Begin with a classic New York breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in Rockefeller Center for croissants and coffee while people-watching near Channel Gardens.
Take a stroll through Central Park heading south toward the iconic Bethesda Terrace, enjoying early-morning light and the Bow Bridge views.
Visit the intimate galleries and rotating exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - reserve skip-the-line tickets if you can.
Quick coffee break at Blue Bottle Coffee near 6th Avenue, then walk past the Art Deco facade of the Radio City Music Hall for photos.
Explore the nearby shops and landmark facades along Fifth Avenue, stopping at St. Patrick's Cathedral for its stained-glass and quiet interior.
Lunch at Keen's Steakhouse (or a quicker option at Shake Shack in Midtown) to fuel up before the afternoon arrival/check-in and Top of the Rock visit.
Drop bags at your hotel or a Midtown luggage storage service, then walk to Radio City Music Hall for photos of the iconic marquee and a quick look at the Art Deco lobby if open to visitors.
Take a guided tour of Radio City Music Hall (check tour times) to learn about the Rockettes, stage history, and backstage secrets in a compact, entertaining visit.
Head toward Top of the Rock and collect pre-purchased tickets or join the next available entry time; enjoy skyline views and photo ops from multiple observation levels.
Descend to street level and wander the plazas around Rockefeller Center, stopping for a latte and a pastry at Joe Coffee Company to recharge before more exploring.
Stroll down Fifth Avenue to window-shop and admire flagship stores, then step into St. Patrick's Cathedral for a peaceful moment if you missed an interior visit earlier.
Visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) if you want a second, longer look at key works (reserve a late-afternoon entry) or alternatively relax in Bryant Park with a seasonal snack from local kiosks.
Early dinner at The Smith (Midtown) if you prefer to eat before the evening, or try Keens Steakhouse for classic NYC atmosphere; aim to finish by 6:30 to prepare for the night bus tour.
Make your way to the night-view bus pickup point (confirm location on your ticket), enjoy a short pre-boarding stroll past Times Square lights, and board the evening sightseeing bus.
After boarding the night-view bus, enjoy sweeping illuminated skyline sights and a narrated route that highlights landmarks like Empire State Building and the riverfront as the city lights come alive.
Disembark near Times Square for an up-close sensory burst of neon and street performers; grab a quick dessert at Junior's Restaurant & Bakery or a New York slice at a nearby late-night pizzeria.
Wander to Bryant Park or a quieter side street to absorb evening vibes, then head to The Rum House (inside the Edison Hotel) for classic cocktails and live jazz if you want a cozy, late-night atmosphere.
Take a relaxed night walk along 6th Avenue or down to the Theater District to see marquees and window displays, stopping for a nightcap at St. Cloud Rooftop (if open) for skyline views and a final toast.
Start with a sunrise stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, breathing in river views, then stop at Bubby's Tribeca for a hearty American breakfast and their famous pancakes to fuel a busy morning.
Take the subway to Battery Park and walk toward the waterfront for early-morning views of the Statue of Liberty; pause for coffee and a pastry at Blue Bottle Coffee nearby.
Visit the contemplative spaces at National September 11 Memorial & Museum (reserve timed-entry) to reflect on the memorial pools and curated museum exhibits.
Walk through the Financial District to snap photos of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, then grab a quick mid-morning bite at Le District or a deli like Parm for a savory snack.
Head uptown to the Upper East Side for a live TV experience: arrive at the Fox & Friends studio entrance area (check taping schedule) and enjoy the buzz of a morning show taping or exterior fan area.
Cross into Central Park for a relaxed late-morning walk - visit the Bethesda Terrace and The Mall, and if time allows, rent a rowboat at The Loeb Boathouse for a 30-45 minute scenic paddle.
Finish the morning with an early lunch at Sarabeth's Central Park South for classic brunch fare or grab a light bite at Tavern on the Green's casual café before transitioning to your afternoon plans.
Walk west through Central Park toward the Upper West Side, stopping at the picturesque Belvedere Castle for skyline views and a quick photo break.
Have a relaxed lunch at The Smith (Lincoln Square) or grab a gourmet sandwich at Zabar's to enjoy on a park bench near the Great Lawn.
Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a focused hour on highlights-Egyptian sculpture, European masters, or the Costume Institute depending on current exhibits.
Walk the museum mile toward Guggenheim Museum and admire the building's spiraling exterior; if you prefer a lighter option, relax with coffee at Cafe Sabarsky on the Upper East Side.
Take a short subway or cab down to Midtown and explore the shops and galleries around Fifth Avenue, with an optional stop at The Plaza Food Hall for upscale snacks and people-watching.
Freshen up at your hotel, then head to Sardi's or Joe Allen in the Theater District for an early pre-theatre dinner with classic Broadway ambiance.
Arrive at the theater district, soak in the marquee lights near Times Square, and pick up any last-minute tickets or merchandise at the theater box office.
Take your seat for the evening Broadway performance; enjoy the show and the incomparable energy of New York theatre (arrive 20-30 minutes early to settle in).
After the show, stroll to Times Square to soak in the neon and street performers, then pop into Junior's Restaurant & Bakery for a classic New York cheesecake to-go or a late dessert at the counter.
Head to The Rum House inside the Edison Hotel for live jazz and craft cocktails in a moody, intimate setting-perfect for post-theatre conversation and people-watching.
Walk west toward Bryant Park for a calmer night-time atmosphere; if it's seasonally open, enjoy the park lights and possibly a nightcap at the park's seasonal kiosk or nearby Gotham West Market bar.
For a late-night bite, grab an iconic NYC slice at Joe's Pizza (multiple Midtown locations) or order a savory sandwich from a 24-hour deli nearby to satisfy any late cravings.