New York for First-Timers: The Top Things to Do

It’s your first time in NYC, and I am so excited for you. New York is just the best. Here are my top things to do in New York for first-timers.

There is a lot to choose from to do on your trip. Which can be both good and bad. New York City covers over 300 square miles. Even if you stick to just Manhattan you still have nearly 23 square miles of land, literally crammed full of stuff to see and things to do.

Key takeaways

  • Explore iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.
  • Make sure to research which attractions are best for advance ticket purchases so you don’t miss out on your top picks.
  • Use the subway system and your own two feet for efficient and cost-effective transportation around the city.
  • Staying in Midtown will keep you close to the action.
  • View art collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
Lower Manhattan skyline with Statue of Liberty

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Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is absolutely my favorite of all the places to see in New York City. It’s a must-do when visiting New York for the first time. Buy your tickets ahead of time, especially if you want to climb up to the crown. Those tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance.

Even if you don’t want to go up into 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) and just walk around the monument’s exterior.

I would still recommend purchasing this ticket online in advance, as these can also sell out, especially during peak tourist times.

Or buy yourself a New York CityPASS and get admission to four other major NYC attractions along with the ferry access to the Statue of Liberty.

Related Post → Planning a Travel Itinerary: The Complete Guide

View of the lower manhattan skyline from Liberty Island
Check out this view of Manhattan from the Statue of Liberty pedestal! Highly recommended for your first time in NYC. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

Ellis Island admission is included in your ticket, so go ahead and take advantage if you have time. Cruises from New York depart from Battery Park, which is a nice place for a picnic lunch before or after your trip to Liberty Island.

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this.

Times Square

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 says “New York!” as loudly as Times Square. Soak it in, take a few photos, and wander through so you can say you’ve been there.

Maybe even buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt, but do not—I repeat, do not—eat at a major chain restaurant in Times Square. That will just hurt me on so many levels.

Read More → The Perfect One Day in New York Itinerary

Rockefeller Center

A fairly easy walk from Times Square will take you to Rockefeller Center, 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 (during the fall/winter season), and more.

If you’re feeling snackish, I recommend stopping at Magnolia Bakery for something yummy.

white rose in a name carved into the 9/11 Memorial in Mew York City
The 9/11 memorial is a great site to see in New York for first-timers. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

9/11 Memorial

In my opinion, the 9/11 Memorial is absolutely a must-do on your trip and one of my favorite free things to do in New York City.

The terrorist attacks that destroyed the Twin Towers on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, changed the city forever. It’s one of the most moving and beautiful memorials that I have ever had the privilege of seeing. The Memorial is open to the public every day.

9/11 Memorial
180 Greenwich Street
www.911memorial.org

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

It’s one of the most important museums in the world. Even if you’re not a fan of art or museums, consider making the Met a part of your trip

The permanent collection includes works by great artists from the ancient to the modern, and they frequently mount major special exhibitions in a space so stunning it’s worth the price of admission just to explore the building.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
metmuseum.org

Central Park

Central Park is another of those places that is just so quintessentially New York, you absolutely need to make time in your itinerary to see it.

Now, keep in mind that this park is huge. I mean it. Central Park covers 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 such as the Zoo, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Belvedere Castle or the Conservatory Water (where you can rent a model boat to sail on the pond).

Google map of top sites in New York for first-timers
Click on the image for an interactive map of the best things to see your first time in NYC. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

Ride the Subway

If you go to New York City and don’t ride the subway does your trip even count? I don’t think so. You really need to do it, and honestly, it is an easy and cheap way to get around the city while you’re there.

If you’re going to be there for a week-long visit, I’d recommend getting a 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard. Individual subway rides can add up, so check your itinerary to see if the unlimited ride card could save you money. You can find subway maps on the MTA website.

Get a slice of 99-cent pizza

No, I’m not joking about this one. They’re all over Manhattan and have clever names like “Fresh Pizza 99 Cents” and ”One Dollar Pizza.”

If you need cheap eats in New York City, just grab a slice of pizza for 99 cents…or pay a little more for a second slice and a can of soda.

