Navigating a new city can be one of the most exciting challenges a traveler can face. But for visitors to New York City, it can also seem daunting. With its many attractions, transportation options, and neighborhoods, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a returning explorer, this beginner’s guide to New York City will help you get your bearings and make the most out of your time in the City That Never Sleeps.
1. Overview of New York City
Discover New York City
New York City is a place of boundless opportunities and experiences. From the breathtaking skyline, the cultural melting pot, the legendary nightlife, to the iconic landmarks, New York City is a metropolitan like no other. With many incredible neighborhoods, you can explore, New York City is a great introduction to America’s largest city.
Must-Visit Neighborhoods
• SoHo: nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, SoHo is known for its chic boutiques and elegant Victorian architecture.
• Chinatown: Wander down narrow alleys, discover the amazing cuisine, and explore a world beyond the Manhattan skyline.
• Tribeca: explore the cobblestone streets, trendy restaurants, and chic boutiques of this historic neighborhood.
• Williamsburg: Dive into the nightlife of this bustling neighborhood, from trendy bars and clubs to gourmet restaurants.
• Harlem: visit the renowned Apollo Theater, explore the craft markets and enjoy vibrant music, art and culture.
• The Bronx: visit the world-famous Bronx Zoo or explore the colorful art scene of this vibrant neighborhood.
• Queens: experience the vibrant flavor of one of the most diverse boroughs in the city filled with unique cuisine and culture.
• Brooklyn: Visit the colorful murals and markets of this multiethnic neighborhood.
2. Finding Your Way Around New York City
- Public Transportation
One of the best ways for visitors to explore New York City is by using its extensive public transportation system. NYC’s buses and trains are a cost effective and convenient way to get around the five boroughs. The easiest way to use the train system is to purchase a Metrocard from any subway station, allowing riders access to the entire system with one card. Buses run at frequent intervals throughout the day and are easy to identify, since every route is indicated at the front and side of the bus.
- Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are convenient transportation options throughout New York City. Taxis can be hailed from any corner and paid with cash or a credit card. Rideshares have become a popular alternative to cabs since they are accessible through a convenient mobile app. GPS tracking allows riders to estimate and monitor trips in real time, allowing increased control and visibility.
- Walking
Due to its size, walking is a popular way to explore New York City and the best way to get a real feel of its culture. Even in a city as large as New York, many of its essential sights and points of interest are situated within walking distance from each other. Walking also lets visitors get a true street view of the city, allowing them to take in the sights, sounds and smells of NYC. A great way to get around NYC is to use a combination of the modes of transportation listed above. This ensures travelers a safe and user-friendly way to explore the city and get the most out of their trip.
3. Exploring the Major Sightseeing Highlights
Museums
New York City is home to some of the world’s best museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History are two of the most iconic. The former is a sprawling palace of art from around the world and has seen its fair share of celebrities. It includes works from masters such as Seurat, Monet and Rembrandt. The latter is home to some of the United States’ most important natural history collections, including dinosaur fossils, the oldest meteorite and various gems.
Churches
The Big Apple also has a few significant Catholic churches to check out. Transport yourself to old-world Europe as you take a tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Our Lady of Guadalupe. Both buildings have intricate architectural details and artwork, as well as cultural significance.
Local landmarks
New York City’s local landmarks are legion. The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor has been a beacon for immigrants, while the Brooklyn Bridge and 9/11 Memorial are symbols of American strength and resilience. Other amazing sites include Grand Central Station, the Central Park Zoo and the Empire State Building. For an iconic view of the Manhattan skyline, make sure to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Nightlife
No visit to New York City would be complete without a walk along the bright lights of Broadway. See a show at one of the many theaters, from jazz performances to Broadway productions. There is also a wide variety of live music venues as well as bars, clubs and comedy clubs. If you’re feeling daring, you can take in the city’s nightlife scene downtown or in hipster-laden Williamsburg.
4. Uncovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
This city holds endless surprises, and for those wanting to get off the beaten path, the surprises can be even greater. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a long-time resident, here are some of our favorite places to check out:
- Washington Square Park: It’s a classic for a reason. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park has been the center of New York life and history for centuries. It’s a great place to catch some sun, take a stroll, or just observe the constant chorus of buskers and street performers.
