First time in New York City — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in New York City, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in New York City
The Met
CultureUpper East Side
Two million artworks from every era — plan a whole day.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
OutdoorsDUMBO
Manhattan-to-Brooklyn crossing with the city's best skyline angle.
Central Park
OutdoorsManhattan
843 acres of meadows, lakes and the Bow Bridge — the city's living room.
The High Line
OutdoorsChelsea
Elevated rail-line park threading through galleries and Hudson Yards.
Where to eat
Joe's Pizza
$Pizza · Greenwich Village
Classic NYC slice, open until 4am.
Katz's Delicatessen
$$Jewish deli · Lower East Side
Pastrami on rye since 1888 — order a #1.
Le Bernardin
$$$$French seafood · Midtown
Three Michelin stars, Eric Ripert at the pass.
Lilia
$$$Italian · Williamsburg
Missy Robbins' wood-fired pasta — book a month out.
Xi'an Famous Foods
$Chinese · Multiple
Hand-pulled noodles and lamb burgers — fast and fiery.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Central Park, The High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Walk. The shortlist is curated by people who live in New York City and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.