Manhattan, the heart of New York City, is a place where dreams are made, and history comes alive. With its towering skyscrapers, world-class museums, and vibrant culture, it’s a city that never sleeps. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. This guide will help you plan your Manhattan day trip, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
Top Places To Explore on a Manhattan Day Trip
Flatiron Building
- Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
- Opening Hours: The Flatiron Building itself is not open to the public, but you can admire it from the outside at any time.
- Sights to See: The Flatiron Building is renowned for its unique triangular shape and Beaux-Arts architecture. It’s a popular spot for photography.
- Best Nearby Activities: You can visit Madison Square Park, which is just across the street. You can also explore nearby Eataly, an Italian marketplace with restaurants and a rooftop beer garden.
- Entrance Fee: Free to view from outside.
Chrysler Building
- Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
- Opening Hours: The lobby is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Sights to See: The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco masterpiece with intricate designs, including gargoyles modeled after Chrysler car hood ornaments.
- Best Nearby Activities: Grand Central Terminal is just a short walk away, offering dining, shopping, and the stunning Main Concourse.
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter the lobby.
Empire State Building
- Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10118
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 2 AM (last elevator at 1:15 AM).
- Sights to See: The Empire State Building offers breathtaking views from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories. The building itself is an iconic symbol of New York City.
- Best Nearby Activities: Bryant Park and the New York Public Library are nearby. The surrounding area also offers excellent shopping, including Macy’s Herald Square.
- Entrance Fee: General admission starts at $44 for adults, $38 for children, and $42 for seniors. Additional fees for the 102nd-floor observatory.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours until 7 PM on Saturdays.
- Sights to See: MoMA houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
- Best Nearby Activities: Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are nearby. You can also stroll through Central Park, just a few blocks away.
- Entrance Fee: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $14 for students, and free for children under 16. Admission is free on Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Rockefeller Center
- Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
- Opening Hours: The plaza is open 24 hours. The top of the Rock observation deck is open daily from 8 AM to midnight (the last elevator at 11 PM).
- Sights to See: Rockefeller Center is known for its Art Deco architecture, the iconic ice skating rink, and the top of the Rock observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
- Best Nearby Activities: The Radio City Music Hall offers tours and shows. Visit the NBC Studios for a behind-the-scenes tour.
- Entrance Fee: The Top of the Rock observation deck costs $38 for adults, $36 for seniors, and $32 for children.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
- Opening Hours: Open Thursday to Monday from 11 AM to 6 PM.
- Sights to See: The Guggenheim is famous for its spiral ramp gallery designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It houses impressive collections of modern art.
- Best Nearby Activities: Central Park is right across the street, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a short walk away.
- Entrance Fee: $25 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12. Pay-what-you-wish on Saturdays from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Museum of Arts and Design
- Address: 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
- Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Thursdays and Fridays until 9 PM.
- Sights to See: The museum showcases contemporary art, craft, and design, housed in a unique building with an iridescent façade.
- Best Nearby Activities: Columbus Circle and Central Park are adjacent to the museum. Lincoln Center is also within walking distance.
- Entrance Fee: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and free for children under 18.
Whitney Museum of American Art
- Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
- Opening Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6 PM; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 10 PM.
- Sights to See: The Whitney focuses on 20th and 21st-century American art. The building itself, designed by Renzo Piano, is a work of art.
- Best Nearby Activities: Located in the Meatpacking District, you can explore the High Line Park and Chelsea Market.
- Entrance Fee: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and free for children under 18. Pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Rose Center for Earth and Space
- Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5:45 PM.
- Sights to See: Part of the American Museum of Natural History, the Rose Center features the Hayden Planetarium housed in a striking glass cube.
- Best Nearby Activities: Explore the rest of the American Museum of Natural History and nearby Central Park.
- Entrance Fee: Suggested admission of $23 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and $13 for children.
