Use a metro card and you don't have ask the bus driver for a transfer - it's automatic when you transfer from one bus to another.

I suggest you do not feel the need to see the entire city on your first trip...it won't happen. A New Yorker myself, I've yet to experience all the city has to offer (and I don't know anyone who has, who isn't retired and independently wealthy). First, decide which neighborhoods will best meet your needs for this trip. For a first time visitor, some of my personal favorites: West Village, Union Square, Upper West Side (by Central Park), Times Square (probably no more than two hours; 4 if you're watching a show!), and SoHo. As others have suggested, taking the subway is the best way to get around unless it's very late at night (they are not as frequent), so I would recommend taking a cab during those times (never had a safety problem). Manhattan may seem like a small walkable island, but you might find it exhausting to walk around all day. Unlimited metrocard is a must; $27 for weekly pass, $7 for "fun day" pass. Please avoid lodging in the Times Square area - it's in no way "real NY" and I think in hindsight, you'll regret it. You will be surrounded by mostly tourists, corporate buildings and large, generic shops and eateries (Olive Garden, Virgin Megastore, M&M store, Applebee's...- come on, you didn't come to NY for that experience, right?). I would suggest staying by Central Park (though not above the mid 80s for it turns rather residential); east or west side. The advice on ignoring people who are oddly persistent in trying to get your attention could not be more true - it's not considered rude to ignore them and walk away, it's actually a survival mechanism, both mentally and sometimes physical (ironically, this tends to happen most in the Times Square area - another reason to stay away). I hope you enjoy your first trip to NYC!

Fruitfly - How old are you and where are you from? Did you say you're not from a city? Those questions are asked 'cause that could help with deciding on what may be good ideas of things to do here.

Don't worry - NYC will be an eye-opening experience for you. Happy to hear you're coming to my city.

I believe I mentioned this before, but no need to travel around NYC only during the day. We're out at all times of the day and night -- "The City that never sleeps".

Try to get to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Wonderful, wonderful. If you're interested I can give you more specific directions.

You've gotten some wonderful advice here. I was in NYC about a month ago and a man I was talking with on the plane had a Red Map of NYC--I never could find one once I arrived--he said he had bought his a Border's Bookstore so look into getting one before your trip. The Red Map was easy to read and easy to carry--you can also order them on line--just do a Google search for Red Maps. Have a wonderful time!

I bought a couple of red maps and two others. However, the maps I ended up using were the very detailed maps of smaller areas of manhattan that the hotel concierge had. They were the only ones with sufficient detail to really get around with. (Although the midtown red map was great for planning shopping.)

Sorry if I shortchanged the Red Maps in my prior post. They were excellent for finding specific stores, etc. However, due to the detail given on the Red Maps, one map can't cover all of Manhattan. They can tell you, for example, where to shop on 5th Avenue, but not how to get from 5th Avenue to Chinatown. (BTW, the Red Map for Boston was great!)