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Summary

This comprehensive guide offers essential tips for first-time visitors to New York City, covering everything from planning and booking attractions in advance to choosing the right accommodation and navigating the city like a local. It highlights must-visit sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge, and offers insider advice on how to enjoy the city's vast culinary scene and vibrant boroughs beyond Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty

Iconic symbol of freedom and democracy.

Tips

Book a few months in advance, especially for crown access.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Who Owns The Statue of Liberty?", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgZ1f4ACZBQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 30, 2018", "length": "" }</div>

Central Park

A vast green oasis in the heart of Manhattan.

Tips

Visit all year round to see its beauty in every season.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "NYC is Destroying Central Park\u2026 On Purpose", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBJfhh-IUK8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "3 weeks ago", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "12 Things You Can't Miss in Central Park (Hidden Secrets & ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FMiF9YMVJA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 7, 2023", "length": "" }</div>

Top of the Rock

Offers stunning views of NYC including the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Tips

Preferred for photos with iconic NYC landmarks.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sW3QkPJPHI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 16, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Top Of The Rock Observation Deck | Amazing Views Across ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYhGIhrXvBA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 15, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Top of the Rock Observation Deck (Tickets and Visitor Tips)", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRnRNBQ6EpQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 2, 2021", "length": "" }</div>

Brooklyn Bridge

A historic bridge offering picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline.

Tips

Walk across for fantastic views; try to go early to avoid crowds.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Brooklyn ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KznBRmS-Ao", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 8, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKN-X9snbP0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 17, 2024", "length": "" }</div>

Staten Island Ferry

A free ferry service offering views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.

Tips

An affordable way to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "FREE Ferry in New York \u2192 How to ride the Staten Island Ferry", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjQWm_HIu50", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 3, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "FREE New York Ferry (Staten Island Ferry) \u2192 Day 11 of 12 ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETPDYAhW5a8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 12, 2023", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Riding the Staten Island Ferry in April 2023", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_xnoEocvkw", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 21, 2023", "length": "" }</div>

New York Botanical Garden

A premier botanical garden featuring seasonal shows.

Tips

Don't miss the Orchid or Holiday Train shows.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "NY Botanical Garden Bronx New York 2022 walk around tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KYxmMvRPB4", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 22, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "New York Botanical Garden FREE?!?! (Know before you go ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJpGP6ID6kU", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 15, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The New York Botanical Garden . . . Since 1891", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxTOSDzN2Mg", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 4, 2011", "length": "" }</div>

Pod 39 Hotel

Budget-friendly hotel with a popular rooftop bar.

Tips

Great option for saving money while staying in a convenient location.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Pod 39 Room Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSeWoP2O2M", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 30, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Pod 39 Hotel, Manhattan, New York", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVnHxwwVILI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 22, 2017", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Pod 39 Hotel New York - Capsule style hotel", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NmBH0f-BSI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "2 days ago", "length": "" }</div>