Navigating New York City’s Best

Central Park: Central Park is one of the most recognizable areas of the city and is also one of the most peaceful. Spanning 51 city blocks, there are many ecosystems within just this area! You will find tree-lined promenades, shaded groves, castles and towers, soccer fields, a water reservoir and even a zoo! There are stellar views of the city from any area, and it’s truly a quintessential part of the New York City experience.

Catch a show: Broadway is the birthplace of many of America’s most beloved musicals and plays. If there’s one you know and love that is playing, or if you just want to be entertained by something new and upcoming, get tickets and enjoy! It’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Times Square: Also instantly recognizable, Times Square is an essential part of visiting NYC. From the ad screens to the people watching, there’s no feeling like being in the middle of the buzz.

A late-night show taping: Have a favorite night-time interviewer? These shows are taped in broad daylight! Not only that, but they’re also often free. Check out the website of the show to enter the lottery for tickets on your preferred date. They may not specify what stars will show when, but being there for the experience is a treat no matter who it is!

9/11 Museum and Memorial Fountains: 9/11 is a painful memory for many. If you’re feeling up to it, remember this fateful event that changed the course of US history. It’s sure to be a moving experience and incite a deep feeling of patriotism for Americans. If you don’t have time for the entire museum tour, the fountains outside its doors show where the towers once stood and are beautiful monuments just on their own.

Rockefeller Square: This is one of the most versatile stops you can make depending on the time of year you go! In the heart of midtown, this plaza boasts many points of interest. FAO Schwarz, one of the country’s most famous and interesting toy stores, sits in its heart. NBC Studios is also housed here and you may just find yourself on the news! Many vendors will park here for product exposure and you may get a free sample of goods just for being in the right place at the right time. And just around the corner is Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes! If that isn’t enough, during Christmastime, the square has ice skating available alongside its iconic giant Christmas tree. Don’t skimp out on this one!

Statue of Liberty and Battery Park: The Statue of Liberty is the ultimate American symbol. Head downtown for a view from the island’s edge in Battery Park, or take the Statue City Cruises ferry out to see the island itself. This ferry can also take you to Ellis Island, the famous immigration port many people used to pursue a new life and the American Dream.

Catch a sporting event: With Madison Square Garden home to the New York Knicks and Yankee Stadium home to — you guessed it — the New York Yankees, there will be many opportunities to catch a big-league game. Enjoy the event live instead of just flipping through on TV!

Museums: Either The Met or The American Museum of Natural History can’t lead you astray! The Met is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world with its collections featuring 1.5 million works and over 5,000 years of world culture. The American Museum of Natural History is featured in the popular hit movie "Night at the Museum" and gives you a unique opportunity to see that life-size T. rex skeleton you’ve always wanted to come across. This museum puts a stunning record of the history of life on Earth on display.

Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park: Who thinks of New York City without thinking of its iconic skyline? And what’s always included in that skyline? The Brooklyn Bridge! Free to walk across and explore — you’ll gain a new respect for architecture as you take on its 1.3 mile span across the East River. On the Brooklyn side, enjoy Brooklyn Bridge Park for a stunning — and free — view of the other side.

Tattooing at Forever Ink Bar and Grill: In my opinion, I’ve saved the best — and least obvious — hidden gem for last. In the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, head to FIB to take a class on tattooing! This does require tickets in advance, so be sure to plan this one out. You’ll have the chance to grab a drink and tattoo endless designs on your choice of synthetic skin or smooth melon. This is a unique and unforgettable must-do! If you’re up for it, put a quarter in the gumball machine and see what surprise $60 design it spits out — you can get it tattooed on the spot.

Lillie’s Victorian: Looking for a unique spot out on the town? Lillie’s is decorated from the walls to the ceiling in 1800s glam with no detail left unfinished. Paired with craft cocktails and a full menu, this is a midtown vibe you won’t want to miss out on.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: Found near the heart of Times Square, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is an eclectic environment full of fun food and Broadway hits. Enjoy Fruity Pebbles pancakes or a rainbow bagel while you listen to the next Broadway-hopeful star belt out show tunes live, complete with tabletop dancing and confetti.

Junior’s: This well-known cheesecake joint has multiple locations, with the original location in Brooklyn. Known for being the best cheesecake around, you simply can’t complete a New York trip without a slice. They do also have a full menu next door to their bakery — while the cheesecake is the star, they also make a mean poutine!

The Smith: With three locations in Midtown Manhattan, there’s sure to be a convenient way to stop. The Smith offers a robust brunch menu with stellar cocktails but is also open for lunch and dinner. With options like baked eggs a la vodka, fresh oysters and black truffle arancini, how could you skip it? They also offer a weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 pm at the bar!

Electric Lemon: Located in Hudson Yards, this restaurant offers an amazing view of the city from the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel. There is an outdoor cocktail bar overlooking the Hudson River, and this is an exceptional place to chill with a thrill on a sunny day. Brunch is also offered, and reservations are required to dine.

Giardino 54: Walking through Hell’s Kitchen, this is a mid-street doorfront you might miss if you weren’t looking for it! We don’t judge books by their covers, though. Inside, you’ll find a cozy environment serving some of the best Italian food in the city.

Tamashii Ramen (Forest Hills): You’ll have to venture to Queens for this one, but it’s worth the trek! Enjoy the authentic Asian food in an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in central Japan. It’s a smaller restaurant, but is also a lovely, intimate spot to bring good friends or a great date.

Bar 54: Feeling fancy? Check out this glass-encased rooftop bar on top of the Hyatt Centric in Times Square. Offering sweeping views of Midtown and fine craft cocktails, you’d be hard-pressed to find another spot that will make you feel more like you’re in the center of the city that never sleeps. You can even see the New Year's Ball from here!

Roof at Park South: Red alert, red alert - OUTDOOR rooftop bar! Head to the top floor to enjoy tasty drinks and appetizer snacks while taking in the fresh air and enjoying the sunset. Decked out with gas heaters, as long as the weather’s nice, this is a fantastic spring, summer and fall stop offering amazing city views.

Joe’s Pizza Broadway: Who can come to New York without a classic New York-style slice? In addition to the pizza being delicious, it’s conveniently located on Broadway. Pro tip: it’s an especially good stop after a late night out on the town, open until 3 am daily (5 am on Fridays and Saturdays), making it the perfect anytime stop.

Katz’s Deli: Last but certainly not least, the other iconic eat of NYC is its sandwiches and subs. Located on the Lower East Side, have the best and forget the rest.