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7 Key Things To Know Before Your First Trip To New York City

• Destinations
• New York City
• United States

New York City is diverse, lively, dense, and home to iconic sights and symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Streets are filled with skyscrapers. It’s a mix of cultures and foods and world-class art. Theater is top quality here. You can shop till you drop. At Times Square, you will marvel at the oversized flashing lighted signs that surround the crowds below. And when you are tired of the bustle, escape to the wonders of Central Park with its lakes and trees and grassy hills.

With all New York City has to offer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip, especially if it’s your first time in NYC. Here are some major things to know that will help. Be flexible once you get to New York, but at least have a game plan ahead of time so you can best enjoy this wonderfully complex city.

1. New York City Is Manhattan And More

New York City is made up of five boroughs, with Manhattan at its core. While you can venture to Brooklyn , the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, you will want to center your first trip in Manhattan. This is where you’ll find the Empire State Building , Times Square, Broadway shows, and Central Park . If you have time, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or take the subway to the Bronx. If you have only a few days, plan to spend most of your time in Manhattan.

2. Sleep In Manhattan But Not In Times Square

Staying in Manhattan on your first trip allows you to fit in the most sightseeing. That doesn’t narrow it down a lot, though, as Manhattan is large and there are hundreds of hotels. Many people book a hotel in Times Square because they’ve heard of it and seen the ball drop on TV on New Year’s Eve. But I recommend staying at least a few blocks away from the chaos and noise and giant neon signs of Times Square. Choose a place in your budget and preferences at least a few blocks away.

I like staying near Grand Central Station on East 42nd Street. This puts you at a transportation hub within walking distance of Rockefeller Plaza, Bryant Park, Times Square, and Central Park. I can recommend the Hyatt Grand Central as a mid-priced, clean, attractive option.

If you’re after lower prices, you can opt to stay in New Jersey or Brooklyn, or anywhere outside the middle of Manhattan. The trade-off is more time spent on the train or subway. I like to pack my sightseeing days full of sights, walking out the door of my hotel and being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Figure out what’s best for you.

3. Decide On The Iconic Attractions You Want To See

While your interests will determine how you fill your time in New York City, there are three iconic sights that will top your list on your first trip.

The Statue of Liberty National Monument . Lady Liberty, recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom, stands waiting to welcome you to New York. Before you go, think about whether you want to take the boat out to the island and see the statue from her pedestal. Or are you fine with taking the free Staten Island Ferry and getting a close-up view from the water? Do you also want to go to nearby Ellis Island, where immigrants were brought and processed into the U.S. for years? You can get tickets to see both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Allow basically a morning or afternoon to do the joint tour.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Built where the Twin Towers once stood, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors those lost in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Be prepared for an emotional experience .

If you are short on time, you can visit just the memorial pools outside the museum. Allow at least 2 hours for the museum.

Central Park

This famous green oasis covering more than 800 acres calls to visitors and locals alike. Stroll along the tree-lined paths or relax on the grassy lawns of North Meadow and Sheep’s Meadow. Marvel at the lovely curves of Bow Bridge. And visit the Imagine memorial to John Lennon.

If time is limited, enter the park at the south end and wander as long as you can. There’s more to see than at the north end of the park. Download a map or app of the park so you can easily find the points you most want to see.

4. Discount Passes May Save You Money

For your first trip to New York City, consider an attractions pass. This can save you money, especially if you plan to visit the most popular places. Basic options include:

All-Inclusive

These are for a set number of days. Fit in as many attractions as you like in that time. Some come with skip-the-line perks. Two to look into are the Sightseeing Pass and the New York Pass .

Number Of Attractions

These are for a set number of attractions, such as three or five choices from the options given. If you know what you most want to see, these are a good kind of pass. One to consider is The Explorer Pass .

Pre-Packaged Passes

You don’t have a choice of which attractions are included. But many of the most popular are included. Check out the CityPass , which is a booklet of six tickets

Do a cost comparison with what you want to see between having a pass and no pass to find out whether you want to invest in one.

5. Choose Where You Will Take In The City Views

The vastness of New York City never ceases to amaze people. And taking in a view of the city from above is a must when you visit. Not only do you see the density of the buildings but you have the water, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty to spy on from up high. Here are four main places that feature a panoramic view. Book tickets ahead of your visit to get the time of day you prefer. If you can choose two of these viewing sites, book one in the daytime and the other at sunset for views of NYC in all lights.

The Edge is an outside platform 101 stories up, and it literally hangs off the edge of the building. You see West Manhattan and south to the Statue of Liberty. The angled glass walls allow you to lean out over the city. And there’s a glassed section of ground where you can stand and look straight down at the city below.

This is my favorite of the city view places. After you get over the strange sensation of feeling like you’re on the brink of falling 100 stories to the sidewalk, it’s quite exciting. And the views are certainly breathtaking.

Top Of The Rock Observation Deck

From the top of Rockefeller Center, you can take in views of Central Park and Manhattan Midtown from 70 floors up. And from the Top of the Rock you can clearly see the Empire State Building. That’s one reason some people recommend this one if you are choosing just one view site. And with indoor and outdoor viewing decks, you can stay inside if it’s cold or rainy.

Empire State Building

This grand symbol of New York, the Empire State Building , is billed as the “world’s most famous skyscraper.” Get your ticket and ride the elevator to the 86th floor, where you can look out at the city from the 360-degree observatory. See the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

If you choose, you can include a visit to the 102nd floor as well. Here are floor-to-ceiling views that can cover up to 80 miles away on a clear day.

Summit One Vanderbilt

The newest entry into fantastic NYC viewpoints is the Summit . The entrance is inside Grand Central Station. It does have a view of the city, and it also has other floors with mirrors and shiny objects. It’s an experience that goes beyond taking in the city sights. Take a look at the website and see if it’s something you want to do. 

6. It’s Okay If It’s Rainy Or Very Cold

As your trip gets close, check the weather. If it looks like a day of rain or extreme cold is coming, no problem. Plan for amazing indoor options. A few top picks:

Metropolitan Museum Of Art

This world-class art museum offers so much to see that you could easily spend days here. Not only does it display art from different historical periods and countries, but also the architecture of the building alone is worth a visit.

Like the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum, the Met can be enjoyed in short sessions. Plan for a morning or a few hours. Then, look at the online information about the exhibits. Choose two or three areas that fascinate you and start there. You will likely want to return to see more!

American Museum Of Natural History

This grand museum has been around for 150 years. While it’s a great way to keep young ones in your party busy and happy, I’ve found as a grown-up that I love natural history displays.

Popular exhibits include the brown bears in the North American Hall of Mammals, the massive blue whale model that measures 94 feet, and the huge Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

New York Public Library

This imposing building is a great place to shelter from the weather. The stately lions standing guard on the front steps are named Patience and Fortitude. The architecture inside the library is noteworthy. And it’s free.

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes

You may think of New York City as a fashion mecca and figure you need to dress up. But while there are upscale stores and elegant restaurants, for sightseeing, you don’t need to be fancy. You will walk and walk and walk. And that’s the best way to experience New York. So, wear comfortable shoes or flat-heeled boots. And it may be surprising but rest assured that casual clothes are fine for Broadway shows and most restaurants.

These tips touch on some things that can make your trip easier and more fun. With a bit of planning, you will enjoy your time in New York. I’m betting you’ll want to return for more incredible experiences in this fascinating city.

Go over to our New York City category to find out more about the Big Apple:

• 9 Best Places In New York City To Escape The Crowds
• 10 Best Spots To Try New York City Pizza, According To The Locals
• 10 Luxe Lounges To Visit In New York City

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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New York , North America

Visiting new york for the first time: the ultimate beginner’s guide to new york city.

The Impressive skyscrapers that form a fantastic skyline together, a mix of architecture where historic buildings and futuristic design go hand in hand, the city that never sleeps, … You probably already guessed it? This blog post is about New York City. There is so much to experience in this huge metropolis, that visiting New York for the first time definitely requires some preparation. To help you, I bundled all my tips in an ultimate beginner’s guide for a successful first visit to The Big Apple.

In 2022 I traveled to New York City for the second time. After 8 years I was super excited to visit this fantastic city again and especially surprised, because so much had changed. Although it was my second visit, it still felt like my first time. I had to get to know the city again. And soon New York City stole my heart once more.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains interesting affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through my recommendations, I receive a small reward. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps my blog continue to grow. A win-win situation, so thank you!

How to travel to New York City?  

Traveling to this metropolis is possible with a direct flight from Brussels Airport. There are several airlines that offer tickets to New York. If you search and compare well you can even find very affordable tickets. In barely 8.5 hours or 2 to 3 films on your airplane screen later, you reach The Big Apple.

We landed at JFK airport where we boarded a private transfer to the city center provided by the travel agency where we booked our trip. Frankly, this service was very expensive for a driver who came to pick us up 2 hours late. “Traffic,” he said. Of course, traversing New York City by car is no easy task, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. There are many other options to get to Manhattan from the various airports in New York. One of them is an external service that offers shared transfer at democratic prices

You can also travel to Manhattan from the various airports with a large shuttle bus. If you prefer a little more privacy, you can opt for the taxi. This may be a bit more expensive, but the taxis are available at all terminals at the airport itself. You don’t lose time waiting for a driver to pick you up. You do have to watch out for ‘pirate cabs’ though. These are not official taxi drivers trying to trick you into riding with them.

Traveling by train is also an option. From JFK and Newark you can reach several major train stations by train. You can also take the airtrain in JFK. This is a kind of monorail system that connects the airport to the New York subway. That way you can continue your journey by metro.

In short, there are plenty of options to travel from the airport to your destination.

How to get around in New York City ?

The yellow cabs have become one of the trademarks of New York City. They are therefore often seen as the means of transport par excellence to move through the city. The taxis are not super expensive, of course this depends on the duration of the ride. Because traffic is often congested during peak hours, the taxi is not always the most appropriate option to get around the city center quickly. Taxis can be hailed all over the city if they are not occupied. You can see this by the light.

You can also use an uber. Unlike a taxi, an uber has a fixed price. But I’ve heard several times that this price can be high, especially during peak hours.

Go underground

The subway is a fast and cheap way to move around the city. The cheapest method of using the metro is to buy a reloadable ‘Metro Card’. This way you can always reload a certain amount on your card. A ride with the Metro Card costs $2.75 regardless of destination. I’m not lying when I say that New York’s subway traffic is very chaotic. When you travel by metro you sometimes have to search a bit and especially stay attentive. Make sure you always have a plan at hand or on your smartphone. The disadvantage of getting around with the metro is that you don’t see anything of the city while you’re on the way.

Hop-on-Hop-off  

A pleasant alternative is the red Hop-on-Hop-off bus. This is a bit more expensive, but it drives past the most popular sights in New York City. Because you can get on and off at any stop, you can easily move between the different attractions while enjoying the city. These bus rides are offered by various companies,  but tickets are cheaper to book online.

Walking and cycling

Exploring the city by bike is always fun and is certainly possible in New York City. Although this is not the safest and most relaxed option. Don’t get me wrong. There are many neighborhoods that are great to discover by bike, such as Central Park, DUMBO, … However, New York’s traffic is so chaotic that you need your full focus when cycling and can’t fully enjoy the beautiful city. It’s therefore better to opt for an organized bicycle tour with a guide.

I myself planned our visits for a certain day in the same neighborhood so that we had to use the metro as little as possible and could mainly walk from one sight to another. I found the combination of walking and riding the subway to be the best option. This allowed us to move quickly and economically, but this way we could also see a large part of the city.

The best time to travel to New York City?

The climate of New York City is somewhat similar to our climate, only with more extremes. It can get very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. Yet visiting New York in all seasons has its charms.

The most attractive period is the Christmas period. During these magical weeks, the city is beautifully decorated and the shopping paradise par excellence for buying the best Christmas presents. Then you can also admire the imposing Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and try the accompanying skating rink. You can also skate in other places in the city, such as Central Park. In short, New York City is the perfect Christmas destination.

Don’t worry too much about the weather. T here are plenty of things to do indoor during cold and rainy days.  You’ll find numerous impressive museums such as the MoMa, The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, various indoor observaties such as Summit One Vanderbilt and many covered markets such as the Chelsea market where you can relax and taste some New York delicacies .

When winter gives way to spring, New York City brightens up with colorful, fragrant blossoms. In addition to the soft pleasant temperatures that already make it possible to enjoy the outside terraces, it is  the ideal time to discover the parks such as Central Park or The Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I was there in May and this was an excellent time to visit New York.  

During the summer months, the real New Yorkers flee the city because of the heat. My first visit to New York City was in July and yes, it was very hot. But I liked those summery sultry vibes, especially the 4th of July festivities. On the other hand, the heat also hampered some activities such as cycling in Central Park.

The best time to visit New York definitely depends on the purpose of your trip.

How many days do you need to visit New York City ?  

When visiting New York for the firt time, I advise you to really take your time. This city is so overwhelming and there is so much to experience, so there is a great danger that you will run from one sight to another without really experiencing New York City. Therefore, be sure to book a minimum of 5 nights so that you have at least 5 to 6 full days to fully enjoy The Big Apple.  

Important tips before visiting New York for the first time

If you plan to travel from Belgium to the United States, you will need an international passport and an ESTA travel authorization or visa .

Also, don’t forget that New York City is in a different time zone. It is 6 hours earlier than in Belgium. This way you save a little time when you depart.  The disadvantage is the jet lag that causes you to wake up very early the first few days.

Make sure you also bring an international plug, otherwise you will not be able to use or charge your electrical appliances.

In New York, a different currency is used, USD. That may seem obvious, but it is not like in some countries where they still accept euros. It is therefore best to change some money before your trip or at the airport. The cheapest way to exchange Euro into USD is through an exchange office. First compare the prices and choose the exchange office where you have the least loss.

Keep in mind that the prices on the menu when you’re going to a bar or restaurant  don’t include a tip. At the end of the ride you still have to pay 18%, 20% or 22% extra tip. Even when someone provides you with a service, for example the driver, the bellboy in the hotel, … you are expected to tip.  

Where to stay in New York City?  

When looking for a place to stay in New York City, Times Square is often put forward because this neighborhood is centrally located. I too have stayed around Times Square twice. Personally, I think it is one of the less cozy neighborhoods in New York. It is perhaps the one that is located the most central in Manhatten, but via the metro you can also move very quickly from another location.

On my next visit to New York I will definitely choose to stay in a different neighborhood. I already an overview of 15 gorgeous boutique hotels where to stay when visiting New York . But also via the map widget of Booking you can easily find a stay near your preference.

Booking.com

The best things to do when visiting New York for the first time

New york city card  .

New York City is an immensely large city. And if you are there only there for a few days, then of course you want to see and experience as much as possible. Therefore it necessary to prepare well for your city trip in the Big Apple.

Do you want to visit many sights? Then I advise you to take a look at a New York city card. This allows you to visit some of New York’s highlights at a cheaper rate. There are different types of city cards. Below you will find an overview. The best thing is that you look at them all and choose the city card that best meets your needs.

We opted for a Sightseeing Flex Pass with which we could visit no fewer than 7 sights. The advantage was that we not only saved money on the entrance fee to the attractions, but with this ticket we didn’t have to make reservations anywhere. This way we could decide for ourselves during the trip when we wanted to visit which sights. It’s useful to be able to adjust your itinerary last minute when the weather is bad or not…

New York, New York  

One of the reasons why visiting New York City should be on your bucket list is of course, the impressive skyline. This is formed by the mix of beautiful buildings in different architectural styles. The first skyscrapers were built in the early 20th century during a period of economic prosperity. Just think of the roaring twenties. You can still admire many buildings in this typical Art Deco style, such as the Empire State building, Chrysler Building and Rockefeller center.

In this neighborhood you can still find some gems from the past, such as Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library and the Flatiron building.

But time does not stand still and certainly not in New York City, the city that never sleeps. In the meantime, you can also see many hypermodern complexes, such as the recent sustainable construction project Hudson Yards, where you’ll find The Edge and The Vessel, among other spectacular skyscrapers. And there are also some beautiful parks here such as the High Line and Little Island.

Of course there are many more other modern buildings in the city center to admire, such as the One World Trade Center, One Vanderbilt and the Oculus Center.

Both the older and the newer generation of buildings together form the impressive skyline of The Big Apple. You can admire this beautiful skyline from one of the five observatories in New York City or from some other viewpoints that I will discuss in more detail later in this article.

Must visit Museums in New York City

When you plan to visit New York City for the first time, there are bound to be a number of museums on your to-do list. This city has so many museums that it is impossible to visit them all. That is why I am listing a few of them below that are definitely worth a visit.

MoMa is the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Here you can, as the name says, admire modern and contemporary art. It is one of the largest museums in the world and the modern art collection of the MoMa is also considered one of the best collections in the world.  

In the permanent exhibition you can admire pieces from 1880 to the present. These are artworks from big names such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, …   It’s therefore a very varied collection that is definitely worth a visit.

Besides the permanent exhibition, there are also changing exhibitions. This allows you to visit the MoMa again and again and be surprised by works that you have never seen before.

Guggenheim  

Just like the MoMa, the Guggenheim is a museum with a beautiful Modern art collection, including some works that fall within the Impressionism and Expressionism movement.

In addition to the impressive art collection, the building is actually a work of art in itself. It was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and consists of a spiral shape that can be seen both inside and outside. This way you can admire the artworks as you make your way along the spiral ramps that run through the entire building.

If you are not planning to visit the Guggenheim, it is definlitely worth just taking a walk past the building.

9/11 Memorial museum  

An tragic event New York City will never forget is the 9/11 attack in 2001, when two planes flew into The Twin Towers. This disaster was worldwide on the news. More than 3000 people lost their lives here.

Today this place is referred to as Ground Zero. On the exact spot where the Twin Towers stood, there are now two monumental pools with the names of all the victims engraved in the rim. It’s quite impressive, but at the same time also captivating to see.

Be sure to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum where you can learn everything about this terrible event, but also how New Yorkers experienced this attack through their personal stories of loss, recovery and hope. You will also find remnants of the old structures of the Twin Towers as well as objects that have been recovered from the rubble. This makes it easier to imagine how terrible this event was. Let me tell you that a visit to this museum is sure to leave a deep impression on you.

A touch of green New York City

Visiting New York City for the first time is intense. New York City is referred to as the city that never sleeps for a reason. The sounds, lights, the city in constant development… That sometimes causes a little overstimulation. An occasional moment to take a breather is not an unnecessary luxury here. Fortunately, The Big Apple has numerous beautifully landscaped city parks where you can relax or enjoy New York City in a green setting.

Central park  

The most famous park in New York City with about 25 million visitors annually is Central Park and is also called the green heart of Manhattan. The large, rectangular domain stretches from 59th to 110th Street and from 5th to 8th Avenue. From Top of The Rock you can admire the park very well from above. That’s where you see how big it really is.

The construction of Central Park took no less than 16 years. When you walk through the park, you will not be surprised that it took so long. It’s a beautiful natural environment consisting of wide avenues, smaller hiking trails through the woods, several lakes, impressive monuments, sunbathing areas and a few restaurants. You can also spot some sights here such as the Belvedere castle and the famous Bethesda fountain. The park also houses a zoo called “Central park zoo.”

Around the park is a 10 kilometer long road where car traffic is banned during weekends and after 7 pm. Then it is a real paradise for active New Yorkers, but also the perfect time for tourists to explore Central Park by bicycle. Rent a bike or opt for a guided bike tour. Not an avid cyclist? Then take a nice walk or go for a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Last but not least. If you plan to spend some time in Central Park, it is also nice to have lunch on the beautiful terrace of The Loeb Boat House when the weather is nice. Don’t forget to make a reservation! Here you can also rent rowing boats to go out on the lake.

High line  

The High Line in a beautiful park that stretches for 2,3 kilometers from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. This park was built on an old elevated railway that was used for the transport of meat and poultry until 1980. This piece of green runs above the streets between the buildings. It is a unique experience that attracts millions of visitors every year.

During the walk you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Hudson River, the typical New York industrial environment, the mix of different architectural styles and art. Yes, you heard that right. Artworks such as statues and murals are exhibited in the park. There are also occasional shows.

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink or snack, head down between 15th Street and 16th Street for a break at the Chelsea Market. This former biscuit factory has been transformed into a cozy food hall. Today you can find numerous food stalls and restaurants.

Besides that the High Line is close to some popular attractions. You can combine a walk through the park with a visit to The Vessel and The Edge.

You can also opt to walk the High Line as part of a guided tour. This way you will learn even more about the history of the park and the surrounding area.  

Little Island  

Little Island is, as the name suggests, an island that floats above the Hudson River. It is a city park that only recently (in 2021) opened its doors. So it probably won’t surprise you that it’s located near the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards. You can also admire this impressive park with several height differences from the High Line. It’s quite unique to see.

Would you like to visit Little Island? Then you can reach it via one of the two pedestrian bridges, the North Bridge or South Bridge. Both bridges are located on the Hudson River Greenway at Pier 55.

From Little Island you can enjoy a green urban oasis with beautiful flora and an impressive view of Manhattan, New Jersey and the river around you.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden  

Want to escape the city for a while and relax in an oasis of peace? Then be sure to visit the beautifully landscaped Brooklyn Botanic Garden . This park consists of no less than 12 different gardens.

The best time to visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden is during the spring when most of the flowers are in bloom. In April you can admire the lush cherry blossoms. We were only there at the end of May and could enjoy a beautiful setting full of colorful and fragrant flowers. The biggest draw was the vast field of purple bluebells.

Nice neighborhoods to explore in New York City 

New York City is divided into several neighborhoods that overlap. The nice thing is that every neighborhood has its own identity. When visiting New York for the first time you will get to most  neighborhoods anyway when you go sightseeing all over the city. I already mentioned some neighborhoods under the other topics in this article. But here I list a few more that should certainly not be missing from your itinerary during your city trip in The Big Apple.

Let’s start with the most trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn. Just across the Manhattan Bridge you will find the DUMBO neighborhood which literally means “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”.

It’s a super fun and creative area to explore. You will find various art galleries, coffee bars, bakeries and also very photogenic places.

The most famous photo spot is perhaps the one on Washington Street where you can see the Empire State Building through the pillars of the Manhattan Bridge.

From Brooklyn Bridge Park you also have amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the spectacular Manhattan skyline.

The best day to visit DUMBO is definitely Sunday. Then there is a flea market where you can find nice things.

Lower Manhatten and the Financial District  

Even though the name ‘Financial District’ sounds rather boring, I still found this a super fun area to explore. You walk in between the most impressive skyscrapers that serve as offices for the most prestigious companies. You will find, among other things, the world-famous stock exchange and the One World Trade center.

Other special monuments are the beautiful Trinity Church that suddenly appears between the skyscrapers of Wall Street.

Near Wall Street you’ll also find the famous statue The Charging Bull. If you rub the nose, horns and yes, the balls of this statue, it supposingly brings good luck. Another famous statue in the area is The Fearless Girl. The statue was made in honor of International Women’s Day and stands in front of the New York Stock Exchange.

China Town en Little Italy  

Nice neighborhoods to stroll through are China Town and Little Italy. This name already tells you that these are the neighborhoods where mainly Chinese and Italian immigrants settle. Meanwhile, the boundaries between the two neighborhoods have become blurred. China Town is growing while Little Italy is shrinking. This is because many Italians are moving away from the area. Yet you can still find the authentic atmosphere in both neighborhoods. There are also still many traditional restaurants and boutiques.

Times square and Hell’s Kitchen  

Although I certainly don’t think Times Square is the nicest or coziest neighborhood in New York, it is of course something you should see at least once. The immense advertising screens, the colorful neon lighting, the many street performers, the gigantic shops, the masses of tourists… It has something, especially when it’s dark.

You can combine your visit to Times Square with a theater performance on Broadway or a snack and drink in Hell’s kitchen. Hell’s kitchen used to not have the best reputation, but today you will find many trendy bars and eateries there.

Below you will find some amazing guided tours from Getyourguide. These are perfect if you want to explore different neighborhoods in an original way.

The best views in New York City

I personally think the best views of New York City are the places where you can admire the city from a distance or from above. Then you can completely soak in that beautiful skyline consisting of the most impressive buildings.

Admire New York City from above

Visiting one of the 5 observation platforms in New York should not be missing on your New York itinerary. These 5 viewpoints are located on the roof of some of the most impressive skyscrapers in New York . I will briefly go through them all here. An extensive report full of tips for visiting one or more of these phenomenal observatories can be found in my blog post about the 5 observatories with the best view of New York .

Empire State Building

Empire State Building is the oldest observation platform and therefore a true classic. In addition to the beautiful view, you also have access to the interactive museum where you can experience the evolution of the building, including a tribute to its film history. The building served as a film setting for several blockbusters such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.

Top of Rock

You have the best outdoor view from Top of Rock. This observatory is located on the roof of Rockefeller center. Here you can admire the iconic skyline in all its glory with highlights such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler building, Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, but also Central Park.    

One World Trade Center

The tallest skyscraper in New York City is One World Trade Center. The top floor, One World Observatory is open to visitors. There you have a phenomenal 360 degree indoor view of the city. The highlight of our visit was definitely the elevator that took us to the 102nd floor in 47 seconds. Not because it was so fast, but because we could see the entire evolution of 500 years of New York City on the walls of the elevator during the ride.

One of my favorite viewpoints is The Edge. The observatory is unique in that way it’s an angular platform suspended from a skyscraper, hence the name: The Edge. So there is no building under the outdoor zone. Some bits of the floor have been replaced with glass that literally allow you to see 100 floors down. The unique shapes and the use of these different materials ensure that this is a very original photo spot.

Summit One Vanderbilt

If you want to be surprised by design, art and special effects in addition to the view, then you should definitely visit Summit One Vanderbilt. The visit is such an amazing experience that sometimes you forget that you have to enjoy the view. This because you are so absorbed in everything that happens in the spaces. Moreover, it is also a very photogenic place.

Do you want to admire New York City from even higher. Then you can also book a helicopter flight. Impressive views guaranteed!

Walk towards the skyline on Brooklyn Bridge  

One of the most famous landmarks in New York City is the Brooklyn Bridge. It opened in 1883. This iconic steel-constructed bridge was long the only connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting New York for the first time.

The bridge is not only very impressive to look at. When you walk it from Brooklyn towards Manhattan you also have a great view of the New York skyline. You literaly walk towards it.

Soak in the skyline from on the water

Since Manhattan is completely surrounded by the Hudson River and East River, it is really worth admiring the city from the water.

You can do this by taking a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island where you can see New York City’s most famous woman up close, Lady Liberty. In addition to the Statue of Liberty, you will also find the Statue of Liberty Museum with information and exhibitions about everything related to the Statue of Liberty. This museum is free for all visitors to the island.  

You can also take the ferry to Ellis Island. This island served as a border post for immigrants who wanted to settle in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today you can visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum where you can see several exhibits, each highlighting a different aspect of immigration. The personal stories are especially touching.

You can enjoy a beautiful view of the New York skyline from both the ferry and on both islands.

Besides the ferry, you can also opt for another type of boat trip, such as a cruise with or without extras.

Where to go shopping in New York City?  

Soho (south of houston street) and nolita  .

What used to be an industrial district, dotted with factories and warehouses, is now a true shopping paradise called SoHo. These old buildings were restored into shops with luxury apartments and lofts above them. Because the historical elements have been preserved, it is still a very pleasant neighborhood to walk through.

Start your shopping adventure at Broadway and get lost among the 25 blocks of shopping district. You will find a mix of unique boutiques, large department stores and high-end luxury designers.

Do you need a break? Then visit Balthazar Bakery . A beautiful place completely in Art Nouveau style where you can go for a snack or drink. And not unimportantly one of the best bakeries in New York City.

Haven’t shopped enough yet? Then walk on to the adjacent neighborhood of Nolita where you can find even more beautiful shops and unique boutiques.

5th Avenue and Madison Avenue  

The most legendary shopping street is of course 5th Avenue. There you will find all the famous luxury brands. They are characterized by most impressive shop windows. It is not for nothing that 5th Avenue is called the most expensive shopping street in the world.

Within walking distance is Madison Avenue, which is part of the Upper East side. Here you can also find several high-end shops. In addition, this street is also known because some of the most expensive real estate in the world are located here.

If budget is not an issue, 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue are the places-to-be for shopping. Otherwise you stick to window shopping, like me.  

Impressive shopping malls

The United States is known for its gigantic ‘Shopping Malls’. You can also find some impressive ones in New York City. Two of the most famous shopping centers, Brookfield Park and The Oculus, are within walking distance of each other in Battery Park. Brookfield Park mainly houses luxury shops, while you can find more affordable brands in The Oculus. If you don’t like shopping, The Oculus is still a super impressive building to visit.

Another one that you absolutely cannot miss is the famous American department store Macy’s on Herald Square. This branch is according to the Guinness Book of Records the largest department store in the world.

Of course there are still plenty of nice places to shop in New York City. You also have the vibrant Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village and the charming streets of the West Village. For nice vintage stuff you have to be in the East Village. And some more high-end fashion houses and shops can be found in the Meatpacking District.

Not to miss specialties New York City

Hot dogs are an indispensable part of the New York street scene, at least the numerous hot dog stalls that you will find on every corner of the street. It is therefore a must-do to order a hot dog at such a typical food truck during your trip to the Big Apple. There are now also many vegetarian alternatives. I was told that you can taste the best hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya .

Blueberry pancakes  

You may have seen them appear in a couple of films or television show, but these little stacked pancakes are a true breakfast classic in the United States. In New York City you can order these typical American pancakes in different ways. The most famous are the bleuberry pancakes made with blueberries. When you order them you usually get a jar of blueberry jelly and one of maple syrup with your pancakes. I first tried to carefully put a piece of pancake in both jars and then eat it, until the waiter convinced me to empty both jars at once over my stack of pancakes. And believe me, it tasted heavenly! The best blueberry pancakes can be found at the Clinton St. Baking Company .

Another real New York specialty is the bagel. These round buns with a hole in them, not to be confused with the donut, originally come from Poland. The bagel was introduced to New York City by Jewish immigrants. These delicious sandwiches became a hit and today they are the favorite breakfast or lunch choice of many New Yorkers. The classic New York bagel is topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon and onion and is highly recommended. You can order delicious bagels at one of the many Black Seed Bagel locations.

New York Pizza  

Everyone knows that pizza is an Italian specialty. The New Yorkers gave it their own twist, partly influenced by their fast-paced and busy lifestyle, and that is how the famous New York pizza slices came about. Where you normally have to wait for your pizza to be baked, you can have a delicious pizza slice within just 2 minutes in one of the many pizza places all over New York City. The perfect snack for a quick and cheap bite while discovering the city.

Are you a foodie and want to discover even more delicious New York City specialties? Then opt for an organized food tour with a guide from Getyourguide. You will not only discover the different delicacies, but also the best places to eat them.

Where to eat New York City?

New York City has a lot of restaurants. Like its inhabitants, the restaurants are a melting pot of cultures. And that’s nice, because you can really find all kinds of cuisines there. It’s a true foodie paradise! The only thing you need to know is that the good restaurants are in demand and that it is therefore best to reserve a spot in time. Sometimes it can be hard to get a table in New York’s best restaurants .

Of course it was impossible for me to try everything, but below is a small summary of the restaurants and cozy neighborhoods to eat that personally appealed to me the most.  

The blue dog NYC

Do you want to start your day of sightseeing off right? Then go for brunch at The blue dog NYC. This address is one of the best. We even went there twice because it was so good. The specialty of the house are the egg-o-holics on bread, a hearty breakfast that will keep you going for a few hours. The blue dog is popular, so book a table in time.

South Street Seaport  

A super cozy neighborhood where you can find a lot of nice restaurants is South Street Seaport. This former harbor is home to some of the oldest buildings in Manhattan. Many of these historic buildings have been completely restored and house authentic boutiques, trendy bars and cozy restaurants. You will also find pier 17 an events center that hosts a series of concerts on the roof terrace in the summer. On the ground floor of pier 17 there are still plenty of restaurants where you can dine with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. We dined at Malibu Farm New York and can definitely recommend this restaurant.

If you then walk further along the waterfront towards Battery Park, you will pass Industry Kitchen where you can also enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.

Chelsea & Meatpacking Disctrict   

Adjacent to the Chelsea district, we find the Meatpacking District where many slaughterhouses and packaging companies used to be located. Today this is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in New York City where you can also find numerous elegant bars and delicious restaurants such as Fig & Olive , Pastis , Catch and Buddakan .  

Nearby you can also visit the Chelsea market , a former biscuit factory, which was transformed into an impressive food hall. You will not find many different types of food stalls and restaurants here, but the interior is also really great.

With this comprehensive beginner’s guide to New York City, I’ve tried to give as many tips as possible for visiting New York for the first time. I hope that with my tips you will have an unforgettable first New York experience.

Are you visiting New York for the first time? What would you definitely not want to miss on your this trip to The Big Apple? Let me know below in the comments.

If you are planning a city trip to New York City, then definitely read 5 best observatories in New York City where I share my experiences visiting the all of New Yorks’ observatories and my overview of 15 gorgeous boutique hotels where to stay when visiting New York .

Wanna visit more of the United States? Then check my travel guides below:

• The ultimate Deep Road trip
• How to spend the perfect day in Miami
• What to expect from an airboat tour in the Everglades
• The most beautiful beaches in Sanibel
• How to plan a 3 days city trip in New Orleans

Thank you for reading.  

Yours truly,  

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A beginner's guide to New York City: Everything you need to know for your first trip

Heading to New York City for the first time? It can be intimidating, thinking about the city's size and scale, its complex transportation system and nonstop crowds. But don't worry: We're here to help. Below, you'll find our guide to making sense of the city, and structuring your trip like a pro.

Here's what you must do on your first trip to New York City .

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See a Broadway show

There are few more iconic symbols of New York City than the bright lights of Broadway . Sure, the touring companies of big Broadway shows come to cities across the United States. But seeing a musical or a play on Broadway itself is different, and is worth your time and money. Nowhere else will you see the caliber of performances, or the polish and spectacle that you'll find in New York City.