- The Cloisters: Located in the northern tip of Manhattan, on the edge of New York City’s Fort Tyron Park, the Cloisters Museum and Gardens are what’s left of the old monastic system of medieval Europe. The Cloisters offer visitors a sobering look at the past, not to mention incredible views of the Hudson River.
- The Tenement Museum: This interactive museum, located on the Lower East Side, is a must-visit for first-time travelers. It’s not only a place packed with fascinating stories and a wealth of history—it’s also a living, breathing relic of the city’s vibrant immigrant history.
- The High Line: The gates have opened, and now, visitors can get a unique, birds-eye view of the city from the iron-railed elevated walkway known as The High Line. Originally built in the 1930s, it has been revived as an open space for exploration and relaxation, and provides stunning views of Manhattan.
No matter your taste in exploration, there’s something in store for you in the city of New York. The opportunities to seek out off-the-beaten-path gems are endless, and the memories you make exploring this city will be worth every penny.
5. Experiencing New York’s Diverse Culture
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – One of the most esteemed cultural institutions in the world, The Met boasts over 5,000 years of art spanning the globe. Tour the Egyptian Art and Ancient Near Eastern department, the European Paintings and Sculpture department, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and so much more!
2. Eat Your Way Around the Five Boroughs – New York City is home to hundreds of different cultures, each with its own unique cuisine. Take a culinary tour and savor the flavors of delicious dishes from around the world, from delicious chopped cheese sandwiches from the Bronx, to Brighton Beach’s legendary blini and caviar, to namesake Staten Island specialties like garlic knots and pizza strips. The food is as diverse as the city itself!
3. Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Age – Harlem is known for its vibrant culture from the Harlem Renaissance of the early 20th century, where some of the most influential African American voices like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Duke Ellington emerged. Enjoy a Victorian mansion tour at the Morris-Jumel Mansion, open for visitors year-round, or go for a classic evening of jazz at the world-famous Apollo Theater.
4. Global Street Art and Graffiti – From NYC’s iconic subway graffiti murals to the fashion-forward street art of the Lower East Side, art can be found on every corner. Take a walking tour and soak in the colorful culture of each neighborhood’s most stunning street art and graffiti.
5. Celebrate International Holidays - Whether it’s Pride march, the Chinese New Year’s parade, or St. Patrick’s Day yellow and green, New York offers a multitude of celebrations for all its citizens and visitors alike to join in the revelry. Soak in the culture and energy of the city as it comes alive with festivities!
6. Must-Have Apps for Navigating the Big Apple
1. Citymapper
Citymapper is an easy-to-use and reliable app for navigating New York City on the subway. It easily allows you to plan routes, get up-to-the-minute transit updates, add locations of interest, and more. Citymapper also helps you discover hidden gems around the city, get real-time cost estimates, and even save your favorite routes.
2. Maps.me
Maps.me is an essential mapping and navigation app for New Yorkers. It allows users to access offline maps and use turn-by-turn voice navigation. The app is great for locating any spots in the city–from restaurants and bars, to tourist attractions and stores. Maps.me also provides valuable information about public transportation, including the train and bus schedules.
3. Google Maps
Google Maps is a popular navigation tool that many people use for navigating the city. It’s great for finding directions and locating places of interest. Plus, it features real-time traffic alerts, takes alternate routes when necessary, and provides transit information. It’s a must-have app for getting around in New York.
4. Airbnb
Airbnb is a great app to have when exploring New York. It allows users to book affordable short-term housing in the city. The app also offers detailed maps of neighborhoods, so you can find the perfect location for your stay. There are helpful reviews of Airbnb listings to help you make an informed decision.
5. OpenTable
OpenTable is the go-to app for anyone who wants to find the best restaurants in New York. Users can book reservations and have their meals delivered right to their door. The app also provides reviews and ratings, along with detailed maps of the city. This makes it easy to find the perfect restaurant for every occasion.
