can’t miss
• Things to do in NYC for a day that everyone should experience
• Plus a GiftYa gift card that would be perfect to send over!

Use a GiftYa when you’ll only be in NYC for a day!

If you’re only going to be in New York City for a day, there’s still a lot you can do and see, especially if you have a GiftYa digital gift card. There are gift cards to merchants all over the Big Apple, whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, or you want to try a fun new experience. GiftYa offers over 190,000 options on their site, no matter if you’re interested in a national chain, or you want to support a local NYC business. Just choose the vendor, pick out an amount, customize it with a picture or video, then just text or email it to the recipient. You’ll never need to worry about losing it since it’s all digital, and you can even track the amount you have left of the card. Concerned the recipient won’t like it? Not to worry, they can easily swap it out for another vendor on our flexible list. 

So what are you waiting for? If you know someone spending a short time in NYC, why not text them an Airbnb gift card? That way they can choose to stay anywhere they want in New York City!

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1. Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

You’ll definitely want to see the iconic monument that represents freedom and a new life for all

📍 1 Liberty Island | statueofliberty.org

If you’re only going to be in NYC for one day, it’s essential to visit one of the most iconic monuments in the U.S., the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you want to go to the island itself, you’ll need to book a tour on the Statue of Liberty Ferry, which will also stop at Ellis Island along the way. First you can view the Ellis Island Museum that includes all kinds of interesting historical artifacts about the history of immigration on the island. Then you’ll head over to Liberty Island, and can view the statue, go up inside it if you want, and tour the island’s museum. You can decide whether to climb the stairs to the pedestal, or take the elevator up to the top. You’ll be treated to some of the best views in NYC of New York Harbor, Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Touring the free museum is not to be missed, as you’ll learn about how the statue was built and the sculptor’s inspiration behind it. You can easily spend a lot of time on these islands and in the museums, so if you still want to see the statue, but don’t need to get up close and personal, you can always take the Staten Island Ferry instead. This is a free ferry that New Yorkers use daily to commute, and it gets pretty close to the statue, so you can take pictures from the deck of the ferry. 

“The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the world - and even though she's already 131 years old, Lady Liberty still looks fabulous.” -Yelp Review

2. Central Park

Spend some time in this sprawling park that is a green oasis among the tall skyscrapers of Manhattan

📍 1251 5th Avenue | centralparknyc.org

This large park is a must-visit, even if you only have a short time in NYC. It is huge at 843 acres, so it’s best to just pick one part of the park and explore all that it has to offer. Even if you just want to go for a stroll and see the beautiful fountain, the Gapstow Bridge, the Grayshot Arch, or the Belvedere Castle, you’ll get to do so surrounded by lush meadows, trees, ponds, and streams. New Yorkers love to have picnics here, go running, biking, or just stroll along the well-kept pathways. You can even get a ride in a horse-drawn carriage if you’d rather see the park this way! 

If you want to see some of Central Park’s attractions, you won’t want to miss the Central Park Zoo, or if weather permits, go ice skating in the Wollman Rink. In Central Park you can visit iconic statues like the snowdog Balto, Alice in Wonderland, as well as the Obelisk. 

There’s a merry-go-round and plenty of playgrounds if you’re traveling in NYC with kids, and you’ll always be able to find carts offering everything from shaved ice to hot dogs. 

“Central Park is always an incredible experience and one of my favorite things to do in NY! I've visited every time I've been in NY, and it never fails to amaze me.The park Is an amazing spot to visit for locals and tourists, and it's especially nice during the holiday season. Always highly recommend!” -Yelp Review

3. Ground Zero and 9/11 Memorial

You’ll definitely want to visit this moving site while you’re visiting NYC

📍 180 Greenwich St. | 911memorial.org

It’s essential for you to visit Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial if you’re in NYC just for the day. Located where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood, the memorial is a beautiful dedication to the tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001. Where the towers once stood are now two reflecting pools that are surrounded by white oak trees. You should definitely prepare yourself to see this emotional place, and it is quite serene, even if it is surrounded by bustling Lower Manhattan. Lots of folks like to tour the site outside, which includes memorials to the victims as well as those of the first responders. 

