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New York City is one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities, with a seemingly endless list of things to see and do. However, for first-time visitors, navigating the city can be overwhelming. In this post, I want to share some tips for anyone visiting NYC for the first time to ensure you make the most of your trip!
Visiting NYC for the First Time
Why are we talking about NYC today?
Well, Abby and I just returned home from a six-night spring break trip to New York City. We had such a wonderful time and did so much. I look forward to sharing it all with you. I have at least six blog posts planned, including specific details and tips for our favorite activities and our complete New York itinerary. If you want to get a head start, check out this Instagram story highlight from our trip!
However, I wanted to write this post first because it will help first time visitors get the most value out of my other blog posts. It should answer some frequently asked questions immediately, including:
- Where to stay and why
- How to plan out each day
- What to book in advance
- Using the subway
- Money saving tips
Now, I know that I am not a New York City expert. However, I am a family travel expert and a mom just like you. I have been there a few times and learned some good lessons. And while there is a whole side of genuine, authentic, charming New York City to see, this post is specifically for tourists who want to see as much as possible on their first trip to the Big Apple.
Where Should You Stay When Visiting NYC For The First Time?
When choosing where to stay in New York City, there are many options to consider. Manhattan is the most popular area for visitors, with neighborhoods like Midtown being particularly convenient for sightseeing.
Midtown
I highly recommend staying in Midtown near a subway line or Grand Central Terminal. We stayed at the Intercontinental Barclay for the first four nights of our trip and enjoyed the location. As you can see in the map below, there are a lot of hotels at various price points in Midtown.
Booking.comTimes Square
Many first-time visitors tend to focus on the area around Times Square. That is fine, but know that it’s very congested, and dining is primarily expensive touristy places. You’ll most likely find yourself going to Times Square once during your trip and then be done with it. For that reason, I wouldn’t make Time Square my home base.
Financial District
The only other area that I would recommend is the Financial District. Abby and I spent our last two nights at the Hotel Indigo Wall Street. This allowed us to hit up all of the tourist spots on the south end of Manhattan, such as the Staten Island Ferry, Ellis Island, One World Trade and the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, the Old Seaport, Chinatown, Little Italy, and even a trip over to Brooklyn for pizza.
But I would only recommend splitting your trip between two hotels if you stay five or more nights. You don’t want to lose a day checking out and then waiting for a room to be ready.
Other Manhattan Neighborhoods
I want to point out that Manhattan is huge. There are many incredible neighborhoods to stay in, such as the West Village, SoHo, Tribeca, the Upper East Side, and so many more. These often make for a charming and more authentic New York vacation but typically require traveling to many famous sightseeing spots.
For this reason, I would personally save the hotels in these neighborhoods for subsequent visits.
Other Boroughs
If you’re on a budget, consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens, which offer a more affordable alternative while still being within reach of Manhattan via public transportation. You will also find VRBO options in these areas that are not permitted or strictly regulated in Manhattan.
To each their own here, but we value being able to pop up to the hotel room for breaks, and I prefer to be closer to everything. It’s worth the extra cost for my family.
How Should You Plan Each Day in NYC?
To make the most of your time in New York City, it’s a good idea to plan each day in advance somewhat.
Start by creating a list of the top NYC attractions you want to visit, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the New York Public Library, Central Park, the World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, Chelsea Market, the Brooklyn Bridge, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I always enjoy browsing Trip Advisor before a trip. Click here to view their New York City page.
Then, look at a map and group them by location to save time traveling between sites.
Once I do that, I usually have one fixed ticketed or time-sensitive activity each day. These places required a longer block of time during each day, such as seeing Wicked on Broadway, an evening at Summit One Vanderbilt, waking up early for The Today Show, and getting to the Museum of Modern Art when it first opened.
I have the nearby New York City attractions on my radar and will try to visit them before and after. It is important that you plan out only some of your day. New York City is magical! Leave time to pop into a charming coffee shop or turn down a new street. I promise you that while you can do a lot, you can not do it all. And that’s why people return to New York City year after year.
If you need help figuring out where to start, consider booking a guided tour at the start of your trip. This can give you an excellent overview of the city and help you get your bearings.
What Do You Need To Book In Advance When Visting NYC?
Many attractions offer timed entry, so you are able to book those tickets in advance to avoid long lines or sellouts. Here are a few things that you really should book in advance.
