How To Plan A Trip To New York For First Timers

New York for first timers can be daunting to plan. Many of us spend our lives experiencing NYC through our favourite movies, TV shows (Friends, Sex & The City and Gossip Girl to name but a few), pop culture and more. It is a magical place that you feel you know, love and feel connected to before you’ve even stepped off the plane for the first time.

I travelled to New York annually for a number of years and can assure you that the magical feeling and energy of the city still hasn’t gotten old. In fact, I am itching to go back and see what else the city has to offer now. Much like London, there is always something new to discover!

New York City is bursting with so many things to do, see, eat and drink that I thought I’d share my first hand knowledge of how to plan a trip to New York for first timers with you.

New York For First Timers: Everything You Need To Know

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

For the purposes of this New York for first timers guide, I am predominantly talking about Manhattan and Brooklyn as these are the most visited boroughs and most likely where you’ll spend most of your time on your first trip to New York.

New York City is much more than the island of Manhattan though and I would be remiss not to call this out. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Brooklyn too which has a wonderful, hip and marginally more relaxed vibe to it.

You might want to consider staying in Brooklyn over Manhattan, but first..

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How To Get To New York City

There are three major airports in New York City; JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.

Newark airport is technically in New Jersey, the neighbouring state so it is a fair distance away from Manhattan unless you’re staying on the West side. JFK and LaGuardia airports are in Queens, which make more sense for anyone staying on the East Side of Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens.

LaGuardia airport operates under a perimeter rule meaning that it’s restricted from operating flights from more than 1500 miles away. Therefore there are no international flights into this airport, or even any direct flights from the West Coast.

Each of the three airports in NYC serve as a hub for just a few airline carriers, so depending on your airline of choice, that will be the deciding factor for where you land. In my humble opinion, JFK is the best airport to fly into as it’s connected to the subway, making it super easy to get into the city.

How To Get Around New York City

NYC Subway

Public transportation is never a glamorous way to travel but the subway is the fast and cheapest way to get around the city as Manhattan traffic is chaotic. A single journey on the subway costs $2.90 regardless of your destination.

The only disadvantage of using the subway is that you don’t see any of the city while you’re travelling, but that’s not a deal breaker. The NYC subway is an interesting place for people-watching.

Taxi 

The iconic yellow cabs have become one of the trademarks of New York City. While they aren’t the fastest way to travel through the city, they aren’t horribly expensive either. This is always my transport mode of choice when travelling from the airport and back; they charge a flat rate of $70 for trips between JFK Airport and Manhattan, with an additional $5 at peak times.

The yellow cabs can be hailed all over the city if they are not occupied – if the light is on, they are available. Light off indicates that they are occupied.

Uber also operate in NYC, and this may be a more cost effective way of getting a taxi if you have a SIM card in New York. I find having data incredibly useful for keeping in touch with friends and family, making reservations in advance and simply for navigational purposes around the city. I have been converted to using eSIMS for ease of use as you are online as soon as you arrive in the city. You save money and time trying to locate a physical SIM card retailer but most importantly, for the reassurance I have knowing that I won’t lose my regular SIM card.

Hop-on-Hop-off bus

A fun, alternative mode of transport is the red Hop-on-Hop-off bus.

This is more expensive than the NYC Subway but it drives past all of the most popular sights in New York City, while giving you all the information about each spot. These are great if you are short on time and want to cover as much ground as possible. You can get on and off at any stop, easily moving between the different attractions while enjoying the city.

These bus rides are offered by various companies, but tickets are often cheaper to book online.

Walking and cycling

New York City is very walkable and you will inevitably rack up your step count – so I would recommend not setting foot in New York unless that foot is emblazoned with an Adidas or Nike logo.

Exploring the city by bike is always fun and is certainly possible in New York City – though personally I’d be terrified of riding a bike on the busy roads with the crazy traffic. While the streets are not the safest or the most relaxed option, Central Park is lovely to ride a bike through.

Alternatively, you can opt for an organised bicycle tour with a guide and see the sights that way.

The Best Things To Do In New York For First Timers

Before I get into it, I would recommend purchasing a New York City Pass which will allow you to visit some of New York’s highlights at a more affordable rate. There are different types of passes available to meet your requirements.

20 Best Sights and Views of New York For First Timers

New York City, or the Big Apple as it is also called, is infamous for their impressive skyline which is made up of a mix of skyscrapers and buildings with beautiful architectural design.

If architecture is your vibe, you won’t be disappointed here. The Empire State building, Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, One Vanderbilt, the Oculus Center, Grand Central Terminal, New York Public Library and the Flatiron buildings are some of the ones not to miss.

I have narrowed down 20 of the best things to in New York City for your first visit..

Top of the Rock

The best view of the New York skyline can be found at Top of Rock; an observatory 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 and also Central Park.

