NEW YORK CITY FOR FIRST TIMERS
- Lauren Firth
- Jan 28
- 19 min read
Updated: Apr 26
New York City—the place where anything is possible. From the neon lights of Times Square to the iconic skyline that lights up the night, it truly is iconic and somewhere I believe should be on every travel lover's bucket list! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, NYC always has something new to offer. But if it's your first time here, get ready for an unforgettable experience—you’ll be swept up by the city’s energy, excitement, and endless possibilities from the moment you step off the plane. We told ourselves that our first trip to New York in 2023 would be a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, so preparation was key to make sure we made the most out of our trip. Little did we know that we would be returning again the following year for the most special day of our lives, but more on that later.
CONTENTS
Click on the links below to be directed to the section you need to make your first trip to New York City one you’ll never forget! Whether you're after top attractions, food recommendations, advice on not breaking the bank, or tips on navigating the city, we've got you covered.
WHEN TO GO TO NEW YORK CITY
The weather in New York city can be summed up in one word… unpredictable. Don’t waste time watching the weather forecast apps for months before your trip because the reality is that it can change right until the last minute. Instead, focus on what season you would like to see New York in as each offers such a different experience! If you opt to go at the most popular time of Christmas you will get to skate in front of the famous Rockefeller Tree and witness the city lit up with magical decorations. However, if you do opt for this time of year it is important to remember that New York can be very harsh in the winter and you will be dealing with very busy crowds of tourists all there to do the same thing. For a tighter budget, this may also not be the best option as costs to fly out and accommodation can be steep.
Our favourite time to visit New York is in Spring, which is when we visited. The weather is often comfortably warm and dry and if you visit at the right time you may be able to witness the beauty of the Cherry Blossom trees blooming in Central Park. I would also suggest looking at an Autumn visit to New York City because again, you are avoiding the harsh winter and uncomfortable summer heat and can explore the city with much less crowds and at a cheaper cost.
ACCOMODATION/ HOW LONG TO STAY
As a first timer in New York City, we opted to stay as near as we could to the Times Square area in Midtown. We found that this offered us great accessibility to all the main locations we were planning on visiting and meant we were able to make the most out of the time on our trip. We stayed in the Element New York, (which had a great view of the Empire State Building by the way - see the photo below) situated just off of the Broadway area, as this offered much lower prices than some other hotels directly in Times Square. We opted to stay for 6 nights and found that this was the perfect amount of time to visit all the main attractions as well as have some time to do some exploring of our own.
GETTING AROUND
We flew directly from Manchester to JKF Airport in New York City. The cheapest way we have found to get to your hotel is by using the air-train from the airport to Jamaica station. Then we got the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Penn station. After this, we had the option to either walk or get a subway to Times Square. We particularly loved this way of travel as it offered such lovely views of the skyline on the way in! The easiest option would be to get a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel, however, this can be quite an expensive option.
To get around the city we mainly were able to walk between our destinations. Many of the main attractions are relatively close together, so this was a great option for us. We took a pair of our most comfortable shoes, and I am so glad we did, we were often getting more that 20,000 steps a day exploring the city!
For visiting areas that were further away such as the 9/11 museum, which is in Lower Manhattan, we used the subways and found this a very effective and affordable way to get to where we needed to be. Just make sure you know if you are going uptown or downtown and then get the subway on the correct side of the road. However, we tried to avoid the use of subways at night to make sure we were as safe as possible, though we never encountered any issues when we did.
KEEPING THE COSTS DOWN
It is no secret that New York City is an expensive place to be, however, there are ways to make it cheaper and have the best first time in the city without breaking the bank.
A big expense you will encounter is the cost of taxis, as previously mentioned, use a Metro Card where possible and use the subways to get around. Walking is another great way to save travel money, and it will allow you explore so much more of the city as well.
Fill your itinerary with free attractions such as Central Park, the Brooklyn bridge and the Highline. Prioritise activities that you are wanting to do in your time in the city and use a New York City pass to save money on these popular attractions. There are many options of passes to suit your needs, the one we used is linked here. You can also find cheaper ways to see iconic landmarks such as The Staten Island Ferry which will give you fantastic views of Lady Liberty and will not cost you a penny.