Booking Broadway Shows in New York City
Broadway shows are one of the highlights of a trip to New York City, but tickets can be expensive and hard to come by. To get the best seats at a reasonable price, it’s best to book in advance. Many shows offer discounted tickets through websites like BroadwayBox, TicketSmarter, or TodayTix, or you can try your luck at the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day tickets.
If there is a particular show you want to see, save yourself the headache and buy tickets in advance!
Book NYC Observation Decks in Advance
New York City has some magical observation decks. The Empire State Building is iconic and has been providing a bird’s eye view for decades. However, new decks have popped up in recent years, each with a little surprise of its own. Do your research and see which one is the best fit for you.
When booking, you should try to book either the first slot of the day or a sunset slot. You can even visit two. Do one in the morning and one in the evening, but pay attention to the cancellation policy on your ticket. We often buy tickets for things like this through Viator because they sometimes let you cancel if the weather or your plans change.
We opted for Summit One Vanderbilt and had a fantastic time! I recommend booking a slot 2-3 hours before the sun sets and then staying to eat/drink while you watch the city’s twinkling lights from above. Abby and I were here from 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm, and it was the perfect night.
The sunset slots do get very busy and often sell out, so you want to pre-book tickets, but I have one huge tip. Wait and watch the weather! I bought our tickets 36 hours in advance when I saw that Sunday would be sunny and warm. Those days usually make for the best sunsets! Avoid booking this excursion on rainy and cloudy days. Just keep an eye on the tickets, and when time slots start selling out, grab one.
Should You Take The Subway When Visiting NYC For The First Time?
New York City’s subway system is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around. However, it can also be both overwhelming and confusing for first-time visitors.
I suggest that you take the subway on day one. It’s easy to figure out once you get the hang of it and can save you a lot of time and money.
Plus, it’s an iconic part of NYC. On my first trip, we waited until the last day to try the subway and kicked ourselves for not doing it sooner.
Navigating the New York City Subway
Just use Apple Maps on your phone to plan your route and avoid getting lost. When looking up directions on your phone, select transit (not driving or walking), and it will take you to exactly where you need to be. It was so easy!
You don’t even have to buy a pass or ticket in advance. You can use Apple Pay on your phone at the OMNY turnstile. It will charge $2.75 for each trip. Click here to learn how to set this up. Take 12 paid trips on the same device or card starting Monday and ride free through Sunday every week, automatically with fare capping. Make sure to have each person use their own Apple Pay or use a different card for your teens. Also, children under 44 inches tall can ride for free with a fare-paying adult.
When riding the subway, be aware of your surroundings and monitor your belongings. Avoid carrying valuables in visible pockets or bags, and be cautious of anyone approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests. Stay away from the opening and closing train doors, and don’t stand too close to the platform’s edge.
How Can You Save Money When Visiting NYC for the First Time?
Take advantage of free activities: New York City offers many free activities perfect for families, such as exploring Central Park, visiting the High Line, seeing the Statue of Liberty via the Staten Island Ferry, or walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also check out museums like the Museum of Modern Art, where children get in for free.
Use public transportation: While taxis and rideshares may be convenient, they can also be expensive. Instead, consider using the subway or buses to get around the city. Children under 44 inches tall can ride the subway for free. At most, it will cost you $33 a week (Monday-Sunday).
Choose your hotel wisely: If you plan to stay active and use your hotel room primarily for sleep, save money by booking a budget-friendly NYC hotel.
Look for discounts: There are several ways to save money on attractions in New York City. You can purchase a New York City PASS or GoCity Explorer Pass, which offers discounts on multiple attractions. You can also check websites like Viator for deals on tours and activities.
Pack snacks and water: New York City can be expensive when it comes to food and drinks. Pack snacks and water bottles to bring with you during the day to save money. This will also help keep your family energized and hydrated throughout your adventures.
Take advantage of happy hours: If you want to indulge in a nice meal, consider going during happy hour. Many restaurants offer discounted food and drinks during this time, which can be a great way to try some of New York City’s best cuisine without breaking the bank. Also, portions are usually huge at many of the popular dining establishments. Consider splitting a meal and then sharing a dessert.
With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your family’s trip to New York City without overspending.
Final Thoughts on Visiting NYC for the First Time
Planning your first trip to New York City can feel overwhelming, but with some planning, you make the most of your trip.
Consider your budget and preferences when choosing where to stay, plan your days somewhat in advance to avoid wasting time, and be prepared when taking the subway or booking Broadway shows.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to explore the city that never sleeps like a pro! And make sure to follow along and read all of my New York City blog posts as they are published.
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