NYC First Timers GUIDE: 10 MUST Do Experiences!

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10 Iconic NYC Experiences Every First-Timer Must Try
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10 Iconic NYC Experiences Every First-Timer MUST Do Chapter List:
0:00- Intro
0:12- 1) Ride in a Yellow Cab
1:09- 2) Order food from a Bodega or Deli
2:13- 3) Grab a Slice
2:50- 4) See the Statue of Liberty
4:26- 5) Go to an Observation Deck
5:06- 6) Get a Hot Dog from a Street Vendor
6:10- 7) Visit Times Square
6:45- 8) Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
7:31- 9) Holidays in NYC
8:33- 10) Go to Central Park
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"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.
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[@HereBeBarr]

Save Hours of Planning With Our NYC Guides!: bit.ly/BarrGuidesNYC1

[@timothyzakaria7397]

I'm trying to move to NYC but I'm homeless I also look at Action Kid's videos Manhattan I heard I don't know how true it is that they help the homeless come out of poverty

[@user-cv8oi8pm3p]

Please ❤🇺🇸

[@user-cv8oi8pm3p]

😍🙌🇺🇸

[@whitbydude]

A couple of more suggestions: ride the Roosevelt Island tram at dusk for amazing views, ride the elevated 7 train to Flushing to see a variety of different neighborhoods.

[@DailyEdwards]

I’ve done both, and you’re exactly right.

[@megmaravillas]

There's something hauntingly beautiful about this city, that you will feel a part of you stays with her everytime you leave. Experienced NYC during Halloween and beginning of the Christmas Season, and as you said- The city is so magical, so beautifully chaotic!

[@keithfaust8925]

I would add going to Grand Central to this list. First timers are always amazed by the size and beauty of it, and a lot of people don't realize all the movies filmed there until they see it in person.

[@HereBeBarr]

This could/should be Top 15 haha

[@Neko123Uchiha]

Some great tips! I went for the first time in March 2020 (yes, ONE week before the shutdown hit) with my mom. She actually started to cry the first time she saw the Statue of Liberty. It was so emotional for her, because she never travelled overseas and always wanted to visit New York. Thankfully, we got lucky with the timing of our trip. Such good memories

[@orcas800]

I am going to say every first-timer needs to come and see a show either on or off Broadway. NYC is such an iconic spot with some the best theater in the world. It is the only reason why I end up in Times Square as a local, but it is worth it.

[@jamesbirtwistle6390]

I had the best time in NY as a solo holiday, I only stayed a week but I've no regrets. I managed to avoid all the tourist traps and mistakes because I watched your videos first. I did decide to walk everywhere but only so I could take in all the sites and atmosphere I could. The only thing I did splash the cash on was the helicopter ride but that was worth it. I did the staten island ferry for the statue and enjoyed sometime on staten island before coming back. I did Brooklyn Bridge and walked both ways and enjoyed DUMBO and Brooklyn. I honestly loved it and felt very safe being alone in NY during the day. It was always busy but it meant a lot was going on. Very hot at summer though. I went to the vanderbilt for the skyline and did a cheesy solo walking tour of the big sites. I did go to see the ghost busters fire station but that's because ghost busters was a favourite childhood movie. I love your channel and I loved NY

[@bryanrobinson5200]

My wife and i made our first trip for a weekend in early November. Your videos helped immensely. We did knock out 8 or 8.5 things from this list. Bryant Park already had its Christmas market and ice skating so we got a glimpse of the holidays in the city!

[@very_awake]

Local merchants must love you guys. Kudos to you guys for boosting these local businesses!!

[@alexandrealmeidamagalhaes7768]

I'm glad to say I did pretty much everything on that list. It may be a once in a lifetime experience, so you got to do it right. Relax when you get back home!

[@prinsiwo]

Thank you for making these videos! I just came back from my first visit in NYC. Only had a day and a half to sightsee but thanks to you I managed to plan it out nicely and experience the essentials!

[@michelewaters7291]

It is IMPOSSIBLE to replicate the goodness of a NYC hot dog from a street vendor. The sloppier the better. This, in itself, is a reason to come to NYC! (My only comment is if you like yellow mustard and not deli mustard, bring your own packets and sneak it on after the vendor hands you the dog.)

