Welcome to NYC! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit the Big Apple. Unique neighborhoods, fantastic food, and world-renowned sites await - but to simply enjoy the very best that NYC has to offer without getting overwhelmed as an international traveler is a feat in and of itself. In this guide, we share our top New York City tips for first-timers that will help make the most of a visit to the big city. Read on.
Check International and Local Travel Restrictions
Before you travel, check the USA’s entry requirements and restrictions (like presenting your passport and travel documents, whether you need to show proof of COVID vaccination, knowing what you can and can’t bring, etc.). You’ll want to monitor NYC’s latest updates as well, to see if there are any local requirements or vaccine mandates in place.
Get Your NYC Packing List in Order
No matter what time of year you visit NYC, there are a few essentials to always have on hand: the first being, a comfortable pair of walking shoes. The rest depends on the season and the activities you have planned. First-time visitors tend to see a Broadway show, visit NYC museums, and explore and tour the city’s most popular destinations, so you’ll need to pack accordingly. Check out this helpful NYC packing list from Tipster with everything you need for your trip.
Plan for NYC Weather
The best time of year to visit NYC is anytime! Although, depending on when you visit NYC dictates what kinds of activities you will be doing. Winter visitors will love ice skating at Rockefeller Center and browsing Winter Village at Bryant Park, while summer explorers may want to spend their time rowing in Central Park’s lake or taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Know that extreme weather can occur any time of year in NYC. Winter can bring frigid temperatures and snow storms, while summertime rain, humidity, and temperatures above 90 degrees is likely. Check the weather ahead of your visit and plan accordingly.
Book Your NYC Hotel Stay
The Manhattan Club is pleased to welcome you to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Just a few blocks from Central Park and Times Square, our unbeatable location puts us within walking distance from Broadway and The Shops of Columbus Circle. Our residential-style suites provide all the comforts from back home, plus added conveniences like special savings at local restaurants, free valet parking (with $35 daily parking fee), a fitness center, and a Private Club Lounge with a bar and continental breakfast. Browse our special offers and see how a reservation at The Manhattan Club includes more than all the rest.
Know How to Get to Manhattan from the Airport
Flying in from overseas? There are three major airports in NYC’s vicinity (LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International). LaGuardia is the closest to Midtown Manhattan, which can be reached via subway or bus for around $2.75 with a MetroCard (or $16 shuttle bus, $40 taxi ride). From JFK, hop on the AirTrain for $7.75 to Jamaica or Howard Beach in Queens, before taking the $2.75 subway ride to Midtown (or $10 bus, $57 taxi ride). Although Newark is in New Jersey, it is less than 20 miles from NYC. The cheapest option to the city is to hop on a bus to Newark Penn Station and pick up the Port Authority Trans-Hudson line that travels to Midtown for $2.75 (or $15 AirTrain/NJ Transit train, $18 bus, $50 taxi ride).
Decide on Your Top Places to Visit in NYC
If it’s your first visit to NYC, the city’s famous sites are probably at the top of your list of things to see: Attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Met, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central Terminal, Lincoln Center, Wall Street, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and Bryant Park. The Manhattan Club covers all of these top attractions and more over on our NYC Travel Blog. Let The Manhattan Club be your guide to the best events, top museums, and popular attractions in the greatest city in the world.
Of course, there’s only one way to experience NYC, and that’s in person. Stay up to date with The Manhattan Club Blog and get your guide to the best of New York. Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct.
See what overseas guests are saying about us:
“Great location in Manhattan, first time for us in the Big Apple…The staff was great at this place, the hotel was beyond our expectations on our choice for a trip from Australia. This was fantastic for Times Square, Broadway, and links to all attractions to move around this busy city. The overall experience was outstanding and when we return to this great city this is the Hotel that has our special vote.” - taffy_longman, TripAdvisor
“My daughter and I are from Peterborough, England. As soon as we arrived we were welcomed by reception staff. Room was first class and big…The concierge was very, very helpful and pleasant...helped with booking days out, theatre, and information regarding travelling around the city. Door staff etc. was nothing but helpful. Location is central to everything.” - Pat64, TripAdvisor
“RCI members from South Africa. The Manhattan Club must go down as one of the best RCI resorts and we recommend anyone visiting NYC to stay at the Club. A truly great stay.” - GDTravelsMargateRSA, TripAdvisor
“Travelled to New York from the UK for my wife's birthday celebrations. Best thing - the location. Only a couple of blocks down from Central Park, a short walk from Time Square, and close enough to all the subways you'd need for getting to Manhattan and then around it. Couldn't have picked a better location!” - Hugh B, TripAdvisor
“Wonderful location for another visit to New York...And coming from Australia that is a big statement. My wife and I love to run so what better place to do this than the mighty Central Park. These suites are only a block away so getting there is easy. And it is a relatively short walk down to Broadway, Times Square etc…The hotel itself was really lovely. Super friendly staff, easy check-in, and large rooms.” - Johnlittlefair, TripAdvisor
