24 Hours in NYC: A Cool Girl’s One-Day Itinerary That Hits Everything

Originally published on 11.08.2019. Last updated in May 2025 with fresh info, recs, and insider tips.

Is it really possible to do NYC in a day? Well, we didn't plan it that way—but life did.

Our family trip from Dallas turned into a full-on race against the clock. After several flight delays and cancelations, we finally landed in NYC at 6:00 a.m.… and had to leave by 6:00 a.m. the next day. That’s right—just 24 hours in the city that never sleeps. And guess what? Neither did we.

This is the cool girl’s guide to doing New York City in 24 hours—bold, efficient, off-the-beaten-path, and packed with spots you’ll actually want to return to. You can watch the entire debacle (plus all the glam moments) on my Instagram @whattaylorlikes under the “NYC Highlight” or catch the full vlog on my YouTube channel.

P.S. If you're looking for even more hidden gems, I also put together a guide called 15 Cool & Underrated NYC Spots (That Most Tourist Lists Skip)—perfect if you're into non-basic, off-the-radar experiences. Go check it out here.

One Day in NYC: The Ultimate Itinerary

This itinerary blends Instagrammable hotspots, off-the-beaten-path gems, and foodie moments you’ll dream about later. Perfect for first-timers or frequent flyers short on time.

Disclaimer: This post, 24 Hours in New York City - Your Unique One-Day Itinerary is sponsored. As always, all opinions are my own.

8:00-9:00 AM | Coffee

*Note: Coffee n Clothes has ceased operations at its 11 Bond Street location. The brand has shifted focus toward experiential marketing and pop-up events. ​Alternative Suggestion: Consider visiting Felix Roasting Co. in SoHo, known for its stylish interiors and artisanal coffee, offering a similar aesthetic experience.

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We hit the ground running (literally), and Coffee n Clothes (NOW CLOSED) was our first stop. It’s a tiny, tucked-away fashion-themed café where you can get Gucci, Dior, or Hermès logos printed on your latte. Necessary? No. Iconic? Yes.

I got a basic oat milk latte—pretty, not revolutionary. But honestly? The point isn’t the coffee. It’s the moment. The vibe. The mirror pics. The fact that you can say, “Oh, just grabbing coffee with my Prada foam.”

Taylor’s Tip: The entrance is hard to find. Look for Jones Alley off Lafayette Street, and keep your eyes peeled—you may just spot a celeb doing the same.

• Price Range: $3–$8

• Address: 11 Bond Street, New York, NY 10002

• Website: coffeenclothes.com

9:00–10:00 AM | Central Park & Palette at Bergdorf Goodman

What’s more iconic than a stroll in Central Park followed by a department store mimosa?

We took the subway like locals—F train from Broadway-Lafayette to 57th Street—and popped up right next to Central Park. I always romanticize it: sleepy eyes, oat milk latte in hand, no real agenda. A 30-minute walk here somehow makes you feel more cinematic.

Then we headed into Bergdorf Goodman for a little glam brunch break at Palette. Palette at BG is part art gallery, part cafe located on the Beauty Level of Bergdorf Goodman. Back when we visited, it was part art gallery, part glam café, featuring bold, colorful work by artist Ashley Longshore (who I’ve loved since our trip to her gallery in New Orleans—link to that post here). We didn’t stay long. , just long enough to sip mimosas under million-dollar lighting, which honestly? Is enough.

Update: Palette has had a glow-up since our visit. It’s now fully plant-based (we love to see it!) and still just as whimsical. Designed by Kit Kemp, the space is bright, artsy, and surprisingly peaceful—like sipping kombucha in an Anthropologie catalog.

New Hours:

• Open Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

• Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

  
  

So if you're trying to come earlier in the day, like we did, you'll have to kill some time in Central Park before doors open at 11.

• Price Range: $10–$15

• Address: 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

• Website: bergdorfgoodman.com

11:15 AM–12:30 PM | Brunch on a Boat at Pilot

Disclaimer: Pilot is currently closed for the winter months. During warm weather, Pilot is open from 4pm till 10pm Wednesday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10am - 2pm followed by all day service until 10pm.

Pilot, a historic boat-turned-restaurant docked at Brooklyn Bridge Park, was next. We made a reservation, slid onto the rocking boat deck, and prayed the sea wouldn’t take us before dessert.

I’m vegan, and while Pilot isn’t, I managed: avocado toast and a tomato + watermelon salad hit the spot. The cocktail I got—Permanent Vacation—was not playing games. It said, “You're only here for a day? Say less.”

