Rise early and beat the crowds to the Empire State Building, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Take the elevator to the 86th floor observatory and marvel at stunning 360-degree views of NYC.
Located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick's is a stunning Neo-Gothic style cathedral that has served as a spiritual center for New Yorkers for over 150 years. The cathedral often hosts classical music concerts in addition to regular services.
No visit to New York would be complete without a trip to Times Square. Gawk at the billboards, snap photos with the Elmos and Mickey Mouses, or visit the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds. There are also plenty of popular eateries in the surrounding area, such as Shake Shack and Junior's.
Visit the majestic New York Public Library, which boasts an impressive collection of over 53 million items, including ancient manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Don't forget to pop into the Rose Reading Room, one of the most photographed libraries in the world, known for its ornate chandeliers and high ceilings.
Central Park is a must-see, especially in the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Take a leisurely stroll through the park, rent a bike, or even take a carriage ride. Don't miss the Central Park Zoo, the Conservatory Garden, or the Alice in Wonderland statue while you're there.
Wrap up your day with a visit to One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the poignant 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Don't miss the panoramic views from the One World Observatory on the 100th floor, where you can see the city's skyline for miles on end.
The best way to get around NYC is via public transit, such as the subway or bus system. Both options are relatively affordable and offer extensive routes throughout the city. Be sure to pick up a MetroCard at the beginning of your trip to make travel efficient and seamless. Uber and Lyft are also readily available for those who prefer to travel by car.
If you have more time, be sure to add a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Both museums are renowned for their world-class art collections.
If you have less time, consider skipping One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as they can be emotionally taxing and may take up a significant portion of your day.
There are three major airports that serve the New York City area: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. JFK is the largest airport and typically offers the most direct international flights.