What To Do in NYC – First Timers Guide!

New York is an incredible vibrant city, but it can be a bit daunting to plan your first trip to NYC. This list includes all the best things to do in New York for first timers, from classic attractions to lesser known alternatives. Even better, most of these things to do in New York are completely free!

New York is also a great place for solo travel. In fact, all of my trips to New York have been as a solo female traveler! You’ll never feel alone in the city that doesn’t sleep. 

1.  Staten Island Ferry + Statue of Liberty (Free!)

What: Believe it or not, the Staten Island Ferry is a 100% free ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island that cruises slap bang past the Statue of Liberty for a great photo opp.

Where: The ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal, which is to the South-East of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. You must get off the ferry on Staten Island and join the line for the return trip to Manhattan.

When: The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour (or more frequent during rush hours). The ferry takes around 25 minutes each way. Go off-peak (midweek and midday) to avoid the crowds.

Alternative: If you want to get up close and personal with old Liberty, then you can pay to get the Statute Cruises ferry to the Statute of Liberty and the Ellis Island Museum from Lower Manhattan.

2.  Brooklyn Bridge + Brooklyn (Free!)

What: Do as the locals do and walk across Brooklyn Bridge to soak in the gothic architecture, incredible NYC skyline views and feeling of freedom. Once you’re there, get lost in the Brooklyn ‘burbs. Try DUMBO for a trendy historic neighbourhood, and don’t miss the pizza! (Nom nom nom!)

Where: You can access the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan from City Hall Park. If you’re coming by subway, get off at the City Hall Station. Brooklyn Bridge combines well as a day trip with the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial, which are also in Lower Manhattan.

When: The bridge is open 24 hours a day. It offers particularly impressive views at sunrise and sunset.

Alternative: If you prefer to learn a bit of history, there’s several guided walking or biking tours of Brooklyn Bridge. If you don’t like walking, you can always get the subway to Brooklyn and explore from there.

3.  9/11 Memorial (Free!)

What: The 9/11 Memorial is a moving memorial and museum commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Entry to the 9/11 Memorial is free (donations suggested). Entry to the 9/11 Museum requires a paid ticket. Guided tours are also available.

Where: The 9/11 Memorial is located at the World Trade Center site, home of the Twin Towers that were destroyed during the attacks. Directions are here on the Memorial’s website. 

When: The 9/11 Memorial is open daily from 7:30am until 9pm. The 9/11 Museum is open daily from 9am until 8pm (9pm Friday and Saturday), with last entry two hours before closing. 

Alternative: If you’re into museums, then you’re in luck as NYC has a veritable smorgasbord of ‘em. Highlights include The Metropolitan Museum of Art or, if art’s not your thang, the American Natural History Museum.

4. Central Park (Free!)

What: Central Park is a massive urban park in the middle of Manhattan Island. You can’t visit NYC and not visit Central Park! I prefer to meander aimlessly around the park (slash get lost, true story), but you can also run, walk, bike, join a tour, ride a horse and carriage, visit the Central Park Zoo, have a picnic, ice skate in winter, just to mention a few of the activities!

Where: Central Park is located between the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side. It stretches all the way from 59th Street to 110th Street. (No wonder I got lost).

When: Central Park is open daily from 6am until 1am, and is a great spot for an early morning stroll before work or leisure. Take care after dark. Safety first!

Alternative: For other NYC urban parks, try Bryant Park for a small bustling Midtown park packed with cafes, or Washington Square Park  with its impressive fountain and archway and alternative vibe.

5.  Top of the Rock for Panoramic Views

What: Check out the panoramic cityscape and Central Park views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, a dizzying 70 floors up. Entry fees apply. 

Where: Rockefeller Plaza, 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Midtown.

When: Open daily from 8am – 12:30am, with last elevator at 11:55pm. Visit at dusk to enjoy the changing views by day, sunset and night. 

Alternative: You can also get panoramic views from the more frequently visited Empire State Building observation deck, but it’s missing one crucial thing … views of the Empire State Building!

6.  Visit the Villages (Free!)

What: My absolute favorite thing to do in New York is to while away the day exploring the streets of Greenwich Village and get my shopping fix on. (So free but not really free at all.) My fav corner is the West Village with its traditional brownstone houses and trendy residents, shops and eateries. It feels like the quintessential movie set and, if you’re lucky, you just may spot a celebrity or two. 

Where: Greenwich Village is located between Midtown and Lower Manhattan on the west side of Manhattan.

When: Anytime! Late afternoon is great to transition from wandering / shopping mode to one of the many excellent local restaurants for dinner. 

Alternative: You’re spoilt for wonderful neighborhoods in New York. If your feet can last the distance, you can also cover Soho and Tribeca as you head south from Greenwich Village. If you’re more Gossip Girl than Friends, try the Upper East Side for high end real estate and shopping.

7.  Walk the High Line (Free!)

What: The High Line is a unique elevated park and walkway built on a historic railway line above the city. Another one of my favorite things to do in New York!

Where: The High Line is on Manhattan’s West Side and runs from 34th Street to Gansevoort St, with multiple entries along the way. I like to alight at Gansevoort St, explore the Meatpacking District and continue down to the West Village. (Plus the Gansevoort St access point exits right near my favorite Manhattan boutique, Intermix. How convenient.) 

When: The High Line is open daily from 7am until 7pm (winter), 10pm (spring and fall) or 11pm (summer). The walk is 1.45 miles / 2.33 km long. It can be comfortably walked in 30 mins, but most people take longer to enjoy some time out from the city.

Alternative:  There may be many parks and public spaces in NYC, but there’s really nothing quite like the High Line!

8.  See a Broadway Musical

What: With around 40 theatres making up Broadway, you can pretty much see any popular or classic major musical you choose. If you’re flexible, rock up to the TKTS ticket booth on the day for discount tickets, often half price!

Where: The Broadway theatre district is in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square. The TKTS ticket booths are in Times Square and other locations, see the TKTS website for deets.

When: Most Broadway musicals play Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. However, times vary between theatres, and some play Sunday and Monday evenings and close at other times.

Alternative: As well as Broadway Musicals, there’s many Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theatres showing a wide variety of shows. What’s the difference? Off and Off-Off-Broadway theatres have a smaller seating capacity and tickets are often cheaper. 

9.  Times Square (Free!) 

What: Times Square is a famous busy intersection filled with shops, commercial buildings, entertainment and extraordinarily bright build boards. It’s a little bit of chaos, but pretty awesome to see the iconic backdrop that has featured in so many TV shows, films and music videos.

Where: Times Square is in Midtown Manhattan at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It combines well in a day trip with Central Park, Top of the Rock, Grand Central and Broadway. 

When: Any time! During the day to feel the energy, nighttime for the bright lights, or very early morning to see the slightly eerie sight of Times Square sans crowds.

Alternative: There’s one and only Times Square! 

10.  Grand Central Terminal (Free!)

What: I thought that a train station as a tourist attraction was a little wack until I passed through Grand Central Terminal. (Now I love ‘em!) As well as being a busy transportation hub with many shops and eateries, it’s a grand historic building with sweeping high ceilings and opulent finishings.

Where: Midtown at the intersection of Park Avenue and 42nd Street. 

When: Grand Central Terminal is open daily from 5:30am to 2:00am. Have a wander before you transit to your next stop. 

Alternative: There’s no shortage of beautiful architecture all around Manhattan if you simply stop and look up. My favs are the Chrysler Building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Flatiron Building, Woolworth Building, New York Public Library (I even tried to work there once … unsuccessfully) and of course the Empire State Building, just to name a few. 

I hope you enjoy all of these things to do in New York as much as I did!

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