6. Seamless
Seamless is an app that allows users to order food from their favorite restaurants. It’s great for those nights when you don’t feel like leaving the house. The app provides menus, reviews, ratings, and delivery times. Plus, it lets users save their favorite orders for easy access.
7. Making the Most of Public Transportation
- Understand the Different Types. Finding the best public transportation for your needs requires knowledge of the different types. The subway is the most pervasive, but there are also city buses, streetcar lines, and for-hire services like Uber. Figuring out which one is right for you depends on the distance you plan to travel and the speed at which you want to get there.
- Planning Is Key. Before you get on a subway train or bus, make sure you understand your route. Most stations and bus stops will have maps of the route you are taking and where it will drop you off. In addition, many public transportation services have tracking tools that show you exactly when your train or bus will arrive.
- Consider Your Destination. Whether you’re trying to get to Times Square or just a few blocks away, public transportation isn’t always the best option. Know your destination and ask yourself if it will be faster to walk or take an Uber. Depending on the time of day and the location, one of these may come out on top.
- Bring the Necessary Tools. Before setting off, make sure you have a MetroCard if you’ll be using the subway and the exact bus fare if you are riding the bus. While some Subway stations accept credit or debit cards, some metro stations can be cash-only. Paying attention to the details will make your trip more seamless.
- Be Aware of Potential Travel Delays. Even though public transportation is convenient, understand that you could encounter delays due to equipment malfunctions, construction, or traffic. Have some extra leeway in your schedule in case of complications, and be patient with any disruptions that arise.
8. Staying Safe While Exploring
Exploring the beauty of New York is an exciting adventure, but it is important to be careful and stay safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your route and give a copy of your itinerary to a family or friend.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take note of any areas that seem out of place. Avoid walking alone at night and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive items. Keep your phone, wallet, and passport in a secure, hidden pocket.
- Make a copy of your identification and store it in a secure location.
- Carry a small pepper spray canister with you in case of emergencies. Also, be aware of your state and city laws regarding weapons.
- If you are traveling alone, notify people back home of your plans, and set regular check-in times so that they can keep track of your whereabouts.
- Research the area you’re traveling to and be aware of any events or areas that are off-limits to visitors.
- Be respectful of the locals and customs and try to blend in with the crowd. Avoid attracting attention to yourself.
- Stay informed of any unfolding news events and observe any travel advisories or warnings that may be issued by the government.
Following these precautions will help you safely and confidently explore New York. Enjoy the adventure!
9. Tips for Enjoying the Ultimate New York City Adventure
1. Get an Open Bus Tour and Explore: There’s no better way to get an overview of the city than to take an open bus tour. Most of these tours, ranging from hop-on hop-off to night or Brooklyn-centric, will take you to all the major attractions with guides to provide commentary. This is a great way to get your bearings and determine which sights you’d like to explore further.
2. Make Use of the Subway: The NYC subway system may seem intimidating but it’s a safe, cheap and efficient way to get around the city. Invest in a Metrocard and do your research ahead of time to plan your trips. Apps such as Citymapper and Google Maps can help you plan your routes. With a few trips under your belt, navigating the city underground will become as easy as pie.
3. Don’t Overschedule Your Trip: Visitors often make the mistake of scheduling every square inch of their time in the city, which can lead to burnout. Make sure to book tickets to your must-see attractions, but be sure to fault some time for improvisation and exploration. You might stumble upon a great restaurant, park or local market that you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
4. Embrace Variety: New York offers a multitude of experiences, from the tourist hot spots to the underrated neighbourhoods, and more. From dusty bookstores in the East Village to trendy restaurants in Brooklyn, venture into different areas to really experience the city’s diversity.
5. Upload Memory Cards: With countless sights and attractions, NYC can be a photo-taker’s paradise. Make sure to bring along extra memory cards and set apart days to upload your pictures. That way, you’ll ensure that you never run out of space for more memories.
Through exploring all the necessary basics and useful tips, you can now more confidently create an interesting and safe adventure to explore the hustle and bustle of New York City. Embrace the surprises, the sights, the sounds, and the culture – happy exploring!