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 on subsequent visits in 2022 and 2026 because there’s just so much to do!

To help you prioritize, I’m sharing 21 things to include on yourvisit to New York City. Will you have time for all 21 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! You can pick and choose which ones interest you and which ones you have time for.

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 trip to New York!

Check out my suggestions for 21 things to do on your first time visit to New York City, plus photos, tips and recommendations from my own NYC trips below!

PS: If you’re heading to New York for the first time, check out my post on how to stay connected in NYC, for eSIM, free wifi and must-download apps for your trip.

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!

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 2022 trip to New York!

On our Oct 2026 trip, I saw two more: Schmigadoon and Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York. My mother-in-law and aunt went for a classic; they saw Chicago!

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 off beat and non-traditional!

There’s also lots of ways to make theatre accessible and more affordable. You can enter ticket lotteries, book rush tickets, take advantage of student pricing, prioritize off Broadway shows, 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 long-time favourite shows are Wicked, Six (closing Jan 2027) and Hamilton. And I’m very excited to see Paddington and Warriors next time we’re in the city. But truly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Broadway show I didn’t enjoy.

Get your tickets to a Broadway show below or on the TodayTix app:

2. 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.

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!

On our first trip to NYC we visited the famous Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain (under construction until spring 2027) and John Lennon Memorial, Strawberry Fields, in Central Park.

On our next trip, we hung out in the park after a long visit at the Met; it was the perfect place to rest our legs after hours of museum stomping!

For our fall 2026 trip, we had a blast exploring Central Park with our toddler. She loved running down the trails and climbing at one of the many playgrounds. We even went to the Central Park Zoo where we saw penguins, bears and seals!

After Central Park, New York has lots of other famous parks for you to enjoy like Bryant Park, Washington Square Park and Prospect Park. There are lots of exciting playgrounds for kids too!

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

3. 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, pass by her on a city cruise, 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 in 2015, 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 (they make everyone disembark). It was a fun, local way to see the statue and get on the water, even if the view wasn’t great. But it was free!

On our next visit to New York in 2022, we wanted to learn more. So we headed out with Statue City Cruises to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Note: Sailing with Statue City Cruises is the only way to actually visit Liberty Island (where the Statue of Liberty sits) and Ellis Island. Other companies can cruise by, but Statue City Cruises is the only way that can get you on the islands.

You can book your ferry tickets directly with Statue City Cruises or you can book a guided tour which includes reserve access ferry tickets and an expert guide to lead you around both islands.

When we visited Liberty Island in 2022, 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.

If your ancestors passed through Ellis Island, you can visit the Records Discovery Center to learn more about your personal family history. Apparently 40% of Americans can trace at least one ancestor back to Ellis Island – how cool!

The last option for visiting the Statue of Liberty is on a city cruise. Unlike the Staten Island Ferry, city cruises are paid. But they do offer a better view of the Statue and additional sightseeing all around the city.

And unlike the Statue City Cruises, you don’t get off the boat or go onto the islands with a city cruise. Instead, you’ll wave to Lady Liberty from the water.

We did the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line during our fall 2026 trip and it was one of my favourite memories of New York City. We spent two hours on the water, cruising all around Manhattan, Brooklyn and over to the Statue of Liberty.

It was incredible to see the city all lit up, sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and learn more about New York from our incredible guide. She was full of fun facts but still gave us lots of time to just sit back and enjoy the night.

It was also the best view of the Statue of Liberty I’ve ever seen. I loved seeing her all lit up against the dark sky with no other boats or people in the way. Our guide sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as we approached, which made the moment even more powerful.

PS: Can’t decide between a sightseeing cruise and seeing the Statue of Liberty up close? You don’t have to!

The New York CityPASS includes both a sightseeing cruise with Circle Line, such as the Harbor Lights cruise we did, and access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with Statue City Cruises.

Having done both of these experiences, I’d say they’re both well worth it. I really enjoyed learning about the statue and immigration when we got off on the island, but also loved taking in the views of the city and seeing Lady Liberty all lit up at night from the cruise!

