21 Things to Do on a First Time Visit to New York City

If you’re planning your first time visit to New York City, odds are you’re excited…but probably a little bit overwhelmed!

There’s so much to see, do and eat in New York that it can be hard to cram it all into a first time visit. I remember being so overwhelmed on my first visit to NYC in 2015 – and again in 2022 on my next visit because there’s just so much to do!

To help you prioritize, I’m sharing 21 things to include in your first time visit to New York City. Will you have time for all of them? Probably not. Will you even want to do them all? Unlikely, since everyone has different interests.

But with these 21 things, you’ll be covering some of the biggest and best highlights of the Big Apple – plus a few hidden gems!

So while you may not get to everything on my New York City bucket list – and while the city certainly has more than 21 things for you to do – this is the perfect place to start when planning your first visit to New York!

Below I’m sharing 21 things for your first time visit to New York City, plus my advice on when to go and where to stay in the city.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

21 things to do on a first time visit to New York City:

PS: If you’re heading to New York for the first time, make sure to check out my New York City mistakes so you don’t mess up like I did on my first visit!

1. See a Broadway show

If you know me, you know Broadway is at the top of my New York City bucket list. In fact, I’m such a fan that Colin and I ended up seeing four shows in three days on our latest trip to New York!

The great thing about Broadway in New York City is that there’s something for everyone – whether you love big name shows, musicals, modern plays, Shakespeare, something for kids or something else entirely!

There’s also lots of ways to make theatre going accessible and more affordable. Enter lotteries, book rush tickets, take advantage of student pricing, or check out discount ticket sellers like TKTS and TodayTix.

There’s something so magical about live theatre and truly nowhere more iconic to see it than in New York City. Even if you’re seeing a show you’ve never heard of in the worst seats in the house, you can still have an amazing experience.

My current favourites are Wicked, Six and (of course) Hamilton! But truly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Broadway show I didn’t enjoy.

2. Eat New York City’s most famous cuisine: pizza & bagels

Did you even go to New York City if you didn’t eat pizza and bagels? These are two staple New York cuisine items and you don’t want to miss them on your first time visit to New York City.

The great news is that every New Yorker, and every guide book or blog post, will have a different favourite pizza joint and bagel shop. You really can’t go wrong!

On our most recent trip we enjoyed fancy bagels from Liberty Bagels and awesome bagel breakfast sandwiches from our local bodega. We also loved the pizza at Scarr’s and Motorino.

3. Seek out your favourite cuisine

Of course, it’s not just about pizza and bagels in New York. NYC is home to so many incredible restaurants and food choices. Being such a multicultural city, there really is something for everyone.

So once you’ve tried the staples, seek out something off the beaten path or a personal favourite. From Little Italy to Chinatown, New York has it all!

As one of my favourite foods, we had to try dim sum from Nom Wah Tea Parlor – one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in the US. And for something new, we headed to Empanada Mama and were blown away by how much we loved the unique flavours in their empandas!

Check out this food tour in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen! 

4. Visit a big museum or art gallery

New York City is home to some of the most famous museums and art galleries in the world. I’m talking big names like the Natural History Museum, the Met, MoMA and the Guggenheim. And these museums are popular for a reason!

On your first time visit to New York City prioritize going to a least one big name museum or gallery to see what all the fuss is about.

On our first visit to New York, we went to the Natural History Museum and were totally blown away. From dinosaurs to space, there wasn’t much this museum didn’t cover.

On our second visit, we decided to check out the Met. While I’m no artist, I loved the fashion exhibits and Ancient Egyptian relics. Both times we were overwhelmed with how much there was to see and barely scratched the surface of what the museums had to offer.

5. Visit a small museum or art gallery

While New York has a lot of big name museums, it also houses so many incredible smaller museums and art galleries. But just because these places are lesser known doesn’t mean they’re any less good! In fact, these hidden gems are not only top quality, they’re usually more affordable and less crowded.

On our most recent visit, we went to the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. Instead of telling you about histories of an entire population, each tour at the Tenement Museum walks you through the history of one specific family who actually lived in the very building you’re walking through.

Our small group tour followed the lives of two families who lived in the building back in the 1800s. Upstairs, we walked through recreated rooms of a single mother and her daughters.

We followed them downstairs to the outhouse and then headed into the saloon where another family lived. It was so interesting to step back in time and get to know a regular New York family so in-depth.

Each Tenement Museum tour follows a different family from a different time period and is done in small groups (ours had about 10-15 people).

