19+ Things You Must Do In New York City Your First Time
Featured Image: @irina_ls
I have been obsessed with New York City since I was a young girl. I love the city life, the hustle, and bustle of it all.
There is so much to see and do that it’s hard to pack it all in, but there are a couple of absolute must-see’s if it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple.
New attractions are always popping up, but these are the must-see spots you shouldn’t skip on your first visit.
Things You Must Do Your First Time in New York
So many songs have been dedicated to the city of New York, from Frank Sinatra to Jay-z and Alicia Keys.
The City That Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, The City So Nice, They Named it Twice; the list goes on and on. New York City is the most recognizable city in the world that it has so many monikers.
When New York is mentioned, people often get images of Broadway and the Empire State Building in their minds. The city comprises of 5 boroughs and has a population of more than 8 million people and each one of them will tell you that it is one of the greatest cities in the world (don’t fact check me on this one, just accept).
New York is a city so big that it often overwhelms first-time visitors. Most people who visit for the first time often end up missing a few attractions.
There is just too little time to see everything, especially if you don’t do your research and plan your itinerary well.
You may not be able to spend a lifetime in New York (those prices!) but with this guide, you will be able to do things and see places that will leave you with memories which you will forever cherish.
Where To Eat In New York City?
One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity you get to also sample local food.
New York is a hub for all kinds of food and as a first-timer, you will want to eat as much as possible when in the city. Although you won’t be able to try all the city’s most iconic foods, we have a list that you can surely accomplish during a short stay.
Bagels are a staple in New York and Absolute Bagels on Broadway offers the best. Warm, doughy and chewy, they are perfect to have before you head out discovering the city’s hidden treasures.
Chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery is well-loved by locals and tourists alike, and this is evident by the daily lines of people looking forward to their gooey and chocolatey cookies.
Katz’s Delicatessen’s pastrami on rye is a favorite and is a dish that has been craved and relished by New Yorkers for more than a hundred years.
But if we’re being honest, every corner of New York has amazing food and you’re sure to find more amazing restaurants than you have time to dine in.
You’ll also find tons of trendy food halls and viral spots around the city, so don’t be afraid to explore beyond this list.
What to see in New York?
Statue of Liberty
No New York visit is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. If it’s your first time in the city, you’ll definitely want to see Lady Liberty for yourself.
Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s a MUST. You wouldn’t go to Paris and skip the Eiffel Tower, right?
There are a couple of ways to see her. The Staten Island Ferry is a great free option that passes right by the Statue and gives you amazing views of both Lady Liberty and the NYC skyline. It doesn’t stop at the island, but it’s perfect if you’re on a budget.
If you want to get up close and actually visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you’ll need to book a ferry ticket or guided tour in advance. It’s worth it if you want the full experience — just be sure to check current schedules and availability before you go.
9/11 Museum
9/11 was an event that rocked the world, and visiting Ground Zero has been on many travelers’ lists ever since. The museum is incredibly powerful and serves as a moving reminder of one of the most important moments in recent history.
People flock to the museum, so it’s a good idea to go early to avoid the biggest crowds. Audio guides are available to help walk you through the exhibits, and there’s also a mobile option you can use on your phone—just be sure to bring your headphones.
It’s an emotional experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression and deeper understanding of what happened.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the world’s most recognizable places and one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Go there and be surrounded by towering buildings, neon lights and bustling energy which is unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are lucky enough to be in the city during New Year’s Eve, you can witness the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop.
Broadway Musical
The City That Never Sleeps is famous for its Broadway musicals. If you love theater, seeing a show live in an actual Broadway theater is a truly unforgettable experience.
It can be one of the pricier things to do in New York, but it’s absolutely worth it. You can book tickets in advance to secure your seats, or look into same-day deals, lotteries, and discount booths if you’re hoping to save a little.
Either way, it’s one of those classic NYC experiences that will leave you completely in awe.
Central Park
A beautiful and sprawling urban park, Central Park is filled with lush foliage, scenic lakes, beautiful sculptures, a myriad of flora and fauna and various other attractions.