The Empire State Building

Everyone has heard of the Empire State Building; the oldest observation platform in New York. With views spanning out to even Pennsylvania and Massachusetts on a clear day. The building served as a film setting for several blockbusters such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.

Staten Island Ferry & The Statue Of Liberty

If you want to get on the water in the city, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and is a great way to get a close up view of the Statue of Liberty and the financial district. The boat travels from the southern point of Manhattan over to Staten Island.

The High Line

The High Line is one of my favourite walks in New York; where you can weave your way through the Chelsea neighbourhood on an elevated old train track that sits above the busy streets of the west side. The scenic route is 1.45 miles long and is essentially a beautiful park that is also a very popular photoshoot location.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is one of the most popular and oldest food halls in the city. Located close to the High Line, this is a great place to walk around, grab a bite to eat and soak up all the people-watching. This is a fab spot with more varieties of food than you could imagine.

Little Island

Little Island is an artificial island above the Hudson River, located near the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards. You can admire this green urban oasis from the High Line with views of Manhattan, New Jersey and the river around you. It’s quite an unusual spot to visit with concrete ‘tulips’ forming the structure of the island. There are a few walkways to enjoy the views over the water, with the landscaping providing a beautiful escape for city dwellers and visitors alike.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the impressive Brooklyn Bridge is one of my top recommendations for your first time in New York for the iconic views. It is just under 5 miles long, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn and is by far the busiest bridge, but for good reason. The bridge sits above the traffic, and you get fabulous views of the New York skyline and the East River when you walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you literally walk into the skyline. It is on many people’s New York bucket list and I can see why.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is a leafy suburb in Manhattan, packed with stunning brownstones and incredible city history. If you’re a SATC fan, this part of New York will seem familiar with it’s high end boutique shops, tall townhouses and adorable bakeries. A beautiful neighbourhood to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.

DUMBO, Brooklyn 

DUMBO (meaning ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’) is the hippest neighbourhood in Brooklyn that has massively grown in popularity in recent years. It used to be an industrial area full of warehouses and is now the place for culture vultures, instagrammers, creatives and hipsters to flock to. (FYI – Washington Street between Front Street & Water Street is the renowned street to grab that iconic Instagram shot of Manhattan Bridge in the background). You will find various art galleries, coffee bars, compact green spaces, bakeries, markets and more to explore here.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

While in Brooklyn, if you want to escape the city for a short time and relax in an oasis of peace, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the place to visit. This beautifully landscaped park consists of 12 different gardens and the best time to visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden is during the spring when most of the flowers are in bloom.

Central Park

Years spent rewatching Friends made me almost type out ‘Central Perk’ (if you know, you know). Spanning from 59th to 110th Street and from 5th to 8th Avenue, Central park is the green heart of Manhattan. There is a lot to see and do in this iconic park, including have lunch on the terrace of the beautiful Central Park Boat House (formerly known as The Loeb Boat House) when the weather is nice. You will recognise this restaurant from many movies and TV shows including Sex and The City, Borat, 27 Dresses and When Harry Met Sally. You can rent rowing boats to go out on the lake here, but don’t forget to make a reservation – it’s a popular spot for Hollywood!

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park is a small public square in Manhattan, surrounded by historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, giving you great views of the Flatiron and the Empire State Building. There are often art installations in the park to enjoy, but it’s a great spot to pause for a coffee and rest your weary legs.

The Meatpacking District

Formerly where all the meat packing businesses in New York were, as the name would suggest, but this area is now full of hip bars and restaurants to explore. It’s a great place to go for the nightlife in Manhattan, while you can soak up all the warm toned converted warehouses and industrial vibes that make a great backdrop for this area.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is a beautiful national historic landmark and worth a visit just to appreciate the beautiful ceiling and constellations covering it. Not just for those using it as a transport hub, there are a ton of shops, eateries and and beautiful architecture to admire here while watching commuters pass you by. You can explore on your own or book a tour.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is in Midtown Manhattan, just behind the famous New York Public Library. With eateries, bars and some green space to relax with a book or have a picnic. In the winter, this spot turns into New York City’s winter wonderland with a free ice skating rink, cosy igloos to hang out in and excellent Christmas markets to browse.

Times Square

It wouldn’t be a guide to New York for first timers without mentioning Times Square now, would it? This is the most famous square in the world, so of course it is full of tourists at all times. I made the mistake of staying here on my first trip to NYC and never again – hotels are small, it’s always incredibly busy and crowded at all times.

You have to visit it at some point on your trip though and I would suggest at night time when it’s illuminated with all the lights. If you’re visiting on New Years Eve, this is where you can watch the ball drop – however, be warned that you probably won’t actually see it due to the number of people around.

