First Time in New York City: Everything You Need to Know For an Amazing Visit 2025

New York City in the USA is without a doubt one of the coolest cities I’ve ever visited, and it sat on my bucket list for years before I finally made it.

By now, I’ve been a few times, but every single visit still amazes me. The city is huge, chaotic, iconic, and packed with so many things to do, eat, and explore. It’s one of those places that really does live up to the hype.

So if it’s your first time in New York City, I’ve got you covered. Think of this as your NYC 101 guide for tourists: the must-see landmarks, some general tips, and a few basics you should know before your trip. Let’s get into it!

First Time in New York City – My Experience

I’ve been to New York City a few times now, but of course I still remember my very first trip. Honestly, I was a little nervous, this is the city that never sleeps afteral.l Before we get into it, just a quick note: this is a first-timer’s guide written by a tourist for other tourists. I’m not here to tell you how to live like a true New Yorker. I’m simply sharing my experiences of visiting for a few days and making the most of all the fun, touristy stuff.

That very first time, I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer size of Manhattan. It felt like I was constantly running from A to B to C without much of a plan, and yet I still had the best time.

What I also love about New York is that every trip feels different. There are always new things to do, see, and eat, but at the same time I never mind repeating the classics. You can bet I stop by Times Square and the Statue of Liberty every single time, because why not? They’re iconic for a reason.

Since I usually only stay for a few days (about a long weekend, 3 nights or so), I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way. 

My best advice for a first trip to New York is to open up Google Maps, mark the sights and neighborhoods you want to see, and group them by area. It makes no sense to try to do Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and Williamsburg all in one day. Plan smart, and you’ll see much more without running yourself ragged. 

I even put together a 3 days in New York itinerary if you want a clearer idea of how to organize your trip.

New York City First Time Travel Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the things I wish I’d known before my first trip to New York. These are little tips I’ve picked up from my own visits, small details that can make your time in the city a lot easier (and way more enjoyable).

• Airport to Manhattan – don’t get scammed by taxis: Yellow cabs from JFK have a flat fare into Manhattan ($52 plus tolls + tip). Uber/Lyft can sometimes be pricier, depending on surge pricing. Personally, I’ve found the cheapest option is the AirTrain + subway, though it can feel a little overwhelming if you’re juggling luggage.
  
• Consider a New York Pass (but only if you’ll actually use it): City passes like the New York Pass or CityPASS can save you money if you plan to tick off the big attractions like Empire State, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, museums, etc. From experience, though, you really need to pack in a lot of attractions to make it worthwhile. If you’re only doing one or two sights, just buy regular tickets.
  
• The subway is your friend (and not as scary as TV makes it look): Grab a MetroCard or just tap in with Apple/Google Pay. The subway runs 24/7, although late-night service can be patchy. People always say Google Maps isn’t perfect for the subway, but honestly, it’s worked fine for me so far.
  
• Walking is underrated (but don’t underestimate distances): On a map, Manhattan looks deceptively small, but that “quick stroll” could be 45 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes, trust me on that. I usually walk most of Manhattan, hopping from sight to sight, but I’ll take the subway for longer stretches like between Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
  
• Cash isn’t king anymore: Most places take cards, and plenty are even card-only. Still, keep a little cash on you for tips, small bodegas, or when you want to support a subway busker who’s genuinely good.
  
• Tipping is NOT optional: Restaurants expect 18–25%, bars $1–2 per drink, and even coffee shops often have tip screens. For my fellow Europeans, yes, it feels strange at first, but in New York tipping isn’t just polite, it’s expected. Think of it as part of the local culture and budget for it.
  
• New York is more than Manhattan: Don’t stop at Midtown. I personally love exploring Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Domino Park, Prospect Park, and even parts of the Bronx like the zoo or Yankee Stadium. If you can, catch a game; it’s such a fun New York experience.
  
• Free (or nearly free) experiences exist: The Staten Island Ferry is completely free and gives you incredible Statue of Liberty views. Another favorite of mine, which I have done a few times not, is the Roosevelt Island Tramway, just the price of a subway fare for a gondola ride over the East River.
  
• Safety, it’s mostly fine, just be smart: NYC is safer than most people expect. Use common sense: keep your bag zipped, don’t flash cash, and avoid empty subway cars (they’re empty for a reason). Most of Manhattan and Brooklyn are absolutely fine for tourists during the day and night.
  
• Plan less, enjoy more: You’re never going to “see it all” in one trip. Don’t try to. Some of my favorite New York moments have been random, like stumbling into a bagel shop, listening to a street performer in Washington Square Park, or finding a quirky bookstore. That said, a little bit of planning (grouping sights by area and neighborhood) goes a long way in saving time.

Things to Do in New York for First Time Visitors

1. Times Square (but don’t linger too long)

It’s touristy, it’s chaotic, it’s a sensory overload, but you kind of have to see it at least once. I usually like to swing by twice: once during the day and once at night when it’s all lit up. That said, don’t plan to spend too long here, it’s crowded, busy, and a bit overwhelming.

