Planning Your First Visit to New York City

Getting Ready

As a first time visitor to New York City, there are some key things you need to do to prepare for your trip and make the most of your time exploring the greatest city in the world. Before arriving, take time to carefully study subway maps and get familiar with the overall layout of the city. Focus your exploration within Manhattan on this initial visit to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Look into hotel options in advance and book one that is centrally located, making it easy to explore on foot. When you first arrive, head straight to your hotel to settle in rather than stopping to sightsee so you can rest up before starting your adventures.

Transportation

Unless staying in outer boroughs, renting a car is not necessary in New York City. The subway system, nicknamed “the trains”, provides an efficient and affordable way to navigate within the city. Alternately, yellow cabs are plentiful if subways make you apprehensive. However, be aware that traffic can lead to high cab fares and long rides during peak times. No matter how you get around, always have subway or bus maps on hand for navigation.

Setting Sights

Iconic Parks

Two parks should be at the top of any visitor’s list for New York - Central Park and the new High Line park. Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 1860s, is an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan offering activities from birdwatching to boating. Don’t miss strolling along the Central Park West or stopping to admire various sculptures along the way. The High Line, built on an elevated rail structure, offers a unique vantage point for taking in the city while walking among beautiful landscaping and public art.

Top Museums

New York is home to world-class museums where you could easily spend days exploring. Must-sees include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). If time is limited, focus on each museum’s most famous exhibits. At the Met, be sure to see iconic pieces like Starry Night at their massive modern art wing. Kids and adults alike will be enthralled by the dinosaurs and gems at the Natural History Museum. MoMA offers a compact survey of seminal modern artistic movements and individual masterworks.

Exploring Cultural Treasures

Musical Theater

A quintessential New York experience is catching a Broadway show. For the best overview of the theatre district and behind-the-scenes stories, take one of About New York Broadway Musical Theatre Walking Tours guided by professional actors. This allows you to learn about the history and developments of American musicals while passing the iconic theatrical marquees along the way. If joining a live performance isn’t possible, book a Rockefeller Center or Times Square tour for photos with the huge traditional advertising.

Architecture & Design

Several guided tours showcase New York’s innovative and iconic structures. Discover how the city’s skyline evolved on O’Connor Green Tours, exploring Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and the contemporary redevelopments around Times Square. For a closer look at sustainable design, book a ticket for the top of the new One Vanderbilt tower scheduled to open in 2020, featuring unprecedented views from 1,400 feet above the city. Architecture aficionados can learn about landmark buildings on neighborhood walking tours as well.

Exploring Flavors

Traditional & Ethnic Cuisine

As one of the most diverse and adventurous food cities in the world, New York offers tastes from every corner of the globe. Go beyond classic Italian and Chinese with specialities like Northern Italian, Sichuan, or Hong Kong-style dim sum. Fun Foodie NYC tours led by culinary expert Adrienne Cooper provide a delicious introduction to cuisines like Ethiopian, Peruvian, French, and fusion options you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to dine at icons like Katz’s Delicatessen for the full New York dining experience.

Unique Tasting Experiences

Several innovative food tour companies and restaurants have reimagined how to experience New York flavors. Reserve spots on Devour Food Tours for one-of-a-kind multi-course walks and tastings highlighting a specific region, ingredients, or cooking techniques. Sample boutique beers, ciders, and small-batch whiskeys during craft beverage tours of Brooklyn and Manhattan. For an indulgent evening, book a counter seating at a top-rated restaurant like Eleven Madison Park to observe the masters at work.

Active Adventures

Outdoor Activities

New York City is renowned for its abundance of parks and green spaces perfect for enjoying fresh air and scenic views. Go running, cycling orinline skating alongpaths in Central Park, Prospect Park, Riverside Park or along the waterfront. Rent Citibikes for a leisurely ride through scenic neighborhoods. In summer, relax at one of the 14 miles of public beaches or join pick up games of volleyball, soccer or more unusual activities like the annual squirt gun battle in Broadway.

Unique Tours

Get physical and learn historical facts on speciality walking tours. Trace the footsteps of the Ghostbusters movie on location tours or visit filming sites of your favorite television showsand movies. Brooklyn Bridge Sightseeing Bike Rentals & Tours leads guided rides over the iconic bridge with waterfront views. For fun competitive sports, catch a baseball, football, basketball, cricket or quidditch match. Experience cutting-edge dance and music scenes by joining practice sessions of underground groups around the city.

Getting the Most out of Your Trip

Navigation

New York may seem overwhelming but locals are always happy to help lost visitors. Memorize key subway stations to navigate your favored neighborhoods confidently. Download transportation apps for real-time updates on public transit changes. While walking, be aware of your surroundings but don’t worry about keeping to a rigid itinerary, serendipitous discoveries are part of the New York charm.

Attitude Adjustments

Visitors sticking out like tourists may find disapproving looks from New Yorkers - blend in with confident body language. Enjoy big city energy but don’t gawk up at buildings aimlessly. Save map studying for indoors. Dress fashionably but comfortably for varying weather. Most importantly relax, embrace spontaneity and you’re sure to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind global city. With advance planning and openness to new experiences, even first-time visitors can feel right at home in New York.