Visit Playbill's web site for help choosing a show, and be sure to download the TKTS app. The famous red booth in Times Square sells discounted tickets for same-day performances, and the app can give you a heads up about what's available, and how long you'll wait for tickets.

And, a tip for the adventurous: When choosing a show, don't be afraid to try something new. Choose a play or a musical that you've never heard of, or would not be able to see back home. You may discover the next "Hamilton."

Related: 6 reasons to love New York, according to New Yorkers

Take to the water

Given the height of the skyline and the density of its structures, it's sometimes hard to remember that Manhattan is an island and that all five of New York City's boroughs are situated on the water.

Get a sense of the city's dramatic scale by stepping away from it and onto a boat. There are dozens of ways to do this, from spendy private charters to cheap water taxis, but the easiest is to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry — one of the city's great, and truly free attractions. The view of the Statue of Liberty alone makes this trip worth it. (Remember, you won't get the perspective afforded by distance when you visit and climb the statue, which sits more or less by itself on federally-owned Liberty Island.)

In summer, we also recommend North River Lobster Company, a "floating lobster shack" that sets sail from Manhattan's Pier 81 from Thursday to Sunday. There's also Grand Banks, a restaurant and oyster bar on a historic schooner. It doesn't actually sail, but is docked in a prime spot on the Hudson River.

Related: 10 most Instagrammable spots in New York City

Get out of Manhattan

Too many first-time visitors to New York City focus all of their energy on its most famous borough. You should go there, of course — it's nearly unavoidable — but save some of your time for Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. These "outer boroughs" are where you'll discover excellent food, busy neighborhoods, countless small museums and galleries, live music, all of the city's major sports stadiums and an endless parade of city life.

Our advice? Pick one or two spots and dedicate time to explore. You'll never see all of New York City in a single visit, so prioritize wisely. We recommend:

Coney Island: Gritty and a little faded, this seaside escape is heady with nostalgia. Think: vintage amusement park rides, a wide boardwalk and stands hawking everything from hotdogs to hats.

Fort Greene: Blocks of elegant brownstones, independent shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class arts organizations and one giant basketball stadium. No neighborhood in Brooklyn embodies the borough's variety (and its many complexities and contradictions) like this one.

Long Island City: This somewhat remote waterfront neighborhood in Queens is home to heavy-hitting museums, including MoMA-affiliated PS1, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the art-filled studio of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

Jackson Heights: A neighborhood of immigrants since the 1960s, this is where many families of Indian, Colombian, Bangladeshi, Tibetan and Ecuadorian origin call home. Come here to experience this incredible mix of cultures through food, markets and shops.

Williamsburg: If you want to try to understand the conversation around gentrification in New York's boroughs, head to Williamsburg. What was an affordable, residential hamlet due east of Manhattan has become, in the last two decades, the home of luxury hotels, big-brand stores and multimillion-dollar apartments. Still, the area has somehow managed to retain some of its creative sensibility. Street art, cozy bars and live music still thrive here.

Related: Best New York City activities for families

Ride the subway

New York City's spiderweb of subway lines might seem intimidating at first, but mastering it, often, means mastering the city itself. Plus, taxis and rideshares can get stuck in New York's infamous traffic, adding lots of time to your journey. They also get expensive very quickly, especially if you're traveling solo or as a duo, and they won't give you a sense of the city the way the subway will.

Whether it's dancers doing flips across your car for tips, or the endless fashion show of New Yorkers on their way to work, parties and dinner, the subway provides some of the best people-watching you'll ever experience.

Download a map to your phone — the official MTA app is good for tracking service changes that could affect your trip — purchase a pass that includes multiple or unlimited rides for maximum flexibility and go. Google Maps' directions tool is a must-use when it comes to using the subway, whether you're visiting for a weekend or you've lived there for a decade.

Related: Everything you need to know about getting around New York City

But also, walk

The best way to really appreciate New York City is to put on your most comfortable shoes and walk its streets. Remember, exploring this destination is all about what you stumble upon — an amazing ice cream stand, a shop selling bespoke hats, a basement-level bar behind an unmarked door. You might never find any of these things if you're darting around in subways or taxis.

Many travelers don't come equipped for walking and are surprised by the amount of it they can do (and will want to do) once they arrive. This is why pacing yourself in the city is critical. So is staying hydrated, stopping for breaks and planning your days so that you'll visit a group of nearby attractions all at once.

The most important thing to remember when walking in New York City? Have a back-up plan. You may walk out to a site or attraction only to find that you're too tired to walk back. This is when a ride-hailing app or a subway card comes in handy.

And a word about those comfortable shoes for the fashion-conscious. Once upon a time, comfortable footwear was a tourist hallmark and something that would single you out in any New York City neighborhood. Now? It's just what everyone is wearing.

See an incredible view … once

In a city known for the nonstop drive and ambition of its citizens, it's no wonder that climbing very tall buildings — not exactly in a single bound, but close — is a popular thing to do here for visitors.

There are high-in-the-sky observatories at the Empire State Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, One World Trade Center and at Hudson Yards , which is now home to the tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, there are countless other rooftop bars and restaurants. Our advice? Pick one.

Related: Things every teen should do in New York

Focus on things you can only do in New York

Recent years have brought hordes of chain stores and bank branches to New York City. Their appearance is the cause of much-heated debate among New Yorkers: Are they ruining the city with their sameness, or are they a natural result of the city's ever-growing wealth?

Before you stop into Sephora in Times Square or drop into the Apple Store in Soho, take a minute to make your own decision.

Our perspective on this is simple: Why go on vacation to do things you could do at home? Take a minute to find and visit New York City's many independent businesses and shops. The things you find there will give you stories to tell, introduce you to new artists and makers of all stripes and give you bragging rights back home.

Plan ahead for meals, and keep it varied

Yes, you can find a cheap slice of pizza on every other block in Manhattan , but that doesn't mean you should have it for every meal.

If you're craving the best of New York's culinary scene , do your research. Many of the city's best and best-known restaurants require advance reservations, enforce strict dress codes or have quirky policies like cash-only payment.

It's also smart to consider when restaurants will be crowded. A general rule of thumb in New York is that the busiest dining hours are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and during weekend brunch, typically from noon to 4 p.m. Avoiding those dining times can mean getting a reservation at an otherwise booked establishment, or just having a more peaceful meal.

And of course, some of the city's best eats can't be found in any sit-down restaurant. Whether you're in search of perfect samosas, falafel, banh mi or roasted peanuts, street carts and stands are a great way to supplement sit-down meals.

But what about Times Square?

There's no shortage of opinions about Times Square. It's clogged with crowds. There's nothing to do there. The stores are corny and corporate.

To some degree, all of those concepts ring true, especially for locals and travelers who've spent a lot of time in the city. But that doesn't mean you should fully steer clear of Times Square, or that it's a soulless wasteland or that you're not a savvy traveler if you enjoy its chaotic energy.

This neighborhood is, after all, home to some of the best live theater in the world. Its character — bright as day at midnight, forever flashing with digital screens and advertisements — is part of New York City's fabric.

It's where thousands of people ring in the New Year each year, where the Beatles performed on "Ed Sullivan," where Carole King and Neil Diamond wrote songs and where nearly 50 million people visit each year. It's more than OK to count yourself among them.

Feature photo by datsmrjones2u/Twenty20.

21 Things to Do on a First Time Visit to New York City

If you’re planning your first time visit to New York City, odds are you’re excited…but probably a little bit overwhelmed!

There’s so much to see, do and eat in New York that it can be hard to cram it all into a first time visit. I remember being so overwhelmed on my first visit to NYC in 2015 – and again in 2022 on my next visit because there’s just so much to do!

To help you prioritize, I’m sharing 21 things to include in your first time visit to New York City. Will you have time for all of them? Probably not. Will you even want to do them all? Unlikely, since everyone has different interests.

But with these 21 things, you’ll be covering some of the biggest and best highlights of the Big Apple – plus a few hidden gems!

So while you may not get to everything on my New York City bucket list – and while the city certainly has more than 21 things for you to do – this is the perfect place to start when planning your first visit to New York!

Below I’m sharing 21 things for your first time visit to New York City, plus my advice on when to go and where to stay in the city.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

21 things to do on a first time visit to New York City:

PS: If you’re heading to New York for the first time, make sure to check out my New York City mistakes so you don’t mess up like I did on my first visit!

1. See a Broadway show

If you know me, you know Broadway is at the top of my New York City bucket list. In fact, I’m such a fan that Colin and I ended up seeing four shows in three days on our latest trip to New York!

The great thing about Broadway in New York City is that there’s something for everyone – whether you love big name shows, musicals, modern plays, Shakespeare, something for kids or something else entirely!

There’s also lots of ways to make theatre going accessible and more affordable. Enter lotteries, book rush tickets, take advantage of student pricing, or check out discount ticket sellers like TKTS and TodayTix .

There’s something so magical about live theatre and truly nowhere more iconic to see it than in New York City. Even if you’re seeing a show you’ve never heard of in the worst seats in the house, you can still have an amazing experience.

My current favourites are Wicked, Six and (of course) Hamilton! But truly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Broadway show I didn’t enjoy.

2. Eat New York City’s most famous cuisine: pizza & bagels

Did you even go to New York City if you didn’t eat pizza and bagels? These are two staple New York cuisine items and you don’t want to miss them on your first time visit to New York City.

The great news is that every New Yorker, and every guide book or blog post, will have a different favourite pizza joint and bagel shop. You really can’t go wrong!

On our most recent trip we enjoyed fancy bagels from Liberty Bagels and awesome bagel breakfast sandwiches from our local bodega. We also loved the pizza at Scarr’s and Motorino .

3. Seek out your favourite cuisine

Of course, it’s not just about pizza and bagels in New York. NYC is home to so many incredible restaurants and food choices. Being such a multicultural city, there really is something for everyone.

So once you’ve tried the staples, seek out something off the beaten path or a personal favourite. From Little Italy to Chinatown, New York has it all!

As one of my favourite foods, we had to try dim sum from Nom Wah Tea Parlor – one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in the US. And for something new, we headed to Empanada Mama and were blown away by how much we loved the unique flavours in their empandas!

Check out this food tour in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen!  

4. Visit a big museum or art gallery

New York City is home to some of the most famous museums and art galleries in the world. I’m talking big names like the Natural History Museum , the Met , MoMA and the Guggenheim . And these museums are popular for a reason!

On your first time visit to New York City prioritize going to a least one big name museum or gallery to see what all the fuss is about.

On our first visit to New York, we went to the Natural History Museum and were totally blown away. From dinosaurs to space, there wasn’t much this museum didn’t cover.

On our second visit, we decided to check out the Met . While I’m no artist, I loved the fashion exhibits and Ancient Egyptian relics. Both times we were overwhelmed with how much there was to see and barely scratched the surface of what the museums had to offer.

5. Visit a small museum or art gallery

While New York has a lot of big name museums, it also houses so many incredible smaller museums and art galleries. But just because these places are lesser known doesn’t mean they’re any less good! In fact, these hidden gems are not only top quality, they’re usually more affordable and less crowded.

On our most recent visit, we went to the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. Instead of telling you about histories of an entire population, each tour at the Tenement Museum walks you through the history of one specific family who actually lived in the very building you’re walking through.

Our small group tour followed the lives of two families who lived in the building back in the 1800s. Upstairs, we walked through recreated rooms of a single mother and her daughters.

We followed them downstairs to the outhouse and then headed into the saloon where another family lived. It was so interesting to step back in time and get to know a regular New York family so in-depth.

Each Tenement Museum tour follows a different family from a different time period and is done in small groups (ours had about 10-15 people).

The worst part is only being able to go on one tour, as I wanted to learn about all of the families who once called these buildings home. Truly, I could not recommend this museum enough!

PS: Visiting a lot of museums or attractions in New York City? You might want to get one of their city cards and save some money. Check out the most popular city cards :

6. Take the subway

Have you even visited New York if you haven’t rode the subway? It’s a New York institution and definitely a must for your first time visit to New York City. Even if you make some subway mistakes like we did , it’s still the best way to see the city.

The New York City subway system may seem confusing, but you can do it. Follow Google Maps, stay alert to any closures or diversions, and don’t be afraid to ask a local if you get lost or can’t figure something out.

Local tip: A native New Yorker recommended MTA.info to me for the latest on closures due to service work.

Even if you mess up a few times, you’ll still save money and get where you need to go quickly by using the subway.

7. Stroll through Central Park

At 843 acres, would you believe Central Park is only the 5th largest park in New York City? It’s true – check this Wikipedia list . Despite coming in fifth, this urban park is still absolutely massive and a must-see for your first time visit to New York City.

On our first trip to NYC we visited the famous Bethesda Fountain and John Lennon Memorial in Central Park. On our next trip, we hung out in the park after a long visit at the Met – the perfect place to rest our legs after hours of museum stomping!

It was so nice to just sit in Central Park and watch local life go by.

Besides beautiful trails, ponds and playgrounds, Central Park is also home to a zoo, carousel, restaurants and so much more. You could easily spend a whole day here!

And if you’re not sick of parks, New York has lots of other famous parks for you to enjoy like Bryant Park, Washington Square Park and Prospect Park.

And for all of you Somebody Feed Phil fans, we found Phil and Monica’s benches! (No idea what I’m talking about? Check out some of the best travel TV shows! )

8. Spend time in other boroughs (or at least outside of Midtown Manhattan)

On a first time visit to New York City, it can be tempting to spend all of your time in Midtown Manhattan. After all, that’s where so many of the big attractions are housed, like Times Square, the Empire State Building and all of Broadway.

But New York is so much more than Midtown! While there’s a lot to see there, you won’t ever really appreciate the magic of New York unless you get out of Midtown (and maybe even out of Manhattan altogether!) and explore the other neighbourhoods and boroughs.

I encourage you to find a park, museum, restaurant or even just a beautiful street in another area of New York that inspires you to visit. Spend some time away from NYC’s most popular neighbourhood and see why people really fall in love with this city.

9. Remember 9/11

*Note: Unfortunately, the 9/11 Tribute Museum closed its doors in late 2022 and is now an online educational resource. But my experience there was so impactful that I wanted to include it below. 

Of course, we all remember the tragic events that struck New York City on September 11th, 2001. While most people don’t go on vacation to relive sad events, I do think it’s important to spend some time remembering and honouring the history here.

There are two main 9/11 memorial attractions: the 9/11 Tribute Museum and the 9/11 Memorial Museum . The 9/11 Memorial Museum is the large museum at Ground Zero filled with artifacts and exhibits.

I haven’t visited this museum, but I hear it’s excellent. It’s definitely on my New York City itinerary for our next trip.

However, I can definitely recommend the 9/11 Tribute Museum , which we visited in May 2022. This museum is run by the September 11 Families Association and focuses more on personal experiences of 9/11.

Everyone who volunteers at the museum is a survivor, first responder, loved one of a survivor, or otherwise connected to the Sep 11 events.

We went on a guided tour around Ground Zero with the 9/11 Tribute Museum and it was one of the most impactful and powerful tours I have ever been on.

It’s one thing to watch the videos and it’s another thing to hear the stories – it’s completely different to hear a survivor tell her story in the very spot where the South Tower stood.

Following our remarkable walking tour, we were brought back to the Tribute Museum where we could see more artifacts and exhibits. I will say, this part of the museum is not as built up; the real draw is in the tours.

We were very fortunate to catch another volunteer who was telling his story at the museum. He explained that he is a “triple” – he lost his sister in one of the towers, survived the events himself, and helped as a first responder at a local hospital.

He then shared that he now has cancer from his 9/11 experiences. To say it was powerful to hear his story would be an understatement.

10. Walk the High Line

The High Line is an elevated urban park and greenway on the west side of Manhattan – think a boardwalk lined with greenery but a few stories in the air. It’s a very cool spot for a stroll above the streets in New York City and an awesome example of how modern parks can fit into urban spaces.

That said, it’s no secret that the High Line is a cool place to be. In fact, it gets so busy that in the summer you have to make reservations to walk it during peak times.

So if you want to enjoy it without the crowds, come early! We walked the park on a Tuesday morning in May and it was perfect – not too busy or too hot.

11. Attend a sports game

I’m not the biggest sports fan but even I love going to a live game and cheering on the home team. On our first visit to New York, we saw a Mets game and even though I barely understand baseball, it was a ton of fun. We also stopped by Yankee Stadium for Colin to snap a photo.

No matter your sport of choice, New York City will likely have a team for you to cheer for.

In fact they might have two – New York is home to two major league football teams (Jets & Giants), two basketball teams (Knicks & Nets), two hockey teams (Rangers & Islanders) and two baseball teams (Mets & Yankees) – though not all of the teams play right in the city.

So if you’re looking for a sports game to attend, odds are you’ll find it in New York!

12. Take in the view from above

One of the best ways to enjoy the city is from above. A great bucket list item for your first time visit to New York City is to head to an observation deck and take in the views. Lucky for you, New York has no shortage of stunning vantage points.

There’s the classics, like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock , and the newcomers, like Edge , SUMMIT and One World Observatory . You can head to a fancy rooftop bar or there’s also the unique and luxurious option of taking a helicopter ride over the city !

No matter your preference, you can find a way to take in the city from above.

But it will cost you as most of these viewpoints are not cheap. But I do think they’re worth the splurge for such an iconic view. My advice would be to choose just one viewpoint to visit; if you really can’t decide, purchase a city card that includes entrance to a few of them.

When we first visited New York, we decided to visit Top of the Rock at night. We knew we wanted to visit one of the classic buildings and see the city all lit up.

But rather than go up the Empire State Building, we wanted the Empire State Building to be part of our view. It’s kind of like going to Paris and heading up the Arc du Triomphe instead of the Eiffel Tower – it’s not as famous a viewpoint but then you actually get to see the Eiffel Tower in your view!

13. (Briefly) visit Times Square

On your first time visit to New York City, you definitely have to visit Times Square. But while Times Square is an iconic part of the city – and definitely on every first time visitor’s bucket list – it’s not actually an area you will want to spend a lot of time in.

Times Square is for tourists. It’s a lot of lights and signs and people. Yes, it’s pretty impressive to see. But it’s also chaotic, loud, crowded and full of tourist traps. Any part of a city that is permanently home to mascots who make people pay for photos with them should make you run in the other direction.

Everything around Times Square is more expensive and more crowded. If you can, avoid eating here! Head a few blocks away for much better and much cheaper food.

You’ll also want to keep your wits about you as this tourist-heavy place is the perfect spot for scams and pickpocketing.

So yes, go to Times Square and take your photos. But then get out!

14. Attend a live TV show taping

In case you didn’t know, a lot of TV shows film in New York City! And while you probably won’t get to be an extra on Law & Order or And Just Like That unless you live in New York, you can attend a live taping of your favourite late night, morning or news show.

I haven’t done this in New York but I have done it in Toronto and Los Angeles.

In Toronto, my aunt and I attended a morning talk show, The Social, and I also went to a few tapings of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. In Los Angeles, Colin, his mom and I went to a taping of The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Every time I’ve gone to a TV show taping, it’s always been a lot of fun. You get to watch how the sausage gets made, maybe see a celebrity or two up close, and likely go home with a bit of swag!

I found this great site that lists what shows tape in New York City and your best chance to get tickets. If you’re interested, check it out!

15. Check out iconic NYC filming locations

Besides talk shows, you’ll know that many other TV shows and movies have filmed and currently film in New York City.

If you’re a big movie buff or Sex and the City or Friends fanatic, you’ll definitely want to spend some time checking out iconic filming locations around NYC.

You can go on a tour where they’ll take you to all of the sites and give you lots of behind the scenes info, or you can just seek out some of the most famous filming locations yourself.

On my first time visit to New York City, I knew I wanted to take a photo outside of Serendipity Cafe and another one out front of Tiffany’s . We also headed to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park – the inspiration for the fountain in the opening credits of Friends.

Still on my NYC bucket list is checking out the brownstone that was Carrie’s apartment in Sex and the City and the stairs from the Friends’ apartment building .

16. Visit Wall Street

Even if you’re not an investment banker or day trader, you’ll want to spend a bit of time on Wall Street on your first visit to New York. It’s cool to see the New York Stock Exchange in person, if only from the outside of the building, and watch all the important people walk through to make the big bucks.

Right nearby the NYSE is Trinity Church . This iconic and beautiful church was first constructed in the 1600’s, but has gone through a few reconstructions since then.

Thanks to the popularity of the musical Hamilton, many people now know that Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church, and Philip Hamilton are all buried there. The church was also used as a refuge for first responders during 9/11.

While down by Wall Street, you’ll also want to visit the Charging Bull , the 7000 lb bronze bull statue that has come to represent the financial district.

Push your way through the other tourists to pose next to the bull and maybe rub certain parts of him for luck. And if you’re looking for Fearless Girl , the statue that was installed in front of the bull in 2017, she’s been moved to outside the New York Stock Exchange.

17. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most well known shots of New York City is through the wires and arches of the Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic bridge not only connects two of New York’s busiest hubs – Manhattan and Brooklyn – but it has also been featured in many TV shows and movies.

The nice thing about the Brooklyn Bridge is it’s a completely free attraction! You (plus all the other tourists and daily commuters) can stroll across the 1.8 mile long bridge without paying a cent.

It’s a nice stroll, and offers lots of photo opportunities, but try not to get in the way of busy New Yorkers just trying to get to work.

Once on the other side, take your time exploring Brooklyn. Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge Park Piers, check out the neighbourhood homes and shops, and definitely stop for some famous Brooklyn pizza!

When you’re done in Brooklyn you can walk the bridge back or, if your feet hurt, jump on a ferry or the subway back to Manhattan.

18. Say hi to the Statue of Liberty

No first time visit to New York City is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty, one of the icons of the Big Apple. Depending on your interest and budget, you can catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty for free or go on a longer tour to see her up close and learn more about immigration to America.

On our first visit to New York, we were happy to just see the Statue of Liberty. And so we boarded the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan and hung out on the deck to see her from the water.

Once in Staten Island, we walked off the ferry and right back on to return to Manhattan. It was a fun way to see the statue and get on the water – all for free!

But on our next visit, we wanted to know a bit more. We were actually more interested in visiting Ellis Island and learning about immigration to the US; seeing the Statue of Liberty was just a bonus.

So we headed out with Statue City Cruise Line to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

On Liberty Island we did a complimentary tour with a park ranger to learn more about the statue, why she is turning green and why they had to remake her torch. I won’t spoil it for you – you’ll just have to take the tour!

Next we sailed onto Ellis Island and did an incredible audio tour through the Immigration Museum, walking in the steps of immigrants to the US. It was really well done and I only wish we had given ourselves more time to explore the rest of the exhibits.

19. Walk through Grand Central Terminal (not Grand Central Station!)

A lot of people know that New York City is home to Grand Central Station. But did you know that it’s actually called Grand Central Terminal? Yup, we’ve been saying it wrong all this time!

Odds are as you’re transiting through the city, you’ll end up changing trains at Grand Central. Take some time to explore the National Historic Landmark while you’re there and see why it’s so iconic.

Stand in the Main Concourse, which you’ll likely recognize from TV shows and movies, appreciate the architecture, and grab a meal at one of the food halls or restaurants.

And don’t miss the Whispering Gallery . We tried it on our first trip to New York and it really worked!

20. Read a book at the New York Public Library

Despite having visited New York a few times now, I still have not made it inside the New York Public Library. And as someone who loves to read , this is a real shame!

But even if you’re not a reader, you should check out this famous library for its beautiful design and architecture.

The main branch of the NYPL is actually called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, but is commonly referred to as just the New York Public Library or the Main Branch.

From the iconic lions outside, you’ll likely recognize this National Historic Landmark from the many film and TV shows it appears in. I also recently read a book set in the library, which has me excited to go back to New York and see it again!

Inside you’ll discover the beautiful Reading Room and over 2.5 million volumes to choose from. You might also want to recreate Carrie and Big’s wedding from the Sex and the City movie, which (almost) took place at this famous library!

21. Hang out around Rockefeller Center

Last but not least, a first time visit to New York City is not complete without a trip to Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is actually comprised of 19 buildings, most of which were designed in the Art Deco style, and are now considered New York City landmarks.

If you’re visiting in the winter, you have to stop by Rockefeller Center to see their famous Christmas tree. Since 1933, a large (up to 100 feet tall!) Christmas tree has been put up over the holiday season, with the tree lighting now broadcast on TV.

You can also go for a few laps around the Rockefeller Center ice rink in the winter!

If you’re not in New York for the holidays, you can still enjoy other attractions at Rockefeller Center such as seeing a show at Radio City Music Hall or taking in the view from the Top of the Rock .

How long do you need for a first time visit to New York City?

I think 5 days is the perfect length for a first time visit to New York City. You won’t run out of things to do and will have enough time to get a good taste for the city.

Of course, you could spend weeks or even months in New York and still have plenty on your itinerary. And if you can only spare 2-3 days, it’s still worth a trip to New York!

How much money do you need per day in New York?

Of course, this will vary depending on the type of traveller you are. While New York City is not a cheap place to visit, there are lots of things you can do on a budget. Save money in New York by staying farther outside the city, visiting free attractions and eating cheap food.

I would say a comfortable budget for a couple visiting New York City would look like $150-300/night for accommodation, $150/day for food and $100+/day for attractions.

Again, those numbers will vary hugely depending on your travel style! If you stay at a hostel, spend your days at Central Park and eat $1 pizza, you can likely budget less than $50/person/day.

But if you are staying at a five star hotel, going to Michelin star restaurants and sitting in the front row of a Broadway theatre every night, you’ll need a lot more.

What is the best time to visit New York City?

I think the best time to visit New York City is spring. New York has beautiful cherry blossom blooms and great weather during the spring months.

When we visited in May 2022, the weather was perfect and the crowds weren’t too huge. Fall would be another beautiful time with the changing leaves and agreeable weather.

Of course, winter is a pretty iconic time of year to visit New York City. You can see the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, skate on the ice rink and watch the ball drop in Times Square.

But it’s also a very cold time of year to visit, which may not be a nice impression for your first time visit to New York City. It may also be crowded, as you’re not the only tourist who has Times Square for New Year’s Eve on their bucket list.

Personally, I would avoid coming to New York City in the summer. My first time visit to New York City was in August 2015 and I just found it way too hot!

While much of the city is air conditioned, like the subway cars and museums, walking around is still going to be gross. Plus, way too many tourists flock to NYC in the summer so not only will it be hot, it will be crowded!

Where is the best place to stay in New York City?

The best place to stay in New York City depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in Manhattan, go for it!

I’ve never prioritized it in my budget, but if I did, I’d try to stay in Chelsea, which seems like a very cool and central area. You could also be trendy and stay in Williamsburg or like Gossip Girl, and stay on the Upper East Side.

If your budget prefers you to stay outside of Manhattan, look at a neighbouring borough that is affordable with easy transit connections into the city.

On our May 2022 trip to New York, we stayed in Queens at the Lotus BLU Inn & Suites – Long Island City . It was affordable (on sale for $100 USD/night), an easy transit ride into the city (less than 10 minute walk to two subway lines), and an easy transit ride to LaGuardia Airport.

Plus the room was spacious and clean, wifi worked well and they held our bags for us after we checked out. No complaints and I would stay there again on a future trip to New York!

What’s the best way to see New York City?

The best way to see New York City is to walk (if you’re able to). New York is one of the best cities to explore on foot and truly the only way to really experience the city like a local.

Of course, there’s a lot of ground to cover in New York, so definitely rely on the expansive transit system to get you from one neighbourhood to the next. Then, once you’re there, set out on foot to see New York.

Conclusion: My top 3 tips for a first time visit to New York City

Tip #1: Be aware

With more than 8 million residents and 65 million people visiting each year, New York City is a busy place! So if you’re not used to the fast pace of a busy city, it can be a little bit overwhelming.

You need to be aware of yourself and be aware of your surroundings. That extra level of awareness will help you stay safe and stay out of the way of busy New Yorkers!

Tip #2: Walk as much as you can

The best way to experience New York City is on two feet. I know that’s not always possible, but as much as you can, try to enjoy New York on the ground.

It can be tempting to just jump on the subway or into a taxi to get from place to place but make time to just walk around a neighbourhood. That’s how you’ll get the best feel for the city and start to fall in love with it like the locals do.

Tip #3: Slow down and enjoy

As you can tell from this itinerary list, there is A LOT to do in New York City! And even though I suggest these 21 things for your first trip, there’s no way you’ll have time to see, do and eat everything you want in just one trip to the Big Apple.

But that’s the joy of visiting NYC – there’s always something to come back for. So don’t worry about seeing and doing absolutely everything on your first time visit to New York City. Slow down, enjoy yourself and save something for your second trip!

All right, I want to know: What’s on your NYC bucket list? Or, if you’ve already been, what would you recommend to first time visitors? And don’t miss my New York mistakes so you don’t mess up like I did!

Share my 21 things to do on a first time visit to New York City! 

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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I love the creative energy of NYC. Great list of things to do–it’s making me want to visit again!

Thanks so much!

This is a great itinerary for New York City! I (Kellye) am bookmarking it for reference when we can finally get to New York. Thanks for posting this, Riana. It’s very helpful!

Thanks, Kellye! I hope you make it to New York City one day soon!

New York is awesome. Love that place. Thanks for the tips.

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Complete Guide: New York Tips For First Timers

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Nov 8, 2023 | Travel Tips , United States

The Big Apple, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, empire state of mind… Whatever nickname or pop culture reference you cast across New York City, it’s a popular bucket list destination for almost everyone!

There’s something about the Statue of Liberty, fast-paced street culture and bright neon lights in Time Square that keeps people coming back over and over again.

If you’re visiting New York City for the first time , I’ve compiled some helpful tips regarding safety, areas to visit and other things to know when traveling to New York!

P-s. If you’re visiting New York during winter , make sure to remember to pack winter clothing. New York in winter is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway in the US .

Tips For Visiting New York For The First Time

Below are our top travel tips for first-timers in New York City.

1. Get around the city by foot or the subway

If you love being stuck in traffic, take a cab or Uber around New York City. If you love exploring or just value your time in general, stick to getting around by foot or the impressive subway system.

Traffic nightmares are made of the gridlock pattern of New York City streets. Parking is a headache, too!

If you’re going to New York City for the first time, save your sanity (and your time) and plan on packing comfortable walking shoes!

Don’t drag your bag around if you’re early to the city or want to enjoy a bit more after your check-out. Instead, find the closest NYC bag drop off location and store your luggage securely while you explore all that the city has to offer.

Fun scary fact: did you know that accidents are the third cause of deaths in NYC? That being said, with such a busy city, transit accidents can happen.

You probably don’t want to get seriously injured during your holidays, so let’s cross our fingers together!

2. Don’t just stay in Manhattan

New York City has so many incredible neighborhoods. Each with their own vibe and list of attractions to visit so there’s no reason to stick to one place.

If looking for the best area to stay in New York, first-time visitors may decide on Manhattan due to its central location.

While it’s a fine choice, I encourage you to go out and explore places like Brooklyn and the Bronx as well!

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, eat some pizza and explore the streets yourself. Or maybe watch a Yankees baseball game in the Bronx — there’s more to New York than Manhattan!

3. Beware of petty crimes

Is New York dangerous? Overall, no. New York City is used to lots of tourists so the streets are quite safe for walking!  But just like London or Madrid, pickpocketing is quite common.

Be mindful of the items on your person while walking through busy crowds in Time Square or tight spaces in the subway.  

Another petty crime in NYC can be unmarked taxi cabs trying to scam you, which can be quiet scary! Only flag down and take rides from clearly marked yellow NYC taxis.  

Other than that, New York City is quite safe and well-policed! Just use your best judgment and you’ll have no problems.

4. Give yourself plenty of time to truly explore and appreciate the city!

When visiting New York for the first time, you’ll come with a long list of “must visit” places . The Met, Brooklyn Bridge, that fancy cronut store…the list goes on.

New York City is not a destination you can rush through. You need to slow down and savor the bustle of the city and the culture and sights surrounding you. How many days in New York is ideal? I’d say at least four full days.

To see all the hotspots and eat at every restaurant recommended by friends and Yelp, four days should give you a good overview of the city. Of course, more is always better, but time isn’t always on our side!

5. Don’t overspend on trendy restaurants!

New York City often gets a rep of being a costly city to visit. While it may not be the most budget-conscious city, it doesn’t have to break the bank, either!

Sure, there are Michelin star restaurants and the Kardashian’s favorite spots all around but honestly the smaller mom and pop joints are so much better.

When eating in New York City, here are some great tips to eat amazing food at a lower cost:

• Eat at the cheap pizza corner shops! Nothing tastes as good as a $1 slice of New York City pizza. Plus the carbs are the perfect fuel for all your sightseeing! (Don’t forget to fold it down the middle and shove it in your mouth — just like the New Yorkers do).
• Adjust your meal times to coincide with happy hours! Love sushi but don’t love the price tag? Hit up the trendy rooftop sushi restaurant for an early dinner to scarf it down for half the cost.
• Ask the restaurant if they have any lunch specials. Lots of New York City restaurants offer a combo deal around lunchtime — no harm in asking!

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A First Time Visitors Guide to New York City

last Updated: May 11, 2022 new york new york city

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

First time to New York City?

Don’t fret – yes the city is large, intense, and intimidating at times, but it’s also exhilarating, surprising, and generous all at once.  You’ll leave both wanting to return and thrilled to be escaping from the madness.

A few common questions you may be asking yourself after booking that ticket:

• How will I get around?
• Is this an express or local subway?!?
• What should I do?!
• Why are there people dressed up as characters in Times Square?

First things first, how do you get around?!

You’ve just landed for the first time in New York City and don’t know what to do next.

Did you land at JFK?   Great!  That airport has awesome public transportation options.  Don’t let the cab drivers or uber drivers take your money for no reason.  From JFK, you can take the air train to the subway which will take you straight to anywhere you are staying.  Unfortunately, if you flew into LaGuardia airport, you are limited to either the bus or a cab in which case I would recommend a cab.

