Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

  • September 2, 2023

Things to do in Moscow best

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

  • Moscow Red Square
  • St. Basil’s Cathedral
  • Cathedral of Christ the Savior
  • Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

  • Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
  • Tretyakov Gallery
  • Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
  • Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
  • Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

  • Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
  • VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
  • GULAG Museum
  • Metro stations
  • The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

  • Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
  • The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
  • Zaryadye Park
  • Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
  • Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

  • Patriarch Ponds
  • Tchistye Prudy
  • Kuznetsky most
  • Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

  • Go to Red Square
  • Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
  • See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
  • Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
  • Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
  • And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

  • First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
  • Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Red Square Moscow

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

  • Visit estimate time : 1h30
  • Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
  • Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
  • Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
  • Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Saint Basil's Cathedral

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

  • Open 24 hours a day
  • Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

What to do in Moscow

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

IMG_3040 tickets Bolshoi Theatre dress code

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

  • Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
  • See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin: skip-the-line tickets and 8 things not to miss

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

  • Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
  • Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
  • Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

  • Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

  • How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

Visit

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

places to visit for 1 day

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

places to visit for 1 day

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

What to see in Moscow in one day

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

Things to do Moscow blog

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

  • Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
  • Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
  • Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Museum to see

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

  • Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
  • Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
  • Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

places to visit for 1 day

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

  • Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
  • Prices. 2200 RUB per person
  • Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

places to visit for 1 day

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

  • Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
  • Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
  • Tourist voucher for Russian visa
  • Christmas and New Year in Moscow
  • What is the best time to visit Moscow?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Novodevichy Convent and cemetery in Moscow: tickets, cemetery map

Hermitage museum in saint petersburg: tickets, best time to visit, you may also like.

Moscow winter travel tips

Moscow in winter | What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress?

  • October 1, 2023

Free Moscow map in English: Moscow metro map and city centre map

Free Moscow map in English: Moscow metro map and city centre map

  • December 12, 2023

Visit Novodevichy Convent and cemetery

  • August 26, 2023

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

  • August 15, 2023

Weekend in Moscow what to do for a long weekend in Moscow

Weekend in Moscow | What to do in Moscow for a long weekend?

  • June 22, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

  • September 18, 2023

1 Day in Mumbai: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers (2024)

1 day in Mumbai

If you’re planning on spending 1 day in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) as a first-timer, then you have come to the right place!

Often dubbed the “City of Dreams”, Mumbai is famous for being the place where Bollywood movies are made. This is one of India’s major cosmopolitan cities and there are plenty of things to do here.

To be honest, you could easily spend weeks exploring this city, as it’s HUGE. If you’re short on time, like I was during my visit to Mumbai, however, one day will be enough to see the highlights.

So, from seeing the Gateway to India, one of the country’s most famous landmarks to exploring ancient caves and visiting markets, here are the best things to do in Mumbai in 1 day.

14 Best Things to Do in Mumbai in 1 Day

This itinerary is quite packed, so I recommend leaving early in the morning.

It’s good to know that #3 the Elephanta Caves, #6 the Prince of Wales Museum and #12 the slums are the most time-consuming places to visit in Mumbai. It all depends on your personal pace and interest, but I would suggest picking just one or two of these places so that you don’t have to hurry.

1. See the Gateway of India

Gateway of India in Mumbai

The Gateway of India is one of India’s most famous landmarks . This monument was built in Indo-Saracenic style in 1924. It commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the first British monarchs to visit India in 1911.

Later, this arch-formed monument was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. The Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea, making it a good place for a symbolic entrance to the country.

Not that as this is Mumbai’s most popular tourist attraction, it tends to be quite crowded and if you’re a foreigner, people will ask for plenty of selfies!

Although the Gateway of India is impressive, my favourite thing about the place was the view of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which brings me to my next point.

2. Check out the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai

You cannot miss this majestic building when you’re at the Gateway of India (#1 on this list). This is from where you will have the best view of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel .

This luxurious hotel opened its doors in 1903 and, as you might have guessed, it was named after the famous Taj Mahal . Over the years, it has housed many famous guests, including presidents and movie stars.

The building in which the Taj is set is truly magnificent, and it’s good to know that, even if you don’t stay there, you can still visit the hotel’s shops and restaurants. There’s an entrance on the right side of the building.

3. Head to the Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves in Mumbai

Located on Elephanta Island, the Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage site right off the coast of Mumbai.

This small island is home to a collection of cave temples mainly dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. They date back to the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD and they’re full of beautiful rock-cut stone sculptures.

You can take a ferry from the Gateway of India (#1 on this list) to reach the Elephanta Caves. Do note that it’s a 1-hour boat ride to reach the island and you will have to make the journey back too. So, this is quite a time-consuming place to visit.

I decided to skip the Elephanta Caves because I only had 1 day in Mumbai and I was on a budget (a ticket costs 600 INR for foreigners + 260 INR for the ferry). I visited the Bandra neighbourhood instead, which is a nice alternative if you’re on a budget too (but more about this later).

4. Have lunch at Leopold Café

Leopold Café in Bombay

Located just a 10-minute walk from the Gateway of India, Leopold Cafe is one of Mumbai’s most iconic cafes . It opened its doors in 1871 and was named after King Leopold of Belgium , although Iranis opened it.

This cafe gained popularity after it was mentioned in the famous novel Shantaram and its sequel, The Mountain Shadow by Gregory David Roberts, and it’s a great place to take a break, have a drink or eat something. I had cheesecake here and it was delicious.

Sadly, Leopold Cafe was also a target during the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008 , and 10 people lost their lives here. The restaurant was severely damaged during the attacks but it has been restored.

>> Read: How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need

5. Pass by Regal Cinema

Regal Cinema in Mumbai

Regal Cinema is just a 5-minute walk from Leopold Café (#4 on this list) and this is one of Mumbai’s oldest movie theatres . It opened its doors in 1933 and it’s one of the few old-style movie theaters that still operates in the city.

If you’re looking for a fun activity in the evening, going to the movies in Mumbai is one of these Indian travel bucket list experiences and Regal Cinema is a great choice. After all, Mumbai is the city where Bollywood movies are made.

6. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya)

Prince of Wales Museum in Bombay

If you’re a museum lover or a history buff, the Prince of Wales Museum, now called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya (but that’s a mouthful), is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai.

This museum was founded by the British in the early 20th century and showcases the history of India from prehistoric to modern times . You will find thousands of artefacts here, which are categorized into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history.

Not only is this an interesting museum to visit, but the building it’s set in is quite spectacular too. It was designed in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture by Scottish architect George Wittet.

7. Take a stroll in Oval Maidan and see the High Court and University

Oval Garden in Bombay

Oval Maidan is a 15-minute walk from the Prince of Wales Museum and this is a nice place for a short stroll. This is a recreational ground where locals love to hang out and play cricket.

The High Court of Bombay and the University of Mumbai are located right next to Oval Maidan and these are some pretty impressive pieces of architecture. Both of these buildings date back to the 19th century and they’re worth checking out while you’re there!

>> Read: 17 Things NOT to Do in India

8. Pass by the Flora Fountain

Flora Fountain in Mumbai

The Flora Fountain is just a 10-minute walk from Oval Maidan (#7 on this list) and it’s on the way to the Victoria Terminus (#9 on this list).

Although this is not one of these places in Mumbai that you absolutely have to see, it is a nice place to stop by if you’re in the neighbourhood. If you’re short on time, however, skip it.

Built in 1864, the Flora Fountains depicts the Roman goddess of flowers (Flora) and it’s surrounded by some beautiful heritage buildings.

9. Admire the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus ( Victoria Terminus)

Victoria Terminus in Bombay

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of these places that you cannot miss, even if you’re in Mumbai for just 1 day! This is my favourite piece of architecture in the city.

Formerly called the Victoria Terminus, this train terminus was built by the British in 1887 and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in Victorian Revival architecture with some traditional Indian elements blended into it.

Make sure not to miss the BMC building while you’re here (though it would be hard to). This 19th-century building is located right across the Victoria Terminus and it’s quite impressive too. BMC stands for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and this is the governing civic body of Mumbai.

10. Visit Crawford Market

Crawford Market in Bombay

One of the best things to do in 1 day in Mumbai is to visit one of the city’s markets. Crawford Market, for example, is very close to the Victoria Terminus (#9 on this list) and this is one of the city’s best places to shop.

You will find anything here, from fruits and spices to beauty products and jewellery. This may just be the perfect place to find some nice Indian souvenirs !

Do make sure to negotiate the price before buying something here (you might want to do some research on how much something costs too) because vendors will quote very high prices if you’re a foreigner.

11. Stop by Dhobi Ghat

Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai

Dhobi Ghat is one of the most unique places to visit in Mumbai! This is believed to be the world’s biggest outdoor laundry place . There’s a similar place in Kolkata , but I found out about it too late. I will make sure to visit it next time I’m there, though, because I loved visiting Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai.

Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghat opened its doors in 1890 and, ever since, washers have been cleaning clothes and linen from hotels and hospitals here. If you visit the place in the early afternoon, you will see how the clothes are hanging outside to dry.

Dhobi Ghat is located right next to the Mahalaxmi railway station, so it’s pretty easy to reach. You will have a good view of the ghat from the station’s bridge.

12. See the slums

Slums of Mumbai

Mumbai is home to Asia’s largest slum – Dharavi , and it’s possible to visit this place. This has become an increasingly popular thing to do ever since the movie Slumdog Millionaire came out.

Visiting slums is a bit controversial, though, and there are pros and cons to it. On one side, it can help boost the economy if done ethically, but it can also feel a bit voyeuristic.

I chose not to visit the slums of Mumbai, as I have visited many slums in the past ( Jamestown in Ghana , for example, was a great experience) and I’m not sure how I feel about Dharavi becoming more and more of a tourist attraction. This being said, I saw some slums when I took the train in Mumbai. You will see some around Bandra Station, for example.

It’s completely up to you whether you visit Mumbai’s slums or not, though. In all honesty, if I hadn’t visited so many slums already, I would have visited Dharavi. It’s estimated that over 50% of the population of Mumbai lives here , so it will give you a better understanding of what life is like for many people in this city.

Although you can visit the slums by yourself, if you go on an ethical tour, the money will be used to benefit the people who live there. This is a nice way to give something back to this community.

Note that it takes around 2,5 hours to visit the slums. So if you have just 1 day in Mumbai, it’s better to skip the Elephanta Caves (#2 on this list) and/or the Prince of Wales Museum (#6 on this list) if you decide to head here.

13. Watch the sunset at Marine Drive

Marine Drive in Mumbai

Marine Drive borders the Arabian Sea and it’s home to a long promenade which is a popular place to watch the sunset. Head to the Queen’s Necklace , from where you will have a view of Mumbai’s skyline, for the best view.

If you’re in Mumbai for just 1 day, I wouldn’t do as I do and not plan to walk the entire promenade. This is a 3.6-km long walk I slightly underestimated when I was in Mumbai. Although it is a nice place, I think the area around the Oval Maiden and Flora Fountain is a better place for a stroll. It will give you a better understanding of what Mumbai is all about too.

Note that, if you’re visiting the Queen’s Necklace for sunset, you probably won’t be the only one there as this is Mumbai’s most popular sunset spot. This being said, India is famous for being the world’s most populated country and being one of India’s major cities, there are no quiet sunset spots in Mumbai.

14. Relax at Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach in Bombay

Chowpatty Beach is argued to be one of the best beaches in Mumbai and this is a nice place to relax a little after a busy day of exploring.

If you come here in the evening, the beach will be full of food stalls and locals enjoying some time off with friends. This is a nice place to soak up the atmosphere and end your day in Mumbai.

Note that swimming is strongly discouraged at Mumbai’s beaches because the water is very polluted.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in 1 Day in Mumbai

If You Have More Time

Street Art in Bandra, Bombay

How long it will take to visit the places mentioned above depends on your personal pace, so if you have more time (or if you would like to switch things up a little according to your interests), the following places are worth visiting too:

  • Mani Bhavan: This is the house where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934. It has been turned into a museum where you can learn more about this freedom fighter’s life.
  • Bandra: Often called the “Queen of Suburbs”, Bandra is the place where Bollywood actors, models and celebrities live. I strolled around this neighbourhood for a couple of hours and loved it!
  • Mumbai Film City: Mumbai Film City is the place to be if you would like to visit Bollywood film sets. It’s good to know that this place can only be visited by guided tour .
  • Four Seasons Rooftop Bar: If you would like to have a magnificent view of Mumbai’s skyline, the Four Seasons Rooftop Bar is the place to go! This is not the most affordable place to have a drink, but the view surely makes up for it.

I visited Haji Ali Dargah and the Siddhivinayak Mandir too, and if you’re short on time, these are places I would skip. Haji Ali is incredibly crowded and a little difficult to reach, and I think there are more impressive Hindu temples than the Siddhivinayak Mandir in India.

Haji Ali Dargah in Bombay

How to Get Around Mumbai

Many of the places mentioned in this post are within walking distance of each other. Some, however, are a bit further away. You can reach them by:

  • Taxi: Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get around Mumbai. I use the Ola app , which works just like Uber, to book taxis in India because taxi drivers tend to charge foreigners 10 times the normal price.
  • Train and metro: The Mumbai train and metro are super cheap. This is a good option if you’re on a budget, but it is a bit time-consuming.
  • Scooter or bicycle: If you feel comfortable driving in Mumbai yourself, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle for the day. This is a fun and sporty way to explore the city.

As this itinerary is quite packed, I would recommend taking a taxi to reach places that are further away. You could also hire a taxi for the day, this will help you save some valuable time.

If you would like to walk or get around using the train, I would either skip the Elephanta Caves or the Prince of Wales Museum as these are the most time-consuming activities in Mumbai.

Note that there are no rickshaws in South Mumbai but you will find these in other neighbourhoods.

Streets of Mumbai, India

Best Time to Visit Mumbai

The best time to visit Mumbai is in the winter, between October and February . This is when the weather will be at its best. I visited Mumbai in January and, although it was pretty hot, it was manageable.

You will find an overview of the weather that you can expect during each season below:

  • Winter (October to February): This is the best time to visit Mumbai. You can expect temperatures around 30°C (86°F) during winter.
  • Summer (March to May): Summers are hot and humid in Mumbai. While the temperature is similar to during the winter (32°C or 89.6°F), it feels much hotter due to the humidity.
  • Monsoon (June to September): While the monsoon season is slightly cooler (28° or 82.4°F), it’s very humid and on top of that, there will be a lot of rain, which can cause floods.

Cow in the streets of Bombay

Where to Stay in Mumbai

There’s an abundance of hotels and hostels in Mumbai BUT this is the most expensive city in India , so if you’re on a tight budget, a dorm will probably be the best option.

If you only have 1 day in Mumbai, I recommend staying in Colaba (South Mumbai) or Bandra. This is where most tourist attractions are located. It all depends on your budget, but you will find my top recommendations below:

  • Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (⭐ 9.1,$$$): This is Mumbai’s most iconic hotel, and if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the City of Dreams, this is the place to go! It’s located right across the Gateway of India and features magnificent rooms with sea, city or pool views.
  • Residence Hotel Fort (⭐ 8.3, $$): Ideally located within walking distance of Mumbai’s main tourist attractions, Residency Hotel Fort offers beautiful, clean rooms, and a delicious breakfast. It has all the amenities you might need.
  • Locomo Mumbai (⭐ 8.4, $): Located in Bandra, close to Juhu Beach, this hotel offers affordable dorm rooms as well as private rooms. The place is clean, the rooms are nice and the location is great.

Architecture in Mumbai

1 Day in Mumbai: Final Thoughts

And voila, that was it, my complete itinerary for 1 day in Mumbai! I hope that this post has inspired you and that you will have an amazing time exploring this bustling city.

Although you could easily spend a week in Mumbai and explore different neighbourhoods every day, one day will give you just enough time to see this city’s highlights.

Happy exploring!

Read more about India:

  • 11 Cultural Destinations in India for Travellers
  • 17 Things NOT to Do in India
  • What to Wear in India: 5 Tips + Outfit Ideas
  • The Ultimate India Travel Bucket List: 35 Ideas
  • 44 Basic Hindi Sentences for Travellers in India

India Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🛺 Download the  Ola app  to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 🚃 Use  12GoAsia  to book trains and buses in India. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars  to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  VisitorsCoverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 👘 Check out my  complete India packing list for females . 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa   to visit India.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

1 Day in Mumbai

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

You may also like

Khaba fort in jaisalmer: how to plan your..., 23 fun facts about nepal that might surprise..., 28 famous landmarks in belgium worth seeing [local’s..., dharohar folk dance, udaipur: what to expect (2024), the rat temple of rajasthan: a useful guide..., the villers abbey in belgium: a guide for..., 39 famous landmarks in india to see on..., 15 days in south india: the ultimate itinerary..., 2 days in udaipur itinerary: the white city..., 61 epic quotes about india to inspire your....

' src=

That place looks insane, would love to be there right now!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Plan, Ready, Go

1 Day in NYC: Must-do’s for First-timers + Interactive Map

' src=

Only have one day in New York ? Maximize your visit with my itinerary created especially for NYC first-time visitors . I have visited New York City several times. During my last two trips, I was accompanied by people visiting for the first time.

I recommend spending at least four days in NYC . However, even one day can give you a taste of this top travel destination.

