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New York City

Eat, shop, and fall in love with world-class museums, historical landmarks, and skyscrapers galore.

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First time in New York City: The best sights, neighborhoods, and more
First time in New York City: The best sights, neighborhoods, and more

If it’s your first time in New York City, you may be dreaming of catching a Broadway show, walking through Central Park, and snapping photos of the Statue of Liberty with a crispy slice of NYC pizza in hand. All this and more awaits in the Big Apple, where NYC's world-famous landmarks and hidden gems are around every corner.

This first-timer’s guide covers everything you need to know, including what to avoid, navigating public transportation, the best foods, and all the things to do in New York City for first-timers.

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7 essential things to do in NYC over Christmas
7 essential things to do in NYC over Christmas

New York City at Christmas time… there’s truly nothing like it. New York City sets the scene for the ultimate holiday getaway with the grandeur of glittering Christmas decorations, endless shopping options, a hint of snow, and plenty of fun things to do. There’s a reason so many Christmas movies, such as Elf or Home Alone 2, chose NYC as their backdrop. That's because it's easy to feel like the main character when visiting the Big Apple over the holidays. So, if you’re coming to NYC at Christmas, here are a few ways to make the most out of this extraordinary city during December.

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10 best New York City tourist attractions you shouldn't miss
10 best New York City tourist attractions you shouldn't miss

New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the world, so naturally, there are a million different things to do in NYC. Nicknamed The City That Never Sleeps, NYC is home to iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as a world-renowned gastronomy scene. It’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed when searching for the top places to visit in New York, especially for first-time visitors to NYC; the list is as long as 5th Avenue. So take a look at this concise guide to the 10 best NYC tourist attractions that you simply should not miss.

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Discover the best museums in New York City for history, art, and science
Discover the best museums in New York City for history, art, and science

Exploring the best museums in New York City is a must for anyone eager to experience the city’s rich culture and history. The best art museums in NYC, like The Met’s vast collection and the Guggenheim’s architectural brilliance, offer a unique glimpse into NYC’s artistic and historical essence. Interactive venues like the American Museum of Natural History inspire visitors of all ages, while SPYSCAPE adds a modern twist. This local guide highlights 21 fun things to do in NYC, ensuring you don’t miss the stories and innovations that have shaped The Big Apple.

New York City’s best museums at a glance

Best museums for art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Best museums for history: The Tenement Museum

Best museums for families: American Museum of Natural History

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Frequently asked questions about New York City

What top attractions are a must-see in New York City?

The must-see attractions in New York City are:

See all must-see sights in New York City

What are the best day trips and excursions from New York City?

The best day trips and excursions from New York City are:

See all day trips and excursions from New York City on GetYourGuide

Insider tips: Planning a trip to New York City

Looking to take a bite out of the Big Apple? We've enlisted the help of New York City expert, Steffen, from Loving New York to help you make the most of your next trip. Read our tips below for your next visit to New York City.

What should I do on my first trip to New York City?

If it's your first time in New York, you should definitely visit one of the big observation platforms! You have several to choose from, but I recommend the Edge observation deck at the Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory. Also, take a boat tour to see New York from the water.

What are some hidden gems to see in New York City?

I'll tell you two of my favorite spots in New York: the Grand Banks at Pier 25 on the Hudson River and Domino Park in Williamsburg. Both places grant you sensational views of the city.

How much time should I spend in New York City?

To explore New York – and not feel stressed out – you want to stay at least 5 to 7 days. That way, you can visit the most important spots and still have time to let the city work its magic on you – but without the time pressure

What food is New York City known for?

I'm a total foodie – so New York is obviously paradise to me! Start with the typical Cream Cheese Bagels (for example at Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side), try the Pastrami Sandwiches (at Katz' Delicatessen or the Pastrami Queen), and eat a typical New York Pizza Slice. And if you have a sweet tooth: Juniors has the best cheesecake in the city, hands down!

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit New York City?

First-time visitors should always book their hotel in Manhattan – this way the distances are short and you can easily reach all the sights on foot. I like Soho, Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, and Murray Hill in particular.

What is the best way to get around New York City?

In New York, the best way to get around is on foot – or you can jump on a 'Citi Bike', which is super cheap to rent. We also like to use the NYC Ferries, which can shuttle you between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens on the East River for the price of a one-way subway ride.

What are the best months to visit New York City?

It's worth visiting New York at any time of the year. But if I had to settle on individual months, I recommend May/June and September/October.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

There are so many different gastro spots in Williamsburg, the East Village, and West Village.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

New York and shopping simply go hand in hand, Great areas are SoHo, 5th Avenue, and the lower part of Broadway. Be sure to avoid the Times Square area for shopping at all costs – most stores are overpriced and true tourist traps!

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in New York City?

Exploring New York with the family is huge fun - I myself have been to our favorite city with my kids numerous times. Among my personal highlights is a trip to the Statue of Liberty, the visit to the One World Observatory, and Central Park with its lakes and playgrounds. Also really exciting is the Museum of Natural History, which will be familiar to many from the movie "Night at the Museum".

What is the best thing to do in New York City for solo travelers?

Make sure to take a sailing tour on the Hudson River. Many tours, one with on-board wine tasting, for example, start at Pier 62. This is a really relaxed way to travel and a fun way to meet new people.

What is the best thing to do in New York City for couples?

New York can also be quite romantic. A visit to the Empire State Building in the evening from 10 pm (from Thursday to Saturday) is a real highlight, not just for couples. During this time, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Also very enjoyable are the dinner cruises and a flight in a helicopter over New York.

What are the best annual events in New York City?

Among the most important events in New York are St. Patrick's Day in March, Gay Pride in June, of course, the 4th of July, and also the Macy's Parade – which is an absolute must-see.

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What people are saying about New York City

Overall rating

4.6
(92,767 reviews)

We had a great time with Daniyel visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. He was very informative and shared his passion for the history of statue and the immigrants who came through Ellis Island. Learned a lot and had a great experience.

The cruise was wonderful, especially since we had small children with us and also were on a time crunch. The guide was informative and engaging. I would definitely do this activity again!

It's been really great. The place wasn't too big but I feel like they have done everything they could have to make FRIENDS fans feel right at home. It was so nice and good!

Our guide Jim was able to give a first hand, moving account of 9/11. It was a great way to begin our day taking in the 9/11 memorial and museum.

Great work from the guide Jacinto Rodriguez ! Many explanations and very clear work !