5 tips for NYC first-timers

As it was my very first time in New York few months ago, I’ve decided to share with you something that can be useful if you are planning to go there for the first time.

So, let’s start with the list:

1.BUY CITY PASS IN ADVANCE

As I’ve already mentioned in my previous posts about New York City, buying a city pass in advance was both time and money saver.

There are several options, but we chose the one which includes six main attractions of New York City.

It includes visits to:

1. The Empire State Building Experience
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
4. Top of the Rock Observation Deck  or  Guggenheim Museum
   
5. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island  or  Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
   
6. 9/11 Memorial and Museum  or  Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

I would totally recommend it because:

• It’s great value for money – costs $116 (tickets would cost a lot more separately)
• It includes 6 must see attractions in NYC (above mentioned)
• It’s valid for 9 days –  you have more than enough time to plan your visits
• It’s totally time saver – there is no waiting in lines for you

Skipping long waiting lines wherever we went with our CityPass made me so happy.  No one would love to get stuck in the waiting line for hours while on vacation.

Of course, there are more CityPass options. Check them out and find which one will work best for you.

More info about CityPass we bought you can find here.

2. BUY  METRO CARD

First thing we did when we arrived was buying a MetroCard. We paid $31 for 7-day MetroCard with unlimited pass plus $1.00 for “new card fee” – total $32. The SingleRide ticket costs $3, so this purchase definitely was smart decision, because we used it really a looot.  After 7 days you can even refill it without any additional fee.

You can download Subway Map here or you can use maps displayed at subway. However, if you have a regular City Map, Subway Map is probably there too. Subway lines are really easy to use.

Where to buy it?

You can buy it at the MetroCard vending machines or Subway Station Boots.

Great thing is that you can also use it for going to Roosevelt Island from Upper East Side by cable car (aerial tram)..

..and enjoy this view for free (I mean with the same card without an additional fee ). 😉

More info about MetroCard you can find here.

3. EXPERIENCE PANORAMIC VIEW 

I’ve already mentioned it several times in my previous posts, but I have to repeat it one more time. If you are in this city, you simply cannot miss to visit some of the NYC tower viewing decks and enjoy this breathtaking views.

You will not regret it, either you choose going during the day…

..or during the night. The both panoramas are equally impressive.

More about my Observation Decks experiences you can find here and here.

4. WALK, WALK, WALK

My recommendation is to roam around the city as much as possible, because that is, in my opinion, the best way of exploring new city.

It is almost impossible to get lost in this city with all the ‘numbered’ names of streets and avenues.

5. CHILL AND RELAX

I know you want to explore the city as much as you can, and that’s ok (I totally get it, I am the same like you 😉), but occasionally take a moment to chill and relax. When you see nice spot, don’t just pass it, sit and enjoy the moment.

There are so many great spots in NYC where you can chill. Personally, my favorite were: ruby red stairs at Times Sq and numerous parks in the city.

That’s it guys. This is what worked for me and helped me to meet this incredible city the best I can for my first visit.

Hope this tips will be helpful to you. 💜

If you have any other tips, feel free to share it in the comment box. 😊