New York City overwhelms first-time visitors with its iconic skyline, cultural diversity, and non-stop energy. To make the most of your trip, here are 10 must-do experiences that capture the essence of the city—from timeless landmarks to hidden gems, tailored for first-time explorers.
This might seem old-fashioned, but it’s a classic New York experience. It’s harder to hail a cab these days because of ride-sharing apps. But try to catch a yellow cab at least once. Make sure the lights on top are on. It is something that many New Yorkers did for decades, and it might not be around forever.
Don’t think you need a fancy restaurant for every meal. Pop into a bodega or deli. These corner stores are a big part of NYC life. You can get a quick and tasty bite, like a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, any time of day. Many New Yorkers take this for granted. Tourists might miss out on this simple pleasure. Also, check out an old-school Jewish deli. Try Sarge’s or Pastrami Queen for a great sandwich.
New York and pizza go hand in hand. You’ve seen it in movies: someone grabs a slice, folds it, and eats it on the go. You can find all kinds of pizza in NYC. For a classic experience, go to Pizza Suprema or Patsy’s in Harlem. Order a plain slice. You won’t be disappointed.
No trip to NYC is complete without seeing Lady Liberty. There are a few ways to do it:
Great news! The crown of the Statue of Liberty is now open. For the same price, you can book a ticket to go inside. Only 500 tickets are sold per day, so book now!
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from above. New York has many observation decks to choose from. Each costs around $40. Summit OV is a favorite for its interactive exhibits. Top of the Rock is another great choice. From there, you can see the classic city view and the Empire State Building. You can’t see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building!
Hot dogs are an iconic NYC street food. You can find all kinds of food from street vendors. But the hot dog is a classic. For a great hot dog, visit Billy’s Hot Dogs on the Upper West Side, next to Central Park. Billy is friendly, and his hot dogs are tasty. If you can’t find Billy, try any hot dog from a street vendor. It’s a great photo opportunity.
Times Square is busy and full of tourists. But it’s a place where you can really feel like you’re in New York City. Ignore the costumed characters and other scams. For good pizza in Times Square, go to John’s of Times Square.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see. It opened in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it’s one of the most famous. You don’t have to walk the whole bridge. Just walk enough to take some photos. Walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan. That way, you’ll have the city skyline in front of you.
New York City is magical during the holidays. Visit after Thanksgiving until January 2nd to see the city lit up. There are holiday markets, themed restaurants, and window displays on Fifth Avenue. It might even snow! There’s nothing like it. Check out a holiday guide to find attractions and things to do during this time.
Central Park is a must-see. You’ve probably seen it in TV shows and movies. There are dozens of things to do there. At a minimum, enter Central Park and wander around. You might discover something incredible. Go on a sunny day.
New York City has something for everyone. By focusing on these ten experiences, you’re sure to have an amazing first trip. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your NYC adventure today!
Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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