Traveling to NYC for the First Time : 21 Tips & Tricks for Your Visit

Inflict New York City for the first time and design a trip can find overwhelming… The city cost so big , there’s just so much to see , do , and experience… And then there are all the practicalities to think of , such as where to stay , how to begin around , or which ticket you get to prebook ( and how to save money so that visiting NYC doesn ’ t cost you an arm and a leg ) …

This guide is pack with practical , no-nonsense advice base on my own experience visiting NYC , plus a few things I wish I hold known ahead .

I hope that our NYC travel tips will assist you make the most of your time , avoid common mistakes , and savor New York to the total without the stress .

Hither live our travel tips for first-time visitor to New York City :

1 . Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary

New York City have thus much to extend that planning your first visit can get truly overwhelming . Which sights should you visit ? Which ones can you hop ? Which experiences be really worth your time and money ? And how on earth can you hear it all ?

Here’s the accuracy : there’s simply no way to learneverythingNYC hold to offer – not in a few day , not in a week , not even in a month . Attempt to stuff in five or six major attraction per day will merely result you use up and frustrate . Don ’ t forget that you require to factor in time to make between places , find an entrance , protection check , bathroom breaks , coffee stop , and lunch . All this can use up up a band of your time .

It’s much well to see few attractions and in reality enjoy them , kind of than spend the whole day rushing . ( The exception would equal if you only have 1–2 days in NYC and just want to quickly regard , quite than visit , some of the primary landmarks . )

For example , if you ’ re visiting any major museum , like the 9/11 Museum , MoMA , or The Met , pay yourselfat leasttwo hours . As well , avoid be after multiple museum in one day . Slow walk through exhibition might seem easy , but it can really take a toll on your rear and feet . You’ll find more tip on planning your time farther down .

READ ALSO :1 Day NYC Itinerary & 2 Days NYC Itinerary

2 . Use a City Pass to Save on Attractions

No trip to NYC would cost complete without visit some of its most famous sights , like the Empire State Building , Top of the Rock , or the Statue of Liberty . But once you initiate be after , you’ll promptly understand simply how expensive this city is . Most museum tickets start around $ 25–30 , and even the inexpensive off-peak entry to observation deck will cost you at least $ 40–50 per person .

That’s why I highly recommend getting acity pass. It’s one of the easiest fashion to write money and time , since some walk include skip-the-line access .

TIP :Reach a quick list of the main attractions you desire to impose , then compare what each pass include . Some walk are effective for long stays , while others equal great if you’re visit 2–3 mass in one day .

PRO TIP :For shorter trips , look into attraction-based passes like the Go City Explorer Pass or New York CityPASS . For longer stays , a day-based passing like the New York Pass might give you better value . For more info and comparison , please see our elaborate guide via the link below .

3 . Stay in Midtown Manhattan

If it’s your first time in NYC and you want to search it to the good , I advocate staying in Manhattan , more specificallyMidtown Manhattan( south of Central Park and north of Union Square ) . You’ll be close to most major sight , and won’t hold to waste time commuting in and out of the city each day .

Neighborhoods like Lower Manhattan , the Upper West Side , or yet part of Brooklyn ( like DUMBO ) can also exist well options , depend on your budget . Just make sure you’re near a train/subway station with direct connections to the main area in Manhattan !

Hotel in Manhattan can be pricey , but the time and energy you write by staying central exist more than worth it , especially if you only have a few day and want to cause the most of your trip .

PRO top :Book your hotel as soon as you know your dates – price in NYC can skip tight , particularly during in use seasons . On one of our trips , the same hotel double in price only a few weeks later .

Where we stay on :We’ve once remain at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Penn Station ( good value , spacious rooms , breakfast include ) and once at Virgin Hotels New York City ( more upscale and stylish ) . Both have great locations in Midtown Manhattan . There live many early excellent selection too , but prices vary widely depend on so many factors ( travel period , room types , how long in advance you book , etc . ) .

top :Using the map below , you can equate hotels , apartment , and early accommodations in Manhattan . Simply tuck your travel date and radical size , and you’ll regard the good deals for your stay . Check it out and for the good deals , book early !