Now back to the subway .  Are you staying in New York for a bit?  If so, the MTA offers a day 7 day unlimited pass which might be a great deal for you.  I recommend checking out MTA Fares at A Glance  before your visit to help you plan. PS: The subway system will take you anywhere in the 5 boroughs for the same price of $2.75 – there are maps at each station which you can use to find your desired destination. 

Confused?  Ask the help of a local NYer (they’ll be the ones reading the paper and listening to music on their phones).  Residents get a bad rep – before I fully understood public transportation I used to ask people all the time if this train would take me to x, and 95% of the time I got a friendly response.

Now onto the fun stuff.  What to see and where to eat! 

Empire State Building

This is the most iconic building in all of New York City, and a visit to NYC wouldn’t be complete without witnessing this famous landmark. You can take a tour and go to the top, but personally, I would save that experience for Top of the Rock.  It’s  beauty at night (all lit up) and shouldn’t be missed!

Top Of The Rock

If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, The Office etc., this is where it all starts.  You can visit the Top Of The Rock and I highly recommend it.  From there you can get a ridiculously amazing 360 degree view of the city.  I’m hoping to get back up there this summer!

Just make sure you view NYC from up above, from one of these three options below:

High Line Park 

This park is a few miles long and runs along the West Side of the city.  My husband and I actually took some of our engagement photos here and they came out great!  It is an excellent spot for people watching and photography, especially during the spring and summer months. Don’t miss all the quirky finds and murals hidden on nearby buildings! Most definitely one of my favorite of the many  cheap things to do in NYC !

Chelsea Piers Driving Range

If you are looking for a break that involves swinging a golf club, then the Chelsea Piers driving range is the perfect spot.  You can see the Statue of Liberty from this location –  double bonus!  Recommended by my husband as I’ve never been, but he claims it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!

Yankee or Met game

While both teams have moved into new stadiums, the games are still fun.  I would argue that Citi Field offers better food but the Yankees are a much better team. :p A must for your first time to New York City! On a hot New York night, it is the best – get some ice cream afterwards!

Times Square

The epicenter of NYC, and what you’ve probably seen on postcards when you think of New York’s bright city lights and skyscrapers.  Times Square changes everyday – but expect to see some characters dressed up (be prepared to pay for photos) and an immense amount of crowds. 

And if you’re traveling with children- hold their hand.  A fun place to wander for a bit – but I don’t suggest booking a hotel here or planning to eat anywhere around this area (super expensive for no apparent reason).

Broadway Show

Want to see a Broadway show at a discounted price?  Of course you do!  Take advantage of the TKTS booths in Times Square and pick any of them.  You can’t choose wrong. A must in NYC! Or plan ahead and learn how to find cheap Broadway tickets before your trip!

Little Italy

Mangia bene!  “Eat well” in Italian which is exactly what you can do here in Little Italy.  This area is filled with amazing sauce, delicious food (pizza or pasta, anyone?!) and even better cannoli’s (I’ve tested a bunch of them – so trust me on this). 😉  While were talking about food, make sure to get a cookie from Levain Bakery (pictured below), and eat as much pizza as you can handle (a few favorite pizza spots here ).

One my favorite places to go in New York is in Chinatown! Make sure you pay a visit to WoHop for a fun time.  Celebrities have been visiting this eatery for decades and continue to do so.  It never closes (truly the city that never sleeps!) and is always awesome.  Be prepared to wait on line for a table but it’s always worth the wait.

Central Park

What can I say about Central Park?  It’s perfect for visiting year round, and tons of activities are going on in every season.  Ice skate in the winter, wander during the summer, and visit the zoo and enjoy a stroll any time of year.  No visit (especially your first time to New York City!) is complete without a waffle from the Waffles & Dinges truck at the entrance on 59th street.  Best waffles ever.  Just go – trust me.

Katz’s Deli 

Vegetarians beware, this New York icon servers up sandwiches bigger than your head and is simply amazing.

Statue of Liberty

If you’re not into the history of it all and just want to snap some good photos, I recommend taking a cruise around the Statue of Liberty.  Another NYC icon you just cannot miss! And if you want a semi-thrilling experience (depending on where you sit), you can even take a NYC helicopter ride to see the Statue of Liberty and more!

Art Museums

New York is full of great art and fun museums.  Take your pick!  There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Guggenheim, Museum of Natural History, and a bunch of others. For your first time to New York City, I highly recommend picking just one (or two if you’re a true art lover), and spend your remaining time outdoors!  However, if you’re visiting New York City in the winter , consider visiting more to stay out of the bitter cold!

Other Recommended New York City Attractions:

Are you planning your first time to New York City soon?!

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January 23, 2017 at 5:51 pm

I am thrilled to be taking my first trip to NYC in less than a month! I have been dreaming of going there for forever, and am overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do. Thank you for you list and ideas 🙂 It was incredibly helpful!

August 3, 2020 at 7:58 pm

I live in New York, and trust me it isn’t that great

August 6, 2020 at 10:20 am

What don't you like about NYC? I'm originally from there, but moved to SF!

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NYC for Beginners: A Guide to Your First Visit to New York City

Writing a guide for a first time visit to New York City is about as daunting as the visit itself. How do you whittle down the millions of possibilities in this amazing city? How do you recommend “must do” things in a city that has so many? This post has taken me a while, but I have tried and it’s now also updated for 2024!

My guide is skewed toward Manhattan, although I hope by now everyone knows that New York City comprises of five boroughs. The simple truth is that you cannot experience all of them during one trip, so I recommend focusing on Manhattan and Brooklyn if you don’t have much time.

When to Visit

My personal favorite times in the city are the Fall (late September – November) and Spring (April – May) . Temperatures are mild, the air is fresh and there is a relatively smaller swarm of tourists.

Here is a breakdown of seasons with pros and cons –

• Fall – in my opinion, the best time to visit! The city looks gorgeous and smells wonderful. The only con is that the weather can be unexpected at times.
• Winter – the tourists have definitely left the city, but it can also be achingly cold. While it might be a good idea to visit and gain a perspective of actual local life in New York City, it might not be the best season for a first time visit. The exception is December – the city is extremely delightful at Christmastime – enough to forget the cold!
• Spring – the city is has a renewed sense of energy, walking around in the mild temperatures, watching the flowers bloom around you is very lovely. Cons are that it could be rainy, temperatures are unpredictable. Check out my Spring Guide to NYC if you plan to travel in the Spring.
• Summer – hot, sticky, smelly and full of tourists, I don’t recommend this season in the city. The only pros are long days, restaurant week and evenings on rooftops. However, if you have already booked a summer trip / can only visit in the summer – don’t despair! It’s still New York City and you will have a wonderful time 🙂

Where to Stay

I firmly believe that the area you stay in during your first visit to the city will influence your opinion on New York City forever.

Avoid staying in Times Square and Midtown near Penn Station . The hotels are subpar at best, it is extremely crowded and dirty and you will be hard put to get a good night’s sleep. Also, you won’t be able to look past the tourist experience in New York City, and your first visit might end up being your last.

Note that Airbnbs are illegal in New York City unless you book a shared room in a place with your host around. A good rule of thumb while booking an Airbnb is that if it is cheaper than average, it is too good to be true.

If your visit is more than five days, I suggest staying in two different neighborhoods to get more of a feel for the city! We did this on our first visit, and I was amazed at the differences in our experience.

I recommend staying in a hotel in Manhattan or Brooklyn (specific neighborhoods listed below). Expect to pay premium prices for smaller rooms, but you aren’t going to be spending much time in your room anyway!

My top hotel pick is The High Line Hotel, Chelsea

We stayed at The High Line Hotel for four days before our move to NYC and it was an incredible experience! The High Line Hotel is a historic building in the quiet part of Chelsea, but right by the High Line. It is still a convenient walk to the trains on 8th Ave. Their rooms are gorgeous, the service is impeccable, and the coffee shop in the lobby serves the best cappuccinos in the city! Seriously, this is the Intelligentsia coffee shop, frequented mostly by locals. In the summer and fall, the front garden transforms into a delightful cocktail spot.

Other Good Neighborhoods to Stay In –

• Financial District – not very neighborhoody but gets quiet in the evenings and is close to a lot of the major attractions. Very well connected via the Subway.
• Brooklyn Heights – there are a couple of nice new hotels in Brooklyn Heights (ex: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge ). It is a lovely neighborhood and very well connected by the subway, literally minutes to Manhattan. A huge plus is that you get amazing Manhattan Skyline views! Beware of the neighboring Downtown Brooklyn – it might be cheaper but is generally dirtier and less salubrious.
• Near Central Park – if you have a large budget , splurge on one of the grand hotels at the southern edge of Central Park! Stunning views and an elevated experience, for example the iconic Plaza Hotel or slightly more affordable, the 1 Hotel Central Park .
• SoHo – SoHo can get a bit crowded, but it is well connected by subways, has excellent food options and is a fun neighborhood to walk around in. I recommend The Dominick Hotel , The Bowery Hotel or the Mercer Hotel
• Upper East or Upper West Side – both are beautiful, historic residential neighborhoods in NYC but with plenty of great restaurants and easy access to Central Park. The Upper West Side also has very good access to the Theater District and West Village on the 2/3 trains.
• Williamsburg – I would generally recommend Williamsburg to a younger crowd. This neighborhood is full of great restaurants, bars and cafes plus stunning views of Manhattan. However, you have to rely on the L train and connectivity can get wonky on the weekends. Check out the Hoxton Williamsburg , or the Wythe Hotel .

How Long to Stay

My answer to this question is forever! <3

In all seriousness, I recommend planning at least a 5 day trip to NYC if you want to hit everything on this list. This will give you enough time for the “must-dos” as well as time to spend on eating, drinking and soaking in the local life.

If you can’t spare five days, visit anyway! It is never a bad idea to hang out in NYC – just do as much as time and sanity permits.

How to Get Around

Foot : One of my favorite ways to explore New York City is to just walk. Most of the areas you end up in are going to be safe, so don’t worry. Of course, weigh the pros and cons of walking versus how much time you have to spend. Everything in the city looks close by, but distances can get pretty long.

Subway : The most convenient way to get around New York City is the Subway. Yes it is dirty, it can get crowded, some trains are canceled on the weekends, but it exists and can take you from most Point As to Point Bs. Use it! I don’t recommend buying a MetroPass as all the stations now accept payment via Tap to Pay directly from your phone or credit card. Tip : Use the same credit card to pay for rides, as all rides after your 10th in a week are free.

Taxis : While in Manhattan, I prefer hailing taxis instead of using Uber / Lyft for shorter rides. Two main reasons are that taxis are ubiquitous so can get you to your destination quicker, and that taxi drivers are safer and more vetted than Uber drivers in the city. I like to use the Curb app to hail and pay for taxis, you can use my code TANMAYA for $10 off your first ride. Curb also doesn’t have surge fees which is really nice during bad weather or rush hour.

General Tips for First Timers

• Stick to exploring neighborhoods to save time – for example, do everything in Midtown on the same day, do everything on the Upper East Side + Central Park on the same day etc.
• Use Google Maps! Save all the spots you want to hit and group the ones close by. Use more of your time seeing and experiencing New York City rather than traveling from one tip of the island of Manhattan to another.
• Don’t stop in the middle of sidewalks where tons of people are walking, and walk fast if you are able to.
• Navigate the Subway sensibly – don’t enter empty cars when the rest of the subway is packed (these are empty for a reason), don’t stick your hand to stop the subway door from closing, know which direction you want to go (Uptown and Queens versus Downtown and Brooklyn) etc.
• Don’t spend more than an hour in Times Square. Please remember to not generalize NYC based on Times Square – it is just a loud, crowded square in the city popular with tourists and hence, tourist traps.
• Skip the tour to visit the Statue of Liberty unless it is a bucket list item for you to set foot on Liberty Island. See the Statue of Liberty from the free Staten Island Ferry instead.
• Make reservations for the restaurants you really want to go to! The hottest new restaurants in the city will be the hardest to get into, so you definitely need to plan ahead (for some, at least a month or two ahead)

What to do in NYC

I tried my best to pare down to twenty must do things for your first time in New York City. Of course, how much of this you can do will depend on when and for how long you visit. Don’t try to cram everything in, take it slow so that you will leave wanting to come back!

• Enjoy the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Bridge Promenade (in Brooklyn Heights) and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Tip : The views walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan are more stunning. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. This photogenic spot in DUMBO is very famous with the tourists – it’s definitely worth a visit earlier in the morning when it is not packed!
• Explore historic Lower Manhattan – Stone Street, Wall Street, The Oculus and the 9/11 Memorial Don’t spend too much time at the Oculus, I love it for its unique architecture rather than the run of the mill shops you find at any mall in the USA.
• Take the free Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty . Note, please do not ride it during the morning or evening rush hour. Or, if you don’t mind splurging, book a cruise on the river with views of the Statue!
• Go shopping at the lovely boutiques in SoHo and admire the architecture. My favorites are Sezane and McNally Jackson books followed by a stroll through Elizabeth Street Garden.
• Explore the gorgeous West Village, my absolute favorite neighborhood in NYC! I will write a neighborhood guide soon, but meanwhile look through my Instagram story highlights for West Village.
• Check out a speakeasy or a jazz bar or a comedy show – lots of suggestions below for speakeasies!
• Listen to the live music and/or protests in Washington Square Park. A man brings his piano to the park on summer Sundays, it is lovely!
• Check out the Saturday morning Farmers Market in Union Square Park for some local life and fresh food or the Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side on Sundays for antiques.
• Take a walk on the High Line – try to go on a weekday! Start from the south and walk north all the way to Hudson Yards to finish off at the new Vessel. Stop at Chelsea Market on the way if you get hungry.
• Depending on the season, check out the ice skating rink and Christmas Market in Bryant Park. In the Summer, there are free plays and performances some evenings.
• Times Square of course, you have to go once (and hopefully only once)
• Watch a play on Broadway ( here is a guide to scoring cheap tickets) and then eat dinner in Hell’s Kitchen.
• Admire Grand Central Station
• Walk or bike around Central Park – check out my Instagram story highlights on Central Park for the spots you should check out there. Go boating on The Lake on weekday evenings (fewer crowds) or enjoy Shakespeare in the Park in the summer.
• Spend a few hours at the museums on the Upper East Side (the Met of course, the Guggenheim or my personal favorite, the Frick Collection). Also a great way to wait out bad weather.
• Eat cookies and visit bookstores on the Upper West Side (+ cherry blossoms at the Natural History Museum in the Spring). Walk along the quiet streets of the upper 70s and 80s and admire the gorgeous architecture.
• Catch a Comedy Show at the historic Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village
• Drink in the views from the Top of the Rock, or else literally drink + get stunning views from one of the many rooftop bars (suggestions below). I have been to the observation decks at both the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. The ESB is more gorgeous but I prefer the views from the Top of the Rock. Both get very crowded, so go early in the morning or late at night. Either way, have lots of patience!
• Check out one of the many lovely bookstores in the city or the delightful Morgan Library and Museum. The Reading room at the New York Public library is stunning as well!
• Spend some time being fancy on Fifth Avenue – afternoon tea at the Plaza or Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe , shopping (window or otherwise) at Bergdorfs etc. This area is of course a favorite (but very busy!) during the holiday season!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tanmaya Godbole (@hernewyorkedit) on Dec 10, 2018 at 5:54am PST

Bonus Spot : Governor’s Island is a delightful escape in the summer. A quick ferry ride takes you to an island sans cars, but with amazing views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You could take a picnic, rent bikes and easily spend a whole day here!

Where to Eat & Drink in NYC

There is so much amazing food and drink in New York City that it is hard to know where to start to recommend. I think it makes sense to break it into sections so you can pick what type of food you like the best and choose a spot in the neighborhood you are currently in!

Note that these are some of my favorite spots, but you CANNOT hit them all in your first visit. Choose the ones that you are close to and enjoy those. If you are planning a date, head to this post for recommendations for romantic restaurants.

• Lucali – the best pizza in NYC but a very involved process, take a look at this Instagram Post for a guide on how to get in
• Rubirosa in SoHo – definitely get the iconic Tie Dye pizza
• Juliana’s in DUMBO – a good stop before / after the Brooklyn Bridge, the line can get very long so go in off hours
• Emily – has locations in both Clinton Hill (original) and the West Village
• Paulie Gees in Greenpoint – might be out of the way, but good to keep in mind.
• Bleecker Street Pizza in the West Village – both for slices and delivery
• Joe’s Pizza near the West 4th Street station – a slice on the go
• Price Street Pizza in SoHo – a slice on the go
• Sadelle’s in SoHo (their takeout counter is excellent)
• Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side
• Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown
• Tomkin’s Square Bagels in East Village

Sweet Things

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tanmaya Godbole (@hernewyorkedit) on Dec 12, 2019 at 5:46am PST

• Aux Merveilleux de Fred, La Maison du Macaron for amazing croissants
• Lady M Cakes for their lovely light crepe cakes. I especially love the Upper East Side location near the Met
• Two Little Red Hens Bakery for their Chocolate Cake and/or cheesecake
• Levain Bakery for the most delicious chocolate chip walnut cookies
• Harbs for Japanese style cakes (love their chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake)
• Molly’s Cupcakes for delightful flavored cupcakes in West Village

More Food (in no particular order)

• Somtum Der, Thai Villa for Thai food
• Cafe Mogador in the East Village for falafel and chicken kebabs
• Baar Baar, GupShup for Indian gastropubs
• Mala Project in the East Village or Bryant Park for spicy Chinese dry pot
• Lilia in Williamsburg for gorgeous fresh pastas (make reservations at least a month in advance)
• Omar’s for their to-go kebab counter near Bryant Park
• Authentic Indian food at countless restaurants in Jackson Heights, Queens
• Frankies 457 or La Vara if you head to Lucali in Caroll Gardens and don’t get a table
• Cheeky Sandwiches for late night, hole in the wall New Orleans style sandwiches
• Palma for a lovely dining experience in their garden
• Buvette in the West Village for breakfast and evening wine
• Tartine in the West Village (byob, excellent food)
• Cafe Cluny, St Tropez or Osteria 57 in the West Village for date night
• Sofreh in Prospect Heights for an innovative take on Persian food (might be too far of a trek into Brooklyn)
• Fausto for excellent Italian food in Prospect Heights (if you are already in the neighborhood)

Michelin Star Restaurants

New York City is overrun by Michelin Star Restaurants. Here is the 2020 list. Some of the two or three star restaurants might be on your bucket list, if so, make reservations far in advance. In fact, I would almost recommend securing your reservation before booking your flight.

Speakeasies & Craft Cocktails

New York City had a very healthy drinking scene during the Prohibition a hundred years ago. So even now, you can find plenty of “speakeasies” around the city (obviously most of these are not historical)

Here are some fun speakeasies and cocktail bars with excellent drinks!

• Angels Share – if it is too packed, they have an annex next door
• Little Branch in the West Village
• Apotheke in Chinatown
• Patent Pending in NoMad
• Raines Law Room in Chelsea
• Le Boudoir in Cobble Hill – live Jazz music on Mondays
• Ice Cream Shop in the Upper East Side
• Elsa in Cobble Hill (not a speakeasy)
• Clover Club in Carroll Gardens (not a speakeasy)
• Dear Irving in Gramercy Park (not a speakeasy)

New York City has a healthy coffee scene and some incredible coffee shops! Check out my list of ten best coffeeshops in Manhattan for more information!

Please do not go to one of the thousand Starbucks or Pret that litter every corner in Midtown, Manhattan.

Rooftop Bars

• Gallow Green – gorgeous in Summer and Winter, it transports you to a different world.
• The Met Rooftop (open from May to late fall) – my personal favorite rooftop bar, gorgeous views over Central Park and pretty good drinks!
• The Top of the Standard – fancy views and club like atmosphere
• Mr Purple – a Lower East Side favorite, there is a pool on the rooftop. Beware that lines to enter get very long if you aren’t staying at the hotel
• Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel – Views of midtown Manhattan from this Williamsburg rooftop
• Harriet’s Brooklyn – there is a $20 cover for non hotel guests
• The Rooftop at Eataly Flatiron – decorated differently for each season, the ambience and drinks are delightful but the food is subpar.

Honestly, this is just a small taste of what New York City has to offer. If I did my job right, you will fall in love with the city and vow to return many more times. Check out my New York City focused Instagram page for tips on what to do in the city if you want to get a more local experience!

Here is a handy map of everything I mentioned in this guide. Save it to your own Google Maps so you can access it during your trip! Don’t know how? Read this .

Pin this post to find it more easily in the future!

You may also enjoy:

A guide to the prettiest spring blossoms ….

Another Super Useful Super Enticing SuperBLog! Thanks hernewyorkedit

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Free Things to Do in NYC

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One Day in NYC: Itinerary

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Top Things to Do in NYC

The 18 Best Things to Do in New York City

TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media 

Inimitable New York City—with its soaring skyscrapers, Broadway marquees, world-class museums, colorful neighborhoods , bars, and pleasant parks—is positively abuzz, brimming with boundless activity and potential for adventure.

As such, for first-time visitors, navigating the city's seemingly endless possibilities can understandably feel overwhelming. That's why going in with a bucket list, like our curated list of expert picks for the top 18 things to do in NYC for first-time visitors, is downright essential.

While the city extends to include five boroughs, of course (all with their distinct charms), first-time travelers tend to initially dig in on Manhattan's must-see sights and world-class icons, but it's worth diving deeper into an outer borough or two to uncover all that New York City has to offer.

Watch Now: 7 Must-See Landmarks in New York City

Take in sweeping skyline views.

In Manhattan, it's all about those jaw-dropping skyline views. Get up to vertigo-inducing heights to gain perspective on the city's unique island terrain and skyscraping architecture. There is a trio of dedicated observatories that propose just such primo perches: The classic Empire State Building , of course, has indoor and outdoor observation decks on both the 86th and 102nd floors; the multilevel decks (spanning floors 67 to 70) at Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock ; and the newest downtown addition at the  One World Observatory , which straddles the 100th, 101st, and 102nd stories atop the Western hemisphere's tallest building.

You can also nab a lovely view for free by wandering out onto the 19th-century span of the Brooklyn Bridge or grabbing a drink at one of the city's high-altitude watering holes. Try The Roof at the Metropolitan Museum of Art , overlooking Central Park,  Bar 54 , the city's highest rooftop bar, set in the heart of Times Square, or Bar SixtyFive, in classy Rockefeller Center.

Set Sail Into New York Harbor

While in the midst of Manhattan's sprawling concrete jungle, it's easy to forget that you're actually on an island. Indeed, New York City owes much of its success to its island setting (which has long allowed its status as a thriving maritime port), situated at the mouth of New York Harbor and flanked by the Hudson and East Rivers on two sides. Sailing Manhattan Island's waterway perimeters is a beautiful way to gain insight into its unique geography and staggering architectural proportions—not to mention the chance to wave at Lady Liberty (who comes perched on an islet in the harbor) from the boat. You can hop on one of the classic tourist-oriented sightseeing boats (like The Beast speedboat, Staten Island Ferry, or Circle Line) or get more creative with NYC boat trips that even locals love (like schooner sailings aboard Classic Harbor Line or hands-on sailing lessons with the Offshore Sailing School).

Explore Central Park

The lungs of New York City and essentially one enormous communal backyard for space-starved Manhattanites, Central Park is where just about everybody comes to kick back, unwind, exercise, and get centered in nature. Spanning a massive 843 acres, the park is home to numerous worthwhile attractions , including the Great Lawn (ideal for picnicking), the Loeb Boathouse (grab a bite or rent a canoe), Strawberry Fields (for John Lennon fans), the Central Park Zoo (penguins, anybody?), the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (a famous jogging circuit), and more. Whether you wander leisurely on foot, go for a run, or rent a bike, you're sure to appreciate the urban oasis that the park provides.

Prefer to tackle the vast terrain with an expert guide? Several companies provide guided park tours , including official park tours . During the warmer months, you can opt in to enjoy the park and a side of entertainment, with annual events like the music-filled SummerStage programming or the special free performances via Shakespeare in the Park .

Watch a Broadway Show

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins 

Nowhere does theater bigger or better than Broadway! Take a stroll through Manhattan's Theater District, off-shooting the Times Square area, and you'll be spoiled for choice, with marquees set aglow with ads for the latest shows and stars (with Hollywood celebrities often stepping in for unique Broadway stints). The options are plentiful and ever-changing, with the hottest tickets booking well in advance. 

Of course, Broadway's pricey, so try to scout for savings. Hit up the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day theater tickets discounted at up to 50 percent off, or time your visit to coincide with the biannual Broadway Week (held in fall and again in winter) to nab two-for-one deals on select shows.

Take in The Met

The massive Metropolitan Museum of Art—better known as The Met by most New Yorkers—tops our list of the can't-miss museums in NYC . As the largest museum in the Western hemisphere, visitors could easily get lost for hours taking in any of the collections here, with a staggering selection of arts and artifacts spanning some 5,000 years of world cultures. Peruse Greek and Roman statues from antiquity, stare at the intricacies of Egyptian hieroglyphics and sarcophagi (don't miss the astounding Temple of Dendur), or wander through halls dedicated to pretty much every other culture and era, including African, Indian, Byzantine, an Islamic artworks. There's an impressive display of European paintings (including Rembrandts and Vermeers, as well as plenty of Impressionist pieces); if that wasn't enough, look out for more than 30 special exhibitions held annually, too.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

TripSavvy / Winifred Lao 

A leading New York City landmark and the city's most famous bridge, traversing the neo-Gothic span of the Brooklyn Bridge on foot has marked a New York rite of passage since it first debuted in 1883. Architecturally elegant, with twin arched towers and an artful web of suspension cables, the bridge not only proposes a practical means of connecting pedestrian (and vehicular) traffic between Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, but it also presents exhilarating panoramas over both borough's skylines, as well as out over New York Harbor and onto the East River.

See the Statue of Liberty & Visit Ellis Island

 TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins 

You'll undoubtedly be sharing the experience with crowds of other tourists, but navigating the lines and crowds is well worth it for the chance to gaze upon the modern-day colossus that is the Statue of Liberty. A symbol of American democracy—and a one-time beacon of hope and promise for immigrants arriving at U.S. shores by boat via New York Harbor—is indeed, still today, an inspiring sight to behold. Dating to 1886 (as a gift from France to the American people), the monumental 151-foot-high sculpture (sculpted by Frédéric Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel) sits atop a pedestal out on Liberty Island, which guests reach via Statue Cruises ferry service from Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan. Just be sure to plan ahead since access to the statue's pedestal or interior (including its crown) can be arranged with reservations only.

While the statue may garner most of the glory, don't overlook a visit to the nearby attraction Ellis Island. Now a national museum of immigration, the complex once served as a federal immigration station and processing center for new arrivals to the U.S. between 1892 and 1954. Expect an altogether insightful presentation, via artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, of the immigrant experience in America. Best of all, the entry's included with your ferry fare, so plan ahead to make a day of it.

Visit the MoMA

Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a mecca for modern art lovers, boasting one of the world's most impressive and extensive collections of contemporary art, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations, and more. Works from big names like Van Gogh (look out for "The Starry Night"), Picasso (including his famous "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon"), Warhol, and more line the halls, and a busy schedule of special exhibitions, films, educational programs, and cultural events ensure the museum is always abuzz with something new for art enthusiasts.

Hit Up the High Line

New Yorkers can't agree on much—where to get the best slice of pizza , what's the best sports team, you name it. But one thing that we can all come together on is absolutely loving the High Line. Indeed, the High Line Park has proved to be one of the city's most beloved public projects, having transformed an old abandoned train trestle into an elevated, 30-foot-high urban green space when it opened in 2009. Stretching for nearly 1.5 miles from the Meatpacking District (next to the Whitney Museum of American Art) to the massive high-rise development underway at Hudson Yards, look out for these 10 highlights along the High Line en route, including landscaped gardens and lawns, public art installations, overlooks, and more.

Go to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Many visitors to New York feel compelled to pay their respects to the site of Ground Zero and see how the World Trade Center area has reinvented itself since that fateful day in 2001. The outdoor National September 11 Memorial, which opened in 2011, fills in the imprints of the original Twin Towers with two reflecting waterfall-fed pools, traced by memorial walls that depict the names of 9/11 victims (it's free to the public). In 2014, the adjacent ​ National September 11 Memorial Museum opened its doors, presenting the story, impact, and significance of Sept. 11 through historical artifacts, multimedia displays, archives, and oral histories. The museum unfolds at the foundation, or bedrock, of the former World Trade Center site and centers on two core exhibitions. The "In Memoriam" exhibit pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the atta. At the same time, a historical exhibition examines the events surrounding the three American sites struck during 9/11, including contributing factors to the tragic incident and its aftermath and worldwide impact.

Visit Times Square at Night

As one of the most iconic places in the world, Times Square, where the New Year's Eve ball drops, is worth a visit any time of day, especially at night. You'll be struck by the neon signs, glowing billboards, and gridlock traffic 24 hours a day. You won't see much of a difference at 11 a.m. versus 11 p.m.! While there are plenty of stores for shopping and restaurants, merely walking around the few block radius will be interesting enough: There are always characters—in costume and otherwise—to spot!

Eat a Classic New York Pizza

Among other things New York is famous for, pizza is undoubtedly one of them. Is it the water? The flour? Generations of pizzaiolo knowledge passed down among families? Who knows, but New York City pizza is a must-try for anyone's first visit to the city. Among our favorites are Patsy's, which has been slinging pies since the 1930s in Harlem; Lombardi's, which calls itself America's first pizzeria; and Prince Street Pizza, whose square slices are loaded with the best pepperoni you've ever eaten.

Visit the Coney Island Boardwalk

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

The iconic Coney Island Boardwalk is best visited in the spring, summer, or early fall when you can sit along the beach with a beer or margarita in hand. At any time of year, you'll be able to ride the iconic rollercoasters and thrill rides at Luna Park, have a hot dog at the famous Nathan's (site of the annual eponymous hot dog-eating contest), or visit the Coney Island Aquarium. In June, Coney Island hosts its unique Mermaid Parade—a not-to-be-missed festival if you're in the city during the summer!

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media

Among New York's immense museums, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the best sights in New York. The museum's 45 exhibition halls span four city blocks and hold more than 30 million artifacts. One of the museum's best-known treasures is a 94-foot-long, 21,000-pound fiberglass model of a giant blue whale.

See the New Whitney Museum of American Art

 Wikimedia Commons

Set in one of the most exciting new buildings in Manhattan in decades, Whitney' s Renzo Piano-designed building opened in 2015 to many accolades. The museum's collection spans six floors and 50,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, all dedicated to American artists across centuries. In addition to the expansive galleries, the outdoor space showcases more art and offers views of the Hudson River, lower Manhattan, and the surrounding Meatpacking District.

Watch the Commuter Rush at Grand Central Station

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins

The world's largest railway station serves nearly a million commuters daily. And while it's utilitarian in purpose, it's among the city's most beautiful public spaces. The 12-story main concourse is modeled after a Roman public bath, albeit with shimmering chandeliers and a map of constellations painted on the ceiling. Befitting of such a grand station, Grand Central is home to many shops and dining options, too.

Take a Free Ferry Ride

 TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins

If you want great views of the Statue of Liberty without spending a dime, ride the Staten Island ferry from Manhattan's South Ferry terminal. The 25-minute ride is completely free and will give you phenomenal views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Once you're in Staten Island, you can wait on the ferry to take it back to Manhattan. 

Walk Through the West Village

TripSavvy / Donghee Eim

While New York City is full of beautiful neighborhoods straight out of a movie, few rival the brownstone-lined streets of Manhattan's West Village . Not surprisingly, the area has set the scene for popular TV shows like "Sex and the City" and "Friends ." Walking through the West Village (and nearby Washington Square Park) will show you some of the city's most charming cafés, boutiques, homes, and more. 

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Has New York City captured your imagination and now you’re knee-deep into planning a New York City trip?

You’re in the right place!

Whether you’re drawn to live here (like me!) or visit for the first or 100th time, there’s no denying the magnetizing pull to take a trip to New York City!

If you’re planning your first time to New York City, this guide has everything you need to know. And if you’ve been here before, this NYC trip planner will help you review the basics and give local tips to expand your New York City itinerary beyond the top sights.

From itinerary ideas with maps, tips on where to stay and eat, how to get around, and more, you have everything you need to plan a trip to New York City that you’ll never forget!

Planning a New York City Trip (Maybe for the First Time!)

Planning an NYC trip can be overwhelming! You’re trying to stretch your budget as far as possible while trying to fit as much in as possible with the days you’re in the city. In fact, how to plan a trip to New York City is one of the top questions I get from readers.

It’s best to break it up into steps so that ultimately you can plan a New York trip that includes your must-sees and dos arranged in an itinerary that maximizes your time in a fun and enjoyable way.

First, decide how many days you will stay in NYC. (More advice on this below.)

Second, choose a hotel in your price range. If your main goal is NYC sightseeing, the midtown east or midtown west areas of Manhattan are perfect spots. These areas are central to many top NYC sights and have many subway lines connecting through the area. Third, make a list of the top sights and museums you want to see, as well as experiences you’d like to have, i.e. go to a Broadway show. Depending on how many days you have in NYC and your budget, book your entry to as many things as possible in advance to maximize your time in NYC.

Lastly, you’ll want to plan an itinerary with the sights and activities on your list. Using the New York City itinerary ideas below, group what you want to see and do by neighborhood to limit backtracking.

Getting to New York City

New York City has 3 airports nearby, JFK , Laguardia , and Newark Liberty in New Jersey. If your flight arrives into JFK or Newark, it is possible to take commuter trains and/or the subway to get into NYC.

Visitors arriving into Laguardia, on the other hand, have fewer public transportation options, despite the airport being the closest to Manhattan of the 3 NYC metro area airports. If taking a taxi or car service from Laguardia, plan for (at least) an hour’s ride into Manhattan as the traffic can be horrendous in this area depending on the time of day your flight arrives.

I’ve created specific guides for each airport with all the information you need to decide how to get from the airport to your hotel in Manhattan.

• Newark Airport to Manhattan
• JFK to Manhattan
• Laguardia to Manhattan

New York City taxis are available at JFK and Laguardia. It’s a flat $70 fare from JFK plus tolls and tip. The fare is calculated by the meter for rides from Laguardia. The meter runs even when you are in traffic so the amount will vary depending on the time of day you arrive.

