Visiting New York for the first time? Here's everything you need to know — from navigating the subway and avoiding tourist traps to making the most of every minute in the city.
Your First Time in New York
Nothing quite prepares you for the scale and energy of New York City. The towering buildings, the constant movement, the diversity of languages and cuisines on every block — it can be overwhelming and exhilarating in equal measure. But with a little preparation and the right mindset, your first visit can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. This guide covers the essential tips and common mistakes that will help you navigate the city with confidence.
Before you arrive, check the New York weather forecast so you can pack appropriately — the weather varies dramatically between seasons and can change quickly.
Don't Try to See Everything
The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is cramming too much into their itinerary. New York is enormous, and rushing between attractions means you'll spend more time in transit than actually enjoying the city. Pick two or three things per day and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Some of the best New York experiences — stumbling upon a great restaurant, finding a hidden park, watching a street performer — happen when you're not following a rigid schedule.
Learn the Subway Basics
The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Uptown trains go north (toward Central Park and Harlem), Downtown trains go south (toward Wall Street and Brooklyn). Express trains skip stops, so always check whether you need a local or express. Get an unlimited weekly MetroCard or use OMNY contactless payment. The subway runs 24 hours, so you'll never be stranded.
Don't be afraid to ask for directions — New Yorkers are more helpful than their reputation suggests, especially when someone is clearly a visitor trying to figure out the subway map.
Avoid the Tourist Traps
Times Square is worth seeing once for the spectacle, but don't eat there — restaurants in the area are overpriced and underwhelming. The same goes for chain restaurants near major attractions. Walk just a few blocks in any direction from a tourist hotspot and you'll find better food at lower prices.
Skip the expensive hop-on-hop-off buses. The subway and your own feet will show you far more of the real New York. And be cautious of anyone on the street offering you free CDs, friendship bracelets, or comedy show tickets — these are common scams targeting tourists.
Explore Beyond Manhattan
Many first-timers never leave Manhattan, but some of the best experiences are in the other boroughs. Brooklyn offers the Brooklyn Bridge walk, DUMBO's waterfront views, Williamsburg's food scene, and Prospect Park. Queens has incredible international dining in Jackson Heights and Flushing. The Bronx is home to the New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium. Make time for at least one outer borough adventure.
Eating Smart
New York's food is one of its greatest attractions, and you don't need to spend a lot to eat incredibly well. Start your morning with a bagel from a local shop — not a chain — and have at least one classic dollar pizza slice from a corner pizzeria. Try a halal cart plate, explore Chinatown's dumpling houses, and save your fine dining budget for one special evening rather than spending moderately at forgettable restaurants every night.
Tipping is essential in New York. Leave 18 to 20 percent at restaurants, a dollar per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping. Service workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
Walking & Navigation
New York is a walking city. Manhattan's numbered grid makes it easy to navigate — street numbers increase as you go north, and avenues run north-south. Most blocks take about one minute to walk. Always look both ways when crossing streets, as traffic can come from unexpected directions, especially on one-way streets and avenues.
Use the WFY24 Route Planner to estimate walking distances and plan efficient routes between attractions.
Safety & Common Sense
New York is one of the safest large cities in the world, but basic awareness applies. Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas like the subway and Times Square. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night, though most neighborhoods are safe even after dark. Trust your instincts and stay alert, just as you would in any major city.
Money & Budgeting
New York can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Many of the best experiences are free — Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry, and most gallery openings. Museum days often have free or pay-what-you-wish hours. Plan your spending around a few must-do paid attractions and fill the rest of your time with the city's abundant free offerings.
When to Visit
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer the best weather and manageable crowds. Summer is hot and humid but full of free outdoor events. Winter is cold but magical during the holiday season. Each season has its own character, and there's no truly bad time to visit New York — just different reasons to love it.
Check the current time in New York when booking flights and planning your arrival, and explore New York's geographic details to understand the city's layout before you land.