Eat like a local and limit touristy food spots in popular locations such as Time Square. To allow us to try those famous bites in the city, we opted to try popular street food spots rather than sit down restaurants to save costs and even halved portions, so we were able to try as much as possible. We also made the effort to walk away from the main tourist areas and find restaurants that were more local and much cheaper. An example of this is pictured below; this giant slice of pizza was only $6 from Koronet Pizza and it could feed a small family! We also tried to limit alcohol, as this is a huge cost that can occur if you are not careful and get a little sip happy.
ACTIVITIES/ THINGS TO SEE
The Empire State Building - The Empire State Building is a must-see landmark that is undoubtedly one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the world. I’m sure that when you think of New York, you probably think of the Empire State Building so make sure you don’t miss it!
Times square - You haven’t visited New York City if you haven’t seen the vibrant, bustling spot that is Times Square. Lit up with bright billboards and busy crowds, the feeling of seeing Times Square for the first time is unmatchable.
Rockefeller Centre - A visit to the Rockefeller Centre is a must when in the city, as the home of iconic attractions such as the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the famous ice-skating rink. The Top of the Rock is our favourite viewpoint in the whole city, and we highly recommend visiting at sunset for an even more memorable experience.
The Statue of Liberty - As a symbol of freedom and hope, Lady Liberty stands on Liberty Island and welcomes visitors from all over the world. A ferry ride on the Hudson will give you fantastic views of the green lady and you can even visit the island for a chance see her up close in all her glory.
The 9/11 Museum - The Memorial and Museum honours the lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This provides visitors with a powerful, emotional experience that gives you a deeper understanding of the impact that this tragic event caused.
Walk the Highline - This is such a unique green space to explore. An elevated park built on a former rail lane that offers stunning views of the city. It is a perfect escape from the city and is surrounded by art installations to enjoy.
Grand Central Station - This architectural gem is a must see when visiting New York City. As one of the most famous train stations in the world, this landmark doesn’t just offer transportation but is also full of shops, restaurants and hidden secrets. The ‘Whispering Gallery’, on the lower level near the Oyster Bar and Restaurant allows you to stand in one corner and whisper while someone on the opposite corner can hear you clearly.
Central Park - Arguably one of our favourite places in the city. This huge, peaceful park in the middle of the city is the perfect break from the crowds and is a great spot to relax, have a picnic or rent a boat for some of the most beautiful views. The juxtaposition of Central Park is striking as it blends beautiful nature with the urban landscape of the city.
The New York Public Library - This magnificent historic building is a must see in New York City. You will be greeting with the famous lion statues on the entrance and enter to explore an architectural masterpiece with exhibits, books and peaceful places to read and escape from the busy city.
National History Museum - This museum is home to many incredible exhibits from dinosaurs to space. It’s a great place to learn and explore about the wonders of the planet and beyond. As a fan of the movies ‘Night at the Museum’ we enjoyed this Museum that bit more and were fascinated by everything it had to offer.
Flat-Iron Building - A unique landmark of the city, this triangular shaped building sits on the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. On our next visit we might get a chance to see the building without it being dressed in scaffolding… hopefully. It is also located near the gorgeous neighbourhood of Gramercy which is one of our favourite places for a relaxing stroll and stop at a cozy café.
See a Broadway show - This is a must do experience when visiting NYC as Broadway has some of the most amazing performances in iconic theatres. Whether you choose to see a classic or a new hit, the experience is unforgettable.
The Friends Experience - If you are a fan of the Iconic TV show then look no further than the Friends Experience in New York City. You will have the chance to step onto fantastic recreations of the sets, explore interactive displays and see some of the outfits and props from the show. Could I BE anymore convincing? Make sure you stop by and even grab yourself a cup of coffee at Central Perk.
Little Italy/ China Town - Visit these vibrant neighbourhoods in the city that offer a unique cultural experience. From delicious Italian restaurants and cafes in Little Italy, the markets and authentic cuisine in China town, both areas are perfect to explore as part of your trip to New York City.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge - Walk the bridge and see some incredible views of the city. Explore the DUMBO area and get those iconic photos with the Manhattan Bridge in view.
FOOD AND DRINK
New York is a foodie’s dreams! I don’t think we have ever eaten as much in one trip as we did on our first trip to NYC. We did a lot of research and a lot of taste testing to come up with this list so read on to find out about some of the most iconic food spots, hidden gems and roof top bars that should be part of your itinerary when visiting the Big Apple.
