Travel Guide: The Best Way to Spend a Day in New York

You could spend a two-week holiday in New York and never feel a twinge of boredom; this is a city that truly never sleeps. But for those of you who only have a day to explore the Big Apple, as part of a transatlantic cruise holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs are easy to navigate, and transportation is affordable.

Before we kick things off with our best things to do in New York in a day, remember to put supportive shoes on; you’re going to be on your feet for a long time!

Whether you use this short itinerary as a rough guide or if you just choose to go with the flow, you’re bound to have an incredible time in this magnificent metropolis.

Visit a Scientific and Cultural Institution

The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869 and is home to thousands of incredible exhibitions about the history of human cultures, the natural world and the universe itself.

You won’t be able to see everything the museum has on show – in fact you’ll probably be a little taken aback by the sheer scale of it – however, there are a few exhibitions which many would consider ‘must-see’, such as The Heilbrunn Cosmic Pathway where you can take a look at 13 billion years of cosmic evolution, and the fourth floor Dinosaur Exhibitions. The latter boasts the largest collection of dinosaur fossils anywhere in the world.

Amble around Central Park

Providing an oasis of calm and tranquillity for New Yorkers and tourists alike, the 843-acre Central Park completely swallows central Manhattan and offers much more than just peaceful green spaces and sweeping gardens.

You can also find lakes, concert halls, a funfair, the Metropolitan Art Museum and plenty more. This is an ideal spot for a picnic and midday rest from the rest of the day’s activities.

Experience the Magic of Times Square

Many would say that Times Square is 5 blocks of quintessential New York; hustle, bustle, an explosion of colour and a stream of endless yellow cabs! Always jumping and full of life, Times Square is a cracking spot for shopping, lunch, or to see the impressive neon lights display.

Take a Pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Cathedral

Regardless of your religious beliefs, it’d be impossible not to be impressed by this epic sprawling cathedral, which is situated in the heart of the rather secular Rockefeller Centre.

This magnificent building of worship was completed in 1878 and is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

Got More Than a Day?

If you have more than a day to spend in the Big Apple, take the complimentary ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island. It won’t let you stop off at the Statue of Liberty (you’ll have to get a tourist boat for that) but it’ll take you right past, giving you a magnificent panoramic view of the Statue in its entirety. The Staten Island Museum is excellent.

Check Out Our Transatlantic Cruise Deals

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Jon Dawson