A First Timer’s Guide to NYC
Produced in Partnership with Hotels.com
There’s a reason New York City is called “the Capital of the World.” It has everything you could ever want and more. The people are crazy in the best way possible, there is an attraction for every mood, and the food is unbeatable by every standard. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and consistently ranks as one of the top tourist destinations. It’s the heart, soul, and a visual representation of America, as the “City that Never Sleeps” is constantly buzzing with activity, hopes, and aspirations.
If you haven’t visited New York City yet or are looking to plan a return trip, use our guide for how to take a big bite out of the Big Apple.
Where to Go in New York City
As the most densely populated city in the US and the largest metropolitan area in the world by landmass, New York City can seem daunting at first, but understanding your surroundings will go a long way. Separated into five boroughs, each has a distinct persona with its own culture and cuisine.
The Bronx is the only borough that’s mostly mainland, where you will find Yankee Stadium. Staten Island is a ferry ride away and has the most open space with the least people. Queens is home to NYC’s airports, the New York Mets, and the most culturally diverse population. However, the two boroughs that attract the most tourism are by far Manhattan and Brooklyn. When you think of New York City, more often than not, you’re picturing Manhattan, which is home to three of the world’s ten most visited tourist attractions: Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and Central Park. Not to be discounted, Brooklyn is New York’s most populous and livable borough, considered “up-and-coming” hipster territory as it has started to rival Manhattan in popularity with chic boutiques and eateries popping up everywhere you look.
Where To Stay in NYC
You’re going to want to be within walking distance of New York City’s major attractions, with hotels in Midtown Manhattan your best bet to maximize time. A few standout options include the MADE Hotel and Moxy NYC. If you fancy romanticizing your life, check out the Library Hotel Collection for boutique properties, including a theme hotel designed like a library where you sleep amongst the stacks. If you are looking for a less expensive option, YOTEL NYC, Freehand NYC, and Pod 39 are trendy commuter hotels meet adult hostels.
How to Get to NYC
There are three major international airports within 20 miles of downtown NYC ensuring flight options are plentiful. The closest to Manhattan is LaGuardia, followed by JFK and Newark, in New Jersey, but still just 30 minutes away. If you find yourself elsewhere on the east coast, the train to Penn Station or Grand Central Station is a great option. A car is not necessary to get around NYC as reliable and robust public transportation is plentiful, as are Ubers and cabs. If you stay in one neighborhood, you’ll find a lot within walking distance, and with parking virtually a nightmare, you’ll want to ditch the car. The subway is easy, cheap, and the way to avoid looking like a tourist.
The Best Time to Visit New York City
“The City That Never Sleeps” has no offseason or wrong time to visit, but there is also a reason most holiday movies are set in New York City. The vibes are impeccable as soon as the Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink go up in Rockefeller Center, and the Times Square ball drop is a New Year’s must-do. But neither of these is a secret, and the winter months generally see massive crowds. Another great time to visit would be in the summer months as you can spend your days lazing around Central Park, enjoying a pop-up concert, our rooftop bar.
What To Do in NYC
There is no shortage of things to do in the Big Apple, and unless you are planning a year-long trip, you most likely won’t get to see everything in one visit, but here’s to trying (and then booking a return flight). If you want to hit all the major attractions, consider buying a CityPASS to save some dough. “Must-sees” like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Top of the Rock are all on it.
Museums, Concerts & Broadway, Oh My!
New York City has every form of entertainment you could think of, and then some. Some of the best museums, venues, and acts in the world are found here and are a great addition to your itinerary.
In The Met is a fan-favorite for those that appreciate the finer things in life (and if you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, I dare you not to take a photo on the steps). The MoMA, Guggenheim, and Natural History Museum are all classics as well. If you want to take your trip in a different direction, check out the Museum of Ice Cream or Museum of Sex for a unique cultural experience.
As the birthplace of Broadway, theater in NYC is also a must, with some of the quintessential must-see shows being Wicked and the Book of Mormon. As for newer shows with great reviews, add Dear Evan Hansen and Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill to your list.
A measure of fame has always been a “Sold Out Show in Madison Square Garden,” and if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, a great way to spend the night is jamming to some tunes. But there are also smaller concert venues all over the city. Some, like SummerStage, even offer free shows. Or catch some live music at a bar like Prohibition on the Upper West Side or Skinny Dennis in Brooklyn.
