We hopped on the first train out of Poughkeepsie and took in the fabulous views of the Hudson River as we made our way south to the bright lights of New York City. As the train hummed along, the rising sun glinted off the river, giving us glimpses into the past, like the crumbling silhouette of Bannerman Castle.
Built in the early 1900s on Pollopel Island to store military surplus, it burned in 1968 under mysterious (reportedly explosive) circumstances. I watched out the window for more, but the landscape steadily shifted from nature to urban. As we approached the city, I felt the anticipation of an epic adventure building. Soon we’d be stepping into the legendary Grand Central Terminal!
Grand Central Terminal
I have always pictured Grand Central filled with people, rushing through the station on their way to a grand adventure. Our early arrival gave us a different experience. The crowd was small, and we could fully appreciate the architectural grandeur of this over 100-year-old marvel.
The ceiling was a true showstopper with the celestial map stretching above us. The soft light made it feel like we were inside a storybook. We picked up bagels from Zaro’s Family Bakery. There are no chairs, so we ate at a “stand-up” table. I researched and found they did this to prevent folks from spending too much time in the station.
I absolutely loved the iconic brass clock atop the information booth. Although I’ve seen it in many movies, seeing it in person was unforgettable!
NY Public Library
I couldn’t wait to see the famous New York Public Library. It’s one of those places that’s become iconic not just for its architecture but also for its pop culture moments. (Yes, fellow ’80s kids, I’m talking about Ghostbusters!)
Library security was no joke, but we made it through and climbed the marble staircase in search of the famous Rose Main Reading Room. It lived up to the hype! I had difficulty deciding where to focus my attention between the artsy ceilings, the sparkling chandeliers, and the colorful books lining the room.
I wandered with my camera, snapping shots of the perfectly arranged books and ornate reading desks that begged to be part of some quiet writer’s retreat. Honestly, it was hard to drag myself away.
The majestic lion statues guarding the steps, Patience and Fortitude, were even more impressive in real life. It’s hard to believe they have stood their post since opening day on May 23, 1911!
This was a great way to start our NYC adventure without a doubt!
Bryant Park
Outside, Bryant Park offered a shady break from the sun, which was rapidly warming the air. Vines crawled up the nearby buildings, most interestingly, giving the whole block a nature-meets-urban-garden vibe.
We grabbed a seat and people-watched for a bit. Dancers rehearsed (or maybe it was a fitness class?) and locals went about their day.
It was the perfect pause in a city that never stops moving.
Times Square
After a quick rest, we made our way over to Times Square. Even in the middle of the day, the giant digital billboards were bright and eye-catching. It was surprisingly calm, just the occasional bike messenger zooming past. We took the classic Times Square selfies, of course. I took a moment to imagine what it must be like on New Year’s Eve when the whole square pulses with celebration. (Fun to watch on TV… but I’d probably start feeling claustrophobic about 10 minutes in.)
I wish we could’ve seen the square at night. Can you imagine how alive this street is on New Year’s Eve?
The neon signs flash brilliant colors, bikers race the streets to deliver products to customers, and the air vibrates with energy.
The day was only beginning, and it was time to find the subway and head to see Lady Liberty.
Lady Liberty
We thought public transportation would be the best and easiest way to navigate the city. Parking the dually anywhere would be a nightmare and surviving the traffic on a motorcycle did not seem appealing. So we grabbed an OMNY pass and loaded it up for the day. Subway rides are $2.90, and the OMNY pass lets you use a phone app to get through the turnstiles. It made getting around stress-free and straightforward.
I’d been looking forward to the Staten Island Ferry because it offers something no land view can: a head-on view of the Statue of Liberty. The ferry provided the perfect vantage point. And it was free!
The boarding process was organized chaos, but the line moved quickly. We made our way to the front of the boat and found spots to stand near the window, a great vantage point as we crossed the harbor. I stood out on the deck for the return trip to capture photos of the iconic skyline. The haze was thick and added a dreamy feel to the scene.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty in person gave me chills. I knew it would be a “wow” moment, but I was still surprised by how emotional it felt. It was one of those bucket list sights that lived up to the hype.
If you’ve never taken the Staten Island Ferry, it’s a must-do. The perfect (free) way to see the city from the water, soak in some fresh air, and check a major NYC icon off your list without the crowds or cost of a full tour.
We watched the street performers do their jumps and flips to entertain the crowd just outside the ferry terminal. It was the perfect way to end this piece of the adventure. Time to find the subway to Brooklyn!
The Brooklyn Bridge
I enjoyed all the fantastic sights, but seeing the Brooklyn Bridge in person was the most surreal moment of the day. The bridge is a historical treasure as well as a marvel of engineering. It’s not just a way to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn; it’s an adventure to go on with all the other tourists, vendors selling souvenirs (despite the signs that suggested otherwise), joggers, and bikers weaving through the crowd. The vibe was alive, and the energy was distinctly “NYC.”
The walk across is about a mile, and I enjoyed every step (although I’m not sure my feet did!). Leading lines are one of my favorite composition techniques. I was drawn to how the suspension cables framed the skyline and the water below. I loved the view of the Manhattan Bridge peeking through the cables.
DUMBO
Once we reached the other side, we made a beeline for Washington Street in DUMBO, home of the photo every NYC-loving photographer has on their bucket list. The Manhattan Bridge, framed perfectly between two red-brick warehouses, didn’t disappoint. Yes, it’s been Instagrammed to death, but it still feels fresh and special when you’re standing there composing your own version.
The street was busy but not overwhelming. The best view was from the middle of the street, so I navigated traffic and experimented with my composition. Once I finished, I enjoyed watching other photographers (mostly Instagrammers, I suspect) work on getting their own perfect shot.
The vibe in DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) was charming. Its narrow, tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and concrete steps were perfect for people-watching. I would have stayed for hours, but our aching feet told us it was time to find our way home.
Tired Feet, Full Hearts
We grabbed our return tickets and went to the platform to find the train to Poughkeepsie. Tired but happy, we settled into the train for the ride north and recapped the day’s highlights. I’d seen nearly everything I’d planned to, and while there were a few stops I had to leave on the wish list (Central Park, the view from the Top of the Rock, and the 9/11 Memorial, for next time), the day felt complete.
We talked about our favorite moments. I loved everything, so it was hard to choose, but I think the iconic Manhattan Bridge made its way to the top of my list. The biggest surprise of the day was how kind New Yorkers really are. I’d expected the usual city rush, but we met plenty of people who were helpful, welcoming, and just doing their thing (at a brisk NY pace).
NYC in a Day? Totally Doable.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can visit New York City in a single day and soak in the sights, my answer is a definite yes. We walked, rode, ferried, and photographed our way through some of the city’s most iconic places, and we didn’t break the bank doing it!
My biggest takeaways?
- Public transportation is a game-changer.
- The city might be fast-paced, but it’s not unfriendly.
- And you don’t have to do everything to have an unforgettable experience.
Have you been to New York City? What was your favorite part? If you haven’t been, what is on top of your list to see? Drop me a comment and share your thoughts!