Key Things to Know: Top things to do in NYC for a day

  • Essential Stops: Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, or Central Park for a mix of history and iconic landmarks.
  • Transportation Tip: Maximize your time by using the subway for faster travel between Manhattan’s attractions.
  • Customization: This itinerary is completely customizable to your particular interests and the exact amount of time you have in New York City.

Statue of Liberty in front of the New York City skyline

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

One day in New York itinerary 

9/11 memorial (and museum).

9/11 Memorial | Closest subway stops: WTC–Cortland St (1) and Cortland Street (R, W)  

Start your day by spending your morning in Lower Manhattan. 

In my opinion, your one-day in NYC itinerary should absolutely include the 9/11 Memorial. It’s one of my favorite free things to do in New York City .   

The terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers, forever changed the city and the United States. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and beautiful memorials that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

The 9/11 Memorial typically is open to the public all day every day. 

Optional: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is at the same location. Though I haven’t had the privilege of seeing it, I’ve heard great things. There is a charge for admission to the museum.

9/11 Memorial pool in New York City showing names engraved in bronze with buildings and trees in the background.

Statue of Liberty 

Ferry from Manhattan departs from Battery Park | Subway stops: South Ferry Station (1), Whitehall Street (R), Bowling Green (4, 5)  

Your one-day New York City itinerary must include the Statue of Liberty, my absolute favorite place in the city

Buy your tickets ahead of time onlin e, especially if you want to climb up to the crown. When available, those tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance.    

Even if you don’t want to go up onto the pedestal or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you can purchase a ticket to enjoy the cruise over to Liberty Island (with great views of both Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan). You can visit the new museum and walk around the monument’s exterior.

 If you only have a day in New York I recommend skipping a visit to Ellis Island even though it’s included in your ticket. 

More things to do on a day trip to New York City

  • Explore NYC with a sightseeing helicopter tour over Manhattan .
  • Pay a visit to the top of One World Observatory with this skip-the-line ticket .
  • If you’re staying the night in New York, consider this sunset cruise in New York Harbor.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Lunch options: where to eat 

By the time you finish your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. The Crown Café offers a wide variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu includes vegetarian options as well as several items that can be made gluten-free upon request. 

Battery Park (where you’ll disembark from your cruise to Liberty Island) is a great picnic spot. You can grab a cheap lunch from a food truck or assemble a picnic from a nearby market.

If a restaurant is more what you’re looking for, wander into the Financial District where you’ll find a variety of popular eateries for all budgets. 

Empire State Building 

20 West 34 Street | Subway stop: 34 St–Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), 33 St (M)  

Many believe that visiting the Empire State Building is a must on their trip to New York City.

I will admit right now that in all my NYC trips, I’ve only ever admired this iconic structure from the ground.  I do not like heights, nor do I generally pay money to stand atop them. But you who are not afraid of heights can go as high as the 102nd floor. The main observation deck is on the 86th floor.   

Time-saving tip: Upgrade your Empire State Building ticket to get skip-the-line access.

As an alternative, save the Empire State Building for after dinner, or even enjoy dinner at the State Grill and Bar.  

New York City skyline with the Empire State Building.

Times Square 

Subway stop: Times Square–42 Street (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7)   

You’ve seen it in movies and TV shows. Of all the places to visit in New York City, it’s hard to think of anything else that’s more New York than Times Square. Soak it in, take a few photos, and wander through so you can say you’ve been there (it’s great at night also). Maybe even buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt or stop in at M&M’s World.  

Times Square is just a 15-minute walk from the Empire State Building.  

tall building in New York City with a sculpture in front

Rockefeller Center 

Between 49th and 51st Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues | Subway stop: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M), 49 Street (N, R, W)  

A 10-minute walk from Times Square will take you to Rockefeller Center. It’s a New York City landmark that includes 30 Rockefeller Plaza (NBC Studios), Radio City Music Hall, and more.

In addition to some great shopping and dining, you can take a guided tour of Rockefeller Center, go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck , skate at the Rink, and more.     

If you’re feeling snackish, I recommend stopping at Magnolia Bakery for something yummy.  

Grab your Top of the Rock ticket here.

Central Park 

From North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave | Subway stops: There are several subway stops around the perimeter of the park including 5th Ave/59 Street (N, R, W), 59 Street/Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1), Central Park North (2, 3), and 6 stops on the west side of the park.  

Central Park is so quintessentially New York that you absolutely need to make time in your itinerary to see it even if only spending one day in New York.

Now, keep in mind that this park is huge. I mean it. Central Park covers 1.3 square miles (840 acres) of Manhattan. You could easily spend an entire day just exploring this place.  

To start I’d suggest looking at a map of the park and choosing a few things there you want to see. This might be the Central Park Zoo, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Belvedere Castle, or the Conservatory Water (where you can rent a model boat to sail on the pond).   

The southeast corner of Central Park is just a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center. If you want to walk all the way to the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue, expect a walk of closer to 30 minutes.

Time-saving Tip: Instead of walking to Central Park from Rockefeller Center, jump in a NYC cab.

Interactive map for your one day in New York City itinerary

Click on the yellow pins on the map below to see more information about each stop on your itinerary.

To see this map in your Google account just tap on the little star next to the map name.

Ways to modify this itinerary

With only one day in NYC, there are an incredible number of ways you could spend your time. Here are a few ways you could modify this one-day itinerary to fit your particular interests. It’s important that you get to see the things you want.

  • Take the subway to Brooklyn then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying your view of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Enjoy a tour of either or both of two of the premier art museums in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Museum of Modern Art.
  • Explore Greenwich Village, Soho, and other iconic neighborhoods.
  • End your day with a Broadway show.

View of Washington Square arch from below.

Short half-day itinerary for NYC

Even if you don’t have a full day or 24 hours to spend in New York City, you can still see a few of the major highlights. Here are a few options:

  • Focus on one area such as Lower Manhattan, grabbing a view of Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  • Explore the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center, and then stroll up to Central Park for some more exploring.
  • Get the best of New York’s top art museums at The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim.

New York 1-day tours

Want to see the best of New York in a day, but rather leave the planning to someone else? Leave the planning to an expert tour guide.

  • Pack the very best of NYC into one day with this highly rate expert guided tour . See New York’s major landmarks in only 6 hours.
  • Go beyond Manhattan’s major tourist sites with this tour of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Harlem, and Coney Island .

Where to stay in New York City

If you’re thinking about spending more than a day in New York, you might be overwhelmed by the many hotel options.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in New York City: 

  • Hyatt Place Midtown South (52 West 36th Street): We loved staying at this hotel. It’s just two blocks from the Empire State Building and just around the corner from the 34th Street – Herald Square subway stop. Book Now  
  • For a more boutique-style accommodation try Archer Hotel New York (45 West 38th Street). Book Now

How to get around New York City

I say this so often, but I will continue to say it over and over: use your feet and the subway.

I’m serious about the subway. You’ll get where you want to go cheaper than Uber or taxis and of course much faster than walking especially when traveling from one area of Manhattan to another.  You can find subway maps on the MTA website .

Taxis are a fine option for getting around New York City especially if you are in a time crunch or are going someplace that just doesn’t have an easy subway route or a nearby stop.

Final thoughts on one day in New York

There are so many amazing things to do in NYC in a day of course that you can’t possibly see as much as you would like, BUT you can see the best of the best if you have 24 hours in the Big Apple.

From historical monuments to stunning views from the best observatories in the world, you almost can’t go wrong with how you spend your day here.

What do you think everyone should put on their 1-day NYC itinerary?

More articles about New York

  • The essential overnight packing list
  • Free things to do in NYC
  • Must-do things in New York for first-timers
  • The top day trips from NYC
  • Scenic drives in New York state

mockup image of a free printable travel planner

Pin this post!  

One day in New York itinerary

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Can’t wait great job

Great article, Darcy! You have prepared an amazing one-day itinerary for people vising NYC along with some great tips to commute within the city. Subways are indeed the best way to get around the whole city. However, if the time permits, why not go sailing as well? After seeing the city on foot all day, one can relax on a sailboat and enjoy the skyline. Several companies offer rental for 2-3 hours including sunset cruises overlooking Manhattan. Book beforehand to get the best deals.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Privacy Overview

places to visit for 1 day

The Top 10 Must-See Places in Moscow

1. red square.

places to visit for 1 day

3. The Moscow Metro

places to visit for 1 day

Perhaps you already know, but there is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other towns and cities in Russia. Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the real Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people. The best choice for a one-day Russian countryside experience is the Vladimir and Suzdal tour.

Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 12th century. Aside from golden cupolas of stunning churches and monasteries, you will experience a very rural real Russian outlook with bubbling streams and grassy meadows, chickens and livestock, and interesting and authentic local residents. All are a common sight on the streets, some of which remain unpaved. Be ready for a full-day trip and many unforgettable experiences during your Russian holidays!

<span style="font-weight: bold;">From Moscow to St. Petersburg for 5 days<br></span>

•Road-tripping from Moscow to St. Petersburg

•Ecotour along the Volga River with visiting limestone quarries

•Real Russian countryside

•One day in a traditional Russian village

There is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other Russia... The concept of this tour is to show you the real Russia with numerous small towns, pristine nature, abandoned churches and the life of people.

This tour does not include Golden Ring towns! Instead, you will see Staritsa town and Novgorod the Great, beautiful places to visit in Russia!

We will also visit an elderly couple living in a traditional Russia village. We will help them with their daily work - plowing the land (not by tractors, but by horses), caring for the livestock and cooking food in a traditional Russian oven… And surely we will taste some real fresh milk and eggs while they will be telling us about their common life, their habits, and the households.

The itinerary is perfect for those who are going to St. Petersburg. It takes only 4 hours to get there from Novgorod by a cheap local train.

Greta's Travels

Milan In One Day: How To Spend One Awesome Day In Milan

Posted on Last updated: April 10, 2023

Planning to spend one day in Milan, but not sure what to do? You’ve come to the right place!

In this Milan 1-day itinerary I have outlined everything you need to know to spend one epic day in Milan. From the main sights to see, where to eat, how to get around, and more!

I was born in Milan and I lived there until I was 18, so you can rest assured that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to this city! In this Milan 1-day itinerary I share with you both travel tips and local insights.

Milan is one of the coolest cities in Italy, and I’m not just saying it because it’s my hometown. Milan is the city of fashion and the economic capital of Italy, which are both quite clearly visible when you’re walking around.

There are modern and trendy skyscrapers dotted here and there, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings all over the city centre. Milan is an awesome city, which I’m sure you’ll love.

If you’re visiting Italy’s fashion capital on a limited time availability, this is the Milan 1-day itinerary and guide for you!

So without further ado, let’s read on and start planning your one day in Milan!

  • 1.1 Do you need travel insurance for 1 day in Milan?
  • 1.2 How to get into Milan
  • 1.3 Popular tours for one day in Milan
  • 1.4 Is one day in Milan enough?
  • 1.5 Where to stay in Milan for one day
  • 1.6 How to get around Milan in one day
  • 2 Milan 1-day itinerary map
  • 3.1 Piazza del Duomo
  • 3.2 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
  • 3.3 Piazza della Scala
  • 3.5 Castello Sforzesco
  • 3.6 Arco della Pace & Parco Sempione
  • 3.7 Via Torino & Monte Napoleone
  • 4.2 Spontini
  • 4.3 Fresco & Cimmino
  • 4.4 Try a Milanese aperitivo!

What to do in Milan in one day

Exploring Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

Logistical info for one day in Milan

Before we dive into the details of by step by step itinerary for one day in Milan, I want to go over some useful logistics that will ensure you have an awesome time in Milan.

Do you need travel insurance for 1 day in Milan?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Italy travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Exploring the rooftop of the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy

Exploring the rooftop of the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy

How to get into Milan

First things first, how do you get into Milan?

Milan has three airports, and depending on where in the city you’re staying, it can be quite the journey getting to your accommodation from the airport.

If you’re flying from outside of Italy you will usually land at either Milano Malpensa (MXP) or Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY).

Generally speaking, low costs like Ryanair, Wizz Air and Volotea tend to land at BGY, and the longer haul flights with easyJet or non low cost airlines will land at MXP.

Milano Linate (LIN) is the airport closest to Milan city centre, but it’s usually more for flights within Italy.

Having lived abroad for the last ten years, I have my fair amount of experience flying into Milan and having to reach the city centre. Personally, I recommend the bus over the train, as it’s cheaper and quicker.

places to visit for 1 day

Piazza del Duomo in Milan at Christmas, with Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Milan Cathedral behind it

Both from MXP and BGY there are two or three different bus companies running into Milan Central Station. You can purchase the bus ticket online beforehand to save time once you land.

Bergamo Airport to Milano Bus Transfer – click here to purchase!

Milan Malpensa to Milan Central Station Bus Transfer – click here to purchase!

However, I wouldn’t personally buy your bus transfer online before. This because once you land and step outside the airport, their might be a bus from a different company leaving before the company you have the ticket for.

They’re quite regular and you won’t have to wait long, but waiting for your bus while one drives off in front of you is always annoying. This is the same reason why I don’t buy return tickets (even if they’re cheaper).

I would purchase the bus transfers listed above only if I was travelling in high season, and wanted to be sure I don’t have to queue to get one once I land.

Piazza del Duomo seen from the rooftop of the Duomo in Milan, Italy

Piazza del Duomo seen from the rooftop of the Duomo in Milan, Italy

Popular tours for one day in Milan

Milan is a big city, but the main attractions are all quite close to each other. If you follow the itinerary I outline in this article, you can easily discover it alone.

That said, it can also be fun to join a tour. That way you’re sure you’ll be visiting all of the top highlights, and also have a local guide with you to tell you about the history of the city.

I have outlined below some of the most popular and highly reviewed tours in Milan.

Milan: Hidden Gems Guided Bike Ride –  Once you’ve seen all the main sights, this tour is a great option to discover Milan beyond the popular tourist attractions.

Milan: 1-Day Open Bus Tour – If you don’t fancy walking, this bus tour is a great way to see all the main sights, with an audio guide telling you about them, without tiring yourself out.

Check out popular Milan tours below!

The Christmas tree and lights in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan

The Christmas tree and lights in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan

Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour – You’ll see that I haven’t included Da Vinci’s Last Supper in this Milan 1-day itinerary. This because it takes time to visit it properly, and if you only have one day in Milan, I personally think there are cooler things to see.

That said, there’s no denying it’s one of the most famous pieces of art in history, if you have a strong interest in art, I highly recommend joining this tour .

Fast Track Milan Cathedral & Terraces Guided Tour – You can also purchase just entrance to the cathedral and rooftop, but with a local guide teaching you about the unique history of the Duomo, it will be an entirely different experience.

Another two very popular museums in Milan are the Science & Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum and The World of Leonardo Museum . Especially if you’re visiting Milan with kids, they can be fascinating to visit!

Walking along the cobbled streets of Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Walking along the cobbled streets of Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Is one day in Milan enough?

While some people will always say that one day is never enough to see a city, as a local, I personally think that one day in Milan is enough to see all the main attractions and get a vibe for this bustling city.

It also depends on how long you’re spending in Italy. While Milan is undoubtedly a cool city, I personally think that places like Florence , Cinque Terre , Venice and Rome are more unique and jaw-dropping than Milan.

If you have a tight Italy itinerary, I would recommend doing a quick stop in Milan, like what is outlined in this Milan 1-day itinerary, and then continue on exploring the Bel Paese.

From Milan you can also do a fun day trip to Lake Como , or to some beautiful beaches near Milan , which is also a good option, as it gives you more time to experience the Milan atmosphere by night , but also without spending too many days in Milan and still seeing other places in Italy.

This Milan itinerary is quite tight with lots of walking, but it will allow you to see everything Milan has to offer in one day. If you prefer to take things more slowly, check out my Milan 2-day itinerary instead!

Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy

Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy

Where to stay in Milan for one day

Even if you’re only spending one day in Milan, chances are you will need to spend the night there. I’ve listed below some great accommodation options in Milan for every budget.

Budget: Ostello Bello Grande   – I’ve been to a few events at Ostello Bello hostels and they’re always good fun. Their hostels are in central locations, with spacious dorms and fun social events.

Click here to book your stay at Ostello Bello Grande in Milan!

Mid-range: B&B Hotel Milano City Center   – With its central location, panoramic rooftop terrace and spacious rooms, this is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to treat themselves without breaking the bank.

Click here to see prices and availability at B&B Hotel Milano City Center!

Luxury: Galleria Vik Milano – located inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, this hotel is the perfect place to treat yourself. Luxury, super central location and epic views, what more could you want?

Check out the latest prices and availability at Galleria Vik Milano here!

Admiring the perfect symmetry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

Admiring the perfect symmetry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

How to get around Milan in one day

Before we jump into the main attractions to see in Milan in one day, let’s cover some logistics. How are you actually going to get around Milan?

As I’ve said above all the main spots of Milan are within walking distance. However if you don’t want to walk too much, you can easily get public transport.

It might be a bit slow, but Milan has an excellent public transport system. You can get an overground tram or bus for short distances, and the underground train for longer distances.

It’s also very affordable at 2 EUR per ride.

Sunset over Milan from the rooftop of the Duomo, Italy

Sunset over Milan from the rooftop of the Duomo, Italy

There are also plenty of taxis to be found all over Milan, especially the city centre. They tend to be a bit pricey, but will quickly take you everywhere you need to go.

