*Note: If you are an actual virgin, this article may or may not pertain to you.
So you've NEVER been to New York City, eh? Well. That sucks. But fortunately for you, either you're about to embark on said journey, or you're sitting at home/work wishing you were making the trek. Either way, I'm about to break it down for you, city style. Here is my Top 10 Things you must do in New York City for a First Timer. Most of these things are overly cliché and super touristy, but I still think they're worth the hype. Note: ALL of the things on this list are Free. There are plenty of paid things to do as well, but I figured I would start with my free things.
Central Park: FREE
It doesn't get a lot better than Central Park and nothing quite embodies New York quite like the park. Go for a stroll, a jog, a paddle around the pond or for a cocktail. No matter what, take your camera, take your walking shoes and get ready for some people watching. There are over 58 miles of walking trails, horseback riding, ice skating at Wollman Rink, the New York City Zoo, paddle boats in the pond by the Loeb Boathouse, baby sailboat rentals, bike rentals, fountains and hundreds of pick-up games of every sport out there.
Staten Island Ferry: FREE
Don't be tempted to pay the money to go to the Statue of Liberty. It's expensive, your tour of Ellis Island is short and unless you have plans to go to the top of the lady's torch, there's no reason to go. Instead, hop on board the free Staten Island Ferry that leaves from the tip of downtown Manhattan in Battery Park and catch some of the best views of the island you'll get anywhere. In addition, you float right by the Statue of Liberty giving you great views of all of those chumps who got suckered into paying for the $40 tour.
Grand Central Station: FREE
For our European tourists, this stop is more miss-able as y'all have some of the most amazing historical train stations out there. But for us American's, a good classic train station is hard to come by. Enter the Grand Central Station which can be accessed by taking any train to the station including the Subway. The station is beautiful and is the backdrop for hundreds of movie scenes. It's a must see for anyone who has never been in a train station or for anyone looking to get a glimpse of the old New York.
Times Square: FREE
Times Square is busy for a reason. It's a pretty amazing sight to see. Times Square is at the junction of Broadway near 42nd where Broadway crosses 7th Ave overlooked by the old New York Times building. They've blocked most of the center of the junction off for tourists to hop over for picture taking and it's a good thing. Definitely go at night. Definitely do not go there for food or shopping (as it is all geered only at tourists and is excessively expensive and not yummy).
Brooklyn Bridge: FREE
The Brookyln Bridge is one of the most iconic parts of the New York skyline. It stretches across the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn and allows car and foot traffic in and off of the island. Walking across the bridge takes longer than you would expect (the bridge is over a mile from one end to the other, and if you’re planning on walking back across, well… you know what that means). But the views are great, the feeling of the wind whipping through you at the top is invigorating and it’s great exercise!
Washington Square Park: FREE
In the heart of Greenwich Village and New York University stomping grounds, is one of my favorite parks in New York. Washington Square Park is full of booths, street vendors & performers and some more of New York’s famous people watching. There are always lots of people around, cute takeout restaurants nearby for grabbing grub and sitting somewhere in the park for your meal. You might even get dragged into a demonstration or into a street performers act. I still swear I heard the best violinist I have ever heard busking here last summer.
Got any other hot first timer spots you would recommend? Leave a Comment
Amazing photos by Christopher Schoenbohm of www.LostManProject.com