Visiting New York for the First Time | Travel Guide & Tips
Planning your first trip to New York City is no easy feat! There is so much to consider, and the amount of information out there is *slightly* overwhelming. Well, I’m here to help.
In this quick and simple NYC travel guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about planning a trip to New York for first-time visitors. This includes the best things to do, how to get around, when to visit, how long to stay, helpful tips, and how to pay for things.
This is based on my experience of travelling to New York countless times and spending an extended period of time living in the city.
No matter how often I visit New York, I never get bored of it. This incredible city is one of the world’s most iconic cities, and it deserves that title. There truly is nowhere else like it.
If you’re visiting New York for the first time, my guide can help you plan your trip. The contents box at the top can direct you to the information that you need, or grab a cup of coffee and read the entire blog. Enjoy!
Best time to visit New York
New York City is a popular destination throughout the year, and each season has advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in each season.
Spring (March to June)
Spring is a fantastic time to visit New York City. The temperatures are warming up, Central Park is beautiful, and the chaotic summer crowds are yet to arrive.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you might find cheaper hotel deals at this time of year.
Summer (June – September)
Summer is a popular time to visit New York. Alongside Christmas, it’s one of the busiest times of year in The Big Apple.
The weather is often favourable in the summer, and the streets come to life with buskers, street performers and outdoor seating at bars.
However, New York is known to have big crowds during the summer months. There are often long queues for many of the big attractions, and hotel prices tend to be on the higher side.
Humidity can also be a big issue in New York. Hot summer days can be slightly unbearable outside. Even so, it’s a fantastic time to visit the city and enjoy its outdoor offerings.
Tip: The 4th of July is a great time to visit NYC to experience the celebrations, but it can be incredibly busy.
Fall/Autumn (September-November)
Fall is my favourite time in NYC, and in my opinion, it’s the best time of year to visit New York. The weather is still pleasant, the trees and fall foliage are beautiful, and the crowds start to disperse.
I particularly love visiting during October, when the locals decorate their houses for Halloween.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting New York in October or November.
Christmas / The festive season
December is the busiest time of year in New York. Millions of people flock to the city to see its famous Christmas sights, including the Rockefeller Tree, the ice skating rinks and magical Christmas decorations.
Christmas in New York is certainly a bucket list experience, but it’s also a costly and busy time of year.
I spent a Christmas in New York and can’t say it’s at the top of my list to do again. The crowds were unbearable, with thousands of people trying to get the same views and photos. The waiting times to get into popular attractions were ten times that of when I visited in the Fall, many places were sold out, and the prices were phenomenal.
New York at Christmas can be a magical experience, and I understand why so many people want to do it. However, if you’re unhappy with the big crowds, I would consider visiting at another time of year.
Winter (January & February)
Many people advise against visiting New York in the winter months, but I love it.
Sure, the weather is cold, and there is a risk of heavy snow, but it’s a quiet time to visit the city and perfect for those who want to see NYC at its calmest.
Even though the trees are bare, Central Park is still beautiful at this time of year. It is also the best time to find budget accommodation in the city.
Summary
Spring: Quiet, warmer temperatures and the city starts to come to life
Summer: Humid and busy, but the city is alive with buskers and street performers
Fall: Crowds start to disperse, plus the park is beautiful with fall foilage (my favourite time of year)
Christmas: A bucket list experience but horrifically busy and crowded
Winter months: Cold with extreme weather, but the quietest time of year in the city
How long to spend in New York
If this is your first time visiting New York, I recommend planning at least three days in the city. You won’t be able to see everything, but it’s enough time to see the highlights and get a true feel for this remarkable city.
But, in my opinion, the perfect amount of time for first-timers in NYC is five days. This gives you the time to explore at a slower pace, see all corners of Manhattan and go further afield to the likes of Brooklyn or Queen’s.
Of course, the longer you can spend there, the better. It would be easy enough to spend a week there and not run out of things to do.
How to get around New York City
The subway
Using public transportation in a new city or country can be overwhelming, but the NYC subway is relatively easy to navigate (I find it much easier than London).
How to navigate
Firstly, I suggest downloading the MTA App. This has a subway map and can help you plan your journey. You can also use Google Maps or City Mapper to do this.
Once you enter the station, you’ll see signs directing you to the correct platform. It’s not uncommon for different trains to share the same platform, so ensure you’re boarding the right one.
The subway operates 24/7, but trains are infrequent during the night, and there is often maintenance works disrupting operations.
