The Big Apple: A Guide to Stuff You WON'T Regret Doing (Unless You Eat Too Many Pastrami Sandwiches)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps (except for that time everyone collectively decided to take a nap during the Great Blizzard of '88). It's a concrete jungle where dreams are made of, and where you're equally likely to bump into a celebrity chef or a rogue pigeon with a surprising fashion sense. But with so much to see and do, it can be enough to make your head spin faster than a taxi driver trying to dodge a jaywalker.
Fear not, fellow adventurer! This here guide will be your compass, your map, your spork (because hey, you never know when multi-use utensils will come in handy) through the chaotic beauty of NYC.
Must-Do Tourist Cliches (But Cliches for a Reason!)
Become a Skyscraper Gazer: You can't visit New York without craning your neck and saying "Wowee!" at least once. Empire State Building? Check. Top of the Rock? Absolutely. The Edge at Hudson Yards (if you're feeling fancy)? You betcha. Pro tip: Time your visit for sunset for maximum jaw-dropping effect.
Channel Your Inner Child at Times Square: It's a sensory overload for sure, but that's kind of the point. Dodge costumed Elmo while snapping a selfie with Spiderman, then pretend you're not impressed by the giant, animated billboards. We all know you secretly are.
Liberty Awaits!: No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Lady Liberty. She's a symbol of hope, freedom, and letting everyone know you brought your walking shoes because ferries don't exactly do curbside drop-off.
Off the Beaten Path (But Still Totally Worth It)
Get Cultured (Without Feeling Cultured): MoMA? Sure, if you're into fancy paint splatters. But for something a little more unique, check out the Tenement Museum and learn about NYC's immigrant history. Or, for a good chuckle, head to the National Mustard Museum (yes, really) and explore the world of spicy yellow goodness.
Explore the Boroughs: Manhattan is great, but don't sleep on the other four boroughs! Wander the Brooklyn Bridge, get lost in the quirky shops of Williamsburg, or chill out in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (because sometimes you just need a break from all that concrete).
Catch a Free Show: Yup, you read that right. Central Park is bursting with free entertainment, from impromptu breakdancing sessions to Shakespeare in the Park. Who needs Broadway when you can watch Hamlet performed by enthusiastic amateurs under the twinkling lights of the city?
For the Foodie in You (Because Let's Be Honest, There's a Foodie in All of Us)
Pizza Pilgrimage: New York pizza is a religion, and you'd better be ready to convert. A slice (or two, or three) from a classic corner pizzeria is a New York right of passage. Just remember, fold it in half when you eat it (unless you want to risk a dirty look from a grumpy New Yorker).
Street Eats Extravaganza: From halal carts overflowing with savory goodness to vendors slinging steaming hot dogs, the streets of New York are a moveable feast. Don't be afraid to try something new – you might just discover your new favorite food.
Brunch Like a Boss: Brunch is practically an Olympic sport in New York. Get ready for bottomless mimosas, towering plates of pancakes, and enough eggs to feed a small army. Just pace yourself – you don't want to be napping in a park when you should be out exploring.
How to Adult in New York City (Because Adulting Never Stops, Even on Vacation)
Metro Hacks: The subway system can be daunting, but don't despair! Download a metro app, grab a MetroCard, and pretend you know exactly where you're going (even if you don't). Just ask a local for help if you're feeling lost – New Yorkers may seem gruff, but they're usually happy to point you in the right direction (as long as you don't stop them during rush hour).
Hydration Nation: Those giant skyscrapers mean a lot of shade, but they also mean a lot of walking. Stay hydrated and pack a refillable water bottle – you'll thank yourself later.
Broadway on a Budget: Let's face it, Broadway