To save money, book a ride with the most trusted shuttle from the New York Airports. They’re comfortable, reliable, and far cheaper than a taxi. In addition to shared rides, they also have private car transport services.

You can also compare private car bookings with Carmel . They are another trusted and long-serving airport transfer service I’ve used and you can rely on.

If you live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic and are coming for your first visit to New York City, you’re better off taking a commuter train like Metro-North, NJ Transit, or Amtrak into the city. Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal (or Grand Central Station) are in the heart of Midtown Manhattan with subway lines connecting from directly within each station.

Or, if you don’t have a train station near you, take a bus directly to New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal, just 1 block from Times Square.

How to Get Around in New York City

Driving and parking in Manhattan are a nightmare. Avoid driving to and in New York City at all costs.

The best ways to get anywhere in New York City are to take the subway or put on the most comfortable shoes and walk. (I own 2 pairs and wear them all the time to walk around NYC.) These also happen to be the cheapest ways to get around New York City so it’s a win-win!

Keep reading for more NYC subway tips.

And what about that pesky luggage?!

Of course, the easiest way to get around either by subway or on foot is without carrying heavy bags. Many subway entrances have only stairs and sidewalks, restaurants, and other attractions are likely to be crowded and even restrict luggage and other big bags.

So be sure to drop off your luggage at your hotel as soon as you can. Most hotels will securely store your bags even if your room isn’t ready for check-in yet.

Free of your bags, you can move around the city hassle-free, take in your surroundings, and focus on whether you should be heading uptown or downtown. 😉

New York City Walking and Subway Travel Tips

Think of New York City’s streets as a giant tic-tac-toe board across most of Manhattan. Except for lower Manhattan, streets run in a systematic, grid pattern . Here are a few tips to help you navigate the city like an expert pedestrian.

• Streets run horizontally from east to west, from the Hudson River to the East River. About 20 of these numbered streets are equal to 1 mile.
• Avenues run vertically from north to south. The distance between avenues is greater than streets. More or less, 7 avenues is equal to 1 mile.
• 5th Avenue splits the east side from the west side. Address numbers get lower the closer the building is to 5th Avenue and higher the farther it is away from 5th Avenue.
• Broadway is the exception. It runs diagonally, interestingly enough, following an old Native American footpath.
• As you walk south below 14th Street, the full grid pattern ends.

The New York City subway extends throughout the city. No matter where you want to go, it’s likely a subway line is heading in that direction. Here’s the subway info you need to know to look like a pro.

1. Download an NYC subway app or keep a PDF  to save on your phone. Everyone’s already looking at their phone so you’ll blend right in as you check the map for the right train or stop.

2. Know the difference between express and local trains. On the map, express train stops are marked with a white circle while local stops show a black circle. As the names imply, local trains make every stop. Express trains make select stops.

3. The subway or bus fare is $2.90 per person each way with free transfers between the subway and city buses.

4. All subway turnstiles are also equipped with a “Tap & Go” payment system . Using your phone’s wallet (i.e. Apple Wallet), you can tap your phone at the turnstile to pay instantly. Using this system, you can pay for 3 people plus yourself at one time.

5. If you use the Tap & Go payment system, pay with the same device and card each time . If you spend $34 within a 7-day period, the rest of your rides within that same 7-day period are free.

6. Metrocards can still be purchased and used on subways and buses. The larger automated machines in the stations typically accept cash, debit, and credit cards. But, the smaller machines are for purchases made with credit cards or debit cards only. (If you live outside the U.S., use 99999 as your zip code.)

7. You can buy pay-per-ride Metrocards or unlimited weekly or monthly passes. There’s a $1 charge to get the actual card before loading it with money or time. (Save the $1 and use the Tap & Go payment system instead.)

8. If you prefer to use a physical Metrocard and plan to ride the subway at least 12 times, the weekly unlimited pass will save you money regardless of how many days you stay in New York City. Unlimited passes are good for just 1 person, as you can only swipe it once every 18 minutes, except if you’re making a free transfer from train to bus.

One last thing to consider for travel within NYC…

B ike rentals are plentiful. I wouldn’t suggest riding along the streets on your first visit to New York City, but scenic rides along the city’s greenways and through parks are great ways to combine sightseeing and transportation.

ProTip: For more dos and don’ts in New York City, take a look at these important New York City travel tips !

New York City Itinerary Planning

When you plan a trip to New York City, the most exciting part is choosing which things to see and do while you’re here. But it can also be overwhelming! There’s an endless number of things to choose from and you only have so much time and money.

There are a couple of NYC itinerary ideas below to help you get started. They include some of the best New York City tourist attractions. You can also use this mega list of the Best 100 Things to Do in New York City for extra inspiration and ideas.

ProTip: You’ll also find a more specific day-by-day plan in this 4-Day New York Itinerary.

New York City Itinerary Idea #1 – Classic NYC Sightseeing

Times Square with its neon signs, bright lights, Broadway marquis, crowds of people, honking horns, and yellow taxis, all combine for a whirlwind welcome to NYC. Especially for first-time visitors to New York City, it makes sense to start at this iconic crossroads.

While you’re looking up, down, and all around Times Square, you’re sure to notice all the Broadway Theaters and the billboards advertising what’s playing. A TKTS Booth sells discounted tickets for performances on that day and the next. The TKTS app lets you know which shows have discounted tickets on sale that day.

If you’re set on seeing a particular show, though, it’s better to get your tickets in advance since there’s no guarantee the show you want to see will have discounted seats available.

Either way, seeing a Broadway show is an absolute must! It’s a quintessential New York City experience.

ProTip: Don’t waste time waiting in line at TKTS, and instead, do as the locals do! Come back to TKTS 30 minutes before show time. There are always some tickets available with practically no wait in line. Or go to the TKTS location near Lincoln Center. It’s much more civilized than the one in Times Square. Alternatively, try your luck in a Broadway ticket lottery, like this or this .

Walk east along 50th Street, crossing over 7th Avenue, then 6th Avenue, to reach Rockefeller Center. On your way, you’ll see Radio City Music Hall and maybe even a Rockette or two if you’re spending Christmas in New York City .

The plaza at Rockefeller Center hosts the Today Show and their summer concerts, as well as the 30 Rock Center skyscraper, home to the SNL studios and the observation deck at the top. When it’s winter in New York, you’ll find the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the ice skating rink.

Continue again east, out of Rockefeller Center, to 5th Avenue and see the striking facade of St. Patrick’s Cathedral , the largest Gothic Revival Cathedral in North America. Head inside to tour the cathedral on your own or with a guide.

When you’re done, you’ll be back on 5th Avenue, famous for its upscale boutiques and department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue just next to St. Patrick’s. Walk along the avenue for a first-hand look at the busy combination of traffic, tour buses, and pedestrians.

Undoubtedly, one of the things you’ll want to do when you visit NYC is to get a birds-eye view over the city. Luckily, there are several skyline attractions nearby. You just need to decide which one(s)!

Summit One Vanderbilt is just off 5th Avenue along 42nd Street. It’s NYC’s most popular skyline experience. Combining glass exterior walls and mirrored walls, floors, and ceilings inside with the gorgeous city skyline, you’ll be immersed in the city views like never before. You’ll also get the best views of the Chrysler Building!

The Empire State Building is a classic NYC landmark that needs no introduction. There are observation decks on the top of the Empire State Building at 86th and 102nd floors, as well as historical and cultural exhibits about this famous skyscraper. If you choose the Empire State Building, head south on 5th Avenue (street numbers going down 50, 49, etc.) to 34th Street.

The Top of the Rock observation deck is on the 70th floor of 30 Rock right in Rockefeller Center. From this vantage point, you’ll get to see and photograph the skyline with the Empire State Building in it. To visit the Top of the Rock, return to Rockefeller Plaza.

Whichever you choose, you must purchase your tickets in advance. These attractions have timed-entry tickets that do sell out, especially during peak travel times like summer, holidays, and weekends.

Pro Tip:  While you’re in this midtown area, you should also consider visiting MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art , on W. 53rd St. between 5th and 6th Avenues. Bryant Park and the classic main New York Public Library building are on 42nd St. & 5th Avenue. Grand Central Terminal is a block away along 42nd St at Park Avenue. These 3 sites are just steps from Summit One Vanderbilt.

New York City Itinerary Idea #2 – Art, History, and a Classic Stroll

Several museums line the east and west sides of Central Park. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is along 5th Avenue at 82nd Street on the Upper East Side. It’s part of Museum Mile along with others like The Guggenheim and the Neue Galerie. While you’re there, head up to the roof terrace for a gorgeous view overlooking Central Park and the skyscrapers of midtown beyond.

The American Museum of Natural History , with its adjoining science center and planetarium, is on the opposite side of the park on 81st Street and Central Park West, close to the New York Historical Society. Both, the Met and the Museum of Natural History are both worthy stops whether it’s your first time in New York City or not.

From the Temple of Dendur to Impressionist paintings by Monet and Renoir at “the Met” and the Prehistoric Halls and ocean and mammal exhibits on display at the Museum of Natural History, these stops offer the quintessential NYC museum experience.

Choose 1 of these museums to begin your day. After a few hours, and likely the onset of some museum fatigue, head outside for some fresh air and a stroll through Central Park. You can even rent bikes to tour the park.

Central Park spans from 59th Street to 110th Street between 5th Avenue and Central Park West. Walk the pathways and discover Sheep’s Meadow, the Lake, and all the fountains, monuments, gardens, and bridges along the way.

In the area of Central Park between the museums, you’ll easily reach famed spots like the Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. To help navigate, download a Central Park app to show where you are in relation to the park’s popular sights.

Meander to the opposite side of the park from where you entered and walk toward whichever of the above museums you have left to visit. Spend your afternoon enjoying another of New York City’s incredible museums.

ProTip: Alternatively, if you’d rather only do 1 museum, head to the Met for the morning. After a couple of hours, explore Central Park. Then, venture into one of Manhattan’s most classic uptown neighborhoods for some of the best things to do on the Upper West Side .

New York City Itinerary Idea #3 – Exploring Lower Manhattan

Yes, Times Square needs to be seen, but it should also be left.

When you’re planning a New York City trip, it pays to take the subway down to Lower Manhattan and do a bit of exploring. Not only will you see some of NYC’s most famous sights, but you’ll also have the opportunity to see the oldest and most historic parts of Manhattan.

A few important and iconic sights should not be missed while you’re at Manhattan’s southern tip.  

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum remembers and reflects on the events and the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. The experience is emotional but poignant and so well-designed.

The reflecting pools are in the original tower footprints with the names of victims inscribed around the edges. The museum houses artifacts like a damaged firetruck and personal anecdotal accounts of the day. The memorial and museum simultaneously honor the fallen, inspire a sense of Patriotism, and encourage a continuing faith in the goodness of humanity.

ProTip: There are typically long lines to enter the 9/11 Museum, especially during peak travel periods. Save yourself a ton of time and book a timed-entrance ticket in advance. You can read more tips in this Visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum guide .

From this part of Lower Manhattan, It’s also a great opportunity to see the sweeping city and harbor views from the One World Observatory . Again, purchasing tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line is a smart way to maximize your time.

Head further southeast towards Trinity Church and the New York Stock Exchange. In this area, you can see where Alexander Hamilton is buried, walk along Wall Street, visit Federal Hall, and stroll through Battery Park. Along the way, look out for the Charging Bull and Fierce Girl statues, too!

From Battery Park, you can access boats to visit one of New York City’s most famous attractions, the Statue of Liberty. Take a boat ride tour to Lady Liberty or opt to pass by from a short distance on the free Staten Island Ferry. Either way, the views of Manhattan from the water are stunning!

If you take the boat directly to Liberty Island, your ticket will also include entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which is one of the most interesting museums in NYC!

End the day by walking across the  Brooklyn Bridge . This classic NYC stroll takes you along the pedestrian promenade in the center of the bridge. The views of New York City and its harbor are breathtaking. As you walk, wonder over how such an impressive structure was built before the days of power tools!

Pro Tip:  Many visitors like to head into Brooklyn and get pizza. I highly recommend going to Juliana’s . It’s just a few minutes walk once you go down the steps on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. I think it’s perhaps the best pizza in all of NYC!

New York City Itinerary Idea #4 – Discover NYC’s Neighborhoods

Whether you want to shop in Soho, see classic NYC in Greenwich Village, eat well in Chinatown, or gallery-hop in Chelsea, you’ll glimpse more of the “real” Manhattan by heading away from midtown’s more touristy spots.

The best part is that each NYC neighborhood has its own character, charm, and things to see and do!

There are so many things to do in Chinatown NYC that you can easily spend the better part of a day uncovering the neighborhood’s gems. Regardless of how much time you have, go with an empty stomach! Chinatown is overflowing with amazing eats from dumplings to dim sum, to noodles, and original Chinese ice cream flavors.

Greenwich Village and Chelsea neighbor one another from south to north along Manhattan’s west side.

No trip to New York City is complete without spending some time in “the Village.” There are so many things to do in Greenwich Village , but the neighborhood’s tree-lined blocks, small streets, and artsy ambiance are what draw locals and visitors to this classic New York City neighborhood.

Whether you want to people-watch in Washington Square Park, have lunch at a charming cafe, boutique-shop, visit famed TV and movie filming locations, or search for ghosts , you’ll fall in love with everything that is Greenwich Village.

Chelsea is home to the much-loved elevated urban greenspace, the High Line, which needles a pathway through the area. The views, street art, architecture, and ambiance along the High Line Park walk will leave you feeling like a true New Yorker.

If you’re coming from Greenwich Village, explore the cafes, beer gardens, and shops on your way to the High Line entrance at Gansevoort Street.

Be sure to stop at Chelsea Market for some gourmet bites whether you’re in the mood for tacos, noodles, or falafel. The market is just one of the many top things to do in Chelsea and an absolute can’t-miss! The neighborhood is also home to numerous art galleries and the fantastic Rubin Museum of Art.

And if you walk the High Line from south to north, you’ll finish in Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s newest neighborhood in midtown west.

How Many Days Do You Need in New York City?

To have time for NYC sightseeing, as well as time to enjoy museums, Central Park, and the city’s restaurants and theaters, plan to spend at least 4 days in New York City .

Of course, if you have less time, all hope is not lost! You can plan a trip to New York City with only 1-3 days but you’ll need to have realistic expectations, hyper-focus on your must-sees and dos, and plan an NYC itinerary that allows you to be swift and strategic.

When is the Best Time to Visit New York City?

Generally speaking, the best time to plan an NYC trip is in the Spring and Fall. In particular, April, May, and even early June come with good weather, flowers in bloom, and fewer people than during the summer months.

Similarly, Fall is a great time to visit NYC . September, October, and early November come with cooling temperatures, but the weather is typically the most beautiful of the year. You’ll also miss the rush of summer and Christmas season visitors.

Of course, if you want to spend Christmas in New York City , December is the best month to visit. The tree at Rockefeller Center is lit and midtown Manhattan sparkles from the holiday lights and markets. Just be prepared for big crowds. December in New York City is one of the most popular times of the year to visit.

Where to Stay in New York City

The best “planning a New York City trip” hotel tip is to be within comfortable walking distance of a subway station . From there, you’ll be able to access all the places you’d like to visit.

Generally, when looking for a great place to stay for an NYC trip, visitors focus on the east and west sides of midtown, as well as neighborhoods like Chelsea, Greenwich Village/West Village, and the Financial District in Lower Manhattan.

And while it may be tempting to stay a bit off the beaten path to save a little money, consider how much time you have in New York City and how comfortable you are navigating the subway.

Taxis, Ubers, and the like are expensive and can easily erase any savings you may get with a cheaper-priced hotel in a further off neighborhood. Similarly, if you only have a few days, you don’t want to waste time with a long “commute” to the sights and places you want to visit.

A word of caution! Airbnb is illegal in New York City despite the listings you may see that are available.

Do people book Airbnbs for their New York City trips? Yes.

Is it risky to book accommodations through Airbnb when you plan a trip to New York City? Incredibly! Anything can happen including the person who rents the Airbnb getting caught before your stay, leaving you without a place to stay.

For a detailed breakdown of the best places to stay in NYC, neighborhood by neighborhood, head over to my guide dedicated to hotels in New York City . Whether you’re looking for an upscale hotel room or you’re planning a trip to New York for first-time visitors, you’ll find the best hotels for your budget and needs.

For a quick glance at some New York City hotels, take a look at these native New Yorker-tested accommodations.

• Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• Kimpton Hotel Eventi
• Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
• Conrad New York Downtown
• Grayson Hotel
• Hotel 50 Bowery
• EVEN Hotel New York Midtown East

You can also search for more great hotels on TripAdvisor,  on Booking.com , on Hotels.com , or find a few more affordable hotel choices here .

Where to Eat in New York City

I’m not a food critic, but I’m no stranger to a fantastic meal. If you’re looking to let your inner foodie out, I’ve listed some of my favorite places to eat in New York City with more than enough to make your taste buds smile.

Whether you’re looking for authentic Indian food or the best veggie burgers in NYC , New York City has an endless number of fantastic restaurants. Just promise yourself to stay away from tourist trap chains and fast food! You can get those anywhere. Instead, take advantage of NYC’s incredible food scene.

All of the suggestions below are based on my own unforgettable NYC eating experiences. (I’m hungry just typing these!) If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, it’s worth it to make reservations ahead of time.

• Del Frisco’s
• Locanda Verde
• ABC Kitchen
• Juliana’s Pizza
• Russ & Daughters
• Any Classic NYC Diner
• Market Table
• Blue Ribbon
• Wafels & Dinges

Planning a New York City Trip FAQs

How do I plan my first trip to New York City?

To plan your first trip to New York City, there are 3 important steps to get started. 1. Decide how many days you’ll be spending in the Big Apple. 2. Choose a hotel in your price range, preferably in the midtown east or west areas of Manhattan. These areas are central to many top NYC sights and are well-served by numerous subway lines. 3. Make a list of the top attractions and museums you want to visit, as well as experiences you’d like to have, i.e. see a Broadway show. Depending on how much time you have and your budget, book your entry to as many things as possible in advance to maximize your time in NYC. 4. Group the things you want to see and do by area to maximize the time you have in New York City.

How much would a New York trip cost?

The cost of a New York City trip is up to you! There are hotels, restaurants, and experiences in all price ranges. However, “budget” hotels are still likely to cost more than budget hotels in other destinations, not to mention they’re far and few between. Expect to pay between $250-$300 a night for a mid-range hotel. Luckily, there are lots of free things to do in New York City like walking the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Central Park, seeing the lights of Times Square, reserving a spot on a free walking tour, and riding the Staten Island Ferry for great views of Lady Liberty!

How do I organize my trip to New York?

Start with deciding how many days you’ll have and where you’ll stay. From there, you can logically group your sightseeing plans and experiences based on which neighborhoods they’re in so you can limit any backtracking.

What is the best way to see New York attractions?

Avoid waiting in lines by booking skip-the-line and timed-entry tickets in advance to as many NYC attractions as possible.

What is the most cost-effective way to travel NYC?

The most cost effective (and time effective!) way to travel around NYC is to use the subway. It’s quick, inexpensive, and can get you to nearly everywhere you’d want to visit in New York City.

What should I do for the first time in New York?

If it’s your first time in New York City, focus on the iconic sights and museums that interest you most. These are likely to be places like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Times Square, and Broadway.

Do I need cash in NYC?

Nearly everywhere you go in NYC, you’ll be able to use a credit or debit card. This even includes hot dog vendors and food trucks. So, there’s never a reason to walk around with huge amounts of cash in your purse or wallet. One place where you will need some cash, though, is Chinatown. Some restaurants and shops are cash only so it’s best to be prepared with some U.S. dollars when visiting this neighborhood.

What is the cheapest way to get around New York City?

The cheapest way to get around New York City is on foot! NYC is highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly. When you need to give your legs a rest or want to get someplace quick, take the subway. It’s cheap, fast, and covers almost all of New York City.

Planning a New York Trip?

No problem! Using the tried and true local tips and advice in this guide, you’re on your way to planning an unforgettable trip to New York City!

So, what are your questions about planning a New York City trip?

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112 thoughts on “planning a new york city trip: your nyc itinerary guide from a local (2023)”.

This was an awesome post! You have definitely added fuel to my desire to visit NYC! I might just have to find time to go after school gets out in June.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much for reading! June is a great time to visit…before the summer heat! Hope you make it! 🙂

I’ve never been to US, but New York is one of my dream destinations since childhood. ( I know, what a cliche :D). Thank you for sharing your experience and advice!!! I will save this post for future with hopes I’ll get opportunity to visit this city soon)

Not at all! Living in NYC was my dream since I was a little girl. Any trip to the U.S. has to include a first stop in NYC, Natalia. I hope you can make it for a visit soon!

This is a fabulous guide for any trip to New York. well done!

Thanks, Brianna! 🙂

A complete guide to the Big Apple :). I wish I had this when I visited NYC. All things said, I always stayed out side New York, in New Jersey and take the train to NYC . I found the stay is less expensive outside NY.

Hoboken and Jersey City are excellent options in New Jersey for cheaper hotels, Vasu. The PATH train makes it quick and easy to make into NYC. Great tip!

Terrific post on what a first-timer should see in NYC. You did a great job culling what could have been a ton of information into an easy to read digest. Great work!

Thanks so much, Sue! It’s meant to be a “one-stop shop” for first-time visitors. 😉

Your posts are always so practical and helpful, Jackie. This is great for someone who doesn’t know New York. In fact, there are some great pointers for everyone – a great tip for us Canadians about using 99999 as your zip code if buying a metrocard! I can’t wait to go back … and finally see the Statue of Liberty which I miss every time.

Thanks so much, Carol! Glad the post is helpful. I hope you finally get to meet Lady Liberty up close and personal on your next NYC visit. 🙂

Great guide to NYC! It can be so daunting to plan a visit to NYC as there is so much to see. Agree with Bryant Park it’s a great stop as it is not as touristy. My fave is also going to MoMA on Fridays. Sigh…I love NYC 🙂

Lol, Christina…I know that sigh. Once NYC gets under your skin it constantly calls you back…

What a fantastic resource! I would add Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons (not the new one, but the old one) and Gramercy Park hotel on the luxe end. I’ve loved my stays in all. But that’s the thing about NYC… so many great hotels and so little time!

Thanks, Katie, for adding to this resource! I do love the Gramercy Park Hotel but I’ve just been there for drinks. 🙂

I knew of the famous grid system on NY and how it was built but it was interesting and really helpful to have the streets and avenues orientation and the public transport info. A city that everyone wants to visit but need quite a bit of research beforehand to make the most of it.

So true, Sia! You really should have a little sense of how to get around or else you could miss so great NYC spots.

What a great guide! I haven’t been to NYC yet. I will keep in mind your tips for when I am going to visit. Thanks

Oh Mansoureh, NYC is such a great city. I hope you can visit soon!

Tips, tricks and itineraries for New York…so useful this post is. I have always felt that larger cities are so difficult to absorb, because of their sheer size. You tend to miss out on different angles and ways of experiencing the place. Posts on larger cities are so much needed.

Thank you, Punita. Big cities certainly have so much to see and do. It’s hard to know where to begin.

Fabulous post. I visited NYC in May this year. It had been on my bucket list for some years and I was not disappointed. I was lucky enough to have two full weeks there and I got to do a lot! Only problem is that I can’t wait to come back. Your post is spot on, and the best I have read (and believe me I’ve read a few). You’re so very lucky to live in NYC. Patrice (Australia) x

PS: My favourite sweet in NYC was a choc chip cookie from Levain Bakery. De-licious!

Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words, Patrice. 🙂 How awesome you made it to NYC. I’m so glad you loved it and hope you can make it back soon! Levain Bakery has the best chocolate chip cookie for sure.

This is a wealth of useful tips! So informative….. NYC is on my radar. Not sure when I will get to go there but whenever I do I will come back to this post. And definitely saving it on my Flipboard!

Thank you, La Dee! Hope you make it to NYC soon and reach out if you have any questions. Thanks for sharing, too! 🙂

Thank you Jackie. We leave for NYC in 6 sleeps! So excited and this guide is just perfect for us. I’ve been reading and organising and planning for months and months and months but this is one of the most succinct finds that will help us immensely. Thanks for helping a very excited Australian family. If you have one for Washington DC, feel free to share that too 🙂

Yay, how exciting, Jo!! I hope you love NYC and have a great time! 🙂 I have a Washington, D.C. post as well. It’s not as succinct a guide as my NYC guide, but I still think it’s pretty good! 😉 Feel free to get in touch if any last minute questions pop up. Thanks so much for reading! 🙂

Super helpful post, thanks! I’m going next week for work and adding 1 free day in for myself. I’ve been to NY several times and haven’t loved it, so I’m giving it one more shot 🙂

I’m so glad you’re giving NYC another chance, Leigh. Let me know if you need any other pointers. NYers always want you to love their city.

I LOVE NYC! Can’t wait until my next opportunity to come back. Last time I went with some friends, we stayed across the Hudson in Jersey City, about 2 blocks from the PATH station. Been there twice and have done the “touristy” stuff, now I’m ready for a week of exploring the boroughs.

Awesome, Kim! The boroughs have such gems! Brooklyn, of course, is a hot spot, but Queens should not be overlooked. Best Chinese food in Flushing! Hope you can make it back soon. 🙂

What a fantastic article!! Going to NYC for first time in July….I know you all say it’s HOT in Summer but hey I live in southern Texas!!! It can’t be any hotter than here…LOL. Great tips and I’m going with my daughter who’s 21. We will be there for 6 nights. Can’t wait to plan out each of our days. My only concern is getting from airport to hotel.

Thanks so much, Darcy. 🙂 So exciting to be making your first NYC trip. Southern Texas has got to be pretty hot! If you let me know your airport and hotel neighborhood (no need to name exact hotel if you don’t want.), I’m happy to give you transfer tips. 🙂

This is a great post…very helpful and informative! I’m visiting NY for the first time this coming July. I’m driving from WV and worried about parking and traffic. Any pointers??

Hi Amanda, Thanks so much for reading and I’m glad the post is helpful for your upcoming NYC trip! 🙂 So, I’m not sure what part of town you’re staying in, but I’d look to park my car away from the midtown (Times Square, Rock Center, Broadway) area. I’d go uptown to the west 80s, 90s, 100s street and look for street or garage parking there. NYC has street cleaning so for example on the street where I live, you can park on the street for free except for Tuesdays & Fridays between 10am-12pm. You’ll have to check the street signs wherever you park. If uptown is too far from where you want to be, look far west in midtown, like close to the Hudson River and West Side Highway. There are relatively cheaper outdoor parking lots. No matter what you decide, park your car for your stay and don’t drive it again. Traffic is truly awful and NYC sights and attractions don’t have any parking lots. So you’d just be going from one paid lot to another and losing time by sitting in traffic. Also, not sure if you have the electronic toll system EZPass in WV, but if you do, bring it. It’ll save you time when you cross into Manhattan via bridge or tunnel. Good luck!

How funny! I am also from WV, planning to drive and I was wondering about parking. We do plan on parking for the duration and using the subway but now I know to check out parking areas other than what is available at our hotel. Thanks.

Such a small world, Tammy! 😉 Definitely worth it to look outside of your hotel area. It most certainly will be cheaper. Good luck!

Great break down of the city. I am visiting for the first time tomorrow and I only have a day to explore. I was feeling a little overwhelmed and now I feel like I can do it!

Yay, Amanda! You totally can do it. Enjoy your day in NYC and thanks so much for reading! 🙂

This is wonderful and incredibly helpful! We are bringing our three school-aged sons in October. You have made me even more excited and comfortable. Thank you!

Thanks so much for reading, Audrey! I’m so glad the post is helpful. So exciting to visit NYC, plus October is a great time to visit. Fewer tourists and great weather. Have so much fun!:)

Planning going to see NYC sites in end of Sept. But driving would it be better to stay in Hoboken or Jersey City hotels to park my car then take Path to NYC. Thanks

Hi Julie, thanks for reading. Hoboken and Jersey City can be good alternatives. But just know each city has resident-only permit parking and limited, timed parking for visitors. Hoboken, in particular, is especially restrictive and will not hesitate to put a boot on your tire only to be removed by paying hundreds of dollars. Look for hotels that offer parking on site or local area lots and garages for the best deal. As a comparison point, you could also look at hotels/parking in Long Island City (Queens) and Brooklyn. These NYC boroughs do have street cleaning regulations a couple times of week depending on the neighborhood/side of the street, but street parking isn’t restricted to residents with permits. Be sure to check how close the subway is, as well, so you can easily get in and out of Manhattan. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip. 🙂

This info is so helpful! Thank you, I look forward to my trip to New York in November of this year. And I look forward to utilizing so much of your helpful tips. Thank you so much Julie! Sincerely, Danielle (Last name deleted for privacy, URL removed.)

Thanks for reading, Danielle. Hope you have a great trip to NYC!

Hi I think your blog is well informed thank you very much. I am wondering if anybody knows when the tree lighting happens and when sacks has their laser show as well as Bergdorf’s Christmas windows if you can let me know that would be great thank you so much.

Thanks for reading, Steff. The Rockefeller Tree Lighting is on November 28, 2018. The department store holiday windows are typically open for viewing in late November. I don’t know the exact details of the Saks 5th Avenue laser show yet, but they typically begin in the late afternoon/early evening 4:30/5:00ish and happen periodically a few times an hour until about 11:30. I have an NYC Christmas Guide . I will be updating it soon. Bookmark it so you’ll have the latest info. 🙂

Such a great read thanks Jackie! I’m heading over with 2 girlfriends for my 40th and we are all very excited! Have been once before and remember the craziness of trying to get out of the airport, a little worried about it but not enough to dampen our spirits. Only there for three days so we are going to have to work out which of your itineraries to go with and what to chop. Thanks for doing all the hard work for me. Sioux (Australia)

Thanks for reading, Sioux! Happy to have made your travel planning easier. Enjoy your girls trip!! 🙂

Such great information – thank you so much!!!! My husband and I are planning a trip this December 2018. I am a Christmas nut and am super excited to experience my first New York Christmas. I can’t wait to see all the lights, decorations, and just the magic!! Any pointers on the best way to tackle New York at Christmas time? I’m sure it is crazy busy that time of year and the lines will be never ending.

I’m so glad the guide was helpful, Suzette. NYC is spectacular at Christmas but yes it is crazy busy. I have a Christmas in NYC guide and I’ll be updating it over the weekend for 2018. But there’s still plenty of great info that still applies from last year, as well. Feel free to comment again here or on that guide if you have more questions. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Great and comprehensive guide Jackie! I read this before my first very trip to New York and because of your blog I was well prepared. I went the other week during 9/11, at a time where it was raining lots, but that did not hamper our stay there! [YouTube video link edited out]

Thanks for reading, Junas. I’m so happy to hear the guide was useful for you. I don’t publish links in comments, so your video link was edited out.

I remember the first time I went to New York. I stood in the middle of the Times Square on a very crowded evening. I have never in my life seen so many people in the street at once. I was a interesting experience. I learned a lot about the New York lifestyle.

Thanks for reading, Henry. New York City is a city like no other, that’s for sure.

Jackie… my husband and I are planning our first trip to NYC this November. Our kids live in Lakehurst, NJ so we’ll be staying with them. Any suggestions on the best way to travel from there into the city? We are taking our kids and grandkids to see Aladdin on the 11th, which I just realized is Veterans Day. Anything we should be aware of because of the holiday?

Thanks for reading, Joni. How fun to come up to NYC with your family to see Aladdin! I know there are Academy buses that run from Lakehurst to NYC, I’m just not sure of the schedule or if that schedule would be different on 11/11. Another option could be to drive a short distance to main train station, park, and take the train into NYC from there. You might find the trains run more frequently giving you more flexibility about how long you can stay in NYC. Enjoy your visit and the show! 🙂

everything you said makes sense. good information.

Thanks for reading, David. Enjoy NYC.

I didn’t know anything about New York to be honest so this post was a nice read and very helpful as well. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks so much for reading, John.

Thanks For Sharing

Thanks for reading, Giselle. Enjoy NYC.

Very informative article.Hi im nur frm Malaysia.We a family of 6 (me,husb,mom,4yo & 1 yo twins) will be going on the 14/12 till 28/12 from Nepal to New York and Washington.No matter how much i read or watch (youtube) i still feel a little overwhelmed by th thoughts of going there for th first time,with my small kids,and the super cold weather (wut i heard) and navigating the city for th first time. Your article gives me perspective.before,i even stongly considering to hire tour guide for sightseeing purpose.what do u think,is it necessary? Tq

Thanks for reading, Nur. I don’t think it’s necessary to hire a tour guide for your entire trip to NYC, but you may want to consider day tours for specific things, like if you wanted an NYC overview or a neighborhood tour of lower Manhattan. Typically, getting underground to the subway is the best way to escape chilly winds. But, keep in mind, only specific subway entrances will have elevators for a baby stroller. New Yorkers often carry the stroller down or up the subway stairs. I might consider looking at a hop on hop off bus to get around outside of Times Square and the midtown Manhattan area (Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Empire State Building). The one drawback to this is traffic. The weather will be chilly (likely between 30-45 F/-1-8 C), so it’s important to dress in layers and take advantage of breaks inside shops and places like Grand Central Station, and museums.

I hope your NYC and Washington travels are fantastic! Respond to this comment if you have more NYC questions. 🙂

Wow, all the information you provided was very informative. I just booked flights for New York for my family in April! Yay! I was getting a bit overwhelmed with researching where the best places to stay, visit, etc. as this will be our first visit to NY and I am so glad I found your post. I will be purchasing the city pass for sure. Thank you!

Thanks so much for reading, Staci! Glad the post was helpful for your upcoming NYC trip. Feel free to reach back out if you have more questions. Love CityPASS, it’s a definite money-saver when doing a lot of sightseeing. 🙂

Hello Globetrotting Teacher,

Thank you for mapping out a Mama and son first visit to NY! ( Itinerary 1,2 & 3 )

Just what the doctor ordered!