The worst part is only being able to go on one tour, as I wanted to learn about all of the families who once called these buildings home. Truly, I could not recommend this museum enough!

PS: Visiting a lot of museums or attractions in New York City? You might want to get one of their city cards and save some money. Check out the most popular city cards:

6. Take the subway

Have you even visited New York if you haven’t rode the subway? It’s a New York institution and definitely a must for your first time visit to New York City. Even if you make some subway mistakes like we did, it’s still the best way to see the city.

The New York City subway system may seem confusing, but you can do it. Follow Google Maps, stay alert to any closures or diversions, and don’t be afraid to ask a local if you get lost or can’t figure something out.

Local tip: A native New Yorker recommended MTA.info to me for the latest on closures due to service work.

Even if you mess up a few times, you’ll still save money and get where you need to go quickly by using the subway.

7. Stroll through Central Park

At 843 acres, would you believe Central Park is only the 5th largest park in New York City? It’s true – check this Wikipedia list. Despite coming in fifth, this urban park is still absolutely massive and a must-see for your first time visit to New York City.

On our first trip to NYC we visited the famous Bethesda Fountain and John Lennon Memorial in Central Park. On our next trip, we hung out in the park after a long visit at the Met – the perfect place to rest our legs after hours of museum stomping!

It was so nice to just sit in Central Park and watch local life go by.

Besides beautiful trails, ponds and playgrounds, Central Park is also home to a zoo, carousel, restaurants and so much more. You could easily spend a whole day here!

And if you’re not sick of parks, New York has lots of other famous parks for you to enjoy like Bryant Park, Washington Square Park and Prospect Park.

And for all of you Somebody Feed Phil fans, we found Phil and Monica’s benches! (No idea what I’m talking about? Check out some of the best travel TV shows!)

8. Spend time in other boroughs (or at least outside of Midtown Manhattan)

On a first time visit to New York City, it can be tempting to spend all of your time in Midtown Manhattan. After all, that’s where so many of the big attractions are housed, like Times Square, the Empire State Building and all of Broadway.

But New York is so much more than Midtown! While there’s a lot to see there, you won’t ever really appreciate the magic of New York unless you get out of Midtown (and maybe even out of Manhattan altogether!) and explore the other neighbourhoods and boroughs.

I encourage you to find a park, museum, restaurant or even just a beautiful street in another area of New York that inspires you to visit. Spend some time away from NYC’s most popular neighbourhood and see why people really fall in love with this city.

9. Remember 9/11

*Note: Unfortunately, the 9/11 Tribute Museum closed its doors in late 2022 and is now an online educational resource. But my experience there was so impactful that I wanted to include it below. 

Of course, we all remember the tragic events that struck New York City on September 11th, 2001. While most people don’t go on vacation to relive sad events, I do think it’s important to spend some time remembering and honouring the history here.

There are two main 9/11 memorial attractions: the 9/11 Tribute Museum and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is the large museum at Ground Zero filled with artifacts and exhibits.

I haven’t visited this museum, but I hear it’s excellent. It’s definitely on my New York City itinerary for our next trip.

However, I can definitely recommend the 9/11 Tribute Museum, which we visited in May 2022. This museum is run by the September 11 Families Association and focuses more on personal experiences of 9/11.

Everyone who volunteers at the museum is a survivor, first responder, loved one of a survivor, or otherwise connected to the Sep 11 events.

We went on a guided tour around Ground Zero with the 9/11 Tribute Museum and it was one of the most impactful and powerful tours I have ever been on.

It’s one thing to watch the videos and it’s another thing to hear the stories – it’s completely different to hear a survivor tell her story in the very spot where the South Tower stood.

Following our remarkable walking tour, we were brought back to the Tribute Museum where we could see more artifacts and exhibits. I will say, this part of the museum is not as built up; the real draw is in the tours.

We were very fortunate to catch another volunteer who was telling his story at the museum. He explained that he is a “triple” – he lost his sister in one of the towers, survived the events himself, and helped as a first responder at a local hospital.

He then shared that he now has cancer from his 9/11 experiences. To say it was powerful to hear his story would be an understatement.

10. Walk the High Line

The High Line is an elevated urban park and greenway on the west side of Manhattan – think a boardwalk lined with greenery but a few stories in the air. It’s a very cool spot for a stroll above the streets in New York City and an awesome example of how modern parks can fit into urban spaces.

That said, it’s no secret that the High Line is a cool place to be. In fact, it gets so busy that in the summer you have to make reservations to walk it during peak times.