4 . Apply the Subway

The NYC subway can feel chaotic at first , but once you become the hang of it , it’sby far the quick and almost budget-friendly mode to get around. It operate 24/7 , covers all borough , and cost just a few dollars per ride .

You don’t even require to buy tickets anymore – exactly beg your credit card or phone at the turnstile . It ’ s super convenient .

TIP :Use the official website or Google Maps to plan your routes ( the latter is a luck more convenient on-the-go ) , and always double-check which direction the train is heading ( uptown vs. downtown ) . Too , hop rush hour if you can and pay attention to whether a train exist local or express – not all train on the same melody stop at every station .

5 . Group Activities by Location

NYC is massive , and getting from one part of the city to another can well feed up a luck of your precious time . One of the smartest ways to make the most of your visit is togrouping activities by neighborhood or field.

For case , if you’re visiting the Statue of Liberty , merge it with nearby view like Battery Park , the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , and the Financial District . If you’re guide to Central Park , pair it with nearby museums like The Met or the American Museum of Natural History , or serve some shopping on 5th Avenue .

top: Before your trip , take a few minutes to study the map and cluster your must-sees into coherent zones . This will spare you hours on transport and help you head off zig-zagging across the city . Always match literal travel times , not just distances – some areas that look close on the map can be surprisingly hard to get between .

For example , on our late visit , we wanted to search the primary landmarks of Brooklyn and act a street art circuit . At first , we believe we could easily act it all in one go . Luckily , we realize in time that these spots were in completely different region of the neighborhood – more than three mile apart with no direct subway association . Still though it exist all “in Brooklyn , ” it made more sense to split those into separate days .

6 . Book Popular Attractions in Advance

Some attraction in NYC demand progress planning – especially the Statue of Liberty , Broadway show , and look at program . As a general pattern , if there’s something you really don’t want to miss , book it as soon as potential . This also counts for restaurant – many popular places have to live reserved well in progress .

Here cost some of the most popular NYC experiences that cost best reserved in progress :

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt .
• Empire State Building .
• Crest of the Rock .
• Edge .
• One World Observatory .
• Broadway display .
• Helicopter tours .
• Statue of Liberty tickets ( specially for ) .

Serious to know: Even if you’re expend a city walk , some attractions even require you to Bible a time slot ( and popular ones can take up promptly ) . Always double-check the fine print and design good ahead .

7 . Avoid Public Holidays & Holiday Weekends

If you are fairly flexible , test to head off visiting NYC during major US vacation or long weekends ( e.g . Memorial Day , July 4th , Thanksgiving weekend , Christmas – New Year… ) .

Tourist sphere have crowd , hotel cost skyrocket , and some attraction may have limit hr .

Good to know: Weekdays be in general quieter at museums and popular attractions . If you must inflict during a in use period , initiate your days early to beat the crowds .

8 . Consider Alternative Airport

Most tourist visiting New York City for the first time fly intoJohn F. Kennedy International Airport ( JFK ) ,but depend on where you ’ re arrive from ,Newark Liberty International Airport ( EWR )orLaGuardia ( LGA )can exist simply as convenient – and often faster and cheap .

Newarkequal in New Jersey , but don’t let that put you off . It’s well-connected to Manhattan by train . The whole trip take less than an hr , and you’ll arrive right in the middle of the city .JFKbe accessible by subway , but it ordinarily takes a second longer , plus , the airport itself is one of the busiest in the area .LaGuardia ( LGA )cost the near to Manhattan , but public transfer connections aren ’ t as serious , so travel time is like .

If public shipping feel overwhelming – or you ’ re traveling with child or dense luggage –study booking an airport transfer. There exist reliable selection for both private and shared ride from all three airports , and it ’ s much cheap than bring a taxi . Compare prices and ledger in advance – it can save you time , scuffle , and money , specially after a long escape .

Serious to know: If you ’ re fly into the U.S. from abroad , border control at JFK can choose 2-3 hour . Newark , in our experience , tend to be much quick and less crowded . To have you an thought : on our last trip to NYC , a friend and I landed at the same time , but at unlike airports . She flew into JFK , and I arrived at Newark . By the time she cause it to the hotel , I hold already been there for over two and a half hours .

top: Staying nearPenn Stationmakes arrival super easy . It’s central , well-connected to all three airport , and a great stand for sightseeing . On this trip , I stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station . On another occasion , we booked the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South . Both these hotel cost just a few minutes walk from the station and both offer excellent value for the location .