Visiting the outdoor memorial is free, but if you have some time, you can also step into the adjacent  9/11 Museum. The museum tells the story of what happened through media, narratives, and artifacts from that tragic day. 

“It was really stunning to see how the original twin towers were made into a memorial fountains. There are a lot of items that were collected and preserved that is on display at the museum. I still remember where I was when it all happened that day and there is a lot of information that I discovered when I went there. The museum is very clean and well kept for visitors to go to. I highly recommend visiting the museum if you are in the area.” -Yelp Review

4. Top of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center

Head to the top of these iconic buildings and see NYC from a bird’s eye view

📍 20 W 34th St. | esbnyc.com

When you think of NYC, chances are one of the first things that comes to mind is the picture of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center. These two iconic buildings are some of the most recognizable in the city, and you should definitely try to visit one and check out their observation decks! They are both located in Midtown Manhattan, and offer all kinds of great opportunities for some amazing photos.

If you choose to do the Empire State Building, you’ll be greeted in the lobby with beautiful Art Deco murals from the 1930s that have been fully restored. You can then choose to visit the 86th Floor main deck observatory, which is an outdoor area that offers 360 degree views of NYC. Or, keep going up and visit the 102nd floor top deck observatory that gives visitors floor to ceiling views of up to 80 miles on a clear day. There are exhibits that detail the building’s construction and even famous visitors over the years.

If you’d prefer to visit Rockefeller Center, that’s a great choice as well! This is the building that houses NBC Studios and where lots of popular shows are filmed. The plaza also hosts an ice skating rink and a huge Christmas tree during the holidays, and is a great area to get pictures or to sign up for a tour of the building. Other NYC attractions like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall are within walking distance to the center as well.

However, because you only have one day in NYC, you might choose to just head upstairs to the Rock’s 360 degree observation deck on the 30th floor!

5. Brooklyn Bridge and Park

Take a walk over the suspension bridge that links Manhattan with Brooklyn

📍 334 Furman St. | brooklynbridgepark.org

If you don’t mind a bit of walking (although you’ll probably be doing a lot of that in NYC), then you should make it a point to check out the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and park. Making countless appearances in popular culture, it seems like whenever something takes place in NYC, there are lots of images and shots of the Brooklyn Bridge. You can start on the Manhattan side and take your time walking the expanse of the East River. You’ll be treated to some amazing views along the way, especially if you choose to go for sunrise or sunset, but be prepared for some crowds along the way.

Once you get to the other side you’re in Brooklyn, and can spend time walking around the park and take in the views from Pier 1, Pebble Beach, Main Street, and the Fulton Landing Ferry. This might be a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the fantastic Brooklyn restaurants while you’re in the area.

“The Brooklyn bridge is a staple to walk across if you are visiting NYC, and looking for a nice walk with views! You can see the entire city and get some really nice sunset photos if you're there at that time. Highly recommend checking out, and walking across, the Brooklyn Bridge at least once!” -Yelp Review

6. The Metropolitan Museum

Spend as little or as much time as you can in one of the best museums in the world

📍 1000 5th Avenue | www.metmuseum.org

If you can only devote a few hours to this immense museum, it is definitely worth it. Although you can spend days touring just this museum alone, it is such a New York City institution, it would be remiss if we didn’t at least mention it on our list. There are smaller museums you can go to instead, including: 

• The NY Transit Museum
• The Rubin Museum of Art
• Museum of the Moving Image

All of which are other options should you not want to just spend 2-3 hours in the Met. However, whatever little you do see of this world-class museum is going to floor you. You’ll definitely need to come back for a longer stay in NYC so you can properly look at all the collections housed here!

“This is an incredible museum! I enjoyed every bit of my time here. There's something for everyone. There's a huge variety of artworks and history pieces. The staff are very helpful and friendly. My favorite was the Egypt exhibit and the large areas with fountains and floor-to-ceiling windows.” -Yelp Review

What will you do in NYC for a day?

You can see and do a lot in NYC, even if you only have one day. While more time is always better in a city this size, there’s still plenty you can check off your list. If you know someone that’s going to New York City for the day, why not send a thoughtful GiftYa their way to help pay for their stay? Whether it’s walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or enjoying the view from the Empire State Building, they’re going to have a blast exploring one of the busiest and most exciting cities in the entire world.