it was the first time that OR when

[Liza]

Hi,

Could you please tell me which is better?

It was the first time that I had been there.
It was the first time when I had been there.

Thanks
Liza

[Yankee]

Hi Liza

Use 'that'. (The word 'that' can also be omitted.)
It was the first time (that) I had been there.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Molly]

Amy's right.

You could use the other in this way:

It was the first time when I had been there that ...
It was the first time, when I had been, there that...