So if you want to enjoy it without the crowds, come early! We walked the park on a Tuesday morning in May and it was perfect – not too busy or too hot.

11. Attend a sports game

I’m not the biggest sports fan but even I love going to a live game and cheering on the home team. On our first visit to New York, we saw a Mets game and even though I barely understand baseball, it was a ton of fun. We also stopped by Yankee Stadium for Colin to snap a photo.

No matter your sport of choice, New York City will likely have a team for you to cheer for.

In fact they might have two – New York is home to two major league football teams (Jets & Giants), two basketball teams (Knicks & Nets), two hockey teams (Rangers & Islanders) and two baseball teams (Mets & Yankees) – though not all of the teams play right in the city.

So if you’re looking for a sports game to attend, odds are you’ll find it in New York!

12. Take in the view from above

One of the best ways to enjoy the city is from above. A great bucket list item for your first time visit to New York City is to head to an observation deck and take in the views. Lucky for you, New York has no shortage of stunning vantage points.

There’s the classics, like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, and the newcomers, like Edge, SUMMIT and One World Observatory. You can head to a fancy rooftop bar or there’s also the unique and luxurious option of taking a helicopter ride over the city!

No matter your preference, you can find a way to take in the city from above.

But it will cost you as most of these viewpoints are not cheap. But I do think they’re worth the splurge for such an iconic view. My advice would be to choose just one viewpoint to visit; if you really can’t decide, purchase a city card that includes entrance to a few of them.

When we first visited New York, we decided to visit Top of the Rock at night. We knew we wanted to visit one of the classic buildings and see the city all lit up.

But rather than go up the Empire State Building, we wanted the Empire State Building to be part of our view. It’s kind of like going to Paris and heading up the Arc du Triomphe instead of the Eiffel Tower – it’s not as famous a viewpoint but then you actually get to see the Eiffel Tower in your view!

13. (Briefly) visit Times Square

On your first time visit to New York City, you definitely have to visit Times Square. But while Times Square is an iconic part of the city – and definitely on every first time visitor’s bucket list – it’s not actually an area you will want to spend a lot of time in.

Times Square is for tourists. It’s a lot of lights and signs and people. Yes, it’s pretty impressive to see. But it’s also chaotic, loud, crowded and full of tourist traps. Any part of a city that is permanently home to mascots who make people pay for photos with them should make you run in the other direction.

Everything around Times Square is more expensive and more crowded. If you can, avoid eating here! Head a few blocks away for much better and much cheaper food.

You’ll also want to keep your wits about you as this tourist-heavy place is the perfect spot for scams and pickpocketing.

So yes, go to Times Square and take your photos. But then get out!

14. Attend a live TV show taping

In case you didn’t know, a lot of TV shows film in New York City! And while you probably won’t get to be an extra on Law & Order or And Just Like That unless you live in New York, you can attend a live taping of your favourite late night, morning or news show.

I haven’t done this in New York but I have done it in Toronto and Los Angeles.

In Toronto, my aunt and I attended a morning talk show, The Social, and I also went to a few tapings of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. In Los Angeles, Colin, his mom and I went to a taping of The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Every time I’ve gone to a TV show taping, it’s always been a lot of fun. You get to watch how the sausage gets made, maybe see a celebrity or two up close, and likely go home with a bit of swag!

I found this great site that lists what shows tape in New York City and your best chance to get tickets. If you’re interested, check it out!

15. Check out iconic NYC filming locations

Besides talk shows, you’ll know that many other TV shows and movies have filmed and currently film in New York City.

If you’re a big movie buff or Sex and the City or Friends fanatic, you’ll definitely want to spend some time checking out iconic filming locations around NYC.

You can go on a tour where they’ll take you to all of the sites and give you lots of behind the scenes info, or you can just seek out some of the most famous filming locations yourself.

On my first time visit to New York City, I knew I wanted to take a photo outside of Serendipity Cafe and another one out front of Tiffany’s. We also headed to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park – the inspiration for the fountain in the opening credits of Friends.

Still on my NYC bucket list is checking out the brownstone that was Carrie’s apartment in Sex and the City and the stairs from the Friends’ apartment building.

16. Visit Wall Street

Even if you’re not an investment banker or day trader, you’ll want to spend a bit of time on Wall Street on your first visit to New York. It’s cool to see the New York Stock Exchange in person, if only from the outside of the building, and watch all the important people walk through to make the big bucks.

Right nearby the NYSE is Trinity Church. This iconic and beautiful church was first constructed in the 1600’s, but has gone through a few reconstructions since then.

