• Home
  • Contact
  • Work with Me
  • Start a Blog
  • Shop
↑
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
You are here: Home / USA / A First Time Visitors Guide to New York City

A First Time Visitors Guide to New York City

Last updated on: May 4, 2018

Damn right, affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I'll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I'll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. :)
Total
13
Shares
Share 5
Pin it 13
Tweet 0
Share 0

First time to New York City?

Don’t fret – yes the city is large, intense, and intimidating at times, but it’s also exhilarating, surprising, and generous all at once.  You’ll leave both wanting to return and thrilled to be escaping from the madness.

A few common questions you may be asking yourself after booking that ticket:

  • How will I get around?
  • Is this an express or local subway?!?
  • What should I do?!
  • Why are there people dressed up as characters in Times Square?

first time visitors guide to NYC >> what to see, do, and eat | www.apassionandapassport.com

First things first, how do you get around?!

You’ve just landed for the first time in New York City and don’t know what to do next.

Did you land at JFK?  Great!  That airport has awesome public transportation options.  Don’t let the cab drivers or uber drivers take your money for no reason.  From JFK, you can take the air train to the subway which will take you straight to anywhere you are staying.  Unfortunately, if you flew into LaGuardia airport, you are limited to either the bus or a cab in which case I would recommend a cab.

Now back to the subway.  Are you staying in New York for a bit?  If so, the MTA offers a day 7 day unlimited pass which might be a great deal for you.  I recommend checking out MTA Fares at A Glance before your visit to help you plan. PS: The subway system will take you anywhere in the 5 boroughs for the same price of $2.75 – there are maps at each station which you can use to find your desired destination.  Confused?  Ask the help of a local NYer (they’ll be the ones reading the paper and listening to music on their phones).  Residents get a bad rep – before I fully understood public transportation I used to ask people all the time if this train would take me to x, and 95% of the time I got a friendly response.

new york city weekend

Now onto the fun stuff.  What to see and where to eat! 

First time visiting NYC?! >> checkout all my recommendations! | www.apassionandapassport.com

Empire State Building

This is the most iconic building in all of New York City, and a visit to NYC wouldn’t be complete without witnessing this famous landmark. You can take a tour and go to the top, but personally, I would save that experience for Top of the Rock.  It’s  beauty at night (all lit up) and shouldn’t be missed!

Top Of The Rock

If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, The Office etc., this is where it all starts.  You can visit the Top Of The Rock and I highly recommend it.  From there you can get a ridiculously amazing 360 degree view of the city.  I’m hoping to get back up there this summer!

Just make sure you view NYC from up above, from one of these three options below:

new york city weekend

High Line Park 

This park is a few miles long and runs along the West Side of the city.  My husband and I actually took some of our engagement photos here and they came out great!  It is an excellent spot for people watching and photography, especially during the spring and summer months. Don’t miss all the quirky finds and murals hidden on nearby buildings! Most definitely one of my favorite of the many cheap things to do in NYC!

First time visiting NYC?! >> checkout all my recommendations! | www.apassionandapassport.com

First time visiting NYC?! >> checkout all my recommendations! | www.apassionandapassport.com

Chelsea Piers Driving Range

If you are looking for a break that involves swinging a golf club, then the Chelsea Piers driving range is the perfect spot.  You can see the Statue of Liberty from this location –  double bonus!  Recommended by my husband as I’ve never been, but he claims it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!

Yankee or Met game

While both teams have moved into new stadiums, the games are still fun.  I would argue that Citi Field offers better food but the Yankees are a much better team. :p A must for your first time to New York City! On a hot New York night, it is the best – get some ice cream afterwards!

Times Square

The epicenter of NYC, and what you’ve probably seen on postcards when you think of New York’s bright city lights and skyscrapers.  Times Square changes everyday – but expect to see some characters dressed up (be prepared to pay for photos) and an immense amount of crowds.  And if you’re traveling with children- hold their hand.  A fun place to wander for a bit – but I don’t suggest booking a hotel here or planning to eat anywhere around this area (super expensive for no apparent reason).

new york city weekend

new york city weekend

Broadway Show

Want to see a Broadway show at a discounted price?  Of course you do!  Take advantage of the TKTS booths in Times Square and pick any of them.  You can’t choose wrong. A must in NYC! Or plan ahead and learn how to find cheap Broadway tickets before your trip!