A recent addition to transport modes in Milan, which is what I use these days when I’m in Milan, are the e-scooters and e-bikes parked all over the city.

Just download the app, grab a scooter, go where you need to go and then drop it off wherever!

Another easy way to get around the city, and be sure you see all the main sights, is with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Besides taking you everywhere, they’ll also give you an audioguide to share interesting facts about Milan.

Click here to book your Milan Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour!

Corso Buenos Aires, one of the main shopping streets in Milan, Italy

Corso Buenos Aires, one of the main shopping streets in Milan, Italy

Milan 1-day itinerary map

I have embedded below a walking itinerary that you can follow for your Milan 1-day itinerary. Milan is a huge city, but all the main attractions are located close to the Piazza del Duomo.

You can easily walk to all the main attractions of Milan in one day. Use the route mapped below to orient yourself around Milan, and let’s dive into what every stop is!

What to see in Milan in one day

Like most cities in Italy, Milan is rich of history and culture, and if you were to visit all the museums of Milan, one day wouldn’t be enough. I’ve lived there for 18 years and can’t say I’ve gotten anywhere near seeing them all! 

However all the main attractions and famous buildings are all dotted close to the city centre, meaning that in one day you will be able to walk all around the centre of Milan and, even if only from outside, see all the main points of interest.

Time to dive in! These are the must-see places and best things to do in Milan, the places that even if you only have one day in this beautiful city, you absolutely can’t miss.

| READ MORE: 2 EPIC WEEKS IN ITALY |

Sunset over Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy

Sunset over Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is both the most central square in Milan, but also one of the most visited parts of the city. Not just because it features on every tourists Italy bucket list , but also because locals hang around here on weekends.

When I was in high school we often used to meet up in Piazza del Duomo with friends and then from there go explore the shopping streets around it.

Piazza del Duomo is also home to the Duomo of Milano, one of the most famous churches in Milan . It’s actually the biggest church in Italy, and an imposing feat of architecture and human engineering.

Did you know it took hundreds of years to complete? This stunning gothic cathedral is the best place to start your Milan 1-day itinerary.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo, Milan

I have never personally been inside the Duomo, and if you’re only visiting for one day, I don’t think it’s an essential. In my opinion you should  visit the roof of the Duomo cathedral instead.

You get an amazing view over the roofs of Milan, and the detail of the architecture on the roof is also pretty incredible (visit at sunset for the best pink and pastel colours, both of the spiers and the sky)!

Access to the rooftop only is 9 EUR if you take the stairs or 14 EUR if you take the lift. If you want to go also inside the cathedral it will be more expensive.

Make sure to book your Duomo rooftop entrance online beforehand , so that you don’t have to waste time queuing outside. If you’re only in Milan for one day after all, you don’t want to spend it in a queue!

Click here to book a fast track ticket to visit the Duomo (inside & on the rooftop!)

Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!

Exploring the rooftop of the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Right next to Piazza del Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Prepare to be amazed by the architecture and decorations of Italy’s oldest shopping mall.

With its glass dome and fine details on the side of the walls the Galleria is an incredible place to walk around.

Despite it being a shopping gallery I wouldn’t recommend buying anything here, as the prices are considerably higher than anywhere else in Milan.

Fun fact about this place; on the mosaic on the floor there is a bull, tradition has it that you have to put your heel on the balls of the bull and spin three times for good luck.

The tiles that make up the bull have had to be redone multiple times over the years since they get worn out quickly by how many people spin on them every day.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

Piazza della Scala

If you enter Galleria Vittorio Emanuele from Piazza del Duomo and walk all the way through it you will arrive in Piazza della Scala, the second most famous and important square in Milan.

Every side of this square is historically important. You will have Galleria Vittorio Emanuele at your back, on your left is Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s most famous opera house.

Next to La Scala and in front of you is the Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana, one of Italy’s oldest banks, and on your right on the remaining side of the square is Palazzo Marino, Milan’s city hall.

In Palazzo Marino they actually do temporary art exhibitions that you can access for free.

The queue to go inside however is always crazy so unless you have plenty of time to spare or it happens to be quite empty, I wouldn’t recommend visiting it.

You can also visit the stunning interior of La Scala, and learn about its history. I recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket online beforehand , and avoid yourself the queue.

Click here to book your skip-the-line entrance & tour to La Scala!

Teatro alla Scala, the most famous theatre in Milan

Teatro alla Scala, the most famous theatre in Milan

Walking along the cobbled streets of Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Brera is one of the trendy areas of Milan. The best route to go from Piazza del Duomo to Castello Sforzesco in my opinion goes through Brera.

Some sections of these roads are entirely pedestrian, so that you can enjoy the atmosphere and walk around the stone cobble roads of Milan.

This is also where the famous Accademia di Brera is, the famous art academy where historically many of Italy’s artists studied.

If you come here in the evening there are also lots of cool bars and restaurants where you can hang out, the famous Bar Brera amongst them.

| READ MORE: A 7-DAY ITALY ITINERARY WRITTEN BY AN ITALIAN |

Exploring Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Exploring Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Exploring Brera neighbourhood in Milan, Italy

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco is where the Sforza family, the Dukes of Milan used to live. Today it is the home of multiple art collections and historical exhibitions.

You can purchase entry to the castle with an audio guide , and visit it at your own pace. Since you only have a day in Milan, that will be better and quicker than joining a guided tour.

If you don’t fancy visiting a museum, you can still see the inside of the courtyard of the castle for free, as it acts as passage between Piazza Cairoli and the inside of Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest park.

Simply walk past the fountain through the castle gates, and you’ll be transported back to hundreds of years ago.

Book your entrance to Castello Sforzesco and audio guide here!

Or click below to see prices & availability!

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco in Milan

Arco della Pace & Parco Sempione

You can enter Castello Sempione for free and cross into Parco Sempione. This is the largest park in Milan, and a lovely spot to walk around. From here you can easily walk over to Arco della Pace.

This city gate is a beautiful and imposing must-see in Milan.

It’s also surrounded by lots of cool bars and restaurants. Aim to get here for aperitivo time, so you can combine some sightseeing with a typical Milanese experience.

Arco della Pace in Milano, Italy

Arco della Pace in Milano, Italy

Via Torino & Monte Napoleone

I know you only have one day in Milan and are probably trying to get all the main sights in, however no trip to Milan would be complete without a bit of shopping! Milan is the city of fashion after all!

I included in this Milan 1-day itinerary a stop in both Via Torino and Via Monte Napoleone, two of the most famous shopping streets in Milan.

Via Torino is more accessible and has shops like H&M, Zara, Bershka and so on. Monte Napoleone is the sort of high-end shopping street Milan gets its fame from.

All the big brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and many more have stores here. It might not be the perfect spot for souvenir shopping, but it’s definitely an experience just walking down the street here.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele seen from across Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele seen from across Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

Where to eat during your one day in Milan

Coming from someone that lived in Milan for 18 years and has tried a lot restaurants in the city, I can say that the cuisine in Milan is pretty good everywhere.

However if you’re only visiting for one day I understand that you might not want to travel around the whole city searching for the best restaurant.

How convenient that my top three favourite restaurants are right by the Duomo!

Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

The all time winner. This little shop was founded in 1888 and is specialized in “panzerotti”, which are basically like a small fried calzone.

The prices vary depending on what stuffing you get in your panzerotto, but are never more expensive than 5 EUR and the classic mozzarella and tomato one starts at around 3 EUR. 

They also have sweet options with Nutella for the sweet tooths out there! There are no tables and chairs to sit at, it’s a small take away shop where you pop in, grab a panzerotto and eat while exploring the rest of Milan.

My main tip here is to go slightly before lunch time since at noon on the dot the queue starts growing, they even have bouncers to manage it!

Not exactly the traditional pizza, since they do big thick slices instead of serving the classic thin round pizza, but it’s one of my favourite nonetheless! If you like thick pizza, this is the place to go.

For a sit down meal with a slice of pizza and a drink it’s around 5.50 EUR (a 50p extra gets you a large slice, definitely worth it if you ask me)!

There are quite a lot of Spontini around Milan, one of them being right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele so that you can pop in for a quick pizza while exploring the centre of Milan.

This central venue has stand up tables so as to make it a faster meal, whilst the others have proper tables and seats for a sit-down meal.

The awesome pizza of Spontini

The awesome pizza of Spontini

Fresco & Cimmino

If you’re visiting the area around the Duomo of Milan in the evening and fancy a sit down dinner, this is the best place to go without breaking the bank and your Italy holiday budget .

It’s in the street parallel to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, so in a perfect central location.

The restaurant owners are originally from Naples and this is reflected in the cuisine; their pizzas and desserts are really fantastic. They also have some of the best pasta in Milan !

A meal with starter, main and dessert will cost you around 25 EUR. They have some partner restaurants all around Milan, amongst which the historic venue  Camillo Benso .

My favourite seafood pasta from Fresco & Cimmino in Milan

My favourite seafood pasta from Fresco & Cimmino in Milan

Try a Milanese aperitivo!

One experience that can’t miss from your Milan itinerary, is the Milanese “aperitivo”; a very traditional Milanese dining experience.

An aperitivo is where, in a bar, you pay a fixed price (usually around 10 EUR) for a drink, and it comes with a series of food and nibbles. Some places offer a buffet, while others will bring platters to your table.

I don’t have specific bar recommendations, as pretty much every bar in Milan offers it. Some of the popular areas to do aperitivo in Milan are Navigli, Arco della Pace and Brera.

Wandering along the canals of Navigli in Milano, Italy, by night

Wandering along the canals of Navigli in Milano, Italy, by night

Final thoughts on spending one day in Milan

Have you been to Milan before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Milan is a city with plenty of things to do, however if you’re only visiting for one day, the things I have listed in this guide are, in my opinion, the must-see attractions that you can’t miss.

Being a city, you could visit Milan at any time of the year. Regardless of whether you visit Milan in winter or on an Italy summer trip , you’ll still be able to do everything on this itinerary.

Just arm yourself with an umbrella and raincoat and you’re good to go! Milan is also a great destination to visit in Italy in winter , as from there you can easily go skiing in the Alps , and Christmas in Milan is simply beautiful!

If you do decide to venture beyond Milan to Lake Como , make sure to check out my guides on the best Lake Como boat tours and where to stay in Lake Como !

I hope you find my Milan 1-day itinerary useful in planning your one day in Milan trip!

If you’re staying longer and want to go on day trips outside Milan, Lake Como is a popular choice, find out more about it  here .

Looking for more Italy travel tips? Check out these guides:

  • Best things to do in Pisa in one day
  • Visiting the Italian Alps in summer
  • Everything you need to know about doing a gondola ride in Venice
  • The 15 most Instagrammable places in Rome
  • A local’s favourite places to stay in Cinque Terre
  • Sicily 7-day itinerary
  • 15 absolutely gorgeous views in Rome
  • The ultimate Matera travel guide
  • Island hopping in the Maddalena Arcipelago, Sardinia
  • 10 things Italians want you to know
  • When should you visit Sardinia?
  • The ultimate Tuscany 4-day itinerary

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Milan in one day? Pin it!

Photo of a blonde girl standing by the spires of the Milan Duomo rooftop with text overlay saying

Tracey Eppes

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Greta, thank you so much for the suggestion of Fresco & Cimmino! My sister, friend and I followed your recommendation and fell in love! The food was fantastic and the wait staff wasn't too annoyed by our American noisiness! My favorite was the house wine. Magnifico! Ciao!

Friday 17th of May 2019

Hi Tracey, I'm so glad you liked it!! Fresco & Cimmino is one of my favourite restaurants ever (not just in Milan!) and I'm always happy when others enjoy it too haha! Hope you enjoyed my city too :) Ciao!

Camila Bousquet

Monday 13th of May 2019

Thank you darling for this blog post! Your video is great and I look forward to going to Milan tomorrow!! ???❤️

Hugs from a Canadian/Peruvian reader!

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Hi Camilla, glad you enjoyed it! Hope you had an amazing time in my hometown :)

Monday 25th of February 2019

Thank you so much for taking the time to compile this information. Booking a trip to a foreign destination with no frame of reference is very difficult, but you really helped me make some important decisions, which relieved SOOO much stress!!

Wednesday 27th of February 2019

Hi Kem, no problem, glad you could find my blog useful! Hope you have a great time on your travels :)

Monday 11th of February 2019

Thanks so much for the blog, I'm planning a trip for the summer and this is super helpful!

Hi Suzanne, no problem! Hope you have an amazing time in my hometown :)

Thursday 24th of January 2019

Hi, Really nice travel blog. So would you recommend the Duomo - Galleria Vittorio area to get an overall sense of Milan... if you had only one day of course. My wife and two boys will only be there for a day and would like to sight-see, take in the architecture, try some different cafes, people watch and maybe shop a little... I mean, it's Milan. Maybe look into a museum if we can keep the boys attention. I guess we would really like to get the feel of Milan if possible. Ha. Any advice appreciated and great photos very artistic.

Sunday 27th of January 2019

Hi Dennis, thanks for the comment, glad you like my blog and photos! Yes if you only have one day in Milan I would spend it around the Duomo area. You can visit Piazza del Duomo, Via Dante (connects the Duomo to Castello Sforzesco and is a popular shopping street) from there loop back to Duomo going through Brera and see Piazza della Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The nearby Via Torino is also popular for shopping. Food in that area can be a bit pricey (it's the centre of Milan after all!) but you can find also some affordable options. Hope this helps and you have an amazing time in Milan :)

  • #Luxury travel
  • #Unusual Moscow
  • #Jewish Heritage
  • #Russian traditions

places to visit for 1 day

Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow

  • #Russian History
  • #Special Interest
  • #Suburbs of Moscow

Moscow offers tourists many great sights to see, but if you ask locals, they will tell you that Moscow is not all there is to Russia, so it’s worth getting away sometimes. Without exploring further, you miss something of the Russian unique character. If you wonder what to visit near Moscow, we recommend you 10 places where a tourist can go for a refreshing recreation, new impressions, and acquaintance with Russian history and culture.

01 Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is one of the most beautiful towns located around Moscow. It’s not only famous for its monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, but also for the fact that it’s the only town in the Moscow Region that is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities. Its cities and towns influenced the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the main thing which one should visit Sergiyev Posad is the Lavra for sure. You may spend there all day, walking around and enjoying the sense of its power and strength. You absolutely have to buy some honey cakes as souvenirs for friends and feed Lavra’s pigeons when entering the monastery. Besides, you may visit Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve, which has quite an impressive collection, take a look at the displays in the National Museum of Toys, and taste truly Russian food in local cafes and restaurants.

You can reach Sergiyev Posad by suburban electric train, by bus, or by car. The electric train departs from the Yaroslavsky rain terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts for an hour and a half. You may take a bus near the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, and you’ll be in Sergiyev Posad in an hour and a half at least and in two hours at most. Your car will take you there in an hour and a half at most, too. You should drive the Yaroslavskoye highway. 

places to visit for 1 day

If you want to look at a city that combines hi-tech and historical past, you should absolutely visit Kolomna. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Russia, a beautiful port on the Oka River. Kolomna has its own Kremlin, which is made of red brick, like the Moscow Kremlin. Inside it, you may find many monasteries and churches, including the one in which Dmitry of the Don, Prince of Moscow, and Grand Prince of Vladimir, had his wedding to the Grand Duchess of Muscovy Eudoxia of Moscow. There is still a reserved residential area which is called Posad, right in the Kremlin territory. The buildings date back to merchants’ times. There are some interesting churches, too. In 2006, the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, known as the Kometa Ice Rink, was opened. Its futuristic look contrast the picturesque views of the ancient Kolomna Kremlin and its beautiful churches.

The best way to reach Kolomna is an electric train that departs from the Kazansky rail terminal. The trip lasts for two and a half, or one hour and forty minutes by the Ryazansky express. You can also choose a bus from the Vykhino metro station (1.4 to 4 hrs due to traffic jams) or a car.

places to visit for 1 day

03 Shakhmatovo

Shakhmatovo was a manor of the well-known Russian lyrical poet Alexander Blok. His grandfather Andrey Nikolaevich Beketov bought it, and young Blok used to spend it there every summer. Later, he moved there with his wife Lyubov Mendeleeva, who was the daughter of the famous chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. Blok’s grandfather decided to buy Shakhmatovo because of its picturesque views. They are really very nice, and the better time to visit this place is spring and summer. According to his own project, Blok’s mansion is a wooden house built by the poet but burnt by peasants in 1921. It was rebuilt in 2001, and since that time, it often holds big events and excursions. There is also a stable in Shakhmatovo territory, and everyone interested may ride a horse, or rent a bicycle in the summertime, or ski in wintertime.

Shakhmatovo can be reached by car because other options combine train departs from the Leningradsky rail terminal, then changes to bus till the Tarakanovo manor, then goes by foot, or bus from the Vodny stadion metro station, and then also by foot. Travel time is 1.4 hrs.

04 Zakharovo

It is a manor located in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, where everybody interested may learn more about the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In 1804, Zakharova was bought by his grandmother Mariya Alexeevna Gannibal, and young Pushkin was brought here every summer from 1805 through to 1810. He recalled Zakharovo in his poems as well. Now, the house which Pushkin visited as a child doesn’t exist anymore, but it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century on the former basis. Now it is a quiet and nice place with a museum dedicated to the famous poet's childhood, where one may spend a day enjoying the spirit of the time when young Pushkin ran across manor’s paths. From that time, linden park, approach alleys, and pond were saved. Not very far away from Zakharovo, another place connected to Pushkin’s name is located. It’s called Bolshiye Vyazyomy, and there the young Pushkin’s brother Nikolenka was buried after his death at the age of six.