Straight to the point useful information.

You go girl! : )

Thanks for reading, Duv. Glad the itinerary ideas will be useful for your NYC trip! 🙂

My husband and I are headed to NY in March for the first time and since we booked the flight all I can do is plan our trip. This has been the best post I have come by. Thank you so much for putting this together!

Thanks for reading, Ciarra. So glad the guide is helpful. Have a great NYC trip! 🙂

Very good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!

Thanks for reading, Gene. 🙂

Very informative. I’m visiting NYC for the first time in a couple of months and I have no clue where to stay. Of course we want to do lots of sightseeing, attend a broadway show, and I can’t wait to eat some good pizza! Any recommendations on cost effective places to stay?

Thanks so much for reading, Cassandra. I have a Where to Stay in NYC guide for you to use to help you find the right place to stay. As long as you are close to a subway line, you can easily access many parts of NYC. So a place like the Upper West Side, for example, is not in Times Square but the subway line will help you get there in just minutes. Hope that helps and you have a great NYC trip!

This was SO HELPFUL!!! I am planning my first trip to NYC on my birthday in September and was feeling a bit overwhelmed thinking of how to get around and things to do. Also about where to stay.. What will the weather be like? Will i need to pack my faux fur? (LoL).

I am SO printing this out to read again!

Lol! Thanks for reading, Tonj. Faux fur for sure! 😉 Enjoy NYC.

What an absolutely fabulous and detailed write up, one of the best I have read on any city. Thanks for making our first trip to NYC so damn easy and fun

Yes! So glad to hear that, Anah. 🙂 Appreciate you reading and glad your trip was so fantastic.

Thanks for the useful information! Family of 4 will be visiting NYC for the first time in April 2019. We will only be there for 2 days 1 night. Is it possible to do 8 attractions in 2 days? I was looking into buying the 2 day New York Pass.

Thanks for reading, Ann. I think 8 attractions is a lot in 2 days. The bundled sightseeing cards can be a great deal. I’ve written about the New York CityPASS . But, expect things to take longer in NYC. There’s traffic or a subway delay. People fill the sidewalks so you can’t walk as quickly as you might think. The line at a restaurant or attraction is longer than expected. For these reasons, you and your family could end up feeling really rushed. If you do decide to give it a go, I’d stick to using the subway. It’s the fastest way to get around. Hope you have a great trip to NYC!

Super excited Theater Teacher here that just found our that I get to go to NYC with my 16 yr old son for our Birthday in June. (Yes I share Birthday with my son). My 50th and his 17th. This is an awesome list of what do do and how to get around. THANKS!!

Thanks for reading! NYC for 2 birthdays is a great way to celebrate! Hope you can make it to a Broadway show, too! 🙂

we have 5 hours to get back to LGA so what would you recommend we do in that time?

Thanks for reading, Sheila. Not sure exactly what you mean, but if you’re leaving the airport with only 5 hours before your next flight, I’d be really careful. The traffic in between LGA and Manhattan can be rough! If you’re set on catching a glimpse of the city, I would head to Times Square and from there walk over to Rockefeller Center, where you can also see Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The area has a lot of sights in a compact area. Good luck!

This site is so great! Thank you!

Two questions: 1) We are leaving a concert at 2:30 pm at Carnegie Hall on a Saturday. Our plane leaves from Newark at 6:25pm. We would be riding the Subway. It looked like we were totally good, but my family thinks I’ve put us in a bind…thoughts??

2) Family of 6: Mom and Dad and 4 boys ages 10,14,18,19…. We aren’t fancy eaters…can we eat do lunch and dinner together for $30/day pretty easily? This might be way too broad a question…you can tell me so! LOL

Thanks for reading, Jen. 🙂 If you plan to leave Carnegie Hall and go straight to Newark, you should have plenty of time. $30 for a family of 6 for lunch and dinner will be tough to accomplish. (I’m reading this as $30 for lunch and dinner for 6 people so hopefully, I understand what you mean!) Pizza slices are typically pretty cheap (for NYC), as are lunch specials at ethnic food restaurants (Chinese, Indian, etc.). Bagel carts can be cheap way to get a bagel with cream cheese for not that much money either. No matter what you do, avoid eating in and around Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza. It’s the most expensive area to eat in the city, even for just a pizza slice! Enjoy NYC.

Hi, I’ve been reading up on visiting NYC a ton and your blog was one of the most helpful. I also looked through all of your comments which were helpful as well. I reserved an Airbnb months ago for my family in Jersey City. There will be 7 of us, kids ages 7-16 so that makes it difficult to get a hotel. But then I found out this week how expensive it is going to be to get back and forth to NYC every day. We will be there a total of 6 days and the home we are staying in is 2 miles away from the Path station. So not within walking distance. Between Peking our vehicle and paying for everyone to ride the Path and then getting into NYC and paying to ride the Metro I’m starting to wonder if staying in Jersey City was such a good plan. Any input at all would be most helpful. I’m not sure whether to drive into NY and pay for parking, or leave our car at the Path station and pay for parking there, or what to do. I feel like we are going to spend around $100 a day just to get into NYC and back and I am stressing out. I also am not sure if we should buy the 7 day Metro pass for each of us to travel around NYC or just pay per ride. Help!

Thanks for reading, Tiffany. You were right to look at Airbnb, particularly on the Jersey side. Jersey City and Hoboken are great ways to save money and still be close to NYC. However, the problem (as you said) is your place isn’t within walking distance to the PATH train. Is it possible to change to a different Airbnb closer to the PATH? I would not recommend driving into NYC as tempting as it seems. It’ll likely be just as expensive and cost you time. Traffic through the tunnels into Manhattan and in the city itself can eat up hours. Jersey City also has a Light Rail which can be good for getting around and connecting to other modes of transport. There are also NJ Transit buses that go right into Port Authority on 42nd Street. Just not sure if either are close to your Airbnb. The 7 day MetroPass is worth it if you plan to use it at least 12 times no matter how many days you visit NYC. It can also be used on the PATH trains. Hope that helps!! 🙂

Hi! Thanks for such a great article. We are headed to New York City for the first time in mid-July. We are staying in Times Square Hotel. The best way to get around seems to be walking and the subway, but we’ve never been on a subway. Are there people who can help with directions once I get to subway station? I’m a little nervous. Also, we are coming in from La Guardia airport. What is the best idea for getting to hotel from the airport?

Thanks for reading, Jennifer. Definitely walk and ride the subway for your NYC visit. The subway is really logical once you get the hang of it. The lines are broken up by color and named after a letter or number. From Times Square, you’ll have a lot of train lines available which makes getting to and from your hotel convenient. Some stations might have an MTA employee to help with directions, but it’s not overly common. I recommend having a subway app or PDF of a subway map on your phone. This way, you’ll always be able to check where you are and where you need to go. As for transferring from LGA, I have an LGA to Manhattan guide for you. 🙂

nice article, i love new york.

Thanks so much for reading. Glad you have good NYC experiences. 🙂

Most helpful article yet! Thank you so much for your insight, recommendations and tips! Much appreciated!

You’re welcome, Erin!

Thanks for reading!!

I like how you mentioned that the best place to stay is within comfortable walking distance to a subway station for better access to all the places you’d like to visit. My aunt wants to visit New York for the holidays, and she wanted to know how to find a tourism guide to take her to all the places she wants to visit. Thank you for the tip on the https://washingtondctraveler.com/ subway station, I’m going to let my aunt know about it so that she can start seeing her options when traveling.

Thanks for reading and thrilled that the tips are helpful.

The best way to see NY AND get around is the subway.

Holiday traffic in NYC can get rough so taking cabs or driving is not efficient on time and $$.

I hope your aunt has a wonderful trip. Holiday time in NYC is a memorable one!

Great Article. I’m going to drive down to NYC for the first time at the end of the month. I’ve been there several times but I’ve never driven. We are going to a gaming show at the Barclays center and will be driving down early morning and then leaving after show is over and maybe staying overnight somewhere once we get out of the city. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have, we are coming from upstate ny. thought about taking the bus down the night before but then not sure where to stay or how to get the Barclays center and then back to the bus. Thanks so much

Thanks for reading, Nancy. I would avoid driving if you could. Traffic is crazy. Roads are confusing and a lot of time can be wasted just trying to get around. And that’s all before thinking about parking. If there are buses to bring you to Manhattan, you could easily take the subway to downtown Brooklyn or even an Uber or taxi. Downtown Brooklyn has hotels so it’s possible to stay within close proximity of the Barclays Center. Also, no matter where you stay in NYC, the Barclays Center has a transportation hub right next to it with subway lines from all over the city reaching there. If you haven’t, check out this where to stay in NYC guide. Good luck! 🙂

This article was incredible! I appreciate the time and dedication you showed to include all of the details. The information didn’t stop at the end of it either! You take the time to comment and reply to every comment you get, that’s amazing, you’re still giving out awesome information!

Thanks for reading, Maddy. I appreciate the kind words. 🙂

I’m so excited. We are visiting NYC in June 2020. There are 6 of us going, 3 have already been, 1 lived in Jersey and worked in the city many moons ago. I’m so excited to eat food! ?

Thanks for reading, Alberia. NYC has so much food to eat!! Enjoy! 🙂

Great article with a lot of details! Appreciate all the tips you provided. We’re coming to NYC mid-December and staying at the Park Central Hotel. Any suggestions for an affordable & family friendly place for dinner for a group of 2 families with kids? We’re celebrating a birthday but don’t want to break the bank. My wife wants a place that gives you that New York feel. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for reading Rocky. Not sure if you’re looking to stay close to your hotel but I’d recommend looking at Benihana, Cowgirl, Bubby’s (great if you’re near the High Line), Fred’s (on the Upper West Side), and Keste, Lombardis, or even John’s pizza (in the theater district) for pizza. Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown is also an NYC classic. Have a great trip to NYC! 🙂

Thank you so much for all the insight! I am planning a family trip for Christmas 2020 with my hubby & 4 kids!! This gave me so many helpful tips and I was able to download every app so I can do some advance purchasing!!

Thanks for reading, Courtney. I’m so glad the guide is helpful for you. You’ll love NYC at Christmas. The city is just so pretty. 🙂

Your article is extremely appreciated. So much do in NYC, so many attractions and experiences to choose from . The tips you shared on transportation and local’s insights were especially helpful, and I like the different perspectives you pulled into the itinerary suggestions. Super excited about my first trip to NYC

Thanks so much for reading, Meena. I’m glad the guide is helpful and I hope you have a great first trip to NYC!

You’re blog is so helpful! We’re planning our first family trip to NYC. There are 6 of us. I am having a hard time finding a hotel with a suite big enough for 6 people. Do you have any suggestions for larger hotel rooms in the city? Thank you for your help!

Thanks for reading, Stephanie. Glad the blog is helpful for planning your trip to New York City. Finding larger family rooms is tricky in NYC. Here are a few suggestions. Hotels like the Fairfield Inn in Midtown, Hyatt Place in midtown, the Residence Inn in midtown, even the Doubletree in Jersey City (10 mins to Lower Manhattan) if you’re looking to stay just outside of Manhattan will have suite rooms that have 2 double or queen beds plus a sofa sleeper bed. I hope that helps and you can find something that works! Good luck and enjoy NYC!

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Plan, Ready, Go

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

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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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

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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.

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31+ Tips for Visiting New York City For the First Time

New York City is truly incomparable to any other city in the world, making it an absolute must-visit destination for everyone.  Its iconic landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty , Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square are just a glimpse of the countless attractions it offers. However, the sheer magnitude of the city can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.

To help those of you planning a trip to NYC, I thought I would share some of the things I learned during my 13 years of living in Manhattan. Even if you have visited NYC before, you may find these tips for visiting New York City for the first time helpful too.

A few of these  NYC insider tips might surprise you, but these are important things to know about New York before visiting .  If you have additional questions, just leave a comment and I am happy to answer.   

Also, be sure to check out my printable travel planning checklist  to help you prepare for your trip.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

Think about the best time to visit New York City

Be careful about booking airbnbs as many are illegal, choose a hotel in a convenient location, take photos, take advantage of the amazing museums, you must visit central park, see nyc from above, walk over the brooklyn bridge, get out on the water, visit the “other” boroughs, you can’t see everything in one trip, nyc tourist passes can save you money, you don’t have to stand in the tkts line to get cheap broadway tickets, chinatown is the cheapest place to get your i heart nyc souvenirs, take advantage of free seasonal events, don’t eat at chain restaurants, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well, don’t just settle for any pizza (especially ones selling $1 slices), try some food trucks, save room for dessert, don’t eat at low-grade restaurants, do not rent a car in nyc, wear comfortable but stylish shoes, the subway may be the fastest form of transportation, always carry an umbrella, don’t block the whole sidewalk, be careful crossing the streets, watch out for the smells, nyc does sleep, tipping is engrained in the culture, be alert and aware of your surroundings, tips for solo female travelers visiting new york city, expert tips for visiting new york for the first time, tips for planning your first visit to nyc.

If you’re getting ready for your first trip to New York City, I’ve got some great tips to help you plan a successful adventure.

One thing I highly recommend is giving yourself at least a month to prepare for your trip. Taking the time to organize and do some research before you go can really make a huge difference in your overall experience.

So get ready to explore the city that never sleeps and let’s dive into some essential NYC travel tips!

I know sometimes it is fun to just wing it, but that doesn’t always work for New York City.  There is just so much to do, you are going to need to prioritize and come up with a plan.

If you have your heart set on certain popular attractions, if you don’t book ahead, you won’t be able to go.  For example, the Broadway show Hamilton is usually sold out almost a year in advance. If you have run out of time to get tickets directly, you could try the Hamilton lottery or pay through the roof on StubHub but there are no guarantees.  

If you want to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty , you should book a few months in advance, especially if you are planning on going on a weekend. Also, free tickets for the popular tv show tapings in NYC should be booked at least a few weeks ahead of time.   

If you wait until the last minute, flights tend to be more expensive too.  When you are searching for flights, you can use the airport code ‘NYC’ and it will show you options for all three area airports.  Then, you can choose the one that works best in terms of price and schedule. 

Also, since you have several ways you can get from the airport to Manhattan, it’s a good idea to know which one you are going to take in advance.  I wrote in detail about the transportation options including tips for traveling to NYC from  JFK ,   Newark , and  LGA .

You may be wondering what time of year you should visit NYC.  The good news is that New York City is an amazing place to visit all year round, so choosing the right time depends on your preferences. 

Weather is usually nicest in May, June, and September.  The fall colors are usually at their peak towards the end of October.    Winter in NYC will be cold but in December you can enjoy the Christmas festivities!

If you are on a budget or want to avoid the most crowded times, I would avoid coming in the summer or around Christmas.  While there are lots of special things to see in NYC at those times, the prices for accommodation goes through the roof. 

The cheapest time to visit New York is in February, just avoid Valentine’s and President’s Day Weekends, but be prepared for freezing weather and possible snow.  Even though the weather can be unstable, a spring trip to NYC might be better if you are not a cold weather person.

If you do plan on visiting during the Christmas season, check out my post for recommendations for things to do during the holidays in NYC.

In most of New York City, it’s now illegal to advertise or rent an entire apartment for less than 30 days unless the host is present and there are only one or two guests.  I would be careful even just renting one room because if the host has rented the other rooms and is not living there it could be illegal too.

Honestly, I wouldn’t risk it, I think it is better to spend a little more and get a hotel.  You don’t want to find out last minute that you can’t stay where you were planning on staying or even worse have to move out of your vacation rental. NYC is one case where hotels are a better option than vacation rentals .

Grab my NYC Hotel Cheatsheet here to help you find the best place to stay in the city.

Choosing the right location for your hotel can make all the difference when visiting New York City. For your first visit, I highly recommend staying in a central location to make it easy to get around and minimize the cost of transportation.

Koreatown /Herald’s Square may not be the trendiest neighborhood, but it is central and you can find reasonably-priced (per NY standards) hotels. I like the Hampton Inn. You can check the current price and availability  or read Tripadvisor reviews for the Hampton Inn here .  

Before I lived in NYC, I would stay at the Sheraton New York Hotel.  It has a prime location in the heart of all the action, with easy access to Times Square and Central Park. You can check the current rates and availability  or read Tripadvisor reviews for the Sheraton New York Hotel here .

If you are on a budget, I would recommend trying one of the Pod hotels.  Although the rooms may be compact, they are designed to be comfortable and functional. Staying at a Pod hotel is a great way to save some money and splurge on other activities during your visit to NYC. Plus, the Pod 39 hotel has a nice rooftop bar. You can check price and availability for the Pod 39 hotel  or read Tripadvisor reviews here .

If you are coming to NYC for one of the big events in Times Square (like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the NYE Ball Drop), I would recommend booking the Marriott Marquis.  You may get lucky and have a view of the action from your room. You can check current rates and availability for the Marriott Marquis here  or read Tripadvisor reviews here .)

If you are traveling with the family, check out this list of where to stay in NYC with kids .

New York is photogenic and you will want your own photos to remember your special trip.  You don’t need any fancy equipment.  In fact, I suggest you leave any heavy camera gear at home as you are going to be walking around a lot.  The camera on your smartphone will work nicely.

That being said it is sometimes hard to get photos of yourself and the rest of your group.  You can only take so many selfies and it’s hard to find a stranger that can take a decent photo.  That’s where a photo tour comes in handy. 

**If you use the code TTTNYC , you can get $10 off any tour with  NYC Photo Journeys or if they are booked you can try Flytographer .  If it’s your first time using Flytographer, you can get $25 if you use the code TTTPHOTO.   Get more details here .

You get a skilled photographer who knows the best photo spots in NYC.  Since it’s a private tour, you can tailor the itinerary to your interests.  It will be a fun time and you will have the photos as a souvenir of your first trip to New York.

Tips for Things to See Your First Time in NYC

You should start thinking about what you want to see on your trip because you have to prioritize.  There are so many things to do in NYC! It may be hard to decide which attractions to go to on your first visit to NYC with all the options, but hopefully, these NYC tips will help.

Even if you’re not a big fan of museums, you should give them another chance when you’re in NYC. Not only are they a great option on a rainy day, but there are so many different museums in the city that I’m sure you’ll find one you’ll enjoy. From art to history to science, there’s something for everyone!

Some of my favorites are MOMA, The Met, the Tenement Museum , and the Brooklyn Museum.   I also highly recommend a visit to the National September 11th Museum , it’s a difficult subject but it’s done well.  

If you enjoy photography, check out Fotografiska , which opened in December 2019.

Central Park is my favorite place in New York City, so you must visit! Most people don’t realize how big it is and how much there is to see there.  Plus, it’s beautiful and you can easily forget you are in the middle of Manhattan.

You can visit the Park all year around. I love seeing the leaves change in the fall and the flowers bloom in the spring.  During the summer, it is at its greenest. When it snows, it is beautiful too.

If you have limited time, try to check out my five favorite spots in Central Park .  If you have more time, consider also biking in Central Park or exploring the less visited northern end of the Park .

To get a good sense of the size and density of New York, you need to see it from above.  You have five options for observation decks.  I have been to One World Observatory , the Empire State Building , and Top of the Rock .  In the last few years, they have opened The Edge in Hudson Yards and The Summit at One Vanderbilt.

I still need to go to The Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt , but of the ones I have been to personally, I prefer Top of the Rock because then you can take pictures that have the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower (One World Trade) in them.  Most of the NYC attraction passes have at least one observation deck included.

If you don’t have an NYC tourist pass and you are on a budget, you can also get a great view from one of the cities rooftop bars.  Of course, the summertime is peak rooftop season, but many NYC rooftop bars have indoor areas so you can go all year around. There are also a few that have heated areas and provide blankets.  

My favorite rooftops during the winter are Mr. Purple , Plunge , and the Press Lounge . The 230 Fifth rooftop is also open all year, the views are great but personally, I think it’s a bit touristy.

If the weather is decent, it is definitely worthwhile to do a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge .  There is just something special about it and the views are fantastic. You can even see the Statue of Liberty.  

Fair warning though, unless you go early it will be crowded, but at least now there is a separate bike line.  Also, please don’t leave any love locks. They are not good for the bridge and will be cut off anyway.

Once you cross the bridge, you might want to break for some pizza? Try Juliana’s !

I love the view of the NYC skyline from the water, so if you have time, I would recommend taking a boat ride.  If you are on a budget, just take the Staten Island Ferry .  It’s free and you pass right by the Statue of Liberty.  

Another affordable option is the NYC Ferry.  It is only $4.00 one way.  They have different routes you can choose and onboard concessions.  Learn more about it here .

There are also several different boat tours included in the different NYC attraction passes.  If you don’t have The New York Pass (or something similar), you can see the available options here .

If you would like to splurge, I can recommend the Bateaux dinner cruises .  It is one of the most romantic things to do in New York City.

New York City is more than Manhattan, so to really do NYC, you need to visit the other boroughs – Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.  In case you are wondering what you can do in the outer boroughs, here are a few ideas:

Brooklyn is full of fun things to do, and some must-visit spots include Brooklyn Bridge Park , which offers a beautiful view of Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens .  Art lovers should be sure to check out the street art in Bushwick and the Brooklyn Museum . Finally, no trip to Brooklyn is complete without a visit to Coney Island , home to amusement park rides, boardwalk food, and a lively beach scene.

When you go to the Bronx, make sure to visit the New York Botanical Garden especially if it is time for the Orchid or Holiday Train shows. For sports fans, catch a Yankees game at the famous Yankee Stadium. And if you’re a foodie, be sure to check out the Real Little Italy on Arthur Avenue , where you’ll find delicious Italian food and great atmosphere.

Queens also has plenty of exciting things to do. If you’re a sports fan, head to Citifield to watch a Mets game. Film lovers should visit the Museum of the Moving Image , which showcases the history and technology of film and television through interactive exhibits. For incredible views of Manhattan’s skyline, check out Gantry Plaza State Park , where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, take photos, and relax by the water. 

Staten Island

Staten Island may be called the Forgotten Borough but you should take time to visit if you can.  You can enjoy stunning views of downtown Manhattan when you ride on the Staten Island Ferry . If you’re in the mood for shopping, head to the Empire Outlets for a variety of stores and restaurants. Sports fans should check out the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league baseball team. And for a dose of culture and history, visit the Staten Island Museum , which showcases the art, culture, and natural history of the island.

I lived in NYC for 13 years and there are still museums I want to go to, restaurants I never got to try, and Broadway shows I still need to see.  You are not going to see everything on one trip even if you stay for a month.

Not even if you follow all the New York City trip  tips ever written! But that’s ok, the good news is that you always have a reason to come back to NYC.

Tips to Save Money When Visiting NYC

Depending on where you are traveling from, you may be surprised at some of the prices when you visit New York City.  NYC can be expensive, but there are some easy ways to save money and still enjoy yourself. I want to share a few tips for visiting NYC on a budget.

If your plan is to see as much as possible, one of the NYC attraction passes is your best bet.  The admission prices for things to do in NYC add up fast. You can save money and even skip a few lines if you have a NY tourist pass.  

You have a few options to choose from. I wrote a post with more information to help you figure out which NY attractions pass is best for you.

Most people know about the TKTS discount booth in Times Square, but that is not the only way to get discounted tickets.  Try to stay open to seeing any Broadway show, there are so many good ones, it will open up more options.

You can use an app, website, join a club, Groupon, or try the lottery.  Read my post for all the details on how to get cheap Broadway tickets

You will find tourist shops all over the city, but I have found the ones in Chinatown to be the cheapest.   Not only are they some of the cheapest in the city, but you can even try bargaining for an even better deal. Don’t be afraid to ask – the worst they can say is no!

While you are in Chinatown, consider having some Dim Sum, it’s quite the experience, my favorite spot is Golden Unicorn .

It’s New York City so there is always something going on! You will find lots of great outdoor free events in the summer . There are plenty of free events at different times of the year. Some of the other things I look forward to are the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade (and the Balloon Inflation by the Natural History Museum on Thanksgiving Eve), the Easter Bonnet Parade , Chinese New Year, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  

Of course, there is also New Year’s Eve in Times Square.  If you’re thinking about watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, I have to say, it’s quite the experience. I’ve done it once myself, on a not-too-cold night, and it was certainly memorable but I am not sure I would do it again.  Especially if the weather is chilly, it can be tough to handle waiting outside for hours.

Don’t plan on going to nearby restaurants to watch the ball drop as they often have outrageous cover charges.  Overall, while it’s definitely a quintessential New York experience, it’s not for everyone.

Tips to Eat Well in New York City

New York City is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s one of the things I love most about the city! There’s no need to worry about calories because you’ll be doing a lot of walking to burn them off. With so many options, it can be overwhelming, but I have a few tips and recommendations to help.

New York has some of the best restaurants in the world! Don’t waste your meal here on the chains, you can do that at home.  

In NYC you can choose from pretty much any cuisine and many different price points, so there is something for even the fussiest eaters.  Most restaurants are also pretty good about catering to those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegetarian/vegan.

There are many fabulous markets/food halls in New York City, like Gotham West, Urbanspace Vanderbilt, and Gansevoort Market, which have a variety of food options. Everyone can find something they like! If you want to sample several different foods, you might enjoy this Chelsea Market Tour .

Better yet, maybe you want to try a foodie spot that is one of the most instagrammable places in NYC .

Don’t think that you have to go to a fancy restaurant to eat well.  There are plenty of great food options that are relatively cheap.

Some of my favorite affordable eats are Mandoo Dumpling Bar , Empanada Mama ,   Pongal , Mamoun’s , Xi’an Famous Foods , and Caracas Arepa Bar . Also, check out this list of more cheap New York City restaurants or my recommendations for NY Pizza below.

Also, if you happen to be in NYC during Restaurant Week you can dine at some of the top restaurants for significantly less than normal.  Three-course dinners are $35 when they would normally could be $80 or more. You have to select from a special Restaurant Week menu. Also, be sure to make a reservation in advance.  

Note: Although it is called Restaurant Week, it usually last a couple of weeks and happens once in the winter and once in the summer.  Get more details here .

NYC is famous for its pizza, but not all pizza in New York is created equal.  Please avoid those places that sell a slice for $1. You get what you pay for!

My favorite NYC pizza places are Adrienne’s on Stone Street , Lombardi’s , Don Antonio , and Juliana’s (in Brooklyn).  Pizza lovers may also enjoy taking a half day NYC pizza tour .

I know to some people it might seem weird to eat food from a food truck, but in NYC people do it all the time.  Food trucks offer a variety of different food options, but sometimes they are hard to find. Download the app TruxMap to help, although it is not a comprehensive list.  

In my opinion, some of the best NYC food trucks are Kimchi Taco, Gorilla Cheese, Luke’s Lobster, Mr. Bing, Souvlaki GR and Mac Truck.

You are on vacation so you should treat yourself, right?  If you are not excited about the dessert options at the restaurant where you had dinner, that’s ok.  

In New York, there are several places that actually only serve dessert. Some of my favorites are Ferrara , Chickalicious , Veneiro’s , Dominique Ansel Bakery , and Spot Dessert (there are locations in the East Village and Koreatown).  

If you are a chocolate lover, you try  Max Brenner’s , the Jacques Torres’ Chocolate Museum , or some of the best hot chocolate in NYC .  For the best New York Cheesecake, go to Junior’s , it was originally from Brooklyn, but now there are two locations in the Times Square area.  I also recommend going to Black Tap for the best freakshakes. There will most likely be a line so try to go at an off time.

Also, I could write a whole post about the amazing ice cream you can find in NYC.  My favorite is Ample Hills where you need to try the Ooey Gooey flavor. If you are looking for something even more unusual, you can try the rolled ice cream at 10 Below , egg waffle ice cream at Wowfuls or Eggloo , or ice cream in a fish-shaped cone at Taiyaki .

In NYC, restaurants are required to display the results of their recent health inspections.  They use a similar scale to schools here with A being the best and F (for failing) being the worst. 

I usually try to stick to restaurants that got an A, but occasionally I will make exceptions.  I don’t recommend trying any places with grades C or lower. The last thing you want on your vacation is to get sick!

Tips to Get Around New York City

It almost goes without saying but don’t rent a car when you visit NYC.  Still, you are going to need to get around the city to see different attractions.  

Some places you may be able to walk between but others you may need to take public transportation.  In NYC, this can be intimidating. Don’t worry though, I know you can manage. Here are a few tips for tourists in NYC to help get around.

You don’t need a car because NYC has a good public transportation system.  Plus, you can walk to some places or take taxis/ubers if necessary.

Parking in NYC is expensive, so you could spend more money on parking than the actual car rental.  Also, parking in NYC is limited, so you would waste a lot of time looking for parking spots and then still have to walk.

Having a car in NYC is more hassle than it is worth.  If you are visiting NYC as part of a road trip, I would recommend finding a spot to park your car outside of Manhattan and just leaving it there during your visit.

Even if you take the subway or cabs a lot, you will probably walk more than you are used to.  Please don’t wear uncomfortable shoes, they could make you miserable. There are some areas with cobblestones (especially downtown and in the Meatpacking District) and plenty of others with uneven ground.  The sidewalks and roads in NYC can be interesting!

For women, don’t wear thin heels or anything that you can’t walk in.  For me, I live in these Sketcher ballet flats , which are the perfect combination of comfortable and nice looking.  If you are used to walking in wedges, those are a good option too. In the winter, boots are ideal because they will also help keep you warm. 

I also would not recommend wearing sneakers or flip-flops when going out in the evenings because nicer bars and clubs will not let you in.  It’s even more strict for men as most bars will turn them away if they are dressed in sneakers or sandals.  Check out this post for more recommendations on comfortable stylish shoes for walking .

NYC can have terrible traffic at any time of the day or night.  That’s why the subway can be your fastest way to get from point A to point B.  I know the subway can be intimidating especially for those that are not used to taking public transportation, but it’s not that bad! Trust me you will save time and money.  You will need a MetroCard, which you can buy at any subway station, to pay the fare.

Here are a few NYC subway tips :

Download a subway app – You can use google maps to help you get around, but  Citymapper  is another free app that has a few additional nice features.  It will tell you which train car is the best spot to be riding in to be closest to your exit or transfer walkway.  You can access the Official NYC subway map, Manhattan bus map, Brooklyn bus map, and Queens bus map offline. Citymapper also has an alert function to let you know when you have reached your station.

Let people off before you try to get on – Don’t start getting on the train until all the people that want to get off have exited.  It’s just common courtesy.

Consider getting an unlimited weekly MetroCard – Each subway ride costs $2.75, but you can get unlimited rides for seven days for $33 (as of December 2022).  This means you only need to take 12 rides to make the weekly card worth it. That’s only 2 rides per day. You may even be able to get your money’s worth if you are in NYC less than a week.

Have your MetroCard ready – Don’t stop to look for your MetroCard and block others from entering the subway. Either have it ready or step to the side.

Check the train you are getting on – Multiple trains may stop at the same platform, make sure you are getting the right one.  Also, be careful and check if you are getting on an express train or not. Express trains do not stop at every station. If you are not sure, just ask someone.

Check for service changes on weekends – The subway has a lot of changes due to repair work late at night or on the weekends.  Make sure you check the MTA Weekender to see how any changes might affect you.

I could go on, actually, I should probably write a whole post on just this!

New Yorkers walk fast and nothing annoys them more than people slowing them down.  Please make sure they can get around you on the sidewalks. New York streets and sidewalks are busy places and be aware of how you’re using them.   If you are in a group, walk in pairs rather than four across. Also, be aware of where you are when you stop to look at the map on your phone, try to stand off to the side.

Drivers in NYC are aggressive so you need to pay attention.  I have had some close calls myself. Don’t just follow the person in front of you.  You need to look and make sure it is safe to cross the street. Be especially careful if you are traveling with children.

NYC has cleaned itself up a lot over the years, but I would not call it clean.  You will most likely come across some pretty unpleasant smells. If you see an empty subway car, especially during rush hour, don’t go in it! The reason it is empty is probably because it is full of an awful smell.  I would also recommend avoiding elevators in any subway station as those usually stink as well.

A Few General Tips for Visiting New York for the First Time

These tips for NYC tourists don’t really fit in any category but I think they are helpful to know.

You may know New York City as the city that never sleeps, but actually, it does! Early in the mornings on the weekends (before 9 am) the streets are pretty quiet.  If you want pictures without lots of other people in them, this is the time to get them.  You can even find Times Square quiet early in the morning on the weekends.

Tipping is a way of life in NYC, even more than in many other US cities.  You need to tip at restaurants, for taxis, spa treatments, and hotels. Watch out at restaurants though, as some will automatically add a gratuity for parties of 5 or more.

Don’t worry New York City is a safe place, but like in any big city you need to be careful and use common sense.  Watch out for pickpockets especially on the subway and in crowded tourist areas like Times Square.  Considering carrying your cash and credit cards in a money belt like this .

Most of the time I lived in NYC, I was single and spent plenty of time doing things on my own, so I can offer my advice.  It’s not much different from other cities when it comes to traveling on your own, except there are probably more solo travelers in NYC than many other places. 

As I mentioned, New York City is safe but as a solo female traveler don’t let down your guard.  Here are a few additional tips that solo travelers in NYC might find helpful.

Expect to get cat calls, but ignore it and don’t let it bother you.   The same with unwanted conversations in other places. Don’t feel like you have to be friendly.  It doesn’t matter what those people think of you.  It’s doubtful you would ever run into them again.

Be mindful of how much you drink especially when there is an open bar, as alcohol will impair your judgement.

Don’t feel self-conscious about dining alone.   It is more common in NYC than many other cities.  If you are not used to dining by yourself, then it might be easier if you sit at the bar or choose a more casual cafe.

If you feel lonely, consider joining a tour that you are interested in.  There is a good chance you might meet other liked-minded travelers.  Check out all the options here .

Ok, so those are my top tips for visiting New York City, did I miss anything?

Let me know if you have any other questions.  You will have a great time.

Pin for Later

• You should spend some time in advance planning your trip so you know what you want to see and are able to get tickets before they sell out.
• Use public transportation (the NYC subway), in many cases, it is the fastest way to get around.
• Enjoy the food in NYC, it’s some of the best in the world. Take advantage of all the different options!