How to pay
You can pay for your subway ride with a contactless card or Apple Pay. This means you don’t need to worry about purchasing a ticket in advance and can tap your card or phone when entering the subway. In New York, all subway journeys have a fixed price. At the time of writing this post (2025), it’s $2.90.
The downside of using contactless is that you can’t purchase a travel card. If you’re in NYC for a few days and think you’ll be taking a lot of subway rides, consider the 7-day pass for $34. You can purchase this as a physical ticket in any of the stations or get an OMNY card and load it to this.
I would avoid physical tickets if you can. They’re easy to lose, and some ticket barriers can be a bit temperamental when it comes to swiping a paper ticket.
Safety
The NYC subway system is overall very safe, especially during peak hours and between tourist attractions.
However, if you’re travelling alone in NYC, I suggest sticking to the busier subway cars and not using the subway late at night.
Taxis
Cabs are another great way to get around the city. However, they can be very expensive.
To hail a cab, look for a yellow taxi with an illuminated taxi number on the top of the vehicle (if there is no light, it’s already in use).
Once you spot one, safely stand at the edge of the pavement and wave your hand. New York taxis use a meter system, so you can’t agree on a cost in advance.
Most cabs now accept card payments but double-check this before you get inside.
It’s also possible to use Uber in New York, which tends to be cheaper.
Walking
Walking is the best way to explore a new city. You can see all the sights, discover hidden gems, and get a real feel for the city.
Walking around Manhattan is a wonderful experience. I’ve spent hours walking around, taking it all in and finding unique spots.
Of course, walking won’t be for everyone. But if you can, I highly recommend it. You can even build your own mini-walking tour of NYC.
If you decide to walk, double-check that you’re in a safe area. While most of the tourist spots in NYC are considered safe, there are a few areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn to avoid.
Buses
I’m not the biggest fan of using buses in New York. I find that I get stuck in traffic and taking the subway or walking would have been quicker.
However, they can be a handy way to get around. You can use the MTA App or Google Maps to find the bus stop and which bus you need to take.
You can pay with an OMNY card, a single-ride metro or travel card, or a contactless card. Many buses have stopped taking cash.
The best places to stay in Manhattan
If this is your first visit to New York, I recommend staying in a well-located area, such as Midtown Manhattan. Perhaps somewhere like Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, The Rockefeller Center or Times Square. This means you’ll be at the heart of the action, and you won’t need to travel far to reach the popular destinations.
Another one of my favourite places is the Upper West Side. Hotels here tend to be on the cheaper side. The area offers a local experience, and it’s filled with trendy bars and restaurants.
Is New York expensive?
Yes! New York is a VERY expensive city to visit, one of the most expensive in the world.
I used to think visiting New York on a budget was possible, but that has certainly become more challenging in recent years. When I last visited in 2024, I was shocked at how much prices have increased. Groceries in the USA are also notoriously expensive, so cooking at home didn’t always save me much money.
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect to pay in NYC.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in New York is exceptionally high. Even budget accommodations like hostels can take a big chunk of your budget.
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect.
Hostels: Prices vary throughout the year, but expect to pay around $70 for a dorm bed (yes… you read that right).
Budget hotels in Manhattan: Unless you want to stay somewhere with awful ratings, expect to pay at least $150 per night for a budget room. Cheaper areas include the Upper West Side, Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Mid-range: A standard room in a chain or well-located hotel costs between $200 and $250 per night, sometimes more during peak periods.
Luxury: This can vary, but luxury hotels start at about $600+ per night (ouch!).
Coffee and small snacks
The cost of coffee in New York is slightly painful. A good cup of coffee (plus an optional tip) will cost around $7.
Small snacks are also very pricey, with baked goods often exceeding $5.
Meals
It’s tricky to give a price for meals, as the type of place you eat will significantly impact this.
However, it’s tricky to find a decent restaurant that costs less than $20 for a meal (including tips and tax).
If you want something fancy, you can easily expect to pay $30/$40 per person for one course and a drink.
In 2024, I took my friend for dinner at a standard diner. We each had one main course and one alcoholic drink. After adding tax and tips, our bill was over $100.
Activities
Activities are another expensive part of visiting New York City. Some of its popular attractions are very overpriced (in my opinion), and they’ll eat up a big chunk of your budget.
Here’s an idea of what you might pay (prices vary throughout the year).
- Empire State Building entry: $46
- Top of the Rock entry: $40
- One World Observatory entry: $44
- Boat cruise to the Statue of Liberty: $69
Luckily, there are so many free things to do in NYC, including admiring Grand Central Station, exploring parks like Central Park and Battery Park, taking the ferry to Staten Island and soaking up the atmosphere in Washington Square Park.