The best way to go there is by train, which departs from the Belorussky rail terminal and goes to Zvenigorod. You should leave at the Zakharovo station. Travel time is an hour and a half.

places to visit for 1 day

05 Borodino

Borodino is truly a sacred place for all those who honor the great Russian past. The Borodino Battlefield held the most important fighting during the Patriotic War of 1812. This place was made a museum area in 1839, just after 27 years after the battle. More than two thousand memorable things are stored in the museum, including some monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and fortification facilities. Besides, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous novel ‘War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, who visited Borodino in person and described this battle in his book. Every year, reconstruction events occur in Borodino, which is considered the best for visiting. But if you want to feel the spirit of the battle past, it’s better to visit it in more quiet time.

places to visit for 1 day

To go there, you should take a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, leave in Mozhaysk, and then change to the bus. The whole travel time is about 2 hrs.

06 Melikhovo

Melikhovo is considered one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, one of the brightest Russian writers and playwrights. Chekhov had been living in Melikhovo from March 1892 until August 1899 with his parents and close relatives. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “Uncle Vanya” and “The Seagull.” He sold this manor before going to the Crimea, and it became vague after the revolution. But in 1939, it was decided to establish a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew initiated the process, and the museum opened its doors in 1941. Now Melikhovo shows the path of Chekhov not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. Some paintings of famous artists such as Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends, are being stored. It’s a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov’s life and work.

The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

places to visit for 1 day

07 Abramtsevo

This is another manor connected to the lives of important Russian people — not only writers but also artists. Abramtsevo, located close to Sergiev Posad, was a property of Sergey Aksakov, a writer and a Slavophiles, and later of Savva Mamontov, a well-known patron of the arts. Abramtsevo used to be visited by writers Ivan Turgenev and Nikolay Gogol, poet Fyodor Tyutchev, and such artists as Isaac Levitan, Vasily Polenov, and Mikhail Vrubel, and by the great Russian singer Fyodor Shalyapin as well. The exhibition in the museum is dedicated to famous Abramtsevo owners and guests. It was made a museum in 1917, and its first curator was Alexandra Mamontova, Savva Mamontov’s daughter. The main sightseeing view is a wooden building made in the 18th century and saved in Savva Mamontov's form in the 19th century. There are also some bright buildings such as hut pavilion or hut bath-house. You have to remember that the main manor house may be visited only with an excursion group on the weekend.

Electric train to Abramtsevo departs from the Yaroslavsky rail terminal and goes to Sergiyev Posad or Aleksandrov. You may reach Abramtsevo by bus as well. Travel time is an hour and a half.

places to visit for 1 day

08 Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana is known as a place of residence of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. He was born there, wrote his novels ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina,’ died and is buried. He’d been living in this manor for fifty years. Yasnaya Polyana is located in the Tula Region, 200 km from Moscow to the south. This manor consists of many interesting and significant objects. For example, the interior of the main house where Tolstoy lived is being kept like it was in 1910 — it was the last year for the writer. All things in the house are considered to be personal belongings of Tolstoy and his family. Besides the main house, the Yasnaya Polyana ensemble includes the so-called Volkonsky house — the house of Tolstoy’s grandfather, the Kuzminskiye wing, which is a part of the oldest house where Tolstoy was born, now non-existent, the birch alley made by Sofya Andreevna, Leo Tolstoy’s wife, stable, ponds, and favorite Tolstoy’s bench. Leo Tolstoy’s tomb is located close to the ravine's edge — it’s where he wanted to be buried.

The whole travel time to Yasnaya Polyana is about 4 hrs as long as it’s located near Tula. It can be reached by train, or by car. First, you should go to Tula by train from the Kursky rail terminal or by bus from the Tsaritsyno, Domodedovskaya, Prazhskaya, or Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations, and then change to bus, or by trolley bus for Yasnaya Polyana.

places to visit for 1 day

09 Polotnyany Zavod

This place which title can be translated into Russian as ‘linen factory,’ is known for its connection to the Goncharov family, from which Natalia Goncharova, Alexander Pushkin’s wife, originated. The real linen factory was built on the bank of the Sukhodrev River in the Kaluga Region in 1718 by Peter the Great order. Goncharov, Natalia’s great grandfather, was one of the companions who participated in the factory’s development. Every companion built his own manor close to the factory’s building, and even for those times, it was quite an uncommon situation. Polotnyany Zavod was visited by the empress Catherine the Great, the Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, and Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol. In 1999, when everybody celebrated the bicentennial of Alexander Pushkin, Polotnyany Zavod was made a museum, and now it welcomes many guests who come to see dramatized excursions and to learn more about Pushkin times. The poet himself visited this place two times, in 1830 and 1834. Polotnyany Zavod has the most picturesque panoramic view in the Kaluga Region.

To go to Polotnyany Zavod, you should take a bus from the bus station near the Tyoply Stan metro station, and go to Kondorovo. It takes a little more than three hours.

Tarus is just another little town in Kaluga Region, which is considered to be typical Russian. It’s located on the left bank of the Oka River and has really magnificent views. It feels like time stands still there. Tarusa managed to preserve the best from the past, and even now, it consists mostly of one-storeyed houses made of wood or stone. They say it’s because Tarusa residents declined railroad construction. This town became popular among Russian intellectuals at the beginning of the 20th century when famous artist Vasily Polenov discovered it and told about Tarusa to anyone in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tarusa is known to be a hometown for Russian writer Marina Tsvetaeva, whose family spent summertime there. Tsvetaeva museum is a museum every guest of Tarusa should visit for sure. Besides, Konstantin Paustovsky, another famous Russian writer, lived there till his death and was buried in Tarusa. The absolutely must-do in Tarusa is to walk along the embankment of the Oka River.

The best way to reach Tarusa is by direct bus which departs from the bus station near the ‘Tyoply Stan’ metro station. Travel time is about two hours.

places to visit for 1 day

  • Baikal Lake read
  • 25 Reasons to Visit Russian Regions read
  • Top places to watch the Northern Lights in Russia read
  • Kamchatka peninsula read
  • 7 Top Things to Do in Karelia Region read
  • The Altai Mountains read
  • Siberia read
  • Mountain Elbrus read
  • 1. Sergiyev Posad
  • 3. Shakhmatovo
  • 4. Zakharovo
  • 5. Borodino
  • 6. Melikhovo
  • 7. Abramtsevo
  • 8. Yasnaya Polyana
  • 9. Polotnyany Zavod

img

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

New York City   Travel Guide

places to visit for 1 day

1-day Itinerary in New York City

  • 1-Day Itinerary
  • All Things To Do
  • 2-Day Itinerary
  • 3-Day Itinerary

places to visit for 1 day

Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

places to visit for 1 day

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

places to visit for 1 day

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

places to visit for 1 day

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

places to visit for 1 day

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

places to visit for 1 day

Popular Tours

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

(9250 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

(1596 reviews)

from $ 47.91

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

(3071 reviews)

from $ 46.82

Explore More of New York City

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York

Best Hotels

World Map

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

places to visit for 1 day

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

places to visit for 1 day

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

places to visit for 1 day

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

places to visit for 1 day

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

places to visit for 1 day

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

places to visit for 1 day

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

places to visit for 1 day

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

places to visit for 1 day

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

places to visit for 1 day

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

places to visit for 1 day

Logo

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

7-day Moscow itinerary

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

things to do in Moscow in one week

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

exploring Moscow

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Moscow sights

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

top things to do in Moscow

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

one week Moscow itinerary

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

Moscow itinerary

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

things to do in Moscow in seven days

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

Random Russian guy

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

Russian Cuisine

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

train trips from moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

weather in russia in may in celsius

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

places to visit for 1 day

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

places to visit for 1 day

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

places to visit for 1 day

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

places to visit for 1 day

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

places to visit for 1 day

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

places to visit for 1 day

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

places to visit for 1 day

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

places to visit for 1 day

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

places to visit for 1 day

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

places to visit for 1 day

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

places to visit for 1 day

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

places to visit for 1 day

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

places to visit for 1 day

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

places to visit for 1 day

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

places to visit for 1 day

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

places to visit for 1 day

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

places to visit for 1 day

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

She Saves She Travels

A Day in Seattle: What You Can’t Miss (Perfect Itinerary for a Single Day)

Posted on Published: September 27, 2021  - Last updated: January 5, 2024

This fun, iconic city in the Pacific Northwest is so much fun you could spend a week exploring the area. But what if you only have a day in Seattle?

a day in seattle - photo of city skyline with buildings and mt rainier in background

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

There’s a ton to see in Seattle in a short amount of time, especially in downtown. You’ve likely seen Pike Place Market over and over again, but the city has so much more to offer! This guide walks you through exactly what to do in Seattle for 1 day, including how to get around, where to stay and other insider tips.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, family or solo, this city will fascinate you and leave you hungering for more than a day in Seattle. You’ll want to come back , that’s for sure!

👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the  best Pike Place Market food tour . A must-do for first-time visitors!

public market center sign

Day trip to Seattle

If you’re heading into Seattle for the day from nearby Portland, Vancouver or anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, I highly recommend to hit the road early to make the most of your day ! Otherwise if you can stay overnight at least one night, that will give your more time to explore this great city.

You may be flying into Seattle to spend some time exploring the popular Mount Rainier National Park , heading on an epic road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway or you may even have a full day layover before hitting the beach in Kauai, Hawaii .

Regardless of what’s bringing you into the city, this is an action-packed itinerary for your one day in Seattle .

This guide walks you through the best sights in the downtown area. You’ll be able to see a lot on foot, before needing wheels to visit a few other spots near downtown. Then, we’ll head to West Seattle to finish off the day.

Get ready for some awesome sights!

Alki Beach views

Map for your day in Seattle

If you’re a visual person, use the map below to see where the top sights and activities to experience Seattle in a day. This guide will walk you through each sight or activity, along with how to travel between them.

How to get around the city

If you’re wondering how to get around for your one day in Seattle, there’s good news! Many of the best sights are within walking distance of each other.

If you have a car, you’ll want to park it for most of the day while you walk to attractions, food and activities. It’s nice to have a car for a few different areas within this guide.

And by the way if you need to rent a car to go beyond the city, I highly recommend the discounted rates on Discover Cars . I routinely save 10% – 30% on rentals (using the most reputable car carriers)!

Alternatively, you can use ride share like Lyft or Uber , which is what I recommend for a few parts of this itinerary.

There’s also public transportation and a great monorail system in Seattle . If you’re staying in Seattle you could consider this to transport downtown and a couple places on this itinerary if you don’t have a vehicle. But since you only have one day in Seattle, the timing is a bit trickier using public transportation, so just keep that in mind!

how to get around seattle

A day in Seattle

Alright let’s get to it! The guide below will walk you through how to see Seattle in one day. And because it’s nice to have options, you’ll get alternative recommendations so you can customize your Seattle itinerary based on what you want to do .

And for the purposes of seeing as much as you can in a day, this guide assumes you’ll start the day early in Seattle. If you’re flying in or planning to get in mid-morning, adjust as needed.

Let’s dive in!

Visit the original Starbucks

original starbucks

Estimated time: 5 – 30 minutes Schedule: 8:00 – 9:00am

Regardless if you love Starbucks coffee or not, it’s an icon in Seattle and worth a visit. Stopping at the original Starbucks location in Downtown Seattle will set you up good for the day, as most other things are walkable from here.

While the atmosphere (and line at the door) might reflect nostalgia, the drinks inside are what you can find at most other Starbucks locations. So keep your regular order and enjoy the history!

Fun fact: the actual original Starbucks was located at 2000 Western Avenue from 1971–1976 and moved to its current location. This is currently the oldest operating Starbucks.

Location: 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101

Pike Place Market

pike place market seattle

Estimated time: 1 – 3 hours Schedule: 9:00 – 11:00am

I mean, obviously the market is going to be on your list, especially if it’s your first time to Seattle ! And honestly, even if it’s not your first visit – there’s so much to see, do and eat at Pike Place Market that it’s worth visiting over and over again.

Wanna see flying fish at the fish market? How about watching cheese made by hand? And how about finding the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers for less than $10?

It’s all at the Pike Place Market!

The best time to go to Pike Place Market is right when it opens at 9am. Although some businesses and merchants will still be opening, you’ll see far less crowds.

pike place fish company downtown

You could spend an hour here or an entire day soaking up the sights, smells and tastes of Pike Place Market. So since you’re crunched for time on this day trip to Seattle, these are a few of the highlights…

Book now: Pike Place Market food tour!

Best things to do at Pike Place Market

  • Visit the original Pike Place Fish Market . Watch them throw fish back and forth to each other. Or ship some fresh back home!
  • Shop the market. Flowers, jewelry, home decor and a whole lot more!
  • Go to Beechers Handmade Cheese . Made on-site and delicious. You’ll usually find a line out the door.
  • See the mascot, touch the pig . And if you have spare change, donate to the cause . Two bronze pigs hang out at the market and collect change for charity. More about Rachel and Billie here .
  • Grab produce to go. It’s fresh and local. And if you’re hitting the road after your day in Seattle, grab some produce for car snacks.

Location: 86 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101 (address to the fish market)

Seattle Great Wheel (for epic sights during a day in Seattle)

day trip to seattle

Estimated time: 1 hour Schedule: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Right down the street from Pike Place Market is Pier 57, home to the Seattle Great Wheel . It’s a walkable area with scenic views of Elliott Bay.

A ride on the Ferris wheel will show you the city, and is one of the top things to do in Seattle in one day! See the city’s skyline, ships and boats at the marina, and on clear days a great view of Mount Rainier.

Perfect for all ages, The Seattle Great Wheel is the largest Ferris wheel on the west coast at 175 feet tall. It’s got to be on your list of things to do in Seattle with kids !

Buy tickets in advance or at the ticket counter to keep on scheduled to be sure to see everything you want in a day in Seattle. In the peak of summer, on weekends and holidays expect a line at the big wheel, as it’s one of Seattle’s top tourist attractions. (Another reason to reserve your time in advance!)

Location: Miners Landing, 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

Alternative: Seattle Art Museum

Estimated time: 1 – 2 hours Schedule: 11:00am – 12:00pm

If you’ve got a fear of heights or just prefer art over rides, this one’s for you. The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is located in downtown and in a building that’s sleek and contemporary, and as creative as the art within it . It’s a multi-level space with a permanent art collection and often fascinating rotating exhibits.

An important part of this museum is the focus on a wide variety of cultural and ethnic art, including Native American, Asia, Mediterranean and Australian Aboriginal collections. The SAM also features a library and restaurant to check out while you’re there.

Pro tip: buy tickets in advance! As of the time of this publication, the museum only accepts reservations for guests.

Art lovers could easily spend an afternoon at the SAM, but with only one day in Seattle, it’s time to move on!

Location: 1300 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Lunch at Pike Place Market (the perfect spot to eat on this Seattle itinerary)

Beecher's handmade cheese seattle

Estimated time: 1 hour Schedule: 12:00 – 1:00pm

Return to Pike Place Market for lunch because there’s just so many incredible restaurants to try, you absolutely must eat here ! Grab a famous Flagship Sandwich from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and eat it at the picnic tables overlooking the bay.

Or try one of the many restaurants in Post Alley. From Italian to Thai, Irish to Mexican, there’s something for everyone here. A few other favorite spots to try are…

Best lunch spots Pike Place Market

  • A bowl of delicious chowder at Pike Place Chowder
  • Enjoy a classic American style yeeros at Mr. D’s Greek Delicacies
  • Farm-to-table cuisine at The Pink Door
  • Sit outdoors and people watch while enjoying delightful Pizza and Pasta Bar
  • Local and affordable seafood at Jack’s Fish Spot Seafood Bar

Oh, and be sure to grab some sweet treats to go from Three Girls Bakery , The Confectional (my favorite) or Joe Chocolate Co .

If you really want to get into the food scene in Seattle, be sure to check into the best Pike Place Market food tours . Yum!!

Olympic Sculpture Park

seattle itinerary see olympic park

Estimated time: up to 1 hour Schedule: 1:00 – 2:00pm

Walk off all that food by heading down to the Olympic Sculpture Park . Just a few blocks away from Pike Place Market is this sculpture park. It’s surprisingly serene and relaxing considering the hustle and bustle of the city and the nearby bay. It’s also got great views of the entire area, perfect for seeing Seattle in 1 day!

Walk among the giant sculptures and absorb the city sights all around you. Made with different types and styles of art, the sculpture garden is fun to look at for all ages. In fact, it reminded me of the sculpture park in Minneapolis, Minnesota which I visited as part of a Midwest road trip .

Bonus: there’s a glass pavilion on site with public restrooms. It’s free, although they take donations if you’d like to donate a couple bucks to keep the place clean and running.

Location: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Book a photo shoot: The best souvenir, booking a photo shoot while traveling preserves memories of your vacation! I love Flytographer because the photo sessions are fun, easy and affordable. you can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code SSST.

