15 places and attractions you shouldn’t miss on your first trip to NYC!
First time visiting New York? I know it can be a little overwhelming so I chose my favorite 15 spots you can’t miss in the city! For more NYC tips make sure to follow me on instagram @marthasachser and @blognyandabout. Make sure to check the best FREE THINGS to do in NY clicking HERE for more ideas!
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1-Statue of Liberty
Some say it’s not a big deal but in my opinion is a must if this is your first time in the city. Plus, you get beautiful views of Manhattan and you can explore Ellis Island and all its history. You can get your tickets HERE but make sure to read about other ways to see Lady Liberty HERE!
2-Times Square
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Times Square. During the day is okay but make sure to go at night. The later the better.
3-Central Park
There are several places you can’t miss in Central Park so take note of some of the main spots to make sure you will see more than one corner of it: Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Gapstow Bridge, Bow Bridge, Tavern on the Green (restaurant), Cat rock, Strawberry Fields memorial, Alice in Wonderland statue, the Lake, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and Belvedere Castle. There are many more but these will cover the basics. For more NYC tips make sure to follow me on instagram @blognyandabout and @marthasachser, I’m always sharing my favorite places and tips on instagram stories!
WHERE TO GET TICKETS FOR:
One World Observatory – skip the line
Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island
4- Broadway musicals – and how to get tickets
I know many people don’t event consider watching a Broadway show thinking it is way too over their budget and yes, if you wanna get a first row seat it does cost you more BUT there are several ways you can get tickets for much cheaper, especially if you don’t mind not seating in the first row. You can check some of the most popular options clicking HERE!
5-Rockfeller Center and Top of The Rock Observatory Deck
Top of The Rock is my favorite observatory in New York simply because I get to see Central Park and the Empire State Building. You can get tickets HERE. I highly recommend choosing at least one observatory or if you are buying a discount pass for attractions, maybe more than one is included. My favorite pass, which includes the Top of the Rock AND the Freedom Tower as well is this one HERE. If you feel like going up to the Empire State Building AND Top of the Rock, the CityPass might be your best bet if you’re planning on visiting other paid attractions as well. If you are on a budget and don’t feel like spending money on any of them, you can check some of my favorite rooftop bars in the area: The Skylark, Bar Sixty Five, 230 5th and Magic Hour. The drinks and food are not as super cheap but you get the experience and you can’t beat one of new yorkers favorite hangout spots.
7-SoHo
For fashion and architecture lovers, SoHo is a must see. You will get a different vibe from other parts of Manhattan and it is a good area to go shopping. Little Italy and Chinatown are close by, which means good and fair priced food.
FREE ADMISSION TO ATTRACTIONS
One of the best ways to visit all the paid attractions in NYC is buying a discount pass, such as CityPass, Sightseeing Pass or New York Pass. They offer a lot of attractions with a great discount. After using the pass a few times the attractions are basically free.
8-High Line Park
An elevated park created on inactive railroad tracks. It is the perfect spot to admire the local and unique architecture of NYC, watch the sunset, get a snack… Next to it you will find Chelsea Market, a food market with some delicious options and some cool shops! Ah! If you have time, the Whitey Museum of American Art is close as well.
9- 9/11 Museum and Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is beautiful and even though it is extremely sad, I recommend visiting. It is a place of respect. You can learn more about the victims using the monitors nearby and remember them on their birthdays with the white roses that are placed on their names. The 911 Museum is intense but if you are interested, make sure to get tickets for it.
10-West Village
Many tourists skip the West Village but please, add it to your itinerary. That’s where my favorite streets are and where you will find the most amazing restaurants for al budgets. My favorite place for italian food has to be Palma. For Mexican, Tacombi. For Pizza, either Bleecker Street Pizza, Keste or Joe’s Pizza. For more food options, walk around Bleecker and Macdougal Streets. You will find anything from U$1 pizzas, vegan restaurants, to indian food or the most delicious cookies.
BOOK YOUR SHUTTLE FROM/TO AIRPORT/HOTEL/AIRPORT HERE:
Super Shuttle: HERE!
NYC Airporter: HERE!
GoAirlink: HERE!
11-Grand Central Terminal
Whether you are a Gossip Girl fan or is just interested in beautiful architecture, head to Grand Central. I love spending some time there watching people come and go. There are some cool shops if you’re interested but don’t forget to check the whispering walls and head downstairs for the food court, there are plenty of options, especially if you are on a tight budget, you can sit down, relax, use the restroom and get ready for your next stop!
12-American Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum of Art
I recommend visiting both or pick at least one. I find natural history museums to be kind of the same after visiting a few of them so if that’s the case, I would add the MET instead for sure. The only issue is that they no longer offer suggested price admission, and it currently U$25 per adult. But you can also use your CityPass, Sightseeing Pass and New York Pass to enter “for free”.
13-Wall Street
From the Charging bull to Federal Hall, downtown Manhattan has a lot to offer. If you don’t have too much time, make sure to add at least Wall Street to your itinerary. If you do have time, then head to South Street Seaport and Stone Street, some of my favorite spots! For more NYC tips make sure to follow me on instagram @marthasachser and @blognyandabout. Make sure to check the best FREE THINGS to do in NY clicking HERE for more ideas!
14- Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Bridge
If you have the time, cross the Bridge in the afternoon and end the day in DUMBO, where you can find great shops, restaurants and one of the most beautiful waterfronts, with a gorgeous view of downtown Manhattan.
15- Fifth Avenue
Well, this includes not only the fancy stores but also St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Plaza and New York Public Library. Start on 59th street and head down until you reach 42nd Street. If you wanna save money, head to I Love Souvenirs on 377 5th Avenue, between 36 and 37th streets. This is the cheapest souvenir shop I know and you get an extra 10% discount when you mention my name (MARTHA) at checkout! Yes, I’m a loyal customer since 2007 and they offered you guys a special discount as well!
