New York City is fun at any time of the year, but summer always brings out the best of me and a city like New York. I love visiting major cities, and New York is one that I keep gravitating back to in any season, but summer is when it is at its best. Eating alfresco, taking in the sites on foot and enjoying the rooftop bars and outdoor activities. There are so many fun things to do in Summer in New York, but here are the top ten things to do for your first time in New York this summer. 

How to get to New York 

Singapore Airlines has a non-stop 17-hour flight to Newark; however, if one flight lasting 17 hours seems too long, there are other options like United Airlines, Korean Air, British Airways and Air France, to name a few. 

Transport 

Private Transfers: This is the easiest way to get from the airport to Manhattan and can be organised online here.

Airport Shuttles.com – you can book your transfer online before your Journey begins; this makes it a cost-effective and efficient way of getting into Manhattan.

Taxi – This is by far the easiest way to get to Manhattan, JFK taxis have a flat rate, but the other airports are a metered fare.

Trains – JFK and Newark airports by train will take, on average, about 1.5 hours and must change a couple of times. 

Uber/Lyft – Ensure you uploaded the app before arriving and set up your account so that once you visit, it is as easy as adding your pick-up location and destination. 

Things you should know before you go to New York City

Visa

If you are still determining whether you need a visa, you should check ivisa as it takes the stress out of searching the embassy information. It is a one-stop shop for all visa enquiries.

Insurance

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who will be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are on a short vacation.

Tipping

First-time visitors to New York can find this place intimidating, especially when it comes to tipping (or maybe that was just me!). Have small notes on hand because tipping is expected in this part of the world. The rule of thumb is some restaurants will already have a fee in the bill, so check first; however, for exceptional service, you should consider around 20-25% (some places help you work it out), although it is not mandatory, you should consider almost everyone in a service environment. Hence, this is why lots of small notes come in handy.

New York Explorer Pass 

This little pass will save you time and money, especially if you are only here briefly. The Explorer Pass will allow you to see as many attractions as possible; there is no limit on how many you can see in one day. The list has over 90 things to do and see, from riding bikes to entry to museums; it has all the major events and attractions and many hidden gems. Order your New York Explorer pass here.

Ten Top Things to Do for your first time in New York in Summer

1 Enjoy the view from The Empire state building

For a first-time visitor, this is a must on your bucket list in New York; the views of the city are excellent, and in summer, when the sun is shining and the sky is clear, there is no better way to see this amazing city than enjoying a fantastic unobstructed 360-degree on the 86th floor of the outdoor observation deck. If you are like me and like to plan, then book your ticket here to ensure you skip the long lines at the Empire State Building.

2 Discover the secrets of Grand Central Station

You may not need to catch a train outside New York, but you must visit the iconic Grand Central station. There is more to Grand Central Station than you have seen in tv shows like “gossip girl” or movies like “Carlito’s way”. This legendary station and its beautiful architecture with the world’s largest Tiffany clock is the world’s largest train terminal. Discover the secrets of Grand Central Station on a guided walking tour. 

3 Catch a Yankees Game

Americans love their sport, and as a first-time New York visitor, you must catch a beloved Yankees game. With so much history attached to this stadium and the Bronx Bombers, watching a game at Yankee Stadium is a must while visiting in the summer. Combine a day exploring Harlem and the Bronx areas on a guided tour which includes a tour of the Yankee stadium and then ends in cheering on the New York Yankees! 

4 Visit The World Trade Center

One World Trade Center is an office building with an observation deck in lower Manhattan. The One World Trade Center is currently the tallest in America and the seventh-tallest globally. You can also visit the World Trade Center Memorial and the 9/11 Museum. While there, take a guided tour and follow the path of the first responders during 9/11. This tour will give you insight into the heroic stories of those who survived the horrific ordeal.

5 Spend the day in Central Park

There is plenty to see and do in Central Park, especially during the warm summer days. There are many ways to explore Central Park; you can take a carriage ride, hire an electric scooter or take a guided bike tour. There are many walking tours to choose including a fabulous one on Central Park movie locations. You can take a picnic, head to the zoo or head out to explore it on your own on foot. 

6 Get amongst the lights in Time Square

For any first-time visitor in NYC to ensure you capture what this magical city is renowned for, you must visit Time Square. You will be amazed at how this section of the city makes you feel. The bright lights, the crowds and characters you can get photos with (for a price). It is like stepping straight into a movie set. However, it gets busy, with thousands of tourists each day, and if you want to avoid the crowds, head out early in the morning. 

7  Take in a Broadway show

While you are in the area, you must see a broadway show; even if stage shows aren’t really your thing, you will regret not going if you have come all this way. Pick up a ticket online for your favourite show so you won’t miss out here, or if you don’t mind what show you see on or off broadway, then many shows offer reduced ticket prices for same-day shows, so you can always head off to the theatre box office as soon as it opens and pick up tickets there.

8 Head over by ferry to Ellis Island 

Everyone knows that the Statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark in New York, but what about Ellis Island? Travel by ferry to visit two of New York’s major tourist locations by incorporating a day out on Ellis island while stopping off to see the Statue of Liberty along the way. See where millions of immigrants were welcomed to America before Ellis island officially closed in 1954.

9 Take a tour of your favourite tv locations

Take a tour of Gossip Girls, friends or Sex in the city location sites. Travel by air-conditioned bus around Manhattan and be transported straight into some of the best tv shows filmed in NYC. Sit in the lobby of the Empire Hotel or see the bar owned by Steve and Aiden; if you are a fan of either gossip girl or sex in the city, you’ll know these are two iconic locations in these tv programs.

10 Explore the neighbourhoods

Whether you explore the neighbourhoods that interest you or head out on a guided tour, this time of year will allow you to walk from one side of Manhattan to another. So go on a food tour of Little Italy and Chinatown or head out and explore areas like Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn; there is plenty of things to do in the city that never sleeps.

Accommodation

Budget

Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park

The location to this hotel is fantastic for the price. The staff are friendly, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and they are precisely what you need after a hard day walking around Manhattan’s streets. This hotel has a gym, private parking (if needed), family rooms, and good city views. Everything you want for your stay in NYC during the summer for a first-timer. 

Splurge

J W Marriott Essex

 I can not fault this hotel; the hefty cost is worth every cent. However, the location is ideal, just on the corner of Central Park (165 Central Park South), with gorgeous views from your hotel window. I found the service is also World-Class, friendly and helpful when needed. The rooms are beautiful, and the architecture gives it that old-world charm.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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