If you are just starting out, you don't need any special equipment to enjoy the night sky.  Most of the constellations and planets can been seen with the naked human eye.  All you need is a location where you can see the sky without too much interference from houshold or street lights.   Country viewers have an advantage here because the darker the night, the better the viewing.

For this reason, it is also best to view the sky on nights where there is little moon.  The Skymaps links gives a monthly moon chart so you will know each month when the moon is palest.

A good pair of binoculars or even a telescope will enhance viewing even more.