How to Spend 24 Hours in NYC
Simply walking around the city is one of the best ways to explore. Take in the sights and sounds of Times Square, catch the sparkling skyline views from the harbor, and feel like the protagonist in your own movie at Central Park (fun fact: Central Park has been the film set for more movies than any other location). You can rent a rowboat for a green reprieve in the middle of the city or hop aboard one of the horse and buggies for an even more romanticized date.
For more of a local experience, a nice, leisurely day could start at Chelsea Market to peruse the shops before hopping on the High Line (refurbished train tracks that take you along the Hudson River) and heading up to the new Hudson Yards to shop, eat, or climb atop The Vessel for a great view of the river and essential photo op.
If you want to spend the day in Brooklyn, there are great shops for the “inner hipster” in you like Artists & Fleas or Feng Sway. There’s also Domino Park, a wide-open space full of playgrounds, walkways, and Taccocina, for bomb tacos. One of the best events that Brooklyn has is Smorgasburg, an outdoor food market where vendors set up every weekend.
Where To Drink in NYC
Drinking in NYC is an experience in itself. Whether it’s cocktails, coffee, or something in between, you need that buzz to truly reverberate with the city. If you want to go the posh route, Afternoon Tea at The Plaza is perfect for a girl’s day out. There is also a female-founded brewery in Brooklyn called TALEA Beer Company that’s worth exploring. The rooftop bars come alive when it’s nice out, some favorites being the greenhouse-themed Serra by Birreria and Mad46 to drink amongst the skyscrapers. Always look for happy hours because drinks can add up fast.
Some of the most incredible spots to grab a drink no matter the season is the speakeasies. The Garret West is hiding behind a Five Guys in the West Village or Attaboy, where there’s no set menu but rather a bartender waiting to concoct a drink based on your mood. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic pick-me-up, some of the best java spots are Coffee Project, Devoción, and Felix Roasting Co.
What To Eat in NYC
New York has a few food staples that are must-eats on any visit. Pizza is a no-brainer, with Joe’s offering the quintessential, cheap, and foldable NYC slice, Artichoke Basille’s has indulgent specialty slices, and Macchina’s burrata pizzas the Instagram-worthy pics. You’ll also want to make the trek to Katz’ Delicatessen, for the infamous pastrami sandwich, which has become a household name. And finally, if you’re not starting the day with a bagel, you’re not doing it right. Every New Yorker has their own favorite bagel shop, but some of the most popular are H&H Bagels and Russ & Daughters.
Beyond those three quintessential food groups, there’s a reason why NYC is called “The Melting Pot,” and it shows in the incredibly diverse food scene. You could find virtually any cuisine you want to satisfy any craving (58 different ethnic options, to be exact). Begin the day with a crowd favorite brunch spot like Gertie, Jack’s Wife, Freda or Clinton St. Baking Company. Via Carota and Bar Pitti are great spots for Italian and perhaps a celebrity sighting. Golden Diner serves diner food with an Asian twist under the Manhattan Bridge. Los Tacos No. 1 has some of the best tacos in New York at four different locations around Manhattan.
And of course, you can’t talk NYC food without mentioning the star power of the Michelin-rated celebrity chefs with over 50 restaurants boasting awards. Eleven Madison Park is consistently one of the only restaurants in the world to claim three Michelin Stars, and a new fully revamped vegan menu keeps it as relevant as ever. Other household names that have stood the test of time include Per Se, Le Bernardin, Daniel, Jean-Georges, and L’Atelier.
And don’t skip dessert. NYC has tons of rainbow sugar bombs for when the camera needs to eat first. After miles upon miles of walking, you deserve to treat yourself. Magnolia Bakery is home to a famous banana pudding, Levain Bakery makes the best cookies money can buy, and Milk Bar has the showstopping cakes you’ve seen on Instagram. Check out our guide for all the most Instagrammable eats in NYC for more photo-worthy foods.
Note: as travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. If you are comfortable hitting the road, please be responsible as any travel is at your own risk. It’s recommended to wear a face mask, bring hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, know the local guidelines, and book a hotel with flexible cancellation policies in case you need to change your plans last minute.
I am excited about my trip to New York next week. This is my first time and I found this article really helpful. I would surely keep these tips in my mind while visiting New York.