From here, you can take the Seattle Center Monorail , drive a rental car or take a ride share to your next destination…

Space Needle

space needle things to see in a day in seattle

Estimated time: 1 hour Schedule: 2:00 – 3:00pm

It’s an iconic landmark in Seattle since 1962, and one that’s recognized all over the world!

If this is one of your top things you’re most excited to see, then riding to the top of the Space Needle is a must! It’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance to reserve your time – especially if you’re only spending a day in Seattle you’re crunched for time!

Once at the top, the views are spectacular. You’ll get 360 degree views of the city, Mount Rainier plus the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges, all from 605 feet above ground!

If you only kind of want to see it, then simply driving by or walking the grounds is an option, too. You can get some fun photos and see it up close without spending the time to ride to the top.

Location: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Chihuly Garden and Glass (a must-see for one day in Seattle)

Estimated time: 1-2 hours Schedule: 3:00 – 4:00pm

Located right near the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass . It’s one of the most unique things to do in Seattle, and a fun stop for all ages.

The works from famous glass artist Dale Chihuly, this glass museum is full of vibrant colors and designs, all breathtakingly spectacular. There are 6 rooms inside the exhibit and an outdoor garden to stroll. There’s even a theater to watch how the exquisite designs are made.

You could easily devote an afternoon here, but since you’re only spending a day in Seattle, be aware of your time as you explore this place!

Pro tip: be sure to listen to the free audio tour on your phone as you walk the museum and see the pieces.

Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Quick note: if you’re planning to see the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden Glass and more attractions, I highly recommend the Seattle CityPASS . You’ll save up to 46% off admission prices!

kerry park views of seattle space needle

Estimated time: up to 30 minutes Schedule: 4:00 – 4:30pm

Next we’re going to venture a little further from downtown. If you don’t have a vehicle, I recommend taking a ride share to get to Kerry Park.

Kerry Park is a spectacular spot in Seattle to see the city skyline . From here, you’ll be able to view the Space Needle, downtown, waterfront park, the bay and on a clear day, Mount Rainier in the background.

It’s one of the best views in all of Seattle, and can be seen quickly or you could spend a bit more time to sit and relax.

The park itself isn’t very big and doesn’t have a lot of parking, so be prepared to walk a little. If you’re traveling with kids, watch out for the drop-off and hill at the lookout as it’s steep.

Location: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119

This next spot is a good one, but no where near downtown. You’ll need a car or ride share to get here, and plan to allow at least 20 minutes travel time.

a day in seattle at Alki beach

Estimated time: 1-2 hours Schedule: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Alki Beach in Seattle is one of the best sand beaches in the whole area! Nestled right on the Elliott Bay, the waves are fierce enough to crash on the beach. Water temperatures peak at about 57 degrees in the summer, so not very many people swim, even on the warmest of days.

The beach is deep enough to sit on the sand and enjoy the water and waves. There’s also sand volleyball courts set up and on most weekends you’ll find teams playing volleyball.

The area is built up with steps for sitting on, so you don’t actually have to get sandy if you don’t want to, perfect if you only have a day in Seattle and don’t want to worry about bringing extra beach gear. By the way, if you love these kinds of pebble coastal beaches, head further north to experience the best of North Vancouver Island , including Cape Scott Provincial Park, Grant Bay, Malcolm Island and more.

There are a few palm trees sprinkled throughout the area. It’s not quite like the gorgeous beaches of Aruba or as warm as Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico , but it will certainly do for any beach lover!

Location: 2665 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Duke’s Seafood (a favorite during a day in Seattle)

dukes seafood tacos Alki beach

Estimated time: 1 hour Schedule: 6:00 – 7:00pm

Okay, when you’re in Seattle, you absolutely must eat at Duke’s Seafood ! With several locations to choose from, you’ll likely be close to one. Especially if you follow this guide on how to spend one day in Seattle!

They’re known for…. well, everything! From the fish and chips, crab ‘un’ cakes, bread bowl clam chowder (served in 4 size options), you’ll find really good seafood at Duke’s.

And can I share something else about Duke’s Seafood? They have incredible margaritas! As a margarita lover, this means a lot to have the perfect marg alongside fish tacos. I mean, their margaritas are right up there with the margs in Old Town San Diego – and that’s saying a lot !

Duke’s Seafood has locations in Alki, Bellevue, Lake Union, Green Lake, Ruston Way, Kent Station and Southcenter. It’s some of the best seafood in Tacoma , Seattle and the surrounding area!

Location: 2516 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 (at Alki Beach)

This is the last stop on this Seattle itinerary, but I encourage you to check out the bonus activities below and incorporate some into your day.

If you love quickly visiting a city and seeing the top sights, you’ll definitely want to add spending one day in Rome to your bucket list. The incredible history and architecture in the city is simply unbeatable.

Bonus activity: visit the flagship REI location

Swap this activity out for another on this list, or squeeze it in before heading to Alki Beach.

seattle in a day visiting REI

Estimated time: up to 1 hour

So many cool, founding companies in Seattle, right? You’ll want to drive or ride share over to REI, as it’s a bit off from downtown, located in the Cascade neighborhood. And to be honest, you’ll probably miss it if you didn’t know it was there!

The flagship REI store is disguised under heavy foliage, right in the city! Waterfalls and lush, tree-lined paths welcome you as you walk to the front door . It’s a welcome change from the concrete city that surrounds REI.

If you’re an outdoor lover (like I am), then make time to visit REI on your one day in Seattle! Read more about the history of REI here .

waterfall at REI store

And by the way, if you enjoy hiking, here’s a few guides to inspire future travels!

  • 8 Incredible Hikes in Glacier National Park
  • 10 Canyonlands National Parks that Promise Epic Views
  • 30 Best Hiking Trails for Beginners (all across the USA)
  • Gorgeous Hiking and More in Dillon, CO
  • 12 Top-rated Hikes in Arches National Park
  • 16 Scenic Hikes in the Midwest You’ll Love

Anyway, grab any gear you’ve been eyeing while you’re here!

Location: 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Day trip to Seattle: additional things to do

what to see in one day in seattle downtown skyline

It’s nice to have options, isn’t it? Well just in case one of the things above isn’t your cuppa tea, here are some alternative ideas for how to fill your time!

One day in Seattle: more ideas

  • Seattle Aquarium . Be sure to book in advance to witness sea otters, seals, octopus, a variety of birds, fish and more!
  • Underground tour of Seattle. After a massive fire in 1889, the current city was rebuilt above the old one. Touring past storefronts and sidewalks through interconnecting tunnels underground is a fun, unique way to see into the city’s unique history.
  • Walkable Waterfront Park. This area includes 20 piers to eat, relax and enjoy the sights. Many whale watching tours start from this area, too.
  • Museum of Pop Culture. If you’re a pop culture fan, you’ll love this place! You could spend just an hour seeing the highlights or a whole day exploring everything music from Disney to Pearl Jam. This is also one of the best things to do in winter in Seattle !
  • Freemont Troll. A weirdly fun attraction just about 15 minutes drive north of downtown Seattle. It’s a photo op that kids and adults will love. Kind of reminds me of the Breckenridge Troll in Colorado!
  • Market Theater Gum Wall . If you’re into germy things, anyways! 😆 Located in an alley under Pike Place Market, feel free to leave your mark…er, gum, here.
  • Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square . This lovely gem is a beautiful, serene spot in a busy city! I love that you can hear it as you drive by! And fun fact, it’s located at the founding location of UPS!
  • Gas Works Park. A huge park built on a former coal gasification plant. It’s a fun spot for relaxing, picnicking, kayaking and enjoying views of Seattle across the water.

Alright do you have your plan set for your day trip to Seattle? Next let’s go over a few more details for your time in the city.

Where to stay in Seattle

downtown views

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Seattle to take full advantage of your full day of exploring, I got you!

To stay close to the action, you’ll want to get accommodations in downtown, Belltown, Lower Queen Anne or the Cascade areas. Here’s a few places below that are within these areas…

Places to stay in Seattle:

  • Seattle Marriott Waterfront , for best views of the bay
  • The Charter Seattle , closest to the action
  • Mayflower Park Hotel , historic hotel in prime location
  • Belltown Inn , affordable luxury
  • Vacation rental properties in Seattle for every budget

I like staying in hotels and vacation rental properties, and using a search site like Booking.com allows you to search both at the same time. And bonus – it’s one of the more affordable travel sites out there!

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

What to pack for Seattle

see Seattle in a day

Real quick, before wrapping up this Seattle itinerary, let’s talk about things that will make your day exploring this city even better.

  • Comfy shoes . Spending a day in Seattle, you’re going to be walking a lot and you don’t want to be uncomfortable. Consider versatile travel shoes perfect for the city.
  • Over the shoulder bag or purse. The most convenient way to hold your money while exploring, plus a larger bag supports small shopping purchases, too! Make sure you get one with a zipper so it’s more difficult for pickpocketers to take advantage of you.
  • Rain jacket . Let’s face it, Seattle is known for rain. If you’re visiting anytime except during the peak of summer, you could face drizzly rain. Your day will still be awesome, but packing a jacket might make you more comfortable. This is my favorite lightweight jacket I took to Seattle.
  • Mace. As a traveling female, I always carry mace with me! Just note if you’re flying in you’ll need to pack it in your checked luggage.

A day in Seattle (a recap)

public market sign

Seattle is a fun, vibrant city that is fun to explore. Between the historic charm, sweeping views of the water and surrounding mountains and activities for all ages, Seattle is full of exciting things to do in any amount of time.

Here’s a recap!

One day in Seattle:

  • 8:00am Visit the original Starbucks
  • 9:00am Pike Place Market
  • 11:00am Seattle Great Wheel or Seattle Art Museum
  • 12:00pm Lunch at Pike Place Market
  • 1:00pm Olympic Sculpture Park
  • 2:00pm Space Needle
  • 3:00pm Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • 4:00pm Kerry Park
  • 5:00pm Alki Beach
  • 6:00pm Dinner at Duke’s Seafood

Add in a few bonuses or alternative spots above, and you’ve got your customized Seattle itinerary! Have fun exploring this city!

Related content to read next: Ultimate Guide to Skyline Trail Mount Rainier 22 Best Hikes in Mount Rainier NP: Cool Trails You’ll Love 33 Amazing Spring Break Ideas on a Budget 28 Absolutely Best National Parks to Visit in Summer 26 Places to Visit in Fall in the USA You’ll Love 30 Incredibly Warm Winter Vacations in the US

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

one perfect day Seattle itinerary what you can't miss

Suvarna Arora

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

It sounds like Seattle is a nice place to visit.

simplyjolayne

Monday 4th of October 2021

We did a scavenger hunt in Seattle the last time we were there and it was awesome. We saw lots of things we wouldn't have otherwise known about, ie., the gum wall!

Oh that sounds like an awesome experience! A great idea anywhere, but I bet it was really fun to see Seattle while doing a scavenger hunt.

Sunday 3rd of October 2021

So many fun and cool things to do in Seattle. This is a perfect one-day itinerary!

Holly Lavender

Saturday 2nd of October 2021

I love Seattle, Kerry Park is honestly has the best views! I actually ended up there trying to find the Grey's Anatomy house haha.

Haha that's awesome!🤣 I agree Kerry Park is a must!

Katie Diederichs

I LOVE Seattle! It seems I find new things to do there on every trip (and I've been there many times!). One of my favorite things about the city is how close it is to nature. Oh, and the amazing food scene! Great tips for how to spend a day in Seattle!

Yessssss Katie! So many great things about the city that make you want to see more! Thanks for hanging out on the blog today :)

Full Suitcase Travel Blog

One Day in New York: Itinerary for NYC Top Sights (+ Map & Local’s Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

One Day in New York: Itinerary for NYC Top Sights (+ Map & Local’s Tips)

Visiting New York City for a day and wondering how to make the most of your time and see some of the main landmarks? In this guide, we share a detailed 1-day NYC itinerary that covers some of the ‘musts’ in the most efficient way.

Good to know: This one-day New York itinerary is best suited for first-time visitors and everyone who wants to see the top sights and the best places that the Big Apple is famous for in just a day.

Of course, you can’t see all the best places in NYC in a day (so you’ll definitely want to come back for a longer visit). But – if you plan well – you can visit a few of the most famous sights in New York in one day.

This itinerary includes the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, the Financial District, Ground Zero, and some of the best views in the city. You can soak up the unique atmosphere through various parts of Manhattan, and maybe even catch a Broadway show or mingle with locals at a rooftop bar…

Though one day in New York City is not a lot of time, with proper planning, you can accomplish quite a bit. To help you do that, we asked for recommendations from NYC-loca l, fellow travel writer Sean Lau of LivingOutLau . He grew up and lived in New York for over 15 years and in this guide, he shows you how to maximize your 24 hours in NYC and experience as much as you can.

Top Experiences in NYC:

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island .
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum .
  • Top of The Rock .
  • SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt .

New York Central Park and Manhattan aerial view

This itinerary is packed with some of the best spots that you can see in New York in a day. It will help you plan every activity from sunrise to midnight to make sure you don’t miss anything important. 

In addition, we include a map indicating all the places mentioned in this guide and planning tips to make the most out of your day.

You can also find some practical tips for visiting NYC because we all know how intimidating it can be to visit such a big and bustling city, even more so if it’s your first trip. You can find all this info and the map at the bottom of the article, together with a short overview of the detailed itinerary that we start with.

But first – our suggestions for the best places we recommend visiting in the Big Apple in a day!

New York one day itinerary

What to do in New York in one day:

Brooklyn Bridge

There is no bridge in NYC more iconic than the Brooklyn Bridge , a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge that spans the East River and connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. And what is more fitting for the so-called “City That Never Sleeps” than to visit this iconic landmark at sunrise?

There is a good reason for this. Brooklyn Bridge during the day can be one of the most crowded places in NYC. The bridge is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, so it is always filled with people.

Visiting early in the morning, you can appreciate this beautiful Instagram location in NYC at its fullest potential. You don’t absolutely have to arrive as soon as the sun rises (this might be easier in winter than in summer), but starting sightseeing as early as possible is also the best way to ensure that you make the most of your day in New York. So try to get here as early as you can.

TIP: We recommend getting on the bridge from the Manhattan side and walking about halfway before turning back. Walking back towards the city center, you can get some stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from here.

Brooklyn Bridge in New York City USA

Financial District – Wall Street

The Financial District is situated in Lowest Manhattan, making it the perfect place to visit in NYC after Brooklyn Bridge. This area is sometimes referred to as FiDi, and is home to some of New York’s most famous attractions such as Wall Street and Ground Zero.

Start your visit with Wall Street , the heart of the financial district in NYC. Visitors will find historical buildings such as the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) and Federal Hall (where George Washington became the country’s first president). 

The symbol of Wall Street is the Charging Bull , a 3-ton bronze bull that represents the prosperity of NYC. Rubbing its testicles is said to bring good luck! And if you visit early in the morning, you won’t have to wait in queue just to rub them.

TIP: The Financial District is also an excellent place to grab some breakfast . We recommend trying something local, such as a smoked salmon bagel or a bacon egg and cheese on a roll from a deli! 

Wall Street sign NYC

Ground Zero – 9/11 Memorial

After seeing the Wall Street area, head towards Ground Zero , the site where the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded. After the Twin Towers were destroyed, there was nothing but debris and rubble at Ground Zero. But now the site has been rebuilt, and many of the most impressive structures of NYC reside there.

The most breathtaking site at Ground Zero is the 9/11 Memorial Pools . These reflective pools are built at the footprints of the twin towers and have an area of 1 acre. It is an impressive engineering feat and also the biggest manmade waterfall in the world.

You may also want to check out the 9/11 Memorial & Museum . For this, it’s essential to plan in advance and book the timed-entry tickets . This will usually save you at least an hour if not more. However, with just one day in NYC, even with skip-the-line tickets, you probably won’t have enough time to do this museum justice (most people recommend at least 1.5-2 hours inside). If you decide to visit inside, get the 10 am tickets and adjust the rest of the itinerary accordingly and based on your interests.

Next, head over to the Oculus at the World Trade Center . This is arguably the most uniquely-shaped building in NYC and one of the most expensive and extravagant railway stations in the world. On the exterior, the Oculus is a steel building with wing-shaped tips sprawling towards the sky. It is designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and the building resembles a hand releasing a dove.

The exterior of the Oculus is spectacular, but the interior is far from lackluster. The steel ribs create perfect symmetry. With the elegant white marble decor, it is one of the most beautiful places in NYC. The building houses various shops and you can just wander around a bit admiring its unique interior. It can get really busy here during the morning commute, but if you come at around 10 am, the biggest crowds will likely have passed.

9 11 Memorial Pools, Ground Zero, New York

The High Line

Next on this itinerary is the High Line , one of the most unique places to visit in NYC . The former freight rail line has become one of the best green spaces in the city. Spanning a total of 1.45-mile, this elevated structure runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan’s West Side.

The Highline’s unique feature is its ability to integrate with the urban spaces around it. It is rare that green space and a busy urban area can co-exist so harmoniously, and that is exactly what the High Line has done.

It’s difficult to describe this unique place and no pictures do it justice. The architecture , the art installations , the street art , the views of the city and Hudson River, and many other details make it one of my personal favorite places in the city. It’s a nice place to experience yet another facet of the Big Apple, and a great addition to your 1-day NYC itinerary.