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a famous music venue where you can enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts, special events and a variety of art. Located in the Rockefeller Centre, it was once the world’s largest music venue when it opened.

Broadway: See a Live Show

Something usual to do in New York for first timers is to book tickets to watch a live show. Whether you’re interested in a musical or some stand-up comedy, TKTS is a popular destination to snag some last minute tickets for a good price for one of the famous Broadway shows. There are comedy spots too, all over the city that sell tickets at the door.

Join the Audience for a Talk Show

If you’re looking for something even more unusual but fun, you might be able to snag tickets for a live American talk show – think, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers or The Daily Show. Tickets are free, but you do need to put in a request for them in advance and you never know – you could find yourself as part of a live studio audience for one of your favourite talk shows.

Hoboken, New Jersey

If you have enough time on your visit to New York, I would highly recommend hopping on a short train or ferry ride to Hoboken, New Jersey. One of my favourite views of New York was from the New Jersey side of the river – it feels almost secluded and tranquil and the views of the skyline from the waterfront are incredible. While you’re there, make sure you grab a giant slice of NJ pizza – it would be rude not to!

Top 3 Museums To Visit In New York City

NYC has so many museums that it is impossible to visit them all. Here are my top picks for first time visitors to New York.

9/11 Memorial Museum 

Also referred to as Ground Zero, the 9/11 memorial museum is on the exact spot where the Twin Towers stood before the tragedy of the 9/11 attack when two planes flew into them in 2001. The names of all the victims are engraved on the monuments and it is a really moving, captivating site to visit. You can learn all about the tragic event at the 9/11 Museum through personal stories of loss, recovery and hope.

MoMa 

MoMa is the Museum of Modern Art; one of the largest museums in the world where you can admire both modern and contemporary art, considered one of the best collections in the world. 

Guggenheim 

Much like MoMa, the Guggenheim is a museum with a beautiful Modern art collection too. The building is actually a work of art too, so if you don’t have time to visit this museum, it is definitely worth walking past to simply marvel at the architecture.

Where to stay in Manhattan?

As with any trip, looking for an area to stay in can be overwhelming, so I would plan your itinerary first and then select hotels that are centrally located to a majority of the landmarks I want to visit.

Manhattan is essentially divided up into three areas and each area has its own vibe:

• Uptown – Uptown is quiet and calm with a more residential feel. This is where you’ll find most of the museums, Central Park and the boujie hotels (so not the most affordable option, but amazing if your budget allows for it). I would consider north of 59th Street up to 116th street to be Uptown. Anywhere further north of that is Harlem.
• Midtown – Midtown has the majority of the attractions including Times Square, but is super busy and feels extremely touristy. Here you’ll find a plethora of hotels to choose from, many more affordable due to the amount of choice you have, but I have say that Midtown does lack some character. This is where you’ll find many offices and theatres but it’s a great option for those travelling on a budget. Midtown extends from 14th Street to the southern border of Central Park at 59th Street – my favourite hotel to stay at here was The Shelburne. I have stayed here twice now!
• Downtown – Downtown varies greatly by neighbourhood, from charming quiet areas like Greenwich Village to skyscrapers and office buildings in the Financial District. This is the heart of nightlife, culture and restaurants, etc. Think Sex and The City for this one. If you plan to focus primarily on eating, shopping and nightlife, staying in Downtown NYC would be my recommendation. You’ll distinctly feel the energy and culture of New York City and be able to walk to most places on your list. I’d recommend staying in Soho, Noho or Greenwich Village. Anywhere below 14th Street is Downtown NYC.

Where to Stay in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn sets the bar pretty high when it comes to hip eateries, chic shops and trendy bars. The Instagram worthy backdrops attract culture vultures, artists, creatives and hipsters from across the globe and if this is your vibe, you will not be disappointed.

Visiting New York for first timers can be overwhelming, but Brooklyn feels more residential and has a more relaxed atmosphere than Manhattan.

The most popular areas to stay in Brooklyn are:

• Williamsburg – Williamsburg is the ‘hippest’ place in Brooklyn, partly due to the sheer amount of things to do; lively nightlife, vintage shops, craft markets, and hip hangouts, as well as cinemas and theatres – not to mention the epic views of NYC too. Although this neighbourhood is one of the most expensive areas to live in, Williamsburg actually has relatively affordable hotels in Brooklyn, at least by NYC standards anyway.
• Greenpoint – Greenpoint is an up and coming trendy neighbourhood, situated at the heart of Brooklyn. Known for it’s industrial architecture and minimalist style as well as its slow and modest pace and overall charm and atmosphere. Much like Williamsburg, Greenpoint is also considered hipster, thanks to its expansive art scene, however you can score much more affordable hotels in Greenpoint.
• Brooklyn Heights – Brooklyn Heights is a picturesque area offering epic views of NYC; this neighbourhood is full of charm, calm and residential vibes between the cobblestone streets and beautiful brownstones. As it is directly across the East River from lower Manhattan, you will have easy access to the most popular attractions in New York City.
• Bushwick – Bushwick is a vibrant, eclectic neighbourhood in northeast Brooklyn that is best-known for its colourful street art, charming cafes and trendy restaurants and shops. Thanks to its urban art, cultural diversity and exciting culinary scene, Bushwick is on the list of best places to stay in Brooklyn.

