12 Things Every First Timer MUST DO in NYC
Found in a creator's video — every stop mapped and ready to remix.
Dreamfare Finds @dreamfarefindsFrom YouTube
This trip was folded from @HereBeBarr (Jon Barr)'s video.
12 Things Every First Timer MUST DO When Visiting NYC ! Are you visiting NYC for the First Time.. Here's my essential travel guide with 12 Things To Do 📝 Plan the Ultimate NYC Trip! Shop our NEW Guides/Itineraries: http://www.thatch.co/@herebebarr NYC Tips Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3emoIdcJfjc&list=PLb_xU7RWYGbZC8YiESUNqaf1CTXy6iEK8 N.Y.C Things To DO PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb_xU7RWYGbbYm1SHo4FjwcpNvefdPlFv Best Places To Eat in NYC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI_JbBZNtUI&list=PLb_xU7RWYGbb8kxajF5ndBf9sKOVsNm_v Cheap Eats in NYC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYtWNF9qB0I&list=PLb_xU7RWYGbaG-bDeemsNXBA-NYYQORxV GET Your FREE First-Timers GUIDE to NYC: https://my.ny-guide.com/freenycguide First Timers in New York City Chapter List: 00:00- Intro 00:27- 12. Eat a Slice of Pizza 01:23- 11. Go to a Rooftop View 02:49- 10. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge 03:26- 9. Visit Times Square at Night 04:27- 8. Explore Central Park 05:14- 7. Walk the Highline 05:51- 6. Wander Greenwich & West Village 06:44- 5. See the Statue of Liberty 07:47- 4. Roam Grand Central Terminal 08:43- 3. Visit a Museum 09:32- 2. Go to a Broadway Show 10:12- 1. Visit the 9 11 Memorial Support The Channel: My TOP Website For Booking NYC Hotels: http://bit.ly/2YBkzcF Download Awesome Music For Your YouTube Videos (1 Month Free): http://share.epidemicsound.com/z96VD Buy Some Merchandise (T-Shirts/Hoodies/Coffee Mugs): https://teespring.com/stores/here-be-barrs-store Buy Me A Slice of Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/herebebarr CONNECT- FOLLOW ME ON IG: http://www.instagram.com/here.be.barr FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/herebebarr LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/herebebarr SEND ME AN EMAIL: herebebarr@gmail.com (Note: I don't offer private tours of NYC. If it's not business related, I can't promise I'll respond but I will do my best) My Equipment: (Support this channel, by buying through these affiliate links) Canon M50 (Main Vlogging Camera): https://amzn.to/2v2b3Sb Brevite Backpack (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED): http://www.brevite.co/?rfsn=2276516.118c40 DJi Mavic Pro Drone: http://amzn.to/2qOfyJj CANON G7X MARK II: http://amzn.to/2ket6Oz GO PRO HERO 5: http://amzn.to/2iYr8g9 Go Pro Sport Kit/Accessories: http://amzn.to/2m0kUzF Big Joby Tripod: http://amzn.to/2m0mFNk Little Joby Tripod: http://amzn.to/2m0pApr New Outlander Daypack (20 L size great for holding gear): http://amzn.to/2mjy0KX Canon Battery Pack NB-13L: http://amzn.to/2kIWokF SanDisk Extreme 128GB Flash Memory Card: http://amzn.to/2jLJYsr Skinny Micromuff (essential for wind noise): http://micromuff.com/ SIGN UP FOR SCOTT'S CHEAP FLIGHTS, my BEST METHOD to FIND OUT ABOUT AMAZING FLIGHT DEALS: https://scottscheapflights.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=here_be_barr "More About Here Be Barr" I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go. Don't be shy to reach out via Social Media. MUSIC: Epidemic Sound- Sheep Rotation- Jobii
Know before you go 🧳
The practical stuff for New York City, United States — check these before you book and pack.
Entry & immigration
- Passport & validity — Rule of thumb: many countries require passport valid for 6+ months beyond your planned return. Verify your passport validity against U.S. entry rules before travel.
- Visa/ESTA note — Visa requirements vary by passport. The U.S. has the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for some countries; check the U.S. embassy/immigration site or IATA Travel Centre for your passport.
