"Exploring the Big Apple: A First-Timer's Guide to the Top Things to Do in NYC"
- Amy Harris
- May 17, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 2
There are so many incredible things to do and experiences to have while visiting New York City. If it is your first time, you will probably want to see all the big attractions.
The first time I visited was with my parents and grandparents at the age of fifteen. I remember being amazed at everything and since my Armenian grandfather grew up there and still had family, it was an even more special visit. I have been several times since then, and absolutely love this great city. When I took my daughters for the first time at the ages of 12 and 8, we crammed in everything we could and it was fun seeing the city through their eyes for the first time! If you are exploring the big apple, this is a great first-timer's guide to the top ten things to do in NYC!
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is a must see when visiting the city, you can obviously see it from afar, but I recommend taking the ferry to both islands and experiencing Lady Liberty, and all she stands for, up close and personal, Also, the Statue of Liberty Museum lets you explore the Statue's history and a glimpse of her original torch. Visiting the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island is an important and fascinating American experience. My great grandparents name is on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, and I loved seeing that!
You will need to purchase your tickets from Statue City Cruises, they are the only ferry that can actually stop at the islands. You can purchase online or in person in Battery Park in NYC. It is recommended that you purchase tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourism season.
What to expect while at Liberty Island, walk around and see Lady Liberty from every angle, and if you are able, I highly recommend making the 162 step spiral staircase climb to her crown. You will also want to take plenty of time inside the museum to learn about her history and the ongoing preservation efforts. Access to the crown is an additional fee and during peak hours, reservations are recommended. Access to the museum is free!
What to expect on Ellis Island - the museum is designed to give you the opportunity to step into the shoes of the immigrant journey and experience exhibits of American immigration history dating back from the 1500's to today. You can even discover your own family connection to the Island at the American Family Immigration History Center, where they have computers you can spend time researching. If, like me, you know of a family member listed on the Wall of Honor, take the time to go find it. Even if you don't, it's fun to see the wall!
Good to Know
The Ferry departs every 25 minutes
The trip from Battery Park to Liberty Island (your first stop) takes 25 minutes.
You can get some great pictures as you approach the island so try to get a seat outside
You can spend as much time as you like exploring both islands
The trip from Liberty Island to Ellis Island is 20 minutes and then back to Battery Park is a 10 minute trip
You will have airport style security when boarding the ferry, and note that large bags are not allowed, nor are any type of weapons or sharp objects
While not necessary at all, you can experience a VIP 5 hour (4 hour guided) tour.
Visit the Empire State Building
Depending on the level of interest, time and type of traveler you are, you can spend lots of time or just a quick ride up for an amazing view.
Here are some great options for visiting the Empire State Building:
Visit the 2nd and 80th floor galleries (included in your ticket to the 86th floor) and see how the building was built, it's history and cool interactive exhibits like the pop culture montage from various media appearances plus the Kong exhibit from the 1933 film
You don't have to stop and explore the galleries if you are short on time or just more interested in getting to the top for the spectacular views.
You can buy a ticket to just the 86th floor observatory deck which includes the 2nd and 80th floor exhibits or upgrade your ticket and purchase a ticket for both the 86th floor and the 102nd floor experience. Both offer the most spectacular 360 degree views of the city and beyond. If you opt to go all the way to the 102nd floor, your rides in on a one-of-a-kind glass elevator!
***Reservations are recommended and, at times, required*** So purchase your tickets in advance - note, they charge a $5 booking fee per transaction! I like to price shop and found that booking through Viator gave me a little bit of a discount!
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and
World Trade Center Museum
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial is sobering and a way to honor and reflect on the horrific terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed that day. It is open daily 8 am - 8 pm and is free to the public. The Museum is open daily except it closes on Tuesdays. It is located where the Twin Towers once stood and is a place where visitors can learn about the history of the attacks on 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. You can purchase a ticket for the museum and take your time walking through all of the exhibits or a great way to learn and experience the museum and memorial is to book a guided 60 min tour.
Go to a Broadway Show
I feel like you cannot visit NY without seeing a show! My first visit when I was 15, I was so lucky to see Phantom of the Opera, Cats and My Fair Lady in one trip. It was by far the highlight of that vacation.
I have since seen so many other amazing productions over the years and shared many great memories with my family.
There is always something great on stage in New York! See what's on Broadway Now
Tickets...
The least expensive tickets are weeknight shows or matinees. And if you are willing to wait in line and risk last minute tickets, you can find deeply discounted tickets the day of the show. I have walked up and bought a ticket one afternoon and it was very affordable.