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Last Updated on June 21, 2023

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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First Time Guide to New York City 5 Day Itinerary by a native New Yorker

January 7, 2020 by Karen Turner 83 Comments

I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. I’ve made a five day itinerary for NYC with advice on what to see and eat mostly in Manhattan for all budgets.

This is a local guide, so although I cover the famous sites, I encourage you to see the smaller neighborhoods/places that make New York special. The Big Apple has so much to offer year-round, so most of these tips can be also used over the holidays. There’s a FREE downloadable map with all the best places to see in New York City in 5 days.

FYI: This is a  suggested  itinerary for five  days, so not everything may be your cup of tea. Feel free to pick from the days (and activities), but keep in mind that New York City is BIG , so you change up this itinerary, you might have a lengthy train or taxi ride between places.

How long to spend in NYC? 5 days in NYC is actually the perfect amount if it’s your first visit. You can spend 3 days in New York City, but it’s cutting it close–and you’ll need to come back again.  If you have only one day in New York City, you can still see Manhattan!

Before you visit New York City: Download Google Maps & the FREE map at the bottom with all mentioned places as well as Yelp for food. Google has recently really improved their offers for food recommendations.

• 1 How to get to NYC from its airports
• 2 Where to Stay in New York City & How Much Spending Money You’ll Need
• 3 What to see in NYC in 5 days!
• 4 Day 1: The Must-Sees with a Twist
• 5 Day 2: The Intellectual / The Partier
• 6 Day 3: Iconic New York
• 7 Day 5: The Culture Lover (Queens)
• 8  Last thoughts: Plan Ahead.
• 9 Have you been to NYC? How many days felt right? What was your favorite place?

How to get to NYC from its airports

If you’re on the East Coast, you can take Megabus directly to Manhattan. Otherwise, you will fly into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. JFK is easily accessible via the Airtrain & A train and/or LIRR. You can also book your own shuttle in between Downtown Manhattan and JFK/any other airport if you don’t want to worry about it. Uber is now also an option.

LaGuardia requires a bus and a train, but it’s a quick hop to Manhattan. Newark International Airport is in New Jersey, so plan on 30+ minutes on NJ transit.  This is separate from New York’s subway system. You can click here for tips on how to use the NYC subway .

Where to Stay in New York City & How Much Spending Money You’ll Need

New York is expensive.  If you’re not on a tight budget, you’re best off staying off in Midtown or the Village if you can afford it since both locations make sightseeing easiest.  Click for my insider guide to affordable hotels in New York City.

However, for those seeking a more alternative experience and/or lower price tag with a short train ride to the sites, stay in Astoria or Long Island City in Queens.  In Brooklyn, look in Williamsburg, Dumbo, or Clinton Hill.  

You might also find some affordable picks along  the Lower East Side .  You might also want to look into the  Pod hotel chain for affordable rooms in central locations .    Click for my picks for affordable hotels in New York City

​For budgeting tips, read my master NYC on a budget post where all of the activities are FREE .  Plan on spending at minimum $50+ per person on food, $20 per person on activities minimum, $100+ on the hotel (for one room), and extra if you plan on going out (cocktails are usually $10-15). Be sure to master happy hour as it will save you a lot of money. Please be sure to account for tips at restaurants as tipping is standard in New York City.

I did not include this on the list: I highly recommend stopping to see a Broadway show, if that’s your thing. Book your tickets early and try first through the theatre itself to get the best prices in advance. In place of going out, see a show. Budget about $70-$300+ per ticket depending on the show and your sets. A friend of mine was able to get tickets to a major Broadway show for just $70 per seat. Off-Broadway is a great option for those on a tighter budget.

What to see in NYC in 5 days!

Day 1: the must-sees with a twist.

This day is all about experiencing New York City at it’s best: pizza, history, and iconic views.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial ($2 Reservation Fee; otherwise free to visit).  Note: Please be respectful of those who passed away here and don’t remove the flowers or take smiling selfies. Walk a few streets over to see the Woolworth Building , one of New York’s prettiest early skyscrapers dating back to the 1910s.

Walk up towards Chinatown . Be sure to bring cash and trust me when I tell you that the bags offered to you on the street are  not  real Chanel bags. You can click for this insider’s guide to Chinatown written by a friend who is from Chinatown. Annie includes a bit of history as well as her favorite restaurants in Chinatown. I personally love to always stop off for bubble tea!

After you eat, consider visiting the Tenement Museum to learn about New York’s immigrant past–and what living in Chinatown was like barely 100 years ago. You need to reserve ahead for tickets. Click to read more about the Lower East Side.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  No matter how many times I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, I never ceased to be amazed by its impressive building.  

Stop in for a coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Compan y for some Brooklyn vibes and a good cup of coffee before walking to the  Brooklyn Promenade for a panoramic view of Manhattan. Click for a complete guide to downtown Brooklyn!

Have Juliana’s Pizza for dinner. Grimaldi’s is not as good as it once was. This famous pizzeria has delicious, affordable thin crust pizza cooked to perfection. Its location under the Bridge makes it even better around sunset.

Get drinks in trendy Williamsburg at Union Pool or Night of Joy to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the roof, especially in summer. Not into the hipster scene?  Head back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the view of the lit-up skyline before walking down to Battery Park to catch the free Staten Island ferry for amazing views of the Statue of Liberty . You can click for my favorite free viewpoints in New York City here!

Day 2: The Intellectual / The Partier

Walk the  Highline  for an amazing view of Manhattan’s skyline from above in a modern green space that used to be train tracks.  The Highline is a public park that spans quite a few blocks, so give yourself at least an hour if you come here to enjoy the views!

Stop in Chelsea  for a delicious brunch in any of the stalls before walking around chic Chelsea . This area, which used to be the meatpacking district, has great boutique shopping and antique shopping.   Click for your Chelsea brunch guide!

Walk down Greenwich Avenue or West 4th Avenue for scenic houses and interesting shops in Greenwich Village . Pass the Stonewall , the birthplace of the gay rights movement. There are many great cafes and coffee shops in this area.

Walk towards the iconic  Washington Square Park (next to New York University). People watch & play a chess game before walking up to Union Square , which has a great weekend farmer’s market in addition to normal shopping. Stop in  the Strand,  one of New York’s best independent bookstores. For dinner, you have so many great options from Japanese to vegan to pizza. Enjoy!

Note: It shouldn’t take long to walk (maybe 1 hour from Chelsea market down to the Union Square), so you should have plenty of time left for museum-going or must-sees (e.g. Top of the Rock) if you set out early. Personally, I’d skip the Top of the Rock if you go to a rooftop bar.

At night, head back to the Village to visit one of New York’s many (pricey) speakeasy bars, including Employees Only or Please Don’t Tell.  Reserve ahead and dress well as you might not get in otherwise. Chelsea/the Meatpacking District is one of the main areas for going out in New York (if that’s your thing). The Standard is famous for its rooftop bar although it’s difficult to get into.

If chic cocktail bars aren’t your thing, New York has a lot to offer in terms of alternative culture. Check out the IFC movie theatre for rare  indie movies or Comedy Cellar for late-night laughs (beware of the drink minimum). 

Need a late-night snack? Veselka has delicious 24-hour Ukrainian borscht and perogies. (Yes, that restaurant out of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist.)

Day 3: Iconic New York

Start your day off in the beautiful Grand Central Terminal.  This historic train station is one of the most famous filming locations in New York City.  I love people watching here although try to stay out of the way.  For something off the beaten path, find the whispering gallery where your voice echoes!

Head to the New York Public Library and pass the landmarks (the Chrysler & Empire State Building ) to take in the architecture.  My favorite is the Chrysler building, which was known as the ugliest building in New York when it was built.

For lunch, eat at Shake Shack with the rest of Manhattan in Bryant Park . (Dress warmly in winter since there’s no seating!). In Bryant Park, you can watch people ice skate in winter while you eat!  Nearby, I have a soft spot for browsing the giant Macy’s in Herald Square.

If you’re an art lover, visit the Museum of Modern Art .   MoMa is a world-class museum for a reason and I strongly recommend checking the recent exhibitions to see what is on.

If not, enjoy shopping along Fifth Avenue .  The Christmas windows here during November and December are spectacular and  free .  My personal favorite is Bloomingdale’s! Read more tips about New York over the holidays .

Dinner doesn’t need to be expensive to be good.  Go to  Halal Guys for cheap/delicious take-out chicken and rice, Pio Pio for fantastic Peruvian food, or Empanada Mama for empanadas. After dinner, watch the sunset and take in the incredible skyline (with a cocktail in hand) at the Pod 39 Rooftop .

Enjoy the bright lights of Times Square at night . (Trust me, it’s like daytime.)  If you’re on a budget, I like to head to Hell’s Kitchen for  more budget drinks and late-night snacks.

Day 4: The Perfect Classic NYC Itinerary

Pick up a bagel with lox from Zabar’s or get a boozy brunch at Calle Ocho. To be honest, anywhere with a good bagel and a coffee should work as long as it’s not Dunkin Donuts.

Head to the American Museum of Natural History if you’re with kids OR the Met  for a few hours!  In the Met, I love the Egyptian temple , Musical Instruments , Armor , and pre-20th century art . Don’t miss the rooftop garden for amazing views.  Bring your own yogurt for a Gossip Girl photo . (XOXO)

In good weather, you could spend the whole day in Central park lounging, but the Met is one of my favorite museums in the world with a world-class collection.  The Met doesn’t have suggested admission anymore, but it’s still a great museum.  The American Museum of National History is also a fantastic museum and better suited to families as well as science lovers.  Click for a guide to the Upper East Side!

Head to Central Park.  I recommend finding the Belvedere Castle , the Bethesda Terrace , Sheep Meadow for lazy picnics, and the Boathouse . If you’re a runner, I strongly recommend trying to run the Reservoir one morning.

In summer, check the Summerstage program ahead for free music shows! This yearly music festival in New York brings in well-known as well as upcoming artists for free shows in Central Park.  It’s great to make a day out of it.

For a nicer modern meal, visit the Thalia or the Russian Tea Room . For a casual, very New York meal, try a (famous) NYC hot dog ? Don’t buy it from a cart; Only buy from Gray’s Papaya with a smoothie like a local. Have the real  New York famous cheesecake at Junior’s for dessert.

Day 5: The Culture Lover (Queens)

Queens is where I grew up. (Yes, not everyone lives in Manhattan.) It was named Lonely Planet’s #1 destination in the world in 2015 due to its amazing food and culture. Really.

Take the train to Astoria to visit the Museum of Moving Image in the morning.  For anyone who is a movie buff or has kids, this museum will be heavenly.  They have old prop sets from classics, such as Seinfeld, interactive exhibitions, and a lot of movie props (even from Star Wars).

Astoria itself is a neighborhood in Queens that has historically been Greek and you can still find great Greek food here.  That said, it’s rapidly changing as more millennials move in. Click for a guide to Astoria.

Lunch: visit nearby Jackson Heights for the best  Latin American food in NYC or Indian food. (Yelp!)  Jackson Heights is a diverse neighborhood with incredible food from  so many countries. (I highly recommend checking out the Queens Night Market if you’re lucky enough to be in town later that evening!)

The rest of the Day gives you lots of options.  Stop off at F l ushing Meadow Park (especially in summer!) to see the iconic Unisphere and check out the NYC Panorama , which is a miniature version of New York City in the modern Queens Museum of Art.

Into art/sculptures ? Visit the Noguchi museum for beautiful Japanese sculptures and a zen garden, PS1 for avantgarde exhibits, or the free Socrates Sculpture Park for free sculptures.

Into beer ? Head to the Bohemian Beer Garden to relax or one of the many microbreweries popping up all around NYC (Singlecut Beersmiths / Rockaway Brewing company).

For shopping , catch the LIC flea market on the weekend. Don’t miss the gorgeous retro-chic  Sweetleaf coffee shop if you’re in the area, which turns into a bar a night.

For dinner, head to Flushing (Stop on 7 Subway: Main St). Decide what kind of Asian food you’re seeking and check on yelp . (It’s going to be a hard decision.) After dinner, stop for bubble tea or Chinese pastries . You can even do private room karaoke if you look for KTV signs. You can click to read more about Flushing, including my favorite picks for dinner.

 Last thoughts: Plan Ahead.

New York is so large. I sometimes joke that you need about two weeks to just cover the major sights, which is true since I didn’t even include Coney Island (Brooklyn).  I didn’t even cover every borough here!

However, five full days in New York City is a perfect start to feel at home in New York. At a minimum, you should have the hang of the subway by the time that you’re done. Below, you’ll find a free offline map with all the places mentioned here that you can download for offline use!

• Helpful tips on how to take the NYC subway and subway hacks here.
• Click here for my guide to NYC over Thanksgiving, Christmas, the holiday season, & New Year’s Eve !
• New York For Christmas
• Where to shop in New York City
• 30+ Free things to do in New York City
• 50+ Unusual things to do in New York City

Have you been to NYC? How many days felt right? What was your favorite place?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

January 28, 2017 at 8:56 am

Love this itinerary! I am long overdue a trip back to New York. (Daren’t say how long it’s been!!) Really nice balance of big sites and locals-only secrets.

January 28, 2017 at 10:07 am

For a long time I wanted to visit NYC. It’s because I wanted (don’t laugh) to do a shopping session just like those girls in the movies. I wanted to walk around and buy everything fancy. Pretty awesome guide, thank you for taking the time to write it and make it so comprehensive for us, beginners!

January 28, 2017 at 3:31 pm

Hi Cory, Thanks so much for reading. I won’t laugh: NYC is great for shopping. I haven’t written anything about the shopping but it IS a great for a girl’s weekend for sure. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you get to do your shopping trip!

January 28, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Top notch itinerary!! And YAY QUEENS! Really nice to see an itinerary focusing on my favorite borough 🙂 This post makes me miss NYC something awful. Reading this had me reflecting on how NYC really has something for everyone! It was overwhelming when I lived there, but now that I’m traveling I definitely miss it.

January 28, 2017 at 3:36 pm

Hi Eva, thanks for reading. I know the feeling about NYC… It really does have something for everyone although it CAN seen overwhelming. I definitely struggle with coming up with concise recommendations–and deciding what to include here was TOUGH, however this is what I’ve been sending to friends for years. (They’ve loved where I’ve sent them with this itinerary!) Everyone else forgets Queens, so I figured I needed to fix this. 🙂

January 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm

This made me miss New York so much! I lived there for most of my 20s and miss so much of my life there. I didn’t know that there was a shake shack in Bryant Park. I always went to the one in Madison Square Park especially when it was winter and there are flurries of snow. (No line) It also looked magical.

January 28, 2017 at 10:48 pm

This is a perfect guide and I used to live in NY so I know! There are many things on this list I haven’t done. I haven’t spent much time in Queens and totally want to . Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to Grimaldi’s is my fave!!! Love this.

January 29, 2017 at 4:48 am

What a really great and thorough post! I love New York, although I haven’t been back there in almost 9 years so a return trip is definitely overdue! I fell in love with all the quirky boutique coffee shops and stores in Greenwich Village. I’m bookmarking this so that I have some inspiration of where else to check out next time. Thanks! 🙂

January 29, 2017 at 5:29 am

Oh gosh to have 5 days in New York right now would be the dream! I visited for 4 days about 5 years ago and it was just not enough time. Spent each day walking for miles to take in as much as we could including the 9/11 memorial, Wall Street, Empire State Building, Public Library, Central Station and more. But I did really feel I’d need longer to really get a feel for the place. A chance to chill out in a few of those speakeasy bars for example would be lovely!

January 29, 2017 at 6:12 am

Nothing beats the good advice that only a local can give – so happy I found this blog thank you for the great tips!

January 29, 2017 at 9:25 am

Shake Shack was my absolute favourite meal in NYC best burger I’ve ever had haha! Hoping to get back to NYC later this year and really need to do the highlife properly as didn’t get chance last time. Great itinerary!

January 29, 2017 at 4:25 pm

THIS IS AN AMAZING GUIDE! I loved that you broke it down and gave each day a little “travel label” for different places, food, etc. I’ve visited New York so many times, but I noticed I’ve only hung around the extreme tourist spots and never really ventured out into other areas. I am definitely referring back to this guide when I head up to NYC the next time! (: Hopefully we could meet up while I’m there and chat!

Also pinned to share with everyone else!

September 6, 2022 at 6:55 am

Me and my daughters will be vowing NYC Are there any name brand consignment stores?

December 1, 2022 at 8:42 pm

I have a whole shopping guide to NYC!

January 29, 2017 at 8:15 pm

I love this guide! NYC is a dream destination of mine as for many others, and it’s always great to receive tips about what you should do there. Especially from a native New Yorker. I think I love Day 5 in particular. Getting to see the FRIENDS’ set at Museum of Moving Image and exploring the LIC flea market (with markets being my favourite thing to do), would be such a huge highlight of my trip. When I come to NYC, I’ll probably visit for longer than 5 days though. There’s just so much to see and do haha. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

April 3, 2017 at 10:25 pm

Hi! Thanks for a great post. I am going to New York City soon and will definitely use all your wonderful tips. Very inspiring blog you have.

I have a question though – when I’ve downloaded the map for Google is it automatically available offline, or is there something I have to do in order to be able to access it without having internet?

Thanks in advance 🙂

April 4, 2017 at 1:41 am

Hi Nanna, Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad that this has been helpful to you and you find the blog inspiring!

It depends on whether you have an android OR an iphone, but I’ve included a link by my name that should help you figure it out. You just need to download a google map of NYC and if you’ve added my locations to your main google maps, this should work. Otherwise, you’ll need to download the map under “My Maps”.

If you go to Menu -> Offline areas, you’ll be able to see if it worked! I hope that this answers your question. 🙂

Thanks, Karen

April 24, 2017 at 5:11 am

Thanks girl! Super helpful!!

July 10, 2017 at 10:02 pm

I’m so happy I found this! It’s everything I wanted to do in NYC – simplified – plus Bubble Tea!!

How is NYC in late July – early August? We’re going to visit for 5 days and attend a wedding, does it really get hot? Would you recommend renting a car or just uber everywhere?

July 11, 2017 at 12:22 am

Hi Jenna, Thanks so much for reading and I’m so glad to hear that.

NYC is super humid and a bit nasty around that time. I usually stay indoors a lot…until night. I usually just bring an extra layer since some places overdo the AC.

Don’t rent a car. Take public transit or a taxi. The buses have great AC btw.

I hope you have a great time, so please get in touch if you have any further questions!

July 28, 2017 at 1:24 am

We are off to USA on Saturday and visiting New York for 5 days this is fantastic. Thank you!

August 28, 2017 at 3:13 pm

Thanks for the useful information. Printed and ready to explore NYC.

October 13, 2017 at 8:27 pm

This is great! I spent 7 days about 5 year ago just walking and discovering things. My favorite thing I did was the oyster bar in Grand Central. China town was an adventure and I found some great eats in little italy! I wish smart phones were what they are now back then so I could have actually found some of the things I was looking for but i’m bookmarking this for next time I visit NYC. Thanks!

November 6, 2017 at 5:09 pm

Hi! We will be traveling to the city over thanksgiving. (4 adults and 3 children 4 and under). How does the subway pass work? Should the adults all purchase a weekly pass? We are also taking 2 strollers because our kids cannot manage without them. I know this is annoying to locals, but they will just have to deal. Any further advice on traveling with kids? TIA!

November 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm

Hi Natalie, Thanks for commenting and reading! Up to 3 kids are actually free with the metrocard (for whatever duration; including the week pass), so you just need two metrocards for the adults. It’s best to just ask the person in the booth when you’re swiping in to let you all in through the gate (which can fit a stroller). For buses, the driver will see. 🙂

I’d just keep the strollers folded up when possible as they might be annoying on a crowded subway, so maybe avoid rush hour. Honestly, people are used to strollers, so don’t worry too much about it. Just try avoid really crowded places with them and know that most museums won’t allow the strollers in.

I’ve been meaning to ask my dad to help me with more tips for kids as I’ve never been a parent in New York. I think the Queens Museum of Science is fantastic for young kids and it was one of my favorites as kid. Similarly, the Bronx Zoo has a great light show (I don’t know the dates) 🙂

Hope that helps!

Best, Karen

January 16, 2018 at 2:46 am

Hi I found your itinerary really useful on my trip. However Grey’s Papaya was a mistake. First time experience of eating a bit dog next to a homeless guy on his crack pipe, and that was inside!

January 17, 2018 at 8:13 pm

I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve never had that happen while going to Grey’s Papaya, but yeah that’s really awful and I’d be really bothered by that too. Please contact the management at the restaurant about what happened, so hopefully nobody else has that experience. 🙁

I hope your trip to NYC was great otherwise and I’m glad that you found the itinerary good otherwise. Hope that didn’t spoil your trip!

February 8, 2018 at 3:50 am

Hi! im from toronto planning to visit in march. how cold is it there around the first week of march?

February 9, 2018 at 2:14 pm

Depends on the year. Have you seen my NYC Packing list Ianne? I have link by my name where you can read what I recommend bringing for March!

February 18, 2018 at 5:55 am

Hi Karen, Great guidance – thank you! I am travelling over on my own from Australia and just wondering if there are any guided tours you recommend or know of as I would feel more comfortable in a group as I have never visited NYC or the US. I’m looking for a tour that I can join to see NYC and potentially other places for example Niagra Falls etc. I have approx 10 days. Thanks in advance. Louise

February 19, 2018 at 11:42 pm

Hi Louise, I apologize, however I never did a guided tour as I never really had a need for it. It’s easy to visit Niagara Falls on your own and you can check my New York category for my guide to Niagara Falls. I’d say that you only need one day there, however it takes at least a day to get there if you fly (or one full day if you take the bus/train). I’d recommend maybe checking out DC if you’re on your first trip to the US. DC is an easy trip from NYC by Amtrak. Maybe G Adventures or Contiki are good options as a friend of mine used Contiki for her US trip for the same reason!

February 20, 2018 at 9:35 am

where do i download the app

February 20, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Apologies, the map went missing in the migration. It’s up now.

February 22, 2018 at 3:14 am

Love this post! I’m traveling in two weenie, I need your opinion about buying the tickets to the attractions directly or use the New York Pass.

February 22, 2018 at 2:36 pm

Hi Marjorie, I’d recommend buying the tickets yourself. It will probably be cheaper unless you’re going to the most expensive attractions included in the pass. 🙂

March 5, 2018 at 3:39 pm

Hi Karen, This blog is very informative. I am visiting NY this march 8th to match 10th with my parents. I have some questions for you.

1) How is the flood now? resided? 2) To visit all these places, is it cheap to rent a car or use public transport? 4) I initially booked flights tkts for 4 days and found maid of the mist was not open until mid of may and got disappointed. So now all my 4 days will be spent in NY.

March 5, 2018 at 4:42 pm

1. The damage is mostly fixed. 2. Use public transit. I have a helpful post about using the NYC subway, which should help. 3. Sorry to hear that, but you can still visit the falls. I have a guide to Niagara Falls, but I think also spending all four days in NYC will be best as there’s so much to do.

March 5, 2018 at 3:46 pm

And if I take amtrak to DC, can I still visit places in public transport in dc without renting a car?

March 5, 2018 at 4:44 pm

DC has a great metro system and all the major museums in DC are free. Very easy to get around without a car! 🙂

March 28, 2018 at 8:23 pm

Hi and many thanks for these tips. Great! We look forward to visiting NY next week. Coming from The Hague and Amsterdam, I am sure we have much in common – so we rely heavily on your guidance. If we arrive on a Saturday, is there one of the above mentioned day-profiles, you would recommend us to start with? By the way, do you know Gallagher’s stake house? Is it good? Thanks!

March 28, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Hi Willem, Small world. I’ll be publishing about the Hague very soon. 😉 If you’re arriving on a Saturday, you might want to avoid the crowds, so maybe start with Day 2. Day 1 might be fine too, however you might encounter some lines at the 9/11 memorial if you don’t make reservations in advance.

I don’t know Gallagher’s as I’m not really a big steak person to be honest.

I hope that you have a fantastic trip otherwise and let me know if you have other questions. 🙂

April 19, 2018 at 8:04 pm

Great post! We are coming in June and want to find a “locals” beach area….any suggestions?

April 19, 2018 at 8:05 pm

Hi Sandi, you can go to Coney Island within NYC. If you’re looking for a better beach, head to Jones Beach or Fire Island. 🙂

April 19, 2018 at 8:42 pm

That’s exactly where we were looking! Seems easy enough by train! Thank you!

May 7, 2018 at 2:35 am

Where can i download your map?

May 7, 2018 at 2:40 am

Export the data to a KML format. Then, email it to your phone. Google Maps usually opens it for me, otherwise I use an app called Maps.Me.

May 8, 2018 at 3:58 pm

Thank you so much for this information. Taking my dtr in early summer for a mom dtr trip. Any good recs for what to do/see in Central Park?

May 8, 2018 at 8:36 pm

I recommend Belvedere Castle, the boathouse, Sheep meadow, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. 🙂

May 27, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi Karen Im coming to New york city for 7-8 days to experience the Christmas! Very panicky and stressed up now as it seems overwhelming to plan the itinerary, and people are telling me to avoid New York during winter as it is at its coldest… this write up of yours is a great help! 🙂

July 10, 2018 at 3:07 am

Than You!! Love how the days are divided and all the details,, incredible! I’m a 1st time SF visiting mid week, mid Oct. For only 3 days before taking the train to Philly to see friends. I’m using all your tips for packing,$$, transportation, etc. Any suggestions on a centrally located area for Hotels that’s not in the heart of Time Square? $150-200. Any tips for traveling solo?

July 10, 2018 at 11:56 am

Hi Milehilady, So glad to hear that! I’m writing more about NYC soon as wel! I love Adventurous Kate’s tips for traveling solo in NYC. I mostly recommend using caution and I discuss it a bit in my “20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a New Yorker” post.

I’ll be posting a list of 10-15 hotels that are in that range today/tomorrow if you can check back this week. 🙂

Kind regards, Karen

July 27, 2018 at 7:13 am

This is good stuff. I cant see the downloadable map. Is it located anywhere else. We could really use it for our trip.

July 27, 2018 at 11:45 am

It’s in the post if you just look towards the bottom. Have a great trip!

July 29, 2018 at 10:39 pm

A brilliant read we travelling from the UK 30th August. we were advised to purchase a pass for the five days, which is supposed to get us into many of the expensive transactions for free. We are staying in Brooklyn as we believe its just a ride away from the main attractions. Where do we go to see where movies are filmed. Also, a strange question, but are there any genuine ghost tours or haunted places we coukd visit

Thank you in advance

July 29, 2018 at 11:36 pm

Hi Alison, You can look up my post about Astoria to read about the Museum of Moving Image, a great museum for this, although there’s many filming locations in NYC. I also have a post about Downtown Brooklyn with some insider tips. I haven’t done a ghost tour, but I’ve read a lot about Mulberry Street! I hope that you have a great trip.

February 24, 2019 at 1:51 am

Really great guide!! We are going to NYC inApril for 6 days and I’m so excited about it! Our list for for sure places right now consist of The Moma, The Met, and Cloisters, The Guggenheim, Little Italy and China Town, Brooklyn, Chelsea, SoHo and Greenwich Village, and I’ve booked tickets to see a band play “The Church,” in Jersey City. Plus, we want to eat at iconic restaurants, go to The Strand, and look at everything! Your guide is awesome and now how to pick through which places to eat at etc. thanks for taking the time to do this, so much to see and do and my husband and I want to do it all!

May 4, 2019 at 8:13 pm

Hi great guide thanks. We’re visiting NYC at the end of this month (May) for a wedding in Central Park. It’s me and my kids aged 13 and 15. Now to decide on the things that well all enjoy! Do you have any suggestions about wedding outfits for weather at that time of year in the park? At the moment thinking about Times Square at night, Central Park, walking Brooklyn bridge and stopping to eat at Grimaldi’s, Statue of Liberty, The High Line and Ground Zero. Would we need to book a table at Grimaldi or the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty? How about the Empire State? Thanks

May 6, 2019 at 11:28 am

Hi Karen, you should book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance for sure. It’s best to buy tickets for the Empire State building to avoid lines. For wedding outfits, it depends on how formal the wedding is. For a general wedding (non-black tie), a tasteful A-line dress that goes to the knee with heels should be good! It’s a bit colder in NYC right now, so maybe a sweater with it. Hope that helps! Grimaldi doesn’t accept reservations as far as I know.

May 18, 2019 at 9:08 pm

Thankyou so much for your reply. That’s really useful!

May 25, 2019 at 1:22 pm

Such a great itinerary, covering all things fun in a not too rushed way !! Thanks for the insider tips, heading to NYC next week. Will keep in mind all your suggestions

May 29, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Hi, Loving all the tips on here! I have booked a surprise trip for my husband and our children aged 15 and 12 for end of October and I am struggling to work out the best way to get tickets to the top attractions, if I buy one of the passes does this mean I can’t book a specific time at the attractions and just have to turn up and hope we can get in? I know some have queue jumps with the but am I better off booking my tickets individually and directly with the attractions themselves?

May 30, 2019 at 3:19 am

Hi Clare, I personally prefer booking directly tickets directly myself so that I can just stroll in without the line. If you know where you want to go, it might end up being cheaper unless you intend to go to several of the really pricey ones (top of the rock, empire state building).

June 9, 2019 at 4:04 pm

I went to NYC last summer for the first time. Did all the “famous sights” and had an amazing time! This summer i am going back (again for a week) and cant wait to see the “lesser known” sights. This article was very helpful, i learned about a few new sights.

June 28, 2019 at 10:35 am

Hi Karen… loved reading your articles on NYC. My teen girls and I are coming for a week on July 2nd. We want to see some main attractions, but also want to experience some lesser known places the locals enjoy. Our hotel is in Chelsea, which seems to be a central location to see many things, I have a few of questions I can’t find answers to, and I hope you can help. 1. How can we enjoy a spectacular night view of the city when there are minors in our group and a rooftop bar isn’t an option? Are there alternatives for us? 2. We will be there during the 4th of July. Is there anything special we should know about? Are most attractions closed? Is there a good place to take my teens to get a good view of fireworks? 3. I am a disabled veteran (not wheelchair bound). Many times disabled veterans are able to visit attractions at a discount or free. Do you have any info on that or can point me in the right direction? Any money saved is a big help.

Thanks in advance, and I hope I hear back from you… Jean

July 11, 2019 at 10:27 pm

There’s some great ideas here that you don’t normally see in standard New York itineraries. I will definitely be using this, and your post on Brooklyn, as a base for my trip. Thanks!

July 30, 2019 at 6:59 am

Thank you so much, this post is a life saver and a great way to discover the city!

August 28, 2019 at 9:31 pm

My first search in looking at tips for visiting New York, reading all the comments this looks like a good start? Do you have an more detailed suggestions for Sports Food and Beer enthusiasts? Want to mix in what you have already stated with the aforementioned. Taking my wife for our yearly travel…..Oct 31st-Nov4th.

September 9, 2019 at 5:15 am

We are looking to stay in Manhattan for 7 days (in April mid/late 2020) and after seeing family in upstate NY were going to return for 7 days in Brooklyn (in early May 2020). Does this sound too long to you? And if not what would you add to the list? I really liked what you included but if you have any extra suggestions please feel free to add them. Especially if there are any markets, annual festivals, food tours, etc that you would recommend. Regards and thanks Tina

September 9, 2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi Tina, Definitely not too long! Look at my more recent posts that focus more on NY off the beaten path. I’ll be adding more content on Brooklyn soon. 🙂

September 15, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Hi, thanks for your great articles.. I find them really useful.. we’re planning on traveling to New York from the UK and will be there over Thanks Giving.. we know about the Macy’s parade, but I’m wondering how busy the rest of the city will be that day and will we need to make a reservation at a restaurant to guarantee a table Thanks

September 24, 2019 at 4:42 pm

Please search on my website for my guide for NYC for the Holidays!

October 23, 2019 at 6:12 pm

We are going to NY (1st time!) in a few weeks and I was trying quite desperately to prepare the trip. There is just too much to do, to see and to eat. But then … I found your blog! Many, many thanks! I got it all sorted out now 🙂 Just one question; Do you have a suggestion for a indian restaurant in Jackson Heights?

Thanks again for taking the time to write all of this! It’s very much appreciated 🙂

October 24, 2019 at 11:35 am

Glad to hear that Christine! It depends what kind of Indian food you’re looking for. I love dosas, so Dosa Delight might be a good pick. Definitely go for sweets after at Rajbhog

January 31, 2020 at 10:44 am

Hi, very well put together itinerary. I just wanted to know if there is a city pass that allow one to bypass queues and allow access to major sightseeing sights in NYC?

February 2, 2020 at 11:40 am

There is, but it’s not necessarily worth it depending on what attractions you plan on visiting. I recommend calculating if it’s worth it for you.

November 6, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Hi , thanks for the fab itinerary. We are planning to visit New York in February. Is it a good time and how cold is it in February. Is there anything that is closed in February?

March 17, 2022 at 9:59 pm

Christmas things will be closed, but most things should be open!

October 29, 2022 at 8:29 pm

Thanks for such a nice itinerary… SO, I have always said I can’t really celebrate my bday anywhere because its mid Jan 🙂 But I did decide to book a trip for 5 days in the Winter (OMG) – Bay Area Folks like myself have not experienced cold weather, that alone, need to figure out places to visit in NYC in the winter. Never been to NYC but hope that my 39th bday will be fun regardless of the cold

May 2, 2023 at 5:27 pm

Got 6 nights booked for new year’s and plan on doing a fair bit. We’re booking stuff already as there’s so much we want to do and visit. We also want to go up most of the iconic buildings purely to say been there because we don’t know when or if ever we’ll get a chance to go again. We’re in the UK so it’ll be like walking into a film set. We’re staying in midtown Manhattan and also want to go to Brooklyn. I’d like to pop across to Queensbridge because of the rappers from the 80’s and MC Shan’s ‘The Bridge’. Also the South Bronx because of Beat street. Not sure how safe a quick daytime visit would be to South Bronx?? Nervous and excited.

