"First-Timer's Guide: 10 Must-Do Activities for a New York City Holiday"

New York City is truly a city like no other. I remember my very first time seeing the skyline and I truly felt like I was in a movie. While it isn’t possible to see all it has to offer in one visit, or even in a lifetime of living here, I’ve done my best to highlight the top 10 places to see for a first trip! This has some iconic, bucket list places and some personal favourites that I would always bring friends and family to see for their introduction to my favourite city. 

1. DUMBO/ Brooklyn Heights

I wanted to list this first because it is such an underrated gem of the city, and in my opinion the best view of the skyline. This is a must see for anyone who I’ve toured around, and I knew all of the best spots because I actually lived in this neighborhood! Start in Brooklyn Heights for lunch at Dellarocco’s Brick Oven Pizza. In MY opinion this is the best pizza in New York, because they have some of the best gluten free pizza I’ve ever had (including Italy). 

After lunch, get ready for spectacular views of the city. Walk down Montague street towards the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, wave hi to Lady Liberty, and turn right towards DUMBO. Keep walking until you find an entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll walk over suspended side walks until you arrive on the waterfront. Keep walking until you’re directly under the Brooklyn Bridge!

After photos here, you can head to Washington St for the iconic tunnel view of the Manhattan Bridge. You have options from here, snacks and drinks on the Time Out rooftop overlooking the water, bridges and skyline, walking across the Brooklyn bridge back into manhattan, or taking the ferry along the river to the financial district, Williamsburg or 34th st. The journey is yours! 

Transportation:

Subway:

A/C to High St or 2/3 to Clark St

Taxi/uber:

Dellaccaro’s Pizza, 214 Hicks St, Brooklyn

2. Washington Square Park and the West Village

The West Village is vibrant and young while having historic buildings like the Stonewall Inn and iconic rows of brownstones. It is easily my favorite neighborhood in the city, and I’m in good company with Taylor Swift and Carrie Bradshaw. 

I would start the adventure here at Washington Square Park. You’ll be able to see the fountain and arch that you’ve likely seen in countless Tv shows and movies, and experience the unique brand of weird that it offers. I’ve had so many interesting people watching experiences here, but it’s always somehow just as iconic as I dreamed it would be. From there, walk west towards the village. I believe the best way to see it is to wander. You can’t go wrong if you stay within Christopher and Bank st.

Some notable spots to visit: 

• Magnolia’s Bakery
  Iconic cupcakes

• Rosemary’s
  Lunch/dinner - (reservation needed)

• Vin Sur Vingt
  Wine bar

• The Butcher’s Daughter
  Brunch

• Katana Kittin
  Bar

• Boucherie West Village 
  Brunch, french cuisine
  

Transportation

Subway:

West 4th St, A/C/E, B/D/F/M

Christopher St, 1 train

Taxi/rideshare:

Washington Sq Park

3. Statue of Liberty and Financial District

Alright, here is your cheapest option for seeing the Statue of Liberty and still making a day of seeing other historical parts of the city. Honestly, I’ve done both a few times and I think visiting the island the Statue of Liberty is on is a bit overrated (unless you have family records at Ellis Island or she is open to climb).

You can take the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park to Staten Island and get great views for FREE. (Whitehall terminal to St George Terminal). 

Before or after this, you can explore the Financial District. I feel that beyond Wall Street, this can be an overlooked neighborhood in New York as well. My university was here, so I spent a lot of time exploring its winding and historic streets. 

Major spots to see:

• Battery Park

  • Views of Lady Liberty and Brooklyn

• Stone St

  • Food and drinks

• Wall St

  • Historic, snap a pic with the bull

• 9/11 Memorial

  • Beautiful fountains and memorials.

  • Museum for a more in depth experience

• Oculus

  • Shopping and food

  • Amazing photos

• Seaport

  • Historic area close by

  • Food, bars, photo ops

Transportation

Subway:

Ferry:

N/R/W to Whitehall st/ South Ferry

4/5 to Bowling Green

Fidi:

2/3 or 4/5 to Wall St

N/R/W to Rector St

Taxi:

To Battery Park or specific location in Financial District

4. Time Square

You have to see Time Square on a first visit to New York, but I’ll be honest you likely won’t want to visit again. It’s incredibly crowded and there is a tourist trap at every turn (don’t take anything a stranger tries to hand you and for the love of God don’t get near the mascots, elmo I’m looking at you).

My strategy is to bring people visiting later at night, preferably after a broadway show, and be in and out easily. You will get great views anywhere on 7th Ave between 42nd-50th streets. But the iconic spot is where the TKTS stand and red steps are on 47th st. I would enter from 8th ave into Time Square, and then take the same side street right back to 8th ave afterwards to Hell’s Kitchen for food. Once you have your photos of the billboards, there isn’t much more to see.