[@k3lvin1977]

Thank you for yet again another great video. You have been a great help over the past six months and loved watching your videos. We are coming next week and we have planned everything based on your advice.

[@explorer88]

the iconic yellow taxis are my favorite, tips on the sunset tour to see the liberty, Hudson river, the Crown inside is incredible. thanks for sharing and making the video. Good work

[@jameslouie5626]

Just wanted to Thank You for your videos. I was in NYC 2 weeks ago and watched your videos prior to going and has helped me a lot and your recommendations. Really appreciate your KZbin channel.

[@kellittav]

I'm going to NY in a month and I'm binge-watching your channel. It even helped me to decide which skyline building to visit (Summit)

[@ballardboy691]

I have always wanted to visit New York. I’m from the UK and it’s mine and my wife’s 10 year wedding anniversary this year. I have booked a 4 day trip to there and I cannot wait. I am so excited. We are coming at the end of November so I can’t wait to see Rockafellas, Central Park, you name it. Gonna be a busy 4 days!!

[@mikewilliams4262]

I love your channel, I’m planning my first nyc trip for august 2023 and I’ve already learned so much valuable info/tips from your videos

[@IgnacioClavero]

Love your videos, Jon. Hopefully, I'll be there in NYC just before Christmas. Can't wait!

[@karmadave]

I agree John. The Holidays in New York City is spectacular 🤩

[@mellow-jello]

On the second trip, check half the box with your list: Brooklyn Bridge, Observation from the ESB, Times Square, Central Park, Opening of the rink at the Rockefeller Center, plus lunch at Union Square & Wall St in the afternoon at closing bell. Thanks for validating its value as the NYC experience.

[@angelasorokan6460]

We took your advice and hit up John’s when we were in NY last weekend. Excellent pizza and what a stunning building! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@kateshort2368]

We went to a bodega by the train station on our last day, got some food for the train ride home. We both agreed it would be our first stop on our next trip. One of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Plus the workers were so nice.

[@explores_and_adventure]

I confess, I love America, but I love New York even more! It's an incredible city!! ❤😊

[@FTChomp9980]

I been to New York once and that was it because I was visiting my family from NJ I've been to Time Square before as well but I do plan of visiting New York again soon! It's one of my favorite Cities!

[@talalfarooq432]

New York is beautiful ❤️ America is beautiful ❤️. Best wishes and all the best to America. Hollywood has played the key role in popularizing American lifestyle and creating a fascination about America in the world. America just seems so familiar ♥️.

[@bonniepwtf]

This was top notch, great job Jon.

[@wordpresslife7551]

As a former new yorker I can say christmas hasnt felt like christmas sense I left new york. New york takes christmas VERY SERIOUSLY. They spend alot of money on decorations and the rockafeller center, santa clause and christmas trees, they block of certain streets all throughout the holidays. I miss christmas in new york city. You actually feel that spirit of christmas in your heart when youre in new york.

[@greg6924]

If it's the summer, you can't beat a night Yankees game.

[@johnoleary148]

As usual the main man nail's another video. Such sound practical tips and tricks for this great City. I have done 7 of these. Will be ticking off two more in April. Just won't be touching one of those hot dogs on the street, even though Billy is the man. Once you know what's in them it makes you think. Any first timers to NYC should view this video. Well done again Jon.

[@ckong3309]

Good suggestion of John's Pizzeria. They did us a solid when my fiance'e had to teach a remote class while we were on vacation, and had little time for dinner. The manager was sympathetic to our situation and had a 10" Pepperoni quickly made up which we took back to our hotel just down the street. Great pizza. Great service. Thanks to John's for making our New York trip all that much better.

[@bogotacanada]

Thank you so much for all the tips and places to visit in NYC I am planing a trip there with my family. Lovely video very knowledgable 🙂✨

[@damondunn5994]

There's nothing like seeing that tree light up live ..it's awesome

[@jamiehughes1228]

Love all you tips for NYC and being from the Uk am really hoping to visit the big apple one day as it’s always been on my bucket list.

[@spoly8139]

How's the baby? Can you do an update on Adriana and Alex? He's such a cutie!!

