Want to get the real experience of the Big Apple?
Our First Timer’s Guide gives you the top 10 things to do in New York, with tips for visiting the most authentic, special and memorable spots our city has to offer.
How many days do you need for your first trip to New York?
As much as we’d all love to spend as much time in New York as possible, you can see the top sights in about 3-4 days if that’s all you can spare. You can pack in the attractions you really want to see on a whistlestop tour if you need to!
What to do on your first night in New York?
They don’t call it the city that never sleeps for nothing! On your first night in New York, you’ll want to make sure it’s a night you’ll never forget. For our first recommendation, we think you should try to:
1. See a Broadway show
Of all the things to start your trip with when you visit, one of the top New York tourist attractions is taking in a famous Broadway show. From Hamilton to Moulin Rouge! The Musical, there’s a show to thrill every audience. Take in the bright lights of the Broadway theaters and be dazzled by the talent on stage.
The top 10 things to do in New York for your first trip
We’ve already listed one of our best things to do for the first time in NYC. Here are the rest of our suggestions for getting the most out of your trip:
2. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic sight that many might recognize from the movies. There’s nothing quite like seeing this amazing feat of engineering up close, though - you can walk the Brooklyn Bridge and see New York from a unique perspective.
3. Explore Central Park
New York’s lush green center is a beautiful area of the city to explore. From lovely wooded areas to lakes, Central Park has plenty of natural space to enjoy. More than that, it hosts many amazing events, such as summer concerts and theater performances that run throughout the year.
4. Marvel at Times Square
It’s the bright, buzzing hub in Manhattan that’s a must-see for anyone who’s never been to the city. The square’s many screens light up the sky in a dazzling display. Be sure to visit when it’s dark out to see it in its full splendor!
Of course, you can always stop in at RiseNY - we’re just around the corner! See our guide on the best things to do in Times Sqaure!
5. Tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is renowned as one of the greatest art museums in the world - and as the fourth-largest in the world, it’s definitely worth the visit! With more than two million works on display, there are paintings, sculptures, and works of art from all around the world to fascinate all the family.
6. Go to the top of Empire State Building
See New York from the top of one of its most iconic buildings. The Empire State Building has stood over the city since April 1931, making it well worth the visit on your first time in NYC.
7. Pay homage to the Statue of Liberty
The beautiful symbol of independence, gifted by France and first unveiled in 1889, is one of the most famous sights in New York City. Lady Liberty can be accessed with the Staten Island Ferry, with even the journey being a mustn’t-miss experience, giving you views across the city from the water.
8. Be awed at Grand Central Station
It might not be your first thought for New York tourist attractions, but Grand Central Station is a wonder of transit, architecture, and cultural spirit. This beautiful building, opened in 1913, is a busy travel hub, but it’s also one of the most famous sights in the city - you’ll have seen it in nearly every film set in New York! It’s well worth a visit to people-watch and feel like you’re in the movies.
9. Walk the High Line
This unusual landmark in New York is one of our best-kept tips for visiting. Though many might overlook it on their trip to NYC, it’s a beautiful way to see the West Side of Manhattan, catch some art, and gaze at the city’s sights from a green angle. This linear walk only takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a short city tour.
10. Visit RiseNY
Of course, if you want to see as much of New York’s history and cultural splendor as you can, you can’t do much better than a ticket to our three-in-one interactive, immersive museum near Times Square.
Explore exhibits from some of the best New York museums, all under one roof. See all of our amazing historical artifacts and memorabilia from every era of New York’s history, and even see the city from above with our immersive flying ride across the city skyline!