- Customs & restricted items — Declare agricultural products, large amounts of currency, and certain goods. Check U.S. Customs and Border Protection for up-to-date rules and prohibited items.
- Emergency number — For police, fire or medical emergencies dial 911 anywhere in the U.S.
Health & safety
- Vaccinations & checks — There are no universal pre-entry vaccine rules that apply to all travelers; check CDC and your local health authority for recommended or required vaccines for the U.S.
- Tap water — Tap water in NYC is generally safe and drinkable from public supplies; use bottled water if you prefer or have a sensitive stomach.
- Travel insurance — Carry travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital treatment—U.S. healthcare is expensive if uninsured.
- Local healthcare access — Urgent care clinics and 24/7 ERs are common; for non-emergencies consider urgent care rather than an ER to save cost and time.
Money & tipping
- Currency code — Currency: United States Dollar (USD). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; carry a small amount of cash for tips and small purchases.
- Tipping norm — Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants is standard; $1–2 per bag for porters, $2–5 for ride-share drivers for longer rides. Tips are expected in many service situations.
- Cards & ATMs — Most places accept Visa/Mastercard/AMEX; notify your bank of travel and expect ATM fees. Use bank ATMs for better rates.
- Contactless & mobile pay — Contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted across NYC.
Power & connectivity
- Plugs & voltage — Plugs: Type A/B; Voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz. Bring a plug adapter and a voltage converter only if your devices aren’t dual-voltage.
- Mobile data & eSIM — Major carriers and MVNOs offer prepaid SIMs; eSIMs work in many phones—compare short-term plans before arrival for best rates.
- Wi‑Fi availability — Free Wi‑Fi available in many hotels, cafes, airports and some public spaces, but don’t rely on it for sensitive transactions.
- Power banks — Carry a power bank for long days; subway stations and buses don’t consistently have charging points.
Local customs & manners
- Personal space & queuing — New Yorkers value personal space and orderly lines. Stand to the right on escalators, keep moving on sidewalks during busy hours.
- Subway etiquette — Avoid blocking doors, offer seats to those in need, keep bags on your lap during crowded trips, and keep voices low on public transit.
- Casual but direct — Communication is relatively direct and informal—being punctual and efficient is appreciated.
- Safety awareness — Stay alert in busy tourist areas and on public transit, especially at night; secure belongings and avoid isolated streets.
Weather & what to pack
- Best months to visit — Best times: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds. Winters (Dec–Feb) are cold with possible snow; summers (Jun–Aug) are hot and humid.
- What to pack — Pack layers for variable weather, a waterproof jacket for rain, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella. In summer bring lightweight clothes; in winter a warm coat.
- Seasonal considerations — Spring/fall can change quickly—carry a light layer. Summers may require sun protection and hydration; winters need insulated footwear and gloves.
Language & key phrases
- Official language — English is the primary language used for official business and everyday communication.
- Useful phrase 1 — "Where is the subway/train station?" — useful when navigating transit; locals will usually give quick directions.
- Useful phrase 2 — "How much is the fare?" — helpful for buses, taxis and private shuttles; confirm payment methods accepted.
- Useful phrase 3 — "Can you help me, please?" — polite and effective if you need directions or assistance.
Arrival & getting around
- From JFK Airport — JFK to Manhattan: options include AirTrain plus subway (most economical), airport shuttle, rideshare/taxi (flat fare to Manhattan subject to surcharges), or private car.
- From Newark Airport (EWR) — EWR to Manhattan: NJ Transit or Amtrak trains from Newark Liberty Intl Station via AirTrain, airport shuttles, rideshare/taxi; travel time varies with traffic.
- From LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — LGA to Manhattan: buses + subway, airport shuttle, or rideshare/taxi. LaGuardia has no direct rail link to Manhattan.
- Getting around NYC — Public transit (subway and buses) is the fastest for many trips. Taxis, rideshares and Citi Bike are widely available; walking is practical for short distances.
General guidance, not legal advice — entry and health rules depend on your passport and change often. Verify with official sources before you fly.
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