You can also visit one of the TKTS booths in Time Square, Lincoln Center and Southstreet Seaport for discounted day-of-tickets. If you are a planner and want to have your tickets in hand before you go to NY, shop around online, look for discount codes, download one of the apps that features discounted tickets such as TDF app or Today Tix.
Visit Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Plaza is at the center of NYC and offers so much to do year round. Of course in the winter, you will want to ice skate at The Rink and if you are visiting around Christmas time, you will be amazed by the beautiful iconic Christmas Tree. During the warmer months the rink is transformed into a beautiful outdoor dining area with al fresco dining from the two rink level restaurants, Naro (Korean Restaurant and Jupiter (Italian food).
Year round you can enjoy unbelievable 360 degree views of the city from the Top of The Rock. Which offers three levels of indoor and outdoor observations decks. They are open daily from 8 am - midnight and your ticket is a timed entry so, they say, you never have to wait in line, but in reality the que times and exit to leave can be excruciatingly long, so prepare yourself for that! This, to me, is arguably the best view in the city and if you time it right and can avoid the crowds and long wait, it's worth the view,
They have recently opened the Beam Experience as part of your visit to the Top of the Rock. You can learn about the iconic picture taken 91 years ago of ironworkers taking a lunch break on a beam during the construction of the building and then recreate the experience with your own picture.
Tour At NBC Studios at Rockefeller Plaza
The NBC studio tour is so much fun for the whole family. You can tour where shows like, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and NBC news shows are produced. You can even work together with others on the tour to create your own show. We had so much fun doing that with our young girls and my parents.
Note: The tour is for ages 8 years and above
Visit Radio City Music Hall
If you are in NYC during the months of November to January, plan a visit to see the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular, it is a great show!
Other times of the year, you will still enjoy seeing this spectacular theater, it is the largest indoor theatre in the world! Check the schedule and see what is on stage when your in town!
Time Square
You cannot visit NYC without experiencing Time Square! It is always busy and can be a little overwhelming, but it's still fun to see! If you have kids with you, check out the M&M store and the Disney Store, my kids love both! You may even want to stay in Time Square or within walking distance because there is so much to do around that area.
My Favorite hotel is The Knickerboker
Recently stayed here and loved it! Such a fun hotel!
Really cool rooftop (they over look the NYE ball, so they host an epic party on NYE)
Good Sized rooms and they are very nice!
friendly staff
Great restaurant and bar
Pet Friendly
Amazing Views!
Go to the LOL Time Square Comedy Club!
I had always had someone trying to hand out tickets to the Laugh Out Loud Time Square Comedy club and I always thought if they have to hand out tickets, it cannot be that great. But my husband and I love comedy clubs, so one night we took the tickets and ended up having the best time! We stayed for the entire show and, it was long and went late, but it was worth it! So many great comedians, some even quite well known.
Update, they closed their doors permanently - so sad!
Central Park
My absolute favorite thing to do in NYC is go spend the day in Central Park! You can spend hours here and never see it all! It is full of people running, walking, biking, picnicking and relaxing. You might even see a wedding, a tea party, family celebration, someone filming a movie....you just never know. There are restaurants, small cafes and bars within and just on the outskirts of the park. You can ice skate during the winter at Wollman Rink, and take in the 7 unique Christmas Trees around the park during the Holiday. In the Spring and Summer you can play Pickle Ball at the rink or you might like to rent a row boat and going boating . There is a fun playground for the kids and the Carousel, Central Park Zoo and seeing the Alice and Wonderland Sculpture is fun for everyone. This is the most unique and beautiful park you may ever visit! If you have time, spend an entire day exploring!
Visit this iconic restaurant located in Central park. It opened in 1934 and has been a place where many famous people have dined, it is in several movies, and is a favorite among New Yorkers and tourists. It closed in 2009 and was reopened and completely renovated in 2014. It is beautifully decorated year round, but especially during the holidays. There is a large patio and outdoor bar, several inviting dining rooms, and private spaces. It can be quite busy, so reservations are recommended.
New York City is a super cool place to check out! There are tons of fun things to do beyond what I mentioned here. If it's your first time visiting, hopefully you'll have a chance to try out some of these activities. And if you've got more time or a chance to come back, make sure to explore other areas like China Town, Greenwich Village, NoHo, or East Village. Each of these neighborhoods has awesome shopping, great restaurants, and plenty to see.
Are you ready to Plan you vacation to NYC?!
What is your favorite thing to do in New York?
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