New York City is the largest and (possibly) the most famous city in the United States. It is the densest major city in the United States and is the financial center of the country — the fame and influence of New York City reach all around the world. New York City is also famously expensive and has some of the best shopping in the world.

New York City is home to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and so much more to see. No one can think of having seen all of America until they visit New York City. New York City has long been a world leader and pioneer in cultural development and innovation.

UPDATE: 2023/12/27 12:37 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There's So Much More To See In NYC!

This guide has been refreshed with all-new stops, food, and hotels to consider booking. Make sure and pack smart, be safe, and do something exciting in the city that never sleeps. Have fun!

Things To Do

Visiting New York City can be overwhelming for a first-timer. Here are some things to do, places to see, and even hotels and restaurants to consider the next time someone visits the Big Apple.

1 Central Park

One of the more interesting and free options for NYC attractions is Central Park. As one of the world's most recognizable parks, Central Park boasts plenty of walking, scenery, food, and people-watching in Earth's greatest city and is open nearly 24 hours a day.

The best part is: It's 100% free! There are also quite a few events here held throughout the year, so it's always pretty lively.

• Address: New York, NY
• Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM

2 Empire State Building

The next idea for New York City visitors is the iconic Empire State Building. Standing 1,454 feet tall and built in 1930, this skyscraper offers a view of the city like no other, gift shops, food, and could easily absorb a few hours of your day.

Tours are mainly guided, in groups, being about an hour long. Tickets to go up in the tower to the observation deck cost $38-$44 per person.

• Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
• Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
• Tickets: $38 to $44 per guest

3 Statue Of Liberty

Another idea for NYC tourists is to take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. Like many of the attractions on this list, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark, seeing millions of guests annually. Tours start at 30 minutes and can run for 4+ hours, all varying in price and tour company.

• Address: New York, NY 10004
• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

There are some great cruises you can take from New York City to see more of the iconic Big Apple.

4 The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

The next thing to do in New York City is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is where you can find the largest museum in the Americas and the fourth largest in the world. Most people spend about three hours inside, as this property is expensive. There are traveling exhibits, and some that remain for many years, so it's best to check the museum website before coming.

• Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (closes at 9 PM on Fri/Sat)
• Tickets: $30

5 The High Line

A nice free idea in New York City is visiting The High Line, which sits on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. This is a pretty small area, boasting a 1.45-mile elevated rail line open to the public throughout the week. It's a nice place to take a minute between the hustle and bustle.

• Address: New York, NY 10011
• Hours: Open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM

6 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Another idea for New York City visitors is to check out the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This property sits where the original World Trade Center once sat and remains a sacred site in the city. You have a lot to do here, including tour the fountains, see the underground museum, and even dine at the new One World Trade Center building.

• Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM
• Tickets: $33

7 Grand Central Terminal

Another thing to do in NYC when you visit is to check out Grand Central Terminal. Here lies the iconic station, bringing in millions of people each week and offering a true view of the city. This property is located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown and is a main thoroughfare for travelers near and far. Even walking through it can be worth the trip.

• Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Taking the New York Subway for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but tons of NYC residents do it daily!

8 Rockefeller Center

One of the more known stops in New York City is Rockefeller Center, which offers you a free, public space to walk around and snap pics during the vacation. This is a historic shopping center, first constructed in 1930–1939, and is tucked away at 48th Street and 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan. It's a nice spot to see around the holidays, as the big annual Christmas tree lighting occurs here.

• Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
• Hours: Open 24 hours

9 The Museum Of Modern Art

One of the best museums in the city is the MOMA, which offers guests a stunning, modern take on art and culture in New York City. Most people take a few hours to navigate the property, and with exhibits worth a gander, the MOMA is well worth a trip. Location-wise, this museum is tucked between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and is also located in Midtown Manhattan.

• Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Tickets: $30

10 Times Square

The last thing we'll recommend is visiting Times Square, which is undeniably the most visited street in the world. It's also super bright, noisy, and can be intimidating if you don't have a plan. Most people check out the various food stands and attractions here or see a Broadway show nearby. Feel free to come early in the morning during the work week for fewer crowds, and avoid wearing anything too flashy!

• Address: Manhattan, NY 10036
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Parking can be a hassle in Times Square, so read up in advance and know the best spots to park.

11 Best Time To Visit New York City

Many people consider the fall and spring the best time to visit the Big Apple, this is when the heat of summer has passed, but the cold of winter has not yet arrived. Many locals and tourists consider the shoulder seasons of fall and spring to be the best times to visit New York City.

