Guide to Visiting New York City for the First Time
New York City (NYC), the capital of New York State in the US, is known for its impressive skyscrapers, iconic museums, and incredible restaurants, so it’s no wonder you want to visit! If it’s your first time in the City That Never Sleeps, this guide will give you all the information you need for an unforgettable trip.
With a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, world-class institutions, and phenomenal nightlife, New York frequently appears on travel bucket lists. There’s so much to do and see here, so it’s perfect for romantic breaks, city breaks with friends or a family trip.
We’ve got tips for where to stay in the city, the best way to get there, and the top attractions and activities. Read on for our guide to The Big Apple for first-time visitors.
How many days should I spend in New York?
We recommend spending around five to seven days in New York City for your first visit. This will give you enough time to explore the major landmarks here and discover some of the local neighbourhoods without feeling too rushed.
How to get to New York from the UK
There are two international airports in New York City – John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and La Guardia (LGA). There’s another airport nearby in New Jersey; Newark Liberty International (EWR).
You can fly direct to New York from several UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester. Airlines serving these routes include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Aer Lingus.
The average flight time is around seven hours and it is classed as a long-haul flight. Connecting flights are also available.
What do I need to enter New York?
If you’re visiting from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, and Germany, among others), then you do not need a visa to enter the USA for 90 days.
However, you will need authorisation with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) which there is a small fee for. You should apply at least 72 hours before you travel. We recommend applying as soon as possible in case there are any additional steps you need to take before you travel.
Visitors from countries outside of the Visa Waiver program will need a non-immigrant visa.
The US has very specific passport requirements, so you should make sure that your passport will be accepted before you travel to New York.
How to get to New York City from the airport
Once you land in New York, it’s time to make your way to accommodation. There are a few different options, depending on which airport you fly into and where you’re going to.
Getting a cab
Grabbing an iconic yellow taxi cab from JFK Airport, La Guardia, or Newark Liberty International is a stress-free option to get to your accommodation, especially as you’ll have your luggage with you. The cabs have a fixed fare into Manhattan. However, there are some extra charges, including a peak period surcharge, airport pick-up fee, state tax, and a congestion charge.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to tip your cab driver in addition to the fare. A tip of 20% is considered standard.
Renting a car
There are plenty of rental companies at each airport, however, renting a car might not be the best option for transport in New York City. There are road tolls in and around the city, it’s very busy on the roads, and parking can be pricey and challenging to find.
Public transport options
John F. Kennedy International (JFK) | La Guardia (LGA) | Newark Liberty International (EWR) |
JFK AirTrain: to Jamaica or Howard Beach before connecting to the NYC subway system, Long Island Rail Road, or public buses | Bus: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus network to downtown Manhattan | Train: Amtrak and NJ Transit trains to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan |
Subway: from Jamaica or Howard Beach, you can get to Brooklyn, Queens, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan | Bus: Express Bus service to major NYC stations, including Grand Central, Bryant Park, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal | |
Train: Long Island Rail Road to Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal, Brooklyn, and Long Island | ||
Bus: Express Bus service to downtown Manhattan |
Where to stay in New York
The good news is that there are many accommodation options to choose from in New York City, including budget places to stay, self-catering apartments, and luxury hotels.
There are also several neighbourhoods to consider too. Each New York neighbourhood has its own vibe and provides a different experience, so take some time to decide which is right as a base for your trip.
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is the most central place to stay in New York City, and this means that a lot of the sights will be within walking distance. The area directly around Times Square may be a little overwhelming as it can get a bit hectic day and night, so you might want to base yourself a couple of blocks away from here.
Best for: Exploring the major tourist attractions and first-time visitors to the city.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn used to be a city in its own right until it became a borough of New York City in 1898. Brooklyn has its own Downtown area, close to the famous Brooklyn Bridge. It’s arty, hip, and more residential than Manhattan, plus there’s plenty to see, including the Brooklyn Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Coney Island.
There’s also easy access to the rest of the city, although you don’t really have to leave Brooklyn with its live music, vintage shopping, and weekly food truck fair.
Best for: Creatives and hipsters
Meatpacking District
The name of this area comes from its meatpacking plants and slaughterhouses, but night clubs, bars, and boutique shops are slowly replacing these, and only a few remain. It’s home to some trendy restaurants and is one of the best places for nightlife in New York. You’ll also find Highline Park here, an elevated railway turned into a local park.