June 5, 2023 at 5:08 pm

You can do a tour of the South Bronx related to the rap history. That might be the safest option if you are nervous about it!

June 25, 2023 at 3:53 pm

i will like to go next year on July .i want to know if will be expensive ? on that time off the year many thanks

July 6, 2023 at 10:20 pm

It is always expensive

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4 days in New York: The Perfect Itinerary (For a First Time Visit)

How to spend 4 days in new york: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You want to spend 4 days in New York and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit New York in 4 days.

During your trip, you will explore the city’s best places to visit such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the vibrant district of Brooklyn , and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in New York in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

4 Days in New York: Must-See Attractions:

4 days in new york – all the best places to visit, one last tip for a perfect 4-day stay in new york, a. immersing yourself in central park, b. discover 1 or 2 renowned museums, c. fifth avenue, d. st. patrick’s cathedral, e. top of the rock, f. times square, a. brooklyn district and dumbo, b. brooklyn bridge, c. the iconic statue of liberty and ellis island, d. experience the financial district / wall street / new york stock exchange / charging bull, e. the 9/11 memorial and museum, f. one world observatory, g. culinary adventure in little italy or chinatown, a. intrepid sea, air, and space museum, b. embark on the circle line sightseeing cruise, c. madame tussauds new york, d. new york public library, grand central terminal, chrysler building, and united nations headquarters, e. capture the city lights at the empire state building, f. attend a broadway musical, a. greenwich village, b. chelsea market, c. experience the high line, d. the vessel at hudson yard, e. the edge observation deck, f. enjoy new york’s rooftop bars, where to stay in new york, 4 days in new york with your family, extra suggestions for your 4-day visit to new york, map of your 4-day itinerary in new york, flight prices to new york, you’re traveling in the us these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at new york’s tourist attractions.

With over 56 million visitors annually, there is no doubt that New York City is a major tourist destination.

From its towering skyscrapers to the numerous  museums and activities, the city for sure has a lot to offer!

However, the popularity of attractions like the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center often leads to extensive waiting lines , costing valuable time during your trip.

But no need to worries: I will now give you 2 solutions to avoid wasting time, save money and make the most of trip to New York City!

1. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

One of the most efficient ways to save time during your 4-day stay in New York is to get the “New York Go City Explorer Pass.”

This pass grants you access to a select number of attractions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10) based on the option you choose.

Unlike many other city passes, the New York Explorer Pass is not time-bound but is instead based on the number of activities, allowing you more flexibility.

And you know the best? This pass includes more than 90 different activities!

Of course, it includes all the city’s must-see attractions,  from the Empire State Building to the ferry for the Statue of Liberty or the Top of the Rock observation deck .

To purchase the City Pass, it’s really simple: you just need to click on the green button below.

Once your New York Explorer Pass is purchased, you will receive the pass via email, ready to be used during your visit. It’s super convenient!

This email also includes a digital guide, full of essential information to plan your visits to the attractions: opening hours, directions , and whether you need to book a time slot.

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular attractions included in the New York Explorer Pass:

• Empire State Building
• The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Museum and Memorial
• American Museum of Natural History
• One World Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Sightseeing
• St Patrick’s Cathedral Tour
• And many more…

To buy your New York Explorer Pass , simply click on the following green button:

While there is another pass called the New York City Pass , it might not be the best choice for a 4-day trip as it only includes 5 attractions.

For a 4-day trip to New York, the New York Explorer Pass with 10 attractions is definitely the best one!

2. Fast Track Tickets to New York’s Best Attractions

Alternatively, if the New York Explorer Pass doesn’t suit your 4-day itinerary, you can purchase individual fast track tickets to each attraction.

Skip-the-line tickets are available for all the major attractions and activities in New York City . Just like the City Pass, they will for sure help you save a lot of time, as you will bypass the waiting lines!

Here are some of the best skip-the-line tickets you should consider for your 4-day stay in New York:

•   Central Park Zoo
• A private tour in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage
• A pedicab tour in Central Park – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Wall street guided tour
• Helicopter tour over New York
• Statue of Liberty
• Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
• Walking guided tour in Brooklyn
• Broadway show
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Madame Tussauds New York
• Edge Observation Deck
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Harlem guided tour
• Greenwich Village guided tour
• Luna Park in Coney Island

If you want to book other activities in New York, you should always use these 2 reliable and safe websites:

• GetYourGuide: Official entrance tickets and activities in New York .
• Tiqets: Skip the line tickets in New York

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in New York by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in New York.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in New York, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting New York in 4 days: the best itinerary

Let’s now start your 4-day New York itinerary.

For each day, I will tell you  everything you need to know about the places you will visit  +  give you a map  that will help you visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming  you will be staying in New York for 4 full days , and that you have bought the New York Explorer Pass  or  Skip-the-Line Tickets .

It’s  the best way to save time  and see as many tourist attractions as possible during your one week stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide  (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to  ask me in the comments section  located at the very end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 4 days?

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Manhattan

Day 1 visits:

A. Central Park B. Museums C. Fifth Avenue D. St Patrick’s Cathedral E. Top of the Rock F. Times Square

Let’s start your 4-day New York itinerary by going to the world famous Central Park.

New York’s largest public park is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic!

While in Central park, you should go to The Mall and Literary Walk , a charming pathway adorned with statues of famous writers , giving it a unique appeal.

Personally, I also really liked Bethesda Terrace and Fountain , one of the most photographed areas within the park.

Here are other nice places to visit in Central Park:

• Strawberry Fields, the tribute to John Lennon
• The Belvedere Castle
• The Central Park Zoo
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Bow Bridge
• The Alice in Wonderland Statue

To get to Central Park, your best bet is to take the subway to 72nd Street, 81st Street, or 86th Street stations.

For a unique experience of Central Park, here are some alternatives to the conventional walking tour:

• Rent a bike
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
• Opt for a pedicab tour

Some of the most prestigious museums in the world are located close to Central Park.

Depending on your personal interests, you might decide to explore the American Museum of Natural History , the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) , or the Guggenheim Museum .

Each museum presents a distinctive experience for its visitors.

The American Museum of Natural History is an excellent choice for those fascinated by science, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibits a large variety of artwork from different parts of the globe.

For lovers of modern and contemporary art , the Guggenheim Museum is the perfect choice!

Both the American Museum and the Guggenheim can be visited with the New York Explorer Pass .

For the MET, tickets are available on the official website and for a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour here .

If you don’t have the pass , you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking here:

• The American Museum of Natural History:

Spending your 4 days in New York with family promises a delightful visit for everyone!

• The Guggenheim Museum:

After your visit to one of the best museums for New York, let’s head to Fifth Avenue .

This legendary street, renowned for its luxury retail stores and historical landmarks , is a fantastic place for shopping or indulging in a little bit of leisurely window-shopping.

Fifth Avenue is several kilometers long, running along the entire eastern side of Central Park before continuing to the south of the park.

It’s this stretch that I propose you explore, from the famous Apple store, to the next stop of the day: St Patrick’s Cathedral.

As part of your 4-day itinerary in New York, your next destination should be St. Patrick’s Cathedral , a spectacular piece of Gothic Revival architecture.

Admission to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included in the New York Explorer Pass, giving you an amazing opportunity to witness the cathedral’s intricate interior and magnificent stained glass.

If you don’t have the pass , you need to buy your tickets by clicking on the link below:

Want to discover one of the best viewpoints of NYC?

For an unforgettable panoramic view of the city, you should now head to Top of the Rock .

Located on the top of the famous Rockefeller Center , this observation deck offers what’s probably the best 360-degree view of New York City.

Admission to the Top of the Rock is included in the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:

Let’s now end your first day in New York in style by going to the iconic Times Square!

From massive billboards to street performers and a whole lot more, there’s always something happening here.

While there, you should also visit the iconic stores , like the Disney Store and M&M’s World.

Enjoy your evening, have a drink or lunch nearby and most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before starting day 2!

For a great view over Times Square , you should go on the terrace of the Marriott Times Square hotel.

You can get there even if you’re not a client, it’s so big that nobody checks anything.

But don’t tell anyone 🤫

In the same hotel, you can also have a cocktail or eat at the Broadway Lounge : it also offers a great view over New York’s most famous square.

Day 2: Discovering Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan

The adventure continues! Let’s explore more of what New York City has to offer during your 4-day itinerary .

Day 2 visits:

A. Brooklyn district and DUMBO B. Brooklyn Bridge C. Statue of Liberty D. Financial district E. 9/11 Memorial and museum F. One World Observatory G. Little Italy and Chinatown

On the second day of your New York trip, you will start by going to explore Brooklyn, one of the city’s most famous borough.

Kick off the day in the fashionable DUMBO neighborhood (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

While in DUMBO, don’t miss the opportunity to capture your version of the famous photo of the red bricks buildings with the Manhattan Bridge serving as a spectacular backdrop.

To really immerse yourself in the district and uncover the secrets of Brooklyn , consider getting a local guide. You can book this walking tour (click here) for a great experience!

To reach Brooklyn, you should take the subway and disembark at York Street station.

Let’s continue your 4-day New York itinerary by crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge on foot!

This architectural marvel has been a city icon since 1883, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Characterized by its Gothic arches and intricate cables, it’s undeniably one of NYC’s top photo spots.

As you walk across this almost 2km long bridge , you can enjoy beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower (also called One World Trade Center).

Did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge holds the title of being the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge? And upon its unveiling, it was also the longest suspension bridge.

It’s now time to go to Battery Park and board a ferry to two of the most significant American landmarks – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you don’t want to walk all the way to Battery Park (about 1h30), you can take the metro line 4 at Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall station , after crossing the Brooklyn bridge and hop-off at Bowling Green station.

Once in Battery Park, you should know that your New York Explorer Pass comes with a round-trip ferry ticket, allowing you to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

I f you don’t have this City Pass , you need to book your tickets here:

You don’t have to land on the island where the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island is located. Instead, you can opt for a one-hour boat tour that passes the foot of the statue but doesn’t stop. It’s up to you to decide which you prefer!

If you opt for the short cruise around the statue (which is not included in the pass), you must book it directly using the button below:

To take your New York experience to an even greater height, you should opt for an unforgettable helicopter tour over the city!

Departing just 200 meters away from Battery Park , it’s a convenient addition to your day’s itinerary.

Whether you choose to go before or after your trip to the Statue of Liberty, it’s bound to be a thrilling experience.

You can opt for the classic tour ( click here to book your tour ) or choose to go for the sensational open-door version! Personally, I opted for the open door version and it was simply the best experience I had in New York!

To secure your seat on this once-in-a-lifetime experience during your 4-day trip to New York, you just need to click on the button below:

Once back on dry land, you should head to New York’s financial district .

Walk along the iconic Wall Street, where fortunes are made (and sometimes lost) at the New York Stock Exchange .

You can also visit the famous statue of a charging bull. Legend has it that if you touch its horns or private parts, you’ll become rich. .. If you believe in this and are prepared to queue up for it, don’t hesitate!

Just a short walk from the hustle of Wall Street, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum .

This moving tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is an essential stop during your visit to New York.

The two large reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers are a powerful sight, and you should absolutely visit the museum to understand more about that tragic day.

The visit of the National 9/11 memorial and museum is free with the New York Explorer Pass.

Without the pass, you need to book your tickets for the museum here:

If you prefer, you can also take a 90-minute guided walk around Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Book it here!

To Wrap up your day, you should visit the One World Observatory .

Perched atop the One World Trade Center , which holds the record for the tallest building in the USA, the One World Observatory is one of the best viewpoints of New York.

And it’s not just about the view: The elevator ride itself is worth mentioning, thanks to the short film showcasing New York City’s evolution over the years. Pretty interesting!

Remember, your New York Go City Explorer Pass gets you free entry to the One World Observatory.

And if you don’t have the City Pass , simply click on the green button below to purchase your tickets to the One World Observatory: 

No doubt, by this time, you will start getting hungry.

So what about grabbing into an authentic meal in Little Italy or Chinatown?

Sounds like a great plan, right? 😄

Depending on your tastes, lets opt for some great pasta or dim sum in one of these vibrant neighborhoods.

In Little Italy, make sure you try the cannoli, a delicious Sicilian dessert. It’s an Italian classic you simply can’t miss!

And when in Chinatown, the Peking Duck is an absolute must-try. It’s a personal favorite and a truly unforgettable treat!

With this, you’ve successfully wrapped up your second day in the city that never sleeps.

Day 3: What to do in New York?

Day 3 visits:

A. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum B. Circle line Sightseeing cruise C. Madame Tussauds D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters E. Empire State Building F. See a musical on Broadway

To start the 3rd day of your 4-day stay in New York, head straight to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum .

There, you will step aboard a historic aircraft carrier , a unique opportunity you shouldn’t miss during your New York visit!

I admit that this museum is my favorite of the city. I really loved to explore the aircraft carrier, see a Concorde , a Lockheed A-12  and even a space shuttle!

Don’t forget, the New York Explorer Pass offers free admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum .

And if you don’t have the pass, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

The nearest subway station to the museum is 50 Street Station , just a 15-minute walk away.

Next, it’s time to hop on a boat for the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise .

This is your chance to appreciate New York’s most emblematic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan from a another vantage point.

Don’t worry if you’ve already taken the Statue of Liberty cruise. This tour is far more comprehensive , introducing you to additional locations .

Best of all, it’s included with the New York Explorer Pass , so it doesn’t affect your budget.

If you’re don’t have the city pass , you need to book your cruise ticket here:

Have you ever dreamed about spending time with your favorite celebrities?

At Madame Tussauds New York , your dreams can come to life!

Okay, the celebrities here are made of wax, but that doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling!

Take advantage of this unique chance to stand next to your idols , and snap memorable photos with famous actors, singers and celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Beyoncé, or George Clooney.

Good news! Admission to Madame Tussauds is free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

You don’t have the pass? No worries, you can easily get your tickets to Madame Tussauds here:

After your visit to Madame Tussauds, let’s now discover the architectural and historical grandeur of the Big Apple.

You should start with the New York Public Library , famous for its splendid architecture. Don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room!

Then, go to the Grand Central Terminal.

Even if you’re not catching a train, the most iconic train station in the US is still worth a visit!

Then, it’s time to head to the Chrysler Building, an art-deco masterpiece. While you can’t go inside, just seeing the building from the outside is already very impressive.

To end your tour, you can visit the United Nations Headquarters . If you wish to, you can hop on a guided tour that will give you insights into how the UN operates.

Just before sunset, make your way to the iconic Empire State Building .

Take my word for it, you don’t want to miss the chance to admire the panorama of New York from the 102nd floor of the Empire State!

To ensure your visit to the Empire State Building, it’s critical to secure your tickets in advance from here:

And if you have the New York Explorer Pass , no need to purchase anything: entrance to the Empire State Building is included!

To wrap up your day, you should go see a musical on Broadway!

You can opt for a classic such as “The Phantom of the Opera” or “The Lion King” or a new hit like “Hamilton” ,

Even if you’re a novice to theater, you’ll discover the unique allure of narratives unraveling on the grand Broadway stage.

Don’t forget to secure your Broadway tickets beforehand. High-demand shows, like The Lion King, are often sold out well in advance.

You can find all tickets available for Broadway shows by clicking here!

No matter which show you choose, it’s a great way to end your 3rd day in New York, right?

Day 4: Exploring Artistic Corners + The Best Rooftops of NYC

Day 4 visits:

A. Greenwich Village B. Chelsea Market C. High Line D. The Vessel E. The Edge F. Rooftop bars

Your 4th day in NYC starts in Greenwich Village , an area know for its artsy side and historical significance.

As you navigate its green-laden streets , don’t forget to check its eccentric boutiques or enjoy a good breakfast at a contemporary cafe.

To make the most of your visit to Greenwich Village , you should book this guided 2-hour tour.

If you’re a fan of “Friends” TV series , you get a chance to:

• Stop by the famous Friends apartment building situated on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street.
• Immerse yourself in the Friends TV show like never before by going to the Friends Experience where the sets of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe’s flats are recreated. Be sure to book your tickets as early as possible because they sell out rapidly! You need to book your tickets here.

Around lunch time, let’s head to your next foodie adventure, in Chelsea Market.

This market is home to over 35 vendors offering a variety of international cuisines, ready to introduce you to different flavors from around the world.

To digest, what better way to continue the day than with a stroll along the High Line.

This elevated park, formerly a railroad track , offers a lovely view of the city skyline and the Hudson River.

The next stop is The Vessel at Hudson Yard (if you follow the High Line, you’ll get there straight away), a remarkable sculpture comprising 154 flights of interconnected staircases, or some 2,500 steps.

Unfortunately, for security reasons, it is currently impossible to use the staircases, but access to the first floor is free and allows you to admire the building’s originality.

Continue your 4-day itinerary in New York with a trip to one of the city’s newest additions: the Edge Observation Deck.

Rising to an impressive 345m, the Edge holds the title for the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! The skyscrapers of the city will appear like a child’s playset from this vantage point.

When you reach the Edge, you’ll find a spacious outdoor viewing platform that offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the New York City skyline , the Hudson and East Rivers and the sea.

But the Edge has another trick up its sleeve – the glass floor! A 225-square-foot part of the deck lets you peer straight down onto the streets below.

Visit the Edge for free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass. If you don’t have the city Pass, you need to book your Edge tickets here!

As daylight fades, it’s time to unwind with a well-earned drink!

Known for its superb rooftop bars , New York provides plenty of options. Here are my favorite ones:

• The 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar NYC with its amazing Empire State Building views.
• The Westlight at The William Vale , for a panoramic view over Manhattan and Brooklyn ,
• The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line and The Press Lounge both offer breathtaking cityscapes paired with an exquisite drink menu.

Remember, these rooftop bars can get packed, especially during the golden hours of sunset. So, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure the best spot or book ahead if possible.

Now that you know what to do during your 4-day itinerary in New York , it’s time for the next step in planning your unforgettable trip: booking your accommodation!

As you probably know, hotels are quite expensive in New York , and the hotels offering the best value for money are fully booked very quickly.

To get the best rate, you should really book your accommodation in New York as soon as you have your travel dates!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in the heart of New York (around Times Square / Empire State Building / Central Park).

• HI New York City Hostel : Youth hostel located right next to Central Park. Dormitory beds from €50 per night. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in New York City Center!
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45: Located next to Grand Central Station. Bright and spacious double room from €200 per night. Strong Points: the rooftop and the location.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South: Located 1 km from Times Square. Cosy, comfortable double rooms from €330 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: friendly staff, view, peace and quiet.
• Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square: Located next to Madame Tussauds. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and comfortable bedding from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for visiting New York on foot, very generous breakfast, very friendly staff.
• The Iroquois New York: Located less than 500 metres from Times Square, this 5-star hotel offers superb rooms with very chic decor, from €410 including breakfast. Strong points: ideal, quiet location, attentive staff.
• Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: Located next to the Rockfeller Center. Very comfortable, noise-isolated room from €450, breakfast €23. Strong points: very professional staff, varied breakfast, very easy to visit the centre of New York on foot.
• Hard Rock Hotel New York: Located next to the Rockfeller Center, this luxury hotel offers elegant, contemporary rooms from €500, breakfast €47. Strong points: the rooftop, the comfort, the classy design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in New York!

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the centre (don’t worry, it’s still very easily accessible by public transport), here is my list of the best hotels in Wall Street.

It’s a bit quieter than the hotels in Times Square and also slightly less expensive for equivalent quality.

• Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown: Located 160 metres from Battery Park. Comfortable, modern rooms from €225, breakfast €23. Strong points: the location close to the metro, very comfortable, practical for going to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
• The Washington by LuxUrban: Located 200 metres from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. Stylish rooms from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: metro stations right next to the hotel – perfect for sightseeing, view of the One World Trade Center, quality of bedding, peace and quiet.
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Located next to Ground Zero. Spacious and cosy double room from €330. Strong points: location next to several metro stations, views from the rooftop and some rooms, free unlimited water and coffee/tea, in-room fridge.

To help you find the perfect accommodation, I have also written a guide of the best areas and places to stay in New York depending on your budget.

You can find it here: Where to stay in New York?

You’re traveling to New York with kids?

This suggested 4-day New York itinerary is entirely family-friendly.

Use the metro for longer distances and enjoy leisurely walks around the city’s iconic landmarks!

Here’s a list of enjoyable and kid-approved activities to include in your 4-day family trip to New York:

• Central Park Zoo: A visit to this zoo offers a chance to see a wide range of animals, from snow leopards to grizzly bears, keeping the young ones engaged.
• American Museum of Natural History: With its dinosaur fossils, a massive blue whale model, and a planetarium, this museum is a feast for curious young minds.
• The legendary toy store, FAO Schwarz , is a place where childhood dreams come to life. Its giant floor piano and countless toys will captivate both kids and adults.
• Don’t forget to check out the M&M and Disney’s stores in Times Square and the Lego’s store on Fifth Avenue for a dose of colorful fun.
• Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty is an impressive sight for all ages.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Simply my favorite museum in New York. Kids love it too!
• Attend a Broadway Show: Choose from kid-friendly productions like ‘The Lion King’, ‘Frozen’, or ‘Aladdin’ for an unforgettable theatre experience!

Incorporating these kid-friendly attractions will ensure that your 4 days in New York are a hit with the whole family.

The New York Explorer Pass offers discounted rates for children , depending on their age.

For even more ideas of things to do and see in New York, you can read my other detailed guide: The 57 best things to do in New York.

To help you visualize your  daily itineraries during your 4 days in New York,  I have created this map with  all the places to visit day by day . You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to New York, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You need help to plan your 4-day trip to New York? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section located below!

Discover all my articles about USA : All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

• New York: Top 57 best things to do
• 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
• 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

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

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:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

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. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

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.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

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.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

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.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City

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Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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Mint Notion

Feel rich living within your means

First Time in New York City? 15 Essential Travel Tips

By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. Disclosure Page

Traveling to New York City for the first time? Here you’ll find tips on where to stay, things to do, how to save money on New York’s top attractions, and how to prepare for your first trip to New York.

While New York is the largest city in the USA and has plenty to offer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning your trip.

Use this first timer’s guide to take the stress out of organizing your vacation so you can best enjoy this diverse city!

*** Please bookmark this page because I’m constantly updating it to help you get the most up-to-date information about traveling to New York ***

Table of Contents

Where should I stay in New York City?

After visiting New York City several times and staying in different neighborhoods, I recommend staying in one of these six areas:

• Midtown – The BEST neighborhood for first-timers
• Times Square – The heart of Manhattan. You can’t beat its location.
• Upper East Side – Ideal for museum lovers and close to Central Park
• Lower East Side & Soho – Ideal for shopping
• Greenwich Village & Chelsea – Lots of great restaurants
• Brooklyn – Ideal for travellers on a budget

AVOID staying at Airbnbs in New York since they are illegal . You’re better off booking a hotel for the ease and comfort of your trip.

I like using Booking.com to find the best price on hotel accommodations. I’ve also had good luck using Hotwire to score 4 or 5-Star hotels for cheap.

Best hotels in New York City for every budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, these are the best affordable hotels in NYC:

• CitizenM New York Times Square
• Hotel Scherman (Located in Midtown close to sightseeing and restaurants)
• Artezen Hotel (Close to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum)

If you have some more wiggle room in your budget, below are some of the best mid-range hotels in New York:

• Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East
• Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
• AC Hotel by Mariott New York Times Square

If you want to splurge on your accommodations, below are some popular luxury hotels in New York:

• The Standard, High Line
• The Beekman A Thomspon Hotel
• New York Marriot Marquis (Time Square)

What do I need to know about traveling to New York City?

Best time to go : Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) are the best times to visit New York City. This is when the weather is mild and there are less crowds.

Best area to stay : Midtown , Upper East Side , and Times Square are the best areas to stay if you’re visiting New York for the first time and plan to do a lot of sightseeing.

If you’re traveling on a budget, some good areas to stay for tourists include Queens and the Bronx .

Best way to get around : Walk or ride public transit. New York City has an excellent public transit system that will take you anywhere you need to go.

Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which can be a great way to get familiar with the city and see the main landmarks and attractions.

Top 5 things to do in New York : The 9/11 Memorial & Museum , The Metropolitan Museum of Art , Empire State Building , Top of the Rock , and Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island .

Best way to save money on New York attractions : Purchase a city pass, such as the

• New York Pass *MOST POPULAR* – (Save 50% on over 100 attractions)
• New York CityPASS (Save 40% on the top 5 attractions)
• New York Explorer Pass (Save up to 50% of your choice of attractions)
• New York Sightseeing Pass (Save up to 70% on over 150 attractions)

What’s New York City known for? As one of the most famous cities in the world, New York City is known for its Broadway shows, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.

To help you get the most bang for your buck, here’s some tips for visiting New York City for the first time, including common tourist mistakes to avoid.

Related Posts: 

• How to visit New York on a budget
• New York CityPASS vs. New York Pass – Which is better?
• New York Pass review – Is it worth it?

1. Avoid taking a taxi or Uber to get around New York

Taking a taxi or Uber to get around the city is expensive. And let’s be honest – you don’t want to waste your precious sightseeing time stuck in NYC’s busy traffic?

W hat is the best way to get around New York?

Use public transportation . Riding the subway is the quickest and cheapest way to get to all the attractions on your itinerary.

You’ll want to get MetroCard to make it easy. A MetroCard is a magnetic stripe card that you’ll use for fare payment on public transportation in the NYC area.

You can get a Pay-Per-Ride card which is good if you’re staying in the city for a few days. Or you can get a 7-day Unlimited MetroCard if you’re staying for a week.

My husband and I bought a 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard during our trip.

We had so much freedom with the metro card because it was a stress-free way to get around town. Plus it saved us A LOT of money.

New York is a BIG city, so even if you’re staying in a central location, you’ll save a lot of time sightseeing by using the metro. This is the best way to visit New York City.

I know the subway map looks like a giant spider web, but you’ll discover that it’s surprisingly easy to navigate.

Whenever you visit a new city, watch a YouTube video about how to use their public transit system. This can help you know what to expect when traveling and gives you peace of mind.

You can also download an app, such as CityMapper , which will show you train schedules, any service interruptions, alternate routes (if necessary), and which exit to take.

Other ways to get around New York:

Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – Yes, it’s a little touristy, but this is a great way to experience New York for first-timers. This is also a great option to get familiar with the city.

It’s super convenient because you can jump on and off the bus tour at any of their 35+ designated stops in the city, as many times as you wish.

Plus you can listen to their digital commentary and learn more about New York’s top sights.

Walk – New York is one of the world’s most walkable cities. It’s laid out in a grid pattern, which makes it easy to find your way around.

Streets run East-West and Avenues run North-South. Just make sure to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes .

SIDE NOTE: I don’t recommend wearing sandals when walking around New York. The city is super dirty and it’ll take forever to wash the dirty and grime off your feet.

2. Save money with the New York Pass  

If you want to visit New York’s most popular attractions, I highly recommend getting a city pass. This allows you to save up to 50% off the city’s top attractions, tours, and landmarks.

While there are many different New York city passes to choose from, the most popular one is the New York Pass , which is great for those who want to visit a lot of attractions.

What’s the best way to save money on New York attractions ?

Use the New York Pass .

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the New York Pass was rated the #1 NYC city pass by TripAdvisor.

HURRY! Save up to 30% off the New York Pass. Offer ends April 25th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.

They’re also recommended by Expedia and the New York Pass currently have a TrustScore rating of 4/5 on Trust Pilot .

Over 3.5 million travelers have used the pass and 9 out of 10 customers recommend the New York Pass to their friends. This is the most popular New York tourist pass.

With the New York Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. This is your one-stop shop for the ultimate New York sightseeing experience!

But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these Trust Pilot reviews below.

PRO TIP: Buy the pass online to save time and hassle. Plus, you’ll save extra money off the retail price. To buy the New York Pass, click here to go to the official website.

What’s included in the New York Pass ?

✓ Pick from over 100 NYC attractions ✓ Valid for up to 10 days ✓  Save up to 50% compared to purchasing tickets at each attraction ✓ Visit unlimited amount of NYC attractions each day

The New York Pass is a prepaid sightseeing card that can be used to get FREE fast-track entry to over 100+ attractions , museums, and tours in the city.

Below are some of my favorite attractions included in the New York Pass.

Must-see observation decks in NYC:

• Edge NYC ($43.55 value)
• Empire State Building ($47.91 value)
• Top of the Rock Observatory ($43.55 value)

Popular museums in NYC:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum ($28.00 value)
• American Museum of Natural History ($28.00 value)
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ($25.00 value)

Best tours in NYC:

• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour ($59.99 value)
• Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum ($24.00 value)
• Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line ( $44.00 value)

Once you’ve bought the New York Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you want. The more sights you visit, the more money you save!

I found that using the pass allowed me to check out more attractions and tours that I wouldn’t normally think of doing .

For example, small walking tours. The New York Pass offers free access to a variety of walking tours in NYC. I really enjoyed this!

Is the New York Pass worth it? Check out my honest review of the New York Pass here.

How to buy your New York Pass:

STEP 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10-day). You can click here to purchase your New York Pass from their official website.

Why you should consider buying the pass online:

• When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts .
• They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee , so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
• You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.

HURRY! Save up to 30% off the New York Pass . Offer ends April 25th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.

STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the New York Pass app.

If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.

STEP 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 100+ top NYC attractions included for the duration of your pass.

How to activate the pass : It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased. 

You’ll also receive a free guidebook , which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.

3. Make time to visit Brooklyn

During my first trip to New York City, I spent the whole time in Manhattan. I had no idea there were so many other great places to visit in the boroughs.

I encourage you to make time to visit Brookyln. This a fun escape from the big city and you’ll be treated to spectacular skyline views of Manhattan.

If you’re using the New York Pass , below are some of the attractions and tours you can check out in Brooklyn for FREE using the pass:

• Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking ($51.69 value)
• Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour ($35.00 value)
• NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens ($79.00 value)
• Brooklyn Museum of Art ($16.00 value)
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden ($18.00 value)
• Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn ($32.00 value)
• Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour ($27.57 value)

PRO TIP : The best photos of the Manhattan skyline are from DUMBO in Brooklyn.

Now whenever I’m in New York City, I always make time to visit Brooklyn . Some of my favorite things to do in Brooklyn include walking across the Brooklyn Bridge (you’ll love the NYC skyline view), eating pizza at Roberta’s, enjoying the best hot chocolate at Jacques Torres Chocolate, and exploring the NY Transit Museum.

Prep for your New York trip

4. Don’t pay full price at New York City museums

There’s no reason to pay full price to visit museums such as The Met , MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), or the American Museum of Natural History .

Instead, there are several ways you can get discounted entry tickets or even visit them for free. This is one of the best things to know before going to New York.

Take advantage of free museum days

You can visit some of New York City’s museums on free days, which makes this a great option to save money.

The only down side is free museum days are always busy . This is why I recommend arriving BEFORE the museum opens to avoid long wait times.

Side Note: For New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents ONLY , some museums (such as The Met) offer “pay what you wish” admission. A valid form of ID is required.

In the past, some New York museums offered “pay what you wish” admission for everyone.

But now it’s ONLY offered to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents . You’ll need to show a valid form of ID.

If you don’t live in one of these states , the best ways to save money on attractions is to try visiting on free days or using one of the following New York sightseeing passes.

Save money with one of these New York sightseeing passes :

New York Pass – Using the New York Pass is a no-brainer if you want to avoid paying full-price at NYC’s top attractions.

With the savings you gain from using the New York Pass, you can put that extra money towards a nice dinner, a fancy hotel, and so on.

BEST FOR : You want to hit all the major attractions in a short amount of time. You’ll save up to 50% off vs. paying for individual entrance tickets.

New York CityPASS – If you just want to visit the city’s most popular attractions and aren’t interested in tours, then you may want to consider getting the New York CityPASS.

BEST FOR : You want to visit the top 5 attractions in New York. You’ll save 40% off vs. paying the regular admission price. This includes:

• Empire State Building
• American Museum of Natural History
• Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim Museum
• Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

New York GO City Pass – And if you just want to visit a few attractions at your own pace, then I recommend checking out the New York GO City Pass.

BEST FOR : You have more time to spend in New York to see the city’s top attractions. You’ll save up to 50% off vs. paying the regular admission price.

The New York CityPASS and GO City Pass DON’T offer as high of a discount on sightseeing as the New York Pass , but they are still excellent ways to save money when visiting the city’s top attractions.

Below you can read my post sharing tips on how to choose the best sightseeing pass for your trip to New York.

What is the best sightseeing pass for New York?

5. D on’t spend all your time in Midtown and Times Square

Midtown is great, but there’s SO much more to do in New York City. It would be a shame if you spent all your time in Midtown or Times Square.

Many tourists make the mistake of spending their entire trip only visiting these two areas. They miss out on all the wonderful things that New York has to offer.

DO THIS INSTEAD :

Even if you’re visiting New York City for the first time, try to schedule time in your itinerary to explore some less popular, but equally amazing neighborhoods in NYC.

Some of my favorite neighborhoods to explore are the Village, Upper East Side , Union Square, Lower East Side , Lower Manhattan, and SoHo (where you’ll find the Musuem of Ice Cream ).

If you’re using the New York Pass , below are some more great things to do outside of Midtown and Times Square. All attractions are free when using the pass.

• 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• One World Observatory
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigrant Museum
• Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• The Highline
• Flatiron Building
• Central Park
• Washington Square Park
• Coney Island
• Brooklyn Bridge

6. Don’t eat in Times Square

This spot may be great for a photo or to watch a Broadway show, but you don’t want to eat here. The food in Times Square is usually expensive and doesn’t offer good value.

If you’re hungry when visiting Times Square, try to walk at least 3-5 blocks east or west to find more affordable restaurants with better quality food.

Instead, my favorite neighborhoods to find good food in New York include Chinatown, West Village, SoHo, Chelsea, Flatiron, Lower East Side, and the East Village.

PRO TIP : Traveling can be expensive. One way I like to save money is to get FREE gift cards from Swagbucks . You can get free gift cards to Starbucks, which can be used to cover coffee or breakfast while traveling. Instead of paying out of pocket, this can be a great way to cut back on travel costs. Join Swagbucks for free here.