Get your New York CityPASS here and save up to 42% on top NYC attractions, like the City Line Cruise and Statue City Cruises to the Statue of Liberty!

4. Eat New York City’s most famous cuisine

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, TikTok, reel and blog post, will have a different favourite pizza joint and bagel shop. You really can’t go wrong!

On our 2022 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.

On our fall 2026 trip, we got Neapolitan-style pizza from SIMO Pizza (they have a location right by MoMA) and grabbed classic NY slices at Carnegie Pizza before seeing a Broadway show. Both were delicious!

Another thing New York City is famous for is their dessert. New York cheesecake anyone? The cronut (croissant + donut) was also invented in New York, as was the black and white cookie, baked Alaska and ice cream sandwich!

Many dessert shops and cafes in New York inspire lines around the block to try their viral offerings. While popular, I strongly believe that the cheesecake at Juniors, cookies from Schmackary’s and banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery all live up to the hype!

5. Seek out your favourite cuisine or try something new

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 Chinese food in Flushing to artisinal bakeries in Williamsburg, 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. We also headed to Empanada Mama and were blown away by the unique flavours in their empandas!

I loved the japchae noodles at Barn Joo 35 and Thai dishes from Valla Table that we tried on our 2026 New York trip. My aunt even said Valla Table was her favourite restaurant of the whole trip!

6. Remember 9/11

Of course, we all remember the tragic events that struck New York City on September 11, 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.

The most impactful way to do this is with a visit to Ground Zero where you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial Pools. The names of the people who lost their lives are etched into the pools and it’s very moving to see them all displayed.

Next to the pools is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which we had the privilege of visiting on our 2026 trip to New York City. I highly recommend making time for this museum on your New York City itinerary.

It was very meaningful to walk amongst some of the artifacts on display, including giant fire trucks and parts of buildings that had been destroyed. There are incredible exhibits on the first responders, survivors, victims and lead up to the terrorist attacks.

The museum is quite sombre and some of the personal items, like voice recordings and missing persons posters, instantly brought tears to my eyes. There’s also a very moving video about the 9/11 boat rescue.

While a difficult place to visit, I think it’s well worth it. The museum itself is incredibly curated and I do think it offers a unique perspective on the city of New York.

On our previous 2022 visit to New York, we visited the 9/11 Tribute Museum, which sadly closed its doors later that same year.

We went on a guided tour of Ground Zero and got to hear from a survivor who worked in the towers and a “triple.” A triple is someone who was impacted three times by 9/11; he lost his sister in one of the towers, survived the events himself, and helped as a first responder at a local hospital.

Get your New York CityPASS here and save up to 42% on top NYC attractions, like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

7. 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. I promise, they’re worth the hype!

On our first visit to New York in 2015, we went to the American Museum of Natural History and were totally blown away. We loved it so much that we brought our daughter to the museum in 2026 and she loved it too. The dinosaurs, space exhibits and animals were incredible!

On our 2022 visit, we decided to check out the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). While I’m no artist, I loved the fashion exhibits and Ancient Egyptian relics. And then in 2026, we saw even more art at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), including pieces by Van Gogh and Monet.

At all of these big New York Museums, I was overwhelmed with how much there was to see. Despite spending hours in each one, we barely scratched the surface of what the museums had to offer.

But even though you likely won’t have time for everything at every big museum, it’s still worth choosing one and seeing as much as you can. This is especially good to do on a rainy day in New York, but be warned that the museums will be crowded.

PS: Visiting a lot of museums and attractions in New York City? Check out the New York CityPASS to get up to 42% off admission prices!

We used New York CityPASS tickets on our 2026 trip to New York and saved a ton of money on big attractions like the Natural History Museum, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Empire State Building.

If you’re planning to visit these attractions anyway, buying the New York CityPASS is a no brainer. It saves you money and makes it super easy to access your tickets and make reservations.

Get your New York CityPASS here and save up to 42% on top NYC attractions, like the American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Museum, Whitney Museum and Guggenheim!