TRAVEL 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. 

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge tower from below with blue sky and American flag.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a great site to explore on your first trip to NYC. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go

Make sure to add seeing the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge to your list of things to do when visiting New York City. For a breathtaking view of the skyline, start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards lower Manhattan.

The entire pedestrian walkway is 1.1 miles, but you don’t have to walk the whole length. If you’re short on time, I recommend going out to the first tower from the Manhattan side for some good photo ops.

If you’re afraid of heights, be advised that the gaps between the wooden slats on the walkway offer occasional views of traffic below.

Please pay attention while crossing the bridge. Bikers use this bridge as well, and some of them ride quite fast. If you’re walking, stay in the pedestrian lane.

Empire State Building

Some would argue that the Empire State Building should be at the top of everyone’s list when they visit New York City.

I have a fear of heights and I don’t very often spend money to put myself in high places. To be honest, in all my trips to NYC, I’ve only ever looked up at the Empire State Building from the ground.

If you want to go up the Empire State Building, you might want to get this skip-the-line ticket. If you purchase the Express Ticket option, you can skip all the lines. Cancel up to 24 hours before for free.

High Line

People walking on the New York City High Line with buildings and trees in the background.
Stroll the High Line when you explore NYC. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

The High Line is more than just a public park and green space in lower Manhattan. It was created on old abandoned railway tracks.

The High Line opened in 2009 and is nearly 1.5 miles long, running from Gansevoort Street to West 34th. There are points of access at many places along the High Line (including elevator access), and restrooms are located at Gansevoort St., 16th St., and 30th St. 

This is the kind of place you really have to see to believe. Though I haven’t yet seen as much of the High Line as I would like (time didn’t allow it), walking the entire length of this unique park is definitely on my New York City bucket list. 

Grand Central Terminal

If you have the time, I recommend stopping by Grand Central Terminal. I love this building. It’s one of my favorite buildings in New York and has been a city landmark since it opened in 1913. 

Grand Central is still a functioning station with 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway and Metro-North Railroad train service. In addition to being a stunning building, it also includes many shops and restaurants, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a snack on your tour around Midtown.

Inside the Grand Central Terminal main hall with sun streaming in through the large windows.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art should be on every art lover’s travel bucket list. Located at 11 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, MoMA is one of the largest museums in the world devoted to the preservation and display of modern and contemporary art.

Your ticket includes admission to all galleries and special exhibits, and in my opinion, it is entirely worth the price.

You’ll see important works of art like Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon; Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31, 1950; Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory; a large Monet Water Lilies triptych; and Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World.

And don’t miss your chance to see the museum’s top draw, Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.

Some more of the best things to do in NYC

Bryant Park

My favorite cheap dinner in New York City is to grab a couple of kati rolls at the Kati Roll Company on West 39th then walk to Bryant Park for some great people watching.

You could also grab some picnic fixings at the Whole Foods across the street from the park.   

If people watching sounds dull, you can participate in free activities or play some of the free board games there. The last time we were in the city my sister joined in the free group bingo at Bryant Park, just one of the many free activities they offer there. 

Washington Square Park

Don’t miss Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village with its famous white marble arch. Named for George Washington, the area was officially made a public park in 1827.  

Washington Square Park is a great place to rest your weary feet for a bit and do some people-watching. You’ll likely find a lot of NYU students hanging out and/or studying here, as many of the university’s campus buildings ring the park. 

View of Washington Square arch from below.
Washington Square Park makes a great addition to your New York City itinerary. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go

Chelsea Market

After your people-watching at Washington Square Park, head over to the Chelsea Market for lunch or dinner. It’s about a 20-minute walk or you can take the subway (A, C, or E). 

Chelsea Market has to be one of the top indoor foodie destinations in the U.S. if not the world. It draws millions of food fans every year. You’re sure to find something (or many things!) here to make a great meal…and dessert. 

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry that runs between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. It’s one of the best ways to see New York City for free, and it offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Financial District.

The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ferries depart Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the time of day).

