First Timers Guide to New York City

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New York City…. the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the city of dreams… whatever you call it, NYC needs to be on your bucket list. If it’s your first time in New York City, then it can be confusing and overwhelming *very overwhelming*!

BUT that’s why you’re here, right?! If you’re planning your first time visit to NYC a.k.a. the concrete jungle, then read along my friends!

First Timers Guide to New York City: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to NYC for Your First Time

The Five Boroughs

New York City is HUGE! I mean massive! There are five boroughs (areas) in the city.

The main area with all the attractions, famous skyscrapers, and the safest borough is Manhattan.

Brooklyn is across the river from Manhattan and is easily accessible by the famous Brooklyn Bridge or the subway.

Staten Island is south of Manhattan and Brooklyn (across the water) and the most popular way to get here is to take the Staten Island Ferry (for FREE) that leaves from the southern tip of Manhattan – OH, and you get a GREAT view of the Statue of Liberty from the boat!

Queens is where JFK Airport and LaGuardia Airport are located. If you’re a Mets fan then this is also where their stadium is located.

The last borough is the most northern part of NYC, the Bronx. Yes, the same one in JLo’s song (just got a flashback from my college days when everyone called me “Jenny from the block”).

This isn’t the greatest area of NYC, but Yankee Stadium is located here if you want to see a classic American baseball game! *I’m a huge fan of the Yankees btw* (Don’t judge).

How to Get to New York City

This is such an easily accessible city! You will have no problem getting here.

By Plane:

• For international visitors, John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is one of the cheapest airports to fly into and it’s VERY easy to get around.
• For national visitors, LaGuardia (LGA) is a great option.. it’s closer to Manhattan (and definitely cheaper for taxis).
• Newark Liberty International (EWR) also services NYC, however, it is located in New Jersey, and getting into the city is actually an expensive challenge! (Taking the train includes making changes and about 2 hours of your time and taking a taxi will set you back $100 before you even really start your vacation!)

By Train: There are two train stations in NYC and both are in Manhattan. Union Station and Penn Station. Amtrak services Penn Station and it’s a very easy and comfortable ride into the city! SUPER convenient if you are coming from Washington DC, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. (If you’re coming from DC, don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to Washington DC)

By Car: It’s possible to drive into the city.. but if you are staying in Manhattan, do yourself a favor and DON’T DRIVE! Not only are you trying to navigate through a city filled with one-way streets, but you have people honking, pedestrians just walking out into the middle of the road, and other drivers not using turn signals and just pushing their way into your lane. Don’t do it!

Getting into Manhattan

Most likely you will be staying in Manhattan since it’s the most touristy and has the most hotels.

From JFK: Getting a taxi from JFK is not cheap.. it will cost you about $75.00 after the flat rate airport fee, tolls, and tip. This is the quickest route into the city and the one with the least amount of hassle, so if you’re just trying to get your vacation going, then go with this option.

The AirTrain runs from all the terminals at the airport to the subway and the Long Island Railroad. This is the cheapest option but could be confusing since you have to transfer trains at the end of the line and switch over to the ever-confusing subway system. There are two stations that are the end of the line (Jamaica and Howard Beach) and the trip costs $7.75 one way. If you are going on the Long Island Railroad, get off at the Jamaica station and transfer to the train which takes you to Penn Station (~$10 one-way peak and only 19 minutes!!). The subway will cost you $2.75 for the one trip into Manhattan, but won’t be as quick.

The NYC Express Bus runs from JFK & LGA from 11am-7pm every day straight into Manhattan (either the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Station, or Times Square). It’s a $35.00 round trip ($19.00 one way) from JFK and a $30.00 round trip ($16.00 one way) from LGA.

The Go AirLink NYC is a great shuttle service from ALL airports – yes, including Newark! Not only do they offer private car service (which is about $100 FYI), but they offer a shared shuttle service. Fill out the form online and pay for your reservation and journey! It’s super simple and under $30.00 for a one-way journey – YES, even from Newark!