Good to know: Walking the entire length of the High Line takes about 30-45 minutes. If you want to shorten it a bit, start around W 18th St on the High Line and finish on W 34th. Along the way, make sure you check out the view on W 23rd Street and the giant skyscrapers of Hudson Yards. The views on the High Line are spectacular.

Getting here: The distance from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan to the start of the High Line on Gansevoort Street is about 2.2 miles and it would take you about 45-60 minutes to walk here. To maximize your time, we recommend getting an Uber or a taxi. A nice alternative is biking along the Hudson River Greenway. You can use one of the city bikes for that.

The High Line in New York City

Lunch at Mercado Little Spain

At the end of the High Line, just next to the Vessel, there is a nice food court called Mercado Little Spain . It’s located on the street level of the mall at Hudson Yards.

Here, you’ll find bars, kiosks, and restaurants serving authentic Spanish and Portuguese dishes. You can see their website for the menu and other info.

This could be a nice place for a quick early lunch. The food court is open daily from 11 am, so it would be a good fit with this itinerary, before heading to your next activity which is about 20 minutes walk from here.

Alternatively, you can also have lunch after the Statue of Liberty Cruise or even later in the day – it depends on your preferences.

Mercado Little Spain in NYC

Statue of Liberty Cruise

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks of North America , not just in NYC. It is a gift from France to commemorate the US and France’s alliance during the American Revolutionary War. 

It would be unthinkable to plan any trip to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty. However…

The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, and the only way to visit it is during a guided tour. As memorable as it is to set foot on Liberty Island and climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, it’s not something we’d recommend with just one day in NYC.

Besides, when you are that close to the 93-meter-tall statue, you don’t really see much of it. That is why we recommend doing a Liberty of Statue cruise . That way, you get close enough to appreciate its craftsmanship, but far enough to take photos and still see its entirety. It’s also the best use of your limited time.

One day in New York - Statue of Liberty is a must

Good to know: Most Statue of Liberty tours recommend planning 4 – 6 hours for a visit. Unless you are prepared to skip half of the other places in this itinerary, you simply won’t have time to do it with 1 day in NYC. If, however, you absolutely want to visit the Statue of Liberty, check out this early-access tour , book the 8.45 am option, and you’ll likely be done by 1-2 pm.

TIP: There are countless ferry and cruise options when it comes to visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. However, with just one day in New York and trying to maximize your time in the most efficient way, we recommend this 1.5-hour cruise that starts from Pier 83 .

Depending on the season, they usually have a departure at around noon, which will ‘split’ your day and let you rest your legs a bit. In addition, this tour is a good fit for this itinerary location-wise. Furthermore, not only do you get close to Liberty Island, enjoy the Manhattan skyline, but the boat also passes under the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s also one of the highest-rated Statue of Liberty cruises in NYC.

Another highly-rated option at this same location is this 45-minute speedboat tour (May-September only). They have hourly departures starting from 11 am, so it could fit this itinerary as well.

Manhattan skyline as seen from Statue of Liberty cruise NYC

Central Park

No NYC itinerary is complete without a visit to the famed Central Park , an 843-acre park between Upper West Side and Upper East Side. This massive park is filled with tons of unique little attractions, and as a result, it can be very overwhelming for first-time visitors.

So after the boat tour, get a taxi/ Uber to the park. We recommend using the entrance at West 72nd Street – it’s the closest to some of the nicest parts of the park (see below).

As someone who has frequented Central Park, I recommend that you visit the Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge . Those two attractions are arguably the most scenic locations inside the park.

The Bethesda Terrace is a bi-level terrace that features an arcade and the famous Bethesda Fountain. At the top of the fountain is the iconic “Angel of the Waters” statue that was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873. 

Bethesda Terrace in New York Central Park

A short walk away from Bethesda Terrace is the Bow Bridge , one of the most romantic places in New York City. Earned its name from the bow-like arc, this 1862 bridge offers stunning views of Fifth Avenue. With a combination of the bridge, Manhattan’s best skyscrapers, and a scenic lake, this spot is drop-dead gorgeous, especially with the fall foliage.

With limited time in NYC, you won’t be able to explore many other parts of Central Park. However, you’ll walk through the southern part of the park on the way to your next destination anyway. We recommend taking the Mall and Literary Walk and checking out the Pond at Central Park .

Good to know: The walk from Bethesda Terrace in the middle of the park to your next destination -top of the Rock – is about 1.3 miles and should take about 30-45 minutes.

Bow Bridge in Central Park New York

Top of the Rock

No trip to New York would be complete without enjoying the amazing views over the city from above. Although there are many amazing observation decks in NYC, there is still no better one than Top of the Rock , the observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center .

The view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock is hands-down the best in the city. It’s also one of the best spots to see the sunset in NYC. However, whether you’ll actually be here at sunset, will highly depend on what time of the year you visit and what else you decide to see and do in the evening.

Practical info: The Top of the Rock is open daily the whole year round and is accessible until late at night (11 pm or midnight depending on the season). Keep in mind that the last elevator to the top goes up 1 hour before the closing time. All tickets give you access to 3 levels of the observation deck, including the outdoor one on the 70th floor with panoramic views of the city.

Good to know: Top of the Rock is extremely popular, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . You need about 1 hour for a visit.

NYC Manhattan view from Top of the Rock observation deck at twilight

OR The Empire State Building

Alternative option: If you rather visit the iconic Empire State Building instead of the Top of the Rock, it’s possible to include it in this itinerary as well.

In that case, you’ll have to walk 1 mile further (or simply take a taxi there from Central Park).

Needless to say, it’s also extremely popular. So also here you have to book the skip-the-line tickets in advance .

The Empire State Building is also open very late (11-12 pm, depending on the day).

Manhattan view from the Empire State Building - NYC in one day

Broadway Show

If you want to make the absolute most out of your day in New York City, you can enjoy some of the best NYC nightlife, starting with a Broadway show . The theatrical productions on Broadway in NYC are some of the best in the world, and you have a huge variety of plays and musicals to choose from.

Going to a Broadway show as a tourist can be a little bit intimidating. Where do you get tickets? What are the shows that are on? How do I avoid counterfeit tickets? There are so many things that could go wrong.

As someone who’s been to several Broadway shows in NYC, the best way to go about securing your ticket is actually online via a third-party website such as HelloTickets . Not only do you get to see the different shows in the various Broadway theaters (there are 41 in the city), but you can immediately reserve your seat and time. 

The prices are pretty much the same everywhere. Plus, the alternative is running around looking for Broadway ticketing booths, and that would be very time-consuming (not something you want to do with just a day in NYC!).

TIP: You can’t go wrong with Aladdin (New Amsterdam Theater) or The Lion King (Minskoff Theater)! The Lion King plays right at Times Square, and the Aladdin is a few blocks further south. We indicated both theaters on the map as well – both fit this itinerary really well.

Note: Depending on the time of your Broadway show, you might want to consider exploring Times Square first (see below)! In this area, you’ll also find plenty of places where you can get dinner.

Broadway New York City

Times Square

At night, the legendary Times Square comes alive! In fact, the term “night” doesn’t really exist in Times Square, because the lights from the billboards, buildings, and every single crevice of the area are so bright.

Times Square is sometimes referred to as the heart of NYC, and that cannot be any more accurate. An invigorating wave of energy sweeps through this part of Midtown Manhattan and the giant red staircase above the TKTS booth are filled with tourists trying to get the perfect photo.

If you are lucky, you might even encounter the famed Naked Cowboy! If you are not, you will encounter street performers in horrible costumes looking to take a photo with you and then ask you for ridiculous amounts of money. Just know what you are getting yourself into when taking a photo with them!

New York Times Square at night

Rooftop Bar

After exploring Times Square and enjoying a Broadway Show, it is time to party (that’s if you still feel your legs). Nightlife in NYC is one of the best in the world, and there is no better place to enjoy it than one of the rooftop bars . So even if you don’t want to party, you can still enjoy the immaculate night views from a rooftop bar!

One of the best rooftop bars in NYC is 230 Fifth on 27th St and 5th Ave. Situated in the center of Midtown Manhattan, some of the most famous NYC landmarks are within eyes’ reach. The venue often features live music and a variety of drinks. In the winter, they have their iconic igloos, which allow you to enjoy the NYC views on their outdoor rooftop without being cold!

However, it’s quite a walk from Broadway. There are a few other great options that are closer by (and would save you lots of walking) – such as Haven Rooftop , Bar 54 , Castell Rooftop Lounge , or St. Cloud Rooftop Bar to mention just a few. We indicated all of these on our map below as well.

Cocktail at a rooftop bar - NYC in a day

1 Day in NYC: Itinerary & Map

Below is a quick summary of our suggested 1-day New York itinerary and a map to give you a better idea of where everything is.

Please note that the times in the itinerary are the starting times of the activities and are indicated just for your reference, to give you a rough idea of how much time to spend in each place and how to plan your time.

New York 1-day itinerary:

  • Early morning: Brooklyn Bridge (great place for sunrise if you want to start very early).
  • Financial District (Wall St, Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial).
  • +-10.30 am: Taxi/Uber/bike to the High Line.
  • Walk the High Line and have a quick lunch at Mercado Little Spain (or lunch after the boat tour).
  • +-12-12.30 pm: Pier 83 Statue of Liberty cruise (takes 1.5 hours) or speedboat tour (takes about 45 minutes and has more departures, but you need to arrive a bit longer in advance).
  • +-2-3 pm: Taxi/ Uber to Central Park.
  • Central Park.
  • Top of the Rock (or Empire State Building ) and early dinner.
  • +- 6-8 pm: Broadway Show .
  • Times Square.
  • Rooftop bar.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Is 1 Day in NYC Enough?

No, one day is not enough for New York City. There is so much to see that even in 3-4 days, you would just scratch the surface.

However, with a day in New York (and advance planning!), you can get a glimpse of some of NYC’s best attractions including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Financial District, and soaring views from one of the observation decks. If you plan well, you can even see a Broadway Show and get a bit off the beaten path at the High Line.

We hope that our suggested itinerary will help you plan an amazing day trip to New York! See also below for some practical tips and info on where to stay and what to know before your visit.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: New York Itinerary for 2 Days

Where to Stay

Depending on your travel plans – and even with just a day in New York – you might need a place to stay in the city. Ideally, you stay for at least two nights as this will give you one full day to explore.

For this itinerary, it would be best to stay in Lower Manhattan (where you start in the morning) or close to Times Square (where you end in the evening).

Here are some hotel recommendations that would fit this itinerary well, for various budgets (although ‘budget’ is a relative term in NYC):

  • $$$$$ Times Square EDITION
  • $$$$ citizenM New York Times Square
  • $$$ Pod Times Square
  • $$ Element Times Square West

TIP: Using the map below, you can find some of the best deals for accommodations in Manhattan. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Practical Tips for Visiting NYC

  • Wear comfortable shoes. Since our NYC itinerary has strategically placed some of the attractions in the same area together, you will walk a lot to maximize your time.
  • Take a taxi/Uber for longer distances. Subway is also ok, but it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors and it won’t always be the best option depending on where you are going.
  • Carry as little as possible with you . Many attractions in NYC have strict security checks, some ask you to leave backpacks in the lockers, etc. We prefer to pack a small crossbody bag for city trips (something  like this ).
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. New Yorkers have a reputation for being very unfriendly, but that is not always true. Most of us are actually very nice and willing to help.
  • Don’t just stop in the middle of the sidewalk. If there is one thing that annoys New Yorkers, it is stopping in the middle of the sidewalk. NYC is a busy city and people are always trying to get to places. Step to the side and make sure you are not blocking anyone’s path before you stop!
  • Decide which airport you will fly into. If you have the option to choose which NYC airport to fly to, we highly recommend Newark International Airport. Though it is in New Jersey, it is the quickest one to get to Manhattan, which is where you will want to stay if you only have limited time.
  • Book as much as possible in advance! NYC is an extremely popular destination, the prices are high and it’s busy everywhere you go. The sooner you book your accommodations, the more availability, the better prices. Also, planning and booking your tours/tickets in advance is the only way to make the most out of your time in this overwhelming city. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting half of your time looking for information and queuing.
  • Pack a  portable charger  for your smartphone. You’ll be using your phone all day – to navigate the city, show tickets at the attractions, take pictures, etc.

This concludes our 1-day NYC itinerary. Of course, this is just one of the gazillion possibilities for how to spend one day in New York… But if you want to see some of the most famous places and soak up the bustling atmosphere that the Big Apple is famous for, this itinerary should help you do just that.

More travel inspiration for the USA:

  • Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
  • Philadelphia 1 Day Itinerary
  • Chicago 2 Days Itinerary
  • San Diego Itinerary
  • Los Angeles 3 Days Itinerary
  • Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary
  • Grand Canyon 1 Day Itinerary
  • For many more destinations all over the country, take a look at our USA travel blog .

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

NYC 1 day itinerary

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Sending a big thank you for the fantastic New York city itinerary! We explored many places you mentioned. It wasnt possible without you.

Glad to help, Nandhini. Happy travels!

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

Germany 1-Day Itineraries and Travel Tips

Germany 24-hour itineraries and other travel tips, including Berlin, Munich, and Bavaria 1-day travel guides. Plus, get other Germany vacation inspiration for day trips, hotels, restaurants, and more.

5 Best Day Trips From Munich, Germany

March 13, 2024 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Bavaria views by Neuschwanstein Castle on a day trip from Munich

International Cities, Charming Towns, & Historic Castles Can All Be Visited on a Day Trip From Munich Munich, Germany serves as an excellent hub for exploring the captivating destinations surrounding it. From picturesque castles to charming villages, the best day trips … [Read more...]

10 Best Day Trips from Berlin

November 2, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

places to visit for 1 day

Travel Experts Share Their Tips for the Best Day Trips from Berlin When most people visit the northern part of Germany, they make Berlin the focal point. Even cruise lines that stop in the port cities of Rostock or Warnemunde often whisk visitors away to the city of Berlin. … [Read more...]

One Day in Berlin, Germany: What to Do for an Unforgettable 24 Hours in Berlin

June 28, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

places to visit for 1 day

The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary for Berlin Visiting Berlin, Germany is a can't-miss experience as the city has become a cultural and intellectual hub in Europe. Berlin is a city that pulses with a vibe of looking forward despite a tumultuous, often painful past. Today in … [Read more...]

One Day in Munich Itinerary: Top 10 + More Top Things to Do

Marienplatz Square in Munich with New Town Hall in the background.

A Detailed Itinerary for What to See in Munich in One Day Munich is the third largest city in Germany and the largest in Germany's Bavarian region, an area in southern Germany predominately known for scenic beauty, frescoed buildings, and lots of beer, which can make it hard … [Read more...]

One Day in Bavaria, Germany

Holy Ghost Infirmary Church in Fussen

One Day Itinerary: Bavaria, Germany What to See and Do When Short on Time in the Bavaria Region of Southern Germany... I didn’t have a ton of time to spend in Bavaria, Germany, but I was determined to experience as much of it as I could without spending all my time in the … [Read more...]

  • Next Page »

Search for a Destination…

Here's your guide to Texas' top 10 state parks to visit this Earth Day weekend

Celebrate the weekend with just you, the outdoors and mother earth..

places to visit for 1 day

Texas boasts one of the most extensive portfolios of ecosystems of any state in the country. With that, it also brings an impressive state park system of 89 locations covering more than 171 million acres.

In celebration of Earth Day on Monday, here are the top 10 state parks to visit in Texas this weekend, according to Yelp .

10. Old Tunnel State Park, Fredericksburg

Although it's the smallest state park in Texas, Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg features a historical railroad tunnel that is home to 2 to 3 million bats.

  • Pets allowed: No.
  • Camping allowed: No.
  • RVs allowed: No.

9. Inks Lake State Park, Burnet

Inks Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre park known for its 803-acre lake used for fishing, scuba diving and other water recreation.

  • Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
  • Camping allowed: Yes.

8. Brazos Bend State Park, Needville

In Needville, Brazos Bend State Park is a 4,897-acre reserve with a wide range of wildlife, including birds, alligators, deer, bobcats and raccoons.

  • RVs allowed: Yes.

7. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin

On the outskirts of Austin, the 641-acre McKinney Falls State Park offers fishing, mountain biking and hiking.

  • Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed; dogs cannot enter water.
  • RVs allowed: Yes, less than 30 feet long.

6. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City

A 5,212-acre park in Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Parks offers 6 miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking and off-road bicycling.

  • RVs allowed: No. Car camping is also not allowed.

5. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis

With more than 2,700 acres, Davis Mountains State Park has one of the highest peaks in the state. Visitors can hike, bike or take scenic drives throughout the park.

4. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque

The third-largest state park in Texas, Caprock Canyons has nearly 14,000 acres and is home to the official state bison herd. Also in the park is the historic Clarity Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel that houses hundreds of thousands of bats.

3. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose

Dinosaur Valley State Park, nestled alongside the picturesque Paluxy River in Glen Rose, offers visitors a chance to witness ancient history firsthand. Here, dinosaur footprints are preserved in certain areas, providing a glimpse of the distant past.

2. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet

Longhorn Cavern is an ancient underground riverbed, covered in calcite crystals and home to millions of bats. The state park also has an extensive hiking trail system.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon

The second-largest canyon in the United States, the 60-mile-long, 800-foot-deep Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers hiking, fishing, equestrian rides, bikes and camping. There are also nearby businesses that offer additional recreational activities, such as ziplining and "TEXAS Outdoor Musical" at the park's amphitheater. Cabins are also available for visitors.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Will Taylor Swift join Lana Del…

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Food & Drink
  • Amusement Parks
  • Theater & Arts

Things To Do

Music + concerts, music + concerts | coachella 2024: will taylor swift join lana del rey for weekend 2 fans think so.

places to visit for 1 day

What started as a few lone Swifties casting early speculation that Taylor Swift would join Lana Del Rey doing her Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival headliner set has become a full-blown internet conspiracy.

Taking to X and TikTok, fans of both songstresses have collected plenty of evidence for why they don’t think they’re crazy. Here’s the rundown of why they think it could happen:

At #Coachella so can’t listen to #TaylorSwift album properly, buuuut I will likely see her tomorrow with Lana Del Rey 👀 — Indigo (@Indigo_winds_) April 19, 2024
manifesting a lana del rey and taylor swift coachella performance tomorrow night 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/HEf6aGAVUS — music is my love language (@jjustanothergal) April 19, 2024

1. Taylor Swift just released an album

It’s one of the more low-hanging reasons, but it is true that Swift just put out an album. Perfect timing?

“When does Tortured Poets Department come out?” Tiktok user @callhergabbyyy asked cheekily as she pointed to its April 19 release date. “Anddd when is Lana’s set?”

She went on to speculate that Swift would, in fact, make a showing at Lana’s set.

@callhergabbyyy Taylor Swift x Coachella Weekend ✌🏼 you heard it bere first !! #taylorswift #coachella #torturedpoetsdepartment #tpd #lanadelrey ♬ Mastermind – Taylor Swift

It’s not like Swift necessarily needs the publicity: Spotify’s official X account posted that as of April 19, “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day, and Taylor Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day in Spotify history.”

On April 19th, 2024, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT became Spotify's most-streamed album in a single day, and Taylor Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day in Spotify history. pic.twitter.com/g2tzdzdgCC — Spotify (@Spotify) April 19, 2024

Not to say fans aren’t onto something, as Swift is no stranger to surprising her listeners:  “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT,” marks Swift’s 11th album, and it came with a surprise extra 15 songs, which the singer revealed in a 2 a.m. post on X. Which brings us to our next point.

2. The power of two?

Taylor Swift’s announcement that her album was a double album was full of “twos” which led fans to believe that she was hinting at a Weekend 2 performance.

It’s a 2am surprise: The Tortured Poets Department is a secret DOUBLE album. ✌️ I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here’s the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology. 15 extra songs. And now the story isn’t mine… pic.twitter.com/y8pyDK8VTd — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) April 19, 2024

“We’ve all been seeing all this stuff about twos, two this, two that, two everything,” Tiktok user @riileycarr said. “Taylor Swift will be at Coachella, Weekend 2!”

@riileycarr Will Taylor Swift perform with Lana tomorrow night at Coachella?!? #taylorsversion #taylorswift #coachella #tpd @gabby ♬ original sound – Riley

3. Swift was at Coachella last week

Whether or not it helps or hurt the case for an appearance, Weekend 1 did reveal that Taylor Swift is not, not interested in at least attending the festival.

As a colleague posted, she was spotted in the crowd several times throughout Weekend 1 with boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Sharing one last delulu theory that I am convinced Lana Del Rey is bringing out Taylor Swift tonight at Coachella to perform “Snow on the Beach” and “Fortnight” The only logic I have is I was right that she’d be there last weekend. 🔗: https://t.co/MD6uk8muY0 #Coachella #tsttpd pic.twitter.com/MP7pSAr8Z0 — Carolyn Burt (@CarolynBurt_) April 19, 2024

4. Lana allegedly sound-checked “Snow on the Beach”

Rumors are swirling around that during Del Rey’s Thursday night soundcheck, campers could hear “Snow on the Beach” – a song by Swift, featuring Del Rey.

For the record, we couldn’t find official proof.

@jessicagolich IF TAY TAY SHOWS UP TO PLAY WITH LANA TOMORROW I SIMPLY CANNOT 😱🤯 #lanadelreytaylorswiftcoachella #coachellaweekendtwo #coachellaweekendtwolanadelrey #taylorswiftcoachella #ttpd #swiftok ♬ Snow On The Beach – Taylor Swift
  • Newsroom Guidelines
  • Report an Error

More in Music + Concerts

Top takeaways from Friday, Weekend 2 at Coachella

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Do Lab brings the EDM, Faye Webster brings the Minions

Cabello sang "I LUV IT" during Lana Del Rey's Weekend 2 performance, defying rumors that the surprise guest could be Taylor Swift.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Lana Del Rey adds Camila Cabello to Weekend 2 set

"I just thought it'd be so, so cool for Norah Jones to come out here to Coachella and sing 'Don't Know Why' with me," the singer said to the crowd.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Sabrina Carpenter brings out Norah Jones as special guest

Everything we saw Friday at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: See photos of fans, fashion from Day 1 of festival’s Weekend 2

Daily Bulletin

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: See photos of fans, fashion…

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Food & Drink
  • Amusement Parks
  • Home & Garden

Things To Do

Music + concerts, music + concerts | coachella 2024: see photos of fans, fashion from day 1 of festival’s weekend 2, everything we saw friday at the coachella valley music and arts festival.

places to visit for 1 day

From music to fashion, here’s everything we saw during Day 1 of Weekend 2 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Friday, April 19.

Lana Del Rey headlines day one of the Coachella Valley...

Lana Del Rey headlines day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Lana Del Rey headlines day one of the Coachella Valley...

Lana Del Rey headlines day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Justice performs on the Outdoor stage at the Coachella Valley...

Justice performs on the Outdoor stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival...

Day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Lil Uzi Vert performs on the Coachella stage during day...

Lil Uzi Vert performs on the Coachella stage during day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Tinashe performs in the Mojave tent at the Coachella Valley...

Tinashe performs in the Mojave tent at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Bartender Katelyn Garcia, of Fontana, serves drinks at The Basement,...

Bartender Katelyn Garcia, of Fontana, serves drinks at The Basement, a hidden bar, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

A festival goer walks out of Sonny’s, a hidden bar,...

A festival goer walks out of Sonny’s, a hidden bar, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Festival goers dance in Sonny’s, a hidden bar, at the...

Festival goers dance in Sonny’s, a hidden bar, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Festival goers hang out in The Basement, a hidden bar,...

Festival goers hang out in The Basement, a hidden bar, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Loren Murray, of Thousand Oaks, left, and Joseph Montoya, of...

Loren Murray, of Thousand Oaks, left, and Joseph Montoya, of Eastvale, hang out in PDT Tropicale, a hidden bar, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Peso Pluma performs at the Coachella Stage during the Coachella...

Peso Pluma performs at the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Peso Pluma performs at the Coachella Stage during the Coachella...

Sabrina Carpenter performs on the Coachella stage during day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Brittany Howard performs at the Gobi tent during the Coachella...

Brittany Howard performs at the Gobi tent during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Brittany Howard performs at the Gobi tent during the Coachella...

Festival goers move about the Monarchs: A House in Six Parts art installation, by Leslie Lok and Sasa Zivkovic, during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Festivalgoers pose for a photograph at the Coachella Valley Music...

Festivalgoers pose for a photograph at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Young Miko performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella...

Young Miko performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Contributing Photographer)

Young Miko performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella...

Narrow Head performs in the Sonora tent during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Kokoroko performs in the Gobi tent during day one of...

Kokoroko performs in the Gobi tent during day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

DJ Sinca performs on the Do Lab stage during day...

DJ Sinca performs on the Do Lab stage during day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Fans of DJ Sinca dance during her performance on the...

Fans of DJ Sinca dance during her performance on the Do Lab stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Aissa Perico of Fresno poses for a photograph during day...

Aissa Perico of Fresno poses for a photograph during day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 19, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

  • Newsroom Guidelines
  • Report an Error

More in Music + Concerts

Top takeaways from Friday, Weekend 2 at Coachella

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Do Lab brings the EDM, Faye Webster brings the Minions

Cabello sang "I LUV IT" during Lana Del Rey's Weekend 2 performance, defying rumors that the surprise guest could be Taylor Swift.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Lana Del Rey adds Camila Cabello to Weekend 2 set

"I just thought it'd be so, so cool for Norah Jones to come out here to Coachella and sing 'Don't Know Why' with me," the singer said to the crowd.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Sabrina Carpenter brings out Norah Jones as special guest

What started as a few lone Swifties casting early speculation that Taylor Swift would join Lana Del Rey doing her headliner set has become a full-blown internet conspiracy.

Music + Concerts | Coachella 2024: Will Taylor Swift join Lana Del Rey for Weekend 2? Fans think so

  • FanNation FanNation FanNation
  • SI.COM SI.COM SI.COM
  • SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit
  • SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
  • SI Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
  • SI Showcase SI Showcase SI Showcase
  • SI Resorts SI Resorts SI Resorts
  • Depth Chart

Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier is seen on the sidelines prior to the start of the

© ANDRES LEIVA/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY

A Proposed To-Do List For Dolphins GM Chris Grier

Take a look at 10 things the Miami Dolphins should be focused on heading into the NFL draft if this franchise wants to get to the next level

  • Author: Omar Kelly

In this story:

Chris Grier usually is a popular man about this time of year.

When it's NFL draft season, the Miami Dolphins general manager's phone usually is ringing every few minutes because teams are jockeying for information and agents are pitching their prospects.

Next week represents the midway point to the NFL offseason, and via the NFL draft, which begins Thursday night, teams have a chance to set their franchise up for long-term success.

Here's a list of 10 things Grier should be focused on to help the Dolphins, who have produced four straight winning seasons but own the longest playoff win brought in the NFL, get to the next level and become legit Super Bowl contenders.

1. Sign Tua Tagovailoa to a multi-year extension

Miami needs to appease the quarterback, which means don’t embarrass him with an offer that will make him and his agent look bad to their peers but can’t handicap the Dolphins’ books in 2025 and 2026, extending the team’s window to win a championship. The Dolphins should use the contract Kyler Murray (five years, $230.5 million) got last offseason or the new deal Atlanta gave Kirk Cousins (four-year, $180 million) as the framework of what they should offer Tagovailoa because at this point Miami is bidding against itself.

2. Add a third receiver

According to Grier, a deal with Odell Beckham Jr. is “not imminent,” which means the two sides aren’t close on a contract. The Dolphins might wait to see how the 2024 draft plays out. Wide receiver happens to be one of the deeper positions in this draft, so don’t be surprised if Miami uses the team’s first- or second-round pick on an upper-echelon wideout, following Grier’s BPA (Best Player Available) approach to drafting. The Dolphins need to do better than Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft and Erik Ezukamna and might need to use pick No. 21 on LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., who would bring physicality, or Texas’ Xavier Worthy, who would bring speed to the room.

3. Find Terron Armstead’s eventual replacement

Armstead recently admitted he’s flirted with retirement for a couple of seasons, which hints that this could be his swan song in the NFL. The 12-year veteran is elite when he’s healthy, but that’s rarely the case these days. That’s why it would be ideal for the Dolphins to select an offensive lineman like Washington’s Troy Fauntanu, who can man the left guard spot his rookie season before bouncing outside to play left tackle in year two, much like Laremy Tunsil did.

4. Work on extensions for 2021 draftees

The Dolphins had a ridiculous exodus of talent this offseason because Miami didn’t get ahead of free agency and signing players like Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt and Brandon Jones to extensions heading into the final year of their rookie deals. Hopefully the franchise learned from that mistake and plans to address Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips and Jevon Holland’s contracts before the 2024 season begins. While it takes two to tango, Miami should put pace-setting contracts on the table now before the price escalates.

5. Find talent for Anthony Weaver’s scheme

Weaver will be the sixth different defensive coordinator Grier will be picking players for since taking over as Miami’s general manager in 2016, and most of them ran significantly different schemes than their predecessor. Some wanted press cornerbacks while others wanted zone corners. Some played with linebackers on the edges and some played with traditional defensive ends. Grier says Weaver has been very clear about the players who fit the scheme he intends to build for Miami, and we’ll soon learn how good Grier is at finding players that fit.

6. Acquire more second- and third-day picks

The Dolphins' stable of young, developmental, and more importantly cheap talent, is running thin, and the best way to replenish that important supply of players is through the NFL draft. The Dolphins have six draft picks, and only two of them (No. 21 and No. 55) are among the draft’s first 158 selections. Grier has hinted that he might trade pick No. 55 to acquire more selections, and that could end up being beneficial because the meat of this draft will be between rounds 2-4 from a talent standpoint. The Dolphins have had success finding and developing undrafted players, but the team’s late-round picks under Grier have been rather disappointing lately.

7. Find a trade partner that wants to unload a veteran

Teams regularly trade veteran players during and after the draft, especially once they’ve selected their replacement (see the Lions moving D’Andre Swift to the Eagles on the second day of the 2023 draft after selecting Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round). Grier had made more trades than every other general manager since gaining final say in the organization in 2019, and it would be disappointing if he didn’t turn one of Miami’s four late-round picks into a regular contributor, if not starter.

8. Find a way to make Dolphins tougher

When Grier began this rebuild in 2019 the point of emphasis was to fortify the trenches, building a forceful offensive and defensive line. Miami finally owned the trenches in 2023, but have now lost Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, Emmanuel Ogbah, Hunt and Connor Williams, five players who set the tone in past years. While Miami signed many of their replacements in free agency, it would be ideal for the Dolphins to fortify those units and improve the team’s ability to convert short-yardage situations. 

9. Add a backup center

The Dolphins need to add a proven center unless Miami’s coaches are completely content with Liam Eichenberg serving as Aaron Brewer’s backup, and won’t allow Eichenberg to compete for one of the two vacant starting guard spots. Clearly this is nitpicking, but Eichenberg, a 2021 second-round pick who has started 38 games in his first three seasons, deserves a legit chance to become a starter, and handling the second-team center reps would limit those guard opportunities.  This is an above-average crop of draftable centers, and it would benefit Miami to start developing someone young because Eichenberg is entering the final year of his rookie deal. There are also free agent options like former Chicago Bears starter Lucas Patrick, whose market should pick up after the draft.

10. Move on from unwanted pieces

Grier has a tendency to trade unwanted pieces, or players who aren’t an ideal fit for the franchise, like last year’s trade that sent Dan Feeney to the Bears for pick No. 184 in next weeks’ draft, and Noah Igbinoghene to the Dallas Cowboys in a swap of defensive backs. It’s a little early for Grier to know who does and who doesn’t fit right now, but the Dolphins might find takers for tailback Jeff Wilson, linebacker Channing Tindall and offensive guard Lester Cotton, who all might have issues making it onto Miami’s 53-man roster if the team has truly upgraded the talent base. Moving them for a 2024 or 2025 late-round pick could be beneficial to both sides.

Latest Dolphins News

Ravens’ Odell Beckham Jr. warms up prior to a game against the Texans.

Odell Beckham to Visit Dolphins As Free Agency Interest Ramps Up

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow warms up before a game.

Top-Paid Players at Every Position After NFL Free Agency

River Cracraft

Receiver Room Developments: River Back, Beckham Visit

T'Vondre Sweat

Dolphins Take Look at Longhorns

Xavien Howard

Former Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard continues to shoot his shot at Texans

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/09/primary-school-offer-day-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/

Primary school offer day 2024: Everything you need to know

Primary school offer day

Parents of three and four-year-olds will soon find out what primary school has offered their child a place for the next academic year.  

The majority of pupils will be offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools, while most will be offered their top choice.   

Here, we explain everything you need to know about primary school offer day, from when you can expect to find out, to how to appeal a decision.  

When is primary school offer day and what time are school places released?   

Parents will find out which primary school has offered their child a place for September 2024 on  Tuesday 16 April.

The decision will be sent by the local council by either letter or email. Some councils allow parents to view their results through the admissions portal or system. Exactly what time the offers will be released varies by council.

How likely am I to get my first-choice primary school?  

We want parents to feel reassured when it comes to getting one of their top choice primary schools.

In 2023, 92.5% of families received an offer from their first choice of primary school and 98.3% received an offer from one of their top three choices.

At the same time, over 1 million additional school places have been created between May 2010 and May 2023, with many more in the pipeline.

What happens after I receive an offer of a school place?  

A parent or carer must formally accept the offer by the given deadline. This is usually set through the local authority’s admissions portal or system. You’ll receive details of next steps with the offer.  

Can I appeal a primary school placement decision?  

If you’re not offered your first-choice school, you can appeal the decision . However, even if you're appealing a decision, we recommend accepting the offer your child did receive so that they have a school place if the appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting another offer won’t affect your appeal or limit other options available to you.  

Parents or carers who want to appeal a decision should first contact the school’s admission authority, which is responsible for organising the appeal panel. Parents and carers can find their school’s admission authority by visiting their local council website:  Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .  

The panel is independent and will look at the case presented by both the admission authority and the parent before coming to a decision.  

The decision of the appeal panel is binding – if the appeal is upheld, the admission authority must offer your child a place at the school.  

Admission authorities and appeal panels must comply with the statutory School Admission Appeals Code, which is available  here . Guidance for parents on the admission appeals process can also be found  here .  

