A first-timer's guide to visiting New York City

So you're thinking of a big holiday for 2025 - maybe you're planning a trip to New York City for the very first time.As one of the biggest cities in the world, the Big Apple can be an overwhelming place for many holidaymakers. There's simply so much to do and so little time.Before you touch down, take note of these must-do experiences to make the most of your trip to the city so nice, they named it twice.READ MORE: The best things to do in Nashville, according to two Aussies songwriters who live thereStay somewhere with historyThe Plaza, built in 1907, is arguably one of the most famous hotels in the country and hosts an afternoon tea service inspired by the children's book, Eloise at the Plaza. For film buffs, you'll recognise the hotel from movies like North by Northwest, Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle and The Great Gatsby.Located on Fifth Avenue and right near Central Park South, the iconic luxury hotel has hosted world leaders, Broadway legends and Hollywood royalty.Alternatively, try out The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. Located on Madison Avenue on the Upper West Side, the Carlyle has been a celebrity favourite for almost a century, having hosted everyone from John F. Kennedy and Princess Diana to George Clooney and Harry and Meghan.READ MORE: 10 iconic NYC locations made famous by 'Sex and the City'READ MORE: Central Park is the most-used film location in the worldExploreCentral Park has so much to offer, including boating, ice skating and concerts in the summertime.The High Line, built on an historic, elevated rail line on Manhattan's West Side, is a free linear park which sits 30 feet (nine metres) above street level and allows you to walk through gardens, experience performances and view outdoor art installations.Watch a showNo trip to The Big Apple is complete without a visit to the Broadway Theater District. Pick from Disney's The Lion King, Wicked, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and more.Experience top attractionsNYC is home to some of the most incredible and must-see attractions including the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Visit museums like Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.(Pro-tip: Purchasing a New York CityPASS lets you visit all of these and more while saving 40 per cent off.)One of NYC's newest experiences is the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It's the city's fifth public high-rise observatory and is unlike any other NYC observation deck due to its interactive art installations and multi-sensory experiences.Check out Edge NYC at Hudson Yards to visit the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. The Edge is suspended in mid-air making you feel like you're floating in the sky.A trip to NYC isn't complete without visiting the The Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York City. The Met is the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere and contains more than 5000 years of art from around the world. For fashion fans: it also plays host to the Met Gala on the first Monday in May, each year.READ MORE: The Met Gala's most memorable looks of all timeEat and drinkEnjoy a bite at Frenchette in Tribeca – arguably one of the best French restaurants in the city. For the best bagels in town, stop by Bo's Bagels in Harlem. For gorgeous scenery, Bryant Park Grill & Cafe sits right at the centre of the stunning park, allowing you to people watch for hours while enjoying its New-American-style dining.Laser Wolf is a rooftop restaurant in Williamsburg that offers spectacular views and incredible Israeli food. You pick a protein (meat, fish or vegetables) with a set price and with it comes hummus, pita, ten different salads and dessert. It's an unusual dining experience, but gee does it work.For Italian, try Gabriel's on Central Park South. Established in 1991, the restaurant has long been a favourite for celebrities including Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer. Order the roasted butternut squash stuffed ravioli with brown butter and sage and a glass of pinot grigio. Legendary.Have a tipple at El Pingüino, a Spanish seafood bar and restaurant in Brooklyn. It has a daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm when oysters and half price and martinis cost $12.For cocktails, try Pebble Bar in Midtown. Visit 21 Greenpoint for cocktails (try Homer's Day Off – tequila, hibiscus, lime) and dinner. Fun fact: 21 Greenpoint is owned by Homer Murray, son of actor Bill Murray.The writer travelled to New York at their own expense but was supported by NYC & Company.