7. Check out at least one observation deck in New York City

Yes, this is a little touristy, but the views of New York City are absolutely incredible. To get a true feel for New York, you need to see it from above.

If you decide to splurge on one thing, THIS should be it!

My personal favorite is the view from the Top of the Rock . I’ve been several times and never get tired of it. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance. This will save you money and disppointment if tickets sell out the day you want to visit.

Below are some other popular skydecks to check out. You can visit them all for FREE with the New York Pass .

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience – Very new and exciting.

Empire State Building – A must if you like the movie Sleepless in Seattle. Visit the 86th floor observation deck, or if you can check out the 102nd floor to get 360-degree views of the city.

New York One World Observatory – The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

New York Edge Observation Deck – The highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere.

8. Avoid eating at chain restaurants

Don’t tell me you came all the way to New York City to eat at Sbarro Pizza, like Michael Scott did in The Office TV show!

If you’re visiting New York City for the first time, you’ll want to take advantage of the city’s diverse selection of restuarants and ethnic eats.

Whether you’re craving an authentic slice of New York-style pizza or a gourmet meal prepared by some of the top chefs in the world, you’ll find everything your taste buds desire here.

If you’re a foodie like me, consider taking fun Manhattan Food & History Tour with a local guide. You’ll get to hear stories of the millions of immigrants who settled in New York and taste incredible Chinese, German, Dutch, Italain, Jewish and other dishes.

9. Don’t pay full price for a Broadway show

One of the most popular things to do in New York City for the first time is to see a Broadway show. Instead of paying full price for tickets, you’ll almost always be able to find a discount.

How to save money on theatre tickets:

TKTS Ticket Booths sell discounted tickets to see most Broadway musicals, plays, and dance productions. You’ll be able to score same-day tickets at up to 50%, which is a huge savings!

I recommend arriving early in the day, as it tends to get busy and some shows can sell out quickly.

Their flagship location is in the heart of Times Square. You can also check out their booth at South Street Seaport or Lincoln Center.

What are the most popular Broadway shows in New York?

• The Lion King
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• MJ Broadway
• The Book of Mormon Musical
• Blue Man Group

10. Don’t support horse carriage rides in Central Park

Riding a horse-drawn carriage sounds like a fairy tale. But the reality is, carriage horses often live and work in inhumane conditions.

Horse-drawn carriages shouldn’t share the same roadways as honking cars and cyclists as it puts both the animal and the public at risk. These horses work long hours (rain or shine) and even when the weather is unbearably hot or freezing cold.

Paying for a horse-drawn carriage ride continues to support the industry. So while it might sound like a nice way to experience Central Park, you’ll want to pass on this idea.

There are many other great ways to explore NYC. Some of my favorite ways to get around the city include taking the metro or walking.

If you want to relax and soak up all the sights, then you’ll definitely want to ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour .

They provide digital commentary sharing exciting stories about NYC’s iconic landmarks and attractions.

Ride the metro – Besides walking, this is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get around New York City.

Staten Island Ferry – It’s free to ride and it’s a fun way to see the Statue of Liberty (Lady Liberty) from a distance.

Walking – Put on your walking shoes and explore the city. This is my favorite way to get around and sightsee.

To make it more fun, consider joining a local walking tour . If you’re using the New York Pass , there are several walking tours available for every interest.

By bike – Explore New York City by bike. Check out the city’s urbans parks or ride along the dedicated greenways.

If you’re using the New York Pass , you can rent bikes for FREE in Central Park – a $54.44 value!

Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – See all the top sights in NYC with the Big Bus Classic panoramic tour. Free bus tour included with the New York Pass – a $59 value!

New York City helicopter tour – If you have some extra money to spend and want to create an unforgettable experience, consider this helicopter tour.

You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of New York’s Manhattan island and enjoy 180 degree views of the city’s sights.

New York Cruise – If you’re pressed for time, this can be a great way to see New York City.

This 90-minute cruise allows you to experience lower and midtown Manhattan in a unique and exciting way. You’ll also get a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty and other popular landmarks.

11. Some NYC attractions require advance booking

If you’re traveling to New York City soon and plan to visit some of the city’s popular attractions, I HIGHLY recommend making reservations as soon as possible .

Some of the popular attractions, such as the Empire State Building, may sell out or require a wait for the next available entry.

If you’re using a sightseeing pass, such as New York Pass , New York CityPASS , or the GO City Pass , you’re already one step ahead of everyone else because you can skip the long ticket lines.

Then once you’ve planned your New York itinerary, you can make your reservations through their website after purchasing your pass.

Below are some popular attractions that require or recommend advance reservations:

• Top of the Rock observation deck
• Guggenheim Museum
• Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Edge Observation Deck

12. Learn how to find cheap eats in NYC

NYC is an expensive city and the price point at its restaurants are higher than other large cities, such as Toronto. However, with some careful planning, there are plenty of great ways to save money when eating in New York City.

Get the lunch special

Many popular NYC restaurants offer affordable lunch specials. This can be a great way to enjoy a tasty meal for cheap.

Eat and drink during Happy Hour

If you don’t mind eating a little early (or late at night), I highly recommend taking advantage of New York City’s happy hour specials. Enjoy discounted menu prices on a selection of both food and drinks.

Dollar pizza slices

OK, we can’t be healthy all the time. Grabbing a slice of New York pizza is one of my favorite meals when I’m on-the-go sightseeing in the city. If you’re visiting New York City for the first time, getting NYC-style pizza is a MUST!

Find cheap eats in the Village, Lower East Side, and Chinatown

Think everything in NYC is expensive? Think again. There are plenty of delicious restaurants with affordable eats in these neighborhoods.

Check out New York Diners

Diners can be a great way to enjoy an affordable breakfast or lunch in the city.

Try Street Food

From ethnic food trucks to hot dog carts and bagels, there’s lots of street food options to choose from in New York.

No matter where you decide to eat in New York, make sure the restaurant has an “A” rating from the NYC Health Department .

If you don’t see an “A” rating posted outside the restuarant, find a different establishment to eat at.

If you want to eat at the city’s most popular restaurants, try to make a reservation or expect long wait times. Not all restaurants take reservations. In this case, aim to visit during off-peak dining hours.

13. Don’t rent a car in NYC

One of the most common travel mistakes is renting a car in New York City. Parking is expensive and traffic is a nightmare, especially if you’re not used to driving in a big city.

Even if you’re driving to New York, I recommend leaving your car at your accommodations for the duration of your trip. The city’s metro system is easy to navigate and one of the quickest ways to get around town.

14. Follow this basic New York City etiquette for first-timers

Many people expect New Yorkers to be rude, but I found that most people were pretty friendly in the city. To help you enjoy your trip and even befriend a New Yorker, it’s a good idea to grasp the follow NYC etiquette.

Tips for riding the NYC Metro:

• If you have trouble swiping your Metro card at the subway station, step to the side to let other people behind you go through first. Then try again when it’s less busy.
• Unless you’re getting off at the next subway stop, don’t block the subway doors because people might be trying to exit.
• Let people exit the subway / bus before you get on.
• Avoid wearing a backpack when the subway / bus is crowded. Carry it in your hands or put it in your lap instead.
• Give up your seat for pregnant women, elderly, or disabled passengers.

Tips for walking around NYC:

• Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk , street, or stairs to look up / take photos / check your phone / look at a map. Instead, step to the side so other people can pass.
• If you’re with a group, don’t walk together in a row blocking other people from passing you on the sidewalk. In some cases, you may have to walk single file.
• Stick to the right when walking on the sidewalk or riding the escalators. This allows people who are in a rush to pass on your left.
• Pay attention to bike lanes when walking through the park or crossing the street.
• Real New Yorkers don’t wait for the walk sign to turn green . Most streets are one-way in NYC, so you may notice locals like to cross the street when there’s no oncoming traffic (even if the pedestrian light is red).
• If you’re using an umbrella , be mindful of others around you. Move your umbrella up, to the right or left when passing others.
• Wear comfortable shoes . You’ll see many locals wearing sneakers with their suits and changing into dress shoes once they reach the office. If you want to wear high heels for photos, put them in your bag and change once you’re at your destination.

Tips for talking like a New Yorker:

• “Houston”, the street in Lower Manhattan is pronounced as “HOW-stun” instead of “HUE-stun” (like the city in Texas). If you’re in a taxi and need to get to Houston Street, make sure to pronounce it as “HOW-stun”.
• New Yorkers call it “the City” . They don’t call it NYC or Manhattan.
• If you want to ask someone for directions, keep it short and sweet. There’s no need to make small talk. Just ask, “Can you please tell me how to get to The Met from here?”

Tips for staying safe in New York City:

• Stay away from platform edges on the subway . Stand away from the platform edge so you’re not at the risk of accidently falling on the subway tracks or being pushed.
• Be aware of pick pockets . Keep your valuables close to you and within your sight at all times, especially in subway stations.
• Don’t walk with earphones in (esepcially at night). Walking alone with your earphones in at night can make it difficult to be aware of your surroundings. This can make you an easy target for getting mugged.
• At the airport – Never leave your bags unattended or let a stranger offer to carry your bags for you / offer you a ride into the City. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s because it probably is.
• Taxi – Never get into an unmarked cab. All NYC taxis will be clearly identified. They are usually yellow with a light on the roof which displays the cab driver’s medallion number.
• Disney and superhero characters in Times Sqaure – If you take a photo of them without their permission, the characters may demand payment. Make a plan in advance if you have children when walking through Times Square.
• Avoid walking alone at night or riding the subway late a night . Try to ride in subway cars with others (as opposed to vacant subway cars) or walk in busy areas. Central Park and the Financial District are quiet at night and should be avoided if you’re walking alone.

15. Public bathrooms are hard to find

If you need to use the public restroom, I always recommend using the one at the next restaurant you eat at or museum / attraction you visit. Unfortunately, most places will not let you use their restroom unless you’re a paying customer.

Sometimes you might have some luck using the public restroom at Starbucks . You might need to ask an employee at Starbucks for the restroom door code first.

I’ve also had good luck by using the restroom at hotels. You have to walk into the hotel as if you were already staying there and look for the sign to the restroom. It’s usually in the lobby.

Some hotels during the busy holiday season will ask to see your room key before entering the lobby, so keep this in mind.

Ready to plan your NYC vacation? See what hotel deals are available in the area thanks to Booking.com

First Time in New York City FAQs

What is the best month to visit new york.

The best time to visit New York City is in the spring (April to June) and fall (November to December). This is when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

What is the cheapest month to visit New York?

If you don’t mind braving the cold, early spring (February and March) can also be a great time to visit New York. This is often when I find cheap flight tickets and affordable hotel accommodations.

What should I do on my first trip to New York City?

Below are my top 10 things to do on your first trip to New York City:

• Visit Central Park . (it’s free and one of the most beautiful spots in New York)
• Check out Times Square at night. (Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s worth going at least once)
• See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (If you’re using the New York Pass , it’s free)
• See the views from the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center. (It’s free with the New York Pass )
• See Eygptian mummies at The Met . (It’s free with the New York Pass )
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory . (There’s also the 9/11 Memorial Museum which is worth visiting. It’s free with the New York Pass )
• Walk the High Line and check out the observation deck. (This urban walking trail above the city streets is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of NYC)
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge . (This is one of my favorite FREE views of the New York skyline )
• See a Broadway show . (Popular shows book up in advance or you can find deals on same-day tickets)
• Eat food from around the world. (New York is famous for bagels, cheesecake and pizza. But you can also try authentic food from this city of immigrants)

How many days do you need to see New York?

If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend spending at least 5 days in New York. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions and neighborhoods of Manhattan.

Depending on what you want to do in New York, you can visit for 3 days. But you’ll need to spend longer if you want to cover the top sights.

Should I stay in Times Square?

Times Square is the heart of Manhattan and the cetner of all the top attractions in New York. This is a great neighborhood to stay for first timers. If you want to escape the crowds, consider staying in the Upper East Side or the Greenwich Village .

What is the easiest way to get around New York?

The easiest way to get around New York is to ride the subway. It’s often faster and cheaper than driving or taking a taxi. You’ll also feel like a local when riding the subway. Another fun way to get around New York is to ride the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour .

Is New York City worth visiting?

Yes, you have to visit New York at least once in your life, especially if you love big cities. It’s the most visited city in North American and often appears in major motion pictures. New York City is known for its world-class Broadway performances, its history, museums, skyscrapers, and diverse population.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

Reader Interactions

May 22, 2017 at 5:06 pm

Thankyou so much for all the wonderful tips! My fiance and I are heading to the US for the first time from Aus next month and first stop is NYC, this has honestly been the most helpful post i’ve seen whilst researching and has made me soooo excited for next month! Xx

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Tabloid Publisher Defiant as Trump Lawyer Tries to Shake His Confidence

David Pecker, who was the keeper of Donald J. Trump’s secrets, insisted he had testified truthfully about his dealings with the former president.

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By Jesse McKinley and Jonah E. Bromwich

Lawyers for Donald J. Trump on Friday grilled the former publisher of The National Enquirer, casting doubt on his explanation for why he suppressed salacious stories about the Republican presidential candidate before the 2016 election.

The witness, David Pecker, who has known Mr. Trump for decades, faced a stern cross-examination from one of the former president’s defense lawyers, Emil Bove, who pressed Mr. Pecker about two deals he had reached in 2015 and 2016 with people who were seeking to sell stories about Mr. Trump.

Mr. Bove sought to convince the jury of two fundamental points about the stories, which Mr. Pecker bought and then buried: Such arrangements, characterized by prosecutors as “catch and kill,” were standard for the publisher, and that Mr. Pecker had previously misled jurors about the details of the transactions.

The Links Between Trump and 3 Hush-Money Deals

Here’s how key figures involved in making hush-money payoffs on behalf of Donald J. Trump are connected.

In one particularly tense moment, Mr. Bove pushed Mr. Pecker to explain a seeming discrepancy between his testimony this week and notes from a 2018 interview with the F.B.I. Mr. Pecker testified that Mr. Trump had thanked him after the election for helping to conceal one such story, but the interview notes did not record Mr. Trump’s expression of gratitude.

Mr. Pecker, who ultimately acknowledged the inconsistency, resisted Mr. Bove’s implication that there was a contradiction and said he had been honest in his testimony.

“I know what the truth is,” Mr. Pecker said, suggesting F.B.I. agents might have erred in their notes. “I can’t state why this is written this way. I know exactly what was said to me.”

Mr. Pecker’s testimony was crucial for the Manhattan district attorney’s office as prosecutors seek to show that Mr. Trump was part of a three-man conspiracy to bury negative stories as he worked to win the presidency. Prosecutors argue that Mr. Trump eventually falsified records to hide a third hush-money deal in order to conceal the payment that his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, had made to the porn star Stormy Daniels.

The former president faces 34 felony charges and could spend four years in prison if convicted. He denies all charges.

The prosecution witnesses who followed Mr. Pecker on Friday provided a less dramatic conclusion to the trial’s first week of testimony.

Rhona Graff, Mr. Trump’s former executive assistant and gatekeeper at Trump Tower, testified about entries from the Trump Organization computer system that contained contact information for Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, and for a “Stormy.”

The day’s last witness was Gary Farro, who was Mr. Cohen’s banker when the former fixer executed financial transactions with First Republic Bank to enable the hush money payment to Ms. Daniels.

Mr. Farro will return to the witness stand on Tuesday, when court resumes. He is expected to take less time testifying than Mr. Pecker, who began his four days on the stand on Monday and said that he had come to an agreement with Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen in a meeting at Trump Tower in August 2015.

There, Mr. Pecker said, he agreed to run what amounted to a covert propaganda operation for Mr. Trump, trumpeting his candidacy while publishing negative stories about his Republican opponents. Most importantly, Mr. Pecker said, he had agreed to be the campaign’s “eyes and ears,” watching out for potentially damaging stories.

On Friday, Mr. Bove called this testimony into question, arguing that Mr. Pecker’s promotion of Mr. Trump and denigration of other candidates was simply “standard operating procedure” for a tabloid, recycling titillating stories to sell magazines in supermarket checkout aisles.

Mr. Pecker agreed, without embarrassment, that such stories appeared in his publications. But he fought back several times as Mr. Bove sought to cast doubt on his credibility.

Mr. Bove focused on an August 2016 agreement that Mr. Pecker’s company, AMI, made with Ms. McDougal.

The publisher paid her $150,000 to keep quiet about her story of an affair with Mr. Trump. But Mr. Bove, seeking to suggest that the deal had been more than a mere cover for the payment, pointed out that Ms. McDougal had received other benefits from the publisher, including guest columns and magazine covers.

Mr. Bove concluded the cross-examination by asking Mr. Pecker what obligations he was under as part of his agreement to take the witness stand, suggesting to jurors that his testimony was the result of cooperation with prosecutors. The publisher bristled.

“To be truthful,” Mr. Pecker said of his primary obligation, adding, “I’ve been truthful to the best of my recollection.”

Who Are Key Players in the Trump Manhattan Criminal Trial?

The first criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump is underway. Take a closer look at central figures related to the case.

After cross-examination, Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor, questioned Mr. Pecker further, asking him why the articles and cover stories had been specified in the $150,000 deal.

“It was included in the contract basically as a disguise,” Mr. Pecker said, adding that the actual purpose was so that Ms. McDougal’s story would not be published anywhere else.

Mr. Pecker did not run Ms. McDougal’s story of an affair with Mr. Trump. Nor did he publish a doorman’s story of a child born out of wedlock that his reporters determined was false. That was the scuttled story, Mr. Pecker said, for which Mr. Trump had thanked him.

Mr. Pecker said such a story would have helped The Enquirer sell 10 million copies, making it even bigger than the tabloid’s coverage of the death of Elvis Presley, which featured a picture of the singer’s body in his coffin.

In his testimony, Mr. Pecker offered a behind-the-headlines look at the tabloid’s sometimes seedy ways. They included offering protection from unflattering coverage to politicians, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, the “Terminator” star who went on to be California’s governor, as well as using damaging information about celebrities to pressure them into interviews.

But on Friday, Mr. Steinglass sought to set Mr. Pecker’s actions on behalf of the former president as a thing apart, asking questions that demonstrated that the publisher’s suppression of negative stories had been unique with regard to Mr. Trump.

Despite the defense lawyers’ aggressive questioning, Mr. Pecker was even-keeled, a small, gray-haired man answering in a quiet monotone. During direct examination by prosecutors, he had calmly set the foundation of the prosecution’s case, painting a vivid, tawdry portrait of Mr. Trump as a presidential candidate desperately trying to quash rumors about his personal life, often through his fixer, Mr. Cohen.

Mr. Pecker described Mr. Trump as becoming “very angry” and “very aggravated” about simmering scandals, and deeply concerned about Ms. McDougal, going so far as to inquire about her at meetings at the White House and at Trump Tower, even after he was elected.

“How’s our girl?” Mr. Pecker recalled Mr. Trump asking.

Mr. Trump, 77, the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial, has denied the sexual encounters with Ms. McDougal as well as those described by Ms. Daniels, who says she had a one-night stand with him in 2006.

A decade later, as the 2016 presidential race hurtled toward its conclusion, Ms. Daniels was paid $130,000 by Mr. Cohen to guarantee her silence and, prosecutors say, to help Mr. Trump win.

Mr. Cohen was later reimbursed by Mr. Trump, and efforts to disguise those payments are the basis for the counts of falsifying business records that the former president faces. Each count reflects a different false check, ledger and invoice that, according to prosecutors, Mr. Trump used to hide the reimbursement’s purpose.

Mr. Trump has cast the prosecution as a “witch hunt,” an argument he has amplified in statements to reporters in a hallway outside the courtroom of Justice Juan M. Merchan.

Fifteen of Mr. Trump’s comments — mostly posts on his Truth Social account and campaign websites — have been cited by prosecutors as violations of a gag order that Justice Merchan issued in March that prohibited the former president from attacking jurors, witnesses, court staff members and others.

Justice Merchan has already held one hearing to determine whether Mr. Trump should be held in contempt and fined; another is scheduled for next week. It is unclear whether the results of the first will emerge before the second is held.

The former president’s criminal trial has riveted the political world, with a crush of media attention and occasional courtroom contretemps.

Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee this year, faces three other indictments, including two federal cases concerning mishandled classified documents and efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. He also faces a state prosecution in Georgia, involving election interference.

Attention on the criminal case in Manhattan will most likely intensify after arguments on Thursday at the Supreme Court over whether Mr. Trump should have some immunity from prosecution for acts taken while he was in office. That could delay the federal cases past Election Day.

Despite appearing in New York court most weekdays, Mr. Trump has tried to remain active as a campaigner, appearing at a construction site in Manhattan on Thursday, and arranging for rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan next Wednesday, an off day for the trial.

On Friday, Mr. Trump, who was married when Ms. Daniels and Ms. McDougal say they had sexual encounters with him, wished his wife Melania a happy birthday and said he planned to go to Florida to spend the evening with her.

“It would be nice to be with her,” he said, standing in the courthouse hallway. “But I’m in a courthouse. For a rigged trial.”

Jesse McKinley is a Times reporter covering upstate New York, courts and politics. More about Jesse McKinley

Jonah E. Bromwich covers criminal justice in New York, with a focus on the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state criminal courts in Manhattan. More about Jonah E. Bromwich

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

News and Analysis

The criminal trial of Trump featured vivid testimony about a plot to protect his first presidential campaign  and the beginnings  of a tough cross-examination  of the prosecution’s initial witness, David Pecker , former publisher of The National Enquirer. Here are the takeaways .

Dozens of protesters calling for the justice system to punish Trump  briefly blocked traffic on several streets near the Lower Manhattan courthouse where he is facing his first criminal trial.

Prosecutors accused Trump of violating a gag order four additional times , saying that he continues to defy the judge’s directions  not to attack witnesses , prosecutors and jurors in his hush-money trial.

More on Trump’s Legal Troubles

Key Inquiries: Trump faces several investigations  at both the state and the federal levels, into matters related to his business and political careers.

Case Tracker:  Keep track of the developments in the criminal cases  involving the former president.

What if Trump Is Convicted?: Could he go to prison ? And will any of the proceedings hinder Trump’s presidential campaign? Here is what we know , and what we don’t know .

Trump on Trial Newsletter: Sign up here  to get the latest news and analysis  on the cases in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.

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Day 8 of Trump New York hush money trial

By CNN's Kara Scannell, Lauren Del Valle and Jeremy Herb in the courthouse

Key takeaways from Donald Trump's hush money trial on Friday

Jurors will now have a three-day weekend to think about what they heard during the first full week of testimony in the historic  Donald Trump hush money trial .

David Pecker finally stepped down from the witness stand after more than 10 hours of testimony across four days, where the former American Media Inc. chief described in detail how he helped Donald Trump suppress negative stories and pummel Trump’s rivals in the National Enquirer during the 2016 campaign.

On Friday afternoon, prosecutors called Rhona Graff, who was Trump’s assistant at the Trump Organization, where she worked for more than 30 years. She was quickly off the stand, and a banker for Cohen came next – signaling a move in the trial toward the documents at the heart of the charges against Trump.

Here are the key takeaways from Friday:

• Jury sees paper trail: The hush money case against Trump weaves a colorful narrative, but Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records — so prosecutors have warned this will in many ways be a  routine, document-heavy trial . Friday afternoon prosecutors called a banker from First Republic Bank as their third witness where jurors saw the paper trail for a shell company and corresponding bank account Michael Cohen created in Delaware that was meant to be used to pay AMI for the rights to Karen McDougal’s story.
• Trump lawyer tries to puncture Pecker’s credibility: Prosecutors elicited testimony from the AMI chief about how Pecker’s 2015 deal with Trump was unique, helping him be the “eyes and ears” of the campaign. But in Pecker’s final day on the stand, Trump’s attorneys sought to undercut his testimony with a series of alleged inconsistencies, poking holes in discrepancies from prior interviews with federal and state prosecutors and disputing his testimony that AMI admitted it violated campaign finance law.
• Prosecutors try to re-establish Pecker’s credibility: Prosecutors responded during redirect to reestablish Pecker’s credibility in his answers, showing how his story was consistent and that AMI did admit to campaign finance violations. The points were small in the grand scheme of Pecker’s testimony related to the case, but the fight was really about Pecker’s credibility as a witness. That’s key to the prosecution’s case because he helps tie together the larger hush money scheme – and will be a corroborator of Cohen’s testimony.
• Trump cracks a smile for his longtime assistant: Trump’s longtime assistant Rhona Graff testified for less than an hour. Graff managed Trump’s contacts and calendar for much of her 34 years as his assistant at Trump Tower. Graff’s testimony about her former boss prompted a smile from an otherwise subdued Trump on Friday.
• Defense tries to humanize Trump: Pecker was a longtime friend of Trump dating back to the 1980s, the former AMI chief said on the stand. As his ending question, Bove asked Pecker if he believed Trump cares about his family. He replied, “Of course I do.” Graff no longer works for Trump but she spoke positively about her experience at the Trump Organization and having Trump as a boss. Other coming witnesses, like Cohen and Daniels, will have a far more hostile view of the defendant in this case.

Trump's hush money criminal trial has been on since 2 weeks. Recap what's happened so far

From CNN staff

The second week of court proceedings in Donald Trump's historic hush money criminal trial has wrapped.

To refresh your memory, here are the key moments and witnesses from the trial so far:

April 15: Trial began with jury selection

April 19: A panel of 12 jurors and six alternates was selected.

April 22: Prosecution and defense made their opening statements. Former tabloid boss David Pecker was called to testify.

April 23: Judge Juan Merchan held a Sandoval hearing for Trump's alleged gag order violations, but reserved his decision.

April 25: While Trump sat in the Manhattan courtroom, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the matter of his immunity in special counsel Jack Smith's election subversion case against him.

April 26: Pecker's direct questioning and cross-examination concluded. Trump's former longtime assistant Rhona Graff was called to testify briefly. Finally, Michael Cohen's former banker Gary Farro testified.

See courtroom sketches from Trump's trial

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump’s hush money is underway, but sketch artists are capturing the scenes.

Trump's hush money trial has wrapped up for the week. Here's what happened on Friday

The jury in Donald Trump's hush money trial heard from two new witnesses on Friday after former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker finished his testimony.

Trump’s defense team tried to poke holes in Pecker’s story, pointing out discrepancies and trying to undermine his credibility. Pecker had testified during direct questioning from the prosecution about how he helped broker a deal with Stormy Daniels and arranged to “catch and kill” a story about an alleged affair between Trump and Karen McDougal.

Prosecutors also had the chance to revisit various lines of questions in their redirect before calling Rhona Graff , Trump’s former long-term assistant, to the stand. After that, prosecutors called finance executive Gary Farro .

Farro will continue his testimony on Tuesday. Court is not in session on Monday.

Here’s what happened in court today:

David Pecker

• Trump Tower meeting: Pecker told Trump attorney Emil Bove that the concept of “catch and kill” was not discussed at an August 2015 meeting at Trump Tower . According to Pecker’s previous testimony, that’s when he agreed to be the “eyes and ears” for the Trump campaign and flag negative stories to Michael Cohen. 
• Redirect: Pecker said after the 2015 meeting, he and Cohen had an understanding that Pecker was going to use his resources at the Enquirer to flag potentially negative stories to Cohen. He testified that before the 2015 meeting, he did not previously have deals to share positive stories about candidates or agree to run stories attacking Trump’s opponents.
• Stories about Trump’s opponents: During cross-examination, Bove confirmed with Pecker that the Enquirer often recycled content from other outlets about Trump’s opponents. The outlet did that without notifying Trump, Pecker said, and confirmed the stories were based on information that was not exclusive to the Enquirer because it was not cost-efficient.
• McDougal agreement: Pecker agreed that McDougal, who said she had an affair with Trump, was not focused on the payment part of the agreement. Pecker confirmed McDougal wanted to relaunch her career and there were other provisions in the deal . He previously testified that the other elements were intended to “hide” the actual intention of the payment.
• Redirect: The prosecution revisited this point and had Pecker re-confirm that the purpose of the contract with McDougal was to suppress a potentially damaging story about Trump and influence the 2016 election.
• Legal concerns: Pecker said he told Cohen that the agreement with McDougal was legally sound . He said he reviewed the agreement with a campaign attorney and his company’s general counsel.
• Redirect: Pecker said he never spoke directly with the campaign lawyer and he did not tell the AMI general counsel about the arrangement that was struck with Trump during the August 2015 Trump Tower meeting. The prosecution is trying to infer that the lawyers who reviewed the contract did not have the full underlying context of Pecker’s agreement with Trump.
• Stormy Daniels: The former tabloid boss confirmed to the defense that he wanted nothing to do with Daniel’s story and told Cohen that his company AMI would not buy it.
• Redirect: Pecker reiterated that he called Cohen with then-editor-in-chief Dylan Howard encouraging him to buy Daniels’ story .
• FBI interview discrepancy: Pecker testified this week that Trump thanked him for handling stories about McDougal and Trump Tower doorman Dino Sajudin during a January 2017 meeting at Trump Tower. But the defense pointed out that "Trump did not express any gratitude to Pecker and AMI" during his 2018 FBI interview .
• Redirect: Steinglass read notes from an FBI meeting one week after the meeting highlighted by Bove that confirmed that Pecker told the FBI that Trump thanked him. 

Rhona Graff

• Answering questions from prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, Graff said she worked for Trump for 34 years at the Trump Organization. She was largely in control of his calendar and in charge of maintaining Trump's contacts.
• She recalled seeing Daniels in the reception area at Trump Tower before Trump ran for president. She later testified to the defense that she assumed Daniels’ visits were to discuss being cast for "The Apprentice." In addition to Daniels, Graff testified she also kept contact information for McDougal .
• During cross-examination, attorney Susan Necheles asked Graff about what it was like working with Trump. She described it as a very “stimulating, exciting, fascinating place to be” and said Trump was a “respectful boss.”
• Farro was previously a senior managing director at First Republic Bank where he worked with Cohen . He said Cohen coordinated with him to set up an account for Resolutions Consultants LLC for the payment to McDougal that never happened. Jurors saw emails between Farro and Cohen.
• Farro testified that his understanding was that Cohen was opening the account for “real estate.” In the paperwork , Cohen described the entity's function to be "management consulting (including HR & marketing).”
• Farro said the Resolution Consultants LLC account was never opened because no deposit was made. Nearly two weeks later, Farro said Cohen told him he wanted to open a new account instead.
• The new account, Essential Consultants LLC , was used to pay Daniels $130,000. On the paperwork, Cohen said this account was for a real estate consulting company.

Gag order: Judge Juan Merchan said there will be a hearing on Thursday morning to discuss possible violations of the gag order against Trump.

Trump hush money criminal trial may see “quite a few somewhat dull witnesses,” expert says

From CNN’s Aditi Sangal

Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial will see “quite a few somewhat dull witnesses,” said former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori.

The case is less about the salacious details of Trump's alleged affair with Stormy Daniels — that he denies — and more about the allegations that he covered it up to influence the 2016 presidential election, he points.

“The crime actually has to do with all of this somewhat banal record-keeping stuff. This is a case where I think we’re going to actually see quite a few somewhat dull witnesses producing things like documents, ledgers, invoices, things that just have to come into evidence to complete this case,” he told CNN.

Meanwhile, prosecution and defense also have to be mindful of the approaching weekend.

As a prosecutor, “you like the idea of leaving [the jurors] with something solid, unchallenged, good at the end of the week,” said Trump’s former attorney Jim Trusty.

“They’re basically introducing some paperwork for the jury to look at at 4:30 before they go home, and go, oh there were checks, or there were meetings, or there were contacts.”

It’s also smart for the defense “to keep it dull, to basically not spend any time cross-examining people where you have no real reason to gain anything because they’re not establishing criminality or they’re not establishing controversial points,” he added.

Leaving court, Trump says he'll debate Biden

From CNN's Kaanita Iyer

After exiting the courtroom Friday, former President Donald Trump once again said he would debate President Joe Biden.

"I've invited Biden to debate. He can do it any time he wants, including tonight. I'm ready — here we are. ... I'm here, ready willing and able," Trump said.

Earlier Friday, Biden said in an interview with radio host Howard Stern that he'd be happy to debate Trump .

Judge Merchan says he's calling it a week

Mangold says she's at a natural stopping point and Judge Merchan says, we will "call it a week."

He is now giving the jury instructions.

Trump hit his attorney Todd Blanche on the arm and leaned over to tell him something.

Merchan reminds jurors court is dark on Monday and we are back 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Merchan says, "Have a good weekend, take care."

Farro says Cohen "changed course" once before opening LLC that he used to make Stormy Daniels payment

Farro says the bank "did all of our work to establish" Cohen's original account, but it was never funded.

"A deposit was never made in the account, so the account never went live," Farro says.

Thirteen days later, on October 26, 2016, Farro received another email from his assistant to return Michael Cohen's call, according to the court exhibit.

"He stated he was changing course and no longer wanted to open Resolution Consultants, and wanted to open a new account," Farro says.

"Every time Michael Cohen spoke to me he gave a sense of urgency and this was one of those times."

The new LLC was Essential Consultants LLC, Farro says.

This is the LLC that Cohen used to pay Stormy Daniels the $130,000 payment.

On the form the bank prepared for Cohen to open the account, it stated under "business narrative" that Cohen was opening the account for a real estate consulting company to collect fees for consulting work on real estate deals.

Cohen again checked "No" on a form that asked if the entity is "associated with political fundraising/Political Action Committee (PAC)."

Cohen checked "No" on a form asking if his entity was associated with political fundraising

Cohen checked "No" on a form that asked if the entity, Resolution Consultants LLC, which was created by him as a Delaware entity, is "associated with political fundraising/Political Action Committee (PAC)."

Farro testified several times that his understanding was that Cohen was opening the account for "real estate."

Per the paperwork, Cohen described the entity's function to be "management consulting (including HR & marketing)."

Cohen was the only authorized signatory for the account.

Farro says that the bank "did all of our work to establish" Cohen's account, but it was never funded.

"A deposit was never made in the account so the account never went live," Farro says, confirming the account was not opened.

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