How are primary school places decided?  

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. This criteria is set by the school or local council.  

While all state-funded schools must give top priority to admitting children who are in care or have been in care, admission criteria is  different for each school. They may choose to give priority to children:  

  • who live close to the school  
  • who have a brother or sister at the school already  
  • from a particular religion (for faith schools)  
  • who are eligible for the pupil premium   
  • whose parent has worked at the school for two years or more  

Your  local council  can give you information about a school’s criteria.  

Why has my child not been offered a place at one of their preferred schools?  

Some schools will receive more applications than places it has available and unfortunately not every parent will be successful. Priority must be given to those who most closely meet the school’s specific admission arrangements.  

If the local authority is unable to offer a place at one of the parents’ preferred schools, it must offer a place at another school.  

In the unlikely event that a parent does not receive an offer of a place on 17 April, parents should contact their local authority for further advice.  

Can I join a waiting list for my top-choice primary school?  

You can add your child’s name to the waiting list for any school that you’ve applied for. You should still accept the offer you received and this won’t affect where you stand in the waiting list.  

Schools must keep a waiting list for at least one term. The waiting list will be ordered by the school’s oversubscription criteria.   

In some areas, your child will be automatically added to the waiting lists of the schools you ranked more highly. In others, you must ask to be put on the waiting list. Check the school admissions section of your local authority website to find out how it works in your area.  

You may also be interested in:

  • Can I appeal a primary school offer
  • How we are growing our 30 hours free childcare offer
  • Everything you need to know about childcare support

Tags: free school places , National Offer Day , national offer day 2023 , primary school , primary school offer day , primary schools , school admissions , schools , when is primary school offer day

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about the education hub.

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies, and more.

Please note that for media enquiries, journalists should call our central Newsdesk on 020 7783 8300. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer.

Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288.

Sign up and manage updates

Follow us on social media, search by date, comments and moderation policy.

Trump's hush money trial begins Monday. Here's what to expect.

Donald Trump will become the first former president to stand trial in a criminal case next week — and he'll do so against the backdrop of a presidential campaign in which he's the presumptive Republican nominee.

Jury selection begins Monday in New York City, and the trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

Here's a look at what you need to know and what's expected to happen.

How long is jury selection expected to last?

Jury selection is expected to last one to two weeks. Starting Monday, prosecutors and lawyers for Trump will seek to whittle a pool of potentially hundreds of people to 12 jurors and six alternates. Each juror will answer 42 questions designed to discern whether they can be impartial about the polarizing former president. Questions include inquiries about what news sources they follow and whether they've ever attended any Trump rallies or protests. The jurors will be anonymous, meaning their identities will be withheld from the public because of security concerns.

A criminal trial involving Trump's company before the same judge in 2022 took a week to select 12 jurors and five alternates.

What is Trump charged with?

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records, a low-level felony. Trump faces a maximum of four years behind bars if he’s convicted.

What is the prosecution alleging?

Prosecutors allege Trump “repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election.”

At the heart of the case are allegations of various sex scandals that prosecutors say Trump tried to suppress with the help of his lawyer Michael Cohen and top executives in charge of the National Enquirer. In the final days of the election, Cohen paid $130,000 to one of the women, adult film star Stormy Daniels, to keep silent about her claim she'd had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied the allegation.

After he was elected, Trump reimbursed Cohen through a series of checks from his trust that were processed through the Trump Organization and labeled as payments "for legal services rendered" — a claim the DA says was false.

What is Trump’s defense?

Trump has maintained he didn’t do anything wrong, and while he has acknowledged reimbursing Cohen, he has said he didn’t know details about what Cohen was doing.

His lawyers are likely to target Cohen on the witness stand by painting him as a liar who loathes the former president and whose testimony shouldn’t be believed. They’re likely to be aggressive with Daniels, as well, and they’re expected to focus on comments she has made mocking Trump in an effort to portray her as biased and untrustworthy.

Who will testify for the prosecution?

Cohen, who says Trump directed him to make the payment to Daniels, is expected to be a key witness, as is Daniels. Trump's attorneys sought to bar both from testifying, but Judge Juan Merchan gave both the green light to take the stand. Daniels' former attorney Keith Davidson is likely to testify about his negotiations over the payment, a source with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Also expected to testify is Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Trump, a claim he denies. She received money from the Enquirer to keep quiet about her allegations in what prosecutors said was part of a "catch and kill" scheme designed to keep a lid on potential Trump scandals.

David Pecker, a Trump ally who was the CEO of Enquirer publisher AMI at the time, is also expected to be called, the source said. Dylan Howard, another former AMI executive involved in the discussions with Trump and Cohen, may also testify.

Former White House communications director Hope Hicks — who prosecutors have said was involved in phone calls among Trump, Cohen and AMI — and former Trump assistant Madeleine Westerhout are also likely to take the stand, the source said.

Jurors are also expected to hear from Jeffrey McConney, the former controller for the Trump Organization, and Deborah Tarasoff, a former accounts payable supervisor at the company, the source said.

Who will testify in Trump's defense?

Court filings show Trump plans to call Bradley A. Smith, a former Federal Election Commission chair who will testify about the FEC and its function, laws it's responsible for enforcing and definitions and terms that relate to the case. The judge ruled he won’t be allowed to offer his opinion about whether Trump's actions violated election law, as Trump had hoped he would.

Trump, who is the only person who can directly rebut some of Cohen's claims, said Friday that he would "absolutely" testify in the trial. He is not required to take the stand.

Will Trump have to be in court every day?

Unlike the New York civil fraud and E. Jean Carroll defamation trials, the DA's case is criminal, so Trump is required to be in court every day to participate in his defense. The trial is off on Wednesdays, but Trump will have to be in court for the four other days of the court week. The trial days are expected to last from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Trump has suggested he might do campaign events at night after having attended court during the day.

How many jurors' votes are needed for a conviction or an acquittal?

To reach a verdict, all 12 jurors must agree on whether Trump is guilty or not guilty of a specific charge.

places to visit for 1 day

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

places to visit for 1 day

Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

an image, when javascript is unavailable

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Rocks CinemaCon With Lupita Nyong’o, Deafening Action Footage and Apocalyptic New York City

By Matt Donnelly

Matt Donnelly

Senior Film Writer

  • Hollywood Mourns Participant, the Oscar-Winning Studio that Wanted to Save the World 1 day ago
  • Sundance Film Festival Courting New Host City for 2027 and Beyond 3 days ago
  • Participant Shutting Down Operations After 20 Years: Film Studio Was Behind Oscar Winners ‘Spotlight,’ ‘Green Book’ (EXCLUSIVE) 4 days ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 11: (L-R) Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn speak onstage at the Paramount Pictures Presentation during CinemaCon 2024 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on April 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

For a film in the “Quiet Place” universe, the decibel level was near deafening at the film’s CinemaCon presentation on Thursday in Las Vegas.

John Krasinski’s horror franchise is now in its third outing, the latest being a prequel of sorts starring Lupita Nyong’o and titled “ A Quiet Place: Day One .” The film takes viewers back to the inciting incident, when faceless alien beasts invaded the planet and revealed an extreme sensitivity to sound — using it to track and find terrified humans and, well, kill them. 

Popular on Variety

Djimon Hounsou and Alex Wolff round out the cast. Nyong’o plays a New Yorker running her daily errands when suddenly the sky is streaked with burning objects coming in for a landing. It’s quickly evident that an invasion has taken place, and much of humanity is not prepared to take on these extraterrestrial predators.

The film is set for a June 28 wide release. Krasinksi offered a double header to the CinemaCon crowd on Thursday, also showing the first footage from his new family adventure “If.” Starring Ryan Reynolds, the film imagines a world where one little girl can see everyone else’s imaginary friends — and sets off to reunite the figments with their owners.

More From Our Brands

Camila cabello joins lana del rey during weekend two of coachella, this insane hydrogen hypercar prototype is now headed to auction, nba postseason play really is different: data viz, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, rupaul’s drag race finale recap: did the right queen win season 16, verify it's you, please log in.

Quantcast

  • Cast & crew

A Quiet Place: Day One

Lupita Nyong'o in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

Experience the day the world went quiet. Experience the day the world went quiet. Experience the day the world went quiet.

  • Michael Sarnoski
  • John Krasinski
  • Bryan Woods
  • Joseph Quinn
  • Djimon Hounsou

Official Trailer

  • Truck Driver

Thea Butler

  • Teacher & Boat Survivor
  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

A Quiet Place Part III

Did you know

  • Trivia Paramount has stated that this not a continuation of Part II, but more of a spin-off.
  • Connections Referenced in Diminishing Returns Diminisodes: A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

New and Upcoming Horror

Production art

  • When will A Quiet Place: Day One be released? Powered by Alexa
  • June 28, 2024 (United States)
  • United States
  • A Quiet Place Part III
  • London, England, UK (Location)
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Platinum Dunes
  • Sunday Night
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

  • Dolby Digital
  • Dolby Atmos
  • IMAX 6-Track

Related news

Contribute to this page.

Lupita Nyong'o in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

  • See more gaps
  • Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Production art

Recently viewed

IMAGES

  1. 15 Best One Day Road Trips from Coimbatore

    places to visit for 1 day

  2. 13 Places to Visit in Alleppey in 1 Day

    places to visit for 1 day

  3. 12 Places to Visit in Bengaluru In One Day

    places to visit for 1 day

  4. 28 Best Places for a One-day Trip from Bangalore in 2023

    places to visit for 1 day

  5. Places to Visit Near Ahmedabad for One Day

    places to visit for 1 day

  6. 11 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for First-time Visitors

    places to visit for 1 day

VIDEO

  1. Top 20 Best Places to Visit in Iceland 2024

  2. Places that feels Unreal 😱 #travel #unrealplaces #nature #explore

  3. 25 best place to visit in the 2024(13

  4. How to Spend your 1 Day in Udaipur

  5. Places to visit in Lonavala

  6. 20 Best Places To Visit In January In India

COMMENTS

  1. Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow

    Things to do in Moscow in 2 days. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel. First day: Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre, Kremlin. Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island ...

  2. 1 Day in Mumbai: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers (2024)

    10. Visit Crawford Market. One of the best things to do in 1 day in Mumbai is to visit one of the city's markets. Crawford Market, for example, is very close to the Victoria Terminus (#9 on this list) and this is one of the city's best places to shop. You will find anything here, from fruits and spices to beauty products and jewellery.

  3. One Day in a City: A Collection of 24 Hour Travel Itineraries

    Welcome to One Day in a City! Short on time? You can still have an amazing, memorable vacation filled with top sites, good eats, and local culture. We're here to help with the best 24-hour itineraries for destinations all around the world.

  4. 1 Day in NYC: Must-do's for First-timers + Interactive Map

    9/11 Memorial (and Museum) 9/11 Memorial | Closest subway stops: WTC-Cortland St (1) and Cortland Street (R, W) Start your day by spending your morning in Lower Manhattan. In my opinion, your one-day in NYC itinerary should absolutely include the 9/11 Memorial. It's one of my favorite free things to do in New York City .

  5. 1 Day Washington, D.C. Itinerary

    The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free timed-entry tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov. (There is a $1 nonrefundable service ...

  6. The Top 10 Must-See Places in Moscow

    Must-See Places. in Moscow. 1. Red Square. Red Square is a symbol of Russia. Red Square is so famous that you must visit it even if you don't like the must-see places. What is the Red Square? Actually, it's a quite big square under the Kremlin walls, in the very heart of the city. It's surrounded by the Kremlin itself, GUM, Mausoleum, St ...

  7. The BEST Milan 1-Day Itinerary (Written By A Local!)

    1.5 Where to stay in Milan for one day. 1.6 How to get around Milan in one day. 2 Milan 1-day itinerary map. 3 What to see in Milan in one day. 3.1 Piazza del Duomo. 3.2 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. 3.3 Piazza della Scala. 3.4 Brera. 3.5 Castello Sforzesco.

  8. Best places for a day trip from Moscow

    It's a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov's life and work. The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

  9. 1 Day Boston Itinerary

    And if you have a few dollars, visitors recommend taking a 15-minute ride on a Swan Boat. The large paddle boats cost $4.50 to ride (or $3 for kids ages 2 to 15 and $4 for seniors); travelers with ...

  10. 1 Day New York City Itinerary

    Explore the best things to do in New York City in 1 day based on recommendations from local experts. 1-Day Itinerary; ... Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024.

  11. BEST of Milan in One Day (Most Complete Itinerary & Map)

    Duomo Cathedral + Rooftops (must-do). Da Vinci's The Last Supper (highly recommended). Lake Como Day Trip (if you have an extra day outside the city). Yes, there are many amazing museums in Milan, nice parks to visit, and lots of stores where you can admire all the latest fashion trends….

  12. One Day in New Orleans: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

    Explore the French Quarter. Continue your first 24 hours in New Orleans by exploring its most famous neighborhood, the French Quarter. Also known as Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans. The area dates back to the city's founding in 1718. The best way to experience the French Quarter is to simply wander.

  13. One day in Yosemite

    One day Yosemite itinerary. These are the places you must-see things to do on a 1 day itinerary of Yosemite: Spotting climbers on El Capitan. Stand at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls. See Half Dome and the Sentinel from the Cook Meadows Walk. Walk to Mirror Lake. The iconic view - Tunnel View. Marvel at the view from Glacier Point

  14. Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

    Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

  15. 20 Best Day Trips in the U.S.

    Located about 126 miles from Miami, Bahia Honda State Park makes for a fun drive along US 1. The park offers some of the best snorkeling in Florida, and lucky visitors might spot a barracuda or ...

  16. A Day in Seattle: What You Can't Miss (Perfect Itinerary for a Single Day)

    Visit the original Starbucks. Nostalgic and iconic Starbucks location. Estimated time: 5 - 30 minutes. Schedule: 8:00 - 9:00am. Regardless if you love Starbucks coffee or not, it's an icon in Seattle and worth a visit. Stopping at the original Starbucks location in Downtown Seattle will set you up good for the day, as most other things ...

  17. One Day in New York: Itinerary for NYC Top Sights (+ Map & Local's Tips)

    Of course, you can't see all the best places in NYC in a day (so you'll definitely want to come back for a longer visit). But - if you plan well - you can visit a few of the most famous sights in New York in one day. This itinerary includes the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, the Financial District, Ground Zero, and some ...

  18. Charlotte One Day Packed Itinerary

    Through interactive exhibitions and real-life experiments, the museum brings state-of-the-art educational and entertainment opportunities to the city and surrounding areas. Foster creativity with the Think it Up exhibition where you. ... Read More. . 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA. phone. (704) 372-6261.

  19. One Day in Charleston: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

    Toss in at least one day in Charleston, South Carolina. Nicknamed the "Holy City," historic Charleston is the state's largest city and one of the South's biggest urban surprises. In your first 24 hours in Charleston, you'll wander cobblestone streets alongside historic houses. Along the city's waterfront, you'll enjoy views over ...

  20. Germany 1-Day Itineraries and Travel Tips

    Germany 24-hour itineraries and other travel tips, including Berlin, Munich, and Bavaria 1-day travel guides. Plus, get other Germany vacation inspiration for day trips, hotels, restaurants, and more. 5 Best Day Trips From Munich, Germany. March 13, 2024 By Gina

  21. 10 Texas State Parks to visit on Earth Day weekend

    4. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque. The third-largest state park in Texas, Caprock Canyon has nearly 14,000 acres and is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd. Also on the state park is ...

  22. Are stocks still worth the risk? Consider these three things

    U.S. stocks traded mostly lower on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA up 160 points, or 0.4%, at 37,934, while the S&P 500 SPX and Nasdaq Composite COMP were down 0.6% and 1.5% ...

  23. Coachella 2024: Will Taylor Swift join Lana Del Rey for Weekend 2? Fans

    Lana Del Rey headlines day one of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday, April 12, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer) By ...

  24. Coachella 2024: See photos of fans, fashion from Day 1 of festival's

    PUBLISHED: April 19, 2024 at 4:49 p.m. | UPDATED: April 19, 2024 at 4:49 p.m. From music to fashion, here's everything we saw during Day 1 of Weekend 2 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts ...

  25. A Proposed To-Do List For Dolphins GM Chris Grier

    1. Sign Tua Tagovailoa to a multi-year extension. Miami needs to appease the quarterback, which means don't embarrass him with an offer that will make him and his agent look bad to their peers ...

  26. Primary school offer day 2024: Everything you need to know

    Parents will find out which primary school has offered their child a place for September 2024 on Tuesday 16 April. The decision will be sent by the local council by either letter or email. Some councils allow parents to view their results through the admissions portal or system. Exactly what time the offers will be released varies by council.

  27. Trump's hush money trial begins Monday. Here's what to expect.

    Jury selection is expected to last one to two weeks. Starting Monday, prosecutors and lawyers for Trump will seek to whittle a pool of potentially hundreds of people to 12 jurors and six ...

  28. 'A Quiet Place: Day' One Drops CinemaCon Footage With Lupita ...

    Djimon Hounsou and Alex Wolff round out the cast. Nyong'o plays a New Yorker running her daily errands when suddenly the sky is streaked with burning objects coming in for a landing. It's ...

  29. A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

    A Quiet Place: Day One: Directed by Michael Sarnoski. With Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, Alex Wolff, Lupita Nyong'o. Experience the day the world went quiet.