You might think traveling to New York is a nightmare because it is the country’s most populous, busiest, most culturally diverse city. But, with proper research, navigating Big Apple’s colorful districts, seeing iconic sites, and gaining a sense of the city will be simpler than you think.
Whether you like to walk, cycle, cruise, or take in the city’s hustle and charm from above, these are the finest ways of exploring New York as a newcomer!
Exploring New York as a Newcomer
Walking
New York is one of the world’s most walkable cities, so it’s no wonder that walking is the best way to explore it. Above all, this will provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch the spirit of this busy Metropolis, immerse yourself in its vivid sights and sounds, meet the inhabitants, and appreciate the architecture.
It also comes at no cost. Walking is an excellent way to kickstart your fitness journey, as well!
Of course, the city is enormous, but planning your itinerary, grouping the attractions by neighborhoods, and visiting one borough at a time will save you a lot of time, money, and effort.
A lot is going on on the streets of New York, but if planning and orientation aren’t your strong suits, there are hundreds of walking tours to select from, covering everything from food to history. Walking is one of the best ways of exploring New York as a newcomer!
Cruise
There are several ways to experience New York City from the water, ranging from free boat excursions to hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours and luxury dinner cruises. For instance, Circle Line, the most famous cruise line in the area, offers a wide range of themed excursions and sightseeing trips across Manhattan, from sunrise to sunset.
Seeing NYC from above
There are plenty of ways of exploring New York as a newcomer, but seeing it all from above is breathtaking. You’ll be in for an unrivaled visual feast whether you opt to climb atop its iconic monuments or simply walk the High Line and Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
It is worth fighting the crowds at the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building’s 86-story-high observation deck for a stunning view. But, among the city’s most amazing observatories are its panoramic rooftop bars, where you can enjoy million-dollar skyline panoramas for the price of a cocktail.
A helicopter flight above Manhattan is almost unbeatable if you want to view the Big Apple from a different perspective. This thrilling experience allows you to snap magnificent pictures of New York City and create memories that will last a lifetime as you soar past some of the world’s most recognizable sites in elegance and comfort, even though it is not inexpensive.
Cycling
Cycling in New York City is a fun and affordable way to get about. This isn’t Copenhagen, but you can easily bicycle around the city and discover beautiful vistas through a successful bike-share program (Citi Bike) and a rising number of dedicated cycling routes and lanes.
Subway
Walking and biking are excellent ways to experience the vibes, participate in people-watching, and become acquainted with this lovely city. Still, public transportation is the most cost-effective and efficient way to travel long distances fast.
The subway system in New York City is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive; it operates 24 hours a day and can take you almost everywhere in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. It may appear difficult to first-time visitors, but there are several free applications available to assist you in learning to navigate it.
Food tour
Being a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, it’s no surprise that NYC has such a diversified food scene. The selection is extensive, ranging from bakeries and pizza parlors to Michelin star restaurants. And if you want to eat your way across the world, a tour of the city’s (ethnic) districts is all you need.
Movie tour
You must see at least some of New York City’s iconic filming locations while you’re here. This movie-perfect city will spoil you with choices, whether you do your homework and explore them alone or join a guided, themed tour conducted by a reputable firm like On Location Tours Inc. or Walks of New York.
This is one of the best ways of exploring New York as a newcomer because you will feel like you already know some of the familiar places!
Outdoors
New York has a lot to offer if you enjoy activities in nature since it has many places suitable for nature lovers. You can find everything from water sports to skiing inside the city. Central Park is a fantastic place if you are an outdoors type! You can take a tour through the park or just have a picnic.
Sports
New York is filled with giant sports stadiums. The city is home to big hockey, basketball, baseball, and many more clubs. If you are a sports fan, NYC will be the perfect spot for you. You could catch a game at the Madison Square Garden or see a baseball match!
Moving to New York
Moving to New York can be complicated, but if you have a reputable moving company like Tik Tok Moving and Storage NYC by your side, it will be much easier. Make sure to start preparing for your move as soon as possible to avoid any problems. By having a plan and preparing on time, your move will be much less stressful.
Be a tourist and ride the Hop-On Hop-Off bus
Although it may appear cheesy, taking an open-top Big Bus tour of the Big apple is a fun and surprisingly practical way of exploring New York as a newcomer. Passengers may get on and off the bus at any time. As a result, you’ll be able to visit all of New York’s major attractions or simply tailor your sightseeing route to your specific interests, all while enjoying free onboard Wi-Fi and engaging narration from an enthusiastic English-speaking guide.
