Top 11 Things To See On Your First Trip to New York City

I'll be the first to admit that New York City and I have always had a love/hate relationship. Though I grew up with the city practically in my backyard, I didn't fully appreciate it until I got older. As a kid, I didn't understand the hype. Every time we went into the city, we did and saw the same few attractions: Times Square, the Empire State Building, maybe Rockefeller Center around the holidays. Whenever we had family visit from elsewhere, that was all they wanted to see. We'd eat at the same places too.

But as an adult, New York City has become my playground and as a vegan, even more so. It's an entirely new world when you aren't being dragged to the same three tourist traps and eating the same food. That sense of independence has endeared the city to me in ways I hadn't thought possible. It's a mecca of food, culture, fashion, history, and entertainment, and consistently finds new ways to blend them all together. It's a city that reinvents itself with each visit but is still familiar in the best ways possible. When I step off the bus to walk into work, it may not feel like coming home but it's a warm, comfortable embrace.

While I haven't always sung the city's praises, it's one that I think everyone should visit at least once. Here are my top 11 things to see on your first trip to New York City.

Times Square

You'll need to visit Times Square, even if it's just to say you've seen it. Maybe even sit on the red steps at the base. My current office building overlooks Times Square (you can actually see the New Year's Eve ball from the window!) so I always walk by it on my way in and while I will never understand why folks gather so early to watch a ball drop, there's something quintessentially "New York" about Times Square. From the towering skyscrapers and chain restaurants to the neon signs and gigantic flashing LED boards, it screams "City That Never Sleeps". It's claustrophobic and infested with tourists so take your picture and keep it moving. You don't need to stick around but other stops nearby include Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. If you get hungry, Beyond Sushi and Le Botaniste are both nearby.

Empire State Building

Another bucket list item you'll have to do just once, whether you're looking at it from the bottom or from up above. At 102 stories tall and the focal point of the iconic New York City skyline, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the city until the completion of the One World Trade Center in 2012. It has been voted the #1 Attraction in the U.S. in each of the last three years on top of being named the #1 Attraction in the (ENTIRE) World this year by TripAdvisor. It's on this list (and every other NYC list) for good reason; it epitomizes New York City. It gets lit up in a rainbow of colors to commemorate different events or milestones, and you'll see it in any movie that takes place in the city. King Kong, anyone? If you have time, check out the Empire State Building Observatory for a panoramic view of the city but be sure to book your tickets in advance. They start at $79 for adults.

One World Trade Center

Also known as Freedom Tower, the One World Trade Center, constructed following the destruction of the Twin Towers, is the tallest building both in the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere, and the seventh tallest building in the world overall. It's an architectural marvel and functions as an office building with access to the PATH and subway.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Just south of the One World Trade Center is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Among all the glitz and glamour and noise of New York City is a space where time seems to stand still. I was five when the Twin Towers fell and I remember coming home to see my dad in front of the TV, watching the news. Many of my family members missed buses or trains that morning into the city. I also distinctly remember the aftermath, when my dad, members of the Sikh community, and others who looked like us were targeted. The museum and memorial are a stark, haunting reminder of how cruel the world can be and how it's crucial for us to come together, to support one another, and be in community.

Food, Food and More Food

The city is one of the culinary capitals of the world and with as diverse as its population is (it's the Melting Pot, duh), the cultural influence on its food scene is unparalleled. Where else can you find as eclectic a menagerie of food? Every corner of every street in every neighborhood has something new and unique to offer. With world-class chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants, bodegas and delis at every turn, and coffee shops, you could spend your entire trip wining and dining. Don't forget to try the pizza and bagels (though I'm partial to Jersey pizza and bagels, and think they're obviously superior). Take a walk in Central Park and grab a hot dog. Try one of the many halal carts or food trucks. New York is a city that constantly evolves and reinvents itself, and its food is no different.

