Visiting New York City for the First Time? Heres What To See and Do

These days, there are plenty of rooftop views of NYC’s iconic skyline available to visitors, but the Empire State Building remains the definitive New York skyscraper experience. This art deco masterpiece has held court in the Manhattan skyline since 1931 and offers 360-degree views of the island from its observation decks.

Insider tip: While it’s likely to be crowded, watching the sunset from the Empire State Building’s observation deck is an unforgettable sightseeing experience: You’ll get to watch the golden hour transform into a panorama of twinkling lights.

For anyone who has ever wished their life were a musical, or at least a three-act play, one of the best places to visit in New York City is the Theater District, where more than 40 Broadway stages come alive nearly every night. Take your pick from a long-running classic such as The Lion King or Wicked, a cutting-edge new production, or a star-studded revival. Or, to go further into Broadway’s storied past, consider a tour led by an actual Broadway performer. Either way, prepare to be transported by an art form that NYC has perfected over generations.

No trip to Broadway is complete without a stop at Times Square. Sure, it’s considered a tourist trap to many, but it attracts travelers from across the globe for good reason: Beyond the megawatt lights and sky-high billboards, this famous intersection offers world-class people-watching. Locals typically avoid the Midtown epicenter, but it’s an must-see for first-time visitors.

Consider a walking tour, for the full experience, but if the crowds seem too overwhelming, an open-top bus tour should give you the perfect view—especially if you go at night.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka “the Met,”) houses more than 2 million works spanning 5,000 years of global creativity, which can be daunting to cover in one visit. For first-time visitors, a guided museum tour may be the best way to view the highlights while leaving time for other sightseeing. Otherwise, focus on its most popular exhibitions and collections, such as the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European Impressionist masterpieces, and the Greek and Roman galleries.

Related: 9 of the Top Things To See at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

Don’t trust a New York City travel guide that doesn’t insist you visit Greenwich Village on your first foray. It’s a quintessential Manhattan neighborhood, where tree-lined streets, historic townhouses, and the ghosts of the area’s bohemian past create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from Midtown’s skyscrapers. Once you’ve seen the sights, the Village’s rich culinary heritage means it has plenty in the way of classic NYC fare. Don’t skip a slice of coal-fired pizza at John’s of Bleecker Street or the famous oversized chocolate chip cookies at Levain Bakery. Or, explore further on a food tour for a bit of everything the neighborhood has to offer.

If Times Square is an electric shock to the system, then Central Park is a session of mindful meditation. It’s one of the top must-see New York City spots, so visitors certainly flock to it, but there’s always plenty of space to throw down a picnic blanket in the park’s 843-acre (341 hectare) sprawl. Newbies can take a pedicab tour to get a lay of the land, or design a mini sightseeing tour of the park’s highlights. Start at the Bethesda Fountain, where the Angel of the Waters statue creates a perfect photo opportunity, before heading over to the Strawberry Fields (John Lennon Memorial, where Beatles fans can pay homage.

Whether it’s baseball season or not, one of the top year-round New York City attractions is visiting Yankee Stadium, which stands as a cathedral of American baseball in the Bronx. It’s home to the pinstriped New York Yankees, the most successful franchise in sports history with nearly 30 World Series championships. From April to October, you can hit up a game—and get the full experience with a hot dog and Cracker Jacks. If you’re visiting off-season, you can still visit Monument Park, which honors Yankees legends including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Derek Jeter.

Visitors won’t soon forget their visit to the National September 11 Memorial. The site balances remembrance with renewal—a contemplative space where twin pools mark the footprints of the fallen Twin Towers and bronze panels hold the names of the victims of the 2001 attacks. Admission to the 9/11 Museum offers a moving chronological journey through the events of that day, with displays of artifacts ranging from structural remnants to personal items. It’s one of the more emotionally taxing things to do in New York City, but it has become an essential part of understanding the heart of New York.

The Brooklyn Bridge stands as both an engineering triumph and one of the most popular New York City tourist activities—thanks to its distinctive Gothic arches and steel cables that created one of the world’s most recognizable silhouettes. Walking the 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometer) pedestrian pathway, which takes about 30–45 minutes (depending on photo stops and crowds), provides unforgettable views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor.

Insider tip: Begin on the Manhattan side near New York City Hall for the most dramatic approach. Once across, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park’s waterfront promenade.

The Statue of Liberty is an American landmark that you shouldn’t miss on your first trip to New York City, and there are several options to experience it. If you’re on a tighter budget or timeline, you can see the back of the statue from Battery Park in Manhattan, or you can catch New York Harbor and statue views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

For the full experience, though, it’s worth getting up-close look at Lady Liberty. Boat tours allow you to explore with a guide to share more about the Statue of Liberty’s history and significance.

Insider tip: Book tickets to the crown observation deck for panoramic views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline—but be ready for the 162-stair climb.