8. 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 2022 NYC trip, we went to the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. 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 story of two families from 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. 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.

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) with a guide. Truly, I could not recommend this museum enough!

9. Take in the view from above

One of the best ways to enjoy New York 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 One Vanderbilt 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!

But it will cost you as most of these viewpoints are not cheap. I do think they’re worth the splurge for such an iconic view. My advice would be to either choose one viewpoint to visit or purchase a New York CityPASS, which includes entry to multiple viewpoints.

When we first visited New York in 2015, 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.

On our 2026 trip, we opted for another classic viewpoint and headed up the Empire State Building. Besides the iconic view, there were also lots of cool, interactive exhibits about the building’s history, architecture and role in pop culture.

We got to pose with King Kong and watch videos of the building being constructed that were projected into the elevator. And on the observation deck, there was a dessert truck and we witnessed a proposal!

Get your New York CityPASS here and save up to 42% on top NYC attractions, like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and Edge Observation Deck!

10. Read a book at the New York Public Library

Despite having visited New York three times now, I still have not made it inside the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. 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 Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the flagship location of the NYPL, but is commonly referred to as just the New York Public Library (even though New York has more than one library).

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 read a book set in the library, which has me even more excited to make it inside one day!

The library has been open to the public since 1911 and even has a free audio guide, docent-led tours, a Visitor Center, and a library shop and cafe. The only reason I haven’t made it inside is because I keep showing up just as the library is closing!

Inside you’ll discover the beautiful Reading Room and over 15 million items in the library’s collection. You can also recreate Carrie and Big’s wedding from the Sex and the City movie, which (almost) took place at this famous library!

Fun fact: The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is a research library, not a lending library. Meaning you can’t actually borrow any of the books or materials they have.

If you did want to borrow a book, or if you’re visiting New York with kids, I highly recommend heading across the street to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, another branch of the NYPL.

This library is much more low-key and doesn’t have the fancy architecture or crowds of its big brother across the street. But it does have the Children’s Center, an entire floor dedicated to kids books.

We spent an hour or so here with our daughter, C, on our most recent trip to NYC. It was the perfect place to escape the rain and kill some time before dinner. We got a taste of local New Yorker life, as the SNFL Children’s Center isn’t on many tourist maps

11. (Briefly) visit Times Square

On your first 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. This is not the New York that locals love.

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

That being said, there’s plenty of good reason to go to Times Square. It’s definitely worth it for the photo opportunities alone!

Times Square is where most of New York’s Broadway theatres are located. So if you’re going to a show – or need a late night bite afterwards – you’ll probably be in or near Times Square.

Many hotels are located near Times Square, so you might end up spending even more time in this part of Midtown. Luckily, it’s pretty centrally located in Manhattan with great transit connections.

We stayed at Home 2 Suites by Hilton Times Square for our fall 2026 trip and it was perfect. The rooms were spacious (by NYC standards) with kitchenettes, there was free breakfast, and we could easily walk or subway anywhere we needed to go.

Would it have been cooler to stay in Brooklyn or the Upper East Side? Probably. But Times Square was convenient with lots of hotel options, so we booked it!

12. 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 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.

13. Walk the High Line

The High Line is an elevated urban park and greenway on the west side of Manhattan. It feels like a boardwalk lined with greenery but a few stories in the air instead of by the water.

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. Plus, there are great places to stop along the way to take in the view or have a snack.

That said, it’s no secret that the High Line is a cool place to be. 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.

14. 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 by looking very busy.

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, Philip Hamilton and Hercules Mulligan are all buried there.

Their tombs are located in the outdoor garden and cemetery, which is actually a very beautiful and peaceful place to walk through. We strolled through it on our 2026 trip and it was a nice break from the crowds on Wall Street and a cool look at history.

The church was also used as a refuge for first responders during 9/11. You can see photos of it being used in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

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 consider rubbing certain parts of him for good 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.

15. Go to a NYC 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 it was a ton of fun. We also stopped by Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden 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 NFL teams (Jets & Giants), two NBA teams (2026 NBA Champions Knicks & Nets), two NHL teams (Rangers & Islanders) and two MLB teams (Mets & Yankees). There’s also the New York City FC soccer team and New York Liberty women’s basketball team.