Taylor’s Tip: The boat rocks. Literally. If you get seasick, you’ve been warned. Also, sit under the awning if it’s sunny—you’ll thank me. You will want to make reservations and arrive right when they open. When you get there, request to be seated under the covering. The sun gets pretty harsh and you'll want to in the shade

• Price Range: $15–$30, depending

• Address: Pier 6, Brooklyn, NY 11201

• Website: pilotbrooklyn.com

12:45–1:45 PM | That Classic DUMBO Shot

Yes, it’s cliché. And yes, we absolutely went.

After brunch, we wandered over to Washington Street in DUMBO for the photo. People flock to Washington Street between Front and Water Streets to capture "the shot." You know the one: cobblestones, bridge, city skyline framed just right. It’s always crowded, but worth it. Somehow, everyone there is a photographer—or pretending to be.

Address: 40-58 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

2:00–3:30 PM | The Vessel at Hudson Yards

Activity 1: See an architectural wonder by visiting The Vessel is an interactive sculpture in the Hudson Yards. We got a flex pass for $10 per person in order to be able to book the date of our choice up to six months in advance and arrive at the time that day that was best for us.

If you don't want to pay $10, no problem. They have FREE same day time-specific tickets. All free tickets are issued on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are distributed for the next available time-slot and allow for a one-time entrance during your assigned time-slot.

Free seems great and all but tickets book up fast. So either book a couple months in advance or get the flex pass.

• Price Range: Free or $10

• Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

• Website: hudsonyardsnewyork.com

4:00–5:00 PM | Mace Cocktail Bar

First round: secured. Welcome to one of the best cocktail bars in the world—literally.

Happy Hour 1: Grab drinks at Mace. Mace Cocktail bar is THE place you want to go to for interesting, quality drinks. One of the World’s 50 Best Bars for six years and counting, Mace is unlike any cocktail bar you’ve ever seen. The space is intimate (read: small), but don’t let the size fool you. The drinks are complex, layered, and unforgettable—truly unlike anything we’ve had in NYC.

Here’s what we tried and loved:

• Sencha: Demezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth, and Samurai Chai Sencha. Sweet but balanced—dangerously drinkable.

• Mace: Aperol, aquavit, beet juice, orange acid, Thai coconut cordial, and mace mist. Spicy, earthy, tropical magic.

• Cardamom: Cardamom-infused reposado tequila, coconut yogurt, mango syrup, lime. My friend tried this and said it tasted like a boozy mango smoothie with a passport.

Taylor's Tip:  If you’re vegan like us, you’ll love this—Mace clearly marks which drinks are vegan (we love transparency). The Sencha and Mace are both plant-based friendly! Happy Hour is Monday–Friday from 4–7 PM—perfect timing. There’s also a Late Night Menu starting at 11 PM, Thursday–Saturday. Night owls, take note.

• Price Range: $15–$30

• Address: 505 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009

• Website: macerestaurant.com

6:00 PM | Pietro Nolita

Happy Hour 2: If you can hang, stop by Pietro Nolita for a few drinks. Their whole restaurant saying is, "Pink as Fuck" and we are here for it!

We didn’t eat here. We vibed.

Pietro Nolita is like walking into Barbie’s dream date. The '50s-style all-pink diner aesthetic is unreal. We came for drinks, stayed for the selfies, and left slightly tipsy. Just a heads up—the owner isn’t big on DSLRs or flash photography. Keep it subtle or risk a pink-tinted scolding.

• Price Range: $15–$30

• Address: 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

• Website: pietronolita.com

8:00 PM | Dinner at Avant Garden

If you only remember one meal—let it be this one.

Avant Garden is one of those places that makes you forget you’re eating plants. We ordered the cremini mushroom toast, paella, and house-made spaghetti, and each bite was a revelation.

Vegan or not, this place slaps. Period. We tried so many dishes. Make a reservation unless you like standing around watching other people eat your future meal.

• Price range: $15–$50

• Address: 130 E 7th Street, New York, NY 10009

• Website: avantgardennyc.com

  
  

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Total Trip Budget

$76 - 176 per person plus tax and tip

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Final Word

Did I sleep? No.

Did I live? Hard yes.

One day in NYC won’t give you everything, but it gives you just enough to fall in love—and plot your return like a villain in a movie sequel.

Follow me on Instagram, binge the vlog, and drop a comment below if you try any of these spots. And if your trip gets cut short too? Just know—you can still make it magic.

Until Next Time,

Tay

“Your life is happening now. Make it amazing!”