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How to Spend 24 Hours in New York City

How to Spend 24 Hours in New York City

I spent 24 hours in New York City with Ford Canada two weeks ago, and it was a short but sweet trip.

We managed to hit up some delicious food and drink spots, as well as explore the city a bit, and we had a lot of fun!

It was my second time visiting New York, and it was just as charming as the first time I visited.

Here’s how to spend 24 hours in New York City!

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Plan your trip to NYC

If you’re planning a trip to New York, you might find these posts helpful:


24 hours in New York City


Check into the Dream Downtown Hotel

We flew into New York City early in the morning from Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

As soon as we landed, we headed to and checked into the gorgeous Dream Downtown Hotel.

We saw CeeLo Green walk into the hotel while we were checking in, and he was actually staying there!

One of several celebrity sightings we witnessed while we were in NYC 😉

During our trip we went to Ford’s Life Hack Academy Live event, and we saw Tia Mowry from the show The Game and Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen!

LOCATION: 355 W 16th St, New York, NY | Website

The Dream Downtown Hotel in New York City
My room at the Dream Downtown.

Lunch at the High Street on Hudson

We went for lunch at the High Street on Hudson, which was near our hotel in Chelsea.

The High Street on Hudson was such an adorable spot and the food was amazing.

I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in New York City!

LOCATION: 637 Hudson St, New York, NY | Website

Lunch at the High Street on Hudson in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood, New York City
Our amazing lunch spread at the High Street on Hudson.
Lunch at the High Street on Hudson in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood, New York City

Explore the Chelsea neighbourhood

Chelsea is a cute neighbourhood in Manhattan, and if you’ve got time, definitely take a walk along the High Line while you’re here!

The Chelsea Market is also a neat spot worth visiting.

LOCATION: Chelsea, New York, NY | Website

How to spend 24 hours in New York City

Wander through SoHo

After exploring Chelsea, take the C train or walk towards SoHo.

SoHo is a trendy neighbourhood in Manhattan with some of the best shopping in New York City.

You can also check out some cool galleries and great restaurants while you’re here!

I ate at Boqueria last time I visited New York, an amazing Spanish tapas restaurant.

LOCATION: SoHo, New York, NY | Website


Stop by the Oculus

The Oculus is an incredible mall and transportation hub by the World Trade Center.

The architecture of the building is stunning, and the 9/11 Memorial next door is beautiful.

It’s a really meaningful place to visit, and worth a stop during your 24 hours in New York City.

There are plenty of shops inside the Oculus if you want to do some shopping as well!

LOCATION: Church St, New York, NY

The Oculus beside the World Trade Center in New York City
Inside the Oculus building.

Cocktails at While We Were Young

We paid a visit to this gorgeous restaurant called While We Were Young for some evening cocktails.

It’s super pink and super pretty, and very Instagrammable.

If you’re a Sex and the City fan (you can watch it on Crave Canada), definitely stop by Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment around the corner!

LOCATION: 183 W 10th St, New York, NY | Website

How to spend 24 hours in New York City | best NYC restaurants to visit | top things to do in New York in one day | NYC trip with Ford Canada | Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Canadian lifestyle blog

Brunch at Citizens of Chelsea

The next morning, we went for brunch at Citizens of Chelsea, which was the cutest place!

I probably took more photos here than anywhere else during our trip haha.

I got the Smashing Avocado toast, which was amazing (and Instagram-worthy).

LOCATION: 401 W 25th St, New York, NY | Website

Brunch at Citizens of Chelsea in New York City
Brunch at Citizens of Chelsea in New York City
The adorable neon sign wall at Citizens of Chelsea.

The perfect one day itinerary for New York City:

  • Lunch at the High Street on Hudson
  • Explore the Chelsea neighbourhood
  • Wander through SoHo
  • Stop by the Oculus
  • Cocktails at While We Were Young
  • Brunch at Citizens of Chelsea (if you have time the next morning)

New York is such a fun city to visit, and I can’t wait to go back again.

What are some of your favourite things to do in NYC? How would you spend 24 hours in New York City? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!

Plan your trip to NYC

If you’re planning a trip to New York, you might find these posts helpful:

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Jessica Lam | Toronto lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel blogger | Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Canadian lifestyle blog


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Planning a visit to NYC? Here's your ultimate guide and itinerary on how to spend 24 hours in New York City, including all the best and most fun things to do!
  1. Teresa Desouza says:

    This looked like such a cool experience! Totally a great way to spend 24 hours in NY & learn all about the Ford EcoSport!

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