Want to See New York City, But Only Have One Day? No Problem!
By: Luke Gregory Boudewyns
June 6, 2025
If you’re dreaming of exploring New York City, don’t hesitate, go for it, even if you only have a day!
I recently flew into the New Jersey/New York area for a short trip to see Shakira in concert at MetLife Stadium. With just one day to experience the magic of NYC, I set out to make the most of it, determined to soak up the city’s energy while sticking to a reasonable budget. I managed to see some of the best sights, and so can you! Here’s my account of how I squeezed an unforgettable New York City adventure into just 24 hours.
I started my day by leaving my accommodation in Weehawken, New Jersey, and heading to El Carretero, a Colombian restaurant, for breakfast. A hearty plate of perico con jamón y pan con café, scrambled eggs with ham, toast, and coffee, is a terrific choice, providing plenty of energy for the day ahead. The portions are generous, and at around $12 per plate (or $25 for two), it’s a fantastic deal.
From there, I took a ride share to Hoboken for about $10, where I caught a ferry to New York City from the Hoboken Transit Terminal. At just $6.50 per ticket, it’s an affordable and scenic way to cross the river and begin the day’s adventure in the Big Apple.
The ferry ride offers stunning views of New York City as it glides down the Hudson River, stopping briefly at Paulus Hook Pier on the New Jersey side before making the final crossing. Once docked, it’s just a short walk to the New World Trade Center Memorial Site.
To get there, cut through the Brookfield Place Shopping Center, and as you step outside, take a moment to look up at the towering One World Trade Center before crossing the street. At the 9/11 Memorial, you can pause to pay your respects at the sites of the former Twin Towers, now transformed into a moving and beautifully designed tribute.
From here, cross back over West Street to find the Citi Bike Rental station along the bike path. You have the option to rent a pedal bike for the day at $25 or use the Lyft app to grab one for just $5. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely walk along the Empire State Trail toward Battery Park, admiring the city’s diverse architecture along the way.
A quick tip: bring a refillable water bottle! You’ll want to stay hydrated as you explore, and filling up along the way is a great way to save money and cut down on unnecessary expenses.
When I visited, the park was closed, but that didn’t stop me from making the most of my time. Several vendors along the path were selling boat tour tickets, with prices around $43 per person for the shorter tour. This one-and-a-half-hour excursion is absolutely worth it, it takes you along the Hudson River, under the Brooklyn Bridge, and past the Statue of Liberty, offering incredible views of Manhattan from the water.
After the tour, hop on a bus heading north to the docks at Pier 79 in Hudson River Park. If you need a restroom break, don’t worry, there’s one on the tour boat. Once you arrive at the pier, there’s only a short wait before the next leg of the adventure begins.
For the best experience on the tour boat, I recommend grabbing a spot in the back on the lower level. It’s quieter, away from the crowds, and out of earshot of the speakers—so you won’t have to endure the tour guide’s long-winded rambling or awkward jokes.
Position yourself on the port side (left when facing forward) to enjoy stunning views of the city as the boat glides along the Hudson River. From this vantage point, you’ll truly appreciate the scale of New York City, watching Manhattan unfold from a dynamic, ever-changing perspective on the water.
As the boat approaches the Brooklyn Bridge, get ready for a perfect photo opportunity as you cruise underneath. If you’re lucky, a friendly staff member lingering at the back of the boat might even be willing to snap a picture for you—just ask nicely!
Now, go to the Starboard side of the boat, because this will be the perfect side to get an approaching view of the Statue of Liberty. You can go up-top if you’d like, but you won’t miss anything if you stay in the back on the lower level. The top deck is full of people and there really aren’t any spaces along the railings to take good pictures, as sections are roped-off for those that are willing to pay a photographer to take their pictures. The boat will rotate around once it reaches the Statue, so once the boat slows down to start rotating, grab a spot on the Port side to secure your space, because at this point, some people will wise up that they might get better pictures on the lower level. I found this to be the perfect space to take pictures while the boat rotates. You may need to be a little assertive to keep your space, but the pictures will make up for any potential social awkwardness you may experience.
Sit back and take it all in—the boat ride back to port is a perfect time to relax and watch the city skyline drift by. You can choose to head inside to the lower level and grab a seat by a window, or stay outside, leaning on the railing as you soak up the views.
Once the boat docks, free shuttles will be available. I recommend hopping on the bus to Times Square—just follow the signs for the one headed down 42nd Street. While there won’t be many photo opportunities on the ride, this is a great moment to rehydrate and scout out a place to eat.
I ended up stopping at Shake Shack, mostly because it was the most convenient option—the bus turns along 8th Avenue, and there’s a location right at the corner of 44th Street. It was actually my first time trying it, and I was pleasantly surprised! The restrooms were decently clean, and their strawberry lemonade was a refreshing pick-me-up. Fuel up—you’ll need the energy for the walk ahead!
Once you step out, turn right onto 44th Street, walk a block down, and then take a left onto 7th Avenue—you’ve officially arrived in the iconic Times Square! If you’re a budget-conscious traveler like me, you’ll appreciate all the incredible sights that come at no cost. For me, the most breathtaking moments were simply admiring the towering skyscrapers contrasted against the vivid blue sky.
Continue heading north along 7th Avenue, and before long, you’ll reach Central Park. While I’d always heard it was large, seeing it in person made me realize just how vast it truly is—especially if it’s your first time visiting. Take your time soaking in the scenery as you move toward your next stop: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I chose to walk along the eastern side, which offers a picturesque view of the lake. And of course, if you glance up, you’ll catch glimpses of more stunning architecture framing the park.
If you’re feeling tired or short on time, flagging down a bike taxi is a great option to get directly to the Met. I was able to negotiate a ride for $30 (plus tip), and the brief rest was much needed. After a bit of friendly conversation, the driver dropped me off right in front of the museum.
Entry prices may vary, and while I don’t advocate dishonesty, there are ways to lower the cost. For example, if you’re a student or a local, you might be able to secure additional discounts. I was able to get a student discount with my Metro State ID, bringing the cost down to $17.
And just like that, you’ve arrived at one of the most eclectic art museums in the world! Take your time, explore, and enjoy yourself. If you’re searching for a good cup of coffee, though, skip the café in the American Arts section—it wasn’t worth the stop. Instead, I highly recommend checking out the Egyptian Art, American Arts, and Greek and Roman Art sections. The medieval collection is impressive as well.
This is the perfect place to slow down, take a seat, and soak in the surroundings. If you’re traveling with a partner or a friend, it’s an ideal spot for quiet conversation and a moment of relaxation before continuing your adventure.
From this point, you have several great options for continuing your adventure. New York City’s public transportation is incredibly easy to navigate, with bus and subway fares just under $3 per ride, and you can simply swipe your bank card to hop on.
One option is taking the M4 bus down 5th Avenue to the stop right in front of the New York Public Library. You can choose to step inside for a quick visit or walk one block west to enter the subway station at 42 St-Bryant Park. From there, catch the F Line to the Delancey and Essex stop, where you can swing into the historic Essex Market for some fantastic food.
I had the chance to attend a Sofar Sounds rooftop concert in this area, but if live music isn’t your vibe, there are plenty of nightclubs and intimate venues to cap off the night in style.
When it’s time to head back to New Jersey, it’s a simple ride on the subway. Find the nearest station entrance, take the F Line to the 34 St-Herald Square station, and transfer to the PATH Line, which will bring you straight to Hoboken, New Jersey.
Congratulations! If you followed this route, you’ve experienced an incredible full day in one of the grandest cities in the world. Now, grab a ride share to your hotel or accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved rest.