Unforgettable Adventures in New York City: A First-Timer's Perspective
New York City has been described as the world's cultural, financial, and media capital. It significantly influences commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports.
It is also the most photographed city in the world and home to the United Nations headquarters. Some even go so far as to label it the capital of the world.
Interesting Fact: New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with a population of over 8.3 million people. If it were a country, it would be the 113th most populous in the world, larger than Switzerland, Hong Kong, or Ireland.
With its densely packed population, especially on the tiny island of Manhattan, you might think it is a place to avoid, and I did for a very long time. I finally broke down and spent a few days in this magnificent city, and I am so glad I did.
I still encountered some of the well-known clichés about NYC, such as rude taxi drivers and overcrowded streets. Still, my experience was generally pleasant, and I found it to be a city of endless discovery.
New York History
The Dutch founded the first European settlement at the southern tip of present-day Manhattan, calling it New Amsterdam.
The settlement extended from the southern tip of Manhattan to a 12-foot wooden stockade built to protect against Native American and British raids. Along that fence ran a street that became known as Wall Street.
Today, Wall Street is the financial hub of New York and the world and home to the New York Stock Exchange. In 1664, the Dutch population surrendered to English troops, and after a treaty in 1667, the area became known as New York.
You can read a lot more about NYC history here.
Interesting Fact: In 1664, New York was named in honor of the Duke of York (later King James II of England). Before then, the city was called New Amsterdam.
The modern-day city was formed by merging the five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Today, it is the largest city in the USA and one of the largest megacities in the world.
Getting Around
So, how do you get around this megacity? I was warned about driving in the city, so I used my two feet, taxis, and the metro to get around.
My hotel was located next to Grand Central Station and just a few blocks from major Manhattan attractions, making it easy to get to most places on foot.
New York Subway
Looking at the subway map, I felt I would get lost for sure, but after some consideration, I figured out that most lines run north-south or, for New Yorkers, uptown to downtown.
So let's say you are in Times Square and want to get to Central Park. You can take the green line from the 14th/Union Square station going uptown. Or you can walk a little westward and take the Blue Line uptown.
You can pay for your fare by purchasing a MetroCard or by using the new OMNI electronic payment method. If you register your credit card with the system in advance, you can simply tap your card at the turnstiles.
Traveler Tip: If you are staying for more than a couple of days, consider buying a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard for $33. It's a great value and allows you to hop on and off the subway and bus as much as you like.
See a detailed NYC Metro guide here and an interactive Metro map here.
Taxis and Ridesharing
It is relatively easy to grab a taxi in New York. Just wave for a cab and watch it swerve to your location. If you are at a hotel, the doorman will happily hail a taxi for you.
All taxis are yellow, and all must use a meter. You can pay with cash or use the card reader to pay with a credit card. Our taxi rides were mainly quick and friendly, but we encountered some infamous, rude NY taxi drivers.
Ride-sharing, on the other hand, is not so easy. First, the number of available Uber or Lyft drivers is limited, and second, it is hard to set your pickup location in most spots. After two attempts to call an Uber, I gave up and stuck with Yellow Cabs. The same story applied at the airport. As you exit the terminal, find a line forming for taxi service. The line may seem long, but it moved quickly. We only had to wait about 15 minutes for our taxi from JFK to Manhattan.
Walking Around
One of the best ways to explore a city is to walk around, and Manhattan is one of the most walkable cities in the USA.
The streets are laid out in a grid (mostly) with north/south thoroughfares called streets and east/west roads called avenues, with 5th Ave dividing the island in half longwise. You can set a destination in your phone's navigation app and simply start walking, or you can use a service like GPS My City to customize a walking tour.
The advantage of using GPS My City is that you can select a few destinations and receive a report about each, along with a detailed walking route.
User Comment: "I've visited NYC many times and walking is truly the best way to see everything. You can stumble upon so many hidden gems, from cozy cafes to unique art installations, that you would miss in a car or subway." - Maria L.