From LGA: LaGuardia doesn’t have a direct train system to the subway, but getting a taxi is fairly cheap and easy. It will cost you about $45-$55 for a metered taxi with tolls and tip.

Navigating the Subway

This subway system was created in 1904 and now has over 850 miles of tracks and 472 stations. It’s considered one of the largest subway systems in the world.. so to say it’s intimidating is an understatement.

Fear not, first time New York City traveler!

First things first, the lines go by their letters and numbers NOT the color because there are multiple services on each colored line. When you look at the subway map, each stop has either a white mark or a black mark. The black marks mean that stop is a local train and the white mark means it’s the express train.

The express trains will only stop at the express stops (which are the white dots) and the local trains will stop at the black dots AND the white dots.

Under each station name on the map, there is a letter, number, or a set of letters and numbers… those are the trains that stop there (local trains will usually only have one number or letter underneath it).

You have two choices for directions to go in… Uptown and Downtown. If you are heading north or towards the Bronx then you will go “Uptown” and if you are heading south or to Brooklyn then you will go “Downtown”. Pretty simple, right?

If you see a black line on the map connecting two stations on two different lines, that means there’s a pedestrian tunnel and it’s FREE to switch lines. So instead of exiting to the street, walking to another line, and paying for another trip, you can just take the tunnel for free!

Must-See Attractions for Your First Time in New York City

So where do first-timers in New York City go? Well, there’s A LOT! These are the big five though.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Closest Subway Station: Bowling Green (4,5 trains), South Ferry (1 local service train)

Believe it or not, the Statue of Liberty is small… like microscopic compared to the massive skyscrapers that surround it (in 1886, it used to be the tallest structure in NYC!! WHAT??!!).

You can view the statue from Battery Park in lower Manhattan, but if it’s your first time, you have to actually visit the statue (because it looks tiny from afar).

I recommend you pre-book your ticket. There’s only ONE ferry that goes to the Statue of Liberty (Statue Cruises). Once you enter Battery Park there will be people standing around telling you that the boat to the statue is fully booked or out of order and they can get you there.. this is a SCAM! Don’t do it!

There are three types of tickets:

• Reserve – This is the ticket for Liberty Island and Ellis Island ONLY. No bells and whistles, just the plain old hop off the ferry and walk around the statue. Tickets are $25.50 per person.
• Reserve with Pedestal – This is the ticket that includes all the above AND access to the pedestal of the statue. It’s 215 steps to the top of the pedestal, but there is an elevator. Tickets are $25.50 per person, but NEEDS to be reserved!
• Reserve with Crown – This ticket includes all of the above AND access to the crown. These tickets need to be reserved at least a month in advance because they are very limited and very popular. *There are another 154 steps to climb to get to the crown from the pedestal. Tickets are $28.50 per person.

Hop on the ferry where you disembarked on Liberty Island and your next stop will be Ellis Island. (If you are visiting later in the day, then the ferry will not stop at Ellis Island, so if you’re dead set on visiting here, then you need to go early).

If you wish to skip Ellis Island then just stay on the ferry and it will take you back to the port in Battery Park.

*Make sure you board the correct boat on Liberty Island!! There’s one that goes to New York and the other goes to New Jersey!!

Empire State Building

Closest Subway Station: 34 St Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains)

They claim to be the world’s most famous building… and it might be close. This building has been in countless movies and TV shows and is a major staple on the NYC Skyline.

If it’s your first time in New York City, then you HAVE to go to the top of the Empire State Building!

There are a few options for tickets. The main deck is the 86th floor, but you can go higher to the 102nd floor. The museum tour is included with all tickets. If you go during sunset, not only will it be busy, but more expensive. If you want to experience day and night, then there’s a ticket for that too! Also, tickets are a little bit cheaper during the off-season.

The observatory has its own entrance (so make sure you don’t through the main entrance for the Empire State Building). You’ll get the chance to explore the museum, and the interactive observatory experience and then head on up to the main deck.

