NYC is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, and for good reason. The city has so much history and culture that it would take a lifetime of exploration to see it all. As a matter of fact, without planning the trip ahead of time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed while in NYC. This is both because there is so much to do, and because life in the city is very fast-paced. So, it’s important to plan what parts of the city you’ll be visiting ahead of the trip. But with so much to see, where should you start as a first time visitor? In order to help you figure that out, we put together this guide to enjoying NYC like a local for first time visitors.
Visit one of the city’s observatories
When enjoying NYC like a local, taking in the sights of the city is one of the best things to do. As such, visiting one of the four observatories around the city is a great idea. You can choose between the One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, Edge at Hudson Yard, and Top of the Rock. All of them offer spectacular views of the city at large, and will surely leave you impressed. If you can’t decide which one to visit, consider visiting multiple observatories. After all, each of them offers a completely unique view of the city. Additionally, you should consider the best ways to get around the city during your trip. Certain modes of transportation are much better, and if you plan on seeing what NYC has to offer, you’ll have to use them a lot. So, remember to think ahead about this before the trip.
Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty is an impressive sight even at a distance, but seeing her up close is an entirely unique experience. However, remember to plan ahead and look into the best possible time to visit Ellis Island. Additionally, keep in mind that this visit will probably take up most of the day, and plan accordingly. While this is the case if you plan on enjoying NYC like a local, visiting one of NYC’s most iconic monuments is a must. However, if you don’t want to set aside the time or money, there are plenty of chances to catch a view of Lady Liberty from the city. Additionally, keep in mind that experts from Divine Moving and Storage note that you shouldn’t leave important items in your hotel room. Our recommendation is to rent out a short-term storage unit and leave all of your important things there, just in case.
Catch a view of NYC from the water
One of the best ways to enjoy the city’s skyline is by seeing it from the water. There are several ways to do this, from sightseeing cruises to hop-on-hop-off ferries. You can also rent out a boat and get out onto the water by yourself. Alternatively, there are also completely free tours and boat rides. The most popular of these is, by far, the Staten Island Ferry. Whichever way you decide to enjoy it, we can guarantee that viewing NYC from the waterline will leave you impressed. Also, this is a great way to experience the islands around NYC, which is another experience worth having. When it comes to actually getting to NYC for your trip, consider how to get cheap flight tickets. After all, the more money you save on travel, the more you can splurge during the trip. And if you want to enjoy yourself fully, you’ll splurge.
Go on a food tour of the city
New York City has some of the most varied cuisines out of every city in the US. So, it would be a shame to miss out on this when visiting NYC for the first time. Besides just varied cuisine, NYC has some amazing restaurants to visit. And while you’re getting around the city, trying out the food, you’ll get to experience the city’s sights and culture as well. Both locals and visitors agree that eating your way through NYC is one of the better ways to explore it. However, a food tour does require some planning, so make sure you consider this beforehand. As a matter of fact, the city’s food is one of the reasons so many tourists decide to move here, and if you find yourself tempted, hire professionals to make the process less stressful. Especially if you’re moving with kids, simplifying the process where possible is invaluable.
Visit Central Park
Central Park is one of the most beautiful spots in New York City. The park is considered a masterpiece of landscape architecture, and it’s easy to see why when visiting it. And you can do so rather easily, as the park is open every day and completely free. We recommend that you take your time exploring the park and appreciating all of the different destinations within it. Or, if you simply want to relax and take a breather from the bustle of NYC, just going for a walk through Central Park is a very relaxing experience. And while planning your trip, remember to think ahead about travel insurance. Especially if you’re traveling a long distance to get to New York City, making sure you’re properly insured is vital. And besides, having the peace of mind given by travel insurance can make the trip more relaxing overall.
Enjoying NYC like a local: guide for first time visitors – closing thoughts
All in all, New York City has enough to see and do within it to fill up the itinerary of quite a few trips. So, making the most out of every trip to this amazing city is recommended, if you want to really experience what the city has to offer. As such, sticking with the popular attractions is our recommendation, as they tend to give the fullest experience of New York City. We hope that this guide to enjoying NYC like a local for first time visitors helps you plan your trip, and we wish you a nice trip.
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Meta: Planning a trip to NYC? Read this guide to enjoying NYC like a local now and plan your trip ahead of time!
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