[@SLRTheRobotArmy]

Did 9 out of 10 on this list and honestly it was all your videos. Last year I did a solo trip and NYC was still empty so that was an experience I don’t think I’ll get to have again in my life time. Definitely planning another one and as always I will be following your great recommendations and using your guides to get the best experience. Thank you for helping make my first visit one to remember 💜. The one I missed was the taxi I was on a budget so it walking or the subway to get around with the exception of the boat ride to 🗽.

[@ramencurry6672]

My first visit to New York in 1976 was great. Loved it

[@vickil1918]

Coming as a first timer in December! Your channel has my places I want to visit growing every time I watch 🤣🤣🤣

[@CurlyQ227_]

Enjoy your trip. Between his vids and Action Kid's walks.....I felt like I was in a familiar town.

[@tonymgc82]

Great video. I find your guides so useful, a lot of your advice influenced my last trip in March… hopefully the pound will recover to a point a trip to NYC is affordable again soon

[@Ouan2009]

We going to visit next month so excited! Your videos is very helpful 💯👍

[@ryanrodriguez4535]

Thanks for the advice on johns! I work on 41st and broadway and will definitely be going to check it out!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is really awesome. You covered all the bases for things I'd like to see in New York City. Cheers! ✌️

[@rramnath1981]

Appreciate you Here you are a gem in disguise. Thanks for all your info 😉

[@gasstationking]

Thank you so much, I'm returning there this summer for the first time since I came to the US as an immigrant.

[@theusualtraveller]

Thanks! I’m going to Mozambique, Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi this year, but NY is on my bucket list!

[@Luciano.M]

By far the best video of yours, thank you!!

[@marcosalterio6306]

your videos are just the best, what a pleasure to see and to listen to you. Cheers from Argentina.

[@Kristfer83]

We've been here all week and go home tomorrow! There's only 2 things on this list that we haven't done so I'm happy 😁😁

[@JanLarson]

I agree with your choice of Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building.

[@2Wheels_NYC]

As a native NYer, I think this a great list! Billy is awesome, and the Rossi family's cart in front of the Met is great as well (so some great hot dog options either side of the park!)

[@HereBeBarr]

Totally agree!

[@mauriziogentili5157]

Beautiful !!! bellissimo .. io non potrò mai venire ma i tuoi video su NY sono meravigliosi. Thanks a lot !!

[@debrasulio4444]

I really enjoy ALL of your videos, not just NYC. I was curious have you ever done a video of NYC during, things to do in such, Thanksgiving and the Macy's Day parade.

[@py2007]

I was thinking of cancelling my yearly trip next March as things have gotten so expensive but this video is making me rethink...

[@reprintranch]

My wife grew up in midtown Manhattan, so I spent a total of about 3 months in NYC back in the 1990s. Had almost no prior experience with big cities. The one specific attraction I'd recommend that you didn't cover is the American Museum of Natural History. I love that place. The other thing I'd recommend is, be sure that you're prepared to walk at least a couple of miles per day, and bring shoes that are comfortable for walking.

[@udeychowdhury2529]

Going to NYC this year, you vids are great and really helped me, thanks

[@Phats83]

We just got back and wow NEW YORK you was amazing, the food is 10/10 the people are nice and it one of the best places Iv been

[@malcolmstirling9521]

We're visiting next May(from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿) for the first time.Everytime we watch one of your web casts what to do,where to go,,,,wish it was tomorrow we were going 👍

[@fiord9026]

Must be a Scottish thing, we too are over in May. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JonathanPastor]

very fresh and honest video, like always

[@Jaycation]

Im loving these quick cameos im in! Bleecker Street Pizza please!

[@anitaschuloff6695]

I’m a kid in a candy store when I have friends visiting. Don’t forget the THEATER and two MLB stadiums in the summer. Don’t go to chain restaurants in midtown but walk in the neighborhoods. And the shopping, oh, to die for.

[@compverson5132]

"ride in a cab" LMAO

[@gdoyle30]

my first time is happening in 6 weeks , so excited

[@Luciachan23]

My first yellow cab was with a friend’s first time to NYC. Only yellow cab I’ve been in, due to an injury on the ferry out of Battery Park. Looked at Uber options but didn’t want to worry about meeting an Uber. Just needed to make it a couple blocks so the yellow cab turned out to be just in front of us and cheaper than Uber’s quote. Now we joke that we checked it off the bucket list.

