Planning your first trip to the Big Apple? New York City can be overwhelming, but with the right guide, you can experience the best of what this iconic metropolis has to offer. This comprehensive guide to New York City will cover everything from must-see attractions and hidden gems to practical tips for navigating the city like a local.
Having spent four years living in the NYC metro area and returning frequently, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide for first-time visitors, filled with recommendations that I’ve personally shared with friends and family. Get ready to fall in love with the city that never sleeps!
New York City: Essential Facts for Your Visit
- The City That Never Sleeps: NYC is the most populous city in the United States, ranking 11th globally.
- A Melting Pot: Home to approximately 8.5 million residents, NYC boasts unparalleled linguistic diversity with over 800 languages spoken.
- Historical Roots: Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, the city was established as a Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam in 1624 before becoming an English colony.
- Tourist Hotspot: Attracting over 10 million visitors annually.
- Five Boroughs: Consisting of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx, each borough offers unique attractions and experiences.
- A Cinematic Icon: Central Park has been featured in over 500 movies, making it the most filmed location in the world.
- Compact and Diverse: Despite its density, with 23,000 restaurants, including more than 1,000 pizzerias, the city spans only 303 square miles.
Navigating New York City: A First-Timer’s Handbook
This comprehensive guide to New York City breaks down the city into manageable categories. Discover the best viewpoints, explore vibrant neighborhoods, find exciting indoor activities, and indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene. With this guide, you can create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and preferences.
Breathtaking Views: The Best Spots to See New York City
NYC’s skyline is iconic, and experiencing it from different vantage points is a must.
Top of the Rock
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Rock offers panoramic views of Central Park and the surrounding skyscrapers. The observation deck provides a unique perspective without being the highest point in the city. After enjoying the views, explore the Rockefeller Center, catch a taping of the Tonight Show, or visit the Today Show plaza.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a quintessential NYC experience. The elevated pedestrian walkway offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. This iconic landmark is a must-see for any first-time visitor.
Staten Island Ferry
For a free on-the-water experience, take the Staten Island Ferry. This ferry travels between Manhattan and Staten Island, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Financial District.
Little Island
This unique artificial island in the Hudson River features 132 tulip-shaped structures. Little Island offers walkways with beautiful city views and landscaped gardens. The park also has a 687-seat amphitheater hosting various performing arts events.
September 11 Memorial Park
Visit the site of the former World Trade Center towers, where two reflecting pools mark the footprints of the original buildings. The names of those who perished on that day surround the pools. The sound of the falling water creates a moving and contemplative experience. Admire One World Trade Center, which rises 1,776 feet above the park.
Madison Square Park
This small public square in Manhattan is surrounded by historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. Enjoy views of the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building. With rotating art installations, it’s a perfect place to relax, drink coffee, and soak in the city atmosphere.
Bryant Park
Located behind the New York Public Library and near Times Square, Bryant Park offers a green oasis in the heart of the city. During the holiday season, enjoy the holiday market and ice-skating rink. In warmer months, participate in exercise classes, have a picnic, or read a book in this shady and green space.
Hoboken, New Jersey
Located just across the Hudson River, Hoboken offers incredible skyline views at a more affordable price. Take a quick train or ferry ride from Manhattan and enjoy a slice of pizza at Benny Tudino’s before strolling along Washington Street, filled with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Stroll and Discover: Favorite Walks in New York City
Exploring NYC on foot is the best way to experience its unique neighborhoods and vibrant atmosphere.
Central Park
This sprawling park in the heart of Manhattan offers endless opportunities for exploration. The northern part of the park is quieter than the southern end. Locals enjoy the reservoir as a running path and the Sheep’s Meadow as a hangout spot. Attend concerts, plays, rent a boat, and more. Start at the Pond on the south end, walk north up the Mall to the Bethesda Fountain, circle the lake by the boathouse, get lost in the Ramble, and cross the Bow Bridge before ending at Strawberry Fields to enjoy live music dedicated to John Lennon.
The High Line
This elevated park built on former train tracks winds through the Chelsea neighborhood. The High Line offers unique views of the city from above street level. Start at the Hudson Yards area and walk to the Whitney Museum.
Greenwich Village
Packed with stunning brownstones and rich history, Greenwich Village is a must-see neighborhood. Visit the Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark and a central site in the gay rights movement. Enjoy the numerous restaurants and bars, or take a break in Washington Square Park near NYU.
Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Explore this often-overlooked Brooklyn neighborhood with beautiful streets and great dining options. Stroll through Fort Greene Park and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Clinton Hill.
5th Avenue
Despite being crowded, Fifth Avenue is a classic stretch of New York that first-timers should experience. Visit the Plaza Hotel’s food court, walk south past Rockefeller Center, and admire the famous department stores and luxury hotels. The windows and lights are especially beautiful during the Christmas season.
Escape the Elements: Top Indoor Activities in New York City
NYC experiences all four seasons, so having indoor activity options is essential.
Chelsea Market (or Another Food Market)
Explore one of NYC’s many food halls, like Chelsea Market. Sample diverse cuisines and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss The Doughnuttery for a sweet treat. Dekalb Market in Brooklyn is another great option.
