For those visiting New York City for the first time, Central Park probably needs no introduction. One of the most beloved parks in the world, the park spans an impressive 843 acres. There's so much to see and do in Central Park, you can easily spend the entire day exploring, but if you'd like some guidance, click the link below for a complete guide on the best things to do in Central Park. Local's Tip: If you're pressed for time, hop on a bike and take a ride around the entire park loop.

Ask anyone about the one thing they want to see in NYC and Times Square is sure to come up. Drawing in 50 million people a year, visiting Time Square is one of the most popular things to do in New York City, so prepare for crowds. Even with the crowds, Times Square (specifically at night) is something everyone should experience at least once. Fun fact: The buildings in this area are required by law to have a minimum amount of lights on display (to live up to the area's reputation).

NYC is known as the Concrete Jungle for a reason, and there's no better way to experience the city’s splendor than catching views from the top of an observation deck. If you’re looking for the best view of New York City, it’s hard to beat the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, especially at sunset. Visitors can access three separate indoor/outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors for panoramic views of Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

Aptly named, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 80 acre park that sits under the Brooklyn Bridge. The irresistible view of the famous bridge takes center stage as happy couples pepper the lawn with picnic blankets and pizza boxes in tow, eager to catch the sun set over Manhattan's epic skyline. If you're up for a walk, pop onto the Brooklyn Bridge, which spans one mile and takes about 15-20 minutes to walk across. Local's Tip: The park is a stone's throw from Juliana’s Pizza (some of the best in NYC).

No trip to New York City is complete without a slice of pie. Rubirosa is a classic New York pizza joint beloved by locals and tourists alike, for good reason. They have perfected the art of marinara sauce and allow it to shine. Simplicity is key here, the focus is on quality ingredients. The best pie is the least complicated -- The TIE DYE™ Pizza comes with vodka tomato sauce, pesto sauce and fresh mozzarella. Local's Tip: Rubirosa only sells whole pizzas, not by the slice.

Best known for the monolithic grand marble arch that sits at the northern entrance of the park and overlooks the central fountain, the Washington Square Arch was built to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration. Many locals consider this one of the best parks in NYC, coming from all boroughs to spend a few hours relaxing in the lawn. Local's Tip: The welcoming atmosphere makes Washington Park a great park for people-watching.

Stepping into Grand Central Terminal feels like stepping into a European train station. The Beaux Arts design transports visitors into an intricately detailed main hall that boasts a celestial ceiling and a famous four-faced clock. Today Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic functioning buildings in New York City and sees an average of 750,000 visitors daily. Chances are high that your subway stop might warrant a visit, if not, this iconic spot is worth a detour.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is often considered the best museum in NYC and it's not hard to see why. With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world. Averaging 6 million visitors per year, this is the most visited museum in New York City. If you only have time to visit one museum in NYC, this is the one. The link below highlights The Met's most notable art pieces.

Standing as a proud symbol of American ideals, the Statue of Liberty sees more than 4 million visitors a year. Reaching the island requires advanced reservations (which book out quickly). However, the effort is worthwhile because seeing the Statue of Liberty up close is an experience you won't soon forget. Local's Tip: If you want to get closer views of the Statue of Liberty, consider taking the (FREE) Staten Island Ferry, it sails right past the Statue of Liberty en route to Staten Island.

NYC is full of historic places, perhaps none more well known that the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which serves to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. But fair warning, visiting this museum is an emotional experience. You'll need to descend down an escalator to reach the interior because it's located beneath ground level. The museum's layout is easy to navigate and the pace of the visit always feels rightfully slow, as visitors contemplate the gravity of that historic day.

You can't say you visited NYC without savoring a bagel. Ess-a-Bagel sets the standard for all NYC bagels. These bagels are perfectly airy and chewy on the inside, while the outside offers a satisfying bite few other bagel shops have mastered to this level of perfection. The long lines at Ess-a-Bagel are warranted, arrive after 2pm for a shorter wait, but don't make the mistake of skipping this beloved bagel shop during your visit.

The High Line is one of the most unique parks in New York City. The park was built atop elevated train tracks that were originally used by freight trains delivering cargo to the city. A practice that became moot with the rise in trucking. For ages, the railroad track was abandoned and neglected before being transformed into a city parkThe High Line was opened in 2009 and became an instant success.The elevated promenade stretches for 1.5 miles and receives an average 8 million visitors annually.

The Chelsea Market is a famous food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, cafes, & more. The market has 35 vendors waiting to impress with tasty treats and fare. It's easy bringing out of town guests here for a sit-down meal, a quick bite or a souvenir. There's always something to do at Chelsea Market. Highlights include: tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, spices and souvenirs from Pearl River Market.

Greenwich Village is arguably the most charming neighborhood in New York City, largely thanks to the charming brownstones. Exploring this part of town is usually the highlight of a first trip to NYC. Between the cobblestone streets, old brick townhouses, ivy covered buildings and endearing corner cafes and restaurants, you can't help but feel like you're on a movie set.

Located right off 5th Avenue, this Neo-Gothic style cathedral has been stopping people in their tracks since its completion in 1879. A stunning architectural masterpiece, St. Patrick's Cathedral welcomes more than 5 million visitors per year, making this one of the most popular things to do in New York City. Interesting Fact: The iconic cathedral took 21 years to build because construction halted during the Civil War.