Is it any wonder they call New York City the “city that never sleeps”? When you’re there, you realize there’s something going on every hour of the day. The city is huge, and it can seem overwhelming at times, but beneath the hustle and bustle you’ll find a surprising amount of warmth – and all the culture you can imagine.

LANDMARKS

Empire State Building: Soaring into the skyline at a staggering 102 stories high, the Empire State Building is an Art Deco masterpiece and a New York City must-see. It’s been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and the view from its observation decks is simply spectacular – on a clear day, you can see into five other states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Did you know? Since 1977, the spire of the Empire State Building has been lit in different colors for holidays, special events, celebrations, and the home games of NY-based sports teams.

Times Square: No matter how many times you’ve seen it on TV and in movies, nothing quite prepares you for the experience of Times Square. The electric heart of New York City and one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas, it’s a neon-lit wonderland filled with shops, restaurants, massive electronic billboards, and, of course, throngs of people. And Broadway is just around the corner!

Statue of Liberty: The statue of “Liberty Enlightening the World,” a gift of friendship from France to the U.S., has been welcoming both immigrants and visitors since 1886. Built of copper and worn to its famous green patina, the sculpture stands on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay. Looking for a bit of exercise? You can make a reservation to see the statue’s crown, accessible only by a challenging 162-step stair climb. (The view is amazing.)

9/11 Memorial & Museum: Commemorating the tragic attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Memorial and Museum tell the story of the day and its victims. The historical exhibition uses artifacts, first-person accounts, and more to take visitors through the day as events unfolded, and an in-memoriam exhibition honors all 2,977 victims. The memorial’s twin reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, are a place of quiet contemplation.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Greenwich Village: Simply called The Village, this bustling neighborhood in Lower Manhattan abounds with shops, restaurants (many with sidewalk seating), bars, performing-arts centers, and parks. Instead of skyscrapers, find beautiful old brownstones and townhouses on tree-lined streets. Spend some time in the neighborhood’s iconic Washington Park and admire its many statues and monuments, then sit down and enjoy a game of outdoor chess like a local.

Little Italy: The city’s Little Italy district is known for its historically Italian population, especially during the early 20th century. Here, find wall-to-wall bakeries, restaurants, and delis, all serving world-class fare. Indulge in local favorites like sausage and peppers, pizza, and scrumptious cannoli.

Chinatown: Directly south of Little Italy is Manhattan’s Chinatown. You can see the Chinese influence in the art and architecture everywhere, and of course, the cuisine can’t be beat. Try some dim sum and then venture into one of the neighborhood’s many Chinese bakeries or pick up some refreshing bubble tea.

While it’s impossible to see all of New York City in a single trip, any of these destinations will start you on a spectacular urban journey. Have fun!