NYC Guide for Beginners
10.14.24
By: Shariah James
“New York is a city of possibility and endless exploration. There’s always something new to discover around every corner.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love (2006)
This NYC blog is made to make the “Big Apple” a little more digestible. Whether you have a trip planned to NYC already or need to save this for later – use this blog as a compass for all of the great things to do!
NYC History
New York City, often referred to as NYC, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its founding by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British seized control, renaming it New York, and it quickly grew into a bustling trade hub due to its strategic location. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and later became the first capital of the United States in 1789. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of immigrants transformed the city into a melting pot of cultures, significantly influencing its development. Today, NYC stands as a global capital of finance, culture, and innovation. With its iconic skyline and vibrant neighborhoods, the city continues to shape the world in various ways.
NYC’s Five Boroughs
New York City has a population of approximately 8.4 million people. The people living there are geographically located in 1 of 5 boroughs: Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island. Each borough brings it’s own unique character and culture to the city.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is known for its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island. It boasts a rich artistic scene, a variety of culinary delights, and a strong sense of community, making it a unique and dynamic part of the city.
The Bronx
The Bronx is known for its rich cultural heritage and as the birthplace of hip-hop music. It is home to attractions like the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, and Yankee Stadium, making it a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the vibrant heart of New York City, known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and cultural landmarks like Times Square and Central Park. As a major financial center, it is home to Wall Street and numerous world-renowned museums, theaters, and restaurants, making it a unique blend of commerce and culture.
Popular neighborhoods in Manhattan: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, SoHo, NoHo, Harlem, East Village, Lower East Side, Battery Park City and the Financial District.
Queens
Queens is the largest borough of New York City, known for its incredible cultural diversity and vibrant neighborhoods. It is home to iconic sites like Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, making it a hub for sports and recreation.
Staten Island
Staten Island is known for its suburban feel, parks, and the famous Staten Island Ferry, which offers scenic views of the Manhattan skyline. It has a rich history and features attractions like the Staten Island Zoo and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
Top Attractions
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge and has become a symbol of New York City, renowned for its grand architecture and stunning views.
A gift from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and symbolizes freedom and democracy. Designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated in 1886, it has become an iconic representation of the American spirit and a welcoming sight for immigrants arriving from abroad.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, the Chrysler Building is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper, completed in 1930. It is renowned for its distinctive crown and spire, making it one of the most recognizable structures in the New York City skyline.
The Empire State Building is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper located in Manhattan, New York City, and it was completed in 1931. Standing at 1,454 feet tall including its antenna, it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years and remains a symbol of American innovation and resilience.
Ellis Island served as the primary immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954, where millions of immigrants were processed before entering the country. Today, it is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which preserves the history and stories of those who passed through its gates.
Central Park is located in the heart of Manhattan, spanning 843 acres of green space, woodlands, and lakes. It serves as a beloved retreat for New Yorkers and tourists alike, offering a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and landscapes. The park is home to several popular attractions, including the Central Park Zoo, the picturesque Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and the iconic Bow Bridge.
Times Square is a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub in New York City, known for its bright lights, theaters, and bustling atmosphere. Often referred to as "The Crossroads of the World," it attracts millions of visitors each year, especially during events like the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop.
Broadway in New York City is renowned as the pinnacle of American theater, featuring a dazzling array of world-class musicals and plays. It draws millions of visitors each year who come to experience its iconic productions, vibrant performances, and the electric atmosphere of the Theater District. Broadway remains a symbol of artistic excellence and entertainment for audiences from around the globe.
Rockefeller Center is a large complex in Midtown Manhattan, known for its Art Deco architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It features popular attractions like the Top of the Rock observation deck, Radio City Music Hall, and the iconic ice skating rink during the winter months.
The Flatiron Building is a iconic triangular skyscraper in New York City, completed in 1902, that is celebrated for its unique shape and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. It prominently appears in the 2002 film "Spider-Man," where it serves as a recognizable landmark in the backdrop of Peter Parker’s adventures.
Summit One Vanderbilt is a must-see observation deck located in the One Vanderbilt skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of New York City from its high vantage point. The experience includes immersive art installations and thrilling glass-bottomed floors, making it a unique destination for both tourists and locals.
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Standing at 1,776 feet, it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and symbolizes resilience and hope following the September 11 attacks.
The Apollo Theater, located in Harlem, New York City, is a historic music hall famous for launching the careers of numerous iconic artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson. It has been a key venue for African American performers and continues to host amateur nights, various music events and community programs today.