Here is a sample walking tour that I took the first day I was in Manhattan:
I started from Grand Central Station, right next to my hotel. The station is definitely grand, with forty-four platforms and sixty-seven railway tracks on two levels, and is the largest train station in the world. Grand Central is a destination in its own right, boasting numerous shops and restaurants within its grand architecture.
Next, I passed by the New York Public Library, the second-largest public library in the United States (and third largest worldwide), behind only the Library of Congress.
Next, I spent some time at the Rockefeller Center, admiring the unique building designs, statues, and the skating rink in the middle. All the buildings at the square are connected via an underground tunnel system known as the Catacombs. This network of subterranean passageways features more than 100 unique stores, quick bites, and fine dining options. Another reason to visit the center is the "Top of the Rock" observation deck.
And, of course, a visit to New York is incomplete without a visit to Broadway. Broadway (also known as the Theater District) has 41 professional theaters, each with 500 or more seats.
Broadway merges into the famous Times Square, a major commercial intersection at the intersection of Broadway, 7th Avenue, and 42nd Street. Broadway theaters and many animated neon and LED signs have long made this spot one of New York's iconic images and a symbol of the intensely urban aspects of Manhattan. Times Square is also the site of the annual New Year's Eve ball drop.
The place is always extra busy and loud, with many people, neon signs, and video screens, and it is open 24/7. It bears some resemblance to the Las Vegas Strip.
Tip: With so many people in a small space, watch your valuables! Keep your bag or backpack in front of you and be aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing.
Next on this walking tour is the Empire State Building. For 40 years, the Empire State Building had been the tallest in the world until 1972, when it lost the title to the World Trade Towers. After the September 11, 2001, attack on the WTC, it again became the tallest structure in New York City.
While you can admire this engineering marvel from the outside, don't miss the breathtaking view from the 86th-floor observatory or the 102nd-floor.
Interesting fact: The 86th floor was meant as a port for Airships, but after two attempts to land with high winds buffeting the ships, the idea was abandoned.
Our next stop is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Visiting this Memorial in person is both sobering and awe-inspiring. Much thought has gone into making this tribute to all who lost their lives.
You can go down seventy feet underground to the original bedrock and pillars on which the buildings were built, walk the grounds outside, admire the reflection pools, and read the victims' names. The museum also shows 2 of the steel beams from the destroyed buildings.
Tip: Try purchasing museum tickets online in advance, especially during the busier months (holidays or vacation periods). This will save you significant time waiting in line.
And while at this beautiful Memorial, you can admire the new World Trade Center buildings. One World Trade Center also features an observation deck on the 100th to 102nd floors, accessible via a speedy elevator that takes you to the top in just a few seconds.
Tip: Make sure you book in advance and coordinate your visit with the weather! It would be a waste of time to go all the way to the Top to gaze at the fog.
The final stop on this walking tour is the Brooklyn Bridge, which spans the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. A walk on the bridge will afford a spectacular view of the NYC skyline and provide good exercise.
Another must-do walk is through Central Park and the Museums:
Central Park is a vast urban park in Manhattan, New York City, renowned for its numerous fascinating attractions, recreational facilities, and year-round concerts. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. Among other notable venues, the park features the National Weather Station at the picturesque Belvedere Castle, the Delacorte Theater, as well as Cleopatra's Needle, the oldest public monument in North America.
The park also offers numerous trails, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, and well-known museums.
Tip: Rent bikes for the day and explore this huge park. This is a fantastic way to cover more ground without getting exhausted.
The park's north end was designed to resemble dense woodland, providing New Yorkers with a way to explore the jungle without leaving town. As you explore the park, be sure to stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, popularly known as the "Met."
The museum boasts one of the world's largest art collections, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers free guided tours for visitors. A standalone attraction here is the roof garden, offering a spectacular view of Central Park and New York City.
