Welcome to New York! There’s so much to see and do here and if you don’t have much time it can be overwhelming to decide what is worth it to do. This itinerary is aggressive but totally doable in an afternoon- I’ve personally done it in about 5 hours start to finish including drinks and dinner. What’s great about this is its the highlights that everyone could appreciate no matter what your crew is into. I didn’t even realize until writing this that every stop along the way is free! Aside from the metro card and food of course.
Are you ready? I highly recommend everyone in your party has the following things:
A bottle of water - this is a very active day and you will forget to hydrate.
Very comfortable shoes - A group is only as strong as their least comfortable shoe-wearer.
Your wallet - nervous about getting pickpocketed? Don’t bring it all then. Choose 2 cards for paying (in case one malfunctions) and your photo ID and some cash. Zip the rest of it into the lining of your suitcase or lock it in the safe in your hotel room. Ladies, you may be able to just zip what you have for the day in the little pocket of your purse for extra security.
Cash - You simply need at least $30 in cash per person on you at all times. Bodegas, ice cream trucks, bars, etc often have high minimums for card transactions or don’t allow cards at all.
Weather-appropriate items: If its summer I really recommend a hat and sunscreen. If its below 45F I suggest ear warmers and a scarf at the minimum. If there’s any chance of rain at all, please bring a little folding umbrella.
Recommended but not required: portable charger, paper map of NYC that includes subways, hand sanitizer, a wristwatch, sunglasses, aspirin, a few bandaids, a scarf or bandana (they’re very useful), light jacket or sweater
Begin at Times Square
With your wits about you…
TIMES SQUARE - If you’re truly pushed for time, just head to the US Army recruiting office, take the iconic photo and bail. That place is hell on earth.
Next, walk east on 43rd (against the direction of traffic) to 5th Ave. (7 mins)
5TH AVE - Retail! If you have time to see the iconic places like Saks or Tiffany’s you can do that now or return another day (or without your brother)
(Optional addition if you have time: Walk 1 more avenue east and check out GRAND CENTRAL STATION then come back and continue tour)
Turn right and walk south on 5th one block (1 min) and you will arrive at…
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - Isn’t it gorgeous! Go up the steps inside, then up 3 flights I believe that should take you to the great reading room, it’s really lovely. I’d spend about 30 mins here total however they do offer free tours so if you’re interested definitely come back for one cause they’re really good tours and you learn a lot! *Tip: There are bathrooms at the library and at Bryant Park.
Go back out the way you came in and turn left so you are now walking west on 42nd. (1 min)
BRYANT PARK is famous for its ice skating in the winter, former host of fashion week and plenty of movie scenes. This is a great place to have a little break, grab a seat and a coffee from one of the carts or shops and maybe a snack. There are lots of affordable options around!
Take the subway. You can do it!
Your destination is High Street - Brooklyn Bridge. The best 2 options are walking back to Times Square to take a Brooklyn-bound A/C or Taking the F from 42nd - Bryant Park to West 4th and transferring to the A/C there. The second option is slightly quicker however would be more stressful if you are not yet comfortable with the subways. It is a good option if its raining, worth the stress in my opinion if it keeps your shoes/body a bit drier.
Part 2
Brooklyn, City Hall and Chinatown!
BROOKLYN BRIDGE - Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the few truly delightful touristy experiences in New York in my opinion. I’d walk across it any day (weather permitting) and its free! Just please be mindful of the bike lane when walking in groups or taking photos! (30 mins at a leisurely pace)
The bridge deposits you at City Hall Park.
CITY HALL - I’ve never been inside the actual building, I just think it’s a nice thing to see.
Continue north east along Center Street with the direction of traffic until you reach Worth St. then turn right. Walk until you reach Chatham Square and turn left. Then take the first left on Doyers St.
NOM WAH TEA PARLOR - The wait here can be pretty long, but its delicious. You can put your name down and check out Chinatown in the meantime, or simply go somewhere else near by. Golden Unicorn is also famous and Deluxe Green Bao is a personal favorite.
If you ate there, take a left out of the resaurant and turn left when Doyer T’s into Pell. Take your first right onto Mott and walk 2 blocks. (5 mins)
CHINATOWN SIGN - Photo opp!
CANAL - Canal Street is famous for its counterfeit business. I would not recommend caving to the cheap knockoffs, however it can be a good place to buy inexpensive souvenirs. *Tip: the Glossier showroom is around the corner
So that’s it! From here you can shop in SoHo, get a drink in the Lower East Side by going further north, or head south to the Financial District and the World Trade Center. Or you can hop on a train at Canal and return to your hotel for a nap, for the night or to catch your Broadway show!