The first trip to New York City left me with tired legs and open-mouthed astonishment. I anticipated seeing the skyscrapers and yellow taxis and city energy but did not anticipate the rapid draw the city would have on me.
The city of New York always creates an indelible impression on everyone who stays for a weekend or longer. Due to an overwhelming number of attractions the city faces a dilemma about where they should begin their exploration.
Before my flight, I had arranged a meet and greet at Heathrow, thinking it would just be a convenience. But much like the planning that goes into choosing a smooth airport departure, navigating New York City for the first time requires a bit of preparation to fully enjoy the adventure.
Visiting New York for the first time demands a list of must-see attractions according to my personal experience and beginner errors alongside my intense curiosity.
A brief tour of Times Square
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s chaotic. Visiting Times Square stands as a necessary experience for all NYC tourists. The lights had just begun to dominate the sky as I arrived during early evening hours.
Every light source in my field of view turned bright as day thanks to the LED billboards. The combination of awe and complete paralysis took hold of me at that moment.
A single walk-through experience should be enough for your needs. Look at it for a bit and take pictures before moving forward. There are countless attractions in New York City beyond what Times Square offers.
Central Park: A Breath of Green in the Concrete Jungle
The visual overload from the city will drive you toward the peaceful atmosphere of Central Park. Using a bike rental I circled the loop until I reached Bow Bridge as well as the Bethesda Terrace.
The autumn season had arrived early which created a golden brilliance among the tree leaves.
Go Up (Way Up)
The city's skyline becomes visible through three major observation points which include Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and Edge.
I selected Top of the Rock because it offers viewing access to the Empire State Building and provides Central Park scenery. I will always remember the moment when I watched the city transform into golden hues during sunset from that location.
Museum Hop Like a Local (Sort Of)
The famous New York museums can introduce interesting displays even to people who typically avoid such cultural destinations.
Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art exceeded my expectations because it offers more than traditional paintings and lets you spend long periods of exploration.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) provides the ideal space for visitors interested in dynamic creative masterpieces.
The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side presents historical accounts of actual immigrant families from the early 1900s to visitors. I left that one with chills.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
A highlight of my trip occurred when I crossed the Brooklyn Bridge immediately after sunrise.
Few people populated the city at that hour as it emerged from its slumber. The New York skyline transformed in front of me as I drank my coffee during the early morning hours.
The walk across the bridge ends near Juliana’s pizza restaurant and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory where you can enjoy a tasty reward.
Note: Don’t forget to check options for Meet And Greet At Stansted and book according to your needs.
Eat Everything (But Especially These)
NYC is a food playground. You can experience world-class sushi together with $1 pizza and bagel with lox within one day.
- For a first-timer, don’t miss:
- A bagel from Ess-a-Bagel
- Pizza from Joe’s (Greenwich Village)
- Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th (street cart legends)
- Cheesecake from Junior’s
- And yes, a dirty water dog from a hot dog cart just for the experience
The Staten Island Ferry offers free transportation (Complimentary travel).
The Statue of Liberty can be seen without booking a tour through any particular company. The Staten Island Ferry provides a free transportation service.
The Staten Island Ferry provides you with free access to breathtaking skyline views together with Lady Liberty sightings. The magic light of golden hour transformed the entire scene into a dreamlike experience when I visited.