Keep in mind that not all New York teams play right in the city (some even play in New Jersey), so you may have to travel a bit farther to see a game. Still, it’d be worth it to cheer on the home team with your fellow New Yorkers!

16. 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 with lots of photo opportunities, including of the Manhattan skyline behind you. Just try not to get in the way of busy New Yorkers 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.

17. 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 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!

Keep in mind, these tapings can take many hours and some of the popular shows, like SNL, may require you to enter a lottery or wait in long line ups. So if you’re short on time, you may not be able to fit this into your NYC itinerary.

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!

18. Check out iconic NYC filming locations

Besides talk shows, many other TV shows and movies have filmed or currently film in New York City. If you’re a big movie or television buff, you’ll definitely want to spend some time checking out iconic filming locations around NYC.

You can go on a tour where they 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 visit to New York City, I knew I wanted to take a photo outside of Serendipity Cafe (from the movie, Serendipity) and another one out front of Tiffany’s (from Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

We also headed to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, which serves as the inspiration for the fountain in the opening credits of Friends, even though the real Friends fountain was on a back lot.

Going up the Empire State Building meant we could recreate famous movie and TV moments from Sleepless in Seattle, The Mindy Project and King Kong. And our time at the American Museum of Natural History could’ve been right out of Night at the Museum!

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.

19. 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 get around the city.

I grew up taking the subway in Toronto, and have used subway systems in London, Tokyo and all over the world, so I felt quite comfortable in New York. Everything is in English and despite stories in the media, I never felt unsafe.

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.

My mother-in-law and aunt got lost going from Wall St to Times Square. But they ended up befriending a fellow traveller and all made their way, eventually!

So even if you take the wrong train, enter on the opposite side of the street or get lost, it’s still worth trying. Because taking the subway means you can save money, save time and have a local NYC experience!

Local tip: A native New Yorker recommended MTA.info to me for the latest on closures due to service work. There’s also Citymapper and other apps you’ll want to download for your NYC trip.

20. Explore 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 or passing by Grand Central. Take some time to explore this 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 then grab a meal at one of the food halls or restaurants.

On our very first trip to New York in 2015, I remember being so excited to try Magnolia Bakery and Shake Shack in the Grand Central dining concourse. Our trip had just begun and I was already eating iconic foods in an iconic place.

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

21. Experience seasonal New York

One of the coolest parts about New York City is that it transforms depending on what time of year you visit. So the last thing I encourage you to do on your first trip is to embrace the current season in NYC!

We know from all of the rom-coms set there that New York is an iconic place to be over the winter holidays. You can see giant Christmas trees and sparkling lights, skate at Rockefeller Center, and watch the Rockettes perform!

Or if you’re in the city over the New Year, you can head to Times Square with the crowds to watch the ball drop.

But even if you’re not visiting in winter, there’s something special about every season in New York. I’ve visited the city in May, August and September/October, and each season brought something different.

In summer you can attend street festivals and outdoor concerts. Cheer on the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Pride March or splurge on tickets to the US Open.

In the fall, you’ve got film festivals and book festivals, the NYC Marathon and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can also watch the brownstone stoops transform for Halloween!

And in the spring, there are more festivals and parades, plus peak bloom for the city’s cherry blossoms!

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

With three New York trips under my belt (and many more in my future), I’ll leave you with three tips to enjoy your first time visit to the 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 aware of your surroundings. That might look like not using headphones if you’re walking alone, double checking directions, and moving to the side if you need to stop and look at your phone.

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

While the subway is great, the best way to experience New York City is on two feet. If distance and mobility are not concerns for you, then try your best 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 I encourage you to 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, leave some room for spontaneity and save something for your second trip!

I’d love to know: What’s on your NYC bucket list? Or, if you’ve already been, what would you recommend to first time visitors?

Don’t forget: Get your New York CityPASS here to save up to 42% on top NYC attractions!

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