Things to Do in New York in One Day

New York City is home to some of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world. Whether you are gazing up at the majestic Empire State Building or lolling in the handcrafted meadows of Central Park, it feels that every block exudes history. Even if you have only one day to visit New York, there are so many places to see and things to do, that even that limited amount of time will feel well worth it.
Central Park

Central Park is a great place to spend a day. It is in the center of Manhattan. It encompasses 800 acres of meadows, trees and ponds. It has numerous sports fields and places to have a barbecue. Another landmark in the park is the Gothic-style Belvedere Castle.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, which sits on an island between New York City and New Jersey, is one of the world's most famous monuments. All tours ceased after the attacks of September 11, but resumed in 2004. The statue's crown reopened to the public on July 4, 2009.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

St. John the Divine is a great place to visit and spend part of your day. It is located on the Upper West Side near Columbia University and Harlem. Currently, the cathedral is the largest place of worship in the country. It is still under construction as of 2009. When completed, it will be the third largest cathedral in the world. It possesses the largest stained-glass panel in the United States. Guests are welcome to sit in on services or explore the massive building's naves and gardens. Impromptu music rehearsals add another layer of reverent depth to this already holy building.

David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.