Tip: The best place for you to sit down, if tired, is the furniture storage area on the second floor. It is quiet, elegant, and has comfortable, contemporary upholstered chairs.
To avoid exhaustion, consider splitting your visit into several sessions. Entry tickets allow multiple visits over a 3-day period, plus admission to select MET annexes located elsewhere in NYC.
Another can't-miss place adjacent to Central Park is the American Museum of Natural History. It is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world. The complex comprises twenty-seven interconnected buildings on park-like grounds, featuring forty-five permanent exhibition halls. The museum also has a planetarium and a library. Also, consider eating before you arrive (the on-site food is expensive and not particularly appealing).
Statue of Liberty
Tell someone you visited New York, and it is guaranteed that they will ask you, "Did you see the Statue of Liberty?" The answer is, of course. I got to see it in multiple ways, and I wasn't disappointed.
My first view was as part of a tour that included a ferry ride to Staten Island. Those free ferries get remarkably close to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. The only drawback is that everyone and their uncle had the same idea. Finding a spot with an unobstructed view proved to be a challenge.
My second viewing was from The Battery, a park, ferry terminal, and historic castle. The park offers splendid views of the statue, but if you prefer, you can take the ferry to Ellis and Liberty Islands for a closer look. See the website for more information.
At Liberty Island, you can admire America's iconic Freedom Statue as you walk through the gardens and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum to learn more about the statue's history. To get a sense of what immigrants experienced as they touched the shores of the promised land, go to Ellis Island and visit the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum.
Back at the park, you can spend some time at Fort Clinton, admire the statue from an elevated platform, and see New Jersey across the Hudson.
Central Park
The 843-acre urban park in Manhattan, New York City, is renowned for its numerous fascinating attractions, diverse recreational facilities, and annual concerts. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. Among other notable venues, the park features the National Weather Station at the picturesque Belvedere Castle, the Delacorte Theater, as well as Cleopatra's Needle, the oldest public monument in North America.
The park was proposed in the 1840s to bring part of the countryside to the hectic urban living and was completed in 1858. It went through several periods of decline and revitalization, but nowadays, it is a haven for New Yorkers and visitors.
So, what can you do at the park?
You can walk or bike while admiring the landscaping and features, such as the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Strawberry Fields, and Sheep Meadow. Or you can have fun with the whole family at Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo. The park's north end was designed to resemble dense woodland, providing New Yorkers with a way to explore the jungle without leaving town.
The Central Park Conservancy offers an interactive map that highlights the park's key points of interest, providing more detailed information about each location.
Traveler Tip: Central Park is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. The Ramble and the North Woods are fantastic places to see the autumn foliage.
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection connecting Broadway, 42nd Street, and 7th Avenue. It is one of the places that gives New York its unique character and worldwide appeal.
As you enter the square, you are transformed into a bustling, flashy, and loud space filled with massive LED screens, street vendors and performers, a variety of shops, and restaurants. Sprinkled around the square and along Broadway Street, you will find some of the most well-known theater productions.
On New Year's Eve, millions of people gather to celebrate and watch the famous ball drop from the Times building. Times Square also hosts many free events featuring live music and theater, which can be enjoyed by everyone on the Times Square stage. See the event schedule here.
Rockefeller Center 
Rockefeller Center is another prominent commercial area in New York, comprising 19 buildings that span 22 acres. The original 14 buildings were commissioned by the Rockefeller family and were designed in the Art Deco style, featuring a sunken plaza that currently houses a skating rink.
All the buildings at the square are connected via an underground tunnel system known as the Catacombs. This network of subterranean passageways has more than 100 unique stores, quick bites, and fine dining options.
Another reason to visit the center is the "Top of the Rock" observation deck with 360-degree views of the New York skyline.
Tip: Lines to the observation deck are always long, unless you buy the express pass or the VIP tour. You can also sidestep those lines by booking a reservation at the Rainbow Room.
