I’ll always remember my first trip to New York City.
I was 16 years old and visiting as a part of the Global Young Leaders Conference, a Model UN-like gathering of students from all over the world.
We didn’t explore the city independently, of course, but were led to many of the most iconic sights and neighborhoods (I distinctly remember buying my brother a fake Rolex from the trunk of a car in Chinatown), and we even had the privilege of ending the trip with an evening cruise around the harbor.
Proudly sporting my I ♥ NY tee with uneven sleeves, another cheap Chinatown purchase.
I didn’t know it at the time, but New York City would never leave me after that trip–it was firmly rooted in my heart.
I eventually found my way back a number of years later and spent some time living there, but so many years had passed since that first visit that it was like new again. Even now I still feel a rush of excitement whenever I return; there is always something interesting to see or discover.
Your first trip to New York City will always be memorable, no matter how you decide to spend your time. This list, then, is merely a compilation of some quintessentially New York experiences that would be wonderful additions to that inaugural visit, but they certainly won’t make or break it.
I had the pleasure of playing tour guide to my very own New York City first-timer recently; whether our trip inspired this list or vice versa, I’m not entirely sure. Either way, I hope it can serve as inspiration for someone else on their first visit (or second, or third) to the Big Apple.
Walk until your feet fall off.
New York was made for walking, so that’s just what you’ll do! Manhattan’s grid layout makes it easy to navigate, and there’s no better way to see the many distinct neighborhoods than to wander from one to the next on foot. There are interesting things to see and experience hiding around every corner, so pack a good pair of walking shoes and get ready to put in some serious leg work, if you know what I mean.
See the city from above.
There are few views more impressive than New York City from the top of a skyscraper. Several spots around the city offer these incredible views; the most popular have historically been the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. More recently, people have been getting an eyeful from One World Observatory atop One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth tallest in the world. Each building offers a unique and unforgettable view; the one seen here is from Bar SixtyFive on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center.
Visit at least one “overrated” tourist attraction.
Everyone’s got an opinion about the popular New York City attractions. They might even tell you to avoid certain places altogether (Times Square is one of those places that New Yorkers love to hate). On the other hand, you’ll never know until you go–what one person hates, you might just enjoy, and I think it’s important to form an opinion for yourself. You may very well hate it just like they said you would, but at least you’ll have an experience of your own to draw from, not just hearsay (and then you can join in on the bashing, just like a real New Yorker).
Take in a view of the Manhattan skyline.
Manhattan is certainly impressive when seen from above, but its skyline is also pretty spectacular when enjoyed from afar, and it’s always different depending on where you’re viewing it from. I recently discovered the incredible view from the Staten Island Ferry (which is a commuter boat, so the 25-minute ride is free and it departs every 30 minutes) and I’ve also enjoyed the view from the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. Many buildings have rooftop bars which make for perfect viewing platforms.
Visit a borough other than Manhattan.
While we’re on the topic of getting out of Manhattan, GET OUT OF MANHATTAN! I get it, there’s a lot to do and see there and your days could easily be filled with nothing but Manhattan activities, but there is SO much more to New York City than this one central borough. Hit up the flea markets in Queens, take a brewery tour in Brooklyn, visit the botanical gardens in the Bronx, or check out a museum on Staten Island. You’ll leave with a much better understanding of just how diverse and dynamic New York City really is.
Experience the glory that is Shake Shack.
Shake Shack is a New York City institution. What started out as a food cart in Madison Square Park grew into a city-wide obsession. For me, no trip to NYC is complete without at least one visit to this beloved burger joint. The original, featuring outdoor seating only, is still located in Madison Square Park, but there are now restaurants all over the city and in an ever-growing number of cities around the world. Try a classic burger or opt for the veggie alternative (a juicy portobello stuffed with two kinds of cheese), chow down on crinkle-cut fries, indulge in a “concrete” (dense frozen custard with mix-ins) or even pick up a treat for your four-legged friend.
Take a stroll along the Hudson River (or the East River).
What’s great about being on an island is that water is never far away. Both sides of Manhattan have pedestrian walkways and parks along their respective rivers, allowing you to escape the skyscrapers and the dense traffic, if only for a moment. Similarly, you can enjoy a river walk in Brooklyn or Queens.
Visit Central Park.
Central Park needs no introduction; it’s one of New York’s most impressive features if you ask me, and at roughly 843 acres in area, there’s a lot of ground to cover (uh, literally). A few of my favorite spots are The Mall (the famous tree-lined walkway), Sheep Meadow (a great place to picnic and people watch), Bethesda Terrace (for great music), The Lake (rent a rowboat or grab lunch at The Loeb Boathouse), and The Ramble (just try to hear the traffic noise from here–just try!).
People watch.
Because pretty much anything goes in New York, the people watching is absolutely divine. There’s never a dull moment! Any park will do, or the subway, or simply walking down the street. It’s all too easy sometimes to just put your head down and charge ahead toward your destination, but you never know what (or who) you might miss!
Check out the street performers in the parks or the subway.
This is kind of inevitable in New York City, but rather than ignoring street performers and walking right on by, stop and enjoy the show every once in awhile. The buskers of New York are some incredibly talented people and they genuinely make my day sometimes!
Eat at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
Sometimes, the best restaurants are the ones you simply stumble upon by accident. For at least one meal, try walking around with no destination in mind and pop into the first place you come across that looks decent. You might just uncover a treasure! Often the most unassuming places serve the best quality food. I’m sure Anthony Bourdain would agree.
What experiences would you suggest for a New York City first-timer?
