See New York City in One Day

There is one common question that is said to stump New Yorkers more than any others: What should I do in New York City?

In recent years, New York City has set new visitation records with an increase of 52 percent since 2006, reports NYC & Company. Hotels, cultural institutions, restaurants, Broadway and all types of entertainment venues have experienced exponential growth.

There are seemingly an endless amount of things to see and do in the Big Apple, but for visitors who have just one day, there are certain experiences that really should not be missed.

Central Park

Locals enjoy taking a break from the concrete jungle in Central Park. It provides a scenic oasis with numerous picturesque settings that include weeping willows, cascading falls and lush, grassy banks. This is a unique experience that provides the opportunity for outstanding people-watching and the chance to experience the great outdoors right in the middle of one of the world's biggest cities.

You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity during their afternoon stroll or jog through the park.

Image by David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The famed Metropolitan Museum of Art is just around the corner from Central Park. This art museum is like no other and is one of the most distinguished in the country, if not the world. The museum houses over two million works of art spanning the Stone Ages to the present. You could spend several days here and not see it all.

Since you're on limited time, take the highlights tour, which will bring you through visitor favorites.

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop

Known as the "Biggest LITTLE Museum in New York" visiting the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is a very emotional, moving experience. You'll find many vivid images as well as artifacts from 9/11. Few visitors leave without feeling more connected to not only the city, but our entire nation and fellow Americans.

Broadway

Broadway is a quintessential New York City experience. Seeing a live show will make for one of the most memorable moments of your visit. With so many new productions and long-running shows, you'll find that Broadway offers something for everyone, from musical renditions of classic tales to powerful vocals of some of the hottest performers around.

Get your tickets for Broadway shows in advance to ensure you don't miss out, since most popular shows sell out quickly.

Image by Broadway Tour via Flickr

Times Square After Dark

Since you'll be attending a Broadway show, you'll also be able to take in another must-see experience: Times Square after dark. With thousands of sparkling lights and charismatic people, this is the heartbeat of the city and something that must be seen in person to believe.

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Image by Francisco Diez via Wikimedia Commons

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a must-visit attraction, but if you're here for just a day, you don't want to waste your precious time standing in line for hours. Instead, save this iconic landmark for the very end of your day.

The last elevators go up at 1:15 a.m., so if you can, visit it sometime around midnight to avoid the crowds and enjoy one of the most spectacular sights in the city before saying your goodbyes.

Image by Roberto Ventre via Flickr