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Planning your first trip to New York City? You’re about to experience one of the world’s most electrifying destinations—but without proper preparation, first-timers can easily feel overwhelmed by the city’s sheer size and energy.
Whether you’re wondering how to navigate the subway, where to find the best views, or how to avoid tourist traps, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable first visit to NYC. From timing your trip perfectly to discovering hidden gems beyond Manhattan, these 15 essential tips will help you explore the Big Apple like a seasoned New Yorker.
Although there’s plenty to do in the city all year round, you should think about what you most want to see and do, and time your trip accordingly. Winter can be bitterly cold and snowy, but it’s a magical time—there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and the amazing holiday window displays.
Embark on a magical evening with our NYC Holiday Lights Tour, showcasing the city’s festive best from Times Square to Rockefeller Center!
In spring, Central Park’s gorgeous blooms come to life and the weather is pleasant. Baseball season is in full swing; take in a Yankees or Mets game before it gets too hot.
Summer is the peak tourist season, although the weather is occasionally quite hot and humid. You can’t beat the Fourth of July displays and Shakespeare in the Park.
Whenever you visit, you should give yourself plenty of time to get to know New York. Three days is usually the absolute minimum, and a week is close to ideal.
You’ve probably read that New York traffic is among the worst in the nation—totally true! But even if you don’t mind endless traffic jams, aggressive drivers, and confusing one-way streets, you should still plan to leave your car at home. For one thing, parking is expensive and difficult to find (and you’ll get a ticket if you don’t follow the rules).
But even more importantly, New York is pedestrian-friendly and public transportation is relatively inexpensive and efficient. You’ll have a more authentic New York experience if you take the subways and trains like natives do, and see more of the city when you hoof it.
There’s more to NYC than its most famous borough—and you’ll enjoy your visit (and save a little money) if you venture outside the Manhattan bubble.
Cross into Brooklyn and enjoy a picnic at the Brooklyn Bridge Park or an outing to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
Visit Rockaway Beach or City Island for a taste of Cape Cod in the Bronx.
The Bronx is also the home of the real Little Italy, never mind Lower Manhattan’s version. You can get an incredible Italian meal on Arthur Avenue for about half the cost.
New York is huge and it’s easy to get disoriented as you wander around looking for landmarks and attractions.
It’s a great idea to book a guided NYC bus tour to get an overview of the city and a brief introduction to the most popular attractions. If your time is limited, you’ll be able to see the most important sights, and if you have more time to explore on your own, you’ll be more familiar with how the city’s laid out and the location of things you want to visit again.
Ready to see NYC’s top sights? Book our award-winning Discover New York Tour →
Number 5 tip on our list of 15 tips for your first visit to New York City is about saving money. Like all major international cities, New York is expensive—but you don’t have to break the bank to have a great trip.
Most museums have free hours or free days each month so you can save hundreds on admissions, and there are lots of museums and attractions that are free all year long.
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Why Visit: Largest art museum in the US, 5,000+ years of art, iconic Temple of Dendur
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Why Visit: Best modern/contemporary art collection, iconic works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol
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Why Visit: Dinosaur fossils, planetarium, 45+ permanent exhibition halls, great for families
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Why Visit: Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, spiral ramp gallery, modern art collection
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Why Visit: Moving tribute, powerful history, essential NYC experience
New York is a well-known culinary destination, and the city is home to some of the most famous restaurants in the world. But you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you skipped the city’s amazing street food.
Of course, you’ll find plenty of pizza, hotdog, and breakfast bagel cart vendors, but try the more international street fare—shawarma and falafel, pupusas, lumpia, and tamales. Or try the Red Hook Lobster Pound truck for fresh-from-the-sea Maine lobster rolls.
New Yorkers call the subway system “trains,” never the “metro,” the “underground,” or the “tube.” The New York City trains operate in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, and there are commuter trains to other destinations such as New Jersey and Long Island.
Make sure you’re in the right place for the train you want; uptown and downtown trains typically enter from different streets.
Finally, observe the unspoken rules and other subway FAQs:
There are so many great ways to get a whole new view of the city skyline, but one of the best is from the water. Take the Staten Island ferry, the Governor’s Island ferry, or the Ikea Express ferry for an inexpensive adventure.
Just so you know; the Staten Island ferry is included on our award-winning Discover NYC day tour!
You can spend a fortune to go to the top of the Rock or the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building for panoramic city views—or you can get similar views for the price of a drink at one of New York’s many terrific rooftop bars. Here are some of our favorites:
For most first-time visitors, a Broadway show is a must-see. But tickets can be outrageously expensive, especially for the most popular shows.
Everyone knows about the TKTS booths for discount tickets, but there are other ways to score cheap tickets (without standing in line).
Online sites including todaytix.com and broadwaybox.com are a good place to start, and sometimes you’ll find good deals on Groupon. You can also look into the Theater Development Fund membership for discounts of up to 70%.
Of course, if you don’t mind waiting in line, lottery, rush, and standing-room-only, tickets day of the performance can save you lots of money.
New York is a city of walkers, and since it’s a standard mode of getting around for locals, it helps if you follow the understood rules.
For example, if you’re wandering along admiring the sights, stay right and leave the left side for fast-walking locals. Don’t walk in large groups; separate so you don’t take up the entire sidewalk. Keep bags and belongings close to your body. And whatever you do, don’t text and walk!
