WALK

Walking around New York (and any city, really) is the best way to take in all the sights, sounds and smells. Central Park and the Highline provide urban green spaces for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle, while a loop around SoHo or Rockefeller Center can give you the burst of energy (and window shopping) you were looking for. Don't forget about a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. There is a delicious pizza place just on the Brooklyn side - more on that later.

ART

The options for exploring the art world are endless in NYC, but here are a few of my favorites:

MoMA - The Museum of Modern Art houses an amazing permanent collection of modern and contemporary pieces that even the untrained eye would recognize. From Van Gogh to Picasso to Kandinsky, the walls are adorned with all the greats. Rotating exhibits are also a must-see and currently on display is American artist Georgia O'Keefe.

The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is arguably the most famous in the city and for good reason. While you could spend weeks or months in the many galleries and never really see it all, you could also just pop in for an hour or two and check out the highlights. The Egyptian Temple of Dendur from 10 BC, Raphael's Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints from 1504, Emmanuel Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware from 1851, and Jackson Pollock's 1950 Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) are just a few.

The Morgan Library and Museum. Now this is a real treasure and one that I just visited for the first time. The permanent collection started as Pierpont Morgan's personal library and has grown to include works by Peter Paul Rubens, Gutenberg Bibles and Cylinder Seals from the Babylonian Empire. If you haven't read The Personal Librarian, now is the time. It tells the story of this transformation and the incredible woman who lead the journey.

BREAKFAST

Liberty Bagels: With locations all over Manhattan, you are sure to stumble upon these quintessential NY breakfast go-tos.

LUNCH

JG Melon (3rd Ave and 74th St.): This cash-only legendary burger joint is one I hit-up every time I visit NYC. There is something about those green and white checkered table cloths and the way the cheese melts on the perfectly imperfect burger patties.

MoMA Cafe - Get your Modern Art fix around lunch time so that you can enjoy the delicious Italian cuisine at the cafe on the second floor. Bring your appetite.

DINNER

The Whitby Bar and Restaurant (18 W 56th St.) will take you across the pond to England with it's chic pub-by decor and menu. Get the dessert cheese plate for an appetizer. That dollop of honey gets me every time.

Freeman's: Almost hidden down an alley in between the East Village and Lower Manhattan is this tavern-style, warm American restaurant that is actually just as good for brunch as it is for dinner.