A first-timer’s guide to New York Comic Con

By Isabella Escobar

I had the privilege of attending the most wonderfully nerdy event ever, New York City’s Comic Con, this year. It would be my first time attending a convention of any kind, let alone one as massive as Comic Con. As a first-time attendee, here are a few tips I picked up during my weekend. 

1. Pre-prep

Before you even attend Comic Con, it’s recommended to pick up your badge days in advance if you missed the cutoff date to get your badge mailed to you. Day 1 can be hectic, with extremely long lines that can eat away at your con time. So, if you’re trying to get in ASAP, getting your badge early can save you that stress. 

Another invaluable tool you can get way before and during your time at Comic Con is their official app. The app itself provides full access to an interactive map of the Javits Center, a schedule for all four days, and details on which guests and panels will be making appearances, as well as which companies will have interactive booths. You’re able to explore, featuring notable companies like Duolingo and Crunchyroll, among others. It is an absolute game-changer when planning your visit. The app will also give you live notifications fifteen minutes in advance of any events you’ve saved for each day.  

2. When in doubt, expect traffic

If there’s one thing you can predict and be right about, it is New York City traffic. Taking public transportation can get you there faster and worry-free. That being said, if you’re like me and took the scenic route for the convenience of a car, make sure you leave extra early. What can seem like a quick ride or drive can turn into hours of honking and bumper-to-bumper congestion. Traveling with an experienced driver is also a must, whether that be yourself, a friend, or a family member. Manhattan can be hard to navigate with packed streets and constant road closures, especially when hitting peak traffic times or nearing the Javits Center itself. 

3. Bring cash 

While the majority of vendors, artists, and more at Comic Con do accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and other forms of digital payment methods, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you. The center provides attendees with Wi-Fi; however, with thousands of people connected at once, the service can be spotty, which at times results in delays and transaction issues. While the Con center does have ATMs, bringing cash beforehand can allow for a much smoother transaction, especially in busier areas like Artist Alley and the Autograph queues. Besides, who wants to pay an extra fee at an ATM when that money could go to more Comic Con trinkets?  

 4. Pack water and snacks

One thing you’ll learn very quickly is that food is very expensive. Not even something as simple as a Coke from a vending machine is safe, as it can cost you close to six dollars. Multiply that by four days, and it will add up. To save some time and money, try packing your own snacks and a refillable water bottle. The Javits Center has a variety of areas that allow you to refill water as many times as you need. A bonus is that if you happen to own a Wild Bill’s mug, please bring it. You’re able to pay once a day for unlimited refills for the entirety of that time. As for snacks, items like granola bars, trail mix, and chips can go a long way when you’re between events.  

5. Be early to events, seriously

If there’s one rule to follow for panels and other scheduled events at Comic Con, it’s to get there as early as possible. Some events will fill up before others. Big-name panels, such as Capcom, Marvel, or any other major studio, can fill up incredibly quickly, sometimes even hours before the event is scheduled to start. Seats will often be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the room reaches maximum capacity, no one will be allowed to enter. Not even if you made reservations or have a press or VIP pass, once the staff says entry is closed, they 100% mean it’s closed. While it may seem too early and a bit of a hassle if there’s an event that is a must on your list, plan out the time accordingly to secure your spot. 

6. Be aware of your surroundings

The convention center can feel and be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in the Javits Center, which makes it extremely easy to get lost. Thankfully, there are plenty of areas that have signs, maps, and other indicators that can help guide you through this enormous space. Additionally, staff and security personnel will be stationed throughout various points of the venue to help guide you in the right direction. They are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to approach and ask nicely for help, even if it’s more than once. 

7. Comfort is key

It may sound obvious, but comfort is key when at Comic Con, and not the pajamas and slippers kind of comfort either. Comfortable shoes are a necessity, as you’re most likely going to be spending the entire day exploring the con, and that means you’ll be on your feet for hours.  It’s also important to wear light, breathable clothing, as the temperature in the Javits Center tends to fluctuate due to the large number of people packed into a small area. Don’t worry if you’re unable to cosplay your favorite heroes (or villains); a plethora of people are decked out in their favorite merchandise to represent their respective fandoms.  

At the end of the day, Comic Con can be a unique experience for everyone. From the fantastic events, passionate fans, and endless booths, take the time to enjoy these unforgettable experiences. By the end of it, you’ll be counting down the days for next year’s NYC Comic Con on October 8th-11th, 2026.