New York

New York in 1 day: itinerary with walking times

Spending one day in New York? This plan fits 6 sights into a single day, ordered so you walk as little as possible. Highlights include Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park & the New York Public Library and Times Square. Every stop lists opening hours, prices, the walk to the next one and good places to eat nearby.

Open this plan in the planner → Reorder, add or remove stops, and print your own version.

Day 1 Midtown

  1. 09:30

    Grand Central Terminal

    Landmark · Midtown · 45 min

    The 1913 Beaux-Arts station with the celestial ceiling, the four-faced clock and the Whispering Gallery.

    Opening hours: Daily 05:15–02:00 (the station), the Main Concourse is free to walk
    Price: Free

    Eat nearby: Grand Central Oyster Bar (Seafood · $$$ · Midtown) · 1 min walk
    Junior's Restaurant (Grand Central) (American · $$ · Midtown) · 1 min walk

  2. 🚶 0.7 km · 9 min walk → Bryant Park & the New York Public Library
  3. 10:30

    Bryant Park & the New York Public Library

    Park · Midtown · 60 min

    A green lawn between skyscrapers, with the Beaux-Arts public library and its Rose Main Reading Room behind it.

    Opening hours: Park daily about 07:00–22:00; Library Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 13:00–17:00
    Price: Free

    Eat nearby: Joe's Pizza (Broadway) (Pizza · $ · Midtown) · 6 min walk
    Brooklyn Diner (American · $$ · Midtown) · 6 min walk

  4. 🚶 0.8 km · 10 min walk → Times Square
  5. 11:45

    Times Square

    Landmark · Midtown · 30 min

    The neon-lit crossroads of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, with giant screens, the red TKTS steps and street performers.

    Opening hours: Always open (best after dark)
    Price: Free

    Eat nearby: Los Tacos No. 1 (Times Square) (World · $ · Midtown) · 5 min walk
    Brooklyn Diner (American · $$ · Midtown) · 5 min walk

  6. 🚶 0.6 km · 8 min walk → Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
  7. Lunch suggestion Los Tacos No. 1 (Times Square) (World · $ · Midtown)
    near Times Square · 🚶 0.4 km · 5 min walk
  8. 14:00

    Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

    Landmark · Midtown · 90 min

    The Art Deco complex with the Prometheus fountain, plus a three-level observation deck facing the Empire State Building.

    Opening hours: Top of the Rock daily 08:00–24:00 (last entry 23:10); the plaza is always open
    Price: Top of the Rock from $42

    Eat nearby: Katsu-Hama (Asian · $$ · Midtown) · 6 min walk
    Gallagher's Steakhouse (Steakhouse · $$$ · Midtown) · 9 min walk

  9. 🚶 0.4 km · 5 min walk → St. Patrick's Cathedral
  10. 15:45

    St. Patrick's Cathedral

    Church · Midtown · 30 min

    The neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral on Fifth Avenue, with marble altars, stained glass and spires between the towers.

    Opening hours: Daily 06:30–20:45 (services; closed to visitors during some services)
    Price: Free

    Eat nearby: Katsu-Hama (Asian · $$ · Midtown) · 5 min walk
    Bobby Van's Steakhouse (Park Avenue) (Steakhouse · $$$ · Midtown) · 8 min walk

  11. 🚶 1.7 km · 22 min walk → Empire State Building
  12. 16:45

    Empire State Building

    Landmark · Midtown · 90 min

    The 1931 Art Deco icon, with open-air views from the 86th floor and an optional glass-walled 102nd floor.

    Opening hours: Daily 10:00–22:00 (hours shift by date)
    Price: from $46

    Eat nearby: Cho Dang Gol (Asian · $$ · Midtown) · 4 min walk
    Hangawi (Vegetarian · $$$ · Midtown) · 4 min walk

  13. Dinner suggestion Cho Dang Gol (Asian · $$ · Midtown)
    near Empire State Building · 🚶 0.3 km · 4 min walk

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Last updated: 8 October 2026