This content was created by Girlboss in collaboration with Suffs.
Visiting New York City for the very first time? Talk about a main character moment. Well, that’s definitely how I felt stepping out of La Guardia airport for the first time and taking in the views from my first NYC subway ride. With the city now decked out in its holiday finest, the twinkling lights, festive energy, and endless possibilities might leave you feeling excited but overwhelmed. Now that New York is in peak season, here's an itinerary of how I spent my first 24 hours in the city that never sleeps—from taking a stroll through Central Park to watching Suffs, the empowering Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical you absolutely have to see.
10 a.m.
First Stop: Central Park
Spotted: A newbie in Central Park living their best Manhattan fantasy (a.k.a me). I grabbed a chicken sandwich on focaccia from a nearby deli and found a quiet spot to enjoy my food while I soaked in the stunning views. Central Park is filled with live performers, little market stalls, and even carriage rides! A carriage ride was a bit out of budget for me, so I opted to get my steps in and go for a long hot girl walk instead. (We’re talking 10K steps by noon!) Of course, I had to make my way to the Bethesda Fountain and visit the spot where Chuck and Blair got married in Gossip Girl.
What else is there to do in Central Park? Well, just 15 minutes from the fountain is the iconic MET Museum. I didn’t have enough time to go inside (because trust me, I would have been there all day), but seeing the steps up close and eating the yogurt I packed (Gossip Girl stans, IYKYK) was more than enough for me!
2 p.m.
Landmarks Cruise
Booking a boat tour to see New York’s most popular landmarks was the perfect way to check several things off my list at once, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building. The tour guide’s stories added a rich layer of history and context. And it felt surreal to finally see New York up close and personal, especially since all my favorite shows like Gossip Girl (if that wasn’t already obvious enough) and Suits are based in New York! If you’re going to be on one of these boat tours anytime soon, I would recommend bringing a jacket and layering up because being out on the water can get chilly.
4 p.m.
The Empire State Building
After the boat tour, I made my way towards the Empire State Building. No first-time trip to New York would be complete without visiting what was once the tallest building in the world. Taking the subway was an adventure in itself, as someone who is a self-proclaimed commuting expert, the New York subway is no joke. It’s easy to get lost and take the train going in the opposite direction, so my advice is to give yourself plenty of time. Especially if you have reservations and bookings!
Once I got to the top of the building, the observation deck offered a 360-degree view of the city that was truly breathtaking. *Cue “(Theme From) New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra* Seeing the sprawling cityscape from above was a moment I’ll never forget. Pro tip: Time your visit around sunset for a magical transition from daylight to the twinkling lights of the city at night. It’s an experience that feels straight out of a movie.
6 p.m.
A Quick Stop in Times Square
I had some time in between visiting the Empire State Building and catching Suffs. So before going into the Music Box Theatre (which is conveniently located by Times Square), I was able to take in one of the most famous plazas in the world! The bright lights, towering billboards, and electric energy were unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
And in true New York fashion, I also couldn’t resist grabbing some of their classic street food. A hot dog and a warm pretzel were the perfect snacks to keep me going. There’s something so quintessentially New York about enjoying street food while soaking up the city’s vibrant energy.
7 p.m.
The Highlight: "Suffs"
The true highlight of my day was seeing the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, Suffs. This incredible production tells the inspiring story of the women who fought for the right to vote, highlighting their courage, resilience, and determination. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a deeply moving experience that celebrates activism and the power of collective action.
From the unforgettable performances to the stunning set design, Suffs brought history to life in a way that felt both relevant and empowering. The songs were both emotional and incredibly catchy, weaving the story together in a way that kept me captivated from start to finish. Intermission? I didn’t need her! The actors’ passion and talent made every moment on stage come alive, drawing the audience into the heart of the suffrage movement.
What made the experience even more special was the show’s ability to connect the past with present-day issues, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in. It’s a must-see show, and with its Broadway run ending on January 5, 2025, now is the time to grab your tickets. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
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