Fifth Rooftop Bar - A top recommendation for a modern, trendy bar with an amazing atmosphere and incredible views of the Empire State Building. With good reason, this place is very popular so be prepared to wait in a line at peak times. If you're the kind of person who would appreciate a little floating rubber duck on top of your cocktail, then this is the place for you.
Beast & Butterflies - This local hotspot offers some of the best views of Times Square away from the bustling crowds. A roof top bar hidden at the back of the lobby at the top the M Social hotel, this is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a cocktail or light bite.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner- A must do dining experience as a first timer in New York! Enjoy typical American diner cuisine accompanied with the iconic singing waitstaff who will make sure your visit is one you will not forget! Lines can be large so we recommend going as early as you can for breakfast.
Levain Bakery - If you have done any research into food in NYC you will have heard of New York Style cookies, and where better to pick them up from that the incredibly famous Levain Bakery! This bakery offers a range of handmade cookies that are equally large and gooey, a spot not to be missed.
Joe's Pizza - The quintessential hotspot to enjoy an authentic New York street slice. While there are multiple locations across the city, we recommend visiting the most iconic, Carmine Street, for a chance run in with your friendly neighbourhood spiderman.
Dough Doughnuts – If doughnuts are more your thing, then look no further than Dough Dougnhuts. These fluffy, giant rounds of dough cause envy in all other doughnuts, and for good reason! Handmade in small batches, they are always fresh and full of flavour.
Liberty Bagels - When in New York, it is essential that you grab yourself a classic New York bagel. Liberty bagels is not only one of the top-rated bagel spots in Manhattan but it is also home to ‘The Rainbow Bagel’. Even though this bagel is potentially full of more artificial colours than I can count, it remains one of top recommendations of foods to try in the city.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Famous for the genius invention of the Cronut, this bakery should be high on your priority list when in the city. Though lines can be long, there is no argument that this bakery stocks some of the most delicious treats in the city.
Angelina Bakery - This hidden gem brings the best parts of Italian bakeries to the city. This shop drew us in by the amazing hand decorated pastries displayed in the window and they did not disappoint. Our expectations of what every croissant should be has been set much higher after visiting Angelina’s.
Los Tacos No.1 - This famous Taco shop may often be crowded and have long lines, but it really is worth the wait. Expect the most delicious, fresh Tacos that will turn you into a taco enthusiast. This place even offers some secret menu items that only the locals and well researched tourists will know about- if you want a taco shell that is made entirely from cheese ask for the ‘Queso-Taco’.
All'Antico Vinaio - We are not ashamed to admit how many times we have visited All’Antico Vinaio on our travels. Originally starting in Florence, Italy, this sandwich shop offers some of the largest, freshest, most delicious sandwiches that many consider to be the best in the world. Please note, this is not the most budget friendly option as the import of ingredients means that prices can be steep and try to avoid peak times if you don’t want a long wait.
Joe Shanghai NYC - When in China Town make sure to stop at Joes for some of the best dumplings you will have. This Authentic style Chinese restaurant has made it onto our itinerary every time we have visited New York and remains of those meals that at home I constantly crave but can’t have!
McGees - This Irish pub located in Hells kitchen is a must do stop if you are a fan of the TV series ‘How I Met Your Mother’. This pub provided the blueprint for MacLaren’s Pub in the show, and it is clear to see where they drew their inspiration from. If that isn’t enough for you, you can order ‘How I Met Your Mother’ inspired cocktails such as the ‘Robin Sparkles’, ‘Ducky Tie’ and the ‘Wait for it…’ and even get themed meals on their ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Monday Menu.
Katz’s Delicatessen - Continuing with the theme of food spots with connections to famous shows and movies, Katz’s Delicatessen was made famous by its appearances in the show ‘Man vs Food’ and its appearance in the movie ‘When Harry Met Sally’. Not just that, NYCs oldest deli takes pride in its meat and offers some of the most delectable sandwiches that you will ever eat- remember to visit hungry!
Havana Central - This stop is a rum lovers haven, which is exactly why we visited. With a wide section of rums and cocktails, this Cuban bar and restaurant is a fun spot to end your day in the city and is arguably even better on their live Latin music nights! The happy hour for us is enough of a reason to visit, with bar snacks such as tacos, sliders and empanadas and tropical cocktails offered at a discounted price, what is not to love?
Crumbl - As an English couple visiting the states we did feel that it was essential to try Crumbl cookies. Are these cookies a little bit chainy? Yes, but we still enjoyed having these large, sweet cookies as part of our trip. This bakery is even set out as an open kitchen meaning you can watch your fresh cookies been made right in front of you.