But arguably, there isn't the best time to visit New York City. It is a city that can be visited at any time. It is a city that never sleeps — not even in the winter. It doesn't have a tourist season in the sense of the world of destinations like Yellowstone. It doesn't shut down in the winter, and as the largest city in America, it is never packed with tourists — it's just always crowded.

• Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November

12 Best Ways To Get Around New York City

New York City is home to one of the oldest subway systems in the world (up there with London and Paris). While the most convenient way to get around most American cities is by car, New York City is very different.

The best way to get around New York City is with the public mass transit system (subway, ferries, and buses). The public transportation in the city is excellent.

• Transportation: Subway, Bus, Ferry

Avoid taking a car and driving around the city — it will be expensive and difficult to find places to park.

13 Where To Eat In New York City

New York City is one of the largest and most diverse cities on the planet. Accordingly, NYC has one of the most diverse food options, with just about every national cuisine from anywhere in the world.

For first-timers, perhaps the best way to discover the food scene in New York City is to eat one's way through it like a local with a food tour.

Breakfast: Sarabeth's

• Address: 381 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM (closes 8 PM Sunday)
• Serving: American fare in a posh brunch location

Lunch: Gramercy Tavern

• Address: 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
• Hours: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
• Serving: Danny Meyer's Flatiron District tavern with a busy bar

Dinner: Gotham Restaurant

• Address: 12 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
• Hours: Open daily from 12 PM to 9:30 PM (opens at 5 PM Sat/Sun/Mon)
• Serving: New American plates in a stylish yet intimate setting.

Drinks: LB

• Address: 20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
• Hours: Open daily from 6 PM to 1 AM (closes at 3 AM Thurs-Sat)
• Serving: Underground flare/light bites plus handcrafted cocktails in a snug space.

No matter one's palate, NYC has excellent food options. Enjoy Chinese, Georgian, French, vegetarian, Mexican, Indian, and just about every other type of food one can think about.

14 Where To Stay In New York City

It really is impossible to answer this in any meaningful way. New York City has everything from the Mark Hotel Penthouse that goes for an eye-watering $75,000 per night to a large selection of hostels (although some of the hostels in New York City don't feel like budget accommodations).

Henry Norman Hotel - Budget

• Address: 251 North Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Amenities: Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV

Hotel Executive Suites - Budget

• Address: 30 Minue Street, Carteret, NJ 07008
• Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking

The Box House Hotel - Mid-Tier

• Address: 77 Box Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Shuttle service (free), Business center

Ink 48 Hotel - Mid-Tier

• Address: 653 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
• Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Tea/coffee maker, Valet parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, TV

The William Vale - Luxury

• Address: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Valet parking

The Standard High Line - Luxury

• Address: 848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10013
• Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Flat-screen TV

Thanks to the great subway system in NYC, visitors can save money by booking accommodation off Manhattan in Brooklyn or Queens and taking the metro into the city.

15 Guide To Top Neighborhoods In NYC

There are plenty of superb neighborhoods to check out while exploring the Big Apple. One of the best neighborhoods is Greenwich Village. It is on the west side of Lower Manhattan, bounded by 14th Street, Broadway, Houston Street, and the Hudson River. Greenwich Village is famous for being the cradle of the modern LGBT movement, the Bohemian capital, an artist's haven, and the birthplace of the '60s counterculture movement.

• Top NYC Neighborhood: Greenwich Village

Other notable neighborhoods in NYC include East Village and Lower East Side, Chelsea, Upper East Side, Chinatown, Harlem, Jackson Heights, Queens, Williamsburg, and others.

Explore the different neighbors and see how each has its own unique character and history.

16 Tips For Visiting New York City

New York City is a mega-city that's the financial center of the world - not a conventional tourist destination (like Yosemite or Arcadia). NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so visitors should budget accordingly. It is a city where one can have an excellent weekend there, but to really see it, visitors need much longer.

NYC is expensive; budget accordingly!

The city is relatively safe and one of the best places in the world for shopping. Anyone can visit NYC by themselves, but first-timers to NYC might prefer to take a few guided tours to get oriented.

17 How To Spend The Perfect Day In NYC

The perfect day for first-timers visiting for a long weekend or a couple of days will be a busy one. Getting around is by public transport, and there should be at least one guided tour. Visitors can tick a number of the top sites off the list (gaze out over the city on the Empire State Building, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and more)

Lunch should be at a top-rated restaurant (perhaps an iconic pizzeria), and dinner might be at a famous eatery. The evening can be spent watching a show on Broadway and exploring and shopping in Times Square.