There’s no place quite like New York City. Home to nearly 9 million people, NYC is a world within a world — a vibrant, ever-evolving hub of culture, food, architecture, theater, and global influence.

Divided into five boroughs and spoken in nearly 800 languages, the Big Apple is one of the most diverse cities on Earth. Yet, for many first-time visitors, Manhattan holds the magic — with its iconic skyline, legendary landmarks, and energy that pulses 24/7.

If it’s your first time here, let’s dive into the essential experiences and mouthwatering eats that will make your NYC adventure unforgettable.

🥯 Start with a Bagel (Naturally)

No NYC trip begins without a bagel. We followed a local tip and hit up Best Bagel & Coffee, a Midtown staple known for massive bagel sandwiches.

Our top picks:

• The New Yorker: Chicken, roasted red peppers, and cream cheese on an everything bagel.

• Breakfast Sandwich: Bacon, avocado, lime crema, and eggs — ultra creamy, ultra satisfying.

Prefer a more classic NYC bagel? Head to Zabar’s on the Upper West Side. Locals swear by it for its simple, traditional, and perfectly chewy bagels.

🎭 Times Square & Broadway: Pure NYC Energy

A walk through Times Square is pure sensory overload — in the best way. With glowing billboards, bustling crowds, and street performers, it’s a must-see for first-time visitors.

But the real magic happens in the theaters.

We caught The Lion King on Broadway, and it absolutely blew us away. Other unforgettable Broadway experiences include:

• Hamilton

• Wicked

• Book of Mormon

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

🎟️ Tip: Booking through GetYourGuide makes grabbing tickets easy and hassle-free.

🌆 Go Up for the Best Skyline View

While the Empire State Building is a classic, we opted for the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center — and here’s why:

It gives you a stunning view of the Empire State Building, plus sweeping vistas of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

📍 Location: 70th floor | 850 feet up
🕓 Pro Tip: Book your sunset tickets at least a week in advance — prime slots sell out quickly!

🔍 Fun Fact: Rockefeller Center was built by over 40,000 workers during the Great Depression, including immigrant ironworkers and members of the Mohawk tribe — who helped shape NYC’s iconic skyline.

🍕 New York Pizza — Because It’s the Law

Pizza in New York is practically sacred. We visited John’s of Bleecker Street, a Greenwich Village classic since 1929.

The verdict? Thin crust, wood-fired, and packed with flavor. An absolute win.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to try one of NYC’s buzziest food spots? Make reservations ahead of time. Resy is your best friend when it comes to booking the city’s hardest-to-get tables.

And for dessert? Cannoli from Little Italy — pistachio and chocolate chip. Pure bliss.

🥢 A DIY Chinatown Food Tour

On day two, we took ourselves on a Chinatown street food crawl, starting with a beloved steamed rice roll cart.

These rolls — filled with pork or dried shrimp and drizzled with soy sauce — were gooey, savory, and incredibly satisfying. A true local favorite.

🕒 Note: They stop selling by 3 PM, so go early!

🌇 Final Thoughts: Why NYC Is Worth the Hype

From skyline views and Broadway lights to iconic eats and deep immigrant roots, New York City is immersive, overwhelming, and unforgettable.

It’s the kind of place you could visit a hundred times and still only scratch the surface. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, NYC has a way of surprising you — with its flavor, its rhythm, and its unshakable energy.

🔗 Book Your NYC Adventures

We used GetYourGuide for all our city experiences — from Broadway shows to observation decks. It’s easy, flexible, and perfect for first-time visitors.
👉 Explore NYC Experiences Here