Take in the Art at MoMa
If you only have time for one museum, visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa). Explore world-famous paintings and modern art pieces. A few hours will be enough to experience the museum’s highlights.
People Watching at Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is a national historic landmark with a stunning constellation-covered ceiling. Explore the station’s hallways, enjoy the Oyster Bar, and watch commuters come and go.
See a Live Show
From Broadway musicals to stand-up comedy, NYC offers endless entertainment options. Visit TKTS for last-minute discounted tickets to Broadway shows. Comedy spots throughout the city offer tickets at the door.
Join the Audience for a Talk Show
With patience, you can attend a live taping of your favorite talk show. Most shows are free, but you need to request tickets in advance or wait in line.
Learn About New York History at a Specialty Museum
Visit the New York Transit Museum in downtown Brooklyn to learn about the city’s subway system. Explore vintage train cars from different decades. Alternatively, tour the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side to learn about the history of immigration in NYC. The Museum of the City of New York is another great option, with rotating exhibits throughout the year.
Unwind and Indulge: Favorite Cocktail Bars and Beer Halls
NYC offers endless options for drinks.
- Frying Pan: A fun outdoor summer spot on the Hudson River.
- Fraunces Tavern: Famous for hosting George Washington.
- Tiny’s and the Little Bar Upstairs: A Tribeca gem.
- The Standard at the High Line: A great stop along the High Line.
- McSorley’s Old Ale House: A must for beer lovers.
- Gallow Green: An amazing rooftop spot.
For bar hopping, explore the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, Smith Street and Court Street in Cobble Hill, or Bleecker Street.
Savor the Flavors: Favorite New York City Food Spots
NYC is a culinary paradise with diverse flavors and options.
- Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station
- LeVain Bakery: Famous for their cookies
- Gelso & Grand: Great Italian in Little Italy
- Jajaja: Vegan Mexican with locations in Chinatown and West Village
- Tacombi: Serving “fast” food at multiple locations
- Crif Dog: Hot dogs with a speakeasy in the phone booth
- Awash: My favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Brooklyn
- Murray’s Cheese Bar: Insanely perfect cheese tower
- Russ and Daughters: Bagels that are famous for a reason
- Eataly: Carb load for your walking
- Ring Ding Bar: My go-to nostalgic dessert spot
- Sweet Chick: My favorite place for brunch
- Pizza everywhere
Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations in NYC
For your first trip to NYC, I recommend staying in a hotel due to reliability and convenience.
- The Moxy NYC Lower East Side: Small rooms, comfortable beds, and an awesome rooftop bar.
- Kimpton Eventi Midtown Manhattan: Ask for a room with an Empire State Building view.
- Sonder Duane Street: A boutique hotel in Tribeca with designer spaces.
- Gansevoort Meatpacking: An outdoor pool, year-round rooftop bar, and onsite restaurant.
- 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: Sustainable luxury with the best views in the city.
- Ace Hotel Brooklyn: Great vibe, affordable, and close to the subway.
Blend In: Tips to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist
- Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk: Move to the side to take in the sights.
- Be prepared, but not too prepared: Wear sunscreen, bring your credit card and phone, but avoid large maps and guidebooks.
- Move with traffic: Follow the flow of pedestrians.
- Save souvenir shirts for back home: Stick to neutral colors and fashionable looks.
- Don’t assume everyone is mean: New Yorkers are helpful. Ask for recommendations or directions.
Master the Subway: Navigating NYC’s Underground
The subway is the best way to get around NYC. It’s cheap, quick, and reaches most of the city.
- Map Your Route: Use Google Maps to find the best route.
- Find Subway Stations: Look for green globes and signs with train names.
- Pay for the Subway: Use OMNY for contactless payment.
- Weekly Fare Cap: Pay only $34.00 within a seven-day period.
Plan Your Trip: An Itinerary for a Long Weekend in New York City
- Thursday: Arrive, check in, and have dinner in Little Italy.
- Friday: Bagels at Russ & Daughters, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Brooklyn, and drinks on the Lower East Side.
- Saturday: Little Island, the High Line, Chelsea Market, brunch in Greenwich Village, 9/11 Memorial Park, a Broadway show, and karaoke.
- Sunday: Central Park, brunch on the Upper West Side, and visit a museum or shop before heading home.
Is New York City the Greatest City in the World?
While every city has its charms, NYC stands out with its four seasons, diverse neighborhoods, green spaces, history, and vibrant culture.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Magic of New York City
Pack comfortable shoes and explore the hidden gems of NYC. The city is filled with magic and endless opportunities for discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Time in New York City
Which NYC airport is easiest to navigate?
LGA is closest to the city’s center and easy to navigate.
Is it better to Uber or take a cab in New York City?
Taxi cabs are easy to find and often quicker and cheaper than Uber.
What is the best way to see New York City for the first time?
Explore NYC on foot or take a tour bus.
Are there “bad” neighborhoods in New York City?
Be aware of your surroundings, but there are no inherently bad neighborhoods.
What is the best pizza in New York City?
Experiment with the many pizza options.
How do I get same-day tickets for Broadway shows?
Use TKTS for discounted tickets.
