Tips for Visiting New York for the First Time

Visiting anywhere for the first time is exciting, but visiting New York City, one of the busiest and most famous cities in the world, for the first time is especially exhilarating. From the famous landmarks to the bright lights and world’s-best food, New York is a fantastic place to visit and tick off your bucket list.

That said, while visiting NYC is exciting, it’s still a major city and there are a number of things you should be aware of when visiting for the first time.

Here are 7 tips for visiting New York for the first time:

  1. Plan your trip in advance
  2. Take appropriate clothing
  3. Be safety aware
  4. Explore the City’s must-try food experiences
  5. Book a private tour
  6. Visit Times Square after dark
  7. Visit famous landmarks and attractions

1. Plan Your Trip in Advance

Whether you’re heading to Paris, London or New York City, planning your trip in advance ensures your adventure is as smooth and stress-free as possible! There’s nothing worse than planning attractions at the last minute and realising it’s all sold out on the only day you can attend, or booking accommodation and realising your desired hotel is fully booked.

2 main things you should consider when planning ahead include:

  • Pre-booking attractions – Take some time to plan where you want to go and what you want to see and if you can, pre-book tickets. Many popular New York attractions offer skip-the-line or timed-entry tickets to save queue times, so it’s worth looking into these.
  • Booking accommodation as soon as possible – Look for hotels, hostels, or Airbnb’s online and make sure to check out reviews and ratings before choosing an accommodation. If you leave it too long, prices will typically go up and you might not find an available room in your chosen location or that suits your budget.

2. Take Appropriate Clothing

New York is known for its pretty extreme weather, especially if you’re heading over there November through to February.

During the winter months, the city is known for its extremely cold weather and snowfall, so you’ll want to pack enough layers and a quality winter coat.To keep the bitter chill off, you’ll also want to pack a hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof footwear if you plan to explore central park or take a stroll through various neighbourhoods.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling to New York during the summer months, you’ll want lightweight clothing as it can get pretty hot and humid. It’s also worth packing a light rain jacket, as summer in New York can bring occasional rain showers.

3. Be Safety Aware

New York City is one of the safest big cities in America, but, like any major city, the sheer volume of people, vehicles, and activities can make it more susceptible to accidents, traffic, and other urban challenges such as crime. 

This is why it’s super important that tourists stay sharp and make smart decisions while exploring the Big Apple.

Here are some of the most important things you should be aware of when it comes to public transport, crime, and traffic safety in New York:

Safety Tips for Visiting New York City

  • Only use reputable transportation – Never get into an unmarked/ unlicensed taxi. NYC taxicabs are clearly identified – the most well-known fleet are yellow with a light on the roof that displays the cab driver’s medallion number.
  • Avoid poorly-lit, dark and isolated areas – Stick to well-lit streets, especially when walking around at night.
  • Keep your belongings close and pay attention to your surroundings – Pickpockets are typically most common in big cities like New York, so ensure you pay attention to the people and actions around you at all times.
  • Follow the traffic rules – Always obey traffic signals and use designated crosswalks. Remember to be cautious when crossing streets, even if the pedestrian signal is in your favour.

4. Explore the City’s Must-Try Food Establishments

If you’re a foodie, you’re going to be in your absolute element. NYC is home to some of the most delicious food in all of America, so aside from the famous landmarks and museums, make sure you find some time to visit some of the must-try food establishments.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you have to try the famous Magnolia Bakery. This New York bakery is iconic for a number of reasons, but particularly for its world-famous banana pudding is nothing short of sensational. 

New York is known for their quality bagels, so you can’t visit the City without experiencing one, and Absolute Bagels is not one to miss out on. They offer a range of mouth watering toppings, from classics like cream cheese and smoked salmon to more adventurous options such as white fish salad.

5. Book a Private Tour

With so much to see and do, it might feel a little overwhelming when planning your trip, so why not leave it to the professionals? A private tour takes the pressure off you, allowing you to sight-see, and experience all New York has to offer in terms of family-friendly fun without the stresses of planning.

At Yellow Moon Tours, our New York City private tour guides can curate an entirely bespoke private tour of New York City for you and your family. 

From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, we will work with you to maximise your time in New York so you can get as much as you can out of your trip.

If you’re interested, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today for your fully tailored tour of New York City. 

6. Visit Times Square After Dark

The most popular time of day to visit Times Square is typically in the evening, after sunset, as this is when the iconic billboards and neon lights are at their most vibrant and the area is bustling with excitement.

What’s more, all the bright lights and iconic billboards make Times Square a fantastic location for nighttime photography, so it is certainly not one to miss! 

7. Visit Famous Landmarks and Attractions

One of the most fantastic things about visiting New York is its abundance of famous landmarks and attractions. Whether you’re on a solo trip, with your partner or your whole family, there is truly something for everyone.

Some of the must-see attractions in New York include:

  • Central Park Zoo – Central Park Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly activity.
  • National 9/11 Memorial – The National 9/11 Memorial is a poignant and meaningful site that is often considered a must-see attraction when visiting the city.
  • Statue of Liberty – Visiting the famous Statue of Liberty is not only a chance to see a renowned symbol but also an opportunity to connect with the principles of freedom, democracy, and the diverse history of America.

If travelling to New York with your family, here are more family-friendly activities to help with your planning.

For inquiries or questions about our tours, contact us on info@yellowmoontours.com or on +44 (0) 20 3290 3665 to book your private tour today. And for more travel tips, be sure to check out our tour planner blog.


Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.

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