New York Tips For First Timers

International visitors need a VISA waiver, called an ESTA to visit the US for less than 90 days without needing a visa – be sure to check the entry requirements before you travel. An ESTA costs $21 per person and is valid for 2 years from the date of purchase.

If you are flying from Europe to New York, it is worth bearing in mind that Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside of North America that offers a US Pre Clearance facility. The benefit of this is that on arrival in the US, you are then treated as domestic arrivals, so you avoide immigration queues. Upon arrival, you simply walk through, pick up your luggage and walk out. The last time I flew into Newark Airport, the queues for immigration were over 4 hours long and given that flying from London to Dublin takes around an hour, this might be a no-brainer if your budget allows for it.

New York is a double tax state, meaning that everything costs more than it does elsewhere in the USA. If, like me, you are timing your trip around the Black Friday sales, I would encourage you to shop in New Jersey, the neighbouring state instead. The tax rate is much lower and you are spoilt for choice with all the outlets available – the Jersey Shore outlets in particular were my favourite!

International tourists can save 10% off most items at the iconic Macy’s store. You used to have to take your passport with you to obtain a pass, but you can now do this digitally. Macy’s was once the world’s largest department store taking up an entire block and is known for its elaborate seasonal displays, attracting thousands of locals and visitors to New York City each year.

Add your cards to Apple Pay on your phone or Apple watch. When using the NYC Subway, you will easily be able to tap to pay at the turnstile which is much easier than purchasing a metro card. This also ensure you won’t run the risk of having any money leftover on your metro card at the end of your trip.

If this is your first time travelling to the USA, keep in mind that the prices on a menu don’t include a tip. Drinks and meals seem cheap until you realise you have to pay an additional 15%, 18% or 20% extra tip. Don’t forget that the tax is also added on to the receipt (same goes for retail outlets too) – so the prices you see on the menu aren’t accurate of how much you will end up spending.

Tipping culture is rife in America – when someone provides you with a service of any description; from cab drivers and hotel bellboys to fast food outlets where they aren’t even providing you with a real service of any description, tipping is expected. 15-20% is the norm, which is outrageous to the rest of the world, but this is how it works here as staff are not paid a minimum wage.

The Best Time to Visit New York?

The great thing about New York City is that there is no best time to visit! Depending on your interests, there is so much to do all year round.

Winter in New York for first timers is absolutely magical – although cold! You can watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Years’ Eve, visit the infamous ice rink at Rockefeller Center, walk around the winter village at Bryant Park and if you’re lucky enough to have snow during your trip, visiting Central Park is a must.

The weather outside will be freezing, but the best things to do in winter in NYC indoors will keep you cheery. With many pop-up events, impressive museums such as the MoMa, The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, various indoor observatories like the Summit One Vanderbilt and many covered markets such as the Chelsea market (my personal favourite).

Summer in New York for first timers is an entirely different vibe. Once the heat cranks up, the city has a boundless energy from rooftop pools and movies to free dance parties to great music festivals and more. Central Park is a must visit in all seasons. It’s worth noting that summer time in NYC is busier with more tourists, so it’s wise to book tickets to attractions in advance and/or choose skip the line tickets.

Spring and Autumn are, in my opinion, a better time to visit, with fewer crowds and milder weather, so you get the best of both worlds. Fall, or Autumn as we know it, is beautiful to watch the leaves transition from deep green to orange while walking through Central Park.

How Long To Spend In New York City?

This is honestly like asking how long is a piece of string? A long weekend in New York would certainly not be enough time to even scratch the surface, particularly for first timers.

I would recommend an absolute minimum of 4 days in New York City to get a taste of all it has to offer. I should warn you that it is an exhausting place to visit with all the walking and navigating crowds, it is also an expensive city to visit, so factor that in, if you are on a budget.

You can easily spend a week in New York and still feel like you haven’t seen enough, so the best thing you can do is use this New York for first timers guide to find the things that really interest you, work out your budget and see how much you can do and see in as many days as you can be there for.

Much like London, NYC is forever evolving with new things to do, see and eat constantly. From various pop-ups, events, festivals and new restaurants and bars. This is why so many people visit multiple times, across all four seasons and still never get bored of it.

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