Metropolitan Opera 

I have yet to get to New York on a trip where I can go to the Metropolitan Opera. It’s been on my bucket list for years, and one day I will go. If you have any interest in the performing arts (I mean, even just a tiny bit) and you can go to the Met, then by all means go to the Met.

The Metropolitan Opera is THE premier opera company in the world (not just hyperbole). EVERYONE wants to sing there. Go. 

Baseball 

I love baseball, but I cannot in good conscience recommend that you go see the Yankees play. (Go, Mariners!)

It’s physically causing me pain to write this, but if you are a fan of baseball you probably should at least scratch Yankee Stadium off your bucket list (or whatever…I guess…if you have to).

I’ve been there and done that so next up is Citi Field to see the Mets play.  

Broadway show 

It’s like the Met, but not opera. In other words, EVERYONE wants to perform on Broadway so if you have the means to catch a show do it. Beware of ticket resellers though and proceed with caution.

Where to Stay

When visiting NYC for the first time it’s important to choose a great place to stay. Consider booking a hotel convenient to the majority of the sites you want to see, whether within walking distance or near a subway stop.

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 

There are two best ways to get around New York City: 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 (for the most part). In my opinion, using the subway in NYC should be a part of your trip experience.

You’ll quickly get the hang of it. Yes, sometimes it smells bad and sometimes the trains aren’t running properly, but you really should try it.

Taxis are a fine option for getting around New York City especially if you are going someplace that just doesn’t have an easy subway route or a nearby stop.

The bottom line

Whatever you choose to do during your time in New York City, I know you’ll have a wonderful time. It’s truly a great city.

So what are you waiting for? Get started planning your first trip to the Big Apple and be sure to check out all of the amazing things New York City has to offer. You won’t regret it!

More articles to help you plan a trip to New York City

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What to see in New York for first-timers.
Photo of the face of the Statue of Liberty. Text reads: Things you can't miss your first time in New York City.

14 Comments

  1. michelle brown says:

    Thanks so much for your suggestions! I plan on looking into some of these places while I’m living in NYC for a few months. The free activities will really help since I’m not working right now.

    Michelle | alittlebitofdoctorb.com

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      Wonderful! Thanks for reading.

  2. I’ve only been to New York once and loved it. I went to the Empire State Building as well as most of the places you mentioned. Sorry I didn’t ride the subway though, next time, I promise.

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      I considered adding the Empire State Building to this post, but as someone who struggles with heights I’ve never been to the top myself and so I can’t really say if it’s must-do or not. What do you think? Would you tell someone else visiting NYC for the first time that they definitely need to do the Empire State building?

  3. A great guide! I’ve never been to New York but when I do, I know where to look for info on the best places to give me a real insight into the city! 🙌

  4. Ann (travelgirlto) says:

    I love NYC. I’ve been many times but I always love to see it again with people who haven’t been before. You have a great list here!

  5. This is perfect! I’ve never been to NYC and it feels overwhelming. Thanks for breaking it down. And love the $.99 pizza recommendation!

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      Thank you so much! Yes, the cheap pizza was a lifesaver on a few occasions. Sometimes you just need a REALLY cheap meal fast.

  6. I would add walking across the Brooklyn Bridge to this list! It’s a great activity to do at the end of the day if you’re already downtown (maybe after seeing Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial) and once you’re on the Brooklyn side, you can walk around Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO and have dinner at one of the many cute restaurants along the waterfront.

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      Brooklyn Bridge is definitely a good option. And one of my favorite free things in NYC.

  7. I’ve been to NYC a few times, but I still haven’t made it to the Statue of Liberty! There’s so much to see in NYC that I feel like I need to go for a whole month!

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      I totally agree. I’m hoping on my next trip there that I can get a little more off the beaten path. But my last two trips there I was showing around people who had never been before so I keep going back to the same places. LOL!

  8. What an awesome itinerary! Would love to visit New York City someday. Love the sound of a 99 cents pizza – what a dream haha. And of course, can’t miss out on visiting Central Park

    1. Darcy Vierow says:

      Thanks, Hayley! I hope you get to see NYC soon. It’s one of my favorite cities on the planet.

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