Visiting New York City for the First Time: A Must-Do Guide

There’s no place in the world quite like New York, especially if the vibrant energy of a city that never sleeps excites you. The speeding yellow taxis, the blaring sirens, the smell of grilled pretzels, the rumble of the subway... Let yourself be swept up in the New York way of life, just like in the movies!

With so much to see and do, where do you even start in this concrete jungle? Should you book a cruise to the Statue of Liberty? Which skyscraper offers the best downtown view—the Rockefeller Centre or the Empire State Building?

If it’s your first time, the best advice is to stick to Manhattan or Brooklyn. Forget about so-called "cheap" hotels in New Jersey—staying in the heart of the city will save you valuable time. You’ll quickly realize that distances are much greater than they appear. And leave your car at home to avoid traffic jams and exorbitant parking fees. Instead, plan to arrive by bus or train and use public transit, especially the subway, once you’re there.

Here are some key tips for planning a legendary first trip to New York:

Walk Across the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge

A trip to New York is always pricey, so you’ll be happy to start with a free activity that will take your breath away! Walking across the famous Brooklyn Bridge lets you capture incredible photos.

Once on the other side, take advantage of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River, sip a cappuccino in a hipster café, and browse vintage shops.

Head Up the Empire State Building

To truly grasp the scale of New York, it’s worth taking the elevator up the Empire State Building. From the 86th floor, you’ll have access to a 360-degree view. Despite the high barriers surrounding the platform, you can still take stunning panoramic photos.

It’s the perfect spot to get familiar with the city’s geography and try to identify its famous landmarks.

Wave Hello to the Statue of Liberty

Whether you opt for the free Staten Island Ferry or a paid cruise passing by the Statue of Liberty, you’ll get to see Lady Liberty in all her glory.

Avoid boat tours that drop you off at the statue’s base—they’re costly and time-consuming (four to five hours with Ellis Island) due to security procedures. If you choose a Circle Line cruise, it’s much quicker, and you’ll also get to sail under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Attend a Broadway Musical

You simply can’t visit the Big Apple for the first time without seeing a Broadway show. After all, New York is the city of entertainment! Ticket prices can be steep, so shop online and pick a classic like Chicago, The Lion King, or Wicked, or go for a modern hit like Six.

And be on time—once the curtain rises, latecomers stay outside!

Snap a Selfie in Times Square

It’s hard to visit New York without taking a moment to explore the legendary Times Square. The best approach? Go twice—once during the day and once at night to experience two totally different vibes.

Street performers, costumed characters, flashing billboards, and the ever-moving crowd make this spot truly unique.

Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial

New York was forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001. To learn more, visiting the 9/11 Memorial is a must—it’s an emotionally powerful experience.

‍The museum is underground, offering a unique setting. Take some time to watch Boatlift, a short film highlighting the evacuation of 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan during the attacks. And don’t forget to cross the street to see the modern, all-white architectural marvel that is the new World Trade Centre.

Stroll Through Wall Street

The financial district, home to the heart of the American stock market, is worth a visit. On weekends, it’s much calmer than during the week.

Like most tourists, you can touch the Wall Street bull—its horns for luck and its testicles for wealth. A fun tradition that makes for a great photo-op!

Breathe in Central Park

As seen in countless movies and TV shows, Central Park is an icon of the city—a green oasis where New Yorkers go to unwind and exercise. Be warned: the park is much bigger than it seems! Walking from one end to the other takes over an hour.

Focus on the southern part of the park. Get off at 72nd Street Station and stroll through Sheep Meadow for an incredible view of the skyscrapers framed by greenery. 

Stop by Bethesda Terrace to admire the fountain and pond, then sit on a bench along The Mall - Literary Walk. This picturesque tree-lined promenade is straight out of a romantic movie scene. As a bonus, you’ll end your walk right in front of the iconic Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue.

Walk Along 5th Avenue and Head to the Top of Rockefeller Centre

Even if it’s just for window shopping, take a walk past the luxury stores that line 5th Avenue, the symbol of New York’s high-end fashion scene.

Then, head to Rockefeller Centre to check out its famous ice rink, usually open from October to April, nestled among towering skyscrapers.

Ride up to the Top of the Rock observation deck for a breathtaking view—thanks to its glass barriers, you’ll get an unobstructed panorama of Central Park.

Explore West Village

Famous thanks to Sex and the City, West Village is Carrie Bradshaw’s neighbourhood. You can walk by her apartment and make a sweet stop at Magnolia Bakery to try their famous banana pudding, just like in the series. This is also one of the most photogenic areas of New York, so don’t miss the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street, where you’ll find the Friends apartment building.

Beyond its charm, West Village also has a rich history as a key site in the LGBTQ+ movement. Stop by the Stonewall Inn, a national historic landmark, where the 1969 riots helped launch the fight for gay rights.

Enjoy New York Without Breaking the Bank!

New York is a dream destination, but its costs can be daunting. Luckily, there are ways to experience the city without blowing your budget.

One great option is the New York City Pass, which saves you money on major attractions like the Empire State Building Observatory, the American Museum of Natural History, and three additional sites. Choose Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and a Circle Line cruise to get close to the Statue of Liberty.

One last essential tip for your first visit to New York: get your travel insurance with a quick quote from soNomad well before your trip. The U.S. is notorious for its sky-high medical costs. This simple step will save you a lot of hassle in case of an emergency and let you travel with peace of mind.