NYC is a lot for one day. You can’t see it all. This guide is for those visitors who are focused on visiting key marks. This is the conventional (or stereotypical) tourist’s plan. If you’re truly set on snapping pictures of key landmarks, keep in mind that this plan will consume your entire day when you factor time for walking, transit, and meals.
This guide is mission-oriented. It might be less fun than the other guides, from a New Yorker’s perspective, but it’s an essential one for the wide-eyed outsider whose only understanding of this city is based on movies, books, and television. This will consume your entire day.
WHAT YOU’RE NOT DOING TODAY
You’re not going to:
Discover hidden gems
Linger
Get a “real” sense of the city
This is about snapping the stuff you came to New York to see.
DAY 1: THE CLASSIC NYC PHOTO LOOP
STOP 1: CENTRAL PARK SOUTHWEST CORNER
- Entry: 59th St & 6th Ave
- Shots: Horse carriages, The Pond, Gapstow Bridge
- Food Options: Numerous food carts offering pretzels, hot dogs, and halal options. Quick bites to fuel your journey.
STOP 2: ROCKEFELLER CENTER + ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
- Shots: Atlas statue, Rockefeller flags, cathedral façade
- Tips: No lingering—this is a snap-and-go moment
- Food Options: Nearby delis and cafes for a light snack.
STOP 3: EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (STREET VIEW ONLY)
- Best View: 33rd & 5th or 34th & Madison
- Tips: Don’t bother going inside. Street shot is stronger and faster.
- Food Options:
- STATE Grill and Bar: Located at the base of the Empire State Building, offering American cuisine.
- The Little Beet Table: Healthy, vegetarian-friendly options nearby.
- Patent Pending: A speakeasy-style café offering coffee and cocktails.
STOP 4: K-TOWN FOOD STOP
- Where: 32nd St between 5th & 6th Ave
- Eat: Dumplings, Korean BBQ, boba—fast or sit-down options
- Purpose: Rehydrate, recharge, refresh
[PHOTO: Neon storefronts and steam from food stalls]
→ NEXT: FLATIRON DISTRICT
Take the R or W train from 34th St-Herald Sq to 23rd St (~5 minutes).
STOP 5: FLATIRON BUILDING
- Location: 23rd St & 5th Ave
- Shots: Flatiron Building from Madison Square Park
- Optional: Harry Potter Store (5th & 22nd) for souvenirs
- Food Options:
- Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop: Classic NYC deli experience.
- Shake Shack: Famous for burgers and shakes, located in Madison Square Park.
STOP 6: WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
- Shots: Arch with One World Trade in background
- Bonus: Coffee or people-watching break if needed
[PHOTO: Arch perfectly framing the Freedom Tower] - Food Options:
- NY Dosas: Vegan Sri Lankan food cart known for dosas.
- Mamoun’s Falafel: Quick and affordable Middle Eastern bites.
- Joe’s Pizza: Classic New York-style pizza slices.
STOP 7: WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL + OCULUS
- Shots: Oculus ribs, Freedom Tower base, reflecting pools
STOP 8: BROOKLYN BRIDGE (MIDSPAN ONLY)
- Plan: Walk halfway across, get your skyline shot, then double back
- York St (F train) – drops you near Time Out Market
- High St (A/C) – best for Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Clark St (2/3) – more relaxed entry route
Last 9: DUMBO:
- Shots: Manhattan Bridge view
- Juliana’s Pizza: Renowned for its coal-fired pies.
- Time Out Market: Offers a variety of eateries with rooftop views.
- Superfine: Eclectic American cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Here You Are!
You’ve done it. Your feet hurt. Your phone is full of pictures for your social handles. Go home and post your stories, but promise yourself that next time you’ll do New York like a New Yorker.
The Street Sign
The Street Sign points the way to where things are — the parks, restaurants, museums, and everything else. These guides are built to save you time and energy. Need a plan for an NYC outing? Follow The Street Sign.