Burger Joint - A secret spot that has become a global hit. Hidden inside the luxurious hotel, the Thomson Central Park, is a red curtain with a neon burger sign, behind it you will find an urban style Burger joint serving up some of the best burgers in the world. We absolutely love this place and will always recommend to any first timer in New York City.
ITINERARY
Here is our 6 night itinerary for first timers in New York City. It includes many of the top landmarks, food spots and rooftop bars that we visited to make our first trip to NYC one of the most memorable trips of our lives.
Link to download our editable itinerary:
DAY ONE
Our day started bright and early as we headed to the airport. The flight was around 8 hours where we were flying from in Manchester, so we did lose most of our first day traveling.
It is an unforgettable feeling when you first step foot into Manhattan, it was like walking onto the set of a movie! We were greeted with the sounds of beeping yellow taxis, the sight of tall skyscrapers and bright lights. We arrived in time to check into our hotel and then quickly visit Times Square for the first time at night. WOW. Seeing a place that is seen in so many movies, TV shows and photographs was a feeling that cannot be described.
We even managed to grab a quick sandwich from the famous All'Antico Vinaio. These sandwiches are by far some of the best we have ever had and even though they are half the price when you get one in Italy, we couldn’t walk past and not get one!
It was then time to get some well needed rest before embarking on our first full day in New York City.
DAY TWO
The aim for day two was to explore Midtown Manhattan and see as many of the famous landmarks as we could in the area.
We woke up early and headed to Liberty Bagels for breakfast. No, this was not the most nutritious start to our trip. You may notice a theme here. But who could see a rainbow bagel and not want to give it a try? After filling ourselves full of artificial colours, we headed to explore. We started in Times Square and saw the famous red Steps, then headed to the Chrysler Building, The New York Public Library, Rockefeller Centre and Radio City Music Hall.
Near Radio City Music Hall is a shop called Dough Doughnuts which serves the most giant, fluffy donuts we have ever had! We would highly recommend it when you are in the area.
It was then time for us to go inside the Empire State Building and head to the top. We explored the exhibits and booked tickets to go to the 86th floor. This is a must do experience when visiting New York for the first time.
To end our day we managed to fit in a quick look around the Grand Central station, marveled at the intricate design of the Chrysler Building and saw St Patrick's Cathedral. We then enjoyed a drink at the Beast and Butterfly rooftop bar which is a hidden gem, boasting some of the best views of Times Square away from the crowds.
DAY THREE
Day three was mainly spent in Central Park. We knew it would be beautiful there, but was totally surprised by how much of an escape it was from the hustle and bustle of the city. We had the most amazing day and even booked the wonderful Aisa, as our photographer, to capture our memories of the time in the park.
While in the park, we were able to see the John Lennon Memorial - Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle and even took a visit to Central Park Zoo. You can even rent a boat from the Central Park Boathouse and it is such a relaxing and quite romantic activity. Once we left the park we stopped at Levain Bakery, which is close to the park, for a delicious classic NYC style cookie.
If you visit New York at the right time, you may be able to see ManhattanHenge. Manhattanhenge is an event that happens twice a year in New York City, where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the streets of the city's grid, creating a stunning visual effect. The phenomenon occurs during the summer months, typically around late May and mid-July, which was such a special addition to our trip.
We ended such a fantastic day with one of our highlights from the trip which was visiting the Top of the Rock Observation deck. This is our favorite observation deck in New York city as it allows you to marvel over the city with the iconic Empire State Building clearly in view.
DAY FOUR
Day four began with a trip on the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. This allowed us to see the Statue of Liberty up close as well as some of the other iconic sights of the city including Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge. We saw truly breathtaking sights and had a fantastic morning.
We then stopped for lunch at the iconic Joe's Pizza and headed to walk across the beautiful nature escape that is the Highline to burn some much needed calories.
We then visited a pub called Mcgees, which was the inspiration of the show, 'How I Met Your Mother'. We got ourselves some themed cocktails called the ‘Ducky Tie’ and the ‘Robin Sparkles’. This was such a fun experience and we would recommend it to any big fan of the show!
The day ended by watching a Broadway Theatre show, which is of course a must when you are in the city! We opted to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but the choices are endless and it was a very difficult decision to choose just one to see during our time in New York.