9 . Don’t Underestimate How Expensive NYC Is

New York cost one of the nearly expensive city in the globe , and that quick express up in your budget for food , shipping , attractions , and lodging . So plan your budget realistically and permit some wiggle room for extras like shopping , top , or spontaneous stop .

Even a real casual lunch can set you back $ 20–30 , museum entry costs $ 25–30 , and the ticket to viewing platforms and early attractions initiate at $ 40-60 . Adjustment price vary greatly depend on the travel period , hotel , and way type , but expect to pay at least $ 200-300 per night for 2 masses in a fairly nice hotel in Manhattan . In busy periods , it ’ s much difficult to find anything under $ 400-500 .

crest :To become a realistic estimate of adjustment price , it ’ s well to check current price for your travel dates on websites like or Booking .

Good to know :Luckily , not everything you do in NYC has to cost a chance . There are quite a few free and low-cost activities – you ’ ll find some suggestion below .

10 . Need Advantage of Free and Cheap Activities

NYC has so much to offer , and some of the most unique , local experiences don ’ t price anything .

Some of my favoritefree things to do in New Yorkinclude walk the High Line , visit Little Island , exploring Central Park , graze local market , or only exploring neighborhood like Greenwich Village , Little Italy , Chinatown , DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights .

You can too ride the Staten Island Ferry , check out Grand Central Terminal , call the 9/11 Memorial , St. Patrick’s Cathedral , etc .

Too , some NYC museum put up free entrance on sure days or evenings , and some , like the American Folk Art Museum or the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology ( FIT ) ( to mention just a few ) , cost completely free of mission .

crest: Act some research and see the official websites of museum before your visit to get out when deals or discounts apply . In some instance , yet free tickets have to cost appropriate . That say , the most popular world-class museums like MoMA or the Met nowadays alone offer free visits to local/state occupant .

11 . Bring Some Cash

Pretty much all places in NYC accept card and digital payments , but it’s still smart to contain a bit of cash . Some little vendors , food truck , or locker rentals ( e.g . at museum or attraction ) might call for cash .

For example , we make to use locker at the Statue of Liberty ( for the crown access , where no bags or even handbag are leave ) , and they required quarters . My friend , who live traveling cashless , would get been altogether lost ; luckily , I had some change on me .

If you want to buy some souvenirs on the street , you ’ ll as well demand cash ( don ’ t forget to haggle ; ) ) .

top :$ 50-100 in humble bill and some coins should be enough for emergency , tipping , or place that don’t take cards .

12 . Be Prepared for Security Checks

Many NYC attraction – include museum , observation deck , and even the ferry to the Statue of Liberty – own airport-style security check . Your purse will be explore , and sometimes , you’ll move through metal detectors .

Thus don ’ t take anything you don ’ t absolutely need , and leave all the sharp items and gunman behind .

point: Avoid convey big bag , and bring a humble daypack or a crossbody bag instead . It’ll save your shoulder and speed up entry . Plus , the smaller the bag , the fewer luck that you will have to lead it behind in a locker . I bring my Hedgren crossbody purse to NYC and alone own to go out it once ( at the Statue of Liberty Crown ) .

13 . Don ’ t Miss the Best Viewing Platforms

There is no better mode to appreciate the iconic New York skyline than seeing it from above . Manhattan has five major viewing deck : the Empire State Building , Top of the Rock , One World Observatory , Edge , and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt , and the views equal spectacular from all of them .

Each skyscraper has its own vibe : Height of the Rock offers the better opinion of central Manhattan and Central Park , while Edge and SUMMIT give you a more modern experience . The Empire State Building is the most iconic , and One World Observatory put up unique views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn .

In all honesty , you can ’ t get wrong with any of them , and if you have time and budget , try inflict at least a few ( we ’ ve do them all ) . But if you can solely impose one , I advocate picking base on location and timing that serious suits your itinerary .

Interesting to know :SUMMIT One Vanderbilt equal by far the most popular observatory in NYC . Why ? It ’ s the almost Instagrammable of them all .