The Food Scene: A Culinary Delight
Manhattan, the heart of New York City, is a paradise for food lovers. You can find a variety of cuisines from all over the world, all within a few blocks of each other. Here’s a Manhattan visitor’s guide to some of the must-visit eatries and what you should try:
Iconic Spots and Budget Tips
- Katz’s Delicatessen: This legendary deli on the Lower East Side is famous for its pastrami on rye. A sandwich here costs around $23, but the portion is generous and can easily be shared.
- Joe’s Pizza: Located in Greenwich Village, Joe’s Pizza is known for its classic New York slice. At just $3.00 a slice, it’s a delicious and budget-friendly option.
- Xi’an Famous Foods: With several locations around Manhattan, this spot offers mouth-watering hand-pulled noodles and spicy cumin lamb burgers. Most dishes are under $10.
- Levain Bakery: For dessert, Levain Bakery’s cookies are a must-try. These giant, gooey cookies cost $5 each and are worth every penny.
Mid-Range Dining
- The Smith: With locations in Midtown, East Village, and Lincoln Square, The Smith offers American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. Expect to spend around $20-$30 per entree.
- Ippudo: For a delicious bowl of ramen, head to Ippudo in the East Village. The Akamaru Modern Ramen is a crowd favorite and costs about $17.
- Eataly: This Italian market and restaurant in the Flatiron District offers a variety of dining options. A meal here can range from $15 to $30.
Fine Dining
- Le Bernardin: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Midtown offers exquisite seafood dishes. The prix-fixe lunch menu is $110, while dinner starts at $195.
- Eleven Madison Park: Located in the Flatiron District, this upscale restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu for $335 per person.
- Per Se: Overlooking Central Park, Per Se offers a nine-course tasting menu for $355. It’s an unforgettable dining experience.
Shopping in Manhattan
Manhattan is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end luxury boutiques to quirky vintage stores.
Best Places to Shop
- Fifth Avenue: Known for its luxury boutiques, Fifth Avenue is home to brands like Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. Prices here can be steep, with many items costing several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- SoHo: This trendy neighborhood offers a mix of high-end boutiques and popular chain stores. You can find everything from designer clothes to unique home goods.
- Chelsea Market: Located in the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is great for foodies and those looking for unique gifts. You can find artisanal foods, handmade jewelry, and more. Prices vary widely.
- Macy’s Herald Square: As one of the largest department stores in the world, Macy’s offers a wide range of products from affordable to high-end. You can find clothing, accessories, home goods, and more.
Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget
Manhattan offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Budget-Friendly Option
Pod 51: Located in Midtown East, Pod 51 offers small, affordable rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Rates start around $100 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
The Jane Hotel: In the West Village, The Jane offers cozy rooms reminiscent of ship cabins. Rates start at $150 per night.
Luxury Stays
The Plaza Hotel: This iconic hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites overlooking Central Park. Rates start at $700 per night.
Getting Around: Transportation Options
Manhattan’s transportation system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to get around.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Yellow taxis are a common sight and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available and can be booked via mobile apps.
Buses
The MTA operates a comprehensive bus system that covers all of Manhattan. Buses are a great way to travel if you prefer to see the city above ground. A single ride costs $2.75, and you can pay with a MetroCard or contactless payment.
Subways
The subway is the fastest way to travel long distances within Manhattan. With multiple lines crisscrossing the borough, you can reach most destinations quickly. A single ride costs $2.75.
Biking
Citi Bike, a bike-sharing program, has stations throughout Manhattan. It’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. A day pass costs $12, and a single ride costs $3.50 for up to 30 minutes.
Did You Like This ManhattanVisitor’s Guide?
Manhattan is a bustling borough filled with endless activities and attractions. Whether you’re indulging in its diverse culinary scene, shopping in its vibrant districts, or enjoying its lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone. With a range of accommodation options and transportation that makes getting around a breeze, your stay in Manhattan is sure to be memorable. Visit NYC can help you plan the perfect Manhattan day trip and more!