The Essential NYC Experience: A Guide For First-Time Visitors

New York is a city known for the wealth of options it can offer to travelers. The city offers so many different experiences that there’s sure to be at least three activities that suit anyone’s individual vacation experiences perfectly, so whether you’re looking to shop up a storm, visit historic sites, or simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s greatest metropolises, NYC will never disappoint.

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

However, for those visiting The City That Never Sleeps for the first time, the sheer breadth of options available can become a little… overwhelming. Between the galleries, the shows, the parks, the museums, the tourist attractions, and the guided tours, narrowing down exactly how you should spend your time in New York can feel like a massive task. To help with this this, here are a few things that could be considered to be “NYC essentials”; the perfect choices for your first time visiting the city…

#1 – Visit the Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island – and not Ellis Island, as many people believe – the Statue of Liberty is an American icon, and a must-see for those visiting New York for the first time. You can travel to Liberty Island via ferry, then take a Ranger Guided Tour of the park, and even visit the crown of the statue in order to enjoy spectacular views of the city.

#2 – See a Broadway show

If you’re a fan of musicals, then no visit to New York would be complete without a trip to Broadway. Home to some of the most famous musicals in the world – from the Book of Mormon to Hamilton – Broadway is an experience that you won’t want to miss. To visit, you can reserve seats in advance by looking for tickets for Broadway prior to travelling, or look for on-the-day tickets if you’d prefer to be a little more spontaneous and see a show that catches your eye when you arrive.

#3 – Spend a while exploring Central Park

While New York is a city famed for its skyline and urban architectural wonders, visitors craving the chance to spend a little time in nature will find themselves well served when visiting the Big Apple. Central Park, which is located – as one would expect – at the center of Manhattan, is a man-made park that offers the chance to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city itself. You can take a guided tour of the park, take a paddle around the lake, visit the famous Central Park Zoo, or simply explore the thirty-six acres of trails for yourself and see what wonders you can discover for yourself.

In conclusion

If you’re visiting New York for the first time, then ensuring all of the above are included in your travel itinerary will help to ensure that you are able to dip a toe into the variety of options the city can provide: the history, the stunning scenery, and the glitz and glamor of some of the best shows in the world.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

APPLE

SPOTIFY

OVERCAST

Learn to Work & Travel Like a Pro

We’ve put together our top resources to help you prepare for your work and travel trips seamlessly.

Download our guide for remote-working travel tips based on years of experience learning the hard way.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Join us every other Thursday to talk about travel, destinations, travel as a lifestyle, digital nomad life and more. Whether you are just starting your travel journey or you’ve been traveling for years, there is something for you!

RECENT POSTS

5 Ways to Get Out into Nature When You Travel

5 Ways to Get Out into Nature When You Travel

Getting out into nature is one of the best ways to experience a new place while traveling. Not only can you explore untouched areas, but it's also a great way to get exercise and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking for an...