Right smack in the middle of the city, it is the best place to go to for people who need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Not exaggerating when I say you will need at least half a day to explore this massive park. There’s just SO much to see.
American Museum of Natural History
Love history? You will love the American Museum of Natural History.
This expansive museum has 45 exhibition halls which house a large variety of natural history specimens.
The dinosaur exhibitions are probably the favorite and the most fun to see. The T-Rex with its gaping jaws and rows of serrated teeth is beyond amazing.
Definitely give yourself some time to explore and get lost in history.
Brooklyn Bridge
This iconic bridge has been featured in several movies such as Sex and the City, Enchanted, Transformers, and the French Connection and it is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world.
There is a pedestrian walkway which will take your safely over to Brooklyn where you will see an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline.
An Instagram-worthy photo on the bridge is mandatory for any first-timer.
The best time to go is in the morning when there are only a few people and the lighting is superb.
Flatiron Building
So-called for its shape, the Flatiron Building is a triangular 22-story building. It completely fills the triangle formed by Broadway, 23rd Street, and Fifth Avenue. Built in 1902 and designed by architect Daniel Burn, this office building is of historical significance to the city and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Check Out The Highline
A historic freight rail turned public park, the Highline is a local favorite.
A casual stroll along the Highline takes about 30 to 60 minutes and you get some amazing views of the city along the way.
Also, during the summer months, there are a lot of food stalls and quick meals to grab. There’s nothing like a cold ice-cream on a summers day while strolling across New York City.
Wall Street
One of the most famous streets in the world that it has its own movie, and the personification of the entire financial system of the country, Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank.
Empire State Building
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building has also been featured in various movies, most notably King Kong. Completed in 1931, it has a height of 1,250 feet and was once the tallest building in the world.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of the coolest experiences in New York right now. It’s not just an observation deck — it feels like you stepped into a dreamy, mirror-filled world high above the city.
You’ll walk through rooms with reflective floors, glass ledges, and even a space filled with floating silver balloons. The views of the skyline are absolutely unreal, especially at sunset.
If it’s your first time in NYC, this is one of those “wow” moments you’ll never forget — and yes, your camera roll will be very full after this.
The Vessel
One of the most unique structures in New York City, the Vessel quickly became an instant classic with locals and tourists alike. It’s a honeycomb-shaped staircase made up of interconnecting steps that create a stunning piece of interactive art.
Over the past few years, the Vessel has had a bit of a mixed history with closures and reopenings due to safety concerns. At times, it’s been fully open to climb, while other times access has been limited or temporarily closed altogether.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to check ahead before you go. Even if you can’t climb it, it’s still worth seeing from the outside — the design alone makes it one of the most visually striking spots in the city and a great place for photos.
DUMBO
DUMBO is one of the most Instagram-famous spots in New York, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. This Brooklyn neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets and that iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framed between buildings.
It’s the perfect place to snap photos, walk along the waterfront, and take in some of the best skyline views in the city. Come early if you want that picture without a crowd!
SoHo
If you love shopping, cute streets, and aesthetic vibes, you’ll love SoHo. This neighborhood is filled with cast-iron buildings, boutique shops, trendy cafes, and some of the prettiest streets in NYC.
It’s a great place to wander without a plan, pop into stores, and grab a coffee along the way. Even if you don’t buy anything, the area itself is worth exploring.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a must-visit for food lovers. It’s an indoor food hall packed with everything from tacos and pasta to fresh seafood and desserts.
It’s the perfect place to try a little bit of everything, especially if you’re traveling with a group and everyone wants something different. Plus, it’s right near the High Line, so you can easily do both in one visit.
What will you be doing in New York your first time?
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Founder. Entrepreneur. Recovering Perfectionist. Not necessarily in that order.
I run on bad jokes and good food. Lover of life and experiences, I did the nomad thing for four years.
Semi-Based in Miami currently.
In my free time, you can find me reading, running my cats Tinder profile, or trying out a new fitness class. You can find me on Instagram