Times Square

Closest Subway Station: Times Square 42nd St (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7)

Times Square is the bustling hub and tourist destination in the city filled with entertainment, shopping, and plenty of bright lights and excitement.

Anyone remember TRL being broadcast from here EVERY DAY!? I seriously watched that show religiously in high school. It’s also where you’ll see the famous ball drop on New Years Eve!

You’ll find the square at Broadway and 7th Avenue. This is best enjoyed at night when you can see all the lights. Just know, it’s SUPER busy no matter what time you take a stroll through here.

Rockefeller Center

Closest Subway Station: 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M trains)

If you haven’t heard of Rockefeller Center, where have you been?! Have you even seen Home Alone 2?! (Helllloooooo giant Christmas tree)

This is where you will find the famous ice skating rink, called The Rink. It runs from October – early April every year and opens 8:30am- midnight. There are 90 minute skate sessions every 2 hours. You CANNOT pre-book your tickets or make reservations for a time slot…. it’s first come, first serve during general admission times. You can book VIP experiences, 7am first skate sessions, or a rink season passes.

Prices fluctuate depending on the day and time of the season. Off season is $25.00 and the peak holiday rate is $35.00 PLUS $18.00 for the skate rental. Children under 11 are $17.00 no matter what time during the season.

Rockefeller Center has plenty to offer during the summer season too.. (these are also open year-round). If you want to take in the skyline 70 floors up, Top of the Rock will give you a great view of the Empire State Building. Just like the Empire State Building, you’ll need to reserve your ticket time and the prices fluctuate depending on the time of day (starting at $32.00).

You can tour the NBC Studios and get a behind the scenes look at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and more or check out a show at Radio City Music Hall (and for $31.00 you can take a backstage tour of the venue).

Central Park

Closest Subway Station: 59 St Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1 trains) & multiple other stations up and down the border of the park (however, they are local services – B, C, 2, 3 trains)

This urban park is open all year round. It’s 2.5 miles long and .5 miles wide! Walking through the park, you can actually forget you’re in the big city.

Park highlights: Bethesda Fountain is the famous fountain that has been in countless movies and TV shows (Gossip Girl!!! eeeekkkkk!), John Lennon’s memorial is located in Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge was the first cast iron bridge in the park, the famous carousel that’s over 100 years old ($3.25 per ride), the massive reservoir, and during the winter season, the Wollman ice rink!

The Wollman Rink is the cheaper option for ice skating in the city. Monday- Thursday is $12.00 and $19.00 on weekends and holidays for adults. Skate rentals are only $10.00 and the locker costs $5.00 with a refundable deposit.

My advice for exploring the park is to set aside an hour or two and just pick one section to check out, otherwise, you will spend ALL day there!! The park is a lot bigger than you think.

Where to Stay

Midtown Manhattan is a great place to base yourself because you are in the middle of everything! I prefer the hotels around Times Square because there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

My favorite hotel I’ve stayed at is definitely the Aliz Hotel Times Square. It’s in a great location and doesn’t feel too busy, but close to Times Square… also literally next to the subway station!

Tips for Your First Time in New York City

• If you’re on a budget, but still want to see the Statue of Liberty, hop on the Staten Island Ferry and you’ll go straight past the Statue for FREE!
• Grab the New York City Pass if you plan on doing ALL the attractions, you’ll save some money! (Don’t bother if you’re only doing one or two – you won’t save money)
• Avoid the horse and carriage rides through the park – the horses are mistreated.
• Download a subway map app on your phone! (City Mapper or New York Subway MTA Map)
• If you don’t have WiFi, make sure you download an offline map of the city – just in case!
• Choose a hotel that’s next to the subway – it will make getting around SO MUCH EASIER
• Wear comfy shoes, you’ll be walking A LOT

Have any questions about your upcoming first-time trip to New York City? Lemme know in the comments below or send me a message on my Contact Me page! Been to NYC and have some of your own tips? Share them in the comments with everyone!

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