Thanks to the popularity of the musical Hamilton, many people now know that Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church, and Philip Hamilton are all buried there. The church was also used as a refuge for first responders during 9/11.

While down by Wall Street, you’ll also want to visit the Charging Bull, the 7000 lb bronze bull statue that has come to represent the financial district.

Push your way through the other tourists to pose next to the bull and maybe rub certain parts of him for luck. And if you’re looking for Fearless Girl, the statue that was installed in front of the bull in 2017, she’s been moved to outside the New York Stock Exchange.

17. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most well known shots of New York City is through the wires and arches of the Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic bridge not only connects two of New York’s busiest hubs – Manhattan and Brooklyn – but it has also been featured in many TV shows and movies.

The nice thing about the Brooklyn Bridge is it’s a completely free attraction! You (plus all the other tourists and daily commuters) can stroll across the 1.8 mile long bridge without paying a cent.

It’s a nice stroll, and offers lots of photo opportunities, but try not to get in the way of busy New Yorkers just trying to get to work.

Once on the other side, take your time exploring Brooklyn. Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge Park Piers, check out the neighbourhood homes and shops, and definitely stop for some famous Brooklyn pizza!

When you’re done in Brooklyn you can walk the bridge back or, if your feet hurt, jump on a ferry or the subway back to Manhattan.

18. Say hi to the Statue of Liberty

No first time visit to New York City is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty, one of the icons of the Big Apple. Depending on your interest and budget, you can catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty for free or go on a longer tour to see her up close and learn more about immigration to America.

On our first visit to New York, we were happy to just see the Statue of Liberty. And so we boarded the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan and hung out on the deck to see her from the water.

Once in Staten Island, we walked off the ferry and right back on to return to Manhattan. It was a fun way to see the statue and get on the water – all for free!

But on our next visit, we wanted to know a bit more. We were actually more interested in visiting Ellis Island and learning about immigration to the US; seeing the Statue of Liberty was just a bonus.

So we headed out with Statue City Cruise Line to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

On Liberty Island we did a complimentary tour with a park ranger to learn more about the statue, why she is turning green and why they had to remake her torch. I won’t spoil it for you – you’ll just have to take the tour!

Next we sailed onto Ellis Island and did an incredible audio tour through the Immigration Museum, walking in the steps of immigrants to the US. It was really well done and I only wish we had given ourselves more time to explore the rest of the exhibits.

19. Walk through Grand Central Terminal (not Grand Central Station!)

A lot of people know that New York City is home to Grand Central Station. But did you know that it’s actually called Grand Central Terminal? Yup, we’ve been saying it wrong all this time!

Odds are as you’re transiting through the city, you’ll end up changing trains at Grand Central. Take some time to explore the National Historic Landmark while you’re there and see why it’s so iconic.

Stand in the Main Concourse, which you’ll likely recognize from TV shows and movies, appreciate the architecture, and grab a meal at one of the food halls or restaurants.

And don’t miss the Whispering Gallery. We tried it on our first trip to New York and it really worked!

20. Read a book at the New York Public Library

Despite having visited New York a few times now, I still have not made it inside the New York Public Library. And as someone who loves to read, this is a real shame!

But even if you’re not a reader, you should check out this famous library for its beautiful design and architecture.

The main branch of the NYPL is actually called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, but is commonly referred to as just the New York Public Library or the Main Branch.

From the iconic lions outside, you’ll likely recognize this National Historic Landmark from the many film and TV shows it appears in. I also recently read a book set in the library, which has me excited to go back to New York and see it again!

Inside you’ll discover the beautiful Reading Room and over 2.5 million volumes to choose from. You might also want to recreate Carrie and Big’s wedding from the Sex and the City movie, which (almost) took place at this famous library!

21. Hang out around Rockefeller Center

Last but not least, a first time visit to New York City is not complete without a trip to Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is actually comprised of 19 buildings, most of which were designed in the Art Deco style, and are now considered New York City landmarks.

If you’re visiting in the winter, you have to stop by Rockefeller Center to see their famous Christmas tree. Since 1933, a large (up to 100 feet tall!) Christmas tree has been put up over the holiday season, with the tree lighting now broadcast on TV.

You can also go for a few laps around the Rockefeller Center ice rink in the winter!

If you’re not in New York for the holidays, you can still enjoy other attractions at Rockefeller Center such as seeing a show at Radio City Music Hall or taking in the view from the Top of the Rock.

