If you have zero gardening experience and you're growing in a city, I'd recommend a self-watering rectangular planter box, ideally one that is 24 to 36 inches long, 10 to 12 inches deep, and made from UV-resistant resin or powder-coated metal. Look for a model with a built-in water reservoir, a water-level indicator, drainage holes, and an overflow valve. This type is forgiving: you fill the reservoir, the soil wicks up moisture, and you don't have to guess how much to water every day. A rectangular shape also gives you more planting space than a round pot and fits neatly against a balcony wall or railing.
For a true beginner, avoid very small pots, terracotta containers that dry out fast, and complicated irrigation systems. A self-watering planter with casters or handles is even better because you can move it as the sun changes. Fill it with good-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Start with easy plants such as herbs, lettuce, chives, mint, or compact cherry tomatoes. Place it where it gets about four to six hours of sun, check the water indicator once or twice a week, and add a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
The best choice is not the fanciest planter; it is the one that makes watering simple and gives your plants enough root space. A medium-sized self-watering urban planter box with drainage and a reservoir will help you learn without drowning or drying out your first plants.