If you're vegan like me? Welcome to paradise. Though I don't think it's as vegan-friendly as some other cities (London, Los Angeles, etc. come to mind), there are incredible vegan food spots. Find Sichuan food at chain Spicy Moon, plant-based pizza at Double Zero, or splurge at the three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, which went fully vegan in September of 2022. If you venture out of Manhattan, try vegan comfort food at Modern Love in Brooklyn, which is a personal favorite.

Central Park

Even though it's technically only the sixth largest park in New York, you won't realize how massive Central Park is until you've tried to navigate it. It's so big, it's split into thirds: the North End, South End, and Mid-Park. It's one of the most visited attractions across the world and there's so much to do, you'll discover something new every time you step foot inside. If you're here in the winter, skate on the Wollman Rink but there are plenty of events and concerts all year round, including Shakespeare in the Park. You can go boating or do a bike tour, or just walk through. Even better, pick up lunch and go for a picnic in the park. The possibilities are endless.

Shopping/Hitting Up 5th Avenue

I don't endorse shopping and consumption for the sake of shopping and consumption; I believe in conscious consumerism BUT if you happened to need something, wanted to buy a souvenir or two, or wanted to window shop, this is where you want to be. I have gotten into the habit of no longer buying souvenirs for folks unless they're edible or something unique to the place I've gone (or something like a fridge magnet or Christmas tree ornaments, which my parents collect). Popular brands like Rothy's, Patagonia, Mara Hoffman, Reformation and more all have physical locations in Manhattan. You'll also have no trouble finding thrift shops! Or come in September for New York Fashion Week (though it feels like every week is Fashion Week in this city).

Museum Hopping

In addition to being a culinary capital, New York City is a historical and cultural mecca, and its host of museums offer a glimpse into that heritage and identity. You'll find your standard museums like the Met, the MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History, plus some conventional ones like the Musem of Sex. Plus, there are always transient exhibits or pop-up museums, like this Louis Vuitton exhibition I visited with my mom two years ago.

Brooklyn Bridge

If you have time, I'd also recommend venturing out to Brooklyn to visit the landmark Brooklyn Bridge and eat pizza at Grimaldi's at the corner of Front Street (if you're not vegan). When I visited years ago, they still had red-and-white checkered tablecloths and it symbolizes New York pizza. They have gluten-friendly and cauliflower pies but you'd have to call to ask about vegan options (if any). Definitely make a reservation because lines get long. Walk across the bridge first, which spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn and was the longest suspension bridge in the world in 1833. You can also bike across if desired. Just don't forget to keep moving and stand off to the side to take photos if it's busy. Common courtesy still applies.

Rockefeller Center

Though it's prettier in the winter, first-time visitors should also check out Rockefeller Plaza and the surrounding complex. It might be known for the Christmas tree and ice skating, but Rockefeller Center is actually comprised of 19 different buildings that span about 22 acres. Many music and art events take place here, and you can also explore the observatory (Top of the Rock). You can also catch a show at Radio City Music Hall (if you're visiting around the holidays, watch The Rockettes)! If you're looking for a bite to eat, Vegan On The Fly is close as well as a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which has several non-dairy and vegan flavors available (which vary by location).

Watch a Sports Game/Match

This wouldn't be one of my blog posts without a sports-related recommendation but in my defense, New York City is known for its sports teams. The MLB's New York Yankees are an organization that transcend the sport that they play; you can't go anywhere without bumping into someone wearing the iconic blue logo baseball cap, even if they have no idea what the symbol means. But their games are fun too and you can usually find cheaper tickets to sit at the top. You can also check out the New York Mets in Queens, the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders at Barclays, NYCFC, or either the New York Knicks or New York Rangers at Madison Sqaure Garden (who are the most centrally, conveniently located). If you want to watch (American) football, you'll have to cross the Hudson for that.

I also would not be a good professional if I didn't shout out the US Open, if you're here during the late summer before schools open. It's the world's biggest sporting event, on the biggest stage, in the Big Apple. You don't even need to know tennis to come but it's definitely a bonus. US Open Fan Week, which takes place the week before the US Open Main Draw, fans can come onto the grounds for free! It's an opportunity you won't want to miss.

What else do first-time visitors to New York City need to do? Let me know below.