DAY FIVE
Day five started on the Subway heading to Lower Manhattan to visit the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. This museum, though a heavy experience, should be part of everyone’s trip to NYC. It is such a moving and powerful experience and it honours the lives lost in the attacks in such a special way.
We then walked back to the Times Square area (not recommended if you are not in comfy shoes- its a long walk!) and stopped at ChinaTown and Little Italy on the way. In ChinaTown we found ourselves stopping for lunch at Joe Shanghai NYC and trying their Chinese dumplings. Now this is not the only time we have visited Joes and I'm sure it won’t be the last. If in ChinaTown, we highly recommend making a stop here, even if it is just for some dumplings to go or a sit down lunch.
We also managed to stop at the famous Katz’s Deli, known for its appearances in 'Man vs Food' and 'When Harry Met Sally'. I would argue that Katz's Deli is not just a food spot, it is a landmark! We shared one of their pastrami sandwiches and to be honest have never had anything quite like it, delicious!
Later in the day, we visited the Gramercy area and saw the Flatiron building and though it was still under construction it was very cool to see. We both agree that Gramercy is one of our favourite areas in the city, it is a very relaxed atmosphere and is full of cozy shops and cafes that you could pass hours in.
We ended the day by visiting probably one of the best bars I have ever been to, Fifth RoofTop bar. This modern, fun rooftop bar offers absolutely incredible views of the Empire State Building and has such a great atmosphere. The drinks are playful and delicious and our favourite had to be the frozen margarita served in an inflatable flamingo cup holder.
DAY SIX
Day six in New York started bright and early at Ellen's Stardust Diner. This is an incredibly touristy experience but one I definitely wouldn't miss. What sets Ellen’s Stardust Diner apart is its staff—most of the waiters and waitresses are aspiring Broadway performers. They sing and perform while serving food, often belting out show tunes and pop songs. Who doesn’t want confetti thrown at them while they are eating breakfast at 7am in the morning?
We then had time to do some shopping and had to visit the M&M store, Disney Store and Macys. We spent more money than we are proud of but managed to pick up some lovely souvenirs for our friends and family, and ourselves of course.
Option 1: If you're a fan of Friends, you will love what we did next! We visited the Friends Experience and were able to sit in Monica and Rachel’s apartment, throw ourselves back in Joey and Chandler's chairs and even grab a drink at Central Perk! We also visited the actual building block that is shown as the Friends Apartment block in the show. This building sits in Greenwich Village at 90 Bedford Street and is a must visit for any fan of the show.
Option 2: I am aware that the Friend’s Experience may not be everyone's thing, so if not, we suggest that you spend this day walking the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring the DUMBO area. We did not do this on our first trip to NYC but wish we had! Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a bucket list experience and one we are glad we returned to do. In Manhattan there are two entrances to walk the bridge, the main entrance is on Centre Street, across from City Hall, and this is the entrance we used. There is also a smaller, less used entrance from Park Row. I would suggest taking the subway down to City Hall and beginning your journey to Brooklyn there. While in Brooklyn, explore the area and snap those iconic photos of the incredible skyline and the shot with Manhattan bridge in view through the streets (you know the photo I mean!).
The final stop of the day was the hidden gem that is the Burger Joint, hidden at the back of the Luxurious Thompson Central Park hotel, behind a floor length red curtain, there is a very urban style Burger Place claiming to have the best Burger in the world. It was unbelievable and the fact it is hidden away makes this place even more special!
DAY SEVEN
On our last day in NYC, we visited the National History Museum. The museum is a must-visit if you're in NYC, whether you’re a science buff, history lover, or just someone curious about the natural world.
Then, to complete our time in NYC we headed for Crumbl Cookies to accompany us on our final walk through Central park before catching our flight home, which was a ‘sweet’ way to end our trip.
SUMMARY
So there it is, a 7 day itinerary for first timers in New York City! We managed to squeeze so much in but the great thing about our itineraries is that they are editable so you can customize your trips to whatever you would like.
Something to note is that New York really is a place that keeps on giving. It is not possible to fit everything into a one week trip, but it is always an excuse to go back! We even returned a year later to not only tick more activities off our New York wish list but also to elope in Central Park.
If you want to read more about what we did when we returned to New York City, then come back for the next update which will fill you in on all our favourite finds as we took on the concrete jungle for the second time.
Until next time,
-Lauren and Dan
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