Transport
Public transportation is actually relatively cheap for a big city (I’m used to London prices).
At the time of writing this post, a trip on the subway costs $2.90. You can also buy a 7-day pass for $34. I think this is great value!
However, taxis are very expensive. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to avoid this.
Top things to do in NYC for first-timers
Must-sees
Here are the must-see attractions in New York for first-timers. I’ve already written about the attractions in New York that are worth your money, but here’s a quick overview.
Get panoramic views from an observation deck | You only need to do one observation deck in NYC, and my pick is Top of The Rock. The views are beautiful, and you can see the skyline at its finest, including the Empire State Building. For a different perspective, consider the One World Observatory. (I’m personally not a fan of NYC Edge or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt).
Take a boat cruise around the island | Cruise around Manhattan for epic skyline views, or visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For a free ride, consider taking the free Staten Island ferry.
Wander the High Line | The High Line is a converted raised railway in New York that’s now a park. In the summer, it’s lined with buskers and vendors.
Visit a museum | New York is filled with incredible, world-class museums. My pick for first-timers is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) or the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge | Don’t miss impressive views of Manhattan as you cross one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, The Brooklyn Bridge.
Explore Central Park | Escape the chaos of Manhattan with a trip to Central Park. Walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, cross Bow Bridge or hire a canoe on the lake.
See a Broadway Show | New York is the world’s top destination for theatre performances and musicals. It’s where stars are born! Don’t miss watching one of the iconic shows, like The Lion King or Wicked.
Visit Times Square | Times Square is the beating heart of NYC. While it’s busy, commercialised and very touristy, it’s still a must-visit for anyone visiting New York for the first time.
Explore different neighbourhoods | Don’t just stick to the main tourist attractions, remember to go off and explore the city away from the tourist spots. The Upper East Side is one of my favourite places to explore, Wall Street is also very interesting.
The NYC Pass
If you plan to visit many of the city’s paid attractions, you might benefit from purchasing a New York City pass. There are various passes to choose from, but the most popular is the NYC City Pass.
At the time of writing this post, the pass includes entry to the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. You can also choose three additional attractions, including Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, a Circle Line Cruise or trip to Ellis Island.
Once activated, the pass lasts for nine days, so the timeframe suits most people’s itineraries.
Is it worth it? If you’re planning to visit several attractions included in the pass then yes, it’s worth it. The pass currently costs around $154, which is a lot cheaper than visiting five of the included attractions individually. The Empire State, Top of the Rock and a Circle Line cruise easily adds up to that amount. However, only purchase a pass if you’re absolutely sure about visiting all of those attractions.
Tip: Always check the latest T&Cs and inclusions before purchasing anything. I do my best to keep this site as up-to-date as possible, but things can quickly change.
Another option is to consider a Go City pass. This pass offers a bit more flexibility, and you can choose the amount of attractions you visit. For example, you can buy a pass to cover entry to three attractions or an all-inclusive pass that covers unlimited attractions.
NYC packing essentials
Here are a few essential items to add to your New York packing list.
Comfy shoes | You’re going to be doing A LOT of walking in New York City. Even if you plan to use the subway or take cabs, it’s difficult to escape the steps in NYC. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for the daytime.
Weather appropriate clothes | Research the weather in advance to see what type of clothing you need to pack. The summers can be very hot and humid, and the winters very cold.
An umbrella | It can rain at any time of the year in NYC, and you don’t want it to stop you exploring. Don’t forget an umbrella for those rainy days.
Portable charger | It’s a sensible idea to pack a small phone charger when you visit NY. Even the best of phones can quickly drain when taking lots of photos or using maps. Keep your phone charged on the go and avoid having to return to your hotel room.
Refillable water bottle | It’s very expensive to buy plastic water bottles in New York (not to mention the plastic pollution). Consider packing a refillable water bottle to save money and travel more sustainably. You can drink tap water in NYC, and many cafes are happy to refill your bottles.
Cross-body bag | I never go to a city without my trusty cross-body bag. This handy bag stays on me at all times. As it’s in front of me, it makes it harder for sneaky thieves to open my bag.
Smarter clothes | Don’t forget to pack some fancy clothes and shoes for the evenings. Many upscale bars and restaurants have a strict dress-code.
Tote bag or reusable bag | I always travel with a packable tote bag. It means you won’t have to pay for a plastic bag when purchasing something.
