Arrive near Penn Station (you'll already be at the Penn Station bus arrival area at 12:00 per plan, so use this morning slot to prepare) — collect maps, charge devices, and enjoy a quick coffee and pastry at Culture Espresso (44 W 47th St) to kick off your day.
Take the subway (A/C from 34th St-Penn Station or 1 from 34th St-Penn Station) downtown to Battery Park — the ride takes ~25-30 minutes; enjoy short views of Midtown fading behind you.
Arrive at Battery Park and stroll to the Staten Island Ferry viewing area for free views of the Statue of Liberty from the water; this is a quick, scenic alternative to the full Liberty Island ferry.
Board the Staten Island Ferry (round-trip window) for unobstructed views and photos of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; the ferry ride and photo stops take about 1 hour round-trip including walking time.
Return to Battery Park, walk the esplanade and visit Castle Clinton National Monument for quick historical context and photo opportunities near the water.
Lunch near Battery Park at Inatteso Pizzabar Casano (70 Greenwich St) for Neapolitan-style pizza and salads — a satisfying, quick sit-down before you head uptown.
Head back uptown by subway toward Midtown (4/5 from Bowling Green to Grand Central or take the 1 uptown to 50th St then walk) en route to Rockefeller Center for the tree and decorations.
Arrive at Rockefeller Center — take in the famous skating rink and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree; wander through the Channel Gardens and snap photos under the lights.
Walk east along 50th-51st Streets toward 5th Avenue and start shopping on iconic 5th Avenue: visit Saks Fifth Avenue for holiday window displays and Bergdorf Goodman for luxury browsing.
Stop for a mid-afternoon treat at Ralph's Coffee at Ralph Lauren (888 Madison Ave) or the Rockefeller Center location for warm drinks and a quick snack while you rest your feet.
Continue 5th Avenue shopping heading toward St. Patrick's Cathedral — pop inside the cathedral for a short visit and admire the interior before continuing to Times Square.
Walk or take the subway (B/D/F/M from Rockefeller Center/47-50 Sts toward 42nd St-Bryant Park) to Times Square; absorb the neon, street performers, and flagship stores like M&M's World and the Disney Store.
Browse Times Square stores or relax on the red steps for people-watching and photos; if you want souvenirs, pick them up here to limit extra stops later.
Head west to Hudson Yards via subway (7 from Times Sq-42 St to 34 St-Hudson Yards) to visit The Edge observation deck for golden-hour views over the city.
Arrive at The Edge — take the elevator up and spend time on the outdoor deck for sweeping skyline views and dramatic sunset photos as lights begin to twinkle.
Descend from The Edge and explore Hudson Yards briefly — wander the shops and public spaces, and if interested, see the Vessel exterior from ground level (note Vessel interior access may be restricted).
Dinner at Mercado Little Spain (The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards) or at Queensyard (Hudson Yards) for a hearty meal with skyline views; try Spanish tapas at Casa Mono or a modern comfort dish at Queensyard.
After dinner, walk back toward Hudson Yards transit hub and catch the 7 or a subway back to Penn Station area — allow transit time and a little buffer to reach your departing bus at 8:30 PM.
Arrive at Penn Station bus departure area — collect luggage, confirm your departure gate, and relax with a final coffee or snack at Penn Station concessions before boarding.
If you have extra time past departure, take a last-minute stroll outside Penn Station toward Herald Square for a nighttime glimpse of Midtown, otherwise prepare to board and conclude your day in NYC.