If you're visitng New York for the first time, here are a few travel tips for the first-timer which could prove useful on your journey.

Getting around
As with all cities, the best way to explore New York is by foot. With its imposing skyscrapers, mad rush of people and cacophony of sounds, New York can be intimidating at first, but can be enjoyed to the fullest once you get used to the hive of activity in this cosmopolitan city. Of course it does pay to be street smart and such precautions as keeping a watchful eye on your wallet goes without saying.

To get around New York, you can either make use of the city's subway system or hop on a bus. Apart from tokens, buses and subway stations also operate on a Metrocard system which is a cheaper way to get around if you plan to do a lot of traveling.

Cultural melting pot
One of the first things which will strike you is just how multicultural a place New York is and a great way to experience this cultural diversity is to visit small neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Chinatown and the Hispanic Lower East Side each with their own unique character.

What is worth seeing?
A good place to soak up the New York vibe is Times Square which is at the heart of the city, while the Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty should be on any first timer's travel itinerary. New York is also a shopper's paradise and places such as Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Madison Avenue should satisfy even the most demanding of shopaholics.

Finally, remember not to cram your schedule too much because part of the charm of New York is taking it slow and just immersing yourself in the city's magical atmosphere.