Museums + Things To Do
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as "The Met," is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, housing over two million works that span 5,000 years of history, from ancient to contemporary art.
The Morgan Library and Museum is a stunning cultural institution in New York City that houses a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts, books, drawings, and other works of art, set within a beautifully designed historic space.
The American Museum of Natural History is a renowned institution in New York City that showcases a vast array of exhibits related to natural history, including dinosaurs, human evolution, and biodiversity, with a mission to inspire discovery and understanding of the natural world.
The National Museum of the American Indian is a prestigious institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art, history, and culture of Indigenous peoples of the Americas, with a focus on their diverse traditions and contemporary issues.
The Tenement Museum in New York City offers a unique glimpse into the lives of immigrant families who lived in the restored tenement building at 97 Orchard Street, highlighting their struggles and contributions to American society.
Source: tenement.org
The Merchant's House Museum in New York City is a historic home that showcases the 19th-century domestic life of a wealthy merchant family and is renowned for its well-preserved period furnishings and architecture.
Source: merchantshouse.org
The National 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City honors the victims of the September 11 attacks and preserves the history surrounding that tragic day through artifacts, exhibits, and personal stories.
Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx, is the iconic home of the New York Yankees, celebrated for its rich history in baseball and its energetic game-day atmosphere.
Madison Square Garden is a renowned multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City, famous for hosting various sports events, concerts, and entertainment shows, and is often referred to as "The Garden."
Built between 1858 and 1879, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral in New York City, known for its impressive architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and as a prominent landmark of the city.
Columbia University is an Ivy League research university located in New York City, known for its rigorous academic programs and significant contributions to various fields of study since its founding in 1754.
The New York Public Library is a renowned cultural institution known for its extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and digital resources, as well as its iconic Beaux-Arts main building, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located on Fifth Avenue.
The New York County Courthouse, also known as the Tweed Courthouse, is an iconic building in Manhattan that serves as a key center for the city's judicial system and is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. You may recognize the famous steps of the NY Courthouse from the popular TV show, “Law & Order”.
New York City boasts a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its diverse population, with thousands of restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe, from authentic Italian and Chinese to innovative fusion dishes. The city's rich culture also celebrates food through iconic street vendors, bustling food markets, and renowned eateries. Dining in NYC often transcends just food; it’s an experience filled with art, history, and a sense of community.
Here’s a link to some of the most popular restaurants in NYC.
Fifth Avenue is one of New York City's most famous shopping streets, known for its luxury retail and iconic landmarks. Notable stores along this prestigious avenue include Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and the Apple Store, all of which draw both tourists and locals alike.
Source: fifthavenue.nyc
Other Modern Attractions:
Hudson Yards
The High Line
Brookfield Place
Via 57 West
The Edge
DUMBO
Bryant Park Winter Village (seasonal)
Transportation in NYC
New York City has a vast and diverse transportation system that is essential for its millions of residents and visitors. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the subway system, which is one of the largest and busiest in the world, featuring 24 lines and over 450 stations. Subways run 24/7, providing efficient access to various boroughs and neighborhoods. In addition to subways, the city has an extensive bus network that complements the subway and serves areas that are not easily accessible by train.
Taxis and ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are abundant and provide additional convenience for getting around the city, especially in areas where public transit may be less accessible late at night. Cyclists can take advantage of the growing network of bike lanes, as well as bike-sharing programs like Citi Bike. For those preferring to walk, many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, offering shops, parks, and attractions within close proximity. Overall, New York City's transportation system is a dynamic blend of options that cater to the diverse needs of its population.
Additional Tip: Use the Maps App on your phone for a map of any form of transportation during your stay. The metro option on Maps is detailed and very helpful if you prefer to use the subway system.
Final Thoughts
If you are new to exploring the city, it can be overwhelming but if you are prepared to tackle the city – you might just find yourself having the best time! Choose 2-3 things to do daily from the options above. If you can’t get through everything or if you find other things to do along the way, that’s normal!
Another tip is to take a tour of the city on your first day(s) there via a hop on, hop off bus to decide which attractions you want to prioritize. A nighttime bus tour gives you an intimate view of the city with a live tour guide. A daytime hop on, hop off bus tour allows you to get off at desired attractions and simply “hop back on” when you are ready to see the next “big things”.
Have fun, immerse yourself in the culture of NYC and never stop exploring!
XO,
The Kléi