Hand sanitiser | Remember to carry a small hand sanitiser. NY is a wonderful city, but it’s hardly the cleanest.
Travel adaptor | If you’re not from the USA, don’t forget to pack a travel plug adaptor. I travel everywhere with this adaptor, it can be used in almost any country (including the USA).
Avoiding scams in New York
Like many major cities in the world, scams against tourists are rife in New York. Sadly, criminals often see tourists as easy targets.
A few common scams to be aware of include:
- A costume character may offer you a photo, only to then demand money
- Someone may hand you an item like a rose or CD, then demand money
- Fake taxis could overcharge you (always check your taxi has a number on top and a running meter. Stand in the official taxi line at airports)
- People may ask you for money at a train station so they can get home
- Someone selling you discounted metro cards or tickets to attractions
How to avoid scams
Be cautious | Always question anyone who tries to sell you something. Trust your gut and use your common sense.
Never give anyone money without being sure | Never give money to anyone unless you are sure of who they are. If someone is trying to sell you a discounted ticket, assume it is a scam.
Don’t agree to any photos | Never take photos with the costume characters without agreeing on a price first.
Verify your taxi | Always ensure your taxi is legit. When you land at the airport, you’ll likely be approached by people offering you a taxi ride into the city. Ignore them and head to the official taxi line, even if they offer you a good deal.
Never accept something for free | Never take anything for free. From people handing out CDs to Monks putting bracelets on your wrist, many scammers in New York are trying to get your money. If someone approaches you, politely walk away.
How to pay for things in New York
Paying for things in New York couldn’t be easier. Almost everywhere accepts credit cards, making payments straightforward.
Contactless payments are very popular in New York. When it comes to things like coffee shops, cafes shops, and fast food restaurants, you’ll more than likely be able to pay with a contactless card (if your credit card allows it).
Some restaurants will take your card away to be swiped, and you’ll need to sign for any purchases (and occasionally enter your PIN). If you need to add a tip, you can choose the amount, and this is added to the total.
If you’re wondering if you need cash in New York, the answer is yes, but only a little. Most places accept cards, but small street vendors or market stalls will prefer cash. In addition, cash is great for tipping, especially at bars and hotels.
Other tips for visiting New York
Remember to tip | Tipping is expected in New York City and the USA. It might feel strange for international visitors, but it’s part of American culture. Tips are expected for restaurant staff, bar staff, hotel staff, taxi drivers, tour guides, etc.
How much you tip is generally based on the quality of service you receive, but here’s a rough idea.
- Restaurant staff: 20-30% of bill price (pre-tax)
- Bar staff: $1 or $2 per drink
- Cab drivers: 10 – 15% of journey price
- Food delivery drivers: 10-20% of food cost
- Housekeeping staff: A few $ per night
- Bell staff: A few $ per bag
- Tour guides: 15%-25% of tour cost
When I was last in New York, I found that many coffee shops and self-service bakeries also asked for tips. My local friend said not to worry about it, but I chose to do a small tip of around 5%.
Remember to add sales tax. Taxes in the USA vary nationwide, so the prices on price tags, menus, and displays don’t include the tax.
For example, most prepared meals have an 8.8% tax added when you receive your bill.
Try to avoid eating at Times Square | While visiting Times Square is a right of passage for tourists in New York, I don’t recommend eating there. The area is home to so many low-quality and overpriced chain restaurants. There are plenty of better options within walking distance. Areas like Hell’s Kitchen and Lower Midtown are filled with tasty spots.
Don’t be afraid to ask locals | New Yorkers often have a reputation for being miserable and unfriendly, but I think that’s just the culture in the city. It’s very similar in London.
I’ve always found locals are more than willing to help me when I need directions or help with something.
Carry a phone charger | New York has so much to see. You could spend weeks walking around the city and still not see it all. Remember to carry a portable phone charger to keep your phone charged and ready to take photos.
Avoid tourist traps | Try to avoid the tourist traps if you can. Places like Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge are fun, but there is so much more to this unique city. Remember to add neighbourhoods like the Upper East Side and Greenwich Village to your itinerary.
Summary: Is New York worth visiting?
Yes, New York is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, and for very good reason.
This remarkable city is like nowhere else. There is something so charming and unique about it. I’ve been to New York more times than I can count, and I seriously never grow tired of it.
Whether you’re into art, food, shopping, Broadway, or just exploring new places, there’s something for everyone in New York.
There’s no denying it can be expensive and a bit overwhelming at times, but a trip to New York is always worth it.
Thanks for reading.