Transportation

Subway:

Time Square 42nd st: 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W, S, 7

Taxi: 6th or 8th avenue between 42nd-50th. Don't try to get someone to drive through the busiest part of the city, it will only slow you down

5. Museums

There are so many museums to visit in the city it can get overwhelming. As a part of my time in art school, I was required to visit many of them, so here are my recommendations for a first trip based on your interests and budget.

The Met

• If I were to recommend seeing one museum in New York it would be this one. It is a multi day experience, but you can see the highlights in one if you're strategic.

  • Price: $30 adults, $22 seniors, $17 students. (free to NY, CN and NJ residents and students)

 MoMA

• Modern art with some classics like Starry Night, Andy Warholl and Pollock.

  • Price: $30 adults, $22 seniors, $17 students. (free to NY, CN and NJ residents and students) *cheaper if booked online

Natural History Museum

• If you're a fan of Night at the Museum, history and science this is a great idea.

  • Adults $28, Kids $16, Student $22, Senior $22 

Tenement Museum

• This museum isn't talked about much, but is a gem especially if you love history or have cultural history tied to New York. They have original, restored versions of tenement apartments from families of German, Black, Irish, Jewish, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Puerto Rican descent.

  • $30

The Transit Museum

• This museum explored the history of transportation in New York City. It also provides amazing photo opportunities on old subway cars.

  • Adult $10, child $5, Senior $5

9/11 Museum

• Very important event to remember, but I will warn that it is not for the faint of heart. It does include some real images and audio recordings of the day, which for me personally was extremely difficult to get through.

• closed Tuesdays

• Adult $33, Youth (7-12) $21, Youth (13-17) $27, Students $27, Senior $27
  
  

6. Central Park

Central Park is a must see as well. You could spend a very long time trying to see all 50 blocks worth, so here is the path I would recommend so you can maximize your time. Enter on West 77th street passing by the Natural History Museum. Walk down along the west side of the lake, and try to spot the turtles in the water. Continue along the lake until you arrive at Bethesda Terrace, which you may recognize from Enchanted. Take some photos with the fountain, experience the murals and echos under the bridge and take a look at the foliage on the Mall (especially in October/November). You can also find the Bow Bridge crossing the lake and the model boat pond with the Plaza Hotel overlooking it.

Some other interesting sights in the park:

• Belvedere castle

• Central park zoo

• Imagine Mosaic

• Alice in Wonderland Statue

• Sheep meadow

• Bridle Path cherry blossoms in spring

• Wollman ice rink

• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

Transportation

Subway:

1/2 to 79th street

B/A/C to 86th Street

Taxi to Natural History Museum

7. The High Line & Chelsea Market

One thing you need to bring to Chelsea market is your appetite. There are so many incredible places to eat around the market, you’ll be able to find something for any craving you might have. Once you’ve eaten and explored, continue walking until you find the Artist and Fleas Market at the end. I’ve found so many treasures from the independent artists here, a great place for a meaningful souvenir!

When you’re finished shopping, head out the doors and up a set of stairs directing you to the High Line. This is a park built above and through the city, adding greenery and some great photo ops. Walk until you are content, it goes on for a while, and then simply take stairs back down to street level and to your next adventure for the day.

Transportation

Subway: A/C/E or L train to 14th st/ 8th ave station

2/3 train to 14th st

Taxi: Chelsea Market

8. Grand Central Station

Grand Central needs no introduction. It is stunning and a simple place to visit. Head into the main concourse and marvel at the starry ceilings and incredible architecture. Just try your best to stay out of the way of commuters, since it is still very much a busy train station. If you’re looking for great photos go early in the morning for great light and lighter crowds. If you’re a bit hungry, head downstairs to the food court, with some great and quick options.

Transportation

Subway to Grand Central Station: 4/5/6, 7, S trains

(S train runs between Time Square and Grand Central)

Taxi to Grand Central

9. The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is incredible to see from the ground, and it is equally breathtaking to see the city from the top. There are a few other options of sky high views in New York (One World Observatory, The Edge, The Top of the Rock) but the Empire State Building has the most history and has capitalised on it, including a museum tour with a ticket to the top. The choice is yours depending on what matters most to you. 

Cost: $44 adults, $38 children, $42 seniors. (CityPass may be a better deal if you are going to multiple ticketed attractions in the city)

Transportation

Subway:

1/2/3 to 34th St Penn Station

B/D/F/M N/Q/R/W to 34th st Herald Square

10. A Broadway Show

Seeing a broadway show in New York City in my opinion, is a must for a first visit if you can make it happen.

The passion and joy from the actors is magnetic and displays what a special place this city is for performers and artists. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the TKTS stand/ front door of theatre to save some money. If this isn't in your budget for your trip, try an off broadway show! You may catch a gem before it heads to the main stage!