A First Timer’s Guide To New York

Are you planning a trip to New York for the very first time?

Your first visit to the big apple can be very exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming too. After all, there is so much to see and do; how could you possibly fit it all in?

Well, the good news is if you go prepared, you can make sure you tick those all-important items off your bucket list.

And that is exactly why we have created this beginner’s guide to New York City. Find out about all the must-see sites, tasty food and activities not to be missed during your visit.

Let us just caveat this guide by saying it will be near on impossible to experience the whole of New York on your first visit unless you intend on going for a year or two. Keeping this in mind, we will now share some of the best things to see and do for a first-timer.

What to expect from the city

Before you go, it’s important to know that New York is busy and built up, home to over 6,000 skyscrapers and plenty of iconic landmarks. Although it is not as big as London or Paris, the bustling city has an electric energy, great food, friendly locals and exciting nightlife.

There is, of course, the very famous Central Park, so it’s not all buildings, you also have Coney Island if you want to experience a beach by the city.

During the summer, temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, whereas in the winter, they can plummet below zero. So always be sure to look at the weather before you go and pack accordingly.

When it comes to getting around the city, the traffic is often slow and gridlocked, so in most cases, it’s best to explore on foot rather than in a taxi. You can also get the subway or bus if your feet are feeling tired.

What should you do your first time in New York?

We think you’ll agree from the moment you set foot in New York that it’s a pretty cool place to be. But before we throw you in the deep end, let’s start off with the basics for your first trip.

See the top attractions

Some of the city’s other landmarks that you simply must see include the Brooklyn Bridge and the bright lights of Times Square. Then you have the most iconic image of the city, The Statue of Liberty, which is possibly one of the most recognised symbols in the world.

For a bit of history, why not visit the Ellis Island museum? This is particularly exciting if you have family that immigrated and settled in New York, as you might find their names on the register there. And even though it’s an emotional subject, the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero is a truly humbling experience.

Last but certainly not least, you have Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic church. This is located in Midtown Manhattan.

Go and see a show or exhibition

If museums aren’t your thing, or you simply want to take in as much culture as you can, why not get tickets to see a show or exhibition? The Guggenheim Museum offers seasonal exhibitions, as well as permanent pieces from René Magritte, Vasily Kandinsky and Francis Bacon.

You can also see lots of exciting gigs, concerts and sporting events at Madison Square Gardens, and perhaps most famously, you can catch a show on Broadway. With 40 theatres to choose from in the region, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your trip, so book yourself some tickets before you go and don’t miss out.

Make sure you take in the views

One thing you absolutely should do during your time in New York is take in the city’s incredible skyline. One of the best places to do this is on top of the Rockefeller Centre. You can enjoy the elevator ride up with a glass roof that lasts for 42 seconds before getting out to arguably some of the most incredible cityscapes you’ll ever see

But that is not the only place you can go; you can also enjoy the views from the World Trade Centre and Empire State Building Observatory Deck. No matter where you go, make sure you take in the views before you leave.

Spoil yourself in the shops

Lots of people go to New York just for the shopping, and while we’re not suggesting you do that, you should certainly dedicate a few hours to getting lost in the shops.

There are lots of recognisable brands, along with some huge names like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Barney’s. If you’re lucky, you can find some goodies for a fraction of the price compared to places like London. So if you’re a bargain hunter, this is not to be missed.

Get a taste of America

The city is home to thousands of restaurants, ranging from award-winning dining experiences down to super-sized Burger King joints. You can sample everything from Asian to Italian, but you absolutely must try the local cuisine and some classic American staples.

From giant slices of pizza to pretzels, steak houses, brunch spots, seafood, and so much more. You can eat at a different place for every meal of the day, every day of your visit, and you won’t even brush the surface of this incredible culinary scene.

But for now, we suggest a slap-up meal at Eleven Madison Park, but tables get booked months in advance, so be aware. Next, you have Sardi’s for a post-Broadway dining experience, the Grand Central Oyster Bar for, you guessed it, oysters and Cote for a memorable steak. Then for the perfect slice, Scarr’s Pizza or Paulie Gee’s are the places to be.

Drink the night away

Finally, after a busy day of exploring, you’re going to need somewhere great to grab a drink, and New York is home to some of the best bars and clubs in the world. Long Island Bar and Attaboy are great for cocktails, or if a pint is more your thing, check out the newly opened fruit-forward beer and seasonal suds at Talea Beer Co.

For romance and a glass of the good stuff, go to Jadis wine bar and then when you’re ready to dance the night away, head over to Avant Gardner, Public Records or The Sultan Room.