Ready to see NYC’s top sights? Book our award-winning Discover New York Tour →
You’ll do a lot of walking on your New York City trip, so wear comfortable, well-broken-in shoes. Keep in mind, you’ll encounter uneven pavement, cobblestone streets, and all kinds of pedestrian paths, so avoid pointy heels and shoes with very thin soles.
Athletic shoes are popular on city streets and in the park, and if you’re only planning to sightsee, sneakers are just fine. But if your day’s itinerary includes restaurants, bars, or clubs, you may want to reconsider your footwear, since many won’t let you in with flip flops or athletic shoes on your feet.
Central Park is pretty much a must-see no matter when you visit New York; even in winter, it’s a wonderful place to visit.
There are gardens, lakes, reservoirs, waterfalls, bike paths, ice skating rinks, fountains, carousels, a castle, a zoo, and even a statue of Balto. It’s an endless expanse of natural beauty with a little bit of magic. Plan to spend at least an afternoon (or an entire day) there.
Although Airbnbs are a great alternative to pricey hotels in many international cities, New York isn’t one of them.
There are strict rules for short-term rentals, which make it almost impossible to find a legal Airbnb. And there’s nothing worse than having your stay cut short by an angry landlord giving you the boot because the owner illegally rented out his apartment or co-op.
Moreover, when a rental market is hot—as is the case in NYC now—scammers come out in force to take advantage of desperate renters. Before you commit to anything—be sure to check out tips from NYC real estate experts on how to spot a scam.
Your best bet for legal short-term rentals is to go through a real estate agent specializing in short-term furnished leases. It’s a lot of trouble, sure, but better to be on the right side of the law.
nominated for Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” Awards 2026.
When embarking on a tour of New York City with your dearest, remember several key aspects to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Experience NYC with our family-friendly Discover NY Tour – award-winning New York bus tour; listed as top 10 % of things to do worldwide, as celebrated by TripAdvisor!
Plan for a minimum of 3 – 4 days to see the major highlights, though 5 – 7 days is ideal for a more relaxed pace. With 3 days, you can cover Manhattan’s top attractions like Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and a few museums. A week allows you to explore different neighborhoods, catch a Broadway show, and venture into Brooklyn or Queens without feeling rushed.
Midtown Manhattan is ideal for first-timers because it’s central to major attractions like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Broadway theaters. You’ll have easy access to multiple subway lines and can walk to many sights. Alternative great options include Chelsea (more residential, walkable to attractions) or the Upper West Side (near Central Park and museums, quieter than Midtown).
Yes, NYC is generally safe for tourists, especially in major tourist areas like Midtown, Times Square, and popular neighborhoods. Use common sense: stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, avoid empty subway cars late at night, and don’t flash expensive items. The NYPD maintains a strong presence in tourist areas. Most visitors experience no safety issues during their trip.
Budget $200 – $300 per person per day for a moderate trip, including accommodations ($150 – $250 for mid-range hotels), food ($50 – $80), attractions ($30 – $50), and transportation ($10 – $15). Budget travelers can manage on $150/day using hostels, street food, and free attractions. Luxury travelers should budget $500+ per day. Don’t forget to add Broadway tickets ($100 – $300), shopping, and cocktails if these are priorities.
Don’t stop suddenly in the middle of sidewalks to check your phone or take photos—move to the side. Don’t try to drive in Manhattan; parking is expensive ($40 – $60/day) and traffic is nightmarish. Don’t eat only in Times Square; venture to neighborhoods for better, cheaper food. Don’t skip the subway—it’s the fastest way around. Don’t buy from unlicensed street vendors or ticket scalpers. Don’t expect to see everything in one trip—prioritize your must-sees.
For popular shows like Wicked, The Lion King, or Hamilton, absolutely book in advance (2 – 4 weeks recommended). These frequently sell out or only have expensive seats left. For newer or less popular shows, you can find day-of tickets at TKTS booths (up to 50% off) or through rush/lottery systems. If you have your heart set on specific shows and dates, always book ahead to avoid disappointment.
From JFK: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the E train to Manhattan ($10.75 total, 60 – 75 min)
From LaGuardia: Take the M60 SBS bus to 125th St/Lexington, then subway ($2.90, 50 – 60 min)
From Newark: Take NJ Transit to Penn Station ($13, 30 – 40 min)
Taxis/Ubers cost $50 – $100+ depending on traffic but offer door-to-door convenience. For families with luggage, shared shuttles ($20 – 30/person) balance cost and convenience.
Yes! Take the free Staten Island Ferry, which passes close to the Statue of Liberty with excellent photo opportunities. The ferry runs 24/7 and offers stunning skyline views. However, to actually visit Liberty Island and go inside the statue, you’ll need to book a paid ferry ticket through Liberty Cruise ($25 – $50). For crown access, book 3+ months in advance as these tickets sell out quickly.
Tipping is expected and essential—service workers rely on tips for income. Restaurants: 18 – 20% (pre-tax total). Bars: $1 – 2 per drink or 15 – 20% on tab. Taxis/Ubers: 15 – 20%. Hotel housekeeping: $3 – 5 per night. Food delivery: 15 – 20% minimum, more in bad weather. Coffee shops: $1 per drink or 15 – 20%. When in doubt, tip 20%. Some restaurants add automatic 18 – 20% gratuity for groups of 6+—check your bill to avoid double-tipping.
USA Guided Tours Blogging Team
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