2. Visit the One World Trade Center NYC

The One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial are definitely must-sees on my list, whenever I visit New York City.

Click Here: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets

3. Wander Central Park 

Rent a bike, or just stroll, it’s the perfect break from the concrete jungle. Central Park is huge (I don’t think I’ll ever manage to see it all). My favorite ritual is grabbing a coffee and a bagel, then finding a shady spot for a mini picnic.

4. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

A total first-timer must. Book tickets ahead if you want pedestal or crown access, they sell out quickly. If you’re short on time (or money), the Staten Island Ferry is free and gives great views of Lady Liberty too. That said, I’ve done both, and honestly the guided Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island tour is the better experience but of course, also way more expensive.

Click Here: Statue of Liberty & Ferry Tickets

5. Empire State Building or Top of the Rock (or both)

The Empire State is the icon, but Top of the Rock gives you the better view of the Empire State. If you want something more modern, One World Observatory or Edge at Hudson Yards are also fantastic. I’ve only done Empire State and Top of the Rock so far, and both were absolutely worth it.

Click Here: Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

6. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Do it from Brooklyn into Manhattan for the skyline views, they are amazing. Bonus: grab pizza in DUMBO before or after. My two favorites are Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s. Honestly, just go to whichever has the shorter line, they’re both great.

7. Watch a New York Broadway Show

Seeing a Broadway show is pure New York magic. TKTS booths in Times Square sell same-day discounted tickets.

8. Museums in New York

The Met is unbeatable for art lovers, MoMA is incredible if you’re into modern art, and the Natural History Museum is a winner if you’re traveling with kids (dinosaurs, giant whales, it’s a dream). Personally, MoMA is my favorite, but the Natural History Museum is definitely the best for kids.

Click Here: New York Explorer Pass & New York City Pass

9. Explore neighborhoods

Soho for shopping, Greenwich Village for cafés and live music, Chinatown for dumplings, Harlem for jazz. Each neighborhood feels like a different city, so definitely explore beyond Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.

10. New York Food Experiences

Start with a bagel and lox for breakfast, grab a New York slice for lunch, and if you want a true classic, try Katz’s Deli for pastrami. Yes, it’s overpriced and touristy, but it’s also fantastic, and worth doing at least once.

Where to Stay in New York for the First Time

When it comes to choosing where to stay in New York City for first-timers, location really does matter. Personally, I like being somewhere I can explore on foot, I don’t want to hop on the subway or call an Uber first thing in the morning. I love just stepping outside and walking straight into the action.

That’s why I usually stay around Midtown Manhattan. The exact neighborhood doesn’t matter as much, since you’ll probably be walking all over anyway, but Midtown puts you right in the middle of it all. 

Yes, it’s one of the pricier areas, but you’ll be close to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and Central Park, basically all the classics you’ll want to tick off on your first trip.

Here are some of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in and would recommend:

Book Here: Concorde Hotel New York

Book Here: The Renwick

Book Here: Aka Central Park

The Best Time to Visit New York City

The best time to visit New York really depends on personal preference, but having been in almost every season, my top picks are spring and fall in New York.

In spring, the city feels fresh and alive with blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and perfect weather for exploring without overheating. I loved being able to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt without worrying about sweating through the day.

On the other hand, fall in New York has its own magic. It feels a little cozier, the air is crisp, and strolling through the city in a coat while admiring the fall foliage in New York is just perfect.

For me, the worst time to visit New York City is summer. Since I tend to walk everywhere and pack a lot of sightseeing into my days, the heat and humidity were just too much. I found myself sweaty and uncomfortable most of the time, which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re trying to enjoy the city.

👉 If you want more details, I’ve put together a full guide on the best time to visit New York City that breaks down each season and what to expect.

FAQs About My First Time Visit to New York City

What are tips for visiting New York City for the first time?

My biggest tip is to plan your trip by neighborhood. Don’t try to hop across all five boroughs in one day, you’ll waste too much time on the subway. Instead, focus on one area at a time, like Midtown, Lower Manhattan, or Brooklyn. That way you’ll actually enjoy exploring instead of just commuting.

Is New York City worth visiting?

Absolutely. New York is one of my favorite cities in the world. Yes, it’s busy and yes, it can be expensive, but if you set your expectations and embrace the chaos, you’ll have an amazing time. It’s iconic for a reason.

When is the worst time to visit New York City?

For me, it’s definitely summer. I love exploring on foot, but walking around in the heat and humidity just isn’t fun, you’ll be sweaty within minutes. I’d take a crisp winter day over a muggy August afternoon anytime.

What should I do in New York on my first visit?

If it’s your first time in NYC, don’t skip the classics. Go up the Empire State Building, see the Statue of Liberty, wander Times Square. It might feel “touristy,” but honestly, that’s the fun of a first visit, you only get that first-time excitement once.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

Things to Do in New York City: My Top Activities in NYC

Where to Stay in New York City: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes in New York: My Top Coffee Shops in NYC

7 Days in New York Itinerary: How I Spent a Week in NYC