[@sharifchi]

Just booked my trip, will be there the day after Thanksgiving!

[@hellomeisha2534]

Great video with unique suggestions

[@elainefigueiredo4234]

Great Info! Thanks!

[@adzisme]

If you’re going to Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, take time to look at the various exhibits on the way to the top. You also should take a ride in a New York City Subway at least once. The Brooklyn Bridge walk is a great idea. For Pizza, I would suggest Rose’s Pizza inside Grand Central Station.

[@axebul.2366]

Was there in june and did almost everything from the list (as a first timer) and now we are going back again during Christmas 😂 Cant wait 👏

[@HereBeBarr]

✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@Gabriel-fh9ub]

Thank you for subtitles 👍

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

Jon I would like to visit NYC during the hoildays ! At least once in my life !

[@gintaremaksimovaite2955]

I love New York with all my heart❤

[@MicheleHerrmann]

I definitely recommend the combo ticket that includes Ellis Island.

[@seaninherts]

Done all of this - I recommend Joe’s original pizza - also not far from Time Square on 42nd I think, Ruby’s bar and Grill - proper dive bar. Love it.

[@crBudgetWatches]

I went recently for the 7th time to NYC and still haven't been to the Statue of Liberty . Not because I don't want to but because I haven't gotten to it yet. Such is the size of the city and things to do !!! I think going to a museum is a must, I would recommend the MET for first timers and the minimum time to do it is 3 hours, ideally 4. I think it's one of the best museums in the world I liked it better than the Louvre .

[@kellymartin4176]

My husband and I will be going the first week of March, what can we expect weather wise? We will be there for 4 days and I just found your videos. Such a great help, thank you!

[@MRP3261]

Jon Eventhough I'm a Brooklynite and a Huge Rangers fan. Maybe some things I think tourists can visit. 1 American Museum of Natural History. 2 Madison Square Garden. ( Rangers, Knicks or a Concert) 3 Coney Island ( Summertime Beach and Boardwalk, Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball, Rides including the Cyclone). All year Nathan's They are famous for their Hot Dogs 🌭 but they have great food as well. NY Aquarium. 4 Macy's Herald Square. 5 Transit Museum ( Must make appointment) 6 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Including Radio City Christmas Spectacular Saks 5 Ave Windows. 7 Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. 8 Central Park 9 Grand Central Station. 10 Brooklyn Bridge Park . Here is a new one I've been seeing in my neighborhood Sheepshead Bay and that is Whale Watching. There is a Whale Watching boat in Sheepshead Bay.

[@davebartosh5]

I'm a classic pizza type. Me and my buddies called Ray's Pizza 'the crack of pizza'. I highly recommend Wo Hop Chinese restaurant on Mott Street in China Town. I always eat down stairs. Great food, big portions.

[@isaiahsantiago7034]

As a new york veteran i can relate to all this because i meet a karen tourist and did everything u did in the vid

[@michaelchin3550]

Wonderful video. You are my second favorite youtuber! LOL. The best to you, Adriana and Alex.

[@HereBeBarr]

Number 1 is pretty good 🤣🤣

[@matth268]

Coming back again this year for phish at Madison Square garden new years run. It's a yearly tradition at this point.

[@rottweilerexpress]

Bodegas were my lifeline during my 3 month stay in NYC this past summer =)

[@letsrolloutnyc]

Great iconic must do for tourist that regular New Yorkers do.

[@robmarais]

All solid choices for first timers John! I would add one more: spend some time in one of NYC’s quiet places, just a break from the busy city. Of course Central Park or so many other parks, but also sacred spaces as well. My fave is St John the Divine up 110th but you may have others.

[@crBudgetWatches]

I think St John Divine plus Columbia University is a great combo for a relaxed walk on the UWS.