Best for: Party animals
Upper East Side
Hello Upper East Siders! Gossip Girls will love this area where you can find the most affluent addresses in New York. Park Avenue, Lexington, York Avenue, First, Second, Third, and Fifth are all here, as well as museums and galleries like the Guggenheim Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA). Fashionistas will love Madison Avenue for designer clothing. XOXO
Best for: Luxury stays
TriBeCa
TriBeCa is short for the Triangle Below Canal Street and was an industrial area until it had a bohemian makeover in the 1970s. Here you’ll find art galleries and fine restaurants, as well as the firehouse that was used in the Ghostbusters movie.
Best for: Set jetters and artsy types
West Village
The West Village is the western side of Greenwich Village, also known as just ‘The Village.’ Many famous authors and artists have lived here, including Robert Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain, and Andy Warhol. Now, there is a thriving LGBTQ+ community, a big jazz scene, and plenty of places to enjoy stand-up comedy. Fans of Sex and the City will recognise Carrie Bradshaw’s brownstone here.
Best for: LGBTQ+ travellers
New York Weather
The weather in New York follows the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The summers are hot and humid, and you may experience thunderstorms in the afternoons or evenings. By contrast, the winter can get very cold, and you can expect snow or rain.
When is the best time to visit New York?
There isn’t really a bad time to visit New York as there is something going on in the city day and night, during every season. Throughout spring and autumn, you’ll still experience pleasant temperatures and you can easily walk around the city without needing to wrap up.
Flights and accommodation around Christmas tend to be more expensive as demand ramps up, but seeing the iconic Christmas decorations in the city is truly magical. Don’t miss the Rockefeller Tree!
Locals tend to avoid staying in the city during the summertime due to the heat. You’ll often find them escaping to the seaside at the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, or the Jersey Shore at weekends.
How to get around in New York
There are plenty of transport options available in New York City, making it very easy to get around during your trip. These include:
- Subway
- Bus
- Ferry (Staten Island, East River, South Brooklyn, Governors Island, Coney Island)
- Train (Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, NJ Transit, New Jersey PATH)
- Yellow taxi
Things to do in New York
There is so much to see and do in New York that your only problem will be narrowing it down to fit your itinerary! Here are some of our ideas for what to see in New York.
Top tip: The most cost-effective way to explore the attractions in New York City is to get the New York Pass. You can choose how many days you’d like the pass for, and you’ll have access to over 100 of the city’s top activities, including the Empire State Building Observatory, Top of the Rock™️ Observation Deck, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. You can save up to 50% on buying individual tickets.
There are a few different versions of this pass, so you can find out which New York Pass is right for you here.
Here are some of our top experiences we recommend:
Empire State Building General Admission Ticket
Wicked Broadway Tickets
Hamilton Broadway Tickets
9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket
Statue of Liberty Midtown Sightseeing Cruise
Go to the top of the Empire State Building
No trip to New York is complete without visiting the legendary Empire State Building, one of the most recognised buildings in the world. At almost 1,500 feet (457 metres) high, it’s a core part of Manhattan’s skyline and has featured in countless movies.
Visit to find out more about its rich history and art-deco design, and head to the 86th-floor observatory for a spectacular 360° view over the city.
See a Broadway show
Whether you’re a theatre lover or not, seeing a show on Broadway is an experience like no other. With some of the hottest musicals in the world treading the boards here, a night at the theatre is a great way to spend an evening in New York. Choose from beloved shows like The Lion King, Six, and Wicked.
9/11 Memorial Museum
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the terror attacks on September 11th 2001 in New York City, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.
The memorial’s twin pools are on the former site of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, and the names of every person who died in the attacks are inscribed in the panels around them.
The museum features first-person accounts of what happened on the day, the background of the attacks, and the future implications.
See the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, or Lady Liberty as she’s affectionately known, is a neoclassical sculpture that has welcomed visitors and immigrants to the US since 1885, when she was gifted to America from France.
The statue’s home is on Liberty Island, around a 15-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, and you’ll get incredible views of her from the boat. You can also visit Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to hear more about the immigrant experience and how new arrivals were processed at the start of their new lives in the USA.
Visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Another attraction in New York with fantastic views is the Top of the Rock, an open-air observation deck that was built in the 1930s. People often prefer this view to that of the Empire State Building, as it’s the only place where you can get a view of it.
Now that you’ve got all the info you need for your visit to New York, take a look at our New York attraction tickets and start planning your perfect Big Apple itinerary.