Start your day with a filling and delicious breakfast, you will need the energy. You’re wearing your comfortable shows (correct?) so heading down to the Atlas Café and Bakery at 73 Second Avenue (between 4th & 5th streets) in the East Village isn’t a big deal. But the bagels, well the bagels are a big deal and will provide the perfect fuel for your NYC adventure.
Washington Square Park — Photo courtesy of ercwttmn
From Atlas, locate the Bowery and head North towards Astor Place. On your way, check out the impressive building at 41 Cooper Square designed by architect Thom Mayne.
At Astor Place, take a look at Bernard Rosenthal’s striking outdoor sculpture Alamo before walking west towards Broadway and continuing on to upbeat Washington Square Park. The park is a sight to be seen. Usually there are several furious chess games in play, talented buskers vying for your attention and a grand collection of NYC city characters to be observed. 
Alamo — Photo courtesy of Lucy Walters
Continue west on West 4th Street, cutting through 6 Avenue heading up to Sheridan Square. Take a moment to check out the Stonewall Inn at 53Christopher Street.This historic tavern was the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots which are credited for starting the gay liberation movement in the US.
Explore the West Village, beyond 7th Avenue there are many small, intricate streets that step away from the general Manhattan grid system, within this mini-maze lies a fascinating collection of cute boutiques, cafes and bakeries. If you love cupcakes check out Molly’s on 228 Bleecker Street.
From the West Village, go east heading downtown on a diagonal. You should find yourself walking through Soho and Little Italy. Eventually find yourself on the corner of Canal Street and the Bowery at the mouth of the Manhattan Bridge. Walk across the bridge, the views of Lower Manhattan are incredible. 
Lower Manhattan — Photo courtesy of Lucy Walters
Hungry? Perfect timing because once you get to the end of the Manhattan Bridge on the Brooklyn side, you’re going to turn left onto Jay Street and head towards the curious Brooklyn neighborhood DUMBO. Find your way to Superfine on Front St, a DUMBO staple that boasts a fresh, seasonal menu and fun cocktails. Superfine also displays the work of local artists and has a free pool table. What bliss is this?
Walk down to the water and visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park it has awesome views of Manhattan and a host of activities such as kayaking, Pilates and free outdoor film screenings.
Travel back into Manhattan by taking a walk across the historical Brooklyn Bridge. This gorgeous monster of a structure took 13 years to build before finally opening in 1903. Though it seems similar to the Manhattan Bridge, the views are dramatically different but equally as breathtaking. 
Brooklyn Bridge — Photo courtesy of Lucy Walters
Once back in Manhattan, exit the bridge heading south on Broadway. You will pass by One World Trade Center and the Charging Bull before hitting glorious Battery Park. Battery Park is a great place to see the Statue of Liberty. (If you want to get up-close and personal with this lovely lady you can schedule a boat tour or check out the schedule for the Staten Island Ferry).
Finally, its subway time! Take the R train to Times Square and walk north to stunning Rockefeller Center. It’s worth taking a trip to the Top of The Rock, certainly a fitting way to conclude your extensive day.
If you have any energy left and fancy dinner with a view, head to Sarabeth on Central Park South.