1) research to get to monarchy asap.
2) found your first city in a good place, exploring some if you need to. It should have some trade features(rivers or specials) and some shield features(forests or specials). I like a whale or two. Make this a super science city. It will be the only science you ever need. IF you can, build the following wonders in it in the following order:
--Hanging gardens -- gives extra trade and happiness early, and allows "we love" growth later
--colossus--more extra trade
--King richards crusade -- lets you use trade squares for production, and lets you build library etc faster.
--copernicus
--shakespeares needed to grow big
--isaac newton later in the game is good but may not be needed
lastly, do not be afraid, learn how to demand tribute for gold to build caravans to build wonders.