How long do you need for a first time visit to New York City?

I think 5 days is the perfect length for a first time visit to New York City. You won’t run out of things to do and will have enough time to get a good taste for the city.

Of course, you could spend weeks or even months in New York and still have plenty on your itinerary. And if you can only spare 2-3 days, it’s still worth a trip to New York!

How much money do you need per day in New York?

Of course, this will vary depending on the type of traveller you are. While New York City is not a cheap place to visit, there are lots of things you can do on a budget. Save money in New York by staying farther outside the city, visiting free attractions and eating cheap food.

I would say a comfortable budget for a couple visiting New York City would look like $150-300/night for accommodation, $150/day for food and $100+/day for attractions.

Again, those numbers will vary hugely depending on your travel style! If you stay at a hostel, spend your days at Central Park and eat $1 pizza, you can likely budget less than $50/person/day.

But if you are staying at a five star hotel, going to Michelin star restaurants and sitting in the front row of a Broadway theatre every night, you’ll need a lot more.

What is the best time to visit New York City?

I think the best time to visit New York City is spring. New York has beautiful cherry blossom blooms and great weather during the spring months.

When we visited in May 2022, the weather was perfect and the crowds weren’t too huge. Fall would be another beautiful time with the changing leaves and agreeable weather.

Of course, winter is a pretty iconic time of year to visit New York City. You can see the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, skate on the ice rink and watch the ball drop in Times Square.

But it’s also a very cold time of year to visit, which may not be a nice impression for your first time visit to New York City. It may also be crowded, as you’re not the only tourist who has Times Square for New Year’s Eve on their bucket list.

Personally, I would avoid coming to New York City in the summer. My first time visit to New York City was in August 2015 and I just found it way too hot!

While much of the city is air conditioned, like the subway cars and museums, walking around is still going to be gross. Plus, way too many tourists flock to NYC in the summer so not only will it be hot, it will be crowded!

Where is the best place to stay in New York City?

The best place to stay in New York City depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in Manhattan, go for it!

I’ve never prioritized it in my budget, but if I did, I’d try to stay in Chelsea, which seems like a very cool and central area. You could also be trendy and stay in Williamsburg or like Gossip Girl, and stay on the Upper East Side.

If your budget prefers you to stay outside of Manhattan, look at a neighbouring borough that is affordable with easy transit connections into the city.

On our May 2022 trip to New York, we stayed in Queens at the Lotus BLU Inn & Suites – Long Island City. It was affordable (on sale for $100 USD/night), an easy transit ride into the city (less than 10 minute walk to two subway lines), and an easy transit ride to LaGuardia Airport.

Plus the room was spacious and clean, wifi worked well and they held our bags for us after we checked out. No complaints and I would stay there again on a future trip to New York!

Booking.com

What’s the best way to see New York City?

The best way to see New York City is to walk (if you’re able to). New York is one of the best cities to explore on foot and truly the only way to really experience the city like a local.

Of course, there’s a lot of ground to cover in New York, so definitely rely on the expansive transit system to get you from one neighbourhood to the next. Then, once you’re there, set out on foot to see New York.

Conclusion: My top 3 tips for a first time visit to New York City

Tip #1: Be aware

With more than 8 million residents and 65 million people visiting each year, New York City is a busy place! So if you’re not used to the fast pace of a busy city, it can be a little bit overwhelming.

You need to be aware of yourself and be aware of your surroundings. That extra level of awareness will help you stay safe and stay out of the way of busy New Yorkers!

Tip #2: Walk as much as you can

The best way to experience New York City is on two feet. I know that’s not always possible, but as much as you can, try to enjoy New York on the ground.

It can be tempting to just jump on the subway or into a taxi to get from place to place but make time to just walk around a neighbourhood. That’s how you’ll get the best feel for the city and start to fall in love with it like the locals do.

Tip #3: Slow down and enjoy

As you can tell from this itinerary list, there is A LOT to do in New York City! And even though I suggest these 21 things for your first trip, there’s no way you’ll have time to see, do and eat everything you want in just one trip to the Big Apple.

But that’s the joy of visiting NYC – there’s always something to come back for. So don’t worry about seeing and doing absolutely everything on your first time visit to New York City. Slow down, enjoy yourself and save something for your second trip!

All right, I want to know: What’s on your NYC bucket list? Or, if you’ve already been, what would you recommend to first time visitors? And don’t miss my New York mistakes so you don’t mess up like I did!

 

Share my 21 things to do on a first time visit to New York City!