[@johnclancy6212]

Nice video. We just got back after our 30th + visit, and one thing I will say is NYC is dynamic. Yellow Cab - yes, from the airport. Way more convenient than Uber because they right there waiting for you. And if you are staying in Manhattan, I say Newark is the best airport. This last visit, we had our bags in ten minutes! We were in Murray Hill in less than an hour from the time or plane reached the gate. Have not tried the new and improved Laguardia yet. JFK is still an absolute nightmare to be avoided at all costs. We take an Uber or car service back to the airport. Observation deck - absolutely. But why not spend the $40 a person and eat at a great restaurant with an amazing view - Manhatta in the Wall Street area on the 60th floor with great views. Awesome. Do some sights and then a great lunch or dinner. Pizza yes! We like Norma Gatronomia Sicilia. Deli yes! Every visit we must have deli. Our current favorite is 2nd Avenue. And if you are the LES try Russ & Daughters Cafe. Have a board and an egg cream. We happen to like Katz. We order their pastrami by the pound so we always have some on hand. Dirty water dog? Its been decades. Grew until going to Nathans out the Bronx River Parkway. Used to love Grey’s Papaya - all gone. There is still one Papaya King. I saw that Nathans has carts in front of the MET. One of these days we we take the subway out to Coney Island for Nathans and walk the beach where my dad was a lifeguard back the 40’s. Central Park - Picnic! Hit the bodega, get some sandwiches and lay out by Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, or any of a myriad places. Try not to be on the go constantly. Slow down and relax. We were in Manhattan for a week and spent time in a park every day. Our newest “discovery” is the gelato shack at Madison Square Park across the street from Eately. Broadway or off broadway show, jazz club or a comedy club. A fantastic, only in New York experience.

[@bklynzfranchise]

Can’t go wrong with pizza suprema(go to whenever we got to msg or hammerstein)

[@fear_not]

You make me want to go to NY again!

[@flip1sba]

John's is one of my favorite pizzerias in NYC. I often eat there when I'm in the Times Square area.

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Very informative vlog

[@mercedeswilkins9085]

Nyc is very magical during holiday times

[@wickedstreets]

nuh uh

[@damondunn5994]

Going to the crown of the 🗽 in November...so excited 😊

[@HereBeBarr]

🎉🎉

[@Stunl3y]

Central park zoo , it was lovely and something I hardly ever see promoted

[@SamSitar]

Mr. Barr, Times Square is also brightly lit at night. Also once i got lost in Central Park.

[@TheBingBuzz]

Still need to check out the hot dog stand! Thanks for the constant reminder haha

[@HereBeBarr]

Hahha you’re welcome

[@helletaylor726]

I’ve been to New York before but I still found this video very useful. Thank you! Just tried booking Statue Cruises with crown access for November 2023 and it was all sold out 😢

[@J_Du_Jour]

I wanted to take me and my two kids to the crown but when I checked again for March there was nothing until May 2023. Sorry girl maybe next time for us!

[@anitaschuloff6695]

It is very safe at night because everybody’s outside hanging out. The most crime-ridden neighborhood is Wall Street and the Times Square subway underground on a Saturday night is one big party not to be missed.

[@shiehernkubien9581]

Thanks!

[@gintaremaksimovaite2955]

Here, you look great ❤ Very interesting to see the video about New York 😊 Gintare Maksimovaite

[@TheSithTeacher]

A hard working nation will always rise. Stay strong... fly safe.

[@oltlghfan2008]

I go into the city all the time and for some reason, I had no desire to go into Central Park. That is until one day in 2019. I heard about Belvedere Castle and it had reopened after being under refurbishment. My trip that day was going to the City of New York Museum (which is right on Museum Mile across from the park) and then hitting up the castle. That was my first time ever in the park. As I was walking to the castle, I found some other interesting things along the way (like Cleopatra’s Needle). After my trip there, I booked a tour of Central Park from free tours by foot. We went through Central Park South and the mid section, but not Central Park North; so I went on my own a month later to explore and discovered two waterfalls in Central Park North. Who would have thought Manhattan had waterfalls? Central Park is so massive that it’s impossible to explore all of it in one day IMO. However, yes, it’s definitely a place to visit at least once. When I went it was in the summer. 😁

[@davidfaas58777]

Thanks for Sharing this A day or So I saw a terrible news Story about someone in times Square Very Sad

[@mystiandjohndendy2428]

I’m arriving at 4:30 PM and only have 1 full day and that evening. Can you give some advice what I should do for the evening portion of my arrival day? My full day I’m doing the crown tour and an observatory plus the hot dog and pizza and a fast stop in Central Park.