The Rockefeller Center is also famous for its Christmas Tree display. The Rockefeller employees started the tradition, but the company later adopted it. Nowadays, it is a spectacular event that brings the Christmas spirit to the plaza.
While at the center, you can also sit on a taping of an NBC show, go ice skating in the winter, admire the artwork and statues, catch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, and visit the World of Nintendo.
Little Island Park
After Hurricane Sandy, the Hudson River Park Trust wanted to renovate Pier 54. With the help of several designers and architects, they created this unique public space.
Little Island on the Hudson was born as a new public park designed for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy nature and art. Along with a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape, the park is a place for free or inexpensive concerts and performances.
New York City Tour
Whenever I visit a new town, I try to find a reputable tour company to show me around.
For this trip, I went with USA Guided Tours on their Discover NY Tour. When you book the tour, you can have an open-top or closed-top bus tour. I picked the open-top bus to enjoy the sights and sounds of NY.
My tour departed at 10 AM on 7th Ave between 50th & 51st Streets. There is no storefront for the tour operator, so look for the tour buses parked on the curb.
Tip: There is one bathroom stop along the way, but it is a clever idea to take advantage of the restrooms at McDonald's on 7th street before you get on the bus.
Our tour guide was informative and entertaining, with a wealth of knowledge about New York City. We first passed through the hectic Times Square with its dazzling LED screens and Broadway theaters.
Interesting fact: The square was named after the Times Magazine building, but the magazine headquarters moved a block away in 1913. The Times building is now called One Times Square.
Our first stop was at Central Park West, close to 72nd Street. Our guide pointed out that the Dakota Building, located across the street from the park, was the former home of John Lennon. A short walk into the park leads to the Strawberry Fields and the Imagine mosaic dedicated to John Lennon.
We also passed by some luxury condominiums around the park, which featured celebrity homes. In and around the park, you can visit the Central Park Zoo, the Plaza Hotel, and Carnegie Hall.
The second stop on the tour was at Rockefeller Center, where we viewed St. Patrick's Cathedral, the skating rink, the Christmas Tree location, and the set of NBC's Today Show.
Our next stop was at Madison Square Park, the original location of Madison Square Garden. This area offers spectacular views of dramatic architecture featured in numerous books and films, including the Flatiron Building (Godzilla, Spider-Man), the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower (The Runaway Skyscraper, Futurama), and the Empire State Building (King Kong, Independence Day).
The tour continued by driving through some of NYC's iconic neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
En route to the fourth stop, we drove by Wall Street for views of the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall (the location of the first Capitol Building of the United States), Trinity Church, and a drive-by of the famous Charging Bull sculpture on Broadway.
Interesting Fact: Wall Street got its name from an actual wall erected by the Dutch to protect against native American and British raids.
Our fourth stop was at the new World Trade Center, as we visited the National September 11 Memorial. We walked the Memorial grounds to see the waterfalls of "Reflecting Absence." The pools represent the footprints of where the original Twin Towers stood, and the walls were engraved with the names of the 9/11 victims.
This tour did not include entry to the museum, but we were able to observe one of the recovered steel beams from the original building. I think this Memorial was an elegant way to remember those who lost their lives on this dreadful day and celebrate America's renewed spirit.
The fifth stop was a boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry, offering magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, and Brooklyn skylines.
The ferries to Staten Island are free, and a crowd always awaits the next boat. I was amazed at how many they could fit on one trip. But it doesn't look crowded once everyone gets in and spreads out through the three levels. The only exception is on the balconies on level 2, as everyone heads there for the best views.
The ferry gets remarkably close to the Statue of Liberty, but is not allowed to dock. To get to Liberty Island for a closer look, you must take the official ferry from Battery Park.
After returning to Manhattan from the trip to Staten Island, the tour continues with a break for lunch and a short ride back to our original departure point on 7th Avenue in the Times Square area. This tour was a great way to get introduced to this great city, and I would recommend it to new visitors.