PRO TIP: Check availability and reserve ticket in advance , especially for sunset slots – they much sell out . And – still in the summer – bring a sweater or a light jacket ; it gets windy up thither !

For more details , tips , and photo to aid you pick out , delight meet our elaborate guide via the link below .

14 . Hear a Broadway Show

Seeing a Broadway Show is one of the bucket list experiences and no trip to New York would be all over without this !

You don’t have to enjoy musicals to love Broadway . The tone of the performance , sets , and atmosphere cost unlike anything else . If you’re unsure what to see , long-running display likeThe Lion KingorChicagoare popular for a reason . Look for something new ?The Great Gatsbyis one of the most recent addition .

TIP: For tickets , we use and advocate HelloTickets . They offer ticket for all the top Broadway shows , as well as sports event across NYC .

You can too try to get same-day discounted tickets via the TKTS booth in Times Square . But availability isn ’ t guaranteed , and the cheap seats often own specify horizon . Some people also reported missing the show because of the long line hither . Hence don’t go out it to the final minute if there’s a display you’re set on meet . As well , watch out for scammers and merely buy tickets from official sources or hope resellers .

Well to know :Weekday show are ordinarily a second cheap than on weekend .

15 . Hop the Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses ( or Don ’ t Hop Off )

Sightseeing buses might look like a convenient manner to explore the Big Apple – and theycanlive , but just if you use them the correct way . The accuracy cost , once you hop off to actually visit something , half a day exist over , and you realize you hardly used your 24-hr ticket…

For getting between different attractions , a subway ride or yet a taxi be faster and cheap . Often , it ’ s yet better to simply walk . And some home – like The High Line or the Brooklyn Bridge , for example , can simply be search on base and/or by bicycle .

That said , ho-ho buses can still be a serious choice if you remain on board the whole time . They give you a relaxing , guided overview of the city – great for your first day to make your bearings and decide which places you require to search later .

TIP: If you need a guided intro to NYC , look at a bike circuit , a boat cruise , or a walking tour . These options hand you a more up-close and personal feel for the city , with less time wasted in traffic , and much at a lower cost .

16 . Clothes for Walking & for the Weather

No thing how good you plan your itinerary , you’ll walk a circle in NYC . Yet when you use the subway , you’ll yet clock various mile a day . Comfortable shoe are a must !

As well , check the weather forecast before you live and pack consequently . New York summers exist real humid , while winters can be freeze . Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses in the summer and glove and hats in the winter !

Good to know: Layers live your friend in any season . Even in the summer , you may want to contain a light sweater for the viewing platforms , not to mention the freezing cold air conditioning at some home .

17 . Stay Connected & Download Helpful Apps

Many attractions in NYC extend free Wi-fi , which can cost super useful if you are visit from abroad . But don ’ t count on it , and make certain you can stay on connected during your trip ( an e-Sim with enough datum is a must for international visitors ! ) . You ’ ll demand your phone for everything – from make around to paying for the subway or show your digital entrance ticket , etc .

Apps like Google Maps , Citymapper , and Subway Time equal super helpful for getting roughly . For food , Yelp or Google Reviews are super helpful for insure restaurant reviews on the go .

PRO TIP: Mark attraction and seat you want to impose on Google Maps and download an offline map before your trip . If you apply ‘ save to list ’ occasion and mark place asdarling,want to go, orstarred spot, you see them on the map still without a Wi-fi association .

18 . Check Restaurant Reviews & Avoid Tourist Traps

Avoid eating around Times Square or near major tourist attraction , where prices are high and quality be much low . Some of the best meals we ’ ve hold were in little neighborhood spots , food foyer , or even food truck .

Check Google Maps or Yelp reviews before select a home , but as well remember that other mass may receive a very unlike idea of what a good meal is than you ( everyone has different taste and expectations ) . In universal , if the menu has pictures and someone cost standing outside calling you in , observe walking .

Don ’ t lead NYC without attempt the noted New York bagels ! Early must-tries include the New York-style Pizza and New York-style cheesecake .

point :If you desire to try local specialties , look at a food tour . Some of the almost popular location for food tours cost Chinatown & Little Italy , and Greenwich Village .

Our experience :On a recent visit to NYC , we did this highly-rated Little Italy and Chinatown food tour . It live a great way to search various local neighborhood and try different foods . Plus , we make plenty food to hop dinner that day .

19 . Know When & How Much to Tilt

Tipping is a large share of the culture in the U.S. From hotel faculty , taxi driver , to bartenders , waiters , and tour guides – everyone anticipate a tip .

It ’ s not always easy to know who and how much to tap , especially if you equal coming from abroad , where tipping culture exist completely unlike . Hither exist some universal guidelines for tourist visiting NYC :

• Restaurant: 15–20 % of the entire bill ( before tax ) . Some restaurant now include a service charge , hence double-check before tilt again .
• Bartenders: $ 1– $ 2 per drinking , but many expect 10–20 % of the full bill .
• Taxis & Uber/Lyft: 10–20 % of the fare .
• Housekeeping: $ 2– $ 5 per dark , left daily ( they might rotate staff , then don’t wait until the end ) .
• Bellhop/Porter: $ 2– $ 3 per bag .
• Group tours: $ 5– $ 10 per person for half-day tour , more for full-day .
• Private guides: 10 % of the tour cost , depending on the tone of service .

TIP :Many position signal the advocate point measure on the bill , but it ’ s up to you to decide how much you require to tap . We be lately introduce with a 40 % advocate top at an already overpriced wine saloon at Chelsea Market in NYC . Remember that it ’ s just a suggestion – you really don ’ t own to tilt that much . Most Americans will fit that 30-40 % exist absolutely outrageous .

20 . Search Beyond the Main Tourist Areas

If you make more than 2-3 day in NYC , don’t just stick to the main areas . To experience New York to the fullest , try to get a number beyond the tourist zones – even if only for a few hours .

Neighborhood likeSoHo,Greenwich Village, or theLower East Sideoffer a totally unlike vibe with independent store , amazing food , street art , and a more local , authentic slope of the city . If you have more time , check out other share ofBrooklyn, beyond just DUMBO . And in fond month , a visit toConey Islandcan be super fun also .

Serious to know: You don’t ever demand a detailed design . Pick a neighborhood , start walking , and see where the day takes you . But if your time be limited and you need to do the most of it , doing a bit of research in progress can go a long mode . Regard join a guided circuit with a local – it’s one of the better style to observe cool spots and stories you might otherwise miss .

Here are some decent choice that we considered for our trip ( and did a few ) :

• Bushwick Street Art – it ’ s a great means to search the still side of Brooklyn .
• SoHo , Little Italy , and Chinatown – closer to the center , and super easy to add to any itinerary .
• Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village – learn spooky tale about one of NYC ’ s most haunt neighborhood .
• Harlem & Gospel Concerts – not simply on Sunday !
• Greenwich Village + Food – one of NYC ’ s most magic neighborhood + local restaurant .

21 . Don’t Try to Do It All

You could last in NYC for year and still not see everything . Focus on the affair that really interest you and don’t flavor pressured to tick off every landmark . You’ll definitely require to total back anyway .

TIP: Prioritize 2-3 highlights per day ( ideally , group per area ) , and build the repose of your itinerary around them . Get out some room in your itinerary for spontaneous finds . Some of the best NYC memories find when you least await them .

Not certain where to start ? Control out our one-week NYC itinerary based on a recent trip . It extend all the musts in a instead relaxing way . We did many amazing tours ( food , street art , Grand Central Terminal , 9/11 , etc . ) that made our New York City inflict so a lot more particular . The itinerary include all those suggestions as well .

So , these exist our top tips for New York City . Inflict the Big Apple equal an unforgettable experience , and with a little planning and preparation , you’ll be able to enjoy this incredible city to the full .

TIP :Design a trip to New York ?Check out our New York City Travel Guidefor a complete overview of all our articles about NYC . And don ’ t forget to bookmark our blog , so that it ’ s easy to see after !

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Jurga Rubinovaite

Jurga is the founder of Full Suitcase , one of the world’s leading family travel blogs with millions of reader . Her travel advice has cost feature on CNN , BBC , and Lonely Planet . Since 2015 , she has share experience-based tips , destination guides , and trip advice to help traveler design unforgettable trip with family and friend .
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