New York City is renowned for its fast-paced atmosphere, diverse population, and numerous iconic landmarks. It would be difficult to underestimate its popularity among the millions who have visited in the past years. However, with so many opportunities to explore, it is easy to become overwhelmed just by the sheer number of places NYC has to offer. Here’s a quick guide to how to spend your time in the city:

Must-sees

Starting off strong, the Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, is situated on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and is a renowned symbol of American history. If you are entering from the harbor, it will be one of the first things you will see. To get to the statue, you must take a ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. 

Times Square is recognized as a “Crossroads of the World” due to the many billboards and flashing signs that add to the constant flow of energy. As a hub of media, entertainment, and shopping, there isn’t ever a dull sight. 

Times Square is home to the Theater District, where you can catch a show at the countless theatre locations across Broadway. The most famous musicals and shows can be found at venues such as the Richard Rodgers Theatre, and the Gershwin Theatre.  The theatres all reside between West 41st to 54th Streets in the Broadway district. 

The Empire State Building is next, showcasing the best spot to view all of NYC, as it is accompanied by observation decks up on the 86th to 102nd floor. In addition to the views, the museum offers guided tours that explain the history of the building along with the numerous pop culture references it has inhabited. 

Outdoor Spots

Moving on to outdoor activities, Central Park is located in the middle of NYC, where visitors can take on small recreational endeavors like running, picnics, or just relaxing. It presents a contrast between the grey city to a green park in Manhattan. 

Bryant Park offers year-round activities in both the winter and summer. In the winter, you can expect long lines of holiday shops, including a skating rink just for the cold weather. During the summer, there are film screenings and live-action performances put on for tourists to watch, all free of charge.

Art

NYC does not come short in its cultural and artistic standards, as it is home to many famous pieces of art. The Met, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, contains over 1.5 million pieces of art over the span of 5,000 years, making it one of the largest in the world. 

Another well-known art museum is the Museum of Modern Art, where you can find iconic pieces like Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, along with 200,000 other pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. 

Shopping 

In lower Manhattan, you can find SoHo, also known as South of Houston Street. In SoHo, you can find a diverse range of high-end boutiques, major brands, and street vendors to satisfy your shopping needs. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Prada all reside in SoHo. On the other hand, more mainstream stores like Nike and Aritzia also exist for those on a tighter budget. Another popular shopping area is Greenwich Village, known for its diverse food options, independent stores, and bohemian culture.

While the “Big Apple” seems overwhelmingly full of places to go and things to do, it’s also a part of the charm of being somewhere so stimulating. Whether you’re visiting a historical site, relaxing in Central Park, or shopping to your heart’s content, New York City has something for everyone.