Published 28 Sep 2023
Guide to the Perfect NYC Day Trip
There is so much to see and do in New York City. The food, art, and culture scenes are unparalleled from borough to borough. Driving into NYC for a day trip might seem daunting, but with Icon Parking, you’ll have access to nearly 200 garages and an easy booking process so you can focus on taking in everything that the Big Apple has to offer. If you’re looking for exciting and interesting things to do in New York City, we’re here to help! Here’s our itinerary for a perfect day trip to New York City — complete with convenient Icon Parking options — so you can make the most of every New York minute.
Parking TipsChelsea
Start your day by exploring one of the most vibrant parts of Manhattan, Chelsea. Park at Icon’s West 29th Street garage (Parking tip: Reserve your spot ahead of time on our app to save time, stress, and money on your daily rate!), then it’s a short walk to 11th Ave and W 34th to grab a cup of coffee from Bluestone Lane. Once you’ve secured your caffeine boost, take a moment to admire the Vessel at Hudson Yards.
Then, it’s time to walk to one of the most scenic walks in New York City. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, The Highline will take you through urban gardens that boast 110,000 plants and incredible works of contemporary art. After you’ve stretched your legs, it will be time to grab a bite, which means a trip to the Chelsea Market is a must.
Your first priority will be breakfast, and there’s no better place to start than Black Seed Bagels. Using a hybrid of NYC and Montreal baking techniques, their sought-after signature sandwiches will be the perfect fuel for your city adventures. Once you’ve eaten, stroll through the market and explore the many shops. Hot sauce lovers will want to stop by The Heatonist to get their hands on some small-batch, all-natural hot sauces from around the world.
When you’ve had your fill of the market, it’s time to head back to the car and onto your next destination.
Tribeca and the Financial District
When you’ve arrived in Tribeca, head to Icon’s Greenwich Street Parking garage, leave your car in trusted hands, and get ready for more adventure.
Tribeca is an area rich in history, and it shows. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City, it is well known for its architecture. Industrial buildings and cobblestone streets make it a can’t-miss for visitors.
If you’ve worked up a sugar craving from the morning’s escapade, make the 10-minute walk from Icon to Maman for one of their Nutella brownies. With your sweet treat in hand, make your way down to marvel at the One World Trade Center and pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial.
Afterward, it’s time to head to where the history of New York City began: The Battery. Here, you can take in the scenes around the park and enjoy the waterfront views. At the southern tip of the park, the Statue of Liberty Vista Point offers a view of the Green Goddess that is not to be missed.
From here, make your way to the heart of the Financial District. Stop to see the Charging Bull as you wander towards Wall Street to get a glimpse of the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Across the street, you’ll find Trinity Church — home to one of the first examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States.
Now it’s time to head back to the car and make your way to your next destination.
Upper West Side
It wouldn’t be a trip to New York City without a visit to the Upper West Side. Park with ease at Icon Parking’s West 110th Street garage, and then it’s time for lunch. If it’s a quick, tasty fix you’re after, Bánh Vietnamese Shop House is the perfect spot. Serving up hard-to-find Vietnamese fare and unique goodies like their Banh Tieu (a savory, stuffed donut), you’ll be sure to leave feeling fuelled for your next venture: Central Park.
The iconic green space has so much to offer. Stroll through the Conservatory Garden, climb to Belvedere Castle, or take in the grandeur of Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. Theatre buffs can enjoy Shakespeare in the Park or visit the Shakespeare Garden. Music lovers can stop by Strawberry Fields to pause for a moment in memory of legendary Beatle, John Lennon.
Museophiles can visit one of the many museums in or around Central Park. The American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Historical Society are just a few of the renowned museums close by.
When you’ve had your fill of one of America’s most famous public parks, walk 15 minutes to the original Levain Bakery to treat yourself to their iconic cookie.
Midtown
Now it’s time to head to Midtown. Icon Parking’s West 43rd Street garage is the perfect gateway to some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Museum of Modern Art all exist within the heart of the city in Midtown Manhattan. Hop on a sightseeing bus for an effortless way to see it all.
Last but not least, head to Times Square and take in the bright lights and bustling sounds of the city that never sleeps. Visit the iconic M&M store, meet your favorite celebrity at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, or sit in on a Late Night talk show as an audience member. No matter how you spend your time in Midtown, Times Square will leave you buzzing.
After a fun-filled day in the Big Apple, it’s time to collect your car and head home. Parking is just the start of your NYC adventure. Book your parking spot in advance at one of nearly 200 Icon Parking garages across the city.