Little Italy

Mangia bene!  “Eat well” in Italian which is exactly what you can do here in Little Italy.  This area is filled with amazing sauce, delicious food (pizza or pasta, anyone?!) and even better cannoli’s (I’ve tested a bunch of them – so trust me on this). 😉  While were talking about food, make sure to get a cookie from Levain Bakery (pictured below), and eat as much pizza as you can handle (a few favorite pizza spots here).

new york city weekend

Chinatown

One my favorite places to go in New York is in Chinatown! Make sure you pay a visit to WoHop for a fun time.  Celebrities have been visiting this eatery for decades and continue to do so.  It never closes (truly the city that never sleeps!) and is always awesome.  Be prepared to wait on line for a table but it’s always worth the wait.

Central Park

What can I say about Central Park?  It’s perfect for visiting year round, and tons of activities are going on in every season.  Ice skate in the winter, wander during the summer, and visit the zoo and enjoy a stroll any time of year.  No visit (especially your first time to New York City!) is complete without a waffle from the Waffles & Dinges truck at the entrance on 59th street.  Best waffles ever.  Just go – trust me.

new york city weekend

new york city weekend

new york city weekend

Katz’s Deli 

Vegetarians beware, this New York icon servers up sandwiches bigger than your head and is simply amazing.

Statue of Liberty

If you’re not into the history of it all and just want to snap some good photos, I recommend taking a cruise around the Statue of Liberty.  Another NYC icon you just cannot miss! And if you want a semi-thrilling experience (depending on where you sit), you can even take a NYC helicopter ride to see the Statue of Liberty and more!

First time visiting NYC?! >> checkout all my recommendations! | www.apassionandapassport.com

First time visiting NYC?! >> checkout all my recommendations! | www.apassionandapassport.com

Art Museums

New York is full of great art and fun museums.  Take your pick!  There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Guggenheim, Museum of Natural History, and a bunch of others. For your first time to New York City, I highly recommend picking just one (or two if you’re a true art lover), and spend your remaining time outdoors!  However, if you’re visiting New York City in the winter, consider visiting more to stay out of the bitter cold!

new york city weekend

new york city weekend

Other Recommended New York City Attractions:

Are you planning your first time to New York City soon?!

[divider style=”bold” title=”” text_align=””]

I have partnered up with Expedia to write this post on New York City, and am excited I was able to share a little slice of my home city with you!

Total
18
Shares
Share 5
Pin it 13
Tweet 0
Share 0

Filed Under: USA Tagged With: new york, new york city

hey there

Hi, I’m Jess. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips.

About 101 in 1001 Contact

love to travel?

Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more!

No spam, only fun!

About International USA California Itinerary Planning Resources Travel Shop

Favorite Travels

The Most Spectacular Sunsets in San Francisco: Where to Watch the Sunset in SF (A Locals Guide)

The Best Things To Do On the North Shore of Oahu (HUGE Guide + Where to Eat)

The Most Gorgeous Mosaic Stairs in San Francisco (And Where to Find Them!)

Best AirBnBs in Honolulu: 15 Tropical and Chic Stays in Oahu (2021)

Travel Recaps

'13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20

travel savings!

$40 off AirBnB Save Now

Guide to San Francisco

We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations!

All First Timers Guide Things to Do What/where to Eat Sweets and Treats Jess’s Itinerary

You may also love...

2020 Year in Review: The Wildly Unexpected and Unforeseen Year We’ll Never Forget
NYC Bucket List: 150 Super Awesome Things to do in New York City
The Ultimate NYC Bucket List: 150 Super Fun Things to do in New York City
Travel-Themed Staycation Ideas to Cure Your Wanderlust When You’re Stuck at Home

Find It Fast:

  • Destinations
  • Plan a Trip
  • Free Resources
  • Meet Jessica
  • Contact
  • Blog

love to travel?

Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more!

No spam, only fun!

@apassionandapassport
Copyright